Abstract: Starch-based packaging material and methods for making the material are described. The starch-based packaging material can comprise layers of expanded starch with a cellulosic web disposed between the layers. The expanded starch can be formed by extruding starch with water which acts as an expanding agent and causes the starch to expand resulting in an extrudate having a density of no more than about 5 lbs/ft3. An apparatus and methods for post-processing the expanded starch are described wherein the expanded starch is extruded as a tube that enters a funnel and is advanced forward by forced air. The tube passes over a blade where the tube is slit and subsequently opened up into a sheet by a second supply of forced air. The sheet then exits the funnel and can be calendered as well as stacked with subsequent lamination.

Abstract: A nut plug assembly for use with structural poles includes a nut, bolt and washer attached to a nut secured to the pole. The plug assembly remains within the pole nut throughout the galvanizing process and would be readily removed by the user just prior to having a need to use the pole nut for attachment of an accessory structure. As the nut plug assembly would remain in the nut after the galvanizing process, rust appearance would be minimized as the threads of the nut would not be exposed. It is only upon the user needing access to that particular nut that the plug assembly would be removed and an accessory component would be immediately inserted into the desired nut.