Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Angela Harris

Ellen Cheng-chi Lee

Deborah Frances Mielewski

A method of forming a natural fiber polymer composite includes the steps of introducing into an extruder a polymer, a natural fiber and a supercritical fluid to form a natural fiber polymer mixture; and extruding the natural fiber polymer mixture to form the natural fiber polymer composite at a temperature below a standard melting temperature of the polymer alone. The supercritical fluid may be introduced after the polymer is introduced into the extruder. The supercritical fluid may be introduced before or after the natural fiber is introduced into the extruder.

Method of forming natural fiber polymer composite

A compostable interior panel for use in a vehicle includes an injection molded compostable polymer. A layer is disposed about the compostable polymer and comprises a composting-resistant polymer having a thickness ranging from 10 &#x3bc;m to 175 &#x3bc;m. The compostable polymer and the composting-resistant polymer are substantially insoluble in one another when liquid.

Growing community of inventors

Allen Park, MI, United States of America

Angela Harris