Abstract: The invention relates to a coating for insulation material, which coating comprises a metal layer, such as an aluminum layer, and a plastic layer. The plastic layer contains plastic that crystallises when heated. The plastic can more particularly be a polyamide.

Abstract: Multilayer, biaxially oriented polyester films which include as a constituent of the base layer B, a crystallizable polyester with increased diethylehe glycol content and/or increased polyethylene glycol content, and/or increased isophthalic acid content, preferably polyethylene terephthalate. The outer layers of the inventive films advantageously include at least one IR-reflective pigment and one UV stabilizer. The inventive films advantageously feature adjustable mattness, diffuse scattering power for visible light, high light transmittance, IR reflectance, and good thermoformability, and are suitable for thermally protective coatings or thermally protective packaging.

Abstract: Biaxially oriented polyester films formed from a crystallizable polyester having increased diethylene glycol content and/or increased polyethylene glycol content, and/or increased isophthalic acid content, preferably polyethylene terephthalate. The films of the invention further include at least one IR-reflective pigment and one UV stabilizer. The inventive films feature adjustable mattness, diffuse scattering power for visible light, high light transmittance and IR reflectance and good thermoformability, and are suitable for thermally protective coatings or thermally protective packaging.

Abstract: A low stress to seal, unitary gasket tape is provided that is particularly suited for use in form-in-place gaskets. The gasket tape preferably comprises at least two joined porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tapes aligned along tape side surfaces and a substantially air impermeable layer there between. The plane of expansion of the ePTFE is substantially parallel to the flange surface providing longitudinal and transverse strength. The substantially air impermeable layer prevents fluid from permeating through the gasket in the radial direction.

Abstract: A cushioning and positioning pad has a body formed from superposed layers of resiliently compressible foam material and a reinforcing sheet embedded between adjacent layers. The reinforcing sheet is of such stiffness as to resist contraction along its length and width dimensions, but is resiliently bendable in response to the application of a force along its thickness dimension. The reinforcing sheet resists undesirable contraction lengthwise and widthwise of the pad when the latter is encapsulated in a curable coating of material which shrinks as it cures.

Abstract: Description is made of an open cell polystyrene resin foam having a content of organic volatile matters of less than 100 ppm. The open cell foam is suitable as a core material for a sound insulating material or a vacuum heat insulating material. The open cell foam can be produced by melt-kneading a polystyrene resin having a content of organic volatile matters of 100 ppm or higher together with water in an extruder, sucking out the organic volatile matters as an azeotrope with water through a vent, injecting a blowing agent and kneading the injected mixture, and extruding the mixture into a lower pressure area to cause the resin to foam.

Abstract: Biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic films are disclosed. The films comprise filler particles and a copolyester. The films have high vapor permeability and tensile strength and are suitable for use in absorbent and non-absorbent products.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an process for image formation using an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet having excellent anti-offset properties, adhesion resistance, paper transport properties and gloss, and being resistant to cracks, and able to form a high-definition image. For this purpose, there is provided an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet which includes a toner image-receiving layer containing at least a thermoplastic resin and natural wax having an light transmittance of 78% or less, on a support having an light transmittance of 30% or less, and an process for image formation using this electrophotographic image-receiving sheet.

Abstract: A fixing member includes a base member and an outermost layer located overlying the base member and having different fluororesins to fix a toner onto a sheet.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for the removal of organic substances and/or nitrogen sources from an aqueous medium by exposing the aqueous medium to the action of microorganisms supported on a gas permeable, water impermeable layer, or on and/or in a three dimensional microbial support layer, that is proximate a gas delivery layer through which gas, preferably, oxygen-containing gas, is supplied to the gas permeable layer such that it diffuses through the gas permeable layer and is supplied to the microorganisms.

Abstract: Provided are a leather-like sheet fabricated by infiltrating an aqueous resin dispersion (A) into a fibrous substrate, which satisfies a requirement (I) that the aqueous resin dispersion, (A) comprises essentially a main resin (a) stabilized with a surfactant, a polymer (b) having a polyoxyethylene group in its side chains, and a surfactant (c), a requirement (II) that the main resin (a) comprises an urethane resin (a1) and/or an urethane-acrylic composite resin (a2), and the resin skeleton contains from 1 to 10 mmols of a carboxyl group per 100 g of the resin, a requirement (III) that the polymer (b) is obtained through polymerization of a polyoxyethylene group-having ethylenic unsaturated monomer (b1) and any other ethylenic unsaturated monomer (b2) in a ratio by mass (b1)/(b2)=60/40 to 100/0, and a requirement (IV) that the percentage, % by mass (?) of the polyoxyethylene group in the polymer (b) and the number of mols (?) of the amino group per gram of the polymer (b) satisfy 35??+?×20000?60; and an indus

Abstract: A layered sheet construction contains at least one gas permeable, liquid water impermeable layer, and a gas delivery layer formed of a corrugated sheet proximate the gas permeable, water impermeable layer. The corrugated sheet has corrugations that form flow channels through which gas can be conveyed to the gas permeable layer. One embodiment of the layered sheet construction includes a gas permeable, liquid water impermeable layer having a surface energy that is below 20 dynes per centimeter.

Abstract: A crosslinked fluorocarbon such as perfluorocarbon, polymeric composition is provided having hydrophilic functional groups, which is crosslinked with fluorinated such as perfluorinated crosslinking groups. Also provided is a branched fluorocarbon such as perfluorocarbon, polymeric composition having hydrophilic functional groups.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a mechanically and chemically embossed surface covering having selectively textured surfaces. The method includes forming a web coated with a wear layer. The coated web is heated to a temperature at which the wear layer is cured, the foam layer expands, and the pattern is chemically embossed to form a surface covering having foamed regions and nonfoamed regions. The temperature gradient of the surface covering is adjusted such that there is a temperature gradient difference between the foamed and nonfoamed regions. A surface texture is then mechanically embossed into the wear layer and selectively set onto the wear layer substantially overlying the non-foamed regions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing a polypropylene foam by mixing a high melt strength polypropylene and a blowing agent to form a melt mixture, reducing the temperature of the melt mixture at the exit of the apparatus to an exit temperature that is no more than 30° C. above the melt temperature of the neat polypropylene while maintaining the melt mixture at a pressure sufficient to prevent foaming; passing the mixture through said exit shaping orifice and exposing the mixture to atmospheric pressure, whereby the blowing agent expands causing cell formation resulting in foam formation, and orienting said foam. The foam is useful as tape backings, thermal and acoustical insulation and as a diffuse reflector for use in optical applications such as computer displays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging member comprising an imaging layer and a base wherein said base comprises a polymer sheet having at least one oriented polymer core and adhered thereto at least one unoriented polymer layer. Another embodiment relates to an imaging element comprising an imaging layer and a base, wherein said base comprises an integral polymer sheet having at least one oriented polymer core and at least one unoriented polymer layer. The invention further relates to a process of manufacturing a base for an imaging element comprising the steps of extruding a voided core polymer sheet; orienting said extruded voided core polymer sheet; and extrusion coating said oriented extruded voided core polymer sheet with at least one unoriented polymer layer.

Abstract: Gel and gel composites health care articles, including masks, pads, blood bags, tubings, male and female tubing connectors, and needle protector sheath.

Abstract: Multi-layer coated materials and methods of making them are disclosed. In a specific embodiment, a porous polymeric substrate is pre-activated and immersed in a polyelectrolyte solution to form a first layer having an electric charge and at least one functional group. The coated material is next immersed in a second solution of a material having an electric charge opposite of that of the first layer to provide a bi-layer coating. This process can be repeated to form multi-layer coatings on porous substrates.

Abstract: A porous or non-porous polymeric substrate having its surface modified with an immobilized fluorocarbon such as perfluorocarbon, polymeric composition is provided. The immobilized fluorocarbon is formed from a monomer having formula: [T—SO2Y—SO2T?]?M+ in which —T and T? are identical or different and comprise an organic radical bearing at least one active polymerization function such as an unsaturation or a ring that can be opened; —M+ comprises an inorganic cation.

Abstract: Selectivity embossed surface coverings are prepared by mechanically embossing a wear layer which overlays at least one printing ink containing a photoinitiator which has been printed in a pattern or design. The embossed wear layer is subjected to ultraviolet radiation which causes curing of the wear layer in the surface areas disposed over the printing ink. The product then is fused whereby the mechanical embossing in surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink relaxes and becomes smooth. In a variant of the invention, a thermoplastic wear layer is employed which can be mechanically embossed in the surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink with a texture different from the first applied mechanical embossing. In another variant, two different spectral regions of UV curing radiation are used so that a urethane coating can be employed as a top coat with a selectively embossed surface.

Abstract: Selectivity embossed surface coverings are prepared by mechanically embossing a wear layer which overlays at least one printing ink containing a photoinitiator which has been printed in a pattern or design. The embossed wear layer is subjected to ultraviolet light which causes curing of the wear layer in the surface areas disposed over the printing ink. The product then is fused whereby the mechanical embossing in surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink relaxes and becomes smooth. In a variant of the invention, a thermoplastic wear layer is employed which can be mechanically embossed in the surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink with a texture different from the first applied mechanical embossing.

Abstract: A resin composition having a high adhesion between a resin layer and a metallic layer as well as an excellent durability, a process for producing the same, and an electrophotographic fixing member are provided. In the resin composition, a metallic layer is provided on a surface of a resin layer having a porous structure at least on the surface.

Abstract: A method for forming a molded panel comprising a rigid substrate, a cover material, and a localized composite pad. The method comprises providing a molding tool having a first mold and a second mold, the first mold having a cavity; inserting a cover material between the first mold and the second mold; placing a composite pad comprising an impregnable layer and a non-impregnable layer in the cavity of the first mold, wherein the non-impregnable layer is facing the second mold and the impregnable layer is abutting the first mold; introducing resin into the molding tool; and solidifying the resin to form the molded panel whereby the non-impregnable layer of the composite pad is located adjacent the cover material.

Abstract: A crush resistant seamless roofing system is formed by a layer of adjacent panels having loose joints filled by expanding rising foam adhesive, which is trimmed to remove excess foam adhesive above a top plane of the roofing system. The roofing system thus formed is covered by a fabric layer and a coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging element comprising at least one imaging layer and a base. The base comprises a foam core layer, which comprises a polymer that has been expanded through the use of a blowing agent, and at least one polymeric surface smoothing layer, which comprises a solution polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making an elastomeric article including preparing a non-woven fibrous polymer composition for dip-coating onto a layer of carboxylated acrylonitrile-butadiene elastomeric surface and in particular making industrial or household gloves. By dipping a former into a salt-based coagulant, followed by dipping into an elastomeric dispersion, and finally dipping into a polymer composite fibrous coating, a useful elastomeric article is prepared. The invention also provides an elastomeric article having a first layer, the first layer comprising a natural or synthetic polymer; and a second layer bonded to the first layer, the second layer comprising a polymer composite fibrous coating. The polymer composite fibrous coating includes at least one elastomer or elastomer blend, a fiber or fiber blend, a surfactant, and a micronised wax. The coating can be foamed, and provides improved sweat management and non-shredding properties to a user.

Abstract: New composite materials having a high density of small particles, such as hollow microspheres, in a matrix material are disclosed. The microspheres are densely packed in the matrix material such that adjacent microspheres are positioned in contact with each other or very close together. Fiber flanking may be provided on the opposite sides of a layer of a core of composite material having the small particles and matrix material. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the composite materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging element comprising an imaging layer and a support, wherein the support comprises a core layer having a surface roughness of at least 1.4 microns and a pit camouflaging flange layer between the support and the imaging layer. The present invention also relates to a method of forming an imaging support comprising extruding a polymer layer onto a core layer of surface roughness of at least 1.4 microns, and passing the extruded polymer layer on the core layer between two temperature controlled rollers, one of which comprises a pit camouflaging surface and a method of forming an imaging support comprising extruding a polymer layer, passing the extruded polymer layer between two temperature controlled rollers, one of which comprises a pit camouflaging surface, and laminating the polymer layer onto a core layer with a surface roughness of at least 1.4 microns.

Abstract: A moldable article that can be custom-fitted to a particular user. Such an article comprises a thermoplastic material such as ethylene vinyl acetate modified by an antistatic agent selected from the group consisting of polyol amines such as ethoxylated amines, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, phosphoric acid esters, quaternary ammonium salts, and amphoteric compounds such as betaine. The article is heated until the thermoplastic material softens, then pressed against a user's body part. The article is allowed to cool, resulting in a custom-fitted article. Such articles may be repeatedly re-heated and re-molded and may include, e.g., moldable footbeds, racquet handles, shin guards, helmets, and seats.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide an air bag door construction in which the air bag develops smoothly and securely, the skin can be easily produced with small man-hour, and which is excellent in the surface appearance. The skin 50 is formed by a mold 5 including an endless and annular wall 50 provided at a part of a molding surface to be inclined relative to the molding surface. A groove portion 35 of the skin 3 formed by the wall 50 is cut at a bottom portion thereof to separate the skin 3 into a general portion 30 and a door portion 31. The general portion 30 and the door portion 31 are relatively shifted to make both surfaces thereof flush with each other. When the surfaces of the general portion 30 and the door portion 31 are flush by the relative shift, gap between the general portion 30 and the door portion 31 can be narrowed, and gap appeared on the surface can also be narrowed.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper (20) integrates rigid and flexible components into a single co-injection molded structure. In a preferred embodiment, a flexible fascia (58) is provided with integrated rigid fastener brackets (62, 66, 70, 71), energy absorption structure and head lamp brackets and housings (62). A method for manufacturing such a bumper provides for the injection of two different plastic materials during the same molding process. The flexible plastic material first injected into the mold. Then, the rigid plastic material is injected at gates located where the rigid material is desired. In one embodiment, the rigid material is completely contained within the flexible material. The rigid material may be either a higher stiffness plastic or a fiber reinforced plastic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminating adhesive including a reaction product of at least one polymeric polyol (part A) and at least one NCO terminated polyurethane prepolymer (part B). The part A includes a reaction product of at least one alkylene diol; at least one dial containing a pendant aliphatic chain; and at least one dicarboxylic acid. The part B includes a reaction product of at least one polyether polyol; and at least one polyisocyanate. The adhesive exhibits an initial viscosity of less than about 25,000 mPa.s at about 25° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheet or board like multiple layers laminated polyolefin foam having a plurality of polyolefin layers laminated on at least one side of a polyolefin foam by a coextrusion method. More specifically, the present invention relates to said multiple layers laminated polyolefin foam, wherein the thickness of the outermost layer constituting the plurality of polyolefin layers is 5 to 80 ?m, and the density d (g/L) of the polyolefin foam, the melt flow rate X (g/10 min) of the polyolefin constituting the innermost layer among the plurality of polyolefin layers, and the thickness Y (?m) of the innermost layer of the multiple polyolefin layers satisfy the following relationships (1) to (4). Y?0.

Abstract: A multi-layer sheet of the present invention comprises a thermoplastic resin foam sheet, a reinforcing sheet layered on integrated with at least one side of the thermoplastic resin foam sheet; the reinforcing sheet being formed by a non-woven fabric which comprises non-meltable fibers which are interwound with one another and which are bound together with a thermoplastic resin, the thermoplastic resin foam sheet having an aspect ratio Dz/Dxy of bubbles of 1.2 or more, and an expansion ratio of 5˜50 cc/g, and therefore the sheet is excellent in bending strength, compressive strength, thermo-forming property and dimensional stability as well as lightweight property, and so can ideally be used for an upholstery material for vehicles, a heat-insulation material, a buffer material and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biaxially stretched, laminated, white microporous polyester film, which can be used in a wide range of industrial applications including printing, imaging, advertising and display. The film of the present invention comprises a porous polyester resin layer B containing a thermoplastic resin non-compatible with polyester; a polyester resin-based photic layer A formed on one surface of the resin layer B, the photic layer A having a 60-degree gloss of the surface thereof of more than 100%; and an aphotic layer C formed on the other surface of the resin layer B, the aphotic layer C having a 60-degree gloss of the surface thereof of less than 50%. The total density of the photic layer A and the aphotic layer C is 0.55–1.2 g/cm3. This film has excellent gloss and flexibility so that it is very suitable for use in printing and imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated circuit system with at least one integrated circuit, a cooling body to dissipate the heat generated by the integrated circuit and a latent heat storage module having a latent heat storage medium. The latent heat storage module is thermally connected to the cooling body in order to temporarily store the heat generated by the integrated circuit and to convey it to the cooling body. The integrated circuit has at least one semiconductor component which is assembled on a substrate and the substrate is in direct thermal contact with the latent heat storage module.

Abstract: A multilayer synthetic wood component comprised of a layer of a first synthetic wood composition that is secured to a layer of a second synthetic wood composition. As a result, the present invention may provide a component that utilizes the beneficial characteristics of each of the compositions. For instance, the component can have an improved combination of appearance, strength, durability, weight, weatherability, and other characteristics. Moreover, the present invention enables the ingredients of each layer to be tailored to the particular application. Consequently, certain ingredients can be conserved, thereby reducing the cost and/or the weight of the component.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement for a hollow member comprising a rigid reinforcing member having a shape that substantially conforms to the cross section of the hollow member to be reinforced with an expandable adhesive material over at least a portion of the surface of the structural reinforcement having one or more extensions on its external surface which control and direct the direction in which the adhesive material expands to bond the reinforcing member to the internal surface of the hollow member, some of the extensions also provide improved reinforcement.

Abstract: The present application relates to a white, biaxially oriented, flame-retardant, UV-resistant polyester film with at least one base layer which comprises, based on the weight of the base layer, from 2 to 60% by weight of a cycloolefin copolymer (COC), where the glass transition temperature of the COC is within the range from 70 to 270° C. The film also comprises from 0.01 to 5.0% by weight of a UV stabilizer as light stabilizer and also comprises from 0.5 to 30% by weight of flame retardant, based in each case on the weight of the layer comprising the UV stabilizer and/or comprising the flame retardant. The film of the invention is suitable for packing foods or other consumable items which are sensitive to light and/or to air, or for use in industry, e.g. in the production of hot-stamping foils or as a label film, or for image-recording papers, printed sheets or magnetic recording cards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polarizing plate protective film base comprising a laminated film comprising a biaxially oriented polyester film and a coating layer provided on one side of said biaxially oriented polyester film, the surface resistance of said coating layer being not more than 1×1011?, the adhesive force (P2) of the coating layer surface with an acrylic adhesive being not more than 3,000 mN/cm, and the difference between adhesive force (P1) of the coating layer surface with a rubber adhesive and adhesive force (P2) with an acrylic adhesive (P1?P2) being not less than 100 mN/cm.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a foamed polyolefin resin sheet which exhibits a high adhesive strength when laminated with a layer formed of a saponified ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer and which still exhibits a high adhesive strength even when laminated with a layer of a thermoplastic resin having relatively low polarity such as a polyolefin resin. This object is attained by a foamed polyolefin resin sheet including a foamed polyolefin resin layer and a non-foamed surface layer formed of a thermoplastic resin composition having an A1/A2 ratio falling within a range between 1×10?8 and 1×10?1, wherein A1 is a maximum absorbance of the infrared absorption spectrum of the thermoplastic resin composition within an infrared ray wave number region of from 1700 to 1750 cm?1 and A2 is a maximum absorbance of the infrared absorption spectrum of the thermoplastic resin composition within an infrared ray wave number region of from 1455 to 1465 cm?1.

Abstract: A laminated sheet which contains a cross-linking foam material, and radiates far infrared so that it has heat-insulating and heat-retentive properties. The laminated sheet (1) has a three-layered structure including polyethylene foam (2) having a sheet shape that is one example of a cross-linking foam material in which a substance that radiates far infrared rays is mixed, non-woven fabric (3) having a sheet shape formed on a lower face thereof and a polyester film (4) formed on an upper face thereof. Since the laminated sheet of the present invention is allowed to radiate far infrared rays, it can greatly shorten the snow-melting time, etc., because of its heat reflection effects in comparison with a sheet made of a single material of non-woven fabric, and it also makes it possible to greatly improve heat-insulating and heat-retentive effects, and also to provide medical effects.

Abstract: A restraint for packaging glass sheets includes a first leg and a second leg, each leg having an inner surface configured to contact at least a portion of the glass sheets and an outer surface. The first and second legs define a vertex. The inner surfaces are made at least partly of a compressible material and the outer surfaces are made at least partly of a material having a hardness greater than that of the compressible material.

Abstract: Buckyrock is a three-dimensional, solid block material comprising an entangled network of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT), wherein the block comprises greater than 75 wt % SWNT. SWNT buckyrock is mechanically strong, tough and impact resistant. The single-wall carbon nanotubes in buckyrock form are present in a random network of individual single-wall carbon nanotubes, SWNT “ropes” and combinations thereof. The random network of the SWNT or SWNT ropes can be held in place by non-covalent “cross-links” between the nanotubes at nanotube contact points. In one embodiment, SWNT buckyrock is made by forming a SWNT-water slurry, slowly removing water from the slurry which results in a SWNT-water paste, and allowing the paste to dry very slowly, such that the SWNT network of the SWNT-water paste is preserved during solvent evaporation. Buckyrock can be used in applications, such as ballistic protection systems, involving light-weight material with mechanical strength, toughness and impact resistance.

Abstract: An automobile trim has a trim body (a base layer) formed of a rubber composition and having a design surface, a decorating layer formed of a thermoplastic elastomer composition and thermally bonded integrally with the design surface of the trim body. A thermal bonding layer is formed of a thermoplastic resin composition and interposed between the decorating layer and the trim body so that the decorating layer is thermally bonded integrally with the trim body through the thermal bonding layer. The thermal bonding layer has a thickness to an extent not to prevent bending flexibility when the trim is attached to a vehicle body. In another example, a cushion layer is laminated on the trim body and formed of sponge rubber of EPDM, a decorating layer is laminated on the cushion layer and formed by foaming olefin thermoplastic elastomer, and an olefin bonding layer for bonding the cushion layer and the decorating layer.

Abstract: Methods of making articles are provided in which a self-supporting structure formed of natural polymer has a self-adherent, moisture resistant thermoplastic film comprising gelatinized starch and a hydroxy-functional polyester on the structure surface. The self-supporting structure preferably is a starch and polyvinyl alcohol blend in an expanded form. The articles typically do not delaminate even when soaked in water, and are biodegradable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transparent polymeric diffusion film exhibiting at least 50% transmissivity containing a thermoplastic polymeric material with internal microvoids and containing a plurality of complex lenses on a surface thereof. Such films are useful for diffusing light when it is desired to provide and even light distribution.

Abstract: A void filling device which facilitates insertion of a void filling material into a tubular component and hold of the void filling material therewithin. The device comprises a holder for void filling material which is designed to retain the void filling material to fill a void space by expanding with heat and is of a different material from the void filling material so as to be elastically deformed and inserted into the void space. When the cross-sectional configuration of the void space of the tubular component is a rectangle, the holder is formed into a plate-like configuration which is longer than the diagonal line of the rectangle and is adapted to be insertable into the void space by bending the same arcuately.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-whiteness, biaxially oriented polyester film with at least a base layer made from polyester. The base layer of the polyester film of the invention also comprises from 2 to 60% by weight of a cycloolefin copolymer (COC), from 0.1 to 25% by weight of a white pigment, and, if desired, from 0 to 5% by weight of an optical brightener, based on the weight of the base layer. The glass transition temperature of the COC here is to be within the range from 70 to 270° C. The film is particularly suitable for packing foods or other consumable items which are sensitive to light and/or to air, or for use in industry, e.g. for producing hot-stamping foils or as a label film, or for image-recording papers, printed sheets, or magnetic recording cards, or for processing on high-speed machinery for winding, metallizing, printing or laminating.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a fiber-reinforced, starch-bound cellular matrix. Suitable mixtures used to form the articles are prepared by first preparing a viscous preblended mixture comprising water, a gelatinized starch-based binder, and fibers having an average length greater than about 2 mm. The highly viscous preblended mixture effectively transfers the shearing forces of the mixer to the fibers. The final moldable mixture is then prepared by mixing into the preblended mixture the remaining starch-based binder, water, and other desired admixtures, e.g., mold-releasing agents, inorganic filler rheology-modifying agents, plasticizers, coating materials, and dispersants, in the correct proportions to form an article which has the desired performance criteria.