Patents by Inventor Yousoo Han
Yousoo Han 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).
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Patent number: 11370894Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a foamed cellulosic fiber-thermoplastic composite article. The method includes the steps of providing a copolymer composition, combining the copolymer composition and cellulosic fibers, applying heat, mixing energy and pressure to form a foamable mixture, and forming the foamable article in a molding or extruding operation. The method is characterized in that at least 10% of the cellulosic fibers have been thermally modified prior to being combined with the copolymer composition.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2016Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignees: Stora Enso OYJ, University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Duncan Mayes, Janne Pynnonen, Christopher H West, Douglas J Gardner, Yousoo Han
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Patent number: 11034838Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composite material comprising a cellulosic material, high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and styrene maleic anhydride (SMA). The cellulosic material may be thermally modified prior to being incorporated into the composite material. The present invention is also directed to a composite product that comprises the composite material according to the invention.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignees: Stora Enso OYJ, University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Duncan Mayes, Janne Pynnonen, Christopher H. West, Douglas J. Gardner, Yousoo Han
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Publication number: 20200239690Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composite material comprising a cellulosic material, high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and styrene maleic anhydride (SMA). The cellulosic material may be thermally modified prior to being incorporated into the composite material. The present invention is also directed to a composite product that comprises the composite material according to the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2018Publication date: July 30, 2020Applicants: Stora Enso OYJ, University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Duncan Mayes, Janne Pynnonen, Christopher H. West, Douglas J. Gardner, Yousoo Han
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Patent number: 10280294Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, compositions comprising nanofibrils, at least one maleic-anhydride (MA) copolymer and at least one matrix polymer, and methods of making such compositions. The provided methods and compositions allow for the production of composites with unexpectedly superior properties including improved impact resistance, tensile modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and flexural modulus of elasticity as compared to previously known composites. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods including the steps of providing cellulose nanofibrils, associating the cellulose nanofibrils with a maleic-anhydride (MA) copolymer to form a nanofibril-MA copolymer blend, preparing the nanofibril-MA copolymer blend for addition to a matrix polymer, and forming a composite by associating the nanofibril-MA copolymer blend with the matrix polymer, wherein the amount of cellulose nanofibrils in the composite is between 3% and 50% by weight of the composite.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2014Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Douglas J. Gardner, Yousoo Han, Yucheng Peng
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Publication number: 20180265665Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a foamed cellulosic fiber-thermoplastic composite article. The method includes the steps of providing a copolymer composition, combining the copolymer composition and cellulosic fibers, applying heat, mixing energy and pressure to form a foamable mixture, and forming the foamable article in a molding or extruding operation. The method is characterized in that at least 10% of the cellulosic fibers have been thermally modified prior to being combined with the copolymer composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2016Publication date: September 20, 2018Applicants: Stora Enso OYJ, University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Duncan Mayes, Janne Pynnonen, Christopher H West, Douglas J Gardner, Yousoo Han
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Publication number: 20160152811Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, compositions comprising nanofibrils, at least one maleic-anhydride (MA) copolymer and at least one matrix polymer, and methods of making such compositions. The provided methods and compositions allow for the production of composites with unexpectedly superior properties including improved impact resistance, tensile modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and flexural modulus of elasticity as compared to previously known composites. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods including the steps of providing cellulose nanofibrils, associating the cellulose nanofibrils with a maleic-anhydride (MA) copolymer to form a nanofibril-MA copolymer blend, preparing the nanofibril-MA copolymer blend for addition to a matrix polymer, and forming a composite by associating the nanofibril-MA copolymer blend with the matrix polymer, wherein the amount of cellulose nanofibrils in the composite is between 3% and 50% by weight of the composite.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2014Publication date: June 2, 2016Inventors: Douglas J. Gardner, Yousoo Han, Yucheng Peng
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Patent number: 8697221Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wood plastic composite panel made of a resin composite in which wood fiber having a size of 80 to 300 meshes is included in a synthetic resin matrix, the wood plastic composite panel being provided at the entire surface thereof with an embossed structure of a lumber cut-open pattern having an average depth of 200 to 900 ?m and a linear micro concavo-convex structure having an average depth of 10 to 500 ?m, the panel having a reflection rate of 10 to 50% when light is incident on the surface of the panel at an incidence angle of 60 degrees. The wood plastic composite panel according to the present invention has excellent strength and durability. Furthermore, the wood plastic composite panel according to the present invention exhibits excellent appearance and texture comparable with cut-open surfaces of natural lumbers although the panel has a surface structure different from the cut-open surfaces of the natural lumbers.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Yousoo Han, Seongchan Park, Jungil Son, Dongjin Kim, Sangho Han, Yunhwan Hwang
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Patent number: 8372320Abstract: A method of producing dried cellulose nanofibrils includes atomizing an aqueous suspension of cellulose nanofibrils and introducing the atomized aqueous suspension into a drying chamber of a drying apparatus. The aqueous suspension is then dried, thereby forming substantially non-agglomerated dried cellulose nanofibrils.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Douglas J. Gardner, Yousoo Han, Yucheng Peng
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Patent number: 8221663Abstract: A method of making foamed articles that includes providing a copolymer composition, combining the copolymer composition and cellulosic fibers, applying heat, mixing energy and pressure to the copolymer composition and cellulosic fibers mixture to form a foamable mixture, and forming the foamed article by placing the foamable mixture in a molding or extruding operation. The copolymer composition includes a copolymer of 51% to 99.9% of primary monomers, 0.1% to 49% of anhydride containing monomers, and 0% to 25% of other monomers and 0% to 30% of elastomeric polymers. This is combined at 30% to 99.99% copolymer composition with 0.01% to 70% by cellulosic fibers such that the copolymer anhydride groups react with the cellulosic fiber hydroxyl groups to produce a blowing agent byproduct to form a foamable mixture. The foamed article has a density of not more than 1.3 g/cm3.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignees: NOVA Chemicals Inc., University of MaineInventors: Stephen Michalik, Douglas J. Gardner, Christopher H. West, Yousoo Han
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Patent number: 8168104Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method of manufacturing a wood plastic composite panel, including a panel manufacturing process of extruding and cooling a resin complex, such that wood fiber is uniformly dispersed into a synthetic resin matrix, to manufacture the resin complex into the form of a panel, an embossing process of forming a wood pattern corresponding to the cut-open surface of a natural lumber on the surface of the panel to a predetermined depth, and a brushing process of removing some of a synthetic resin layer from the surface of the panel to form linear micro concavo-convex parts to a predetermined depth, and an apparatus for manufacturing a wood plastic composite panel that is capable of efficiently performing the same.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Yousoo Han, Seongchan Park, Jungil Son, Dongjin Kim, Sangho Han, Yunhwan Hwang
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Publication number: 20110260348Abstract: A method of producing dried cellulose nanofibrils includes atomizing an aqueous suspension of cellulose nanofibrils and introducing the atomized aqueous suspension into a drying chamber of a drying apparatus. The aqueous suspension is then dried, thereby forming substantially non-agglomerated dried cellulose nanofibrils.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEESInventors: Douglas J. Gardner, Yousoo Han, Yucheng Peng
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Publication number: 20100137513Abstract: Provided is a process for preparing a wood fiber-polymer composite containing a wood fiber component and a polymer resin, comprising inducing chemical bonding reaction between the wood fiber and polymer by application of an ultrasonic wave upon contact of the wood fiber component with the molten polymer resin. The process of the present invention enables production of a composite having superior mechanical, thermal and Theological processing properties, by induction of chemical bonding between the wood fiber and polymer resin even without use of additional additives. Consequently, the present invention provides advantages such as reduction of composite production costs, no need to select and change kinds of additives corresponding to components of the composite and thereby high flexibility of manufacturing process.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2006Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventors: Yousoo Han, Seongchan Park, Jungil Son, Dongjin Kim, Sangho Han, Yunhwan Hwang, Jaewook Lee
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Patent number: 7659330Abstract: A composite includes raw lignocellulosic materials dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix which includes a blend of different polymers. A composite includes raw lignocellulosic materials and a thermal stabilization agent dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix. A composite includes lignocellulosic nanoparticles dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Douglas J. Gardner, Christopher H. West, Yousoo Han
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Publication number: 20090206503Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method of manufacturing a wood plastic composite panel, including a panel manufacturing process of extruding and cooling a resin complex, such that wood fiber is uniformly dispersed into a synthetic resin matrix, to manufacture the resin complex into the form of a panel, an embossing process of forming a wood pattern corresponding to the cut-open surface of a natural lumber on the surface of the panel to a predetermined depth, and a brushing process of removing some of a synthetic resin layer from the surface of the panel to form linear micro concavo-convex parts to a predetermined depth, and an apparatus for manufacturing a wood plastic composite panel that is capable of efficiently performing the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2006Publication date: August 20, 2009Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.Inventors: Yousoo Han, Seongchan Park, Jungil Son, Dongjin Kim, Sangho Han, Yunhwan Hwang
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Publication number: 20090181207Abstract: A method of making foamed articles that includes providing a copolymer composition, combining the copolymer composition and cellulosic fibers, applying heat, mixing energy and pressure to the copolymer composition and cellulosic fibers mixture to form a foamable mixture, and forming the foamed article by placing the foamable mixture in a molding or extruding operation. The copolymer composition includes a copolymer of 51% to 99.9% of primary monomers, 0.1% to 49% of anhydride containing monomers, and 0% to 25% of other monomers and 0% to 30% of elastomeric polymers. This is combined at 30% to 99.99% copolymer composition with 0.01% to 70% by cellulosic fibers such that the copolymer anhydride groups react with the cellulosic fiber hydroxyl groups to produce a blowing agent byproduct to form a foamable mixture. The foamed article has a density of not more than 1.3 g/cm3.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2008Publication date: July 16, 2009Applicants: NOVA CHEMICALS INC., THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINEInventors: Stephen Michalik, Douglas J. Gardner, Christopher H. West, Yousoo Han
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Publication number: 20090098332Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wood plastic composite panel made of a resin composite in which wood fiber having a size of 80 to 300 meshes is included in a synthetic resin matrix, the wood plastic composite panel being provided at the entire surface thereof with an embossed structure of a lumber cut-open pattern having an average depth of 200 to 900 ?m and a linear micro concavo-convex structure having an average depth of 10 to 500 ?m, the panel having a reflection rate of 10 to 50% when light is incident on the surface of the panel at an incidence angle of 60 degrees. The wood plastic composite panel according to the present invention has excellent strength and durability. Furthermore, the wood plastic composite panel according to the present invention exhibits excellent appearance and texture comparable with cut-open surfaces of natural lumbers although the panel has a surface structure different from the cut-open surfaces of the natural lumbers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2006Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: LG CHEM. LTD.Inventors: Yousoo Han, Seongchan Park, Jungil Son, Dongjin Kim, Sangho Han, Yunhwan Hwang
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Publication number: 20090036575Abstract: A composite includes raw lignocellulosic materials dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix which includes a blend of different polymers. A composite includes raw lignocellulosic materials and a thermal stabilization agent dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix. A composite includes lignocellulosic nanoparticles dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEESInventors: Douglas J. Gardner, Christopher H. West, Yousoo Han
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Publication number: 20070023973Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid-state extrusion-orientation process. The process produces a polymer-oriented profile by compressing a billet through an extrusion die, in which the billet comprises crystalline or semi-crystalline polymers or a composite containing the polymers and an organic or inorganic filler. The process comprises the steps of preheating a pressure chamber to a temperature of a polymer's melting point or less, applying ultrasound to the extrusion die positioned next to the pressure chamber and having a smaller cross-sectional area that the pressure chamber, and extruding the billet through the pressure chamber and the extrusion die to produce the polymer-oriented profile. This process eliminates the step of heating the extrusion die, thereby ensuring convenient and rapid operation while providing a polymer profile having a smooth surface without any defects.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2006Publication date: February 1, 2007Inventors: Yousoo Han, Seongchan Park, Dongjin Kim, Sangho Han, Jungil Son, Yunhwan Hwang