This invention provides gypsum wallboards with a unique microstructure where the walls between voids are enhanced in thickness and strength to substantially improve the strength and handling properties of the wallboards. A method of making lightweight gypsum wallboards is also provided.

This invention provides gypsum wallboards with a unique microstructure where the walls between voids are enhanced in thickness and strength to substantially improve the strength and handling properties of the wallboards. A method of making lightweight gypsum wallboards is also provided.

This disclosure relates to using polyester films on building boards to enable improved surface coatings. The polyester film is preferably applied to a glass mat via an adhesive to form a laminate. This laminate is then bonded to the exterior surface of a gypsum board. The polyester film is advantageous because it allows for exterior surface coatings to be applied. In one embodiment, an exterior acrylic coating is applied to the polyester film. Boards constructed in accordance with this disclosure allow for exterior finishings to be achieved without the need for excessive finishing materials or steps.

A process for forming a moldable, uncured nonwoven composite containing forming a outermost nonwoven layer, forming a structural nonwoven layer, needling the structural nonwoven layer and the outermost nonwoven layer together from both the outer surface of the outermost nonwoven layer and the second surface of the structural nonwoven layer, applying an uncured, water-based thermosetting resin having a cure temperature of at least about 160° C. to the second surface of the structural nonwoven layer, and at least partially drying the uncured, wet nonwoven composite. Heat and pressure may be applied to form the moldable, uncured composite. A moldable, uncured nonwoven composite and a molded, cured nonwoven composite are also disclosed.

A process for forming a moldable, uncured nonwoven composite containing forming a structural nonwoven layer, at least partially impregnating the structural nonwoven layer with an uncured, water-based thermosetting resin having a cure temperature of at least about 160° C., and at least partially drying the uncured, wet nonwoven composite such that the temperature at the inner plane is less than about 130° C. forming an moldable, uncured composite. The structural nonwoven layer contains a plurality of bi-component binder fibers and a plurality of reinforcing fibers, the bi-component fibers containing a core and a sheath. The core contains a polymer having a melting temperature of at least about 180° C. and the sheath contains a polymer having a melting temperature less than about 180 ° C. A process for forming a molded, cured composite containing forming a structural nonwoven layer and a molded cured nonwoven composite are also disclosed.

A process for forming a moldable, uncured nonwoven composite containing forming a structural nonwoven layer, at least partially impregnating the structural nonwoven layer with an uncured, water-based thermosetting resin having a cure temperature of at least about 160° C., and at least partially drying the uncured, wet nonwoven composite. The structural nonwoven layer contains a plurality of binder fibers and a plurality of reinforcing fibers which are cellulosic fibers. Heat and pressure are applied to the moldable, uncured composite to a temperature of at least about 160° C. at least partially melting the binder fibers, curing the water-based thermosetting resin, and bonding at least a portion of the reinforcing fibers to other reinforcing fibers forming the molded, cured composite. The reinforcing fibers react with and form covalent bonds with the thermosetting resin.

The present invention relates to floor panels for outdoor use, which front side is provided with a decorative—respectively protective layer and which comprises at its sides coupling means inform of groove and tongue elements. The material of the carrier plate is thereby MDF or HDF board of acetylated wood, a fiber cement board or is based on polyvinylchloride and the decorative—respectively protective layer consisting of a radiation cured acrylate-containing film or a polymeric layer with hardness gradient, wherein the hardness of the polymeric layer decreases in particular continuously with increasing depth seen from the surface of the polymeric layer.

The present invention relates to floor panels for outdoor use, which front side is provided with a decorative—respectively protective layer and which comprises at its sides coupling means inform of groove and tongue elements. The material of the carrier plate is thereby MDF or HDF board of acetylated wood, a fiber cement board or is based on polyvinylchloride and the decorative—respectively protective layer consisting of a radiation cured acrylate-containing film or a polymeric layer with hardness gradient, wherein the hardness of the polymeric layer decreases in particular continuously with increasing depth seen from the surface of the polymeric layer.

A plasterboard comprises a gypsum matrix having particles of agglomerated fibres embedded therein in an amount of at least 1 wt % relative to the gypsum, the gypsum matrix further comprising a polymeric additive, the polymeric additive being present in an amount of at least 1 wt % relative to the gypsum.

A plasterboard comprises a gypsum matrix having particles of agglomerated fibres embedded therein in an amount of at least 1 wt % relative to the gypsum, the gypsum matrix further comprising a polymeric additive, the polymeric additive being present in an amount of at least 1 wt % relative to the gypsum.