Inventors:
Xianfeng Shen - King of Prussia PA, US
Thomas Bole - Westlake OH, US
Robert A. Iezzi - West Chester PA, US
Zuzanna Cygan - Blue Bell PA, US
Rong M. Hu - Norristown PA, US
Barbara L. Stainbrook - Lawrenceville PA, US
Peter A. Callais - Conroe TX, US
Jason S. Ness - East Norriton PA, US
Assignee:
ARKEMA INC. - PHILADELPHIA PA
International Classification:
B32B 5/14
B32B 23/14
US Classification:
4283175, 428532, 428507, 4284246, 4285371, 4285375, 428402
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a thermoplastic/natural cellulosic fiber composite, and more specifically to a high molecular weight compatibilizer within that composite resulting in both a high flex strength and high modulus and significant reduction in water absorption. The compatibilizer is preferably a terpolymer comprising: a) 0.5-20 percent by weight of monomer units selected from the group consisting of maleic anhydride, substituted maleic anhydride, mono-ester of maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride, maleic acid, fumaric acid, crotonic acid, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid; b) 0 to 40 percent by weight of monomer units selected from styrene and functionalized styrene; and c) 40 to 98.5 percent by weight of monomer units selected from the group consisting of Calkyl acrylates and methacrylates, and vinyl acetate.