Abstract: Provided is a porous film that can contribute to improving the cycle characteristics of an electric cell by improving binding characteristics, for a porous film provided on a surface of an electrode used in a secondary cell and the like. The porous film comprises a water-soluble polymer, an inorganic filler, and a water-insoluble particulate polymer including 0.5-40 mass % of a monomer unit having a hydrophilic group selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid groups, hydroxyl groups, and sulfonate groups.

Abstract: A nanoporous material is provided. The pores of the nanoporous material are formed between nanoparticles that have a polymeric surface layer. The nanoporous material is produced by (a) suspending the nanoparticles in a medium material, wherein the nanoparticles are phase separated from the medium material, (b) heating the suspension to a temperature above the melting point of the nanoparticle surface layer, and (c) cooling the suspension. Alternatively, the nanoporous material may be produced by dissolving nanoparticles having a polymeric surface layer in a solvent, and then adding a medium material that causes the nanoparticles to phase separate from the solution.

Abstract: A foamable resin composition according to the present invention comprises 10 parts by weight or less, preferably 0.5 to 8 parts by weight of a biodegradable resin and/or polyolefin resin, 10 to 30 parts by weight of water and 0.01 to 5 parts by weight of an inorganic filler, with respect to 100 parts by weight of a modified starch. The modified starch is preferably at least one of oxidized starches, esterified starches, acetylated starches and cationic starches. The foamable resin composition can maintain strength, etc., of the foamed body obtained at a practical level even though the amount of the biodegradable resin and/or polyolefin resin is reduced as much as possible, and has a cost advantage.

Abstract: A process for producing an elastic silicate foam by foaming a mixture comprising 10% to 80% by weight of an aqueous dispersion of SiO2 particles A) which have an average particle diameter in the range from 1 to 100 nm, 5% to 30% by weight of a polymer B) in solution in water, 10% to 50% by weight of a blowing agent C), 1% to 5% by weight of an emulsifier D), 0.01% to 5% by weight of a crosslinker E) which is reactive with the polymer B), and also the foam obtainable by the process, and the use of the foam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a microporous polyolefin film which can be used for various battery separators, separating filters and membranes for microfiltration. The process for manufacturing a microporous polyolefin film according to the invention comprises mixing/extrusion through efficient and separate injection of 15-55% by weight of polyolefin (Component I), and 85-45% by weight of a diluent (Component II) which forms thermodynamic single phase with the polyolefin and a diluent (Component III) which can undergo thermodynamic liquid-liquid phase separation with the polyolefin, into an extruder.

Abstract: Board, wherein this board substantially consists of a material mass which is pressed and which comprises at least two components, namely a first component consisting of organic material, and a second component functioning as a binding agent for said first component, with the characteristic that said material mass is composed differently in the plane of the board. The invention also relates to methods by which such board can be manufactured, as well as to panels comprising such board material.

Abstract: A method for producing a bio-based polymeric shoe component includes: preparing a blend from a composition including 5˜50 weight parts of a modified starch, 50˜95 weight parts of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, 5˜30 weight parts of a filler, 1˜50 weight parts of a polyolefin, 2.0˜8.0 weight parts of a foaming agent, 0.5˜3.0 weight parts of a foaming aid, 0.5˜2.0 weight parts of a lubricant, and 0.4˜1.2 weight parts of a crosslinking agent, the modified starch being obtained by hydrolyzing and esterifying a predetermined amount of a raw starch to form a hydrolyzed and esterified starch, followed by drying the hydrolyzed and esterified starch; processing the blend into a foamable product; and forming the foamable product into the shoe component.

Abstract: A method for producing a biodegradable plastic material includes: hydrolyzing starch to form a hydrolyzed starch; esterifying the hydrolyzed starch to form a hydrolyzed and esterified starch; drying the hydrolyzed and esterified starch to obtain a dried modified starch; and mixing the dried modified starch with a plastic material, such as an EVA copolymer.

Abstract: Foam is provided. The foam includes starch, wood flour, a chemical auxiliary and resin, wherein the resin has a weight ratio exceeding 50%. The invention also provides a method for fabricating the foam. The method includes providing a foam raw material including starch, wood flour, a chemical auxiliary and resin, wherein the resin has a weight ratio exceeding 50%, blending the foam raw material and a foaming fluid to form a blend, and performing a foaming process to form foam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cellulosic material/polymer composites and foams containing zeolite, blowing agent(s) and masterbatch(es) for making such composites and foams, and processes therefor. More specifically, in the embodiments of the present invention directed to cellulosic material/polymer foams, the compositions comprise one or more zeolites and one or more foaming agents, wherein the foaming agent(s) preferably is carried by the zeolite(s) and evolves to form foamed products when processed with foamable materials. The present invention also comprises blowing agent composition(s) comprised of zeolite(s) and foaming agent(s) combination(s), and masterbatch composition(s) comprised of zeolite(s), foaming agent(s) and cellulosic material(s). The zeolite provides several benefits to such compositions and foams.

Abstract: A foamed starch-polyester graft copolymer and chemically modified starch-polyester graft copolymer composition comprising a chemically modified starch or chemically modified starch-nanoclay product is described. The composition can be produced continuously in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder in the presence of a blowing agent. The foams are biodegradable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polyarylates comprising repeating units having the structure: as well as their preparation and use as cell growth substrates.

Abstract: A method for the production of a biodegradable foamed product 7 from a base material and a blowing agent 1. The base materials are mixed with a blowing agent and any other required additives 1. The mixture 3, after extrusion 2, is placed in a microwave transparent mold 6 and processed in a microwave via distinct steps. The first step preheats the extrudate to a temperature just below the flash point 6. The second step 7 rapidly heats the extrudate beyond the flash point causing the extrudate to foam in the mold 7. By utilizing this method it is possible to produce shaped articles with uniform properties and with packaging properties such as compressibility, resilience and shock absorption.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a starch foam is provided. A mixture is mixed to form a foamable mixture. The mixture includes a starch, a nucleating agent, and a foaming agent. The foamable mixture is foamed to form a foam. The starch includes a cereal or a root crop. The cereal includes rice, wheat or corn. The root crop includes cassava, sweet potato or potato.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire-resistant composition for coating, filling, sealing, and protection comprising an isocyanate curable polymer, a polymer curable isocyanate, an aliphatic polyether glycol, and rubber, whereby it further comprises ammonium polyphosphate, expanding graphite, and aluminum trihydrate.

Abstract: Composition in the foam form containing a continuous oily phase and at least one structuring agent for the oily phase chosen from polymeric structuring agents. Method of use. Kit.

Abstract: Polymer foam compositions include as a blowing agent an inorganic or organic compound containing liquid of crystallization or intercalation. Foams of good physical properties can be obtained thereby.

Abstract: A porous polymeric matrix containing at least one natural polymer and at least one synthetic polymer and optionally at least one cation. Furthermore, a method of making a porous polymeric matrix involving mixing at least one natural polymer and inorganic salts with a solution comprising at least one solvent and at least one synthetic polymer to form a slurry, casting the slurry in a mold and removing the solvent to form solid matrices, immersing the solid matrices in deionized water to allow natural polymer cross-linking and pore creation to occur simultaneously, and drying the matrices to create a porous polymeric matrix; wherein the matrix contains a cation.

Abstract: Biodegradable molded articles; a process for producing the same: and compositions for foam molding packed in a packaging film bag to be used in the production. A bowl-type container(10a), which is one of the biodegradable molded articles as described above, consists of a bowl body(11a) comprising starch as the main component and a coating film(12) having at least hydrophobic properties and comprising a biodegradable plastic as the main component which is bonded to the surface of the bowl body(11a). This bowl body(11a) is formed by steam-foaming molding a material to be molded which is in the form of a slurry or a dough containing starch and water. The coating film(12) is closely bonded to the surface of the bowl body(11a) either directly or via an adhesive layer. Compositions for foam molding packed in such packaging film bags can be easily stored and molded.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions for the preparation of void-containing articles comprising a polymer matrix and a voiding agent The voiding agent comprises at least one first polymer and at least one second polymer, which are selected on the basis of physical properties such as glass transition temperature, tensile modulus, melting point, surface tension, and melt viscosity. Shaped articles such as sheet, film, bottles, tubes, labels, and sleeves may prepared from these compositions. Also disclosed are polyester shrink films prepared using a voiding agent comprising a novel blend of cellulosic and olefinic polymers. The resulting shrink films have better opacity, lower density, reduced shrink force, and improved printability as compared with most standard voiding agents. The films are useful for sleeve label and other shrink film applications and their lower density allows them to be readily separated from soft drink bottles, food containers and the like during recycling operations.

Abstract: An adhesive composition comprising a polymeric matrix and absorbent particles wherein at least a part of the absorbent particles are microcolloid particles. The microcolloid particles are water absorbent particles preferably having a rounded or spherical shape. The addition of microcolloids to an adhesive provides an improved moisture handling properties compared to state of the art technology as well as the rheological properties of the adhesive matrix may be less affected than by addition of traditional hydrocolloids.

Abstract: This disclosure describes the first viable non-enzyme protein encapsulated within an aerogel. In this, a large excess of cyt c is added to a commercial buffered Au sol solution ( ) which results in the formation of a gold˜protein-protein superstructure in the absence of separation techniques which destroy the superstructure. The gold˜protein-protein superstructure is then nanoglued into a silica framework during the sol to gel transition. To form the gel, the Au˜cyt. c superstructure in buffered medium is added to a silica sol and the composite gels are washed with acetone followed by liquid carbon dioxide and then supercritically dried to form the aerogel. The biocomposite aerogels have a multiplicity of applications particularly in the realm of sensing and energy transformation.

Abstract: Liquid, injectable, aqueous solutions are transformed in situ to an expandable foam-like, space filling, and adherent biomaterial. Preferably, the foam-like biomaterial is the reaction product of a two-part liquid system to achieve the in situ formation thereof. The liquid system is generally comprised of a protein solution and a cross linker solution which may either be premixed and then applied to a site in need of the biomaterial, or simultaneously mixed and delivered through an in-line mixing/dispensing tip directly to the site. In especially preferred embodiments, an expandable foam-like biomaterial includes the reaction product of human or animal-derived protein material and a di- or polyaldehyde in the presence of a bicarbonate and an acidic titrant amounts sufficient to impart a cellular foam structure to the material.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing a high-quality foam that can be produced stably on an industrial scale and that affords excellent thermal insulation as a foam with thin cell membranes, which method ensures uniform molten mixture fluidity, which is an essential condition for achieving consistent foam quality, in the manufacture of a foam by mixing starch as one molten polymer compound with another polymer compound having a different melt viscosity, and to provide a foam manufactured by this method. Water is added to and mixed with a plant-derived fibrous material and starch to manufacture a foam of a plastic resin containing as compositional components starch and a plant-derived fibrous material such as pulverized paper, pulverized wood, or the like.

Abstract: A resin composition, which comprises a biodegradable polymer and a biodegradable liquid crystalline polymer. The resin composition is useful for producing molded resin articles having good recyclability.

Abstract: The present invention is a component such as a siding panel that may be comprised of various formulations of cellulosic/polymer composite materials. One embodiment of the present invention is a siding panel that is comprised of a cellulosic/PVC composite material. This composite material may include at least one cellulosic filler in the amount of about 30% to about 60% by weight and a PVC material in the amount of about 40% to about 70% by weight. The PVC material may include about 1 to about 10 parts stabilizer(s) per 100 parts of the PVC resin, about 2 to about 12 parts lubricant(s) per 100 parts of the PVC resin, and about 0.5 to about 8 parts process aid(s) per 100 parts of the PVC resin. Another embodiment of the present invention is a siding panel that may be comprised of a cellulosic/polypropylene composite material.

Abstract: Hydrogels having improved elasticity and mechanical strength properties are obtained by subjecting a hydrogel formulation containing a strengthening agent to chemical or physical crosslinking conditions subsequent to initial gel formation. Superporous hydrogels having improved elasticity and mechanical strength properties are similarly obtained whenever the hydrogel formulation is provided with a foaming agent. Interpenetrating networks of polymer chains comprised of primary polymer(s) and strengthening polymer(s) are thereby formed. The primary polymer affords capillary-based water sorption properties while the strengthening polymer imparts significantly enhanced mechanical strength and elasticity to the hydrogel or superporous hydrogel. Suitable strengthening agents can be natural or synthetic polymers, polyelectrolytes, or neutral, hydrophilic polymers.

Abstract: A process for producing thermo-expansive microcapsules wherein a polymerizing mixture containing ethylenic unsaturated monomer and a blowing agent is suspend-polymerized to microencapsulate the blowing agent with the resultant polymer. The above-mentioned suspension-polymerization is performed with the presence of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polypeptides and derivatives thereof as a suspension stabilizer. The process can control the particle size of microcapsules easily, attain stable reaction system and produce thermo-expansive microcapsules that disperse well in medium such as paint or inks.

Abstract: Foamable compositions are provided including a polymeric component, an encapsulated foaming component in an amount effective in foaming the foamable composition and a wood component in an amount effective as a filler in a foamed composition obtained from the foamable composition. Foamed compositions and methods of producing foamed positions are also provided.

Abstract: A material comprising the reaction product of an A-side having an isocyanate and a B-side having a cross-linker comprising a multifunctional alcohol, a vegetable oil, preferably a blown/oxidized vegetable oil, most preferably a blown/oxidized soybean oil, and a catalyst, wherein the vegetable oil and the cross-linking agent are substantially non-esterified prior to reacting/combining the A-side with the B-side and the method of producing the same.

Abstract: A material comprising the reaction product of an A-side having a prepolymer isocyanate, preferably a prepolymer diisocyanate and a B-side having a cross-linker comprising a multifunction alcohol, a first vegetable oil, preferably a blown/oxidized vegetable oil, most preferably a blown/oxidized soybean oil, and a catalyst, wherein the first vegetable oil and the cross-linking agent are substantially non-esterfied prior to combining the A-side with the B-side and the method of producing the same.

Abstract: An improved material comprising the reaction product of an A-side having a prepolymer isocyanate and a B-side having a cross-linker comprising a multifunctional alcohol, a first vegetable oil, preferably a blown/oxidized vegetable oil, most preferably a blown/oxidized soybean oil, and a catalyst and the method of producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention concerns treated fibrous porous material having a defined nanostructure comprising reactive sites thereon, wherein said fibrous porous material is treated with a low viscosity organic solution comprising organic solvent, isocyanate component unsaturated resin and optionally additional additives. The treated fibrous porous material is further mixed with a resin to form a composite. The composite may be formed by various methods of mixing and molding. The invention is further directed to various composites made therefrom. The fibrous porous material is selected from the group comprising cellulose, lignin, synthetic ceramics, porous metal nanopowders, kaolin, bio fibers and porous powders of biological origin or their mixtures. The resin may be any polymer virgin or scrap obtained from industrial or domestic waste, and is selected from thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a foam prepared from a resin comprising: one or more saccharides; one or more isocyanates; one or more resin polyols; and water. The foam may be for example polyurethane foam or polycyanurate foam, either flexible or rigid. Another embodiment includes a method for preparing a foam comprising: forming a resin by mixing one or more saccharides with one or more isocyanates and then mixing the one or more saccharides and the one or more isocyanates with water; and admixing one or more foam polyols to the resin. Another embodiment includes a method for manufacturing a foam derived from an isocyanate, comprising replacing all or a portion of the isocyanate with a resin comprising: one or more saccharides; one or more isocyanates; one or more resin polyols; and water. Another embodiment includes an article of manufacture comprising such foam.

Abstract: This disclosure describes the first viable non-enzyme protein encapsulated within an aerogel. In this, a large excess of cyt. c is added to a commercial buffered Au sot solution ( ) which results in the formation of a gold˜protein-protein superstructure in the absence of separation techniques which destroy the superstructure. The gold˜protein-protein superstructure is then nanoglued into a silica framework during the sol to gel transition. To form the gel, the Au-cyt. c superstructure in buffered medium is added to a silica sol and the composite gels are washed with acetone followed by liquid carbon dioxide and then supercritically dried to form the aerogel. The biocomposite aerogels have a multiplicity of applications particularly in the realm of sensing and energy transformation.

Abstract: A novel resin for binding composite lignocellulosic, cellulosic and non-cellulosic products is disclosed. The resin is comprised of one or more isocyanates, one or more saccharides, one or more polyols, and water. Preferaby, the saccharide is a polysaccharide comprised of corn syrup. Preferably, the isocyanate is a polyisocyanate and the polyol is an ethylene glycol. Also disclosed are methods for preparing and applying the resin as well as the products prepared from the resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for immobilization of nucleic acid molecules on a substrate, wherein the substrate is treated with atomic oxygen plasma prior to immobilizing the nucleic acid molecules thereon. The invention is further related to immobilized nucleic acid molecules and uses thereof.

Abstract: A sprayable composition and a method of protecting material with the composition is disclosed. The composition comprises a bulking/setting material, a water soluble polymer and water to provide a cover layer which, after spraying, is tough, flexible and water-repellent. Other materials such as clay, fibrous material, a foam producing agent and a hardening retarder can be included in the composition. The composition is effective as a cover layer over material such as soil, refuse at a dump site, stockpiled material, a temporary cover for remediation sites, or tire piles.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for preparing a syntactic foam composition suitable for use as a carrier for chemicals or other compounds, including pharmaceuticals. The invention further relates to compositions prepared in accordance with the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Compositions and processes for preparing extrudable powder blends containing at least one vinyl chloride resin and a cellulosic material are provided. More specifically, compositions and processes for preparing extrudable free-flowing powder blends containing PVC and wood flour (WF) are also provided for preparing foamed or nonfoamed extrudates. The processes provided herein incorporate components which may contain up to a total of 25 weight percent water. Processes for preparing foamed extrudates are also provided wherein a cooling fluid is used to increase the expansion ratio of the foam. Finally provided are composites having an extrudable thermoplastic substrate and at least one capstock layer disposed thereon containing a PVC/WF composition.

Abstract: The present invention is an ABS foam composition. The composition is comprised of ABS, a foam modifier, and a blowing agent. The composition may be formed into a variety of shapes and products using many different processing techniques, e.g., extrusion and molding.

Abstract: A method of producing a porous, liquid absorbent, open-cell polymeric foam material having properties which makes it suitable for use as an absorbent structure in absorbent articles such as diapers, pant diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence guards, wound dressings, bed protections etc, comprising dissolving a polymer in a solvent, adding a surfactant and causing foaming, after which the polymer is crosslinked in the foamed mixture by means of a crosslinking agent. The temperature of the foam thus formed is lowered to a temperature below the freezing point of the solvent and the crosslinking reaction is continued during the freezing step, and after the main part of the solvent is removed from the formed foam material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for preparing porous dielectric then films containing pore-generating material, said composition comprising gemini detergent, and/or a quaternary alkyl ammonium salt, a thermo-stable organic or inorganic matrix precursor, and solvent for dissolving the two solid components. There is also provided an interlayer insulating film having good mechanical properties such as hardness, modulus and hydroscopicity, which is required for semiconductor devices.

Abstract: There is provided a maintenance-free sleeve bearing arrangement that is light in weight, has a long service life and does not require resupply of oil during operation. The sleeve bearing arrangement is comprised mainly of a shaft and a sleeve bearing, wherein the sleeve bearing formed of CRB ceramics, and/or the shaft formed of the CRB ceramics are used.

Abstract: Mono- or biaxially-stretched polyester resin foamed sheets and films wherein the polyester resin has a melt strength of more than 1 centinewton at 280° C., a melt viscosity of at least 1500 Pa.s at 280° C. for a shear ratio which tends to zero and a crystallization rate such that for a 10-minute heating at 120° C. the crystallinity can reach values as high as 30-35%.

Abstract: A method of making a porous biodegradable polymer is disclosed, which comprises (a) placing a biodegradable polymer and a solvent in a chamber; (b) adding a supercritical fluid to the chamber and maintaining the chamber at a predetermined temperature for a sufficient period of time to allow the supercritical fluid to dissolve into the biodegradable polymer with the help of the solvent; and (c) venting the supercritical fluid and the solvent by reducing the pressure in the chamber, thereby obtaining a porous biodegradable polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to crosslinking of porous materials made of biodegradable polymers. The method comprises: (a) placing a porous biodegradable polymer in a chamber; (b) introducing a supercritical fluid containing a crosslinking agent into the chamber to effect crosslinking of the porous biodegradable polymer; and optionally (c) introducing a pure supercritical into the chamber to wash the crosslinked polymer until the crosslinking agent is substantially removed from the polymer.

Abstract: Methods of forming crosslinked hyaluronic acid anti-adhesion barriers, crosslinked hyaluronic acid anti-adhesions barriers, methods for preventing or inhibiting adhesions, and methods of promoting healing of a wound are provided. The method of forming the crosslinked hyaluronic acid anti-adhesion barrier includes freeze-drying a solution including hyaluronic acid to form a hyaluronic acid foam, which is then reacted with a crosslinking agent to form a crosslinked hyaluronic acid foam. The crosslinked hyaluronic acid foam is mixed with a solution containing hyaluronic acid to form an anti-adhesion barrier.

Abstract: The present invention involves the synthesis of a series of amylose (starch) derivatives with various degrees of substitution and amylose/amylopectin ratios. These chains are chemically crosslinked and then mechanically deformed (stretched) to produce a biodegradable and mechanically superior material. Specifically, the process consists of chemically modifying starch into starch derivatives such as starch ethers, starch esters and starch carbamates. The polymers have a percentage degree of substitution of from about 35% to about 95% (degree of substitution is from about 1.05 to about 2.85) and preferably have a percentage degree of substitution of from about 65% to about 90% (degree of substitution is from about 1.95 to about 2.70). The starch derivatives are crosslinked to obtain crosslinked chains and processed into sheets, films, fibers, threads or other articles as known in the art.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a fiber-reinforced, starch-bound cellular matrix. Suitable mixtures used to form the articles are prepared by first preparing a viscous preblended mixture comprising water, a gelatinized starch-based binder, and fibers having an average length greater than about 2 mm. The highly viscous preblended mixture effectively transfers the shearing forces of the mixer to the fibers. The final moldable mixture is then prepared by mixing into the preblended mixture the remaining starch-based binder, water, and other desired admixtures, e.g., mold-releasing agents, inorganic filler rheology-modifying agents, plasticizers, coating materials, and dispersants, in the correct proportions to form an article which has the desired performance criteria.