Abstract: A colored cementitious composition is provided that is composed of hydraulic cement and a liquid coloring suspension. The liquid coloring suspension for cementitious compositions contains polycarboxylate dispersant, pigment, and a polysaccharide thixotropic additive. The liquid coloring suspension has improved viscosity consistency, improved shelf-life, anti-settling and anti-sludging properties, and decreased polycarboxylate dispersant requirements.

Abstract: Some implementations provide a composite material that includes a first material and a second material. In some implementations, the composite material is a metamaterial. The first material includes a chiral polymer (e.g., crystalline chiral helical polymer, poly-?-benzyl-L-glutamate (PBLG), poly-L-lactic acid (PLA), polypeptide, and/or polyacetylene). The second material is within the chiral polymer. The first material and the second material are configured to provide an effective index of refraction value for the composite material of 1 or less. In some implementations, the effective index of refraction value for the composite material is negative. In some implementations, the effective index of refraction value for the composite material of 1 or less is at least in a wavelength of one of at least a visible spectrum, an infrared spectrum, a microwave spectrum, and/or an ultraviolet spectrum.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of producing a stable heat denatured soy/urea adhesive having improved wet and dry strengths, with more efficient production and lower production costs. The method comprises combining urea with soy flour that has been heated until denatured and substantially free from urease activity. The soy flour is preferably heated to a temperature of at least 81° C. up to 100° C. for at least 15 to 500 minutes. Optionally, the method may also include adding a crosslinking agent, diluent or both to the soy flour/urea adhesive and/or adding an emulsified or dispersed polymer. Adhesives and dispersions prepared according to the methods of this invention offer increased stability and strength properties.

Abstract: Water-resistant, protein-based adhesive dispersion compositions and methods for preparing them are provided. The adhesive dispersions are prepared by copolymerizing a denatured vegetable protein, such as soy flour, that has been functionalized with methylol groups with one or more reactive comonomers, and preparing an acidic dispersion of the adhesive. The adhesive dispersions exhibit superior water resistance, and can be used to bond wood substrates, such as panels or laminate, or in the preparation of composite materials.

Abstract: Aqueous paper coating compositions containing at least one of a clay, a starch, casein, a resin, and a wax; and wherein the composition contains from about 0.