Abstract: The service life of wooden poles such as utility poles is increased by forming the butt end portion thereof with slots that penetrate deeply into the wood, these slots being formed prior to pressure treatment of the wood with preservatives and thus improving the penetration of the preservatives into the wood. After drying, the butt end of the pole is encased in a shell, suitably of polymers, that is bonded to the butt of the pole and presents a barrier to the penetration of fungus or insects, and likewise prevents the passage of liquids which might leach preservative from the pole into the surrounding ground.

Abstract: A novel method of producing a wood composite treated with a soluble boron compound is disclosed. Either a phenol-formaldehyde resole or novolac type resin can be used as the binder for a wood furnish. The wood furnish is surface treated with either the resole type resin or novolac resin together with a water soluble boron compound whereafter the surface treated wood furnish is formed into a mat and then consolidated in a press. When novolac is used as the resin, the consolidation takes place under sufficient pressure, heat and time in order to cure the novolac type resin and to form the wood composite. Optionally, the curing of the novolac resin can be promoted by injecting the compressed mat with steam, rather than by means of heated press platens. However, if a resole type resin is employed as the binder, while in its consolidated condition, pressurized steam is injected into the consolidated mat for a time sufficient to cure the binder and form the composite.

Abstract: A novel method of making a wood composite employing cellulosic material as the wood component and pulverized blast-furnace slag as the binder component and the product produced thereby is disclosed. A settable mixture of the wood component, binder component and water is prepared and thereafter subjected to a forming pressure within a confined space. While in its confined condition, the mixture is also subjected to heat and carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) for a time and at a temperature sufficient to cause accelerated and early setting of the mixture. Optionally, calcium-rich compounds can be added to the settable mixture as a slag cement binder enhancer and sodium silicate can also be used as a mineralizer. The cellulosic material can also be pre-treated with a fire retardant resulting in a cementatious wood composite exhibiting improved fire resistance and in situ fire load bearing strength.

Abstract: Used paper and paper products are recycled into fiberboard formed under conditions of pressure, heat and injection of steam under pressure for sufficient time to render the fiberboard dimensionally stable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making a dimensionally stable composite board product made from a mixture of particles of a cellulose material and binder and a composite board so produced by such method. Dimensional stability is in reference to the resistance to thickness swelling when the board is subjected to high humidity or moisture conditions. The method and composite board displaying the attribute of improved dimensional stability involves subjecting the particles of cellulosic material to a pressurized steam treatment and then making the composite board under heat and pressure. When compared to conventional composite board that has not been subjected to the pretreatment, the difference in thickness swelling is significant.

Abstract: A press apparatus and method for steam pressing a mat of compressible material and a binder into a formed product and has particular application to the steam pressing of lignocellulosic material and a binder to form composite board and includes a border projection means generally configured to the outline of the end product to be produced and which is carried by a press platen, preferably the upper press platen, and which is intended to impinge into the mat during its compression and to effect a steam pressure seal at the impingement area of the mat. As a pressure seal of the compressed mat is created about the mat edges, steam can then be passed through the mat in order to cure the binder. If desired, cool air can be passed through the mat afer steaming to condense residual steam in the mat. The compressed mat after steaming, can also be subject to vacuum prior to releasing it from the press. The edges of the cured mat which have been subject to impingement, can subsequently be trimmed off.