Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making light-weight dimensionally stable wood-thermoplastic composite material composed of wood chips and a thermoplastic polycaprolactone. The manufacturing process of composite material comprising the steps of compounding virgin materials with single-screw extruder and production of uniform homogeneous plate-like composite with calendering apparatus. The calendering process comprises of several cycles, folding, cooling and reheating steps. During the gentle manufacturing process fragile wood chips maintain their 3-D structural properties in polymer matrix resulting light, mechanically strong wood-plastic composite.

Abstract: A high temperature resistant composite is disclosed that is made from modified ligno-cellulose and polymers, wherein the modified ligno-cellulose has a molar ratio of oxygen to carbon (O/C) from 0.3 to 0.6 and has a molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon (H/C) from 0.9 to 1.6 and the polymers belong to the group of thermoplastic polymers.

Abstract: A composite building material includes carpet waste having carpet fibers and adhesive, and an inorganic filler that includes fly ash. The composite building material may be produced by providing the carpet waste, mixing the carpet waste with the inorganic filler to produce a homogeneous blend, and forming the homogeneous blend into the composite building material. The composite building material may optionally include a base polymer, slack wax, and/or calcium carbonate.

Abstract: Transgenic plants, transgenic plant material, and transgenic plant cells for the improved synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates, preferably poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (also referred to as PHB), have been developed. In one embodiment, carbon flow is modulated to increase production of PHB. Preferred plants that can be genetically engineered to produce PHB include plants that produce a large amount of lignocellulosic biomass that can be converted into biofuels, such as switchgrass, Miscanthus, Sorghum, sugarcane, millets, Napier grass and other forage and turf grasses. An exemplary plant that can be genetically engineered to produce PHB and produces lignocellulosic biomass is switchgrass, Panicum virgatum L. A preferred cultivar of switchgrass is Alamo. Other suitable cultivars of switchgrass include, but are not limited to, Blackwell, Kanlow, Nebraska 28, Pathfinder, Cave-in-Rock, Shelter and Trailblazer.

Abstract: Highly durable hydrophobic, oleophobic, and anti-icing coatings and methods of their preparation and use are described herein.

Abstract: Preservative composition for lignocellulosic-based composites providing rapid and long-lasting protection against insect and fungal attack, in both low and high moisture environments, through the use of a combination of higher solubility and lower solubility borates. Pesticidal amounts of a lower solubility borate and a higher solubility borate are combined before or during their incorporation into a lignocellulosic-based composite. Useful low solubility borates include copper borate, zinc borate and barium metaborate. Useful high solubility borates include boric acid, boric oxide, ammonium borate and alkali metal borates such as sodium borate. Some alkaline earth metal borates, including calcium borates, calcium magnesium borates, magnesium borates and calcium sodium borates, are of intermediate solubility and may be used effectively as either a low soluble or high soluble borate depending on the combination used.

Abstract: A wood filling composition that includes a predetermined weight percent of ceramic microspheres and a predetermined weight percent of polyaramid fiber, such as KEVLAR. This composition may also include a predetermined weight percent of at least one colored pigment; at least one bactericide; at least one mildewcide; at least one surfactant; at least one dispersant; at least one freeze-thaw stabilizer; at least one defoamer; at least one polymer; at least one adhesion promoter; at least one thickener; at least one filler; water; wood flour, glass bubbles; or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A composite article includes cellulosic strands and binder, the strands having been extracted to remove hemicellulose. In certain embodiments, the cellulosic strands are wood strands. The article may have reduced production of volatile organic compound emissions compared to the same article made with non-extracted strands. Also, the article may have improved performance after exposure to moisture. A method of manufacturing a composite article comprising extracting cellulosic strands to remove hemicelluose, and forming a composite which includes the strands and a binder. In certain embodiments, the extraction is a hot water extraction.

Abstract: Binder for granular and/or fibrous substrates

Abstract: A composite mixture for making a thin-layer composite product, such as a door skin, which includes cellulosic fibers, at least 1% by weight noncellulosic fibers, such as glass fibers, and at least 1% by weight of an isocyanate resin, and methods for making them. The noncellulosic fibers may be individualized before they come in contact with the resin.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recycling polymer containers contaminated with oil, for example used HDPE motor oil containers, in an energy efficient manner, that does not require a costly washing step. The commercial value of the polymers is preserved by converting the contaminated polymers into value-added products. Composites are made from discarded motor oil containers, the residual motor oil therein, cellulosic fibers, and blending agents or other additives. In one embodiment, the process uses the residual oil to advantage as a fiber blending agent, or to make polymer types in a blend more compatible with one another.

Abstract: A resin for OSB comprising an aqueous resole reaction product of phenol, formaldehyde, alkaline metal hydroxide or carbonate, urea and a degraded lignin polymer having 35-65% solids, a pH of 8-13 and a viscosity 50-1000 centipoises. The phenol and formaldehyde are present in a molar ratio of 1.5 to 3.4 moles formaldehyde to 1 mole phenol and are 40 to 85% of the total solids added to the mixture. In one embodiment they are 50 to 75% of the total solids added to the mixture. The alkaline metal hydroxide or carbonate are 5 to 20% of the total solids added to the mixture. Urea is 5 to 35% of the total solids added to the mixture. The degraded lignin is 5 to 20% of the total solids added to the mixture. A method for making the resin and a product using the resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of wood material made of fragmentation products containing lignocelluloses, wherein these wood materials have a reduced emission of volatile organic compounds, aldehydes, particularly formaldehyde. Specifically, the invention relates to methods for the production of wood materials having reduced emission of volatile organic compounds and aldehydes, wherein a certain combination of compounds is utilized in order to prevent the emission of volatile organic compounds and aldehydes, particularly formaldehydes, from the produced wood material. The present invention further relates to wood material that can be produced according this method, particularly OSB panels, particle board, and MDF panels. Finally, the present invention provides compositions suitable in the treatment of wood material to reduce the emission of aldehydes, particularly formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds.

Abstract: A process for the production of a lignocellulose-containing material, in which, based in each case on the lignocellulose-containing material: A) from 30 to 95% by weight of lignocellulose particles; B) from 1 to 25% by weight of expanded plastic particles having a bulk density in the range from 10 to 150 kg/m3; C) from 1 to 50% by weight of a binder selected from the group consisting of aminoplast resin, phenol-formaldehyde resin and organic isocyanate having at least two isocyanate groups, and optionally D) additives are mixed and are then pressed at elevated temperature and under elevated pressure, wherein the component B) comprises a formaldehyde scavenger.

Abstract: Binders to produce or promote cohesion in non or loosely assembled matter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flame-retardant composition comprising (i) 40-66 wt. % alkenyl aromatic resin, (ii) 9-33 wt. % ammonium polyphosphate and (iii) 14-40 wt. % starch, wherein all weights are based on the total weight of the composition and wherein ammonium polyphosphate and starch are present in a weight % ratio effective to provide molded articles exhibiting at least V-1 flame rating as determined according to the UL-94 protocol. Processes to prepare the composition and articles comprising a composition of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Flame retardant systems containing brominated flame retardants and chlorinated flame retardants with synergists and char formers are incorporated into wood-filled resins in combination with compatibilizers to enhance physical properties and to increase water extraction resistance and long term durability. Desirable embodiments of the invention relate to brominated and chlorinated flame retardant additives, synergists, and char formers for use in resins, including polyolefins, fillers, wood-filled polyolefins, in particular wood-filled polyolefins comprising over 20% wood flour, in combination with compatibilizers and methods of use of the flame retardants and fillers. The invention includes methods of making and using the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for production of a molded article comprising a plant-derived composite material in which a plant-derived material is evenly dispersed and a plant-derived composite material molded article prepared therewith, and a method for production of a plant-derived composite material in which a plant-derived material is evenly dispersed and a plant-derived composite material prepared therewith. The present method for production of a molded article is a method for producing a molded article composed of a plant-derived composite material comprising a plant-derived material (e.g., a kenaf core) and a thermoplastic resin (e.g.

Abstract: A polymeric composite material, and method of making the same, including a polymeric blend that includes at least one thermoplastic polymer; at least one functionalized polymer; at least one polyetheramine thermoplastic material; and a plurality of particles (e.g. naturally occurring organic materials) distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the polymeric blend. Articles employing such materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a binder for producing materials based on wood chips and/or wood fibers. The aim of the invention is to design a binder which is used for producing and gluing materials based on wood chips and/or wood fibers, contains natural protein components, significantly reduces or even eliminates the drawbacks of the prior art, and can be economically produced and used. Said aim is achieved by a binder which is used for materials based on wood chips and/or wood fibers, comprises an aldehyde-based condensation resin and other additives, and is characterized in that the binder comprises a water-soluble reactive additive containing a peptide/amino acid mixture without moieties of water-insoluble and high-viscosity proteins. The invention also relates to a method for producing said binder as well as a molded article.

Abstract: Color concentrates for thermoplastic biofiber composites are disclosed. The concentrates employ three factors to achieve concentrated delivery of color to the processing machine and excellent and substantially uniform dispersion of color in the processing machine: melt flow of the concentrate exceeding at least 4 g/10 min. using ASTM D-1238; pellet size of the concentrate such that at least 50 pellets weigh less than one gram; and weight percent of the colorant ingredients in the concentrate exceeding at least 30 weight percent.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for producing polymeric composites containing reinforcing additives. In one embodiment, a filler is also included in the formulation. Articles produced from the reinforcing additives and the composites of this invention are useful as building materials and automotive components.

Abstract: Polymeric foam and polymeric foam products that contain a foamable polymer material, at least one blowing agent, activated carbon, and water are provided. The activated carbon acts as both a water absorbent and carrier for the water. The activated carbon is able to control and increase cell size even in the presence of carbon dioxide, HFCs, and/or infrared attenuating agents. Additionally, the activated carbon permits a desired amount of water to be introduced into the polymer melt. By controlling the amount of activated carbon and its water content during an extrusion process, a broad range of cell sizes can be obtained in the extruded product. In exemplary embodiments, the activated carbon is added to a primary extruder and water is directly injected into a secondary extruder. Alternatively, the activated carbon is compounded with a polymer resin, pre-hydrated by conditioning or steam impregnation, and added to a primary or secondary extruder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite system comprising at least one biodegradable blend, containing at least one biodegradable block copolyester urethane (PEU) and also at least one polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), possibly a filler comprising a polysaccharide and/or derivatives thereof and also possibly further biocompatible additives. Composite systems of this type are used for producing moulded articles, moulded parts or extrudates. Furthermore, the invention relates to possibilities for using the composite system.

Abstract: The invention relates to natural fatty acid based hybride resin, modified with reactive monomers, and to a method for preparing it. The invention also relates to the use of the modified natural fatty acid based hybride resin as binding agent especially in water based coatings, glues and composites, and as environmentally friendly wood impregnating agent. The modified natural fatty acid based hybride resin comprises the condensation product of natural fatty acid or natural fatty acid ester, modified with di- or oligo-carboxylic acid or anhydride or half ester, and natural fatty acid based alkyd resin.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a fire resistant wood product and method of manufacture thereof. In one embodiment, the fire resistant wood product comprises a resin and a fire retardant composition, wherein the resin comprises an isocyanate and the fire retardant composition comprises a boron containing compound.

Abstract: Cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials, and compositions and composites made therefrom, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous phenol-formaldehyde resole resin prepared by reacting phenol and formaldehyde in the presence of a source of calcium ions, to a curable powdered (particulate) resole resin made by spray drying the aqueous phenol-formaldehyde resole resin, to a method of preparing a wood composite using the curable, powdered resin, and the related wood composite bonded with the curable, powdered resin.

Abstract: Disclosed are composite compositions well suited for forming shaped articles which comprise thermoplastic polymer, cellulose, a coupling agent comprising anhydride moities, and a lubricant comprising an alkyl ester of carboxylic acid. Preferably the lubricant is substantially free of zinc stearate.

Abstract: An adhesive binder comprising a phenol-formaldehyde resin, polyvinyl ester resin, and a protein is disclosed. The adhesive binder is useful for preparing wood composites.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of making a biopolymeric material comprising contacting a biopolymer and a binder sufficient to form a mixture, heating the mixture and profile extruding the mixture sufficient to create a biopolymeric material. Embodiments also relate to a method of making a biopolymeric material comprising contacting a biopolymer and a reactive composite sufficient to form a mixture, heating the mixture and profile extruding the mixture sufficient to create a biopolymeric material.

Abstract: The invention provides new composite materials containing aerogels blended with thermoplastic polymer materials at a weight ratio of aerogel to thermoplastic polymer of less than 20:100. The composite materials have improved thermal insulation ability. The composite materials also have better flexibility and less brittleness at low temperatures than the parent thermoplastic polymer materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel thermoplastic stiffening material used for manufacturing shoes or shoe parts, and to an environmentally friendly method for the production thereof. The inventive material is proved in the form of a hot-melt adhesive/filling compound and is characterized in that it is comprised of one or more hot-melt adhesives and of one or more fillers, which are provided in quantities ranging from 50 to 15% by weight and which do not dissolve in the hot-melt adhesive. The hot-melt adhesive/filler compound simultaneously fulfills the following parameters: 1. MVR value between 2 and 6, preferably between 3 and 5 cm3/10 min; 2. Surface tack, when measured according to DIN EN 14610 at 65° C., ranging from at least 10 N/2 cm, preferably 15 N/2 cm, particularly 20 N/2 cm; 3. Bonding value/peel resistance with regard to upper materials and linings of at least 30 N/5 cm when measured according to DIN 53357; 4.

Abstract: Thermosetting adhesives for use in e.g., particleboard or fiberboard, wherein the adhesives comprise a resin having azetidinium functional groups, can provide fast tack-building and curing, as well as ultimately excellent bonding characteristics. Preferably, the azetidinium-functional resin is formed from the reaction product of a polyamidoamine and epichlorohydrin.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to cured and uncured binders useful in the fabrication of products from loosely assembled fibers. For example, the disclosure describes cured and uncured binders useful in the fabrication of products from loosely assembled glass fibers. The disclosure also describes methods of fabricating products from loosely assembled fibers utilizing the aforementioned binders.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flame-retardant composition comprising (i) 40-66 wt. % alkenyl aromatic resin, (ii) 9-33 wt. % ammonium polyphosphate and (iii) 14-40 wt. % starch, wherein all weights are based on the total weight of the composition and wherein ammonium polyphosphate and starch are present in a weight % ratio effective to provide molded articles exhibiting at least V-1 flame rating as determined according to the UL-94 protocol. Processes to prepare the composition and articles comprising a composition of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides manufacturing of and the use of novel diethylene tricarbamide and its condensation reaction products formed by reacting with formaldehyde as wood composite binder resins and in other applications. These resins have thermosetting capabilities and therefore usefulness as binders for wood and other materials with superior resin properties of low cost, colorlessness, exceptionally good binding, and fast curing characteristics, as well as very low formaldehyde emissions. The synthesized novel starting material for the thermosetting resins of the present invention is diethylene tricarbamide.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel biolatex conjugate compositions and methods of production and use thereof. The novel biolatex conjugate compositions comprise a biopolymer-additive complex (prepared by co-extruding a biopolymer feedstock, at least one performance-enhancing additive, and at least one plasticizer under shear forces) reacted with a crosslinking agent under shear forces. The biolatex conjugate compositions exhibit enhanced performance properties for coated paper, paperboard, and other applications using extremely low levels of performance-enhancing additives.

Abstract: Cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials, and compositions and composites made therefrom, are disclosed.

Abstract: An article with an abradable dry powder coating thereon comprises an abradably coated article with a substrate surface and having at least one coating of a liquid primer on the substrate surface and then coating with at least one abradable dry powder coating on the surface of the liquid primer. The sequence of layers may also be reversed, or additional layers may be useful. The abradable dry powder coating is formed of a dry powder coating composition including a thermoset resin having a cure temperature combined with at least one filler material, wherein the filler is formed of a material which does not melt substantially at or below the cure temperature of the resin, whereby an abradable coating results employing a filler to make the coating.

Abstract: A resin composition that has high mechanical strength properties, has superior chemical characteristics such as chemical resistance and heat resistance, has high degree of freedom of product design, and has a structure considering the impact on environment is provided at low cost. The resin composition composed of a polyamide resin contains a cotton fiber as a natural fiber. The additive amount of the cotton fiber is preferably 1 wt % to 25 wt % both inclusive. The polyamide resin is polyamide 11 using castor oil as a raw material of plant origin. The average fiber diameter of the cotton fiber is 100 ?m or less. The polyamide resin and the cotton fiber are melted and kneaded, and then hot-formed, and thereby a shaped article containing a plant fiber can be fabricated. In addition to the cotton fiber, a plant fiber such as a hemp fiber, a bamboo fiber, and wood powder and a biofiber such as a silk fiber may be applied.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to binders useful in the fabrication of products from loosely assembled fibers. For example, the disclosure describes binders useful in the fabrication of products from loosely assembled cellulosic fibers. The disclosure also describes methods of fabricating products from loosely assembled fibers utilizing the aforementioned binders.

Abstract: The three components composed parquet joint cement system comprises an aqueous epoxy resin dispersion, an amine hardener, which forms a solid adduct, and a wood flour. The solid portion in an aqueous epoxy resin dispersion is 5-10 wt. %, preferably 7-9 wt. % of parquet joint cement. The solid portion in the amine hardener is 4-7 wt. %, particularly 5-6 wt. % of parquet joint cement. An additional component with water mixable organic solvent, selected from alcohols or ketone, preferably ethanol, acetone, isopropanol or their mixture are also provided. An independent claim is also included for a method for producing a parquet joint cement, which involves utilizing an aqueous epoxy resin dispersion, an amine hardener, and wood flour.

Abstract: A polymeric composite material, and method of making the same, including a polymeric blend that includes at least one thermoplastic polymer; at least one functionalized polymer; at least one polyetheramine thermoplastic material; and a plurality of particles (e.g. naturally occurring organic materials) distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the polymeric blend. Articles employing such materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a phosphorus-containing flame retardant formulation for cellulose-containing moldings, comprising from 0.1 to 99.9% by weight of a resin of an organic nitrogen compound and from 0.1 to 99.9% by weight of a phosphorus-containing flame retardant.

Abstract: The invention relates to natural fatty acid based hybride resins, which have been modified with reactive monomers, such as acrylates, and especially to their use as binding agents and compatibilisators in combination products such as composites, as well as to composites containing them and to a method for the manufacture of the composites. The combination product comprises 1-50 weight-%, calculated from the dry matter, of a natural fatty acid based acrylate hybride resin, either as such or as an aqueous emulsion, and 99-50 weight-% of cellulose, wood, linen, hemp, starch or other natural fibre material or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A wood composite board comprising balsam fir strands is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite material containing a proportion of wood and a proportion of crosslinked melamine resins, which is characterized in that the crosslinked melamine resins are formed from melamine resins that are, in essence, linearly synthesized and have a shear-dependent viscosity. The invention also relates to a method for producing the composite materials and to the use thereof.

Abstract: A low cost process of making modified cellulosic materials by melt blending with at least 30% recycled and commingled plastic waste stream at higher temperature and pressure where at least 70% of plastics melts and encapsulate the filler. The plastic encapsulated filler can be used as a feed stock for continuous or discontinuous process of compression, extrusion, coextrusion and injection molded structural (e.g. profiles, stake, panel) and non-structural (e.g. sheet, thin-board) articles by mixing with a thermoplastic (e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene) or a hybrid mixture of said thermoplastics, bonding agents, plastic processing additives, impact modifiers, colorant and with/without a lightner.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses hydroseeding aqueous compositions comprising anionic water soluble polymers and organic materials such as cellulose, mulch and/or seed. The anionic polymeric materials are very lightly crosslinked thus giving anionic polymers which are substantially water soluble. The aqueous compositions may be may be applied to soil surfaces which compositions provide an improved soil protective layer from wind and water erosion.