Abstract: A method of preparing particles of a lignocellulosic material for the manufacture of a finished product, such as a particle board, includes the steps of chemically modifying the lignocellulosic material by impregnating the lignocellulosic material with a suitable anhydride in a non-aqueous solvent; applying to the particles of lignocellulosic material an adhesion promoter to promote the adherence of a thermoplastic resin to the surfaces of the particles of lignocellulosic material; and applying to the particles a thermoplastic resin in dry powder form, so that after the application of the adhesion promoter, the thermoplastic resin adheres to the surfaces of the particles of lignocellulosic material, the thermoplastic resin having been surfaced modified by irradiation or by fluorination; and removing any solvent present.

Abstract: A method of preparing particles of an exfoliated vermiculite for the manufacture of a finished product, such as a particle board, includes the steps of, if necessary, chemically modifying the vermiculite by impregnating the vermiculite with a suitable anhydride in a non-aqueous solvent; if necessary, applying to the particles of vermiculite an adhesion promoter to promote the adherence of a resin to the surfaces of the particles of vermiculite; and resinating the particles of vermiculite either with a thermoplastic resin which has been surface modified by irradiation or by fluorination, or by an isocyanate thermosetting resin, or by a dry powder novolac thermosetting resin; and if necessary removing any solvent present.

Abstract: A building component includes a core formed from one or more sheets or elements of a natural fibre material, each sheet or element having been impregnated with a liquid composition including a thermosetting resin, an extending liquid for the thermosetting resin and a catalyst for the thermosetting resin, the thermosetting resin having been polymerized, and an encapsulating layer, from 1 mm to 20 mm thick, encapsulating the core and formed from a composition including from 10% to 80% inclusive by weight of the composition of a hydraulic binder, from 6% to 60% inclusive by weight of the hydraulic binder of a water soluble, dispersible or miscible polymer, and water in an amount sufficient to rehydrate the hydraulic binder, the composition having hardened to form the encapsulating layer.