Patent ID: 7390846
Filing Date: 2008-06-24
Classification: C08J,C08K,C08L

Abstract:
1. A process for providing composites of PVC and wood fiber having improved mechanical properties and thermal stability comprising the steps of: (A) dissolving a sizing agent comprising a polymer or copolymer comprising at least one alkali metal salt of at least one polymerized ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid in water to form an aqueous solution of the sizing agent; (B) adding wood fibers to the aqueous solution formed in (A); (C) separating and drying the wood fiber to a water content below 1%, whereby a coating of the water soluble sizing agent is formed on the surface of the wood fibers; (D) combining the sized wood fibers of (C) with PVC at elevated temperature to form composites comprising the sized wood fiber dispersed in a matrix of PVC having improved mechanical properties and thermal stability; wherein said polymer or copolymer is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal salts of: