Abstract: Cellulosic fiber composites and finished cellulosic fiber composite articles are provided. The cellulosic fiber composites comprise cellulosic material and a resin binder. The resin binder comprises vegetable protein hydrolysates and a synthetic resin. The synthetic resin can be phenolic resin, isocyanate resin, or combinations thereof. The composite contains an effective amount of resin binder so as to bind together the cellulosic material. The amount of resin binder is less than 40% of the dry weight of the cellulosic material. The protein hydrolysates provide a composite with a reduced amount of petrochemicals. The composite can also contain a silicone, silane, or combination thereof.

Abstract: Cellulosic fiber composites and finished cellulosic fiber composite articles are provided. The cellulosic fiber composites comprise cellulosic material and a resin binder. The resin binder comprises vegetable protein hydrolysates and a synthetic resin. The synthetic resin can be phenolic resin, isocyanate resin, or combinations thereof. The composite contains an effective amount of resin binder so as to bind together the cellulosic material. The amount of resin binder is less than 40% of the dry weight of the cellulosic material. The protein hydrolysates provide a composite with a reduced amount of petrochemicals. The composite can also contain a silicone, silane, or combination thereof.

Abstract: Cellulosic fiber composites and methods for preparing cellulosic fiber composites are provided. The cellulosic fiber composites comprise cellulosic material and a resin binder. The resin binder comprises protein hydrolysates and a synthetic resin. The synthetic resin can be phenolic resin, isocyanate resin, or combinations thereof. The protein hydrolysates provide a composite with a reduced amount of petrochemicals. The composite contains an amount of resin binder sufficient to bind the cellulosic material. The composite can also contain a silicone, silane, or combination thereof. The method employs a low moisture-content mat that does not require drying prior to pressing. Additional methods can be employed to produce finished cellulosic fiber composite articles.

Abstract: A method of preparing a cellulosic fiber composite is provided comprising mixing protein hydrolysates and a synthetic resin to produce a resin binder. The synthetic resin can be phenolic resin, isocyanate resin, or combinations thereof. The method further comprises mixing the resin binder with a cellulosic material to form a cellulosic material/resin binder blend, felting the blend to form a low-moisture content mat, and pressing the mat at an elevated temperature and pressure, producing the cellulosic fiber composite. The amount of the resin binder can be between about 2% and about 15% of the dry weight of the cellulosic material. The protein hydrolysates provide a composite with a reduced amount of petrochemicals. The composite can also contain a silicone, silane, or combination thereof. The low moisture-content mat does not require drying prior to pressing. Additional methods can be employed to produce finished cellulosic fiber composite articles.

Abstract: Cellulosic fiber composites and methods for preparing cellulosic fiber composites are provided. The cellulosic fiber composites comprise cellulosic material and a resin binder. The resin binder comprises protein hydrolysates and a synthetic resin. The synthetic resin can be phenolic resin, isocyanate resin, or combinations thereof. The protein hydrolysates provide a composite with a reduced amount of petrochemicals. The composite contains an amount of resin binder sufficient to bind the cellulosic material. The composite can also contain a silicone, silane, or combination thereof. The method employs a low moisture-content mat that does not require drying prior to pressing. Additional methods can be employed to produce finished cellulosic fiber composite articles.