A method of making tonebars and other components for musical instruments comprises using a pultrusion apparatus to embed or coat glass, plant-based, and/or other fibers in or with a thermosetting, thermoplastic, or catalyzed polymer matrix. The coated fibers are pulled into a continuous bar in a curing and forming die. The bar is then cut into predetermined lengths. Each length is then carefully tuned by cutting and shaping so that when it is struck, it will emit musical notes on a chromatic musical scale. In one aspect, the fibers and resin are selected to produce tonebars for marimbas and xylophones that emulate the sound obtained from highly desirable Honduran rosewood at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact associated with this wood.

Disclosed herein is a composite material composition for producing a biodegradable composite material. The biodegradable composite material is at least one of air resistant and water-resistant. Further, the composite material composition includes fiber present in an amount of from 30% to 50% by weight based on the total weight of the composite material composition. Further, the composite material composition includes starch present in an amount of from 20% to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the composite material composition. Further, the composite material composition includes filler particles present in an amount of from 20% to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the composite material composition and at least one binding agent present in an amount of from 1% to 5% by weight based on the total weight of the composite material composition. Further, the at least one binding agent is biodegradable.

A vehicle interior panel includes a substrate with non-uniform hardness, providing cushioned portions of the panel without the need for a distinct cushioning layer. The substrate is made from a mat of natural and synthetic fibers that is heated and pressed so that the pressed mat has thick and thin portions. The thin portions are rigid and structural, and the thick portions are soft. Application of a decorative layer can be incorporated into the process, as can back-injection molding (BIM) for additional structure.

A feedstock for moulding may include a plurality of feed components. The plurality of feed components may include hyphae. The feedstock may further include a binder. The plurality of feed components may be coated by and/or impregnated with the binder. The binder may be suitable to bind the plurality of feed components together when activated. Methods include preparing the feedstocks and for preparing products formed therefrom.