Abstract: New composite members, for example, useful in decks or decking systems, rail or railing systems and window-coverings or blinds and the like, as well as methods for producing the same or like items have been discovered. The composites or composite members are easy to manufacture in a variety of configurations using relatively inexpensive materials. In addition, the composites are sturdy, lightweight and have excellent weatherability properties. In addition, the composites or composite members have many of the desirable properties of natural wood products such as fences and decks and railings. For example, the composites of the invention can be made to have a wood-like look and texture, for example, without having any wood content. Moreover, unlike solid wood fences and decks, the composites of the present invention preferably are highly resistant to effects of weathering.

Abstract: New composite members, for example, useful in decks or decking systems, rail or railing systems and window-coverings or blinds and the like, as well as methods for producing the same or like items have been discovered. The composites or composite members are easy to manufacture in a variety of configurations using relatively inexpensive materials. In addition, the composites are sturdy, lightweight and have excellent weatherability properties. In addition, the composites or composite members have many of the desirable properties of natural wood products such as fences and decks and railings. For example, the composites of the invention can be made to have a wood-like look and texture, for example, without having any wood content. Moreover, unlike solid wood fences and decks, the composites of the present invention preferably are highly resistant to effects of weathering.

Abstract: Useful composites and methods of using such composites are provided. The composites include an outer layer containing a first polymeric material, an intermediate layer circumscribed by the outer layer and containing a second polymeric material, and an inner layer circumscribed by the intermediate layer and containing a third polymeric material. The inner layer, in combination with the intermediate layer, is structured and effective to reinforce the composite relative to a substantially identical composite without the inner layer. The present composites can be produced using co-extrusion processing.

Abstract: Useful composites and methods of using such composites are provided. The composites include an outer layer containing a first polymeric material, an intermediate layer circumscribed by the outer layer and containing a second polymeric material, and an inner layer circumscribed by the intermediate layer and containing a third polymeric material. The inner layer, in combination with the intermediate layer, is structured and effective to reinforce the composite relative to a substantially identical composite without the inner layer. The present composites can be produced using co-extrusion processing.

Abstract: Materials which have substantial weatherability and impact resistance include a substantially uniform blend of an acrylonitrile/styrene/acrylic (ASA) polymeric material, a wood component in an amount effective as a filler, and a vinyl chloride polymeric material. Methods for making such compositions include combining a first population of pellets comprising an ASA polymeric material and a wood component, and a second population of different pellets comprising a vinyl chloride polymeric material.

Abstract: Polymer processing systems are provided including an extrusion assembly, a specially configured decompression chamber assembly, and a die assembly. Such systems are effective to provide shaped polymer products having reduced extrusion markings.

Abstract: Foamable compositions are provided including a polymeric component, an encapsulated foaming component in an amount effective in foaming the foamable composition and a wood component in an amount effective as a filler in a foamed composition obtained from the foamable composition. Foamed compositions and methods of producing foamed positions are also provided.

Abstract: Composite fence and decking components, for example, rails, posts and planks, are provided which generally include a weatherable outer layer, a core layer made of a thermoplastic polymeric composition and a wood component in an amount effective as a filler, and an inner layer made of a thermoplastic material. The layers are configured so as to form a generally central hollow space. The components are light weight and inexpensive to manufacture. The components can be manufactured by using a single coextrusion process to produce a cylindrical form. The cylindrical form is passed through a reshaping die to form a composite having a desired cross sectional form, for example, a composite with a substantially square or rectangular cross section.

Abstract: Compositions which have substantial weatherability and impact resistance include a substantially uniform blend of an acrylonitrile/styrene/acrylic polymeric material and a wood component in an amount effective as a filler in the composition. Methods for making such compositions include forming a substantially uniform physical mixture of such polymeric material and wood component.

Abstract: Compositions which have substantial weatherability and impact resistance include a substantially uniform blend of an acrylonitrile/styrene/acrylic polymeric material and a component selected from (A) polymeric materials including units derived from ethylene, carbon monoxide and copolymerizable ethylenically unsaturated organic compounds, (B) graft polymer components including ethylene-propylene-non-conjugated diene terpolymers grafted with styrene and acrylonitrile monomers, and mixtures thereof. Methods for making such compositions include forming a substantially uniform physical mixture of such polymeric material and component.

Abstract: Compositions which have substantial weatherability and impact resistance include a substantially uniform blend of an acrylonitrile/styrene/acrylic polymeric material and a wood component in an amount effective as a filler in the composition. Methods for making such compositions include forming a substantially uniform physical mixture of such polymeric material and wood component.

Abstract: Compositions which have substantial weatherability and impact resistance include a substantially uniform blend of (1) a physical mixture of an uncross-linked acrylonitrile/styrene copolymer and a cross-linked alkyl acrylate/graft (meth)acrylate copolymer; and (2) a filler component, preferably wood, in an amount effective as a filler in the composition. Methods for making such compositions include forming a substantially uniform physical blend of such copolymers and filler component. The compositions preferably are substantially free of cross-linked acrylonitrile/styrene copolymer.

Abstract: Compositions which have substantial weatherability and impact resistance comprise a substantially uniform physical blend of an uncross-linked acrylonitrile/styrene copolymer and a cross-linked alkyl acrylate/graft (meth)acrylate copolymer. Methods for making such compositions include forming a substantially uniform physical blend of such copolymers. The compositions preferably are substantially free of cross-linked acrylonitrile/styrene copolymer.