CORVALLIS, Ore. — Oregon State University researchers say they've come up with a new wood-plastic composite that could be a boon to an industry plagued by weather-caused rotting.

Wood-plastic composites accounted for less than one percent of decking materials in the mid-1990s.

But it could capture 20 percent of the market by 2010.

So far, composite products made from wood and plastic are limited because of high cost and low strength.

Researchers say the two materials traditionally have not mixed well. But now they've come up with a polymer bridging the two products that can increase strength and stiffness.

The new composites could incorporate inexpensive plastics such as those found in old carpet fibers -- which could also ease the load on landfills where old carpet is dumped.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

APNP 10-08-06 0900MDT