How does the resistance to environmental stress cracking differ between WPC and resin?
The resistance to environmental stress cracking (ESC) varies significantly between Wood-Plastic Composites (WPC) and resin due to their distinct material compositions. WPC, a blend of wood fibers and thermoplastics, often exhibits lower resistance to ESC compared to pure resin, which is a synthetic polymer with higher chemical stability. Resin's homogeneous structure provides better durability against stress-induced cracks when exposed to harsh environmental factors like UV radiation, moisture, and chemicals. In contrast, WPC's heterogeneous nature makes it more susceptible to micro-cracks and degradation over time. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the right material for applications requiring long-term environmental resilience.