Abstract: An acoustical absorber, having the structure: scrim/film/batt/film/scrim. Preferably, the batt is made from about 60% to about 90% by weight natural fiber and about 10% to about 40% synthetic fiber. Also, a method of making the acoustical absorber is provided. Additionally, a method for acoustically insulating a structure with the acoustical absorber is provided. The method for acoustically insulating may include the steps of compressing the acoustical absorber to less than its original volume prior to installing the absorber and releasing the absorber from compression following the installing step, allowing the material to recover and to fill the void of the structure in which the absorber was placed.

Abstract: An acoustical absorber, having the structure: scrim/film/batt/film/scrim. Preferably, the batt is made from about 60% to about 90% by weight natural fiber and about 10% to about 40% synthetic fiber. Also, a method of making the acoustical absorber is provided. Additionally, a method for acoustically insulating a structure with the acoustical absorber is provided. The method for acoustically insulating may include the steps of compressing the acoustical absorber to less than its original volume prior to installing the absorber and releasing the absorber from compression following the installing step, allowing the material to recover and to fill the void of the structure in which the absorber was placed.

Abstract: A discontinuous lignocellulose fiber is described for use as a reinforcing filler for thermoplastic composite compositions. The fiber filler includes a significant percentage by weight of long, “hair-like” fibers. Specifically, at least about 20 percent by weight of the fiber filler is discontinuous lignocellulose fiber with a fiber length greater than about 15 millimeters and a fiber diameter less than about 0.5 millimeters. A moldable thermoplastic composite composition including the discontinuous lignocellulose fiber comprises about 20 to about 50 percent by weight of the fiber filler and about 50 to about 80 percent by weight thermoplastic. The discontinuous lignocellulose fiber filler yields thermoplastic composite compositions having improved physical properties over basic thermoplastic. The improved physical properties can be achieved without the use of coupling agents, although coupling agents may be used to further enhance the composite properties.

Abstract: A discontinuous lignocellulose fiber is described for use as a reinforcing filler for thermoplastic composite compositions. The fiber filler includes a significant percentage by weight of long, “hair-like” fibers. Specifically, at least about 20 percent by weight of the fiber filler is discontinuous lignocellulose fiber with a fiber length greater than about 15 millimeters and a fiber diameter less than about 0.5 millimeters. A moldable thermoplastic composite composition including the discontinuous lignocellulose fiber comprises about 20 to about 50 percent by weight of the fiber filler and about 50 to about 80 percent by weight thermoplastic. The discontinuous lignocellulose fiber filler yields thermoplastic composite compositions having improved physical properties over basic thermoplastic. The improved physical properties can be achieved without the use of coupling agents, although coupling agents may be used to further enhance the composite properties.

Abstract: A discontinuous lignocellulose fiber is described for use as a reinforcing filler for thermoplastic composite compositions. The fiber filler includes a significant percentage by weight of long, “hair-like” fibers. Specifically, at least about 20 percent by weight of the fiber filler is discontinuous lignocellulose fiber with a fiber length greater than about 15 millimeters and a fiber diameter less than about 0.5 millimeters. A moldable thermoplastic composite composition including the discontinuous lignocellulose fiber comprises about 20 to about 50 percent by weight of the fiber filler and about 50 to about 80 percent by weight thermoplastic. The discontinuous lignocellulose fiber filler yields thermoplastic composite compositions having improved physical properties over basic thermoplastic. The improved physical properties can be achieved without the use of coupling agents, although coupling agents may be used to further enhance the composite properties.

Abstract: A discontinuous lignocellulose fiber is described for use as a reinforcing filler for thermoplastic composite compositions. The fiber filler includes a significant percentage by weight of long, “hair-like” fibers. Specifically, at least about 20 percent by weight of the fiber filler is discontinuous lignocellulose fiber with a fiber length greater than about 15 millimeters and a fiber diameter less than about 0.5 millimeters. A moldable thermoplastic composite composition including the discontinuous lignocellulose fiber comprises about 20 to about 50 percent by weight of the fiber filler and about 50 to about 80 percent by weight thermoplastic. The discontinuous lignocellulose fiber filler yields thermoplastic composite compositions having improved physical properties over basic thermoplastic. The improved physical properties can be achieved without the use of coupling agents, although coupling agents may be used to further enhance the composite properties.

Abstract: A cable reel assembly (20) includes plastic flanges (22, 24) fabricated from a thermoplastic and wood composite material comprising a discontinuous lignocellulose wood fiber filler in combination with a thermoplastic compound and a coupling agent.