Computer Tomography of the Density and its Spatial Distribution of Wood-Plastic Composites

The density and its spatial distribution of wood-plastic composites (WPCs) were tested by the computer tomography (CT) method. Based on the correlation among the attenuation coefficient, density, and CT number, a mathematical model between CT number and density of WPCs was established. This contributed to the realization of fast and nondestructive detection of WPC density and to the determination of the quality of wood-plastic composite products. Taking pine and poplar wood powder WPCs as subjects, the density was higher near the edge and lower in the middle of the sample, which resembled a "V" shape in the width direction. Compared with the density variations of poplar wood powder WPCs, those of pine wood powder had more of a "V" distribution.