Methods of making composites containing cellulosic pulp fibers

A composite comprising at least 5 wt % fibers dispersed in a matrix comprising a polymeric material, wherein said composite has a density less than 2% greater than said polymeric material and a tensile strength 3% greater than the tensile strength of said polymeric material.

A composite granule for injection molding composed of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material comprising a multiplicity of cellulosic pulp fibers dispersed in a matrix of thermoplastic material, wherein said cellulosic pulp fibers have an alpha-cellulose content greater than 80%.

An injection molded product of a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material comprising a multiplicity of cellulosic pulp fibers dispersed in a matrix of the thermoplastic material, wherein said cellulosic pulp fibers have an alpha-cellulose content greater than 80%.

A method of making a composite material comprising forming a mixture including cellulosic pulp fibers and a polymeric material, wherein said cellulosic pulp fibers have an alpha-cellulose purity greater than 80% by weight.

A method of making a composite material comprising the steps of:

• (a) forming a mixture comprising cellulosic pulp fibers and a molten polymeric material within an extruder, wherein said cellulosic fibers are introduced into the molten polymeric material;
• and
• (b) melt blending and extruding said mixture to form said composite.

A method of molding a composite material comprising the steps of injection molding a mixture comprising cellulosic pulp fibers and polymeric thermoplastic material, wherein said cellulosic pulp fibers has an alpha-cellulose purity greater than 80% by weight.