Patent ID: 6464913
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: B27N,B29C,B29K

Abstract:
A process for producing final net shapes from cellulosic/polymer composite materials, said process comprising:dispensing a desired ratio of said cellulosic/polymer composite materials into a first extrusion device independently of a pre-drying step in advance of said dispensing, said cellulosic/polymer composite materials including a cellulosic material having a moisture content; utilizing said first extrusion device to blend the cellulosic/polymer composite materials into a composite melt; devolitalizing the composite melt while the composite melt travels through the first extrusion device such that said moisture content of said cellulosic material is reduced; transferring the composite melt directly with uninterrupted material flow to a second extruder having at least one extruder screw, wherein the at least one extrude screw is independent from the first extrusion device, and the second extruder is connected to the first extrusion device by a material transfer passage; and forcing the composite melt through at least one shaping device in association with the second extruder in order to form a final net shape substantially free of damage that can be caused by an excessive moisture content of said cellulosic/polymer composite materials.