Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of forming thermal barriers or breaks in tubular structures configured for inclusion in a variety of construction products and building features, such as doors and windows. Methods involve using one or more connector members to couple complementary extrusion profiles, which may comprise aluminum or other conductive materials. A low-conductivity material may then be deposited directly over the connector members coupling the extrusion profiles to form thermal barriers therebetween. At least a portion of the extrusion profiles may be knurled to improve the bond strength between the low-conductivity material, which may comprise polyurethane, and the extrusion profiles. Specialized components may be unnecessary to form the thermal barriers, such that the same connector members used to couple the extrusion profiles may be used to form the thermal barriers.

Abstract: The resistant to biological degradation of composite wood products is improved by applying a suitable aqueous dispersion of zinc borate onto the fibers to uniformly distribute and to adhere the zinc borate to the strands of the wood composite, applying a suitable adhesive to the wood strands, forming a strand lay-up and consolidating a lay-up under heat and pressure to form a consolidated product with zinc borate uniformly distributed therethrough.

Abstract: A photodegradable and fully biodegradable plastic material, which can be molded using conventional molding techniques and which has good physical and mechanical properties includes a blend of polyisoprene and polycaprolactone resins. The material biodegrades in soil and sea water environments. All blend ingredients are completely decomposed by microorganisms. Polyisoprene is a natural polymer present in a large variety of plant species or is man made. Polycaprolactone is a synthetic polymer resin known to be decomposed by microorganisms. The plastic material has thermoplastic properties which permits processing of the material using conventional plastic working techniques. The presence of C.sub.1 -C.sub.15 saturated fatty acids and organic peroxide compatibilizers improve the properties of the blend, especially when large quantities of polyisoprenes are used which allows the production of high quality blown films.