Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a cellular composite, and to the resultant cellular composites. This process comprising (A) preparing a mixture of a polyisocyanate, water, and, optionally, one or more additives; (B) adding this mixture under low shear mixing to inorganic hollow microspheres; (C) completely filling a mold with the mixture; and (D) heating the mold containing the mixture to a temperature of from 100 to 280° C., thereby forming the composite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a cellular composite, and to the resultant cellular composites. This process comprising (A) preparing a mixture of a polyisocyanate, water, and, optionally, one or more additives; (B) adding this mixture under low shear mixing to inorganic hollow microspheres; (C) completely filling a mold with the mixture; and (D) heating the mold containing the mixture to a temperature of from 100 to 280° C., thereby forming the composite.

Abstract: Cure of the binder used to produce a lignocellulosic composite material in a press is monitored by (1) inserting a transmitter probe and a receiver probe into the composite-forming mixture at parallel points; (2) passing an ultrasonic signal from the transmitter probe through the composite-forming mixture to the receiver probe; (3) measuring the pulse velocity of the ultrasonic signal; and (4) comparing the measured pulse velocity to that of a standard (i.e., velocity of pulse through a composite article in which the binder is completely cured). When the measured velocity and the velocity of the standard are equal, the composite article is removed from the press. This technique is particularly useful for monitoring the commercial production of composite and engineered wood products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of a modified cellulosic product by:1) coating or impregnating a composition of:a) a polymethylene poly(phenyl isocyanate),b) water, andc) an organic compound having an hydroxy functionality of from 2 to 8, and having a molecular weight of from about 60 to about 8000, and being selected from the group consisting of i) ester group-free polyhydric alcohols, ii) polyether polyols and iii) mixtures thereof, and2) allowing the impregnated cellulosic material to cure at room temperature and without application of pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stable fluid mixture and a binding composition containing the same; said mixture comprises a polyisocyanate and a solution of urea in water which is characterized in that the urea is premixed with water before it is admixed with the polyisocyanate to make a urea extended polyisocyanate.