Abstract: A process is provided for making thermoplastic-composites from recycled thermoplastics (polyolefins) together with phosphogypsum waste by-product from the phosphate fertilizer wet process or, in an equally preferred embodiment with fluorogypsum waste by-product from fluorine production wet process to produce lumber profiles. The process involves (a) admixing phosphogypsum (calcium sulfate) and/or fluorogypsum (calcium fluoride) waste byproduct and/or Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) gypsum and/or crude gypsum and/or calcined gypsum with thermoplastics and a functionalized compound with or without coupling agents to produce a filled thermoplastic-composite composition, and (b) melt processing the composition to produce a filled thermoplastic-composite article.

Abstract: A process is provided for making thermoplastic-composites from recycled thermoplastics (polyolefins) together with phosphogypsum waste by-product from the phosphate fertilizer wet process or, in an equally preferred embodiment with fluorogypsum waste by-product from fluorine production wet process to produce lumber profiles. The process involves (a) admixing phosphogypsum (calcium sulfate) and/or fluorogypsum (calcium fluoride) waste byproduct and/or Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) gypsum and/or crude gypsum and/or calcined gypsum with thermoplastics and a functionalized compound with or without coupling agents to produce a filled thermoplastic-composite composition, and (b) melt processing the composition to produce a filled thermoplastic-composite article.

Abstract: A lifting body aircraft suitable for atmospheric flight and/or as a reentry vehicle. The craft has a substantially flat upper surface, a lower surface with a doubly convex first section and a flat sloping second section. The doubly convex first section allows the craft to have its center of gravity forward of its longitudinal center line. The flat sloping second half of the lower surface and the substantially flat upper surface form the aft end of an airfoil. A pair of vertical stabilizers enhance stability and include rudders which, along with a pair of elevons, provide steerage. The craft may glide or it may have an engine or rockets for thrust. The result is an extremely stable lifting body design that is well suited for launch or conventional take off, insertion, orbital operations, reentry, atmospheric flight, and conventional landings.

Abstract: A composite marine piling is provided comprising (a) a core element comprising filler and a thermoplastic resin and (b) a sheath comprising thermoplastic resin and a light absorbing/emitting material. The filled thermoplastic composition of the core element is melt processed (for example injection or compression molded) to produce the filled thermoplastic composite marine piling core element. The sheath covers top of the core element to provide the top portion of the piling with a light responsive sheath to enhance the visibility of the piling to ship operators. The piling is a useful replacement for wood pilings and has several physical property advantages and preferably being suitable made from recycled plastic and waste byproduct filler.

Abstract: A composite railroad tie is provided comprising a phosphogypsum filler and a thermoplastic resin. The composite exhibits desirable physical properties for railroad ties. Suitable sources for phospho-gypsum include fertilizer processes involving (a) providing phosphate rock, (b) contacting the phosphate rock with sulphuric acid in the presence of water to produce phosphoric acid and a calcium sulphate, (c) separating at least a portion of the phosphoric acid from the calcium sulphate to produce a phosphoric acid product and a calcium sulphate byproduct, (d) drying the calcium sulphate byproduct to remove water therefrom. The calcium sulphate byproduct (phospho-gypsum) is then admixed with a thermoplastic and a functionalized compound to produce a filled thermoplastic composition. The filled thermoplastic composition is then melt processed (for example injection or compression molded) to produce a filled thermoplastic composite railroad tie.