The present invention relates to a process for the manufacturing of composite materials from natural fibers and thermoplastic polymers. Examples of fibers are wood fibers originating from pulping processes known as refiner pulp (RMP), thermomechanical pulp (TMP) or chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP), but the process can also be applied to other kinds of natural fiber containing raw materials. In the process according to the present invention, fibers are introduced from the blowline or the housing of a refiner into a flash tube dryer, separated from humid air in a cyclone, introduced into a compounder and mixed with at least one thermoplastic polymer and the product is subsequently pelletized. The process according to the present invention is advantageously run as a continuous process.

Methods of manufacturing a fire-retardant treated OSB to avoid press build-up issues with prior art fire retardants such as boric acid when subjected to normal heat and pressure used in forming an OSB panel. In one embodiment, the press temperature is reduced to below the melting point or softening temperature of the boric acid and/or prior art fire retardants, with a fast-cure adhesive system used in the mat to provide sufficient bonding and integrity while using a lower press temperature. Alternatively, a zinc borate or calcium borate dispersion, with melting points higher than normal press temperatures, is applied to the wood strands prior to pressing. The zinc borate and/or calcium borate are not melted or softened during the OSB manufacturing process, thereby avoiding the press build-up issues with boric acid.

Methods of manufacturing a fire-retardant treated OSB to avoid press build-up issues with prior art fire retardants such as boric acid when subjected to normal heat and pressure used in forming an OSB panel. In one embodiment, the press temperature is reduced to below the melting point or softening temperature of the boric acid and/or prior art fire retardants, with a fast-cure adhesive system used in the mat to provide sufficient bonding and integrity while using a lower press temperature. Alternatively, a zinc borate or calcium borate dispersion, with melting points higher than normal press temperatures, is applied to the wood strands prior to pressing. The zinc borate and/or calcium borate are not melted or softened during the OSB manufacturing process, thereby avoiding the press build-up issues with boric acid.

The general inventive concepts relate to engineered wood products. The engineered wood products demonstrate improved properties including acoustic damping, fire resistance, and water absorption relative to similar engineered wood products that comprise only a single source of fibers. In contrast, the inventive engineered wood products include a combination of at least two types of fibers.

The general inventive concepts relate to engineered wood products. The engineered wood products demonstrate improved properties including acoustic damping, fire resistance, and water absorption relative to similar engineered wood products that comprise only a single source of fibers. In contrast, the inventive engineered wood products include a combination of at least two types of fibers.

A non-carbohydrate polyhydroxy component(s) is used in a binder composition to facilitate manufacture of wood particle boards.

It is provided a process to modify lignocellulosic materials with lignin, and incorporating lignin and isocyanates or other wood adhesive in wood products compositions, and their composition, preparation and application for bonding wood products are disclosed. The compositions comprise lignin, derived from a variety of natural resources, isocyanate compounds containing two or more isocyanate functional groups, or other wood adhesives.

It is provided a process to modify lignocellulosic materials with lignin, and incorporating lignin and isocyanates or other wood adhesive in wood products compositions, and their composition, preparation and application for bonding wood products are disclosed. The compositions comprise lignin, derived from a variety of natural resources, isocyanate compounds containing two or more isocyanate functional groups, or other wood adhesives.

Binders, methods for making same, and methods for making composite lignocellulose products therefrom. The binder can include about 30 wt % to about 40 wt % of solids that include a urea-modified aldehyde-based resin; about 0.1 wt % to about 3 wt % of solids that include an isocyanate-based resin; about 0.1 wt % to about 12 wt % of an extender; and about 50 wt % to about 62 wt % of water, where all weight percent values are based on a total weight of the binder. The binder can have a sodium hydroxide equivalent weight alkalinity of about 3 wt % to about 9 wt %.

Embodiments herein relate to a composite material including about 10 to 80 wt. % of a polymer phase, the polymer phase comprising a thermoplastic polymer with a density of less than about 1.9 g-m-2; and about 20 to 90 wt. % of a dispersed mixed particulate phase, the dispersed mixed particulate phase comprising a mixed particulate and about 0.005 to 8 wt. % of a coating of at least one interfacial modifier. The mixed particulate including a portion of a reinforcing fiber and a portion of a particle. The composite material having a Young's modulus of greater than 700 MPa. In various embodiments, structural building components made from the composite are included as well as additive manufacturing components made from the composite. Other embodiments are also included herein.