Abstract:
A fire resistant or acoustical article comprising a bast fiber component, a thermoplastic material that acts as a binder, and a first fire retardant component, the article having a coating of a second fire retardant component, such that the article may be used in the manufacture of structures having a Class A fire rating. According to one method of manufacture, a fibrous mass including a bast fiber component and a thermoplastic binder is heated and compressed to a desired thickness and density, followed by the dispersal of the first fire retardant there through, and coated with the second fire retardant component.