Process for producing fibre compositions
AssigneeValtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
InventorsJohanna Buchert, Stina Gronqvist, Hannu Mikkonen, Tarja Oksanen, Soili Peltonen, Anna Suurnakki, Liisa Viikari
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Abstract
The present invention concerns a process for producing fibre composites. In particular, the invention provides a novel way of producing biodegradable composites comprising a hydrophobic polymer material and a reinforcing component of fibres derived from plant materials. Composite material produced by means of the present invention has improved strength properties and enhanced adhesion between the bifunctional fibre and the natural or synthetic polymer.
Claims22
A process for producing a composite comprising a lignocellulosic fibrous matrix, having phenolic groups, and a hydrophobic polymer, said process comprising the steps of
- a) oxidizing the phenolic groups or the groups having a similar structure to provide an oxidized fibre material,
- b) contacting the oxidized fibre material with a modifying agent containing at least one first functional portion, which is compatible with the oxidized fibre material, and at least one second hydrophobic portion, which is compatible with the hydrophobic polymer, to provide a lignocellulosic fibre material having a modified surface, and
- c) contacting the fibre material with the hydrophobic polymer under conditions allowing for intimate contacting between the modified fibre and the polymer to form a composite.
The process according claim, wherein the first functional group is selected from the group of hydroxy, carboxy, anhydride, aldehyde, ketone, amine, amide, imine, imidine and derivatives and salts thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.