Pre-treated cellulosic materials for producing molded composite articles therefrom and process

A fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composition for producing composite structural members and a method for making same is provided. The composition is made by combining a thermoplastic resin with pre-treated high moisture cellulosic materials, such as discarded newspaper, having lignin contained therein. Moisture treatment of the cellulosic materials exhibit improvements over composites using dry cellulosic materials. The composite composition may then be extruded or compression molded into various articles of manufacture

Foreword

In this foreword, Hon. Judith S. Kaye praises the diligent work done by the Task Force on Women in helping raise awareness about the undue hardships facing women in the legal field. She hails the Task Force\u27s accomplishments as heroic and inspires it to continue its important mission in securing a brighter future for equality among women lawyers

Degradative Effects of Ultraviolet Light and Acid Rain on Wood Surface Quality

Wood surface quality deteriorated when wood was exposed to ultraviolet light, acid rain, and the combination of these two elements. When wood surfaces were exposed to ultraviolet light, carbonyl group content increased and lignin content decreased simultaneously. These changes were accelerated when they were also exposed to a dilute sulfuric acid solution—a laboratory simulation of acid rain — especially at 65 C and 65% relative humidity. Experimental results showed that ultra violet light changed the surface quality by generating oxidized products, and the sulfuric acid contributed to the deterioration of tensile strength

Encapsulated fertilizers and pesticides and process

A slow release fertilizer or pesticide composition and a method for making the same is provided. The composition is made by combining thermoplastic resin with cellulosic material and then adding a fertilizer or pesticide. The thermoplastic resin and the cellulosic material preferably come from the solid waste stream. The resulting composition can be molded into various articles or ground into a granular powder