Cellulose fiber reinforced composites having reduced discoloration and improved dispersion and associated methods of manufacture
AssigneeRayonier Products and Financial Services Company
InventorsFred Barlow, Yash Khanna, Daren B. Pietsch, John Underwood
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Abstract
The present invention provides composites prepared from melt blending compositions that generally include cellulosic pulp fibers having an alpha-cellulose purity of greater than 80% by weight, at least one water soluble binder, at least one lubricant, at least one compatibilizer, and at least one matrix polymer. The present invention further provides advantageous temperature profiles and feeding arrangements to be used in conjunction with the melt blending of such composites. The composites of the present invention exhibit reduced discoloration and improved fiber dispersion.
Claims41
A cellulose reinforced composite prepared from a melt blending composition comprising:
- cellulosic pulp fibers having an alpha-cellulose purity of greater than about 80% by weight;
- at least one matrix polymer exhibiting a melting temperature of less than about 200° C.;
- at least one water soluble binder;
- at least one lubricant;
- and
- at least one compatibilizer.
A cellulose reinforced composite prepared from a melt blending composition comprising:
- cellulosic pulp fibers having an alpha-cellulose purity of greater than 80% by weight;
- a water soluble binder comprising polyacrylamide;
- a matrix polymer comprising polypropylene;
- a lubricant mixture comprising silicone oil and ethylene bisstearamid;
- and
- a compatibilizer comprising maleated polypropylene.
Molded articles prepared from a melt blending composition comprising:
- cellulosic pulp fibers having an alpha-cellulose purity of greater than about 80 percent by weight;
- at least one water soluble binder;
- at least one lubricant;
- at least one compatibilizer;
- and
- at least one matrix polymer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.