Abstract: The invention is a wood composite including wood particles, a binder, at least one wood stabilizer, and optionally other ingredients. Examples of the wood stabilizer are an ammoniacal wood stabilizer or ammoniacal copper dimethyl glyoxime. The wood stabilizer is present in an amount effective to reduce the swelling value of the wood composite to less than that of an analogous wood composite not treated with the wood stabilizer. A method for making wood composites and the product of that method are also disclosed. The method includes providing green wood particles and applying to them a wood stabilizer as described above, preferably without an intervening drying step. It is contemplated that the wood stabilizer can be applied in an amount effective to at least substantially preserve the resulting wood composite against at least one of rot, termites, and carpenter ants. While or after applying the stabilizer, a water repellant material is applied to the wood particles.

Abstract: Cellulosic materials such as wood chips, textile fibers and the like are treated to produce products such as particle board having enhanced fire and heat resistant properties. For example, wood chips are saturated with an eqimolar aqueous solution of monoammonium phosphate and diammonium phosphate. A metal hydroxide is added to the solution. The saturated wood chips are dried and mixed with a modified glue composition. The glue that which contains urea formaldehyde and/or phenolic resin is in powdered or brown marble form and dissolved in water. The treated wood chips and modified glue is then mixed, formed into a mat and placed under pressure at about 120° C. for 8 to 15 minutes. The pressure may range from about 300 to 400 psi.

Abstract: A processable poly(hydroxy acid) composition which has been stabilized by adding to the polymer during the melt processing stage 0.05-3% by weight of a peroxy compound the degradation of which produces one or more acid radicals, and which has good melt strength and elasticity. The melt strength is high enough to produce films with conventional methods as the film blowing method.

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: Granulated papermaking sludge is combined with plastic to form composite materials that may be shaped into structural and non-structural articles.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soybean-based adhesive resin including a soybean flour and a cross-linking agent. The cross-linking agent is reacted with the functional groups in the soybean flour to form an adhesive resin. The present invention also relates to a method of making a soybean-based adhesive resin. This method involves providing an aqueous solution of soybean flour and adding a cross-linking agent to the solution under conditions effective to cross-link the soybean flour so that an adhesive resin is formed. Also disclosed is a composite product which includes particulate plant material and the soybean-based adhesive resin. The adhesive is prepared by reacting the cross-linking agent with the functional groups in the soybean flour. The present invention also relates to a method of making a composite product by providing particulate plant material and applying the soybean-based adhesive resin to the particulate plant material.

Abstract: A fire retardant ligno-cellulosic panel made from a mixture of (i) ligno-cellulosic material, (ii) at least one polymeric binder resin, and (iii) fire retardant solid particles containing fire retardant inorganic materials and a synthetic polymeric material, wherein the mixture is consolidated under heat and pressure to form the panel. Preferably, the fire retardant solid particles are a fine particle size sanding dust produced during the manufacture and finishing of synthetic particle filled resin materials.

Abstract: A composition for a pencil casing comprising 45-55% by weight polystyrene polymer or copolymer, 35-45% by weight wood fiber, 0-6% by weight lubricant, and 4-6% by weight compatibilizing agent. A preferred compatibilizing agent is polystyrene maleic anhydride. The preferred polystyrene is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The preferred lubricants are selected from aluminum stearate, calcium stearate, and zinc stearate, with zinc stearate the most preferred. The invention may optionally include 0-5% by weight polyethylene terephthalate and 0-5% by weight polyethylene. Also included are a pencil casing made from the composition and a pencil made from the composition.

Abstract: An extrudable wood composite which includes cellulosic material and a powdered thermoplastic material.

Abstract: Molding materials comprising a cellulose based fiber, and a thermoplastic resin in an amount of less than said cellulose based resin is disclosed.

Abstract: A phenolic resin composite material includes a phenolic resin, a filler dispersed in the phenolic resin and being a reinforcement member and an organized layered clay mineral being different from the filler and dispersed uniformly in the phenolic resin. The phenolic resin composite material is improved in terms of the heat resistance as well as the mechanical strengths.

Abstract: Novel adhesive compositions are described that include an epoxyamine and, preferably, a curing agent. The adhesive composition can be used in surgical settings such as implanting bioprostheses and/or in manufacturing of bioprostheses. Biocompatible substrates can be adhered together by an adhesive bond formed by curing of the epoxyamine adhesive composition.

Abstract: A molded fiber product is made from plant fibers containing lignin. Plant fibers ranging in size below 0.5 mm are used. Binding agents and other additives may be mixed with the fibers to enhance product or process performance. The plant fiber mixture of fibers and additives are heated at temperatures between 40 degrees C. and 300 degrees C. The heated fibers are compressed in a mold to an average density of at least 960 kg/m3. Compression pressures of at least 3.4 MPa are used. The compressed fiber product is released from the mold and the mold may be reused. A thermoset molded plant fiber product is provided having characteristics and qualities similar to engineering grade thermoplastics and thermoset plastics.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that texturized cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials can be combined with many different matrix materials, including organic matrices (e.g., thermosetting resins, elastomers, asphalts, lignins, or tars) to produce useful compositions.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrically conductive plastic molded article comprising blending 1 to 40 we. % of content shell fiber powder obtained by dry compressing a fiber contained in the mesocarp of the coconut fruit and processing the resulting fiber mass to 98 to 59 we. % of a biodegradable plastic or a non-biodegradable plastic, and adding 1 to 20 we. % of an electrically conductive additive. A molded article eliminating electrostatic troubles due to electrical chargeability, and improving biodegradable plastic is used, can be obtained.

Abstract: The wood fiberboard of the present invention comprises wood fibers which have been subjected to an acetylation treatment and wood fibers which have not been subjected to an acetylation treatment bonded together by a binder resin, wherein the content of the wood fibers which have been subjected to an acetylation treatment is 35 to 90% by weight of the total amount of wood fibers which have been treated to an acetylation treatment and wood fibers which have not been subjected to an acetylation treatment.

Abstract: Hindered amines substituted on the N-atom with an hydroxy-substituted alkoxy moiety are particularly effective in stabilizing organic polymer compositions against the deleterious effects of oxidative, thermal and actinic radiation where the presence of the OH group on the compounds adds important properties not otherwise attainable.

Abstract: Lignocellulosic-based 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 an adhesive resin, and forming the composite, generally with heat and pressure.

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 biodegradable plastic article molded of a mixture comprising the following components: (A) a biodegradable plastic at 98 to 59% by weight, (B) a dry powder of a water-swelling fiber at 1 to 40% by weight, and (C) a fertilizer powder at 1 to 40% by weight (wherein the sum of (B) and (C) is from 2 to 41% by weight). This biodegradable plastic article can improve biodegradability of the biodegradable plastics and make it possible to regulate the rate of biodegradation thereof.

Abstract: An extruded wood simulative material is described which includes a high degree of cellulosic material content and begins with powdered thermoplastic material.

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: The present invention relates to a soybean-based adhesive resin including a soybean flour and a cross-linking agent. The cross-linking agent is reacted with the functional groups in the soybean flour to form an adhesive resin. The present invention also relates to a method of making a soybean-based adhesive resin. This method involves providing an aqueous solution of soybean flour and adding a cross-linking agent to the solution under conditions effective to cross-link the soybean flour so that an adhesive resin is formed. Also disclosed is a composite product which includes particulate plant material and the soybean-based adhesive resin. The adhesive is prepared by reacting the cross-linking agent with the functional groups in the soybean flour. The present invention also relates to a method of making a composite product by providing particulate plant material and applying the soybean-based adhesive resin to the particulate plant material.

Abstract: A polymeric composition comprising a filler melt-dispersed in a matrix comprising, a destructurized starch component; a synthetic thermoplastic polymeric component selected from the group consisting of polyvinylalcohol, polyvinyl acetate, thermoplastic polyesters and graft copolymers of polysaccharides; and a fluidizing agent selected from the group consisting of C12-C22 fatty acids, C12-C22 fatty alcohols, esters and amides of said fatty acids, polyolefin waxes, polyglycol ethers of alditols, polyglycerols esterified with C12-C22 fatty acids, and mixtures thereof, wherein said filler is a mixture of an inorganic filler and a filler of organic nature, wherein the organic filler is present in an amount from 5% to 70% by weight.

Abstract: A wet friction material contains a fibrous base, a filler, a friction adjuster and a binder. The binder contains a material having siloxane bond. For example, the binder is a product of hardening of a hydrolytic solution of a silicon alkoxide.

Abstract: Composites of a resin and texturized cellulosic or lignocellulosic fiber, and methods for forming the composites, are disclosed.

Abstract: A water soluble, non-ionic masking agent is used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards. The masking agent masks portions of the circuit board to prevent adhesion of solder, flux and the like. The masking agent includes a water soluble non-ionic binder resin, a cellulosic non-ionic filler, a non-ionic surfactant, at least one non-ionic associative thickener, and deionized water. The masking agent material is readily removed from the circuit board after manufacture and does not render further wash water processing ineffective. The masking agent is non-ionic, and thus does not agglomerate or clump downstream ion-exchange or filtration media.

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

Abstract: A polymer composition uncludes 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 fiber-reinforced molded plastic part, a process for its manufacture and a use. The fiber-reinforced molded plastic part consists of a plastic matrix with natural fibers particularly arranged in a uniformly distributed manner in the plastic matrix. The plastic matrix has at least two mutually mixed polymers, of which one is a biopolymer and the other is a polymer which is at least largely resistant to biological stress.

Abstract: While resin forming material and hygroscopic wood flour or wood flour containing water, which were fed to the feed port 23 of the intermeshing type two screw type screw side feeder 20, are being conveyed toward the intermeshing type twin screw extruder 1, they are somewhat kneaded and then introduced into the intermeshing type twin screw extruder 1. Resin forming material and hygroscopic wood flour or wood flour containing water, which have been introduced into the intermeshing type twin screw extruder 1, are melted and kneaded by the heat transmitted from the heating cylinder 2 and also by the heat generated in the process of shearing conducted by the rotating screws 3a, 3b. After that, they are extruded from the die 9 in the form of strands.

Abstract: A stopper for use in a substantially cylindrical bottle opening is disclosed. The stopper is made of a synthetic elastomer body with a portion with a substantially cylindrical shape to seal the bottle opening. The elastomer body also contains a fiber portion or a plurality of fiber portions oriented substantially longitudinally in the elastomer body. The synthetic stopper is preferably designed to replace traditional wood bark corks in wine bottles. In one embodiment, the fiber reinforcement is in the form of a porous plug surrounded by an elastomer skin. In another embodiment, fibrous strips are dispersed throughout the stopper structure. The method of producing a stopper for use in a substantially cylindrical bottle opening is also disclosed as is a method of protecting a liquid in a bottle with a fiber reinforced synthetic elastomer stopper.

Abstract: Wood products of superior strength are produced from wood particulates that have been extracted with a solvent to remove volatile organic compounds and a significant proportion of pitch from the wood particulates. The products are especially resistant to weakening caused by water immersion. As a consequence of the enhanced strength and stiffness of the composites, wood products may be made thinner, and of lighter weight, for the same equivalent strength and stiffness at lower cost. The process of drying the particulate raw material and forming the composite wood products, by subjecting to heat and pressure, are virtually free from emissions of volatile organic compounds into the environment.

Abstract: A dowel for use in the woodworking industry to secure two pieces of wood together is made of a composite, polymeric material comprising from about 4% to 90% by weight thermosetting resin and from about 10% to 96% by weight fibrous filler material. The thermosetting resin and the fibrous filler material are mixed together and then subjected to a high pressure and an elevated temperature to set the thermosetting resin and form a dense, hard mass of composite, polymeric material which is formed into the cylindrical shape of a dowel. The dowels have a surface that will adhere to conventional glues used in the woodworking industry.

Abstract: Isocyanate prepolymers which are useful as binders are made from a polyisocyanate mixture and a hydroxyl compound having at least about 1 hydroxyl group. The polyisocyanate mixture is made up of from about 50 to about 60% by weight of polyphenyl polymethylene polyisocyanate and from about 40 to about 50% by weight of an isomeric mixture of diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI). The isomeric mixture of MDI is made up of from about 4 to about 30% by weight of the 2,4'-isomer and from about 70 to about 96% by weight of the 4,4'-isomer. The binders of the present invention are advantageous in that they may be used in high moisture, low temperature conditions without a catalyst. Reduced MDI emissions are also achieved when the binders of the present invention are used to make composite materials.

Abstract: A composition in the form of pellets comprising a thermoplastic and wood fiber composite material suitable for forming structural members as a replacement for wood in the manufacture of doors and windows. The composite has less than about 10 wt % water based on pellet weight and a Young's modulus of at least about 500,000. Structural members are typically formed from the composite in an extrusion or an injection molding process.

Abstract: A composition in the form of pellets comprising a thermoplastic and wood fiber composite material suitable for forming structural members as a replacement for wood in the manufacture of doors and windows. The composite has less than about 10 wt % water based on pellet weight and a Young's modulus of at least about 500,000. Structural members are typically formed from the composite in an extrusion or an injection molding process.

Abstract: Composites of a resin and texturized cellulosic or lignocellulosic fiber, and methods for forming the composites, are disclosed.

Abstract: A structural mat matrix comprises (a) a substrate which consists essentially of from 80% to 99% by weight fiberglass fibers and from 20% to 1% by weight wood pulp and (b) a binder which consists essentially of from 80% to 95% by weight urea formaldehyde and from 20% to 5% by weight acrylic copolymer. The binder bonds the substrate fiberglass fibers and wood pulp together and comprises from 5% to 15% by weight of said matrix, preferably 10% by weight of the matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising a thermoplastic, structurally crosslinked elastomeric or thermosetting polymer, which comprises(a) a polar, adsorptive inorganic or organic material in the form of fibres or particles which are in mutual contact, onto which is adsorptively bound(b) a polar antistatic agent comprising a mixture ofb1) at least one polar organic compound having at least 5 carbon atoms and at least 3 heteroatoms, andb2) the salt of an inorganic protic acid, which is solvated or complexed in the polar organic compound. The invention also relates to a second composition comprising b) a polar inorganic or organic material, b1) a polar organic compound having at least 5 carbon atoms and at least 3 heteroatoms and b2) an inorganic salt, to the use of this second composition for the antistatic treatment of polymers, and to a process for preparing antistatically treated polymers.

Abstract: A mechanically-bonded, water-absorbent fiber mulch including natural and crimped synthetic fibers that are intimately mixed to form a mechanically-bonded fiber mulch.

Abstract: An absorbent agriculture residue product and method of making the product. Preferably the agriculture residue material is reduced in size, adhesive added, consolidated to form panels or other shapes and heated to cure the adhesive. Preferably, the agriculture material is reduced in size from less than about 2 inches and the adhesive is present in an amount ranging from between about 2% to about 20% by dry weight. The products possess good absorption characteristics, durability and the ability to retain absorbed liquids upon application of pressure to saturated panels.

Abstract: A polymeric composition comprises a matrix including a starch component and at least one synthetic thermoplastics polymeric component in which a filler is dispersed, characterised in that the matrix includes a fluidising agent selected from the group consisting of C.sub.12 -C.sub.22 fatty acids, C.sub.12 -C.sub.22 fatty alcohols, esters and amides of the said fatty acids, poly and polyglycol ethers of alditols or polyglycerols esterified with the said fatty acids and their mixtures and the said filler comprises natural fillers of an organic nature dispersed in the matrix in quantities of from 5% to 70% by weight with reference to the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A low molecular weight lignin fraction having a pre-selected molecular weight range prepared from lignin solution by ultrafiltration. The invention also relates to phenol-formaldehyde resin modified by the lignin fraction, adhesive comprising the modified resin, and a method for producing the lignin fraction and the resin.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of composition board, particleboard, fiberboard, waferboard and oriented strandboard as well as new and useful products thereof are provided for by the separation of one portion of the solid constituents of the composition board and the separate blending of that portion with adhesive before combining and mixing that portion with the remaining solid constituents of the composition board product. The method and product is particularly adapted to the use of fines as the one portion of the solid component of composition board and utilizing the precoated fines as an adhesive carrier in the final step of mixing or blending of the fines with the remaining composition board components.

Abstract: A fiber/binding agent composition comprising: individualized chemically crosslinked high-bulk fibers comprising individualized fibers chemically intra-fiber crosslinked with a crosslinking agent that is a polycarboxylic acid or is selected from the group of urea derivatives consisting of methylated urea, methylated cyclic ureas, methylated lower alkyl substituted ureas, dihydroxy cyclic ureas, and methylated dihydroxy cyclic ureas, and mixtures thereof; and from about 0.1 to about 6 weight percent of a water-borne binding agent. The water-borne binding agent is selected from the group consisting of starch, a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl acetate latex, a polyethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, an acrylic acid polymer, an oxidized polyethylene, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyvinyl chloride/acrylic acid copolymer, an acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene copolymer and polyacrylonitrile.

Abstract: This invention relates to reinforced thermoplastic moulding compositions prepared from biodegradable polymers, for example aliphatic or polyester amides, aliphatic polyester urethanes, and to the use thereof for the production of mouldings and to the mouldings, wherein the reinforcing materials are selected from wood flour, fibres of natural origin, minerals of natural origin, cellulose and cellulose derivatives.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising a thermoplastic, structurally crosslinked elastomeric or thermosetting polymer, which comprises(a) a polar, adsorptive inorganic or organic material in the form of fibers or particles which are in mutual contact, onto which is adsorptively bound(b) a polar antistatic agent comprising a mixture ofb1) at least one polar organic compound having at least 5 carbon atoms and at least 3 heteroatoms, andb2) the salt of an inorganic protic acid, which is solvated or complexed in the polar organic compound. The invention also relates to a second composition comprising b1) a polar inorganic or organic material, b) a polar organic compound having at least 5 carbon atoms and at least 3 heteroatoms and b2) an inorganic salt, to the use of this second composition for the antistatic treatment of polymers, and to a process for preparing antistatically treated polymers.

Abstract: Papermaking sludge can be modified to a modeling clay-like consistency by the addition of one or more dispersing agents, such as polyacrylamide. The modified papermaking sludge can be formed into a number of useful products, such as paper sheets or extruded products.