Patent ID: 7166668

Claim:
A method of making a finished product comprising the steps of: a. providing a feedstock which has, (1) 10 to 40 parts by weight of a polymer component comprising, (i) 5 to 100 parts by weight of polyethylene in particulate form, and (ii) 0 to 95 parts by weight of polystyrene in particulate form, (2) 20 to 70 parts by weight of a particulate, lightweight volume extender which has a bulk density range of from 150 grams per liter to 300 grams per liter, and (3) 0 to 40 parts by weight of reinforcing fibers or particles; b. mixing the feedstock with 10 to 35 parts by weight of an unsaturated polyester thermosetting resin in liquid form and a catalyst for the thermosetting resin; and c. subjecting the product of step b. to conditions of temperature between 140° C. and 180° C. and conditions of pressure to cause the polyethylene and the polystyrene, if present, to melt and the thermosetting resin to set to form the finished product.