Abstract: Unique, inexpensive, and strong biocomposites are obtained from blending cellulose matrix materials pith lignocellulosic reinforcement materials with the aid of alkaline aqueous solvent and cold temperatures. These lignocellulosic composites (LCs) are produced without use of any thermoplastic resins, adhesives, catalysts, plasticizers or d chemical or physical procedures. The LCs include a matrix and a reinforcement material. The matrix is a cellulose material (e.g., cotton, hemp, flax, or wood) that is liquefied using an aqueous alkaline solvent solution under cold temperatures to more readily adhere and or incorporate/encapsulate the lignocellulosic reinforcements (wood chips, fibers, and other lignocellulosic sources).

Abstract: Unique, inexpensive, and strong biocomposites are obtained from blending cellulose matrix materials with lignocellulosic reinforcement materials with the aid of alkaline aqueous solvent and cold temperatures. These lignocellulosic composites (LCs) are produced without use of any thermoplastic resins, adhesives, catalysts, plasticizers or complicated chemical or physical procedures. The LCs include a matrix and a reinforcement material. The matrix is a cellulose material (e.g., cotton, hemp, flax, or wood) that is liquefied using an aqueous alkaline solvent solution under cold temperatures to more readily adhere and/or incorporate/encapsulate the lignocellulosic reinforcements (wood chips, fibers, and other lignocellulosic sources).

Abstract: Unique, inexpensive, and strong biocomposites are obtained from blending cellulose matrix materials with lignocellulosic reinforcement materials with the aid of alkaline aqueous solvent and cold temperatures. These lignocellulosic composites (LCs) are produced without use of any thermoplastic resins, adhesives, catalysts, plasticizers or complicated chemical or physical procedures. The LCs include a matrix and a reinforcement material. The matrix is a cellulose material (e.g., cotton, hemp, flax, or wood) that is liquefied using an aqueous alkaline solvent solution under cold temperatures to more readily adhere and/or incorporate/encapsulate the lignocellulosic reinforcements (wood chips, fibers, and other lignocellulosic sources).

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: Methods for developing and exploiting material-based synergy is provided. The methods include utilizing in a geopolymer composite material production process a diluted metal hydroxide solution from a lignocellulosic composite material production process. The methods also include utilizing a concentrated and/or re-concentrated metal hydroxide solution in a lignocellulosic composite material production process and/or in a geopolymer composite material production process. The methods further include utilizing lignocelluslosic composite materials with geopolymer composite materials to produce superior products that include some or all of the benefits associated with each material.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing the health of an individual by collecting a breath sample from the individual and measuring the amount of each of a plurality of analytes in the sample. The amount of each analytes is measured by fitting a time response curve of a sample-evaluation fuel cell in which the fuel cell sample electrode is contacted with the sample with the analysis based on a function of standard time response curves for an equivalent fuel cell configuration obtained separately for each of the analytes on a fuel cell with equivalent construction as sample-evaluation fuel cell. Each of the plurality of analytes is generally indicative of an aspect of the individual's health. Suitable analytes include, for example, inorganic compounds as well as compositions that exhibit negative reduction reactions at least for a portion of the time response curve.

Abstract: Amounts of volatile organic compositions can be evaluated from vapor samples based on the time dependent response of a fuel cell contacted with the vapor sample at its anode. The time response of the fuel cell signal, e.g., voltage or current, is de-convoluted using a set of standard curves for an equivalent fuel cell configuration obtained separately for each of the volatile organic compositions of a fuel cell with an equivalent construction as the sample-evaluation fuel cell. The methodology can be implemented on a system with an appropriate vapor collection device suitable for the particular application. The method and system can be used to analyze breath samples to evaluate ethanol levels or other volatile organic composition. The system can be a breathalyzer, a vehicle interlock, a medical analysis device or a sensor of environmental or industrial interest.