Composite and foam profiles for building and construction industry: modification of the products and existing extrusion processes

Vision Extrusions Group LTD is a recognized leader in the building products industry. They produce a wide range of products (as shown in Figure 1) including windows, doors, decks, fences, etc. utilizing extruded polymeric profiles as a substitute for wood. In the proposed project, the following objectives have been set by the partner organization to improve the quality and reduce the cost of their products:
(I) Development of a technology that enables the elimination of steel/aluminum stiffeners embedded in extruded PVC profiles (in products such as windows, doors and rails) by increasing the mechanical properties of PVC. (II) Development of a novel approach in order to increase the production rate of extruded PVC foam profiles without sacrificing properties. (III) Production of extruded profiles utilizing recycled thermoplastic/natural fiber composite foams with high processing rates. Improvement of the mechanical properties of such foam profiles through the inclusion of a second reinforcing phase.

Faculty Supervisor:

Chul Park

Student:

Partner:

Vision Extrusions Group Ltd

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Toronto

Program: