Abstract: Detecting a leak from a site in a sealed system with a source of pressurized gas which is capable of passing through the site, a composition of matter which adheres to the surfaces of the system and which is capable of showing the presence of the gas escaping from the site. The method includes: injecting gas into the system to a pressure in excess of the surrounding pressure, and covering the external surface with the composition to identify the location of the site by the interaction of the escaping gas with the composition. The composition is foam that includes a surfactant which forms a least one bubble in the presence of escaping gas and an indicator which changes color in the presence of the escaping gas. The leak is an opening down to at least the size of a hole 0.001? in diameter. A gas detector may also be used.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are wheat gluten based compositions having improved mechanical properties as well as articles formed therefrom, and methods of making the same. More particularly, the compositions also include fibrous reinforcing material and may be formed into a variety of products, including but not limited to particle board.

Abstract: The invention provides protein adhesives and methods of making and using such adhesives. One type of protein adhesive described herein contains lignin and ground plant meal or an isolated polypeptide composition obtained from plant biomass. Other types of protein adhesives described herein contain a plant protein composition and either a hydroxyaromatic/aldehyde, urea/aldehyde, or amine/aldehyde component.

Abstract: A first variant of an adhesive composition for making a lignocellulosic composite includes soy protein and/or lignin; at least one substantially formaldehyde-free curing agent that includes at least one amine, amide, imine, imide, or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic functional group that can react with at least one functional group of the soy protein; and at least one compound selected from a boron compound, a group IA oxide or hydroxide, or a group IIA oxide or hydroxide. A second variant of an adhesive composition includes a first component selected from soy protein and/or lignin; and at least one substantially formaldehyde-free curing agent selected from a reaction product of epichlorohydrin with ethylenediamine, a reaction product of epichlorohydrin with bis-hexamethylenetriamine, or a reaction product of epichlorohydrin with hexamethylenediamine.

Abstract: A first fiber treatment comprising a functional protein prepared by treating proteins such as collagen with a cross-linking agent and a solvent-base resin; a second one comprising the above functional protein and a water-base resin; a third one comprising a water-soluble organic substance having an average molecular weight of 100 to 20000 and a reactive modifier; a fourth one comprising the above functional protein and a reactive modifier; and products such as fibers and textile goods treated with one of the treatments.

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.