Abstract

A system and method for creating a rigid foam substitute is provided. By using natural binding materials and natural fiber materials, the system and method may be used to create environmentally friendly substitutes for expanded polystyrene. The system generally comprises a processing room and molding facility. The processing room may comprise an opener, cleaner, and blower, which may be used to break up and clean the natural fiber material. The molding facility may comprise a mixer, molder, and kiln, which may be used to create casts. The method generally entails processing a natural fiber material before mixing it with a natural binding material and fluid to create a fluidic mixture, wherein said fluidic mixture is subsequently molded and cured to create a finished product.

IPC Classes  ?

• B29C 39/00 - Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressureApparatus therefor
• D01G 7/00 - Breaking or opening fibre bales
• D01G 5/00 - Separating, e.g. sorting, fibres
• B29B 7/90 - Fillers or reinforcements
• B07B 13/00 - Grading or sorting solid materials by dry methods, not otherwise provided forSorting articles otherwise than by indirectly controlled devices
• B29C 39/02 - Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressureApparatus therefor for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
• B29C 39/38 - Heating or cooling
• B29C 39/24 - Feeding the material into the mould
• B29B 7/24 - Component parts, details or accessoriesAuxiliary operations for feeding
• B29K 105/12 - Condition, form or state of moulded material containing reinforcements, fillers or inserts of short lengths, e.g. chopped filaments, staple fibres or bristles
• B29K 311/10 - Natural fibres, e.g. wool, cotton
• B29B 7/82 - Heating or cooling
• D01B 1/14 - Breaking or scutching, e.g. of flaxDecorticating
• D01B 9/00 - Other mechanical treatment of natural fibrous or filamentary material to obtain fibres or filaments
• B29K 1/00 - Use of cellulose, modified cellulose or cellulose derivatives, e.g. viscose, as moulding material
• B29K 31/00 - Use of polyvinylesters as moulding material