Abstract: A PVC pallet or crate is disclosed, wherein the pallet is made from PVC structural products such as hollow, extruded PVC profiles. The profiles are bonded together using an adhesive. The profiles are preferably surface treated before bonding to enhance the strength of the bond. The PVC structural products preferably incorporate an acrylic polymer impact modifier in a certain amount to greatly increase the toughness of the structural product. The adhesive is preferably a hot-melt moisture-cure polyurethane adhesive. The surface treatment is preferably achieved by plasma treating or flame treatment. A method for making PVC pallets or crates is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pallet made of a composite cellulose fiber reinforced polyethylene is disclosed. The composite polyethylene is produced through a process which blends preheated cellulose fibers with molten polyethylene. The blend of polyethylene and fibers is combined with ozone gas to form a polyethylene and fiber matrix. The polyethylene and fiber matrix is then fed to an extruder where it is further mixed, heated and then extruded through one of a series of dies to create the components of the pallet. The pallet has excellent rigidity and is welded together by coating meeting surfaces with a bonding material of blended high density polyethylene and iron oxide, placing the pallet into an electromagnetic field, and energizing the pallet with electromagnetic field having a frequency between 1 megahertz and 100 megahertz, causing the bonding material to melt and fuse the meeting surfaces.

Abstract: A composite cellulose fiber reinforced polyolefin is enclosed. The polyolefin is manufactured by a process that includes preparing and mixing a blend of molten polyolefin, a coloring concentrate and a coupling agent in a kneading extruder, preheating cellulose fibers in an enclosed cram feed and mixing the blend of polyolefin, preheated cellulose fibers and ozone gas in a ozone chamber to form a polyolefin and fiber matrix. The polyolefin and fiber matrix is then fed to a twin screw extruder where it is further heated, mixed and then conveyed to a die to extrude the mixer to a desired shape.

Abstract: A process for producing composite cellulose fiber reinforced polyolefin. The process includes preparing and mixing a blend of molten polyolefin, a coloring concentrate and a coupling agent in a kneading extruder, preheating cellulose fibers in an enclosed cram feed and mixing the blend of polyolefin, preheated cellulose fibers and ozone gas in a ozone chamber to form a polyolefin and fiber matrix. The polyolefin and fiber matrix is then fed to a twin screw extruder where it is further heated, mixed and then conveyed to a die to extrude in a desired shape.

Abstract: A door panel section and a method of making a door panel section having a polyvinylchloride front skin, a non-metallic rear skin and a polyurethane rigid core. The polyurethane rigid core unitizes the two skins to make the panel section with a rigid lightweight structure. The polyurethane mechanically and chemically bonds to the skins made of polyvinylchloride to create a strong connection thereto. Hardware mounting members are attached to the rear skin permitting adjacent panel sections to be pivotally connected to each other.