Composite members and methods for producing same

摘要

New composite members, for example, useful in decks or decking systems, rail or railing systems and window-coverings or blinds and the like, as well as methods for producing the same or like items have been discovered. The composites or composite members are easy to manufacture in a variety of configurations using relatively inexpensive materials. In addition, the composites are sturdy, lightweight and have excellent weatherability properties. In addition, the composites or composite members have many of the desirable properties of natural wood products such as fences and decks and railings. For example, the composites of the invention can be made to have a wood-like look and texture, for example, without having any wood content. Moreover, unlike solid wood fences and decks, the composites of the present invention preferably are highly resistant to effects of weathering.

主权项

1. A composite member comprising
a substantially homogenous foamed composition comprising
a) a polyvinyl chloride;b) a chopped fiberglass component present in an amount greater than 0% and less than about 15% by weight of the composition, and dispersed in random orientations within the polyvinyl chloride in fragments from about ⅛ inches to about ¼ inches, wherein the chopped fiberglass fragments are obtained by chopping a chopped fiberglass mat that is comprised of glass fibers treated with a silane coupling agent and said treated glass fibers laid randomly across one another and held together with a binder;c) a talc component; andd) a calcium carbonate component; wherein the composite member is substantially free of carpet waste; the sum of the weight percentages of said calcium carbonate component, talc component, and chopped fiberglass component is about 25%; and the presence of the chopped fiberglass component is effective to increase the strength of the composite member as compared to an otherwise identically produced composite member in which the chopped fiberglass component present in the composite member is substituted with the calcium carbonate component, the talc component, or a mixture of the calcium carbonate component and the talc component in the otherwise identically produced composite member on a weight percentage basis.