An engineered wood based siding, cladding or panel with a pre-consolidated fines layer (PCF) applied to the top of the main strand matrix layers to minimize telegraphing and provide an improved surface appearance. The PCF is consolidated prior to application to the surface of the strand matrix or mat, and takes the place of a loose fines layer. The PCF prevents the loss of fines into the strand matrix, effectively keeping the fines at the surface so they can effectively and efficiently function to prevent or eliminate strand telegraphing, and provide a smooth finished surface for the product.

Provided is a flame retardant and latent hardener composition including a blend of 30-100% (by weight based on total solids) of diammonium hydrogen phosphate, and dihydrogen phosphate, 0-50% (by weight based on total solids) of monoammonium. The flame-retardant/hardener composition is prepared as a solid blend or a liquid composition, the liquid composition being an aqueous composition including a liquid aqueous solution of the contents ranging from 25% w/w to 80% w/w. Methods for making flame retarded fiber boards using the composition as flame retarder and a hardener for the resin used in the production of the boards are also provided.

Provided are adhesive materials for fire resistant applications, methods of using these adhesive materials on lignocellulosic and other like substrates, and composite materials including lignocellulosic substrates and these adhesive materials. In addition to being fire-resistant, the composites formed from the substrates and adhesive materials may be also durable to moisture. The adhesive materials may include at least one proteinaceous-containing material and at least one magnesium oxychloride material. Other materials may be present as well, in some embodiments. For example, an adhesive material may include a solvent or a vinyl polymer. In some embodiments, water may be used as a solvent and the adhesive material may be referred to as an aqueous adhesive material. Some examples of suitable vinyl polymers include but are not limited to polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and vinyl acetate/ethylene (VAE).

Disclosed is a method for recovering waste resources, the method comprising: collecting co-mingled commodity streams from a waste source; sorting and separating cellulose and soft plastics from among the co-mingled commodity streams; and blending the cellulose and soft plastics together to form a blend of recycled waste; wherein polymeric fibrous material is blended together with the blend of recycled waste.

Disclosed is a method for recovering waste resources, the method comprising: collecting co-mingled commodity streams from a waste source; sorting and separating cellulose and soft plastics from among the co-mingled commodity streams; and blending the cellulose and soft plastics together to form a blend of recycled waste; wherein polymeric fibrous material is blended together with the blend of recycled waste.

A two-part flame-retardant, a flame-retardant oriented strand (OSB) and method for forming a flame-retardant OSB is provided. The two-part flame-retardant composition includes an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble flame-retardant and a flame-retardant powder that is incorporated into an oriented strand board without substantially affecting the mechanical properties of the oriented strand board. The method includes applying the aqueous solution containing a water-soluble flame-retardant to an oriented strand board furnish and applying a flame-retardant powder to the wetted furnish, without requiring an additional drying step.

A two-part flame-retardant, a flame-retardant oriented strand (OSB) and method for forming a flame-retardant OSB is provided. The two-part flame-retardant composition includes an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble flame-retardant and a flame-retardant powder that is incorporated into an oriented strand board without substantially affecting the mechanical properties of the oriented strand board. The method includes applying the aqueous solution containing a water-soluble flame-retardant to an oriented strand board furnish and applying a flame-retardant powder to the wetted furnish, without requiring an additional drying step.

Methods of forming a lightweight reinforced thermoplastic core layer and articles including the core layer are described. In some examples, the methods use a combination of thermoplastic material, reinforcing fibers and bicomponent fibers to enhance retention of lofting agents in the core layer. The processes permit the use of less material while still providing sufficient lofting capacity in the final formed core layer.

A process for producing a non-woven grass fibre product comprises providing a grass fibre biomass obtained by aerobic fermentation of a meadow grass slurry and removal of digestible elements released during aerobic fermentation, mixing and shaping the grass fibre biomass to form a non- woven grass fibre mat, and binding and drying the mat to form the non-woven grass fibre product. The process includes a step of addition of non-fermented grass to the grass fibre biomass prior to the mixing and shaping step in which the mixture of grass and grass fibre biomass contains 15-50% by weight of grass. The use of a non-woven grass fibre product of the invention as thermal and acoustic insulation material for a building or a vehicle, as a packaging material for industrial products such as engines, industrial machines, and parts thereof, and as a filler for a mattress, is also described.

A process or method for manufacturing a fire-retardant treated wood composite board or panel, such as oriented-strand board, with a low melting point fire retardant (FR) material, such as boric acid, while the press is operating at typical press temperatures above the FR material melting point. An intervening overlay is applied to the top surface of the mat on the forming line, after the use or application of any FR material within or on the mat, prior to entry into the press. The intervening overlay covers the top surface so as to prevent the melting fire retardant material from contacting the press platen(s). After pressing, the intervening overlay may be removed from the top surface by sanding, buffing, or other methods. The intervening overlay also may be sized so as to extend over one or more edges of the underlying panel, for ease of removal post-process.