Abstract: Molding apparatus (10) is provided which allows use of a particulate non-liquid molding material (121) to produce a variety of articles, such as frustoconical barrel segments (122). The apparatus (10) includes a female mold segment (18) including generally annular inner and outer sidewalls (70, 76) and a complemental male mold section (20) having an annular sidewall unit (30). In use, a molding material (121) is placed between the sidewalls (70, 76) and the section (20) is shifted so that it telescopes within the section (18); this compresses the material (121) to a desired final shape, which is then hardened to yield the final product (122). An optional wear insert (26) can be used with female mold section (18), which can be replaced as needed and assists in cleaning of the apparatus (10).

Abstract: Molding apparatus (10) is provided which allows use of a particulate non-liquid molding material (121) to produce a variety of articles, such as frustoconical barrel segments (122). The apparatus (10) includes a female mold segment (18) including generally annular inner and outer sidewalls (70, 76) and a complemental male mold section (20) having an annular sidewall unit (30). In use, a molding material (121) is placed between the sidewalls (70, 76) and the section (20) is shifted so that it telescopes within the section (18); this compresses the material (121) to a desired final shape, which is then hardened to yield the final product (122). An optional wear insert (26) can be used with female mold section (18), which can be replaced as needed and assists in cleaning of the apparatus (10).

Abstract: Molding apparatus (10) is provided which allows use of a particulate non-liquid molding material (121) to produce a variety of articles, such as frustoconical barrel segments (122). The apparatus (10) includes a female mold segment (18) including generally annular inner and outer sidewalls (70, 76) and a complemental male mold section (20) having an annular sidewall unit (30). In use, a molding material (121) is placed between the sidewalls (70, 76) and the section (20) is shifted so that it telescopes within the section (18); this compresses the material (121) to a desired final shape, which is then hardened to yield the final product (122). An optional wear insert (26) can be used with female mold section (18), which can be replaced as needed and assists in cleaning of the apparatus (10).

Abstract: Molding apparatus (10) is provided which allows use of a particulate non-liquid molding material (121) to produce a variety of articles, such as frustoconical barrel segments (122). The apparatus (10) includes a female mold segment (18) including generally annular inner and outer sidewalls (70, 76) and a complemental male mold section (20) having an annular sidewall unit (30). In use, a molding material (121) is placed between the sidewalls (70, 76) and the section (20) is shifted so that it telescopes within the section (18); this compresses the material (121) to a desired final shape, which is then hardened to yield the final product (122). An optional wear insert (26) can be used with female mold section (18), which can be replaced as needed and assists in cleaning of the apparatus (10).

Abstract: Biodegradable and edible composites for use as feed packaging containers are provided. Broadly, the composites are formed from a mixture comprising fiber mixed with a non-petroleum based, biodegradable adhesive formed by modifying a starch, protein, or protein-rich flour. The mixture has a moisture content of less than about 20% by weight, based upon the total weight of the mixture taken as 100% by weight. The mixture is then molded at pressures of from about 150-600 psi and temperatures of from about 150-500° F. to yield a final composite having a compressive strength of at least about 5 MPa. Preferred fibers include those derived from straw, corn stalks, sorghum stalks, soybean hulls, and peanut hulls. Preferred modifiers include NaOH, urea sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, and guanidine hydrochloride.