Abstract: Compounds derived from biomass, e.g., cellulose and lignins, methods of forming such compounds and polymers and products formed using such compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides a bio-based acrylic monomer, particularly a plant oil-based acrylic monomer, which is well-suited for emulsion polymerization and latex formation in aqueous medium. Polymers and copolymers formed from the bio-based acrylic monomer are also provided. The invention further provided methods for making the monomer from bio-based triglycerides or fatty esters.

Abstract: This invention relates to bio-based polyfunctional carboxylic acids reacted with vinyl ether compounds to form liquid vinyl-blocked bio-based polyfunctional carboxylic acids. These liquid vinyl-blocked bio-based polyfunctional carboxylic acids can be mixed with a polyfunctional vegetable oil-based epoxy resin to form a homogeneous curable coating composition. Upon curing at elevated temperature, thermoset coatings are formed which have excellent hardness, solvent resistance, adhesion, and flexibility. The invention also relates to the use of a curable coating composition comprising at least one polyfunctional vegetable oil-based epoxy resin and at least one vinyl-blocked bio-based polyfunctional carboxylic acid, which may be coated onto a substrate and cured thermally. Methods of making the vinyl-blocked bio-based polyfunctional carboxylic acids and curable coating compositions and substrates containing the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel aqueous coating compositions containing epoxy urethane (glycidyl carbamate) functional resin. An aqueous coating composition comprises a polyfunctional oligomer having at least two epoxy urethane functional groups and a polyalkylene oxide chain, an optional surfactant, and water. The aqueous coating compositions of the invention can be dispersed in water with or without added surfactants to form a dispersion containing no volatile organic solvent. The invention provides a method for making aqueous coating compositions containing epoxy urethane functional resin as well. Water-dispersible epoxy urethane compounds of the aqueous coating compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Amphiphilic copolymers formed from plant oil-derived vinyl ether monomers and polyethylene glycol alkyl vinyl ethers are provided. Nanoparticles coated with these amphiphilic polymers are well-suited for water remediation applications.

Abstract: Monomers, polymers and copolymers are provided that incorporate at least one naturally occurring phenolic compound, such as a plant phenol.

Abstract: Bio-derived glycerides formed from a reaction between waste glycerol and biodegradable or bio-derived fatty acid esters such as crude biodiesel or soybean oil triglycerides are useful as dust suppressants.

Abstract: The invention relates to alcohol-modified glycidyl carbamate resins wherein at least some of the glycidol groups in the resin have been replaced with an alcohol. The invention also relates to coating compositions containing the resins.

Abstract: The invention relates to enamine resins which are the reaction products of a) an acetoacetylated resin, and a C1-C20 alkyl amine or a mixture of C1-C20 alkyl amines. The acetoacetylated resin is the reaction product of a polyol having 4 or more hydroxyl groups; and at least one acetoacetate. The invention also relates to an acetoacetylated resin which is the reaction product of a polyol having 4 or more hydroxyl groups and at least one acetoacetate, where a portion of the hydroxyl groups of the polyol are replaced by acetoacetate groups and the remaining hydroxyl groups are replaced by a saturated monofunctional carboxylic acid ester, unsaturated monofunctional carboxylic acid ester, or a mixture thereof; as well as to enamine resins prepared from these acetoacetylated resins. The invention also relates to curable coating compositions containing such resins or a mixture of those resins, at least one metallic drier compound; and optionally one or more solvents.

Abstract: This invention relates to bio-based polyfunctional carboxylic acids reacted with vinyl ether compounds to form liquid vinyl-blocked bio-based polyfunctional carboxylic acids. These liquid vinyl-blocked bio-based polyfunctional carboxylic acids can be mixed with a polyfunctional vegetable oil-based epoxy resin to form a homogeneous curable coating composition. Upon curing at elevated temperature, thermoset coatings are formed which have excellent hardness, solvent resistance, adhesion, and flexibility. The invention also relates to the use of a curable coating composition comprising at least one polyfunctional vegetable oil-based epoxy resin and at least one vinyl-blocked bio-based polyfunctional carboxylic acid, which may be coated onto a substrate and cured thermally. Methods of making the vinyl-blocked bio-based polyfunctional carboxylic acids and curable coating compositions and substrates containing the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Monomers, polymers and copolymers are provided that incorporate at least one naturally occurring phenolic compound, such as a plant phenol.

Abstract: Amphiphilic copolymers formed from plant oil-derived vinyl ether monomers and polyethylene glycol alkyl vinyl ethers are provided. Nanoparticles coated with these amphiphilic polymers are well-suited for water remediation applications.

Abstract: Described herein are synthesis schemes and methods for producing silicon based nanostructures and materials, including compositions and methods for synthesis of silicon-based nanowires and composites from three-component and four-component liquid silane/polymer inks. Materials and methods for producing silicon based micro and nanofibers that can be used in a variety of applications including material composites, electronic devices, sensors, photodetectors, batteries, ultracapacitors, and photosensitive substrates, and the like.

Abstract: Provided herein are nanoparticles that include a lipid layer and a compartment surrounded by the lipid layer. The lipid layer may include a lipid and a lipoprotein. The lipid may include a POPE lipid covalently attached to a hydrophilic polymer by a disulfide bond. The lipoprotein may include a trigger protein. The concentration of the first lipid may be between 1 mol % and 30 mol %. The disulfide bond of the first lipid is stable under conditions that include 10% human serum and is broken under conditions that include 50 micromolar glutathione. The hydrophilic polymer may include a PEG molecule. The trigger protein may include an amino acid repeat region, such as (GPX)n. The trigger protein may include a peptide bond that is cleaved by a gelatinase (e.g., gelatinase-B protease), or a member of the ADAM family of proteases (e.g., ADAM10 protease). Also provided are methods of using the nanoparticles.

Abstract: An apparatus and non-vapor-pressure dependent methods of producing silicon particles such as nanoparticles (Si-NPs), quantum dots (Si-QDs) and Si-nanocrystals (Si-NCs) as well as particle embedded thin films are disclosed. Nano or micro scale droplets of a liquid silane composition are polymerized in a gas phase with heat or radiation to produce particles that are then collected. Droplets from a droplet generator pass through a flow channel with a reaction zone that is heated or irradiated to form the particles that are collected in a collector. The flow of droplets may be assisted with carrier or flow gases that may be heated. Liquid silane composition solutions may also include metal, non-metal or metalloid dopants and solvents. Particle surfaces can also be passivated or functionalized. Particles and droplets of liquid silane can also be co-deposited and heated to produce particle embedded thin films.

Abstract: A biodegradable iron-crosslinked alginate is useful as a remediation agent for environmental contaminants such as phosphate. When charged with phosphate, or other nutrients, the iron-functionalized alginate can be used as an agricultural fertilizer.

Abstract: Polymers and copolymers are formed from vinylether monomers having fatty acid ester pendent groups derived from plant oils, such as soybean oil.

Abstract: Described herein are synthesis schemes and methods for producing silicon based nanostructures and materials, including compositions and methods for synthesis of silicon-based nanowires and composites from four-component inks of a liquid silane, a polymer, an accelerant and a solvent, or from five-component inks of a liquid silane, a polymer, an accelerant, a solid phase and a solvent. The methods can be used for producing silicon based microfibers and nanofibers that can be used in a variety of applications including material composites, electronic devices, sensors, photodetectors, batteries, ultracapacitors, and photosensitive substrates.

Abstract: A biodegradable iron-crosslinked alginate is useful as a remediation agent for environmental contaminants such as phosphate. When charged with phosphate, or other nutrients, the iron-functionalized alginate can be used as an agricultural fertilizer.

Abstract: Polyamide copolymers, and methods of making and using polyamide copolymers, having 2,5-furan dicarboxamide units are disclosed herein. Such polymers can be useful for engineering thermoplastics having advantageous physical and/or chemical properties.