Abstract: The present invention is to provide a base material for a laminate having a high strength, reduced thickness, and light weight. In the present invention, a base material is prepared by incorporating a thermosetting resin binder into a non-woven fabric of para-aramid fibers prepared by a wet type paper making, and then heating a plurality of the resultant non-woven fabric sheets under pressure. The non-woven fabric sheet comprises 95 to 70 mass % of the para-aramid fibers and 5 to 30 mass % of the thermosetting resin binder.

Abstract: Methods and systems for making a fiberboard product having a desired final thickness dimension by subjecting a fibrous board preform to a successive series of compressive pressures. Preferably, an upstream one of the compressive pressures causes the board preform to exhibit a compressed thickness dimension which is less than the final thickness dimension of the fiberboard product, while a downstream one of the compressive pressures causes the board preform to exhibit a thickness dimension which is substantially the same as the final thickness dimension of the fiberboard product. Between subjecting the board preform to these upstream and downstream compressive pressures, the upstream one of the compressive pressures may be removed sufficiently to cause the compressed thickness dimension to increase to an intermediate thickness dimension which is less than the initial thickness dimension of the board preform, but is greater than the final thickness dimension of the fiberboard product.

Abstract: A method of making a non-woven fibrous media, combining high vapor permeability and low liquid permeability, includes the steps of providing a non-woven fabric formed from fibers that are prematurely crystallized during fabric formation and have a wide heat of fusion range distribution, and calendering the fabric to soften the small polymer crystals therein of low heats of fusion, but not the relatively larger polymer crystals therein of relatively higher heats of fusion, thereby to retain high vapor permeability while providing low liquid permeability. The polymer is preferably isotactic polypropylene.

Abstract: Core-type structures are formed by extruding elongated tubular members or sheets of a thermoplastic material that are subsequently cut into segments or plates having a defined length and then assembled into a bundle. The bundle is then simultaneously cut at a number of spaced-apart locations along the length of the bundled segments, or plates, whereby a plurality of separate core structures are simultaneously formed.

Abstract: Process for making nonwoven fibrous webs having substantial strength in the direction normal to their planes. The webs exhibit good acoustical insulation properties.

Abstract: A ferrule manufacture method for molding, with a die, a ferrule having pin holes each for inserting a guide pin therethrough; a plurality of fiber holes provided between the pin holes each for inserting an optical fiber therethrough, and an inlet port for introducing optical fibers therein, in which the optical fibers are adhered and fixed to the fiber holes with adhesive injected from the inlet port, and the ferrule. A plurality of pins for forming a plurality of fiber holes are held by a holding member, and a support member for supporting the guide pins or the holding member is located in the molding process within the die between positions corresponding to a front end face and a rear end face of the ferrule to be molded.

Abstract: A method for preparing compression molded or pressed lignocellulosic articles is disclosed. The method involves forming a binder resin by combining a polyisocyanate component with a parting agent and preferably a synergist. The parting agent is the reaction product of an isocyanate compound and an isocyanate-reactive compound of the general structure R—(ao)n—Y where: R is a hydrophobic group containing alkyl, alkaryl, polyaryl, or siloxane moieties; (ao) is an alkylene oxide or mixture of alkylene oxides; n is from 1 to 25; and Y represents a monofunctional isocyanate-reactive group. A resinated lignocellulosic mixture is formed by combining the binder resin with lignocellulosic particles. Then a compression molded or pressed lignocellulosic article is formed by compressing the resinated lignocellulosic mixture at an elevated temperature and under pressure.

Abstract: A finished product from lignocellulose, such as a length of wood or chipboard, is impregnated with a composition containing a thermosetting resin in a nonaqueous solvent, and a styrene polymer in a nonaqueous solvent. Excess impregnating composition is removed from the impregrnated material. The solvent or solvents are also removed. The thermosetting resin may thereafter be subjected to temperature conditions for polymerization to form a finished product.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing compression molded or pressed lignocellulosic articles. The method involves forming a binder resin by combining a polyisocyanate component with a synergist component of a C1 to C4 N-alkyl pyrrolidone, gamma-butyrolactone, or mixtures thereof. A resinated lignocellulosic mixture is formed by combining the binder resin with lignocellulosic particles having a moisture content of from 2 to 15 weight percent. The compression molded or pressed lignocellulosic article is formed by compressing the resinated lignocellulosic mixture.

Abstract: A wall panel structure for controlling humidity within a building having a panel assembly attachable to an inner wall surface of the building including: a first panel having a surface with a first predetermined porosity to moisture; and a second panel secured to said first panel with a space for accomodating airflow between the first and second panels, the second panel having a surface with a second predetermined porosity to moisture, the first perdetermined panel porosity being greater than the second predetermined porosity to thereby absorb moisture from air being circulated between the first and second panels; whereby humidity of an environment within the building is controllable.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing fast curing bonded with phenolic resin, which comprises pulverulent phenolic resins mixed with or applied to the substrate to be adhered together with pulverulent addition polymers selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols and addition polymers, stabilized by hydroxyl-containing protective colloids of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of the vinyl esters of branched or unbranched carboxylic acids of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, the esters of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid with branched or unbranched alcohols of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, vinylaromatics, vinyl halides, olefins and dienes, and subsequently, by the employment of elevated temperature and optionally elevated pressure, cured and processed into a shaped article.

Abstract: A method for fabricating of macroscopic two or three dimensionally ordered arrays of single wall nanotubes (SWNTs) comprising the following steps: chemically treating purified SWNTs using the sol gel process to add chemically reactive groups to either the tube ends or tube bodies in order to functionalize the SWNTs; suspending the functionalized SWNTs in an appropriate liquid medium such that a colloid is produced; treating the colloid with a chemical or heat to promote coupling of the individual functionalized SWNTs to each other; and heating the coupled SWNTs to evaporate any excess liquid so as to provide a final product comprising an array of covalently bound functionalized SWNTs.

Abstract: A method of making a non-woven fibrous media, combining high vapor permeability and low liquid permeability, includes the steps of providing a non-woven fabric formed from fibers that are prematurely crystallized during fabric formation and have a wide heat of fusion range distribution, and calendering the fabric to soften the small polymer crystals therein of low heats of fusion, but not the relatively larger polymer crystals therein of relatively higher heats of fusion, thereby to retain high vapor permeability while providing low liquid permeability. The polymer is preferably isotactic polypropylene.

Abstract: An apparatus for fusing a plastic fitting on to a plastic pipe has first and second spaced parallel vertical support shafts each having a lower end removably attachable to the plastic pipe. A horizontal transverse housing is secured to an upper end of the support shafts and has a central opening therethrough that slidably receives a vertical main shaft. A brake supported by the transverse housing controls the vertical position of the main shaft. A transverse load cell has spaced apart openings slidably receiving the support shafts is affixed to a lower end of the main shaft. A hydraulically displaceable force shaft is telescopically received in an opening in the load cell and has a fitting holder at a lower end thereof. A hydraulic force generator in the load cell operated by a hand wheel displaces the force shaft to force a fitting held by the fitting holder against the plastic pipe.

Abstract: A thermal insulating and sound absorbing mat a mat cut to a predetermined length, upper and lower films covering lateral surfaces and front and rear end surfaces of the mat with respective minimal required lengths. The films are not damaged during the compression and packaging process nor torn by the internal pressure of the mat during the unpacking operation. The produced thermal insulating article has a structure that meets the requirements of JIS. Such thermal insulating articles can be manufactured by a highly productive method. Mats cut to a predetermined length are transferred sequentially side by side with an interval between adjacent mats such that the films have respective minimal required lengths. Each mat is covered by the films at the upper and lower surfaces and the lateral surfaces. Then, adjacent mats are stopped at a predetermined position with the interval, and are pushed downwardly at the oppositely disposed end surfaces to a predetermined height.

Abstract: A fiber collimator is provided, comprising at least two optical components, one of the optical components (e.g., an optical element such as a collimating lens or a plano-plano pellet) having a surface that has a comparatively larger cross-sectional area than the surface of the other optical component(s) (e.g., at least one optical fiber). The optical components are joined together by fusion-splicing, using a laser. A gradient in the index of refraction is provided in at least that portion of the surface of the optical element to which the optical fiber(s) is fusion-spliced or at the tip of the optical fiber. The gradient is either formed prior to or during the fusion-splicing. Back-reflection is minimized, pointing accuracy is improved, and power handling ability is increased.

Abstract: A method and resultant product for bonding a polyester resin to plastic. Preparation of a polyester resin bonded to plastic includes the steps of: (1) grinding the surface of a plastic body to create a plurality of fine plastic hairs protruding from the surface; (2) depositing liquid polyester reinforced with glass over the protruding plastic hairs, whereby the plastic hairs are substantially encapsulated and surrounded by the liquid polyester; and, (3) allowing the polyester resin to cure. Consequently, at the interface of the polyester resin and the plastic, a mechanical cohesive bond is created via the substantial encapsulation of the plastic hairs by the polyester resin.

Abstract: The method for the manufacture of unidirectionally fiber reinforced thermoplastic bands comprises a pressure impregnation of a fiber strand in a bath with a dispersion of thermoplastic particles. Heat treatments for the drying of the strand and a melting on of the particles taken up by the strand follow the pressure impregnation. The strand is drawn through the bath at a predetermined draw-off speed about a plurality of deflection elements. The dispersion of the bath is largely held in a stationary state, namely through the supply of an infeed dispersion with a first particle concentration and through an initial setting of a second particle concentration in the bath: The infeed dispersion is fed in continuously or periodically, with the first particle concentration being held constant. A corresponding feeding in of a dispersion of higher particle concentrations as well as an additional amount of dispersing medium is possible.

Abstract: A method for the production of ribbed board product, such as fiberboard or flakeboard, which resists fracturing during manufacture. The ribbed board product made according to the invention can be used as decking in packaging components.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming bristle sub-assemblies includes a vertically oriented slot, which is formed by two endless belts. A wheel disposed above the slot pushes a bristle string into the slot. The bristle string has a plurality of bristles connected to a base string in two rows. The bristle rows can be horizontally oriented, so that all of the bristles are co-planar in a horizontal plane, or they can be angularly oriented with the base string at the vertex of the angle. When the bristles are pushed into the slot, they bend to adopt a new, substantially parallel orientation. An ultrasonic heater heats the bent bristles to re-set the thermoplastic material from which the bristles are made so that after cooling, the parallel orientation is maintained.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing plates, such as chipboards, fibre boards and the like boards, where the raw material in form of biomass particles, such as wood chips, wood fibres and the like applied with a thermosetting binder is spread onto a preforming band into an endless mat, and where this mat (B) is pre-compressed in a continuously operating prepress (C ) and then completely pressed in a continuously operating hot press, whereby the mat (B) is compressed into the desired thickness of the finished plate and the thermosetting binder is hardened. According to the invention, the mat (B) is pretreated by means of steam immediately before the introduction into the hot press (E) by means of a device (F) so as to obtain predetermined gradients of moisture content and temperature across the thickness of the mat. As a result the capacity of the apparatus can be increased at the same time as the energy consumption can be reduced.

Abstract: A method of butt welding two generally rod-shaped structures of a fluorine-containing plastic material includes the steps of placing end faces of the structures in a contacting relationship by supporting each structure in a clamping device, applying heat to the end parts of the structures that project from the clamping device, and pressing the end faces together by moving the clamping devices towards each other to apply a welding pressure of between 0.05 and 0.5 Nmm−2 perpendicular to the end faces. The heating element surrounds the end parts along a substantially closed contour, and may comprise two segments which can be hinged into an open or closed position to be removed from the completed weld.

Abstract: A method of forming a substantially planar, multi-layer, composite article that comprises a plastics materials reinforced with fibers that extend substantially continuously in one direction in the plane of each layer is provided. The majority of the layers are aligned in a main direction B and the article (20a) is disposed over a contoured surface of a forming tool (6). The article (20a) is constrained against movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the main direction layers and forces applied to the article (20a) in the plain thereof in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main direction of the fibers. The article (20a) is thereby urged into conformity with the contoured surface of the tool (6) while substantially maintaining the continuity of the fibers.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven fabric is provided for use as a one-piece topsheet and barrier fabric for disposable absorbent articles including diapers, catamenial products, and adult incontinence products. The fabric is engineered to have a strikethrough region that is normally surfactant treated for receiving insults and transporting them to an absorbent core material for storage. The strikethrough region is bounded by liquid barrier regions that are suitable for defining containment structures, including diaper leg cuff. The barrier and strikethrough regions can be designed to have excellent low rewet characteristics and to have balanced properties comparable to or better than conventional spunbonded topsheet at comparable or lower basis weights.

Abstract: A method for improving the bondability of annual plant materials to a formaldehyde-based resin including the steps of: (a) providing a straw plant material having a plurality of fibers with each of the fibers surrounded by a waxy and silica layer; (b) extruding the straw plant material in a twin screw extruder while simultaneously subjecting the straw plant material to a thermal treatment with an aqueous solution containing a lignin modifying agent or steam, the thermal treatment being conducted at a temperature between about 40° C. and 120° C., the extruding subjecting the straw plant material to a sufficiently high shear force such that the extruding with simultaneous thermal treatment achieves a substantial defibration of the straw plant material with destruction of the waxy and silica layer and formation of individual fibers and (c) subjecting the treated material to heat and pressure in the presence of the formaldehyde-based resin to form a resin-bonded fiberboard or particleboard.

Abstract: In order to inexpensive construction materials effectively utilizing timber resources and realizing any desired properties by using so-called low-quality materials including slim timbers, old timbers, wood cuttings produced by lumbering, bamboo, and so forth, wood, bamboo and other wooden source materials are split into fragments along their fibers by water vapor explosion, and such explosive-split fragments are shaped and hardened by adding an adhesive, mortar or expandable resin into a new wooden material such as multi-layered board, cement board or foamed resin board of explosive-split fragments. The explosive-split fragments are also usable in various fields other than fabrication of the new material.

Abstract: An insulated appliance which provides a simple, low cost product and method for containing fiber insulation for application to appliances. A combination of an appliance, fiber insulation layer applied to the exterior surface of a wall of the appliance and a multilayer metal foil adhesively bonded to the outside of the fiber layer. This combination is conveniently formed by adhesively bonding the fiber layer to the multilayer metal foil, then applying the fiber layer to the exterior surface of the wall of the appliance. In the appliance final assembly, the fiber layer is contained between the surface of the wall of the appliance and the multilayer metal foil. Optionally, the fiber is contained between two or more layers of multilayer metal foil, whereby one of the multilayer metal foil is in contact with the wall of the appliance.

Abstract: Multi-stranded silicone rubber fishing skirts printed with RTV adhesive inks and/or laminated with colored foils. The RTV inks set in the presence of humidity. The foils and inks can be applied to a silicone rubber substrate in preferred patterns and in registry with other areas containing foil or ink. The adhesive ink preferably comprises a mixture of an RTV adhesive, oil based thinner and/or pigment. In various processes the ink is silk-screen printed and air-dried. One or more foils can be bonded to the rubber with different techniques. The foil can be vulcanized to the rubber substrate, bonded to a wet ink, or bonded under pressure to exposed smooth surfaces. The surface texture can be defined during and after vulcanization at the mold and with a smoothing template or with printed ink.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing lignocellulosic composites. This method is useful in reducing the thickness swell of these composites on their exposure to water. This method also is useful in reducing the hot-press times required to make lignocellulosic composites. Furthermore, there is provided a method by which wax sizing may be used without the previously expected reduction in physical properties. Also, there is provided a method by which caul plate sticking may be reduced when hydrogen peroxide is used as a furnish add-on.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a resin coated fiber composite of a rod shape, tubular-shape or plate shape comprises a plurality of first members having an annular shape with a semi-circular ring shaped internal surface, second members having a disc shape with a semicircular ring shaped external surface, first connectors for assembling the first members, second connectors for assembling the second members, an outer die member semi-assembled with the first members and connectors, an inner die member semi-assembled with the second members and connectors, a heater, an inlet nozzle and an outlet nozzle, a zigzag shaped tunnel formed between the inner and outer die members for providing a narrow flow path of the fiber filaments, and resin inlet ports to fill the molten resin in the zigzag shaped tunnel and pressurize the flow path of the fiber filaments.

Abstract: Medical tubing having a wall formed of multiple strands bonded together. One method for making the tubing utilizes multiple spools containing polymeric strands disposed about a central mandrel, with the strands aligned with and disposed evenly about the mandrel, with both mandrel and strands entering a die or other bonding device. Adjacent strands are bonded together to form a tube wall, the tube preferably having at least one lumen therethrough. Adjacent strands are lightly bonded in some embodiments and highly bonded in others. Bonding can be accomplished using heat, solvent welding, or adhesive. The strands making up the tube wall can be formed of materials differing between strands. One use of the tubing is for constructing angioplasty catheters.

Abstract: A sintered porous composite sheet, comprising an A/B-component layer in which the A-component layer is easily fusible and the B-component layer has a relatively higher thermal stability as compared with the A-component layer. The layers are superposed and sintered. The A-component layer comprises a hydrophilic material, the B-component layer comprises a hydrophobic material, and the A-component and B-component may include a common material comprising an easily fusible material. The porous composite sheet is air and moisture permeable, and is readily adaptable for use in sanitary and medical applications.

Abstract: A printed circuit board is made from at least one non-woven sheet or web layer comprising at least 50% by weight acrylic fibers, with any balance substantially electrically non-conductive fibers, filler, and binder. The sheet or web is preferably made by the foam process, and may contain 60-80% straight polyacrylonitrile fibers and 40-20% fibrillated (pulp) ones. The web or sheet is preferably compressed by thermal calendering so that it has a density of about 0.1-1 grams per cubic centimeter; and the web or sheet may have a basis weight of between about 20-120 grams per square meter. The web or sheet may also have a 1-40% of substantially electrically non-conductive organic or inorganic binder, or may be substantially binder free.

Abstract: A method of producing a drainage grid or network comprising a number of interlocked strips is disclosed which comprises providing a warp direction a plurality of strips having a channel or channels formed longitudinally therein, feeding such strips into a bonding zone wherein a filter material is bonded over the channel or channels, subsequently providing strips of polymeric material transverse to the warp strips and bonding them thereto to form the weft of the network and thereafter collecting the network or grid so produced. The warp and weft may be produced from yarn reinforced polymeric webbing which is heat bonded to give a mesh. It has been found that polyolefin materials, particularly polyethylene, are suitable. Where reinforcing is provided this may be in the form of reinforcing polyester yarns and are preferably inserted in the longitudinal direction in bundles. The filter fabric may also be a thermoplastic material and may be heat bonded, needle punched or woven.

Abstract: A microcannula suitable for cannulation of very small blood vessels having a sharp pointed trochar tightly but removable placed in the lumen of the microcannula. The trochar is held in place by contact friction from an area of reduced inside diameter distal to the tip end, formed by welding the end distal of the microcannula to a tube having a slightly larger diameter. A process for making a microcannula is also provided.

Abstract: A ceramic fiber blanket is inserted into a mold, and ceramic fiber slurry, preferably made with refractory ceramic fibers, binders, and water, is deposited on the blanket. Vacuum pressure is created under the blanket to pull the fibers of the slurry toward the fibers of the blanket to entangle them together. The slurry and blanket is then dried to form a rigid yet surface compliant ceramic fiber composite product with superior thermal insulating and acoustic dampening properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing multifilament elastomeric yarn of modified cross-sectional shape and surface by hot-pressing a coalesced elastomeric multifilament yarn between rolls, thereby modifying the cross-sectional shape and/or surface of the multifilament.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiopaque catheter tip and catheter assembly having radiopaque elements associated with a catheter. The preferred materials for the radiopaque elements are made of a 90% platinum and 10% nickel composite structure or a 90% platinum and 10% iridium composite structure.

Abstract: A reinforced ceramic structure, such as a superplastic forming die for forming a metal part, has a body of cast silica/calcium aluminate or mullite based ceramic material; and a plurality of reinforcing rods, made of monolithic fused oxides of silicon or aluminum, cast into said ceramic body. The rods have a thickness between ⅛″-2.0″ and are spaced apart on centers by about 2-10 times the diameter of the rods. The rods are bonded in the ceramic body or they may be coated with a release agent to prevent bonding to said ceramic body so that they can translate in the direction of their axes to prevent cracking during drying and curing. The rods are disposed in an array of at least two rows, with the rods in each row arranged parallel to each other and with the rods in adjacent rows arranged orthogonally to each other. The rows are spaced apart a distance equal to about ½-3 times the diameter of the rods.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing thermoset webs of thermoplastic polymer material which is comminuted into particles, such as flakes, granulated material or the like or is ground into powder. The thermoplastic polymer material particles are distributed uniformly on the lower conveyor belt; the distance between the lower and upper conveyor belt is maintained equal to the thickness of the web to be manufactured; the initial layer poured onto the surface area of the lower conveyor belt is applied with such a thickness of the layer that the thermoplastic polymer material particles are subjected during the entire transport between the upper and lower conveyor belts in the heating and cooling sections only to a minimum pressure of at most 0.

Abstract: In the production of a nonwoven fabric of thermally bonded fibers, a heavy web of fibers is continuously fed to a toothed cylinder at a slow speed to form a layer of fibers, and a portion of this layer is removed and formed into a lightweight uniform web at a faster speed. The second web is conveyed without draw to a calender having a bonding nip, and the fibers of the web are rearranged by compression and heating and are supported on a hot surface of one of the calender rolls prior to entering the nip to additionally improve uniformity.

Abstract: A liquid chemical spray, such as cellulose acetate or thermoplastic material, is discharged, under pressure, from an applicator wherein the liquid chemical is such that a plurality of elongated fibers or filaments are discharged to form an airborne netting of open mesh having a characteristic of light weight so as to float by gravitational force over a large area of vegetation. The formed netting cures in open air as it floats or settles on top of the foliage intended to be protected. The composition being discharged includes a low contact adhesive agent or substance which permits a clinging contact with the leaves of the foliage as the netting settles over the vegetation canopy. The fiber or filaments discharged from the applicator form a long continuous thread-like filament or an array of threads that impede the ingress of birds, insects, or the like.

Abstract: A method is designed for making bamboo blind slats. The method comprises an initial step in which a selected bamboo stem is split into a plurality of bamboo strips, which are then skinned and disinfected with a sulfur fume for over 12 hours. The disinfected bamboo strips are dried by baking before they are provided with a layer of adhesive. The coated bamboo strips are joined together in conjunction with a pneumatic press to form a rectangular bamboo plate, which is subsequently sliced into a plurality of bamboo slats, with each having a width and a thickness. The bamboo slats are smoothed by grinding and are then covered with a base coating and a face coating which is applied on the base coating. The twice-coated bamboo slats are punched so as to enable them to accommodate the pull cords of a Venetian blind comprising the bamboo slats which are made by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods for orienting fibers and an apparatus for orienting fibers are provided for the fabrication of improved thin abrasive wheels utilizing uniform non-woven fiber reinforcement discs. The wheels are more resistant to hub push-out failure during grinding than wheels reinforced with woven fiber cloth.

Abstract: An ion concentration measuring electrode unit includes a body member having a plurality of capillary tubes extending through the body member to provide a plurality of passageways for a sample fluid to be tested. The gaps between the hollow tubes are sealed to maintain an internal solution complimentary to the ion to be measured. An internal electrode is immersed within the internal solution whereby a large internal surface area is provided to enable a reduced impedance in measurement of a sample fluid. An ion concentration meter assembly is thereby provided when combined with a sample flow conduit directing fluid through the body member with a liquid junction connected to the conduit and to a reference electrode unit whereby outputs of the internal electrode and a reference electrode can be used to measure an ion concentration.

Abstract: A connector for connecting an assembly to a pipe, which is highly leakproof with respect to the medium to be transported and is secure against separation under axial load. The connector comprises two materials A and B which swell to different degrees. A part comprising the more strongly swelling material A has, at the junction with the material B, a peripheral connecting lip which is substantially enclosed by the less swelling material B, so that a positive connection is achieved.

Abstract: Core-type structures are formed in a continuous process by assembling cut tubes or sheets of a thermoplastic material that are aligned, cut into separate continuous structures which are then subsequently cut into separate structures suitable for use as a core member.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing lignocellulosic composites. This method is useful in reducing the thickness swell of these composites on their exposure to water. This method also is useful in reducing the hot-press times required to make lignocellulosic composites. Furthermore, there is provided a method by which wax sizing may be used without the previously expected reduction in physical properties. Also, there is provided a method by which caul plate sticking may be reduced when hydrogen peroxide is used as a furnish add-on.

Abstract: A method is used to make bamboo slats which are intended for use in making a blind. The method comprises a first step in which a bamboo stem is split into a plurality strips. The bamboo strips are barked, polished, and bleached before they are adhered side by side to form a base plate. A plurality of base plates are adhered in a stack to form a rectangular bamboo block having bamboo fibers which are arranged in an interlacing manner. The bamboo block is sliced into a plurality of bamboo slat, with each having bamboo fibers which are arranged in the interlacing manner.

Abstract: Absorbent composites containing particles of absorbent gelling material and chemically stiffened, cellulosic fibers, the fibers being wrapped around and adhered to the particles, which are in individual form. The chemically stiffened, cellulosic fibers are preferably cellulosic fibers in substantially individual form having a crosslinking agent reacted with the fibers in intrafiber crosslink bond form. The absorbent composites are particularly suitable for use in the absorbent core of disposable absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins and diapers.