Other

Asaa Technologies, Inc.

Saco Polymers, Inc.

Kevin P Gohr

Brent W English

Glyn Carver

Timothy C Ausavich

Jeffrey Jacob Cernohous

David Geraint Roberts

Compositions and methods for producing polymeric composites containing reinforcing additives. In one embodiment, a filler is also included in the formulation. Articles produced from the reinforcing additives and the composites of this invention are useful as building materials and automotive components.

Reinforcing additives for composite materials

A plastic cellulosic composite pellet has a thermoplastic polymer comprising 20 to 60 percent by weight of the pellet; a cellulosic fiber content comprising 40 to 80 percent by weight; a moisture content of less than one percent and a specific gravity of greater that one; the cellulosic fiber has a length from 0.01 to 0.90 millimeters with an aspect ratio of between 2.0 and 20.0; and a trace of mineral coating dispersed on the surface of the pellet. The pellets may be produced in a twin screw extruder with parallel intermeshing segmented screws. Screw segments positioned on two spline shafts perform the various required functions of mixing, deaerating and removal of moisture followed by extrusion of pellets. Cellulosic fiber is fed into the extruder approximately one-quarter of the way down the extruder barrel by a twin screw side stuffer. Air entrained in the cellulosic material escapes through a vent.

Plastic wood-fiber pellets

A wood-plastic composite material is produced in a twin screw extruder with parallel intermeshing segmented screws. The screw segments are positioned on two spline shafts and perform the various required functions of mixing, deaerating and removal of moisture followed by extrusion. A polymer is fed to the main throat of the extruder where the plastic is conveyed along a barrel formed by the case of the extruder. Cellulosic fiber is positively fed into the extruder approximately one-quarter of the way down the extruder barrel by a twin screw side stuffer. A vent is provided for entrained air in the cellulosic material to escape. The molten mixture of polymer and cellulosic material is then conveyed to a devolatilization area having a first atmosphere devolatilization area and a second vacuum devolatilization area separated by a melt seal. A pumping section raises the pressure of the mixture of polymer and cellulosic material to between 1,000 and 6,000 psi which is then extruded through a multiplicity of small holes and separated into individual pellets by a four bladed rotating knife. Calcium carbonate, talc, or other mineral is blown onto the pellets as they are formed to prevent them from sticking to each other. The pellets are cooled to room temperature by a fluidized air bed which rapidly cools the pellets without immersing them in water.

Method for manufacturing of plastic wood-fiber pellets

Pallet spacer foot

Re-usable or multi use pallets are disclosed, which comprise a pallet platform mounted on molded plastic pallet spacer feet, and pallet runners attached to the bottom or underside of the pallet spacer feet by means of a through bolt extending through the pallet platform, pallet spacer foot, and pallet runners, and nails extending upward through the pallet runner and into the bottom of the molded plastic spacer foot. The plan view of the pallet spacer foot is of a modified oblate spheroid shape.

Growing community of inventors

Sheboygan, WI, United States of America

Kevin P Gohr