Abstract: A refiner-apparatus and method for producing refined pulp by exerting mechanical forces on pulp fibres. The apparatus includes a member having a pulp side and a drainage side, the pulp side having a plurality of spaced apart raised bar portions thereon. A plurality of drainage conduits are formed in the member, the conduits extending between the pulp side and the drainage side of the member, each drainage conduit having inlet and outlet openings respectively. The inlet openings are disposed on the pulp side of the member and the outlet openings are disposed on the drainage side of the member such that water expelled from pulp fibres forced against the pulp side is received in the inlet openings and is conducted through the drainage conduits to the drainage side of the member. Generally, the method involves draining water from pulp fibres squeezed between facing refiner members, through at least one drainage conduit in at least one of the refiner members.

Abstract: A process to decontaminate soil containing a chlorinated phenol compound. Water is added to the soil to produce a solution of the chlorinated phenol compound containing at most about 2% by weight of the compound. Ozone is then passed through the solution to decompose the chlorinated phenol compound. The invention is of particular application in decontaminating soil containing chlorophenols, dibenzo-p-dioxins and chlorinated dibenzofurans.

Abstract: Residues from fibermat materials are broken down and separated into wood fibers and other fibers so that the fibers may be recycled. If the fibermat residues are not recycled, they present a disposal problem due to the uncured resins that become toxic waste. The fibermat residues are cut and separated by rotating cutting heads within a cutting and separating chamber. The wood fibers, being the heavier fibers, settle out, pass through a screen into a collection chamber and the lighter textile fibers are sucked out of the cutting and separating chamber with a vacuum system.

Abstract: A panel is disclosed that is formed from a planar, substantially inflexible cellulosic substrate having a rough or uneven surface, at least one layer of paper or veneer and a layer of an electrically conductive wire mesh or metal foil interposed between the substrate and the layer of paper or veneer. The substrate and the layers are bonded together with a layer of a polyolefin that has been grafted with an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride. The polyolefin is a homopolymer of ethylene or copolymer of ethylene and a higher hydrocarbon alpha-olefin. Processes for the manufacture of the panel are also disclosed. The panel may be used in the construction industry, especially as electrical shielding or for the removal of stray electrical currents from electrical or other equipment.

Abstract: Mouldable filled polyethylene compositions containing particulate lignocellulosic fillers are disclosed. The compositions contain 0-89.97% (by weight of the composition) of polyethylene, 0.01-89.99% (by weight of the composition) of grafted polymer, 10-60% (by weight of the composition) of particulate lignocellulosic material and 0.02-20% (by weight of the composition) of boric acid and/or borax. The boric acid and/or borax is added to suppress odor during manufacture and processing of the compositions. The compositions may be formed into moulded articles e.g. containers and the like.

Abstract: A process for protecting wood by applying to the wood an aqueous solution of a composition comprising sodium borate and sodium carbonate. Adverse effects on the color of the wood are reduced by including in the composition a component selected from a weakly acidic compound able to form a complex with cellulose; the weakly acidic compound and titanium dioxide; an alkyl ammonium chloride; the weakly acidic compound and an alkyl ammonium chloride; and an alkaline earth metal hydroxide.

Abstract: A method of protecting wood that comprises applying to the surface of the wood a solution of sodium carbonate and sodium borate. In a further aspect wood is protected against fungal growth by applying to the surface of the wood a solution of sodium carbonate.

Abstract: A method of treating wood to prevent stain and decay which includes extracting from a decay resistant species of wood material a fungi growth inhibiting material and using this material to wet the surface of wood to be treated. The substance for use as a fungi growth inhibiting material is obtained by extracting it from decay resistant species of wood material.