Patent ID: 8221663
Filing Date: 2012-07-17
Classification: B29B,B29C,B29K,B32B,C08J,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of making a foamed cellulosic fiber-thermoplastic composite article comprising: A) providing a copolymer composition that includes: B) combining about 30% to about 99.9% by weight of the copolymer composition with about 0.01% to about 70% by weight of one or more cellulosic fibers based on the weight of the combination; C) applying an amount of heat, mixing energy and pressure sufficient to provide: D) forming the foamed article by placing the foamable mixture in a molding or extruding operation; wherein the foamed article has a structured foam central portion and micro foamed outer portion that surrounds the structured foam portion and has a higher density than the central portion; and wherein the micro foamed outer portion comprises from about 5 to about 22 percent of the overall thickness of the article.