Durability of Wood Plastic Composites Exposed to Formosan Subterranean Termites Through AWPA El Test

摘要

This research reports on the wood destroying insect efficacy properties of wood plastic composites (WPCs) against Formosan Subterranean Termites (FSTs) based on the AWPA El test standard. Laboratory and commercial WPC formulations were tested for termite mortality, sample weight loss, and sample damage rating after being exposed to FSTs. The results show that FSTs did attack WPC products in the laboratory setting. The test was sensitive enough to demonstrate the effect of chemical treatment and typeof surface (as-extruded exterior surface versus machined interior surface) on termite resistance. There was a large difference in damage mode and degree of damage from as-extruded exterior surface and machined interior surface(s) of WPC’s. Commercial WPC’s was subjected to more termite attack from the exposed interior surfaces. An effective chemical treatment should prevent termite attack on both types of surfaces for WPC. Future work will provide a review of decay resistance and treatment options for WPC products.