Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making dimensionally stable reconstituted composite products from lignocellulosic material. By treating lignocellulose with high pressure steam to decompose and hydrolyze the hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin fractions of the lignocellulose and using those decomposition products as both a bonding and bulking agent, it converts, under heat and pressure in a molding operation, the treated lignocellulose into molded composite products such as panel boards and molded articles. The composite products thus produced possess good physical and mechanical properties. Specifically, the dimensional stability in terms of the thickness swelling and linear expansion of panel boards such as fiberboards and particleboard, can be minimized to very low levels when the panel boards are made in high density.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for converting hemicellulose of lignocellulosic material into a thermoset, water-proof adhesive. In one embodiment of the invention the thermoset, water-proof adhesive is used for converting other components of the lignocellulosic material into composite products such as panel products, reconstituted lumber and moulded articles without the use of any other adhesive binders which are an essential part of the conventional dry process of manufacturing composite products, such as wood-based particleboard, waferboard, medium density fibreboard, et cetera.

Abstract: A low cost process of making composite products from sugar containing lignocellulosic materials, such as sugarcane bagasse and stalks of sorghum, corn, sunflower, flax, and the like, utilizing the residual sugars as bonding and bulking agent: Comminuted sugar containing lignocellulosic material wholly composed of or partially in combination with other lignocellulosic materials, in the absence of adhesive binders or bonding agents, is molded at a temperature of at least 180.degree. C., and a pressure and for a time sufficient to compound the material into a composite product. The free sugars in lignocellulosic materials act as a thermosetting adhesive binder, and provide both bonding and bulking effect. The composite thus produces possess great strength and excellent dimensional stability. These results are obtained to the greatest extent when the lignocellulosic materials contain higher proportion of sugars.