Polyester and Wood Composite (PWC) as Substitutes for Carved Wood Sculptures

Abstract

Wood is one of the oldest sculptural media, but not many wood sculptures of antiquity have survived because it is not a durable material. Wood sculptures cannot withstand the vagaries of nature without some form of treatment. Those treated and protected from direct weather conditions may still disintegrate significantly after some time. The need to enhance the ways of working with wood for better resistance to weather conditions and other biological attacks is the focus of this study. This paper is the outcome of a studio observation, working with polyester and wood dust as a composite. Termed Poly-wood Composite (PWC), it was used for the production of sculpture. PWC as a material is fluid or paste-like until a polymerization process is triggered. The work process employed the casting technique because of its fluidity. The variation of PWC used in the process of the fieldwork, measurements, process and outcome of the cast, and analysis of the result were documented. It was observed that various textures and effects could be achieved by adjusting the ratio of the composite. The result is believed to be an improvement on the direct use of wood. The research draws attention to new possibilities of working with wood for outdoor sculptures, as well as the provision of alternative uses for industrial wood dust waste as a viable sculptural medium, which may assist in environmental conservation.