Advanced polymer/wood composite pellet process

United States Patent m

Deaner et al.

[ii]

[45]

IIIIIIUIIIIIII

US005441801A

Patent Number:
Date of Patent:

5,441,801 Aug. 15, 1995

[54] ADVANCED POLYMER/WOOD COMPOSITE PELLET PROCESS

[75] Inventors: Michael J. Deaner, Osceola, Wis.;

Giuseppe Puppin, Bayport; Kurt E.
Heikkila, Circle Pines, both of Minn.

[73] Assignee: Andersen Corporation, Bayport,
Minn.

[21] Appl. No.: 17,240

[22] Filed: Feb. 12,1993

[51] Int. CI.* B32B 23/00; B32B 23/08

[52] U.S. CI 428/326; 428/359;

428/361; 428/378; 428/393; 428/425.1; 428/479.3; 428/479.6; 428/507

[58] Field of Search 428/259, 361, 375, 378,

428/393, 402, 326; 524/13, 16

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(List continued on next page.)

Primary Examiner—Patrick J. Ryan

Assistant Examiner—Jill M. Gray

Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Merchant, Gould, Smith,

Edell, Welter & Schmidt

[57] ABSTRACT

A process for making a polyvinyl chloride and wood composite pellet by extrusion. The polyvinyl chloride and wood fiber are introduced into the extruder at a ratio of approximately 6:4 by weight, respectively. The polyvinyl chloride is melted and blended with the wood fiber so that the interstitial voids of the wood fiber are filled with polyvinyl chloride. After being extruded through a die, the molten material is cut into pellets having a bulk density of preferably between 0.7 to 0.8 gm/mm3.

9 Claims, 1 Drawing Sheet

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"A Complete Guide to Andersen Windows & Patio Doors", 1992 Product Catalog.