Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide for modified lignins and other compositions that may be useful as surfactants. These compositions have particular utility for energy-related applications. In embodiments, they may be useful for enhanced oil recovery. In embodiments, they may be useful for extracting bitumen from oil sands. In embodiments, they may be useful for environmental remediation.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating substrates, such as fibrous materials, are disclosed. Such compositions and methods can be used to impart or maintain a level of oil repellency and/or water repellency in fibrous substrates such as paper-based materials and/or textiles. In general, such compositions can utilize a copolymer having a plurality of polycationic segments, which can be joined by various other polymeric segments such as silicones and/or hydrophilic polymeric segments. The copolymer can be formulated as a highly-branched polymer, which can have substantivity to a fibrous material to impart oil repellency and/or water repellency. In several instances, the copolymer can be formulated to be fluorine-free. Various details of such copolymers are discussed, as well as methods of utilizing and making such copolymers.

Abstract: Methods, particles, and devices are disclosed for filtration of oil for use of the oil in the preparation of biodiesel. Disclosed particles may comprise a substantially inert porous particle with a coating comprising a polymer having amine, amino, and/or imine group(s).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating hair are disclosed. Such compositions and methods can be used to modify hair properties, such as imparting and/or maintaining a level of softness or a conditioning effect on hair. In general, such compositions can utilize a copolymer having a plurality of polycationic segments, which can be joined by various other polymeric segments such as silicones and/or hydrophilic polymeric segments. The copolymer can be formulated as a highly-branched polymer, which can add substantivity to the hair to impart a conditioning effect. Various details of such copolymers are discussed, as well as methods of utilizing and making such copolymers.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating substrates, such as fibrous materials, are disclosed. Such compositions and methods can be used to impart or maintain a level of oil repellency and/or water repellency in fibrous substrates such as paper-based materials and/or textiles. In general, such compositions can utilize a copolymer having a plurality of polycationic segments, which can be joined by various other polymeric segments such as silicones and/or hydrophilic polymeric segments. The copolymer can be formulated as a highly-branched polymer, which can have substantivity to a fibrous material to impart oil repellency and/or water repellency. In several instances, the copolymer can be formulated to be fluorine-free. Various details of such copolymers are discussed, as well as methods of utilizing and making such copolymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a class of novel surfactants that have utility in the recovery and/or extraction of oil.

Abstract: Methods, particles, and devices are disclosed for filtration of oil for use of the oil in the preparation of biodiesel. Disclosed particles may comprise a substantially inert porous particle with a coating comprising a polymer having amine, amino, and/or imine group(s).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for rendering a substrate more grease-resistant are disclosed. Treatments, such as aqueous-based treatments and/or emulsions, can be applied to the surface of a substrate, such as paper-based materials, which can be dried to form a treatment layer imparting grease resistant properties. In some instances, the treatment includes an acrylic-based polymer, which can impart grease-resistance, and one or more complementary components (e.g., a polymer and/or oligomer) that can make a layer less brittle (e.g., lowering the Tg of the layer relative to a layer of acrylic-based polymer). Such treatment layers can retain their grease resistance even when creased, allowing the use of such layers in applications such as food processing. Other additives, compositions, and methods are further developed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for removing particulate matter from a fluid, comprising a particle functionalized by attachment of at least one activating group or amine functional group, wherein the modified particle complexes with the particulate matter within the fluid to form a removable complex therein. The particulate matter has preferably been contacted, complexed or reacted with a tethering agent. The system is particularly advantageous to removing particulate matter from a tailing solution.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of producing paper-based materials are disclosed. In general, the techniques utilize an amine-containing polymer, such as chitosan, to functionalize one or more components of a mixture used to form materials such as paper-based materials. Such components can include the fibers of a pulp and/or filler particles. In one instance, either the pulp or the filler particles are functionalized, but not both. Such functionalization can improve the qualifies of a paper-based material relative to when such functionalization is not utilized. Techniques and compositions are also described to further improve the qualities of a paper material by utilizing a complementary polymer which can couple with the amine-containing polymer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of producing paper-based materials are disclosed. The techniques can utilize an amine-containing polymer, such as chitosan, to functionalize one or more components of a mixture used to form materials such as paper-based materials. Such components can include the fibers of a pulp and/or filler particles. Techniques and compositions are also described to further improve the qualities of a paper material by utilizing a complementary polymer which can couple with the amine-containing polymer. Other compositions and methods are directed to forming paper-based materials that are expandable.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are grease-resistant compositions that can include a cellulose-based polymer and a complementary material. Such compositions can be applied to substrates, such as paper-based materials, to impart enhanced grease/oil resistance. The complementary material can act to provide the composition with enhanced fatigue resistance relative to layers that solely utilize the cellulose-based polymer, and can preferably have limited leaching from the composition. Examples of complementary materials include polymers, such as poly(vinyl acetate) and poly(vinyl alcohol), plasticizers, and combinations of these materials. Such compositions can be prepared as a treatment formulation or coating material, which can be dissolved or suspended in a solvent. The compositions may also be melted and applied without a solvent. The formulations can be a water-based system, or an emulsion. The films may be applied to paper products as part of the papermaking process, or as post treatments on a coating machine.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of producing colored paper products and agents for making such products are disclosed. Surface-modified pigments can be manufactured to provide selected coloring in a paper product. The pigment can include filler particles that are bound to one or more dye components with a coupling agent, such as a silane coupling agent or a polymer such as a polycation. The pigment can also be formulated to produce a paper product with better particulate and/or fines retention, and/or higher strength by including components that can interact favorably with the fibers of a paper material. The surface-modified pigments can also be utilized to make coloring formulations such as inks for printers and other applications.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide for modified lignins and other compositions that may be useful as entrainers. In embodiments, they may be useful for dehydrating ethanol so that it can be used as an energy source.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide for modified lignins and other compositions that may be useful as surfactants. These compositions have particular utility for energy-related applications. In embodiments, they may be useful for enhanced oil recovery. In embodiments, they may be useful for extracting bitumen from oil sands. In embodiments, they may be useful for environmental remediation.