Patent ID: 8080288

Claim:
A method for preparing a composite reinforced with natural fibers, comprising: contacting a cellulose- or hemicellulose-containing material with a binding material in the presence of a carrier solvent or a carrier emulsion for a duration of time sufficient to cause absorption and adsorption of the binding material to and in the cellulose- or hemicellulose-containing material; and further processing of the contacted cellulose- or hemicellulose-containing material to form a composite reinforced with natural fibers and containing 30 to 85 volume percent of the binding material; wherein the binding material is a thermosetting resin, a thermoplastic resin or an elastomer; wherein the cellulose- or hemicellulose-containing material completely or essentially consists of natural fibers having an average diameter between 1 μm and 4 mm; and wherein the carrier solvent and the carrier emulsion comprise one or more alcohols and one or more ketones.