Description
American Plastic Lumber products are produced from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), colorants
(pigments) and UV inhibitors.
- It is manufactured to exacting specifications.
- It is resistant to corrosive substances, oil and fuels, insects, fungi, salt spray, and other
environmental stresses.
- It does not absorb moisture.
- It will not rot, splinter, or crack.
Maintenance
To maintain the original finish, clean the lumber with soap and water. No sealing or painting is
required; as a general rule, paint will not adhere to American Plastic Lumber products.
Limitations
It is not recommended for use as a structural member. It is also recommended that an engineering
study be performed prior to the use of American Plastic Lumber products if the application involves
any structural requirements.
When utilizing American Plastic Lumber products for decking or flooring, careful attention must
be paid to joist spacing. Supports should be placed 12 inches on center for 1x profiles. Profiles
greater than 1x may be utilized at 16 inches on center. For heavy load bearing applications
additional support may be considered.
Basic Uses
American Plastic Lumber products can be used as replacements for wood lumber applications. For
exterior applications where weathering resistance and low maintenance are required, American Plastic
Lumber should be your choice.
Used in both residential and commercial applications, American Plastic Lumber products will exceed
the performance of conventional lumber in the worst environmental conditions.
SUITABILITY AND LIMITATIONS
These products have greater impact resistance than wood but are less rigid. Prior to use, a
thorough design engineering study should be performed to determine the suitability of American
Plastic Lumber HDPE for your non-structural application. Material characteristics are similar to
wood; normal woodworking tools can be used during product fabrication. One should be advised that
transforming the product by drilling holes or routing its edges may alter the material's strength and
integrity. Normal safety precautions must be used when handling and fabricating the product including
the use of protective eyewear, dusk masks and gloves. (See MSDS sheet for more details) American
Plastic Lumber HDPE products have an inherently greater coefficient of thermal expansion than
stiffer wood products. When designing your application, an accommodation must be made to allow for
this expected expansion and contraction over the length and width of the product.
In certain weather conditions, it is possible to experience the effects of static electricity
with American Plastic Lumber HDPE material, especially when the material is new. This is similar
to the static shocks experienced when walking across a carpet in dry weather and touching a metal
doorknob. We do not warrant against static electricity, as it is a natural phenomenon and not a
sign of a product defect.
As with any exterior surface material, winter conditions can make an American Plastic Lumber
HDPE surface slippery with frost or snow. Fortunately, it is completely safe to use rock salt or
other melting agents on American Plastic Lumber HDPE without damaging the material.
|
 |
Mechanical Properties
@ 70° F |
Test Method |
Average
Value |
Density |
ASTM D6111 |
.0237 - .0249 |
|
|
lbs/cu in |
Modulus of elasticity (@1% strain) |
ASTM D6109 |
111,700 – 113,950 psi |
Ultimate flexural stress (@ 3% strain) |
ASTM D6109 |
2,250 – 2,325 psi |
Allowable flexural stress |
ASTM D6109 |
1200psi |
Endwise compressive stress (@3% strain) |
ASTM D6108 |
3,300 – 3,650 psi |
Screw withdrawal, #10, 1 1/2" |
ASTM D6117 7 |
325 lbs |
Water absorption, 11 weeks |
ASTM D570 |
.01% 24 hrs |
Coefficient of thermal expansion |
ASTM D6341 |
0.00007 |
|
|
in/in/°F |
Flammability
The materials utilized in recycled plastic lumber are flammable but not combustible. HDPE is difficult to ignite and the flame will normally self extinguish.
Accepted extinguishing method: DRY CHEMICAL, CO2, WATER FOG/SPRAY, and FOAM. Emissions from combustion are carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, H2O, nitrogen and organic vapors.
Flash Point: 330°C (700°F) (ASTM E138)
BTU's/lb: 19,900
Melt Temperature: 104° - 108°C (220° - 230°F)
NOTICE TO READER.
ALL THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS
PRESENTED IN GOOD FAITH.
THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE AT THE TIME OF PREPARATION
OF THIS DOCUMENT.
|
