Patents by Inventor Laurent M. Matuana

Laurent M. Matuana has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Hybrid PVC/wood-reinforcement nanocomposites and method of manufacture
    Patent number: 7897681
    Abstract: Compositions including composites of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and nanoparticles are disclosed. A wood-polymer composite using the PVC-nanoparticle composite as a matrix also is disclosed. The nanoparticle filler is dispersed throughout the PVC matrix by blending the nanoparticles with a mixture of PVC particles that have been pre-heated to a temperature at or above a fusion point of the PVC, thereby fusing the PVC particles prior to the addition of the nanoparticles to the matrix. Also disclosed are methods of forming the composite compositions. The composite compositions can be used to replace wood boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventor: Laurent M. Matuana
  • Wood particle filled polyvinyl chloride composites and their foams
    Patent number: 7446138
    Abstract: Extruded composite compositions of PVC and wood particles containing chitosan or chitin as a coupling agent are described. The composite compositions have improved physical and mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignees: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University
    Inventors: Laurent M. Matuana, Patricia A. Heiden, Bhavesh L. Shah
  • Hybrid PVC/wood-reinforcement nanocomposites and method of manufacture
    Publication number: 20080269377
    Abstract: Compositions including composites of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and nanoparticles are disclosed. A wood-polymer composite using the PVC-nanoparticle composite as a matrix also is disclosed. The nanoparticle filler is dispersed throughout the PVC matrix by blending the nanoparticles with a mixture of PVC particles that have been pre-heated to a temperature at or above a fusion point of the PVC, thereby fusing the PVC particles prior to the addition of the nanoparticles to the matrix. Also disclosed are methods of forming the composite compositions. The composite compositions can be used to replace wood boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventor: Laurent M. Matuana