Abstract: A support material for use in an additive manufacturing system, which includes a thermoplastic copolymer polymerized from monomers comprising acid-functional monomers having carboxylic acid groups, and one or more non-acid-functional monomers, where a portion of the carboxylic acid groups are neutralized with a base having an alkali metal cation. The thermoplastic copolymer has a high glass transition temperature and melt processing temperature, and is thermally stable at its melt processing temperature. The neutralized thermoplastic copolymer is soluble in an alkaline aqueous solution.

Abstract: The deposition of graphene is accomplished by various techniques that result in a change of the graphene's solubility in the liquid medium. The solubility change enables the deposition of the graphene onto the substrate. Once the graphene is deposited onto the substrate, the at least partially coated substrate may be separated from the liquid medium. The substrates may then serve as a carrier to deliver the graphene to a desired application.

Abstract: Provided are biomass-based materials and valuable uses of microalgal biomass including: (i) acetylation of microalgal biomass to produce a material useful in the production of thermoplastics; (ii) use of triglyceride containing microalgal biomass for production of thermoplastics; (iii) combination of microalgal biomass and at least one type of plant polymer to produce a material useful in the production of thermoplastics; (iv) anionization of microalgal biomass to form a water absorbant material; (v) cationization of microalgal biomass, and optional flocculation, to form a water absorbant material; (vi) crosslinking of anionized microalgal biomass; (vii) carbonization of microalgal biomass; and (viii) use of microalgal biomass in the making of paper.

Abstract: Described herein are a wood plastic composite including an oleaginous microbial biomass, a thermoplastic composite including a heterotrophically cultivated microalgal biomass, and related articles and methods.

Abstract: A consumable assembly for use with an additive manufacturing system to print three-dimensional parts, the consumable assembly including a supply device (e.g., a spool) and a filament supported by the supply device, where the filament has a composition comprising one or more elastomers and one or more reinforcing additives, and a filament geometry configured to be received by a liquefier assembly of the additive manufacturing system. The composition is preferably configured to be thermally and/or chemically modified to reduce its flexural modulus.

Abstract: Provided are biomass-based materials and valuable uses of microalgal biomass including: (i) acetylation of microalgal biomass to produce a material useful in the production of thermoplastics; (ii) use of triglyceride containing microalgal biomass for production of thermoplastics; (iii) combination of microalgal biomass and at least one type of plant polymer to produce a material useful in the production of thermoplastics; (iv) anionization of microalgal biomass to form a water absorbant material; (v) cationization of microalgal biomass, and optional flocculation, to form a water absorbant material; (vi) crosslinking of anionized microalgal biomass; (vii) carbonization of microalgal biomass; and (viii) use of microalgal biomass in the making of paper.

Abstract: A pre-ceramic support structure for additive manufacturing, that upon thermal processing, is soluble in various solvents.

Abstract: A substrate having a flame retardant polymer chemically bonded to at least a portion of the substrate. The use of a substrate possessing at least a partially coated outer surface of a flame retardant polymer enables the manufacturing of polymer composites, containing the coated substrate, that possess very effective flame retardant performance while reducing the loading levels over conventional flame retardant additives.

Abstract: The deposition of graphene is accomplished by various techniques that result in a change of the graphene's solubility in the liquid medium. The solubility change enables the deposition of the graphene onto the substrate. Once the graphene is deposited onto the substrate, the at least partially coated substrate may be separated from the liquid medium. The substrates may then serve as a carrier to deliver the graphene to a desired application.

Abstract: The present invention enables the secondary expansion of lightweight foamed beads. The foamed beads are produced using a compound comprising a compostable or biobased polyester and a physical blowing agent as well as a chemical blowing agent. Secondary expansion can be used either to lower the density of the foamed bead further or to enable expansion of the beads during molding to promote fusion. The foam beads can be produced using conventional melt processing techniques, such as single and twin-screw extrusion processes.

Abstract: Described herein are a wood plastic composite including an oleaginous microbial biomass, a thermoplastic composite including a heterotrophically cultivated microalgal biomass, and related articles and methods.

Abstract: Polymeric composites are produced by melt processing biobased polymers with an acrylated silicone polyether at temperatures that promote free radical reactions between the bio-based polymer and the acrylated silicone polyether. The bio-based compositions have an excellent balance of mechanical properties and are suitable for flame retardant applications.

Abstract: A substrate having a flame retardant polymer chemically bonded to at least a portion of the substrate. The use of a substrate possessing at least a partially coated outer surface of a flame retardant polymer enables the manufacturing of polymer composites, containing the coated substrate, that possess very effective flame retardant performance while reducing the loading levels over conventional flame retardant additives.

Abstract: Provided are biomass-based materials and valuable uses of microalgal biomass including: (i) acetylation of microalgal biomass to produce a material useful in the production of thermoplastics; (ii) use of triglyceride containing microalgal biomass for production of thermoplastics; (iii) combination of microalgal biomass and at least one type of plant polymer to produce a material useful in the production of thermoplastics; (iv) anionization of microalgal biomass to form a water absorbant material; (v) cationization of microalgal biomass, and optional flocculation, to form a water absorbant material; (vi) crosslinking of anionized microalgal biomass; (vii) carbonization of microalgal biomass; and (viii) use of microalgal biomass in the making of paper.

Abstract: Microfabricated particles are dispersed throughout a matrix to create a composite. The microfabricated particles are engineered to a specific structure and composition to enhance the physical attributes of a composite material. The microfabricated particles are generated by forming a profile extrudate. A profile extrudate is an article of indefinite length that has a cross sectional profile of a desired structure with micro-scale dimensions. Upon or after formation, the profile extrudate may be divided along its length into a plurality of microfabricated particles.

Abstract: The present invention enhances the optical features of aerostats. The invention utilizes a barrier film having at least one layer containing optically enhancing elements. Aerostats formed from the barrier film possess unique aesthetic features.

Abstract: Microfabricated particles are dispersed throughout a matrix to create a composite. The microfabricated particles are engineered to a specific structure and composition to enhance the physical attributes of a composite material.

Abstract: The present invention enables the secondary expansion of lightweight foamed beads. The foamed beads are produced using a compound comprising a compostable or biobased polyester and a physical blowing agent as well as a chemical blowing agent. Secondary expansion can be used either to lower the density of the foamed bead further or to enable expansion of the beads during molding to promote fusion. The foam beads can be produced using conventional melt processing techniques, such as single and twin-screw extrusion processes.

Abstract: The present invention describes compostable or biobased foams that are useful for fabricating foamed articles. The foams are produced using a compound comprising a compostable or biobased polyester and a blowing agent. Additives including plasticizers and chain extenders are optionally included in the compostable or biobased composition. These foams can be produced using conventional melt processing techniques, such as single and twin-screw extrusion processes. In one embodiment, foamed strand profiles are cooled and cut using conventional strand pelletizing equipment. In another embodiment, foamed beads are produced by cutting the foamed strand at the face of the extrusion die and the foamed bead or strand is subsequently cooled. The resulting compostable or biobased foamed bead has a specific gravity less than 0.15 g/cm3 and the foam is compostable, as determined by ASTM D6400.

Abstract: The present invention describes compostable or biobased foams that are useful for fabricating foamed articles. The foams are produced using a compound comprising a compostable or biobased polyester and a blowing agent. Additives including plasticizers and chain extenders are optionally included in the compostable or biobased composition. These foams can be produced using conventional melt processing techniques, such as single and twin-screw extrusion processes. In one embodiment, foamed strand profiles are cooled and cut using conventional strand pelletizing equipment. In another embodiment, foamed beads are produced by cutting the foamed strand at the face of the extrusion die and the foamed bead or strand is subsequently cooled. The resulting compostable or biobased foamed bead has a specific gravity less than 0.15 g/cm3 and the foam is compostable, as determined by ASTM D6400.