Abstract: The present invention refers to an environmentally degradable polymeric blend, comprising biodegradable polymers defined by polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) or copolymers thereof and Polycaprolactone (PCL) and, optionally, at least one additive defined by a filler, nucleant, thermal stabilizer, processing aid, with the purpose of preparing an environmentally degradable polymeric blend. According to the production process described herein, the blend resulting from the mixture of the biodegradable polymers, PHB and PCL, and at least one additive, can be utilized in the manufacture of injected food packages, injected packages for cosmetics, tubes, technical pieces and several injected products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process that can be used to produce surface covering such as mulch. The process comprises combining at least one ethylene copolymer, at least one filler, at least one cellulosic material, and optionally a decoupler, a plasticizer, a coloring agent, or combinations of two or more thereof to produce a mixture; converting the mixture into a sheet or slab; and contacting the sheet or slab between a set of engraved nip rolls to produce shredded article including mulch.

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: A composite board is made from waste medium density fiber (MDF) board or waste particle board that includes solid urea formaldehyde. The waste board is chopped and milled into particles having a size between 20 mesh and 150 mesh, creating a waste flour. After removing moisture from the waste flour, the dried waste flour is mixed with a thermoplastic to bind and encapsulate the waste flour. Internal lubricants are added to improve the flow characteristics of the blended material, and external lubricants are added to present sticking of the mixture to an extruder or mold. Mineral fillers are added to improve the flexural modules of the composite board, and a plasticizer can be added to improve the physical properties or mechanical characteristics of the mixture. An ultraviolet absorber, a biocide, and a pigment can also be added. The blended material is extruded or molded into a desired shape. When cooled, the thermoplastic hardens to form a solid composite board.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of waxes as modifiers for filled plastics.

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 includes copper borate, zinc borate and barium metaborate. Useful high solubility borates includes boric acid, boric oxide, ammonium borate and alkali metal borates such as sodium borate. Some alkaline earth metal borates, including calcium 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: Systems and methods for making a material composition are disclosed. The method includes mixing a thermoset polymer, a petroleum distillate, a release agent, and a catalyst to form an admixture. A cellulosic material is mixed with the admixture to form a generally homogenous furnish. The system includes a mixing chamber, a feeding chamber, and a die. The die includes a pressing chamber, which has a volume formed by first and second platens. The platens are in facing opposition to one another and have a length extending continuously from an entrance to an exit of the die. The platens have a plurality of orifices and heating elements disposed along the length. The platens are disposed in first and second positions. The first position forms a first volume and the second position forms a second volume.

Abstract: A lignocellulosic composite material and a method for preparing the lignocellulosic composite material are disclosed. The composite material is formed from lignocellulosic particles and a binder resin. The binder resin comprises a polyisocyanate, at least one of insecticide and/or fungicide that are dispersed throughout the polyisocyanate. The insecticide and/or fungicide is also dispersed throughout the lignocellulosic particles. Since the insecticide and/or fungicide is dispersed throughout the composite material, the composite material is insect resistant and is able to withstand insect attacks and prevent fungus growth and decay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a mixture of wood particles and non-wood plant particles for the manufacture composite boards or the like. The present invention also relates to methods of preparing composite boards. As described herein, the composition allows the production of panels, boards or logs that can be used in the construction of buildings, houses and furniture.

Abstract: Reactive compositions are formed into melt processable reactive pellets. The reactive compositions include at least one filler such as talc, clay, pulp, etc. and a reactive mixture comprising at least one polyhydric alcohol and a reactant selected from the group consisting of at least one organic polyacid; at least one organic anhydride; and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the reactive compositions comprise at least one filler and a prepolymer formed from the reactive mixture.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide board-like molded elements that can be produced in a simple manner, at low cost, and that will be more flexible and possess a more precise standard of quality than can be achieved with conventional methods, and a method for producing said elements. In order to attain this object, a method for producing board-like molded elements made from natural fibers is proposed pursuant to the invention, wherein natural fibers are mixed with bonding agents, the mixture is placed on a molding platform where it may be shaped, after which the elements are bonded, characterized in that the bonding agent is admixed in the form of material elements that at least partially form bonding agents following an activation.

Abstract: A plasticized composition including (i) at least one biopolymer selected from the group consisting of poly hydrobutyrate (PHB) and PHB copolymers; and (ii) a plasticizer containing (a) a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C6-30 fatty alcohol, and (b) a glycerol ester of a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C6-24 fatty acid, wherein (a) and (b) are present in a ratio of 100:0 to 75:25 by weight is provided.

Abstract: A treated wood-based composite is formed by treating a green wood furnish with an amount of a treating agent effective to increase the value of the resulting wood-based composite. The treating agent can be, for example, a fire retardant, a wood preservative, a dye, a pigment, a stain, bleach, a water repellant, a drying oil, or a combination thereof. The treated green wood furnish is blended with a binder and then bound, as by pressing the furnish, to form a non-leaching fire-retardant wood based composite. Another aspect of the invention is the product formed according to the preceding process. The addition of the treating agent to green wood chips, without the need to dry them to low moisture content, is believed to be novel.

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

Abstract: Lignocellulosic-based woodfiber-plastic composite products containing a pesticidal amount of calcium borate is resistant to attack by wood destroying fungi and insects. The preferred calcium borates are the calcium polytriborates having a CaO:B2O3 molar ratio of about 2:3 and calcium hexaborates, having a CaO:B2O3 ratio of 1:3. Composites can be produced by combining the calcium borate with particles of the lignocellulosic material and the thermoplastic resin binder, and heating and extruding the resultant mixture through a die to form the composite product.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an extrudable compound, an extrusion method using a polymer, a cellulosic fiber, and at least one lubricant selected from the group consisting of ethoxylated esters of hydantoins, ethoxylated esters of sorbitol and sorbitan, and ethylene bisamides made from fatty acids containing 6–10 carbons and composites manufactured through such processes which simulate conventional wood products. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a composition containing polymer, a cellulosic fiber from an agricultural waste product and a lubricant containing a mixture of an alkylene bisamide derived from a C10–C18 is fatty acid and an alkaline earth salt of a fatty acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for vulcanizing caoutchouc or latex by adding a mixture M which contains a component a) from a1) 20 to 96% by weight of sulfur, a2) 4 to 80% by weight of a complexing agent, and optionally other additives b) to caoutchouc or latex and then vulcanizing the mixture. The inventive method is characterized in that the average particle size of the primary particles of component a) ranges from 0.05 to 20 ?m.

Abstract: An adhesive, comprising (A) a polymeric MDI, (B) modified polyvinyl acetate emulsion, (C) aqueous polyvinyl alcohol solution, and (D) a filler. Preferably, a mass ratio of A:B:C:D is 30:(60–160):(50–160):(10–140) provided that the aqueous polyvinyl alcohol solution (C) is in a concentration of 10% by mass.

Abstract: Adhesive additives that are used in conjunction with polyisocyanate resins to form adhesive compositions. The adhesive additives contain castor oil, a mixture of castor oil and triglycerides, or a reaction product from the transesterification of one or more polyols and one or more triglycerides. The adhesive compositions are well suited for use as a binder in the manufacture of various composite products, particularly composite wood products including OSB construction panels and laminate composites.

Abstract: A polymer composition includes a first component being a hydroxy-functional polymer, a second component being a natural polymer and a third component being a thermoplastic polyester. The first component, second component and third component are compounded to form a polymer composition.

Abstract: A woody formed article, characterized as being produced by admixing a woody material W and, as a binding agent, a fibrous and/or ribbon shaped thermoplastic resin R which is easy to be intertwined with the woody material W, and molding the resultant mixture. The thermoplastic resin R is preferably admixed in a state of being heated and melted. A method for producing a woody formed material, characterized in that it comprises providing a mat M of a raw material mixture Mx of a woody material W and a fibrous and/or ribbon-shaped thermoplastic resin R and subjecting the mat M to heat pressing, or comprises, in admixing the woody material W with the above fibrous thermoplastic resin R, stretching and thinning the resin R by means of a hot wind and/or a cold wind pressure, and admixing homogeneously it with the woody material W by utilizing a negative pressure zone due to the hot wind and/or the cold wind, to prepare a mat M of a raw material mixture Mx, and then subjecting the mat M to pressing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of extended polyacrylic acid based binder compositions comprising a low molecular weight polyacrylic acid (typically hypophosphite or sulfite terminated), a crosslinking agent (such as triethanolamine or glycerol) and one or more water soluble materials, such as lignin, low molecular weight starch and soybean protein. The extended binder composition of the present invention provides a lower cost binder composition without degrading the performance and may be selected to alter one or more characteristics of the basic binder composition such binder wetting, emulsion compatibility, dust suppression and wash water flow properties.

Abstract: Waxy hydrocarbyl substituted phenols or phenates are reacted into phenol formaldehyde resins to impart a waxy water resistant nature to binders. A preferred use of the modified phenol formaldehyde resins is as a binder in engineered wood products such as strand board, particle board, medium density fiberboard, plywood and I-beams. Binding the waxy material into the resin may provide a better dispersion of the waxy moieties and prevent migration as has been seen by the simple addition of waxy materials.

Abstract: A composite board is made from waste medium density fiber (MDF) board or waste particle board that includes solid urea formaldehyde. The waste board is chopped and milled into particles having a size between 20 mesh and 150 mesh, creating a waste flour. After removing moisture from the waste flour, the dried waste flour is mixed with a thermoplastic to bind and encapsulate the waste flour. Internal lubricants are added to improve the flow characteristics of the blended material, and external lubricants are added to present sticking of the mixture to an extruder or mold. Mineral fillers are added to improve the flexural modules of the composite board, and a plasticizer can be added to improve the physical properties or mechanical characteristics of the mixture. An ultraviolet absorber, a biocide, and a pigment can also be added. The blended material is extruded or molded into a desired shape. When cooled, the thermoplastic hardens to form a solid composite board.

Abstract: The present invention is a component such as a siding panel that may be comprised of various formulations of cellulosic/polymer composite materials. One embodiment of the present invention is a siding panel that is comprised of a cellulosic/PVC composite material. This composite material may include at least one cellulosic filler in the amount of about 30% to about 60% by weight and a PVC material in the amount of about 40% to about 70% by weight. The PVC material may include about 1 to about 10 parts stabilizer(s) per 100 parts of the PVC resin, about 2 to about 12 parts lubricant(s) per 100 parts of the PVC resin, and about 0.5 to about 8 parts process aid(s) per 100 parts of the PVC resin. Another embodiment of the present invention is a siding panel that may be comprised of a cellulosic/polypropylene composite material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for wood-polymer composites containing a thermoplastic resin, wood flour and a polyol ester compound having not less than one hydroxyl group esterified with fatty acid, and a wood-polymer composite made from this composition. According to the present invention, a wood-polymer composite having well-balanced mechanical strength and processability, as compared to products made from lumber alone and products made from thermoplastic resin alone, and a composition for wood-polymer composites therefor can be provided.

Abstract: Composite materials are made by press molding a lignocellulose-containing materials glued with a specified type of binder in which the cold bonding strength of the molded lignocellulose-containing material is increased.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for modifying cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) which involves the steps of subjecting the CNSL to ozonolysis to form ozonolysis reaction products, followed by reduction of the ozonolysis reaction products to give a mixture of phenolic components and aldehydes. In a preferred embodiment, the process involves reacting CNSL with ozone to form a mixture containing ozonolysis reaction products, and then treating the mixture under reducing conditions to form a further mixture containing phenolic components with an eight carbon chain having a terminal —CHO group and alkyl components of varying lengths with either one or two terminal —CHO groups. The resulting CNSL aldehydes may be used to form adhesives for use in the manufacture of composites such as wood particle board.

Abstract: Disclosed is an acoustical tile composition in which the conventional starch binder is replaced by a wet-strength resin, such as a polyamine epichlorohydrin resin, can be fabricated into ceiling tiles and panels using conventional water felting processes and equipment with improved efficiency. The acoustical tile compositions, with the polyamine epichlorohydrin resins binder, can be dried significantly faster than comparable compositions containing conventional starch binders.

Abstract: An abradable dry powder coating (22) composition for coating onto a surface (12) for subsequent curing to form into an abradable coating, including a powder (16) formed of uncured thermoset resin with at least 15 volume percent filler, wherein the filler does not substantially melt below the cure temperature of the resin. Method for making the coating composition includes melt-mixing the thermoset resin with at least 15 volume percent of filler, cooling the resulting mass composite, and then breaking the cooled mass composite into powder particles (16). Method of coating an article with an abradable coating includes applying the dry composite powder with the filler therein onto a substrate and curing the dry powder composition, preferably by electrostatic coating. An article is also disclosed which is coated with the abradable coating.

Abstract: A fire-retardant wood-based composite is formed by treating a green wood furnish with an amount of a phosphate/borate fire retardant treatment effective to increase the fire retardancy of the resulting wood-based composite, compared to the fire retardancy of the corresponding wood-based composite lacking the fire retardant. The fire retardant treated green wood furnish is blended with a binder and then bound, as by pressing the furnish, to form a non-leaching fire-retardant wood based composite. Another aspect of the invention is the product formed according to the preceding process. The fire retardant may also act as a catalyst to cure the binder and thus promote binding. Also, the addition of the fire retardant to green wood chips, without the need to dry them to a low moisture content, is believed to be novel.

Abstract: A cushioning molded product is provided which is produced by binding a vegetable fiber with a copolymer of a saccharide and an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid to conduct molding. Further a process is provided for producing a cushioning molded product from a copolymer of a saccharide and an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, and a vegetable fiber, the process comprising (a) mixing or adhering the copolymer and the vegetable fiber, and (b) molding the resulting mixture into an intended shape by heating the mixture to bind the vegetable fiber with the copolymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel composites comprising plastic and plant material derived from members of Parthenium spp. and, in particular, Parthenium argentatum (also known as guayule), Parthenium tomentosum or Parthenium incanum. The invention is also directed to composites that possess insect, fungal, and microbial resistance. Products made from composites of the instant invention are useful to make numerous items, particularly those used for construction such as lumber, plywood, particleboard, fiberboard, poles, railroad crossties, or the like.

Abstract: Sulfonated aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters are provided. The copolyesters are produced from a mixture of aromatic dicarboxylic acids, aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, ethylene glycol, other glycols, and components containing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfo groups, such as a metal 5-sulfoisophthalic acid derivative. The copolyesters have lower sulfonation than known sulfonated polyesters, and provide advantageous thermal properties for some end uses. The sulfonated aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters are useful in forming coatings or films on various substrates, and in packaging. Some compositions comprising the sulfonated aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters are biodegradable, as are some of the sulfonated aromatic-aromatic copolyesters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of compositions comprising reaction products of low molecular mass dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acids with ammonia to produce moldings comprising finely divided materials.

Abstract: Use of Titanium complex in a polyisocyanate composition comprising a titanium complex consisting of titanium and an acetoacetate ester in which the molar ratio of Ti to acetoacetate ester is in the range 1:2 and 1:8 and said acetoacetate ester is an ester of alcohol containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms for accelerating the binding of lignocellulosic materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire retardant oriented strand board composite material comprising a mixture of wood strands, at least one organophosphorus ester, at least one polymeric binder resin, and a wax. In a process embodiment of the present invention this mixture is consolidated under heat and pressure to form an oriented strand board composite panel, whereby during consolidation the organophosphorus ester chemically interacts with the polymeric binder to provide cross-linking between the binder and the organophosphorus ester.

Abstract: A stopper for use in a substantially cylindrical bottle opening having a substantially cylindrical shape to seal the bottle opening and including a first polymer portion and a second polymer portion, wherein the second polymer portion coaxially overlies the first polymer portion. In another embodiment, the stopper includes a third polymer portion wherein the first polymer portion coaxially overlies the third polymer portion. A method of protecting liquid in a bottle with a substantially cylindrical bottle opening including providing a stopper having a substantially cylindrical shape to seal the bottle opening and closing off the bottle by insertion of the stopper into the bottle opening. A method of producing a stopper for use in a substantially cylindrical bottle opening comprising extruding a first polymer portion through an extrusion die, coaxially coating the first polymer portion with a second polymer portion to form a body.

Abstract: A treated wood-based composite is formed by treating a green wood furnish with an amount of a treating agent effective to increase the value of the resulting wood-based composite. The treating agent can be, for example, a fire retardant, a wood preservative, a dye, a pigment, a stain, bleach, a water repellant, a drying oil, or a combination thereof. The treated green wood furnish is blended with a binder and then bound, as by pressing the furnish, to form a non-leaching fire-retardant wood based composite. Another aspect of the invention is the product formed according to the preceding process. The addition of the treating agent to green wood chips, without the need to dry them to low moisture content, is believed to be novel.

Abstract: The specification describes preserved solid wood or wood composites including a copper ammonium acetate complex wood preservative and a drying oil. The wood preservative is present in the wood in an amount effective to improve the resistance of the treated wood to at least one type of decomposition, such as decay or insect attack. The drying oil is present in the wood in an effective amount to accomplish at least one useful end, such as reducing the water absorption or thickness swell of the treated wood or increasing its mechanical strength, even in a wood composite made using less binding resin than usual. Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of making the treated wood from green wood in solid or flaked form. A copper ammonium acetate complex wood preservative and optionally a drying oil are added to the green wood.

Abstract: There is provided a wet friction material excellent in heat resistance and durability, high in friction coefficient, small in initial fluctuation of the friction coefficient, excellent in heat spot resistance and superior in physical strength to a wet friction material using a phenol resin as a binder. In the wet friction material composed of a fiber base material, a filler, a friction adjustor, and a binder, the binder is a hardened substance of a hydrolyzed solution of a silane coupling agent represented by the following formula (1) (R1)(R2)nSi(OR3)3−n  (1) in which R1 represents an alkylamino group containing primary amine at a terminal, each of R2 and R3 represents an alkyl group containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer of 0 or 1.

Abstract: There is disclosed a woody thermoplastic resin composition which prevents the occurrence of rust on the metal surface in a molding machine and suppresses the generation of a volatile substance as encountered when a woody thermoplastic resin composed of a thermoplastic resin and wood flour was subjected to heat molding and processing. According to the present invention, a specific amount of dolomite is added to a woody thermoplastic resin composed of a thermoplastic resin and wood flour thereby there may be obtained a woody thermoplastic resin composition which has an effect to prevent the occurrence of rust on the metal surface in a molding machine during the molding and processing and to suppress the generation of a volatile substance.

Abstract: An adhesive composition for lignocellulose-type hot-pressed forms is disclosed which comprises (A) an organopolyisocyanate which is a polyisocyanate composed chiefly of from 20% by weight to 70% by weight of a diphenylmethane diisocyanate having two benzene rings in one molecule and from 80% by weight to 30% by weight of a diphenylmethane diisocyanate polynuclear condensate having at least three benzene rings in one molecule, and has a viscosity of 500 mPa·s or less in the state of solid content=100% by weight at 25° C.; and (B) a wax emulsion prepared by emulsifying a wax (B1) which is a paraffin wax containing at least 80% by weight of a paraffin having 20 to 40 carbon atoms, and has a melting point of from 40° C. to 100° C., with an emulsifier (B2) which is an ethylene oxide polyaddition product of an aliphatic monoalcohol whose aliphatic chain has 14 to 20 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A polymer composition includes a first component being a hydroxy-functional polymer, a second component being a natural polymer and a third component being a thermoplastic polyester. The first component, second component and third component are compounded to form a polymer composition.

Abstract: A cellulose/polyolefin pellet comprising polyolefin material and cellulosic material. The pellet may be concentrated such that it contains less than about 20% by weight of the polyolefin material and at least about 55% by weight of the cellulosic material. The pellet may be shipped to a remote manufacturing location where it may be blended with additional polyolefin material to make a synthetic wood component.

Abstract: An antimicrobial biocidic fiber-plastic composite is capable of killing bacteria on contact. The composite can be produced from a cellulose fiber material obtained from agricultural waste, a plastic material obtained from industrial waste, and one or more biocides that kill bacteria without being harmful to humans. Lignin is removed from the fiber material through a delignification process to allow the biocides to bind directly with the cellulose fibers. In one example, the biocides include Sodium Hypochlorite, N-chloro-p-toluenesulfonamide sodium salt-trihydrate, Vitamin E and Citric Acid. After adding the biocides, lignin is added back to the mixture to allow the cellulose fibers to bind with the plastic material. The fiber-plastic composition can then be extruded, pelletized, and molded into any shape or size.

Abstract: There is disclosed a plant fiber composite material that is environmentally benign. There is also disclosed products of the plant fiber composite material, a processing method for the plant fiber composite material, and extruded or molded products using the plant fiber composite material.

Abstract: Cellulosic fibers intrafiber crosslinked with a polymeric polycarboxylic acid crosslinking agent are disclosed. In one embodiment, the polymeric polycarboxylic acid is polyacrylic acid and, in another embodiment, the polycarboxylic acid is polymaleic acid. Methods for forming cellulosic fibers having stable intrafiber crosslinks and for forming crosslinked cellulosic fibers having low knot level are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible wood composition comprising at least one cellulosic filler and a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic elastomers and melt-processible rubbers. Additionally, the composition may include other ingredients including, but not limited to, a stabilizer, a lubricant, and a fatty acid. The composition can be used to make a variety of components such as flooring, gaskets, stair treads, weather stripping, hinges, sound absorption components, trim, seals, grips, surface treatment for various surfaces, bumpers, toys, buttons, and tubing.

Abstract: Weatherable building materials particularly well suited for entry door skins and other exterior building components are prepared by compression molding lignocellulosic fibers digested under conditions such that partial breakdown of hemicellulosic and other components produces an in situ binder, together with a secondary phenol/formaldehyde binder resin, followed by impregnating the product with a non-fugitive tertiary binder.