DIN EN 15534-1:2014-04

The denomination "wood-polymer composites", WPC, is usually used to designate materials or products consisting of one or more natural fibres or flours and one or a mixture of polymer(s). Natural fibres and flours come from different plant sources (for example wood, hemp, sisal, coconut, cotton, kenaf, jute, abaca, banana leaf fibres, bamboo, rice, wheat straw or other fibrous material) and different polymers, virgin or recycled, are used. Currently, the most commonly used polymers are poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). WPC materials can be processed by different techniques, as extrusion for profiles, calendering for films and sheets, injection moulding or compression moulding. The contents of natural fibres and polymers depend on the application and the processing techniques. WPC materials may be considered neither as filled plastics nor as a special kind of wood. They should be considered as different materials having their own specific characteristics. For the moment, the main applications of WPC products are decking, cladding, paneling and fencing and furniture. This European Standard specifies test methods for the determination of properties of composites made from cellulose-based materials and thermoplastics, usually called wood-polymer composites (WPC) or natural fibre composites (NFC). The standard is applicable to cellular or non-cellular compounds and products, made from cellulose-based materials and thermoplastics, intended to be or being processed through plastics processing techniques. There is no threshold for the cellulose-based material content. In comparison with DIN CEN/TS 15534-1:2007-08, the title has been modified and, in addition to wood, other cellulose-based materials have also been taken into account. Further terms and definitions have been included and the information about the conditioning of test pieces has been extended. Three methods to determine the slipperiness have been specified. Flexural properties applicable to load bearing products are no longer covered; they are intended to be covered by Part 2 of the series at a later date. Information for determining the reaction to fire has been extended and an annex for determining the flexural properties applicable to non-load bearing applications has been added. The committee responsible for this standard is NA 042-02-15-01 AK "Spiegelausschuss zu CEN/TC 249/WG 13 Holz-Polymer-Werkstoffe (WPC)" ("Mirror committee for CEN/TC 249/WG 13 wood plastic composites (WPC)") at DIN.