Material Characteristics

Through a unique process and technology Raimotech has developed a new material category called CPC (Cellulose Plast Compound). This material unites the best properties from plant fibres and thermoplastics. CPC is produced through a patented production process which combines these properties into a composite material. As a result of this production process CPC has no subsequent moisture absorption and boasts humidity content substantially below 1%. CPC is a homogenous and dimensionally stable material that can be used for a wide range of products of both indoor and outdoor applications.

Cellulose exists in many different bio-masses. Raimotech focuses on cellulose which exists in plant fibres. This gives access to many different feedstock materials such as paper, wood chip, rice husk, coconut shell, hemp, hay and grass. The main components in plant fibre are hemi-cellulose, lignin and cellulose. The cellulose is the largest and most important component which depending on the plant fibre used, contains many different advantageous properties.

The properties in CPC are bought forward mainly through a combination of the choice of plant and thermoplast. Different mixing proportions of cellulose and thermoplast enable CPC to provide almost an unlimited number of material possibilities. Raimotech works with a wide range of thermoplastics, each with different properties in order to ensure the highest quality material for the application required. CPC can substitute a wide range of existing wood and plastic materials, the latter primarily being PP, PE and PVC.

Processing

CPC is processed using existing plastic technologies such as injection moulding, extruding, form-pressing and calendaring. The manufacturer therefore has no need to make further investments in order to process CPC products.

The refining functions of CPC manufacturing can be done with conventional machines and hand tools that are currently used in the plastic and wood industries. Generally the ‘wear and tear’ on tools used for refinement handiwork on CPC products is less, compared with wood products. As with wood, CPC products can be mounted and bound using wood, screws and nails.

In the event of substitution of wood products with CPC, it is necessary for the producer to make use of a plastic manufacturer as a sub-supplier. Alternatively, they may invest in a production facility that can produce semi-manufactured articles such as extruded boards, plates, handles etc. In that regard, Raimotech has connections with a wide range of sub-suppliers.