Combination Cellulosic/Thermoplastic Batt Insulation and a Method of Production for Such Insulation

Forest Service

This invention presents a batt style insulation comprised of cellulosic and thermoplastic material and the method for making such insulation. Cellulosic materials have been used for thermal insulation in contemporary construction for some time. This material has advantages over synthetic insulation because it is biodegradable and does not involve the emission of environmentally harmful materials. However, cellulosic materials also have several disadvantages when compared with their synthetic counterparts, including the difficulty in application and removal. These problems are avoided by the use of a batt-style thermal insulator. This invention presents a method of adhering cellulosic particulates to form a sturdy batt which has previously been unknown. By blending the cellulosic material with a thermoplastic material, some of which has been flame-treated to form a skin around the cellulosic component and some of which remains untreated to allow to the mat to retain its shape, a tough batt-style insulation mat is established.

Patent Number 5,418,031, which issued May 23, 1995.