Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing composite material including natural fiber substance, plastic based substance, and agent improving compatibility between the natural fiber substance and the plastic based substance. The substances are mixed together and mechanically pressing and/or dried with heat to remove liquid. A wet mixture with 41-99.8% water is formed at least from the natural fiber substance, the plastic based substance and the compatibility improving agent, whereby to manufacture the composite material having an internal network structure that keeps material together by chemical bonds between the plastic based substance and the natural fiber substance, the wet mixture is fed to a devolatilization process in which substance in liquid form and other gasifying volatile substances or at least a main part thereof are removed by changes in pressure, heat and mechanical mixing, and the structure of the natural fiber substance is modified if needed.

Abstract: A web-type composite intermediate is formed from fibers and plastic. The composite intermediate is formed by wet web formation from a substantially homogeneous liquid mixture which contains natural fibers, plastic particles having a diameter of less than approximately 1000 ?m, and an agent that improves compatibility between natural fibers and plastic particles. In addition, a method for forming a composite intermediate and the use of the composite intermediate are also described.

Abstract: A web-type composite intermediate is formed from fibers and plastic. The composite intermediate is formed by wet web formation from a substantially homogeneous liquid mixture which contains natural fibers, plastic particles having a diameter of less than approximately 1000 ?m, and an agent that improves compatibility between natural fibers and plastic particles. In addition, a method for forming a composite intermediate and the use of the composite intermediate are also described.