Abstract: The invention relates to bio-based adhesives comprising seed flour and distiller's dried grains and solubles (DDGS). The seed flour may be soybean seed flour, and the bio-based adhesive my contain a 50:50 mixture of seed flour and DDGS. The invention also relates to methods for using such bio-based adhesives in the preparation of composite wood panels.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions containing (1) one or two adhesive compositions produced from the fruit but not the seeds of Osage orange fruit and (2) a known adhesive. The one or two adhesive compositions produced from the fruit but not the seeds of Osage orange fruit are produced by a process involving drying the cut peel and mesocarp but not the seeds of the fruit of Osage orange to produce dried peel and mesocarp, milling the dried peel and mesocarp to produce milled peel and mesocarp, extracting the milled peel and mesocarp with an organic solvent (e.g., hexane) or a polar aprotic solvent (e.g., ethyl acetate) to produce the first adhesive composition, and optionally wherein the amorphous layer between the polar aprotic solvent and the milled peel and mesocarp is the second adhesive composition.

Abstract: A method for producing an engineered wood material may include a matrix material and filler material. In some embodiments, a separate binder and/or adhesive is not required. The matrix and filler materials may be bio-based and/or renewable materials. The engineered wood material may be produced by compressing the mixed components together under pressure at an elevated temperature for a predetermined amount of time. An advantage of the present invention may be that such materials are easily and cheaply replenished, as opposed to non-bio-based materials which include petroleum-based or other non-renewable products in their manufacture.

Abstract: A method for producing an engineered wood material may include a matrix material and filler material. In some embodiments, a separate binder and/or adhesive is not required. The matrix and filler materials may be bio-based and/or renewable materials. The engineered wood material may be produced by compressing the mixed components together under pressure at an elevated temperature for a predetermined amount of time. An advantage of the present invention may be that such materials are easily and cheaply replenished, as opposed to non-bio-based materials which include petroleum-based or other non-renewable products in their manufacture.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating cotton yarn are provided. Cotton yarn is partially dissolved by applying a cold aqueous alkaline solvent, rinsing the partially dissolved cotton yarn in water and drying the cotton yarn. Temperature of the solvent and time of exposure to the solvent greatly affect the improved mechanical properties of the cotton yarn.

Abstract: Environmentally-friendly, biodegradable polyol:carboxylic acid polyester solid-phase products may be produced utilizing microwave heating. In this process, a di- or tricarboxylic acid is reacted with a polyol such as a glycerol or a sugar alcohol, or an ester thereof with the application of heating by microwave energy. Sufficient microwave heating is provided to esterify the polyol with the carboxylic acids, while removing as steam the water by-product which is generated during the reaction. The polyesters so-produced are resistant to high temperatures and solvents, and may by cured and/or molded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the propagation of plants and plant tissue. In particular, the present invention provides a method for propagating woody plant material comprising culturing the material in the presence of carbon dioxide in excess of about 1000 .mu.l/l and pulses of filtered light. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a propagation method comprising culturing the plant material in excess of about 7000 .mu.l/l of carbon dioxide and further exposing the plant material to pulses of filtered light.

Abstract: Novel adventitious citrus juice vesicles which have the unique characteristic that they branch out of pre-existing citrus juice vesicles are disclosed. The citrus vesicles are prepared by culturing juice vesicles obtained from fruit 120-210 days old on a medium comprising a growth regulator, sugar, inorganic salts, and vitamins. The product is useful as edible citrus tissue or for citrus juice.