Abstract: A method to produce thin-layer lignocellulosic composites, such as wood-based doorskins, that exhibit substantial resistance to moisture is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes the steps of forming a mixture including a refined lignocellulosic fiber, wax, and an organic isocyanate resin. The mixture is initially pressed to form a loose mat. Subsequently, the mat is pressed between two dies at an elevated temperature and pressure to further reduce the thickness of the mat and to promote the interaction of the resin with the lignocellulosic fibers. In an embodiment, a release agent is included as part of the fiber mixture, or sprayed onto the surface of the mat. The thin-layer lignocellulosic composites of the present invention exhibit strong surface strength, high adhesiveness, and a 50% reduction in linear expansion and thickness swelling upon exposure to a high moisture environment as compared to thin-layer composites that do not include the isocyanate resin.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a thin-layer lignocellulose composite having increased resistance to moisture. The thin-layer lignocellulosic composite includes a mixture of no more than about 95% by weight of a lignocellulosic fiber and at least about 5% by weight of an organic isocyanate resin. The mixture further includes short fibers and a release agent that does not interfere with subsequent processing of the thin-layer lignocellulosic composite. The mixture is pressed between two dies at an elevated temperature and pressure and for a sufficient time to form a thin-layer composite of predetermined thickness, and to allow the isocyanate resin to interact with the lignocellulosic fiber and short fibers such that the resultant thin-layer composite has a predetermined resistance to moisture.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a thin-layer lignocellulose composite having increased resistance to moisture. The thin-layer lignocellulosic composite includes a mixture of no more than about 95% by weight of a lignocellulosic fiber and at least about 5% by weight of an organic isocyanate resin. The mixture further includes short fibers and a release agent that does not interfere with subsequent processing of the thin-layer lignocellulosic composite. The mixture is pressed between two dies at an elevated temperature and pressure and for a sufficient time to form a thin-layer composite of predetermined thickness, and to allow the isocyanate resin to interact with the lignocellulosic fiber and short fibers such that the resultant thin-layer composite has a predetermined resistance to moisture.

Abstract: A method to produce thin-layer lignocellulosic composites, such as wood-based doorskins, that exhibit substantial resistance to moisture is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes the steps of forming a mixture including a refined lignocellulosic fiber, wax, and an organic isocyanate resin. The mixture is initially pressed to form a loose mat. Subsequently, the mat is pressed between two dies at an elevated temperature and pressure to further reduce the thickness of the mat and to promote the interaction of the resin with the lignocellulosic fibers. In an embodiment, a release agent is included as part of the fiber mixture, or sprayed onto the surface of the mat. The thin-layer lignocellulosic composites of the present invention exhibit strong surface strength, high adhesiveness, and a 50% reduction in linear expansion and thickness swelling upon exposure to a high moisture environment as compared to thin-layer composites that do not include the isocyanate resin.

Abstract: Thin-layer lignocellulose composites having reduced thickness and methods for the manufacture of such thin-layer composites are disclosed. Also described is a process for making wood-based composite door skins of reduced thickness. The door skins may be less than 0.115 inches (2.92 mm) thick.

Abstract: A method to produce thin-layer lignocellulosic composites, such as wood-based doorskins, that exhibit substantial resistance to moisture is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes the steps of forming a mixture including a refined lignocellulosic fiber, wax, and an organic isocyanate resin. The mixture is initially pressed to form a loose mat. Subsequently, the mat is pressed between two dies at an elevated temperature and pressure to further reduce the thickness of the mat and to promote the interaction of the resin with the lignocellulosic fibers. In an embodiment, a release agent is included as part of the fiber mixture, or sprayed onto the surface of the mat. The thin-layer lignocellulosic composites of the present invention exhibit strong surface strength, high adhesiveness, and a 50% reduction in linear expansion and thickness swelling upon exposure to a high moisture environment as compared to thin-layer composites that do not include the isocyanate resin.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a thin-layer lignocellulose composite having increased resistance to moisture. The thin-layer lignocellulosic composite includes a mixture of no more than about 95% by weight of a lignocellulosic fiber and at least about 5% by weight of an organic isocyanate resin. The mixture further includes short fibers and a release agent that does not interfere with subsequent processing of the thin-layer lignocellulosic composite. The mixture is pressed between two dies at an elevated temperature and pressure and for a sufficient time to form a thin-layer composite of predetermined thickness, and to allow the isocyanate resin to interact with the lignocellulosic fiber and short fibers such that the resultant thin-layer composite has a predetermined resistance to moisture.

Abstract: A door has a core that includes a porous layer having a thickness and two opposing major surfaces. In one construction, the core also includes three fire-retardant layers, and two of the fire-retardant layers are separated by the porous layer. The porous layer and the fire-retardant layers are coupled together. Other constructions include one or more fire-retardant layers in balanced or unbalanced placement around the porous layer.

Abstract: Thin-layer lignocellulosic composites made using hybrid poplar and methods for the manufacture of such thin-layer composites are disclosed. Also described is a process for making thin-layer lignocellulosic composite door skins using hybrid poplar wood fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed are automated processes and systems for the assembly of composite doors, and doors made using such processes and systems. The automated process may comprise a continuous series of steps allowing individual doors to be made in tandem, rather than in batch. The process may allow for the automation of individual steps such that the need for coordinating separate assembly steps may be substantially reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed are automated processes and systems for the assembly of composite doors, and doors made using such processes and systems. The automated process may comprise a continuous series of steps allowing individual doors to be made in tandem, rather than in batch. The process may allow for the automation of individual steps such that the need for coordinating separate assembly steps may be substantially reduced.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making a material composition are disclosed. The method includes mixing a thermoset polymer, a petroleum distillate, a release agent, and a catalyst to form an admixture. A cellulosic material is mixed with the admixture to form a generally homogenous furnish. The system includes a mixing chamber, a feeding chamber, and a die. The die includes a pressing chamber, which has a volume formed by first and second platens. The platens are in facing opposition to one another and have a length extending continuously from an entrance to an exit of the die. The platens have a plurality of orifices and heating elements disposed along the length. The platens are disposed in first and second positions. The first position forms a first volume and the second position forms a second volume.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making a material composition are disclosed. The method includes mixing a thermoset polymer, a petroleum distillate, a release agent, and a catalyst to form an admixture. A cellulosic material is mixed with the admixture to form a generally homogenous furnish. The system includes a mixing chamber, a feeding chamber, and a die. The die includes a pressing chamber, which has a volume formed by first and second platens. The platens are in facing opposition to one another and have a length extending continuously from an entrance to an exit of the die. The platens have a plurality of orifices and heating elements disposed along the length. The platens are disposed in first and second positions. The first position forms a first volume and the second position forms a second volume.

Abstract: A method to produce thin-layer lignocellulosic composites, such as wood-based doorskins, that exhibit substantial resistance to moisture is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes the steps of forming a mixture including a refined lignocellulosic fiber, wax, and an organic isocyanate resin. The mixture is initially pressed to form a loose mat. Subsequently, the mat is pressed between two dies at an elevated temperature and pressure to further reduce the thickness of the mat and to promote the interaction of the resin with the lignocellulosic fibers. In an embodiment, a release agent is included as part of the fiber mixture, or sprayed onto the surface of the mat. The thin-layer lignocellulosic composites of the present invention exhibit strong surface strength, high adhesiveness, and a 50% reduction in linear expansion and thickness swelling upon exposure to a high moisture environment as compared to thin-layer composites that do not include the isocyanate resin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making a material composition are disclosed. The method includes mixing a thermoset polymer, a petroleum distillate, a release agent, and a catalyst to form an admixture. A cellulosic material is mixed with the admixture to form a generally homogenous furnish. The system includes a mixing chamber, a feeding chamber, and a die. The die includes a pressing chamber, which has a volume formed by first and second platens. The platens are in facing opposition to one another and have a length extending continuously from an entrance to an exit of the die. The platens have a plurality of orifices and heating elements disposed along the length. The platens are disposed in first and second positions. The first position forms a first volume and the second position forms a second volume.

Abstract: A method to produce thin-layer lignocellulosic composites, such as wood-based doorskins, that exhibit substantial resistance to moisture is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes the steps of forming a mixture including a refined lignocellulosic fiber, wax, and an organic isocyanate resin. The mixture is initially pressed to form a loose mat. Subsequently, the mat is pressed between two dies at an elevated temperature and pressure to further reduce the thickness of the mat and to promote the interaction of the resin with the lignocellulosic fibers. In an embodiment, a release agent is included as part of the fiber mixture, or sprayed onto the surface of the mat. The thin-layer lignocellulosic composites of the present invention exhibit strong surface strength, high adhesiveness, and a 50% reduction in linear expansion and thickness swelling upon exposure to a high moisture environment as compared to thin-layer composites that do not include the isocyanate resin.

Abstract: Thin-layer lignocellulosic composites made using hybrid poplar and methods for the manufacture of such thin-layer composites are disclosed. Also described is a process for making thin-layer lignocellulosic composite door skins using hybrid poplar wood fiber.

Abstract: A door has a core that includes a porous layer having a thickness and two opposing major surfaces. In one construction, the core also includes three fire-retardant layers, and two of the fire-retardant layers are separated by the porous layer. The porous layer and the fire-retardant layers are coupled together. Other constructions include one or more fire-retardant layers in balanced or unbalanced placement around the porous layer.

Abstract: A method to produce thin-layer lignocellulosic composites, such as wood-based doorskins, that exhibit substantial resistance to moisture is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes the steps of forming a mixture including a refined lignocellulosic fiber, wax, and an organic isocyanate resin. The mixture is initially pressed to form a loose mat. Subsequently, the mat is pressed between two dies at an elevated temperature and pressure to further reduce the thickness of the mat and to promote the interaction of the resin with the lignocellulosic fibers. In an embodiment, a release agent is included as part of the fiber mixture, or sprayed onto the surface of the mat. The thin-layer lignocellulosic composites of the present invention exhibit strong surface strength, high adhesiveness, and a 50% reduction in linear expansion and thickness swelling upon exposure to a high moisture environment as compared to thin-layer composites that do not include the isocyanate resin.

Abstract: A door has a core that includes a porous layer having a thickness and two opposing major surfaces. In one construction, the core also includes three fire-retardant layers, and two of the fire-retardant layers are separated by the porous layer. The porous layer and the fire-retardant layers are coupled together. Other constructions include one or more fire-retardant layers in balanced or unbalanced placement around the porous layer.