Composite feather filament material

Abstract

The present invention relates to the combination of feather fibers or barbs, along with a thermoplastic binder, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, to form a thermally processed composite mat useful in vehicle interior trim and insulation components.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A composite mat comprising: 
 feather fibers; and    a thermoplastic binder.    
     
     
         2 . The mat of  claim 1  in which said thermoplastic is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene and polyethylene.  
     
     
         3 . The mat of  claim 1  in which said feather fibers are between 0.25 inches to 2.0 inches in length.  
     
     
         4 . The mat of  claim 1  in which the ratio of said fibers to said binder is in the ranges of 1:1 to 1:10 by weight.  
     
     
         5 . The mat of  claim 1  further comprising a surface material applied to one side of said mat.  
     
     
         6 . The mat of  claim 1  further comprising a second fiber selected from the group consisting of hemp and jute.  
     
     
         7 . The method of forming a composite filament material comprising the steps of: 
 mixing feather filaments with a binder; and    molding the mixed composition into a vehicle interior trim panel.