Wood–plastic composite (WPC) products have emerged as a
new class of materials used as an alternative having close similar
mechanical and physical properties to solid wood in a variety of
applications [1–6]. WPC commercial products are increasingly
replacing many products in many applications, especially in outdoor
applications and construction-related materials [7,8]. In contrast,
commodity plastic filled with wood fibers differs in
brittleness and has lower impact resistance (or toughness) than
unfilled polymers [3,4]. Several factors, such as the nature of matrix
resin and fiber volume fraction influence the toughness of
filled polymers [5]. The use of additives such as impact modifiers,
plasticizers, or lubricants as well as blending them with another
polymer allow for controlling the ductility of the polymer. Consequently,
the use of ductile polymers in WPCs would increase the
toughness of the composites [5,9].