Compositions and Composites of Cellulosic and Lignocellulosic Materials and Resins, and Methods of Making the Same

Abstract

Cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials, and compositions and composites made therefrom, are disclosed.

1 . A process comprising
 (a) shearing cellulosic or lignocellulosic fiber to the extent that its internal fibers are substantially exposed to form texturized cellulosic or lignocellulosic fibers, and then   (b) densifying the texturized cellulosic or lignocellulosic fibers to provide densified cellulosic or lignocellulosic fibers; and then   (c) re-opening the densified cellulosic or lignocellulosic fibers within a resin to provide a composite that includes a network of fibers encapsulated in the resin.   
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the densifying step comprises compressing at least some of the texturized fibers into pellets. 
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1 , further comprising, prior to the densifying step, adding a substance to the texturized cellulosic or lignocellulosic fibers that aids in densification of the texturized cellulosic or lignocellulosic fibers, wherein the substance that aids in the densification of the texturized fibers is selected from the group consisting of resins, anti-static agents, wetting agents, stiffening agents, compatibilizers, processing aids, stabilizers, binders, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 1 , further comprising combining the texturized cellulosic or lignocellulosic fibers with a resin before the densifying step. 
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 1 , further comprising blending the texturized cellulosic or lignocellulosic fibers with a solution of an enzyme or pharmaceutical. 
     
     
         6 . The process of  claim 1 , further comprising blending the texturized cellulosic or lignocellulosic fibers with a solid. 
     
     
         7 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the densifying is performed with a roll mill. 
     
     
         8 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the densifying is performed with a pellet mill. 
     
     
         9 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the densified cellulosic or lignocellulosic fibers is in the form of a pellet.