Cellulosic fiber composites using protein hydrolysates and methods of making same

摘要

Cellulosic fiber composites and methods for preparing cellulosic fiber composites are provided. The cellulosic fiber composites comprise cellulosic material and a resin binder. The resin binder comprises protein hydrolysates and a synthetic resin. The synthetic resin can be phenolic resin, isocyanate resin, or combinations thereof. The protein hydrolysates provide a composite with a reduced amount of petrochemicals. The composite contains an amount of resin binder sufficient to bind the cellulosic material. The composite can also contain a silicone, silane, or combination thereof. The method employs a low moisture-content mat that does not require drying prior to pressing. Additional methods can be employed to produce finished cellulosic fiber composite articles.