Abstract: A method for making shaped articles at room ambient temperatures without the addition of extraneous heat comprising the sequential steps:(1) forming a plurality of particles comprising a foamed admixture of starch, biodegradable polymer and water;(2) at room ambient temperature, applying to the surface of the particles finely divided drops of unheated water to effect wetting and softening of the outer surfaces of the particles;(3) without the addition of heat, compressing the surfaces of the surface softened particles to effect cohesion between the wetted outer surfaces of the particles, densification of the particles and formation of a shaped article; and(4) without the addition of heat, maintaining the particles under such compression for a time sufficient to render the outer surface of the particles nontacky by adsorption of water into the particles and by evaporation of water from the surface of the particles and(5) forming a protective skin on the outer surface of the compressed, non-tacky particles by h

Abstract: A method for producing a patterned shaped article includes the steps of disposing on a base surface a retainer having a plurality of particle-retaining spaces; filling the spaces with pre-filling particles having a particle size of not more than 600 .mu.m and easy to remove; removing the pre-filling particles from part of the spaces to form at least one empty space; filling the at least one empty space with shaped article-forming particles; repeating the step of removing the pre-filling particles and the step of filling the shaped article-forming particles until the shaped particle-forming particles are substituted for all the pre-filling particles, the shaped article-forming particles including at least two kinds of particles; removing the retainer to form a pattern course on the base surface; and allowing the pattern course to set into an integral mass.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for manufacturing sheet molding compound including a fiber processing unit for forming a fiber web, and a vacuum chamber unit having a resin paste dispenser, wherein the paste is applied to the fiber web within the vacuum chamber for minimizing entrapped air within the compound.

Abstract: A topsheet for body exudates absorbent article includes a hydrophilic nonwoven fibrous sheet and a plurality of thermoplastic synthetic resin filaments extending in one direction parallel to one another and continuously bonded to an upper surface of the nonwoven fibrous sheet so that a composite sheet of these sheet and filaments have crests and troughs alternately repeating longitudinally of the filaments and respectively extend transversely of the filaments. An apparatus and a method for manufcturing the topsheet are also disclosed, wherein a pair of mutually engageable embossing rolls are used for forming the crests and the troughs onto the coposite sheet.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of flexible strips of material intertwined with and bondably connected to one another so as to form a cohesive cushioning unit and method for forming same is provided. The strips of material have a bonding material disposed thereon for bondingly connecting the strips of material to one another and enabling the strips of material to be bondingly connected to a container and an article.

Abstract: A degradable container is disclosed as containing 60 wt % to 70 wt % of a plant fiber, from 10 wt % to 30 wt % of an adhesive and from 0.1 wt % to 5 wt % of a demoulding agent, in which the adhesive is a modified urea-formaldehyde resin. A method of forming a degradable container is also disclosed as including the steps of (a) grinding a plant fiber to a size smaller than a pre-determined size; (b) mixing grounded plant fiber obtained under step (a) with a demoulding agent to form a premixed material; (c) mixing said premixed material with an adhesive into a powder form; (d) press-moulding said powder obtained under step (c) a first time under a pressure of 5-80 MPa; and (e) press-moulding said powder a second time under a pressure of 1.5-16 MPa into said container.

Abstract: Apparatus for fabricating chip boards or fiber boards of cellulosic material, includes a press, and a press form station arranged upstream of the press and having a storage bin for retaining a material in the form of chips or fibers and a conveyor belt arrangement extending from an outlet end of the storage bin to a receiving end of the press, with the conveyor belt arrangement including a first section forming a vertical, funnel-shaped compaction zone aNd a second arcuate section arranged downstream of the first section for deflecting the material along a curved path from a vertical disposition into a horizontal disposition.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing tablets of moist powder which is produced by adding an additive agent such as an excipient or a binder to medical ingredients, further adding a solvent such as water, ethanol or the like, and kneading the mixture.

Abstract: In a process for producing friction linings, a friction material is produced in granular form in a mixing reactor (1). The granular material is pressed for up to 120 seconds together with lining bases in press moulds (3) to produce friction linings. Immediately after leaving the press moulds, the finished pressed friction linings are hardened in a continuous furnace (5) for a predetermined period without being fixed. The friction linings are conveyed between the press moulds (3) and continuous furnace (5) on a continuous conveyer (4).

Abstract: Pre-inked impression members for hand stamps are made from a gel or premix of thermoplastic resin particles and liquid ink with use of a disposable molding device comprising a matrix board that is recessed in its molding area with cavities to form inked indicia of the impression members and has a peripheral surface area to which is adhered fluid-tight, and entirely about the molding area, an upright rigid wall means comprising a structure of fiberboard, wood, hard resin or other suitable material shaped to a height corresponding to the desired thickness of the impression members. As another feature, during the heating for curing of a layer of premix formed over the molding area of a matrix board, the layer of premix is confined in place by a covering means, applied over it and held under pressure, which comprises, together preferably with overlaid pliable ink-absorbent material, e.g.

Abstract: A three phase method of treating solid waste to eliminate hazards and preserve the resource value of the constituent materials, separating and recovering the constituent materials, and productively using those constituent materials, includes, in the first phase, steps to separate ferrous metal constituents from the waste stream, shred and grind the solid wastes to generally uniform small particles, dry the waste material to remove essentially all free moisture and render the wastes biologically inert, compact the dried waste materials into uniform high density blocks, and encapsulate the compacted blocks; includes, in the second phase, steps to return the compacted blocks to uniform particles and separate the combined constituent materials on the basis of density, with primary processing utilizing a series of fluidized bed and cyclonic separator assemblies and with secondary processing utilizing combinations of vibratory conveyors, melt separation assemblies, and the like; and includes, in the third phase, st

Abstract: A method for fabricating fiber-reinforced composite structures, including centrifuge rotors, by resin transfer molding (RTM) is disclosed. The method involves loading reinforcing fibers into a mold and then injecting resin into the mold to coat the fibers to form the composite structure. Two types of reinforcing fibers are used--fabric preforms at the surfaces of the structure and chopped fibers at the interior of the structure. Also disclosed is a fiber-reinforced composite structure comprising a skin layer of reinforcing fabric, chopped fibers distributed throughout the interior of the structure, and epoxy resin that binds the fabric and chopped fibers together into a fiber-reinforced composite structure. The resin transfer molding method is especially useful for fabricating composite centrifuge rotors.

Abstract: A method and system (10) for producing a composite material (108) from particles (102) and binder (104), is described. The system includes a feed zone (12), a unilayering zone (14), a mat reforming zone (16) and a compaction zone (18) all closely coupled to reduce time and allow the use of fast setting binders. A preformed feed mat (100) is fed into the spike wheels (22 and 24) of the feed zone. The spike wheels extract particles from the premat and impinge the particles onto an oscillating shield (26) in the layering zone. The oscillating shield moves across the thickness of the mat-forming zone depositing the particles uniformly on the trailing edge of the reformed mat (106) at the top (48A) of the tunnel conveyor (48) of the mat reforming zone. As the particles move past the lower end (26B) of the shield a binder is added to the particles. Overlays or release films (50) are introduced at the top of both sides of the tunnel conveyor so as to engage the surfaces of the reformed mat.

Abstract: Paste extrusion of lubricated PTFE fine powder is carried out by using the extrusion head of the extruder as the ram for forcing the powder through the extrusion orifice in the extrusion head, i.e. the extrusion head is moved against the powder, whether in particle form or preform form, to cause the extrusion.

Abstract: Smooth surfaced panels e.g. of oriented strand board are prepared by producing a thin uniform mat of high density made from bonded wood particles, fibers or strands. The mat is produced by passing it between a pair of rollers one of which is heated to produce a smooth cured surface on the corresponding side of the mat, and the other of which is unheated, the corresponding side of the mat containing uncured adhesive. The mat is subsequently bonded to a panel, e.g. an oriented strand board core under conditions of heat and pressure to produce a composite panel having a smooth surface.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for molding recyclable cushions is disclosed. The cushions are molded by a process comprising filling a mold with polyester fiber clusters, encapsulating the fibers clusters with a scrim sheet or adhesive, closing the mold, advancing the mold to a heating station where hot air is forced through the mold, advancing the mold to a cooling station where cool air is forced through the mold, and subsequently releasing the molded part from the mold.

Abstract: A water soluble dicarboxylic acid or an alkali metal salt thereof acts as a mold release agent for salt pellets when a salt-contacting surface of a roll-type briquetting press is coated with from about 0.02 to about 5 mg/cm.sup.2 of a powder of the acid or alkali metal salt just prior to a charge of salt. The coating is achieved by spraying an air stream entraining the powder onto the press rolls or by spraying a solution of the release agent onto the rolls and evaporating the solvent to leave the powder on the rolls. The acid has from 6 to 10 carbon atoms; adipic acid being preferred. Salt pellets having a layer of the powder on their surface may be used in water softening systems wherein the pellets sit in a brine reservoir and supply salt for the recharging of an ion exchange resin. There is no formation of an unsightly scum on the surface of the brine and on the sides of the reservoir.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for forming a structural member from solid waste which consists of comminuting or shredding solid waste into particles one inch or smaller, adding a small amount of a thermoplastic material such as polyurethane or polyethylene to produce bonding, then heating the mixture and forcing the heated mixture through a restrictive extrusion die under high compression which forms the same in a predetermined transverse cross sectional configuration. Thereupon, the shaped compressed mixture is allowed to cool while maintaining the predetermined shape, and upon cooling, a thermoplastic cover encapsulates the compressed shaped product. The structural member is then cut into the desired lengths.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of new shaped parts, preferably made from chipboards, wherein a mass formed from at least a binder and a small-particled material brought into contact with this binder is subjected to extrusion at elevated temperature and pressure. In the process according to the invention, a mass possessing a total moisture content of 6 to 25 wt. % or adjusted to the stated moisture content and made up of at least one biopolymeric preferably starch-containing binder, which converts into a melt and/or gel at extrusion temperatures and pressures, and further made up of the small-particled material, is subjected to extrusion and immediately thereafter undergoes decompression and spontaneous expansion.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing geosynthetic clay liners is provided. The method of manufacture enables the construction of a structurally sound liner without the use of glue or adhesive and further without the use of needle punching or quilting. The method of manufacture also eliminates the need for any subsequent drying step. Water in combination with compression is used to adhere the granular bentonite layer to the inside surfaces of the cover sheet and the primary carrier sheet and further to provide structural ability to the bentonite layer itself.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing food container includes the following steps: the husks of rice, oat, corn, soya bean, wheat or the mixture thereof are used as raw material to make food containers; an eatable adhesive is added in order to bind the husks; the bound husks is rolled into a sheet; after sterilizing the sheet with UV light; the sheet is shaped into a container of a desired shape, such as a bowl or a tray; a water-resistant is coated on the surface of the container.

Abstract: Glass matt reinforced thermoplastics suitable for the production of paintable parts, comprisinga) a thermoplastic matrix polymer of a viscosity under processing conditions corresponding to a melt flow index (MFI 230/2.16) of polypropylene of at least 250 g/10 min andb) one or more glass matts which, upon heating, bring about an expansion of the glass matt reinforced thermoplastics to at least 2.5 times the original thickness, optionally in combination withc) an addition of fine-particle, mineral fillers.

Abstract: Described are molded bodies comprising bond material based on cellulose acetate as a bonding agent and reinforcing natural cellulose fibers or natural cellulose-containing fibers. These components are characterized by the fact that the cellulose acetate has a degree of substitution (DS) of approximately 1.2 to 2.7 and the molded bodies have a Vicat temperature of at least approximately 160.degree. C. and the ratio of the weight of cellulose acetate to the natural cellulose fibers or natural cellulose-containing fibers is approximately 10:90-90:10. These molded bodies are produced by mixing cellulose acetate with the natural cellulose fibers or the natural cellulose-containing fibers in a ratio by weight of approximately 90:10-10:90, in particular 15:85-85:15, in the total moisture content is adjusted to at least approximately 3% by weight, with respect to the total amount of the cellulose acetate in the mixture, and this mixture is molded at a temperature of approximately 220.degree. to 280.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of preparing particles of an exfoliated vermiculite for the manufacture of a finished product, such as a particle board, includes the steps of, if necessary, chemically modifying the vermiculite by impregnating the vermiculite with a suitable anhydride in a non-aqueous solvent; if necessary, applying to the particles of vermiculite an adhesion promoter to promote the adherence of a resin to the surfaces of the particles of vermiculite; and resinating the particles of vermiculite either with a thermoplastic resin which has been surface modified by irradiation or by fluorination, or by an isocyanate thermosetting resin, or by a dry powder novolac thermosetting resin; and if necessary removing any solvent present.

Abstract: A method of directing extruded synthetic fibers toward at least one surface of a mineral fiber insulation batt, and corresponding apparatus and resulting product. In certain embodiments, a row of extrusion heads is provided for directing extruded synthetic fibers (e.g. fibers including ethyl vinyl acetate or EVA) toward a surface(s) of the batt(s) to be impregnated with same. optionally, extrusion heads may be provided all around the batts so as to impregnate substantially all surfaces thereof with the extruded synthetic fibers. As the fibers exit the heads, they are hit with pressurized heated air streams which cause them to go into an insipid spin which increases directional tensile strength of the resulting batt in all directions. In certain embodiments, every other batt of a plurality of batts passes over an elongated member which extends over top of the conveyor in order to more efficiently impregnate edge surfaces of the batts.

Abstract: A method of making a recycled fibre reinforced resin containing product comprising a quantity of fibre reinforced resin pieces mixed together with a quantity of granular aggregate material, and a binder, in which the fibre reinforced resin pieces and the granular aggregate are intermixed with and embedded in the binder, the binder being selected from materials having an initially plastic state, fibre reinforced resin pieces and the granular aggregate being intermixed, with the binder material being thereafter added and the binder materials being thereafter hardened at room temperature into a hard mass without the application of heat, and apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of making a multi-layered absorbent composite web. The web comprises at least a primary material and a secondary material. The primary material comprises apertures wherein fibers from the secondary material are inserted for fluid capture and transport. The secondary material may form a layer on the primary material once the apertures of the primary material are filled. That is, the secondary material may form a layer of material placed adjacent to the bottom surface of the primary material.

Abstract: The present invention entails a method and apparatus for automatically glue-bonding scrim to a non-woven fiber mat. The fiber mat and scrim are both conveyed or advanced towards a pair of compression rollers. Prior to reaching the compression rollers, a series of glue guns direct a spray of glue onto one side of either the fiber mat or the scrim. Thereafter, the fiber mat and scrim are fed through the pair of compression rollers that press the scrim and fiber mat together to form a bonded fiber mat-scrim composite. From the compression rollers, the final formed fiber mat-scrim composite is conveyed to a take-up station where the composite is overlapped or wound into a roll.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced composite products of enhanced interlaminar ply strength and processes of producing same. In forming the products, layers of fibrous reinforcing material and resinous matrix material are established. The matrix material contains unset resin and short fibers of an average particle length of 0.2-0.6 mm in a weight ratio of short fibers to resin in the range of 0.4-1. The reinforcing material comprises fibers of a length substantially greater than the length of the short fibers in the matrix material. The fiber and matrix layers are integrated in order to cause the resin and short fibers which comprise the strengthened matrix material to enter into the interstitial spaces of the longer fiber reinforcing material. Thereafter, the matrix resin is solidified in order to arrive at the fiber reinforced composite product.

Abstract: A process is described for the manufacture of tannin-bonded particle- and fiberboard wherein the binding of wood chips and fibers is accomplished by obtaining the formaldehyde necessary for the cross-linking of tannin by the hydrolytic decomposition of the binder present in old particle- or fiberboard. The formaldehyde obtained by hydrolytic decomposition is cross-linked with the tannin by high temperature and moisture during pressing.

Abstract: A method for producing a patterned shaped article. A prescribed amount of dry particles are supplied onto a position on a base surface. The particles are applied according to a pattern which is desired. A formation device is used to form the particles into a course which corresponds to the pattern desired. The side face of the device has a constant produced angle slope. A different type of dry particles is then supplied onto the remaining portion of the base surface. The particles are allowed to set into an integral mass either as they are or after being overlaid with backing.

Abstract: A binder composition for three dimensional printing of parts is disclosed which is stable during storage and passage through a printhead, yet able to gel under the conditions existing in a powder bed. The binder composition comprises colloidal silica, a catalyst able to promote gelation of the composition when the composition is below a predetermined pH value, and a base able to maintain the pH of the composition above the predetermined value at which the composition gels. Preferably, the catalyst is polyethylene glycol or another ethylene oxide-derived polymer, and the base is triethanolamine. Upon impact with a powder bed, the pH of the binder composition is reduced, as by adding an acid such as citric acid to the powder, thereby causing the binder to gel in the powder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing molded wooden products composed of a wooden body and a skin material. This method employs materials having long working life and enables simultaneous integral molding of the wooden body and the skin. The obtained molded wooden product has excellent characteristics.

Abstract: Internal thermal protection for a thruster structure, e.g. an end wall and extender structure of a tactical thruster, is made by preparing a low viscosity elastomer base suitable for being mixed with fibers by means of a mechanical mixer without putting the base into solution, by mixing the elastomer base and the fibers so as to obtain a solid composition in finely divided form suitable for being stored, and by molding the composition in situ in order to obtain the thermal protection directly on the structure to be protected. The viscosity of the elastomer base is less than 1500 Pa.s at 50.degree. C., and it vulcanizes at a temperature greater than 120.degree. C.

Abstract: A plurality of particles include a first material. A coating including a second material is formed on surfaces of the particles, until a selected ratio of the volume of the coating relative to the volume of the particles is achieved. A plurality of particles, including the coated particles, are consolidated in a manner such that the particles are caused to be joined to each other, to form an article. The ratio of the volume of the coating relative to the volume of the particles is selected in a manner such that the article is engineered to have a selected volume fraction representing the volume of the second material in the article relative to the volume of the first material in the article. The first material, the second material, and the volume fraction are selected in a manner such that the article is engineered to exhibit a selected intrinsic property.

Abstract: A multi-layered composite building material is provided which allows effective utilization of forest resources by using so-called low quality materials such as small-diameter wood, old wood, pieces of wood produced as byproducts of lumbering, and/or bamboo. The material can meet various requirements and properties, and can be produced at a low cost. In a structural layer, an adhesive agent is applied to a plurality of finely split pieces which are formed by finely splitting a raw material such as wood or bamboo. The finely split pieces are arranging in parallel to a fiber direction. A shock/vibration-absorbing layer is formed by applying an adhesive agent to small pieces of wood and bamboo and the like. Structural layers and shock/vibration-absorbing layers are alternately arranged to provide a multi-layered structure. The structure is press-molded to a predetermined thickness and optionally heated such that the layers are adhered together to produce the composite multi-layered material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the recycling of trim components of vehicles. The method comprises the steps of shredding manufacturing scrap and post-consumer scrap from vehicle headliners into small particles to produce fluff. This fluff is then combined with water and a binder reagent composed of either polyisocyanates, or polyisocyanates combined with various polyols. The solution of fluff, binder reagent and water are mixed, and then placed in a mold where the mixture is formed into a pre-preg sheet. Subsequently, the pre-preg sheet is subjected to compression molding at elevated temperatures to produce a finished composite trim panel. As part of the final compression molding step, a decorative coverstock can be included to produce a finished trim panel having a decorative cover.

Abstract: A process is for producing machine components from highly corrosion and water-resistant cast mineral, especially for the production of monolithically cast pump housings or parts in which the binder is first mixed with the filler in a positive mixer and the finished mixture is poured into a mould and hardened. In order to obtain a dense and non-porous casting which needs no further machining, a heat-curing synthetic resin-curing agent system is used as the binder. The binder and filler are mixed in a heatable, evacuated positive mixer at a temperature of over 20.degree. C. and a pressure of under 80 mbar. The casting take place in a preheated mould as a rising casting. The cast mineral in the mould is first cured at a temperature of over 60.degree. C. and the cured casting is removed from the mould, cleaned, measured and if necessary post machined. Finally the casting is cured in an annealing furnace at over 120.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the smooth continuous motion of a masking belt to concentrate air-entrained absorbent materials on the surface of a moving fibrous substrate. Air flowing through the open areas of the masking belt carries the entrained material into the fibrous web. The fibrous web acts as a filter to separate the entrained material from the air stream. Substantially all dispensed material is captured by the fibrous web, and expensive and complex absorbent material recycle systems can be eliminated.

Abstract: A molded core component includes a center plane piece and at least one wall extending from the center plane piece. The wall preferably includes contours which form a multiplicity of pods, cells, or protrusions integral with the center plane piece. The core component is preferably inserted into the space or void formed by two prefabricated molded fiberboard doorskins, wherein the center plane piece lies substantially in the central plane of the door product. Processes for the production of a molded core component and a composite door product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A distinctive method and apparatus (20) for forming a composite fibrous web (22) includes a web supply (24, 25), which provides at least two appointed fiber layer sections (26, 28) of desired fiber material. Each of the layer sections (26, 28) has a selected composition. A fiberizer (30) disintegrates each of the fiber layer sections (26, 28) into individual, laterally adjacent fiber streams (32, 33) while substantially maintaining a lateral separation of the fiber streams while the fiber streams (32, 33) are moving through the fiberizer (30). A directing channel (34) delivers the fiber streams (32, 33) from the fiberizer (30) to a forming chamber (40). The forming chamber (40) is configured to substantially maintain the separation of the fiber streams.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sandwiched sheet includes grinding the natural plants into short segments and adding and mixing adhesive material into the short natural plants for forming a base material which is then heated and extruded for forming two or more boards. A woven layer of long fiber plants is engaged between the boards and includes a number of openings for allowing the base material of the boards to be filled into the openings of the woven layer and for forming a reinforced sandwiched sheet. Two layers of non-woven fabric material are engaged on the boards for forming smooth outer surfaces.

Abstract: Containers use in the storing, dispensing, packaging, and/or portioning of food and beverage products. The disposable and nondisposable food and beverage containers are manufactured from aggregates held together by organic binders in order to be lightweight, insulative, inexpensive, and more environmentally compatible than those currently used for storing, dispensing, packaging, or portioning such products. The food and beverage containers of the present invention are particularly useful for dispensing hot and cold food and beverages in the fast food restaurant environment. The structural matrices of the food and beverage containers include a hydrated organic binder paste (formed by mixing the binder with water) in combination with appropriate aggregate materials, such as fibers to add flexibility and strength, glass spheres to make the product more lightweight and insulative, or clay to make the product extremely inexpensive yet strong.

Abstract: A method of forming an insulation product includes heating a thermoplastic material to a softened condition, and applying the thermoplastic material to a blanket of fibrous insulation material to form a laminated insulation material comprising a layer of the thermoplastic material bonded to the fibrous insulation material. The laminated insulation material is heated to soften it and molded to form it into a desired shape, and the molded laminated insulation material is cooled to form an insulation product.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a manufacturing process and a related product constituted of a tile in plastic material. The process comprises the following operative stages: crushing a thermoplastic material of recovery, injecting quality plastic material into a mold with a primary punch and a matrix associated to enable the formation of the first layer of the tile between them, rotating the mold to reverse the reciprocal position of the matrix and the primary punch, replacing the primary punch with a secondary punch to mark out, in its association with the matrix, between the first layer, supported by the matrix and the secondary punch, a cavity to contain the thermoplastic material of recovery, injecting the thermoplastic material of recovery into the cavity with the formation of a second layer of a plastic material arranged inside the tile.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying particles and/or granules to form a layer of prescribed thickness onto a given surface includes endless pattern-forming device having a plurality of spaces, a device for supplying particles and/or granules into the spaces via a control member provided on the particle or granule-supplying device, a device for temporarily retaining the supplied particles and/or granules in the spaces, and a device for releasing the temporarily retained particles and/or granules onto the given surface. A patterned shaped article is produced by a method using the apparatus. The method includes supplying dry particles and/or granules for a pattern course into the spaces, temporarily retaining the supplied particles and/or granules in the spaces, releasing the temporarily retained particles and/or granules onto the given surface, and allowing the released particles and/or granules to set on the given surface.

Abstract: A hog fuel board is made by placing a hog fuel matrix with flexible non-sticking layers on outside surfaces between screens in a preheated platen press and pressing the matrix to preset stops and for a predetermined time and pressure to cause adhesives naturally present in the hog fuel to disperse throughout the board. The process requires heating platens higher than used for particle board but avoids using a vacuum press. There is also supplied a hog fuel veneer board with a hog fuel matrix sandwiched between veneer sheets and a lumber product with a hog fuel coating thereon.

Abstract: A decorative construction material such as a glass tile is produced from recycled glass granulate, and exhibits a smooth, external surface substantially free from defects on one side of the tile. One or two layer tiles may be produced. A binder, together with control of the maximum temperature and temperature gradient in the layers, if applicable, is used during manufacture to ensure a substantially flawless outer surface.

Abstract: A method of producing a surfaced composite panel of cellulosic particulates, such as wood flakes, involves the application of polymer forming foamable material to at least one of the first and second major surfaces of the panel, contacting said at least one of the first and second surfaces with a pressure applying surface to apply pressure thereto, foaming the polymer forming foamable material while pressure is applied and curing the applied foam material to produce a polymeric coating on the panel with the desired surface, which is typically extremely smooth. One or both surfaces may be surface treated in this manner. A skin formed on the surface of the panel is believed to add to the strength and stiffness of the coating on the panel. A wide variety of foaming systems may be used to accomplish this surface treating. By avoiding sanding the surface treated panel, the skin remains intact.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the continuous production of a polyethylene material having high strength and high modulus of elasticity by rolling an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene film or film like material and then drawing the rolled material, wherein a thermoplastic resin film having incorporated therein at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a coloring agent, a weathering stabilizer, an antistatic agent, a hydrophilicity-imparting agent, an adhesion promoter and a dyeability-imparting agent is laminated to the film material in the rolling step and the resulting polyethylene material is further slit or split as required. This method makes it easy to color the polyethylene material having high strength and high modulus of elasticity and to impart weather resistance and other desirable properties thereto.