Integrating Polymers in Sustainable Architecture With Circular Wood Polymer Composites for Façade Applications integrating-polymers-in-sustainable-architecture-with-circular-wood-polymer-composites-for-facade-applications Volume 2, Issue 1 ARTICLES 2025 1 The use of wood as a façade cladding material is gaining increasing attention in contemporary architecture due to its aesthetic appeal, biophilic qualities, and sustainability. However, wood in its raw form presents several challenges, particularly in external applications, where it is prone to weathering, degradation, and dimensional instability. These limitations can be mitigated through the integration of polymers into the wood matrix.

This study investigates the development of Circular Wood Polymer Composites (CWPCs) as sustainable materials for façade cladding. These composites are produced by combining wood flour—a by-product of furniture manufacturing—with various polymers, including polystyrene (PSt), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and biopolymers. This approach not only improves the mechanical, chemical, and physical performance of wood but also supports circular economy principles by utilizing industrial waste.

The research emphasizes CWPCs’ enhanced durability, resistance to environmental degradation, and suitability for sustainable architectural applications. The study details the manufacturing process of CWPCs with varying wood flour content and evaluates their performance through tests for weathering, aging, swelling, durability, and decay resistance. The results demonstrate CWPCs’ strong potential as innovative materials for façade cladding, contributing to more sustainable and resilient building practices.

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