Abstract: Microbiological cleaning formulations may include an aqueous solution of a microbial component comprising at least one sporogenous microbial species. The microbiological cleaning formulation may also include a nonionic surfactant. The microbiological cleaning formulations may further include additives, solvents, preservatives, stabilizers, and fragrance agents. The microbiological formulations are such that they may removes organic carcinogens from a surface of a material contaminated during firefighting-related activities or from exposure to organic carcinogens. Corresponding methods for removing organic carcinogens from a surface of a firefighting material may include applying the microbiological cleaning formulation on the surface of the firefighting material. Corresponding cleaning kits may include the microbiological cleaning formulation and an optional scrubbing element.

Abstract: A granule comprising (a) at least three cores comprising a biological active and a plasticizable polymer, wherein the cores are made of a material having an elongation upon break of at least 30%, and wherein the diameter of the cores is at least 50 ?m and at most two thirds of the diameter of the granule; (b) a solid matrix interspacing the cores of (a), wherein the solid matrix is made of a material having an elongation upon break of less than 30%; and (c) optionally a coating consisting of one or more layer(s) surrounding the granule. A detergent composition comprising a detergent builder, a surfactant, and a granule as described. Use of the granule as a component in a process for manufacturing a detergent composition.

Abstract: A compositions-of-matter in the form of HIPE-templated hydrogels, comprising a crosslinked polymer of zwitterionic monomers, which exhibit unusual antipolyelectrolyte characteristics, dual pH-, and temperature-responsiveness, as well as processes of obtaining the same and using the same.

Abstract: The invention includes an improved wax melt in a foam safety media of melamine for subsequent melting in a conventional warmer or other candle melting device. The melts release their fragrance when heated conventionally but remain associated with the foam safety media during use to be substantially spill-proof. The melts are produced by piping heated liquid wax with fragrance and other desirable components into a container that dispenses discrete quantities onto a melamine foam safety media on a moving conveyor for cooling and hardening and subsequent packaging into discrete wax melts in a melamine foam safety media.

Abstract: A method for producing a High Internal Phase Emulsion foam is provided that comprises forming a first High Internal Phase Emulsion from an oil phase comprising monomer, crosslinking agent, emulsifier; and an aqueous phase. The High Internal Phase Emulsion is pumped into a water bath. The High Internal Phase Emulsion cures in the bath.

Abstract: Combinations of gelatinous elastomer containing one or more phase change materials, known as “phase change gel”, and polyurethane foam may be made by introducing at least partially cured phase change gel particles comprising plasticized triblock copolymer resin and/or diblock copolymer resin and one or more phase change materials, into a mixture of polyurethane foam-forming components including a polyol and an isocyanate. The phase change gel can be crosslinked to form a cured gelatinous gel, which is then reduced in size before introduction. After the foam-forming components polymerize to make polyurethane foam, the phase change gel particles are discrete visible particles dispersed throughout the foam. The polyurethane reaction is exothermic and can generate sufficient temperature to at least partially melt the styrene-portion of the triblock copolymer resin thereby extending the crosslinking.

Abstract: Combinations of gelatinous elastomer and polyurethane foam may be made by introducing a plasticized A-B-A triblock copolymer resin and/or an A-B diblock copolymer resin into a mixture of polyurethane foam forming components including a polyol and an isocyanate. The plasticized copolymer resin is polymerized to form the gelatinous elastomer in-situ while simultaneously polymerizing the polyol and the isocyanate to form polyurethane foam. The polyurethane reaction is exothermic and can generate sufficient temperature to melt the styrene-portion of the A-B-A triblock copolymer resin thereby extending the crosslinking and in some cases integrating the A-B-A triblock copolymer within the polyurethane polymer matrix. The combination has a marbled appearance. The gel component has higher heat capacity than polyurethane foam and thus has good thermal conductivity and acts as a heat sink. Another advantage of in situ gel-foam is that the gel component provides higher support factors compared to the base foam alone.

Abstract: The instant invention is an ultra-high solid content polyurethane dispersion, and a continuous process for producing ultra-high solid content polyurethane dispersions. The ultra-high solid content polyurethane dispersion includes the reaction product of: (1) a first component, wherein the first component is a first polyurethane prepolymer or a first polyurethane prepolymer emulsion; (2) a second component, wherein the second component is a second polyurethane prepolymer, a second polyurethane prepolymer emulsion, a low solid content polyurethane dispersion, a seed latex, or combinations thereof; (3) and a chain extender. The ultra-high solid content polyurethane dispersion has a solid content of at least 60 percent by weight of the solid, based on the total weight of the ultra-high solid content polyurethane dispersion, and a viscosity in the range of less than 5000 cps at 20 rpm at 21° C. using spindle #4 with Brookfield viscometer.

Abstract: Micro-sized particles having a polymeric structure of cells are provided. Also provided is a method of producing micro-sized particles having a polymeric structure comprising: (1) forming a homogenous solution by heating a mixture of a high molecular weight polymer and a low molecular weight material, wherein said low molecular weight material makes up at least about 50% by weight of the homogenous solution, (2) forming a dispersed solution by dispersing the homogenous solution formed in step (1) into an inert material, (3) cooling the dispersed solution to cause the high molecular weight polymer to phase separate from the low molecular weight material, (4) forming solid particles comprised of said low molecular weight material trapped inside a structure of cells of said high molecular weight polymer, and (5) removing the solid particles from the dispersed solution.

Abstract: Use in hygiene articles of articles formed of water-absorbent, predominantly open-celled crosslinked acid-functional addition polymer foams Abstract The use of articles formed of water-absorbent open-celled crosslinked acid-functional addition polymer foams and containing finely divided silicon dioxide and/or at least one surfactant on their surface as an acquisition and/or distribution layer in hygiene articles.

Abstract: A spray latex foam for filling wall cavities to enhance the sealing and insulating properties of a building is provided. The spray latex foam includes a latex system and a gaseous coagulating component. In at least one exemplary embodiment, carbon dioxide is included as a gaseous coagulating agent. One latex suitable for use in the spray foam is polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), which possesses fire retardancy and environmental durability. However, a preferred latex is styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). The latex system may also include a thixotropic agent, such as Laponite® RD synthetic clay. The spray latex foam is polyurethane-free. A method of preparing a spray latex foam that includes supplying a latex system and adding a gaseous coagulating component to the latex system is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous dispersions containing agents having release activity, emulsifiers and customary auxiliaries and additives, wherein a combination of A) at least one agent having a release activity, selected from the group consisting of soaps, oils, waxes and silicones, and B) polyesters is used as agents having release activity.

Abstract: Porous polymeric resins, reaction mixtures and methods that can be used to prepare the porous polymeric resins, and uses of the porous polymeric resin are described. More specifically, the polymeric resins typically have a hierarchical porous structure plus reactive groups that can be used to interact with or react with a variety of different target compounds. The reactive groups can be selected from an acidic group or a salt thereof, an amino group or salt thereof, a hydroxyl group, an azlactone group, a glycidyl group, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Crosslinked organic polymeric porous particles have a crosslinked organic solid phase and discrete pores dispersed within the crosslinked solid phase which pores are isolated from each other. These porous particles are prepared using one or more water-in-oil emulsions containing a polyfunctional reactive compound, a reagent that causes crosslinking, optionally an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomer, and optionally an organic solvent, and can include various marker materials.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of making open celled foams including a matrix of interconnected spheres. The open celled foams are silicone based materials and can be used to coat implants, such as breast implants, and function to encourage tissue ingrowth and reduce capsular formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite materials, containing (i) a nanoporous polymer foam, which can be obtained by reacting one or more epoxy resins with one or more amphiphilic epoxy resin hardeners in water in a phase inversion polymerization process, and (ii) one or more inorganic fillers and/or inorganic fibers, with the stipulation that hollow glass balls are excluded as fillers. Said composite materials are suitable as heat-insulating materials.

Abstract: Thin porous moldings of silicone copolymers, suitable for use as membranes in separation processes, are prepared by forming a solution or suspension of silicone copolymer in two solvents L1 and L2, casting the suspension or solution, and removing solvent L1 to form a silicone copolymer rich phase A, effecting structure formation, and then removing solvent L2 and residues of solvent L2 to form a thin porous molding.

Abstract: One- and two-part spray non-isocyanate foams that include an amide-based oligomer containing pendant carboxylic acid and a polyfunctional aziridine crosslinking agent is provided. The amide oligomer typically contains urea links, urethane links or both groups. Additionally, the foams may include one or more plasticizer, a non-functionalized resin, a surfactant, and/or a thickening agent or rheology modifier. The amide oligomer does not contain any isocyanate groups, and, as a result, there are no free isocyanate moieties generated during formation of the foam that may be potentially hazardous to workers installing the foam. The presence of the urethane segments on the oligomer permits for the generation of a polyurethane foam without the drawbacks of conventional polyurethane foams. The foams may be used to fill cavities, cracks, gaps and crevices, such as around windows and doors, and may also be used in flash and batt systems.

Abstract: Polymer foams comprising macropores, the macropores having average cross sections of above 500 nm, are obtainable by reacting one or more epoxy resins with one or more amphiphilic epoxy resin hardeners in water in a phase inversion polymerization, where, during the phase inversion polymerization, but after phase inversion has taken place, a volume increase of the internal voids which form initially, and which are present predominantly as micropores having average cross sections of below 500 nm, is induced such that the fraction of the macropores—relative to the entirety of micropores and macropores present in the polymer foam—at the end of the phase inversion polymerization is above 50% by volume. Polymer foams of the present invention are suitable for use as acoustic insulation materials in means of transport and in industrial and plant construction.

Abstract: Prepare an article of manufacture by providing a latex of hollow latex particles with a rigid inner shell and adhesive outer shell, providing nanoporous particles and dispersing them into the latex and drying the latex so as to cause the hollow latex particle to bind to one another and form an article of manufacture containing nanoporous particles and hollow latex particles wherein the hollow latex particles are bound directly to one another to form a continuous matrix and the nanoporous particles are dispersed within the continuous matrix of hollow latex particles.

Abstract: A copolymer defines interconnected pores and comprises polymerized monomers. The monomers comprise a first monomer more hydrophilic than 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and a second monomer as hydrophilic as, or less hydrophilic than, HEMA. In a method of forming a polymer, a bicontinuous microemulsion comprising water, a surfactant, and a combination of monomers copolymerizable for forming a porous copolymer is provided. The combination of monomers comprises the first and second monomers. The monomers in the bicontinuous microemulsion are polymerized to form the porous copolymer. The first monomer may comprise N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) or methacrylic acid (MAA). The second monomer may comprise HEMA or methyl methacrylate (MMA).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a porous resin particle containing an aromatic vinyl compound-aromatic divinyl compound copolymer having a hydroxyl group, the method including: dissolving a monomer mixture containing an aromatic vinyl compound, an aromatic divinyl compound and a (meth)acrylic acid ester having one hydroxyl group within the molecule thereof, and a polymerization initiator in an organic solvent to obtain a solution containing the monomer mixture and the polymerization initiator; suspending the solution in water in the presence of a dispersion stabilizer; and performing a suspension copolymerization. The method of the invention is capable of easily producing a porous resin particle containing an aromatic vinyl compound-aromatic divinyl compound copolymer having a hydroxyl group, that is used as a support for solid phase synthesis and enables efficient nucleic acid synthesis.

Abstract: A method for generating a thermoplastic foam from an aqueous dispersion, the aqueous dispersion comprising a thermoplastic resin, water, and a dispersion stabilizing agent, the method including: adding at least one froth stabilizing surfactant to the aqueous dispersion to form a mixture; adding a fiber to the mixture; and frothing the mixture to create a froth, removing at least a portion of the water in the froth to create a foam, wherein the foam generated has a non-cellular fibrillated morphology. In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a foam having a thermoplastic-based, fibrillated, non-cellular structure, wherein the foam has an average density of about 0.02 g/cm3 to about 0.07 g/cm3. In certain embodiments, the foam may be used in an absorbent article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of using a heat responsive mixture to produce inorganic interconnected 3D open-cell bone substitutes which can be applied in the orthopedic or dental field for treatment of bone damage. The invention provides a simple and easily-controlled process of preparing porous inorganic bone substitute materials.

Abstract: A process for producing polymer foams by precise control of their morphology through use of microfluidic processes, foams produced in this way and use thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to composition containing expandable microspheres and at least one ionic compound and having a zeta potential that is greater than or equal to zero mV at a pH of about 9.0 or less at an ionic strength of from 10?6 M to 0.1M, as well as methods of making and using the composition.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of thermoplastic auxetic foams comprising the steps of: a) taking conventional thermoplastic foam; b) subjecting said foam to at least one process cycle wherein the foam is biaxially compressed and heated; c) optionally subjecting the foam to at least one process cycle wherein the biaxial compression is removed and the foam mechanically agitated prior to reapplying biaxial compression and heating; d) cooling said foam to a temperature below the softening temperature of said foam; and e) removing said compression and heat.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions-of-matter composed of a continuous elastomeric matrix and a liquid; the matrix entrapping the liquid therein in the form of closed-cell droplets dispersed throughout the matrix. The disclosed compositions-of-matter are characterized by a low tensile/compressive modulus and are capable of retaining the liquid for exceedingly long periods of time. Further disclosed are processes for forming the compositions-of-matter and uses thereof.

Abstract: A coating for paperboard comprises an aqueous dispersion of a hollow core binder comprising a first polymer that, when dry, has at least one void, the first polymer being substantially encapsulated by at least one second polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) ranging from more than ?15° C. and up to and including 30° C., wherein the weight ratio of the said second polymer to the said first polymer ranges from 1:1 to 4:1. One or both of the first polymer and the second polymer may be formed from, as polymerized units, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The hollow core binder allows for glossy, bright and smooth paperboard coatings while reducing the amount of binder and opacifying pigment necessary to achieve such coating properties. The present invention also provides coated paperboard articles, as well as paper and paperboard that is made from a mixture of pulp with the inventive hollow core binder.

Abstract: A silicone rubber sponge emulsion composition comprising (A) (a) a liquid diorganopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups per molecule, or a paste-like mixture of (a) a liquid diorganopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups per molecule and (d) a reinforcing filler, (b) an organopolysiloxane having at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule, and (c) a platinum catalyst, (B) an aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer, and (C) an emulsifying agent; its production; and production of silicone rubber sponge, wherein silicone rubber sponge is obtained by curing the composition into a molding and heating the molding.

Abstract: In the elastomer porous material of the invention, when cells in a first observation region of a first cross section are observed at a certain magnification, cells having an aspect ratio a/b, wherein a represents the maximum diameter of each cell and b represents the length of the minor axis of that cell as measured in a direction orthogonal thereto, of 1.3 or less account for 70% or more of all cells in the first observation region, and, when cells in a second observation region of a second cross section orthogonal to the first cross section are observed at a certain magnification, cells having an aspect ratio a/b, wherein a represents the maximum diameter of each cell and b represents the length of the minor axis of that cell as measured in a direction orthogonal thereto, of 1.3 or less account for 70% or more of all cells in the second observation region.

Abstract: By reaction of one or more epoxy resins with an amphiphilic epoxy resin hardener in water in a phase inversion polymerization, nanoporous polymer foams are obtained. These foams are suitable as thermal insulation materials.

Abstract: In the elastomer porous material of the invention, when cells in a first observation region of a first cross section are observed at a certain magnification, cells having a shape factor SF2, which indicates the remoteness from complete roundness and is represented by the following formula: SF ? ? 2 = P 2 4 ? ? ? ? A × 100 (wherein A represents the area of each cell, and P represents the perimeter length thereof), of 130 or less account for 80% or more of all cells in the first observation region, and, when cells in a second observation region of a second cross section orthogonal to the first cross section are observed at a certain magnification, cells having a shape factor SF2, which indicates the remoteness from complete roundness and is represented by the same formula (wherein A represents the area of each cell, and P represents the perimeter length thereof), of 130 or less account for 80% or more of all cells in the second observation region.

Abstract: In the elastomer porous material of the invention, when cells in a first observation region of a first cross section are observed at a certain magnification, cells having a shape factor SF1, which indicates the roundness of a circle and is represented by the following formula: SF ? ? 1 = ? ? ? a 2 4 ? A × 100 (wherein a represents the length of major axis of each cell, and A represents the area thereof), of 150 or less account for 80% or more of all cells in the first observation region, and, when cells in a second observation region of a second cross section orthogonal to the first cross section are observed at a certain magnification, cells having a shape factor SF1, which indicates the roundness of a circle and is represented by the same formula (wherein a represents the length of major axis of each cell, and A represents the area thereof), of 150 or less account for 80% or more of all cells in the second observation region.

Abstract: By reaction of one or more epoxy resins with an amphiphilic epoxy resin hardener in water in a phase inversion polymerization, nanoporous polymer foams are obtained. These foams are suitable as filter materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the production of porous particles that involves extracting an organic solvent from a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion. In accordance with the method of the invention, a first aqueous solution including a porosity-promoting agent is emulsified into an organic solution including a therapeutic constituent and, optionally, a matrix material to form a water-in-oil emulsion. The water-in-oil emulsion is then emulsified into a second aqueous solution including a surfactant to form the water-in-oil-in-water emulsion. Extraction of the organic solvent from the water-in-oil-in-water emulsion, such as by supercritical fluid extraction, causes the therapeutic constituent and optional matrix material to precipitate and thus form an aqueous suspension of porous particles. The aqueous suspension can be centrifuged, filtered and lyophilized to obtain dry porous particles suitable for use in the deep lung delivery of drugs and other therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrogels containing water and polyethylene glycol-dimethacrylates in a polymerized form. The polymethacrylate blocks are so short that they form no proper phase. The invention further relates to methods for producing said hydrogels. The inventive hydrogels are provided with reduced haze and are used as materials for contact lenses, electrophoresis gels, membrane materials, and sound-absorbing materials.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing porous polymer particles with improved filterability is described. One or more first water phases are formed comprising an anionic hydrocolloid with a mass-per-charge value of less than 600 and a relatively minor amount, compared to the anionic hydrocolloid, of at least one of a nonionic, cationic, zwitterionic, or weakly anionic water soluble or dispersible polymer, where the weakly anionic water soluble or dispersible polymer has a mass-per-charge value of larger than 600. A water-in-oil emulsion is formed by dispersing the one or more first water phases into an organic phase comprising at least one of either (i) preformed polymer dissolved in an organic solvent or (ii) polymerizable monomers, and homogenizing. A water-in-oil-in-water multiple emulsion is formed by dispersing the water-in-oil emulsion into a second water phase containing a stabilizing agent and homogenizing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous reinforced rubber dispersion comprising: a) 51 to 90 wt-% of base latex polymer particles; and b) 10 to 49 wt-% of reinforcing latex polymer particles comprising structural units of aromatic vinyl monomers and conjugated diene monomers, the reinforcing latex polymer particles having a single glass transition temperature (Tg) from ?25° C. to 28° C. as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), whereby the weight percentages are based on the total weight of polymer particles in the rubber dispersion and the base latex polymer particles have a Tg as measured by DSC that is lower than the Tg of the reinforcing latex particles, to the use of the rubber dispersion for making latex foam, to a method for making latex foam and to an article comprising the latex foam obtained from the rubber dispersion of the present invention.

Abstract: It is intended to provide resin foamed particles having a high environmental compatibility. Furthermore, it is intended to provide an economical and easy-to-use method of producing resin foamed particles having biodegradability without using a crosslinking agent, which should be handled with care, in the step of producing foamed resin particles. It is also intended to provide a molded article made of foamed particles having an extremely high heat insulating property and a biodegradability. Thermoplastic polyester-type resin foamed particles, in which the ratio of cells with diameter of 50 ?m or less amounts to 20% or more in an arbitrary two-dimensional section of a thermoplastic polyester-type resin foamed particles, are first produced and then a molded article is produced with the use of these resin foamed particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rigid polyurethane foam which can be obtained by mixing (a) isocyanates, (b) compounds having groups which are reactive toward isocyanates, (c) blowing agents comprising water, (d) catalysts and optionally (e) further additives to form a reaction mixture, applying the reaction mixture to a reinforcing material and curing the reaction mixture, where the isocyanates (a) have a viscosity of not more than 500 mPas at 25° C. and the compounds (b) having groups which are reactive toward isocyanates comprise a polyetherol (b1) having a functionality of 4 or more and a viscosity at 25° C. of 10 000 mPas or less, a polyetherol (b2) having a functionality of 3.5 or less and a viscosity at 25° C. of 600 mPas or less, a polyesterol (b3) having a viscosity at 25° C. of 2000 mPas or less, chain extenders (b4) comprising at least 30% secondary OH groups and optionally a crosslinker (b5).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of modifying natural rubber latex and products manufactured from same. In an embodiment, an inflatable latex balloon comprises an aluminum hydroxide-modified natural rubber latex envelope. In an embodiment, the aluminum hydroxide-modified natural rubber latex envelope is substantially free of non-rubber impurities. In an embodiment, the aluminum hydroxide-modified natural rubber latex envelope of the balloon, being substantially free of non-rubber impurities, results in tighter rubber particle integration and improved gas retention capabilities. In an embodiment, the aluminum hydroxide-modified natural rubber latex envelope, being substantially free of non-rubber impurities, results in a more stable, cleaner latex requiring less compounding additives for production. In addition, the present disclosure relates to an extruded rubber thread comprising an aluminum hydroxide-modified natural rubber latex.

Abstract: Filling foam composition capable of providing excellent rustproofing and also suppressing reduction of a foam ratio of the filling foam composition even when reusing unwanted parts thereof and inferior goods thereof; a foam filling member using the same filling foam composition; and a filling foam produced by foaming the filling foam composition. The filling foam composition is prepared by mixing foamable polymer, a foaming agent, and a basic oxide in such a mixing ratio that a ratio of the basic oxide can be in the range of 0.05-70 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of foaming agent. The mounting member for the filling foam composition to be mounted in an internal space of a hollow member is produced by mounting a mounting member on the filling foam composition obtained. The filling foam is formed by fitting the foam filling member in the internal space of the hollow member and, then, foaming the filling foam composition by the application of heat.

Abstract: Polyolefin dispersions, froths, and foams and articles manufactured therefrom are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for generating a thermoplastic foam from an aqueous dispersion. The aqueous dispersion may include a thermoplastic resin, water, and a stabilizing agent. The method may include adding at least one frothing surfactant to the aqueous dispersion to form a mixture, adding a flame retardant and/or a phase change material, frothing the mixture to create a froth, and removing at least a portion of the water to produce the foam.

Abstract: An electrically and ionically conductive porous material including a thermoplastic binder and one or more of anion exchange moieties or cation exchange moieties or mixtures thereof and/or one or more of a protein capture resin and an electrically conductive material. The thermoplastic binder immobilizes the moieties with respect to each other but does not substantially coat the moieties and forms the electrically conductive porous material. A wafer of the material and a method of making the material and wafer are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing hollow particles comprising polymerizing a hydrophobic monomer to form a particulate resin exhibiting a number average molecular weight of from 20,000 to 500,000, dispersing the particulate resin in an aqueous medium to form a resin particle dispersion and adding thereto a hydrophobic cross-linkable monomer in an amount of from 0.1 to 50 parts by mass based on 1 part by mass of the particulate resin to polymerize the cross-linkable monomer to form hollow particles.

Abstract: The inventive process converts cellulosic biomass into a gel-like state that is readily hydrolyzed by appropriate enzymes. First the biomass is mechanically reduced in size. The biomass is then mixed and kneaded with an aqueous solution of a hydrophilic polymer that acts as a conditioning agent or as a co-solvent. During mixing the cellulose (and hemicellulose) in the biomass swells and becomes hydrated forming a viscous gel-like material. The processed material can then be thinned through the addition of water whereupon hydrolytic enzymes are mixed into the material and rapid hydrolysis into free sugars takes place. Dextrins are effective hydrophilic polymers for conditioning biomass. Polyvinyl alcohol is a particularly effective conditioning agent for use with biomass when converted into a viscous gel by adding borate ions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preferentially breaking cross-links in a vulcanised rubber, thereby de-vulcanising the rubber, by the use of a supercritical fluid, such as carbon dioxide. The supercritical fluid maintained at an appropriate solubility parameter, swells the vulcanised rubber to a state of equilibrium swell. The cross links (3) become fully extended and under strain to hold the internal pressures caused by the solvent swelling affect of the supercritical gas. When equilibrium swell has been achieved, the pressure within the processing vessel is rapidly dropped to a level of not less than 60% of the level at which saturation took place, causing a degassing and expansion of the supercritical fluid that has been absorbed within the vulcanised rubber. The resulting three dimensional separation of the rubber molecules will put a further rapid strain on the cross links, causing them to break (7), thereby giving the affect of de-vulcanisation.

Abstract: In the elastomer porous material of the invention, when cells in a first observation region of a first cross section are observed at a certain magnification, cells having an aspect ratio a/b, wherein a represents the maximum diameter of each cell and b represents the length of the minor axis of that cell as measured in a direction orthogonal thereto, of 1.3 or less account for 70% or more of all cells in the first observation region, and, when cells in a second observation region of a second cross section orthogonal to the first cross section are observed at a certain magnification, cells having an aspect ratio a/b, wherein a represents the maximum diameter of each cell and b represents the length of the minor axis of that cell as measured in a direction orthogonal thereto, of 1.3 or less account for 70% or more of all cells in the second observation region.

Abstract: A reinforced carbon foam material is formed from carbon fibers incorporated within a carbon foam's structure. First, carbon fiber bundles are combined with a liquid resol resin. The carbon fiber bundles separate into individual carbon fiber filaments and disperse throughout the liquid resol resin. Second, the carbon fiber resin mixture is foamed thus fixing the carbon fibers in a permanent spatial arrangement within the phenolic foam. The foam is then carbonized to create a carbon fiber reinforced foam with improved graphitic characteristics as well as increased strength. Optionally, various additives can be introduced simultaneously with the addition of the carbon fiber bundles into the liquid resol, which can improve the graphitic nature of the final carbon foam material and/or increase the foam's resistance to oxidation.