Polyurethane imitation wood materials were developed by German researchers, including Professor Bayer, and were widely used in furniture decorative components since the 1960s. Currently, in China's furniture and woodworking production, commonly used imitation wood materials are high-density (0.3-0.7g/cm3) polyurethane rigid foam or reinforced rigid foam imitation wood materials, which belong to structural foam plastics. They have characteristics such as high strength, good toughness, dense and tough skin, simple molding process, and high production efficiency. With lower density compared to natural wood, they have similar texture, appearance, and strength, making them suitable substitutes for wood in the production of various high-end or high-strength carved furniture and woodworking products.
To compensate for the mechanical performance deficiencies of polyurethane imitation wood materials, various forms of embedded parts, such as wooden rods, blocks, boards, and steel bars, are typically placed in the molds. Since polyurethane raw material costs are relatively high, and only the molding surface of polyurethane imitation wood products is required, the use of embedded parts can significantly reduce production costs. Therefore, manufacturers of polyurethane imitation wood are committed to maximizing the use of embedded parts without affecting surface quality. This composite material can then be used as structural material, as well as structural support components and load-bearing parts for furniture or woodworking products like chair and table legs.
In addition to its excellent molding performance, polyurethane imitation wood furniture has a price advantage compared to traditional wooden furniture. It has become increasingly popular in developed countries and regions such as Europe and America. In recent years, polyurethane imitation wood materials have been gradually used for decorative components, trim, and even structural materials. With its strong moldability, high strength-to-weight ratio, and low comprehensive cost, polyurethane imitation wood materials have gained wide recognition in the furniture and decoration industry. More and more companies have begun to produce and use this new material.
However, there are still relatively few domestic enterprises producing polyurethane imitation wood furniture, and even fewer with a certain scale. Most of them are concentrated in coastal areas of East and South China, and their products are mainly exported. Up to now, according to incomplete statistics, there are hundreds of enterprises in the Pearl River Delta and the Yangtze River Delta producing and using polyurethane imitation wood materials, and companies in the Southwest region are also promoting their use.
With the scarcity of natural wood, increasing environmental awareness, excellent performance of polyurethane, and rapid development of the polyurethane industry, the application of polyurethane imitation wood materials in the furniture and decoration industry will be further promoted.
Therefore, polyurethane imitation wood furniture has enormous development space in the domestic market, and its development speed in China will gradually accelerate.