Abstract: The present invention relates to new aqueous curable binder compositions comprising a carbohydrate compound, a first cross linker and a second cross linker different from the first capable of undergoing radical polymerization and possibly a free radical initiator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic polyurethanes obtainable or obtained by a process comprising the reaction of a thermoplastic polyester (PE-1) with a diol (D1) to give a composition (Z1) comprising a polyester (PE-2), and the reaction of the composition (Z1) obtained in step (i) with an isocyanate composition (I1) comprising at least one polyisocyanate, and with a polyol composition (P1), where the polyol composition (P1) comprises at least one polycarbonate polyol (PC1), and also to a process for the production of the thermoplastic polyurethane. The present invention further relates to a composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane of the invention and at least one flame retardant.

Abstract: A thermally-insulating composite material with co-shrinkage in the form of an insulating material formed by the inclusion of microballoons in a matrix material such that the microballoons and the matrix material exhibit co-shrinkage upon processing. The thermally-insulating composite material can be formed by a variety of microballoon-matrix material combinations such as polymer microballoons in a preceramic matrix material. The matrix materials generally contain fine rigid fillers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for immobilization of biological molecules such as nucleic acids, peptides and proteins onto the surface of a glass or plastic solid support.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide intermediate transfer members that can be used in electrostatographic devices and methods for using them in forming an image. The disclosed intermediate transfer members can include a plurality of nanotubes with high electrical conductivity, high thermal conductivity, and/or low humidity sensitivity. The hydrophobicity of the nanotubes can be controlled by covalently grafting hydrophobic components onto one or more nanotubes; surface treating one or more nanotubes; and encapsulating one or more nanotubes with hydrophobic components. In an exemplary embodiment, the nanotubes can be dispersed in polymer matrices and/or formed on the surface of polymer matrices of the intermediate transfer members. The intermediate transfer members can take various forms of belts, sheets, webs, films, rolls, tubes or any shape that can provide a smooth surface and rotatable function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing non-fouling surfaces and products having such a surface. Especially, the present invention relates to a product comprising a bulk part and a surface region; wherein a first surface region coating is coated on at least a first part of said surface region; said first surface region coating comprising a polyionic co-polymer consisting of a polyionic backbone polymer and non-ionic hydrophilic side chain polymers; wherein the molecular spacing parameter, L/2Rg, of said first surface region coating is less than 0.26.

Abstract: One-part binder compositions are described that may include a protein and a crosslinking combination. The crosslinking combination may include at least a first crosslinking compound and a second crosslinking compound. The first and second crosslinking compounds are individually crosslinkable with each other and with the protein. Examples of the protein include soy protein. Fiber products and methods of making the fiber products are also described. The fiber products may include organic fibers, inorganic fibers, or both, in a cured thermoset binder based on solutions of the one-part binder compositions.

Abstract: Methods for adhering a hydrogel matrix to a molded polymer substrate and its use as a biosensor, e.g., a continuous or episodic glucose monitor, are disclosed. The presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for adhering a hydrogel matrix to a molded polymer substrate, the method comprising: (a) molding a polymer comprising one or more polymer chains with an oxidizer to form a molded polymer substrate; (b) providing a hydrogel matrix comprising a hydrogel, a component comprising one or more acrylate groups or another functional group that can form one or more radicals upon polymerization in the molded polymer substrate, and a photo initiator; (c) combining the molded polymer substrate and the hydrogel matrix; and (d) curing the combined molded polymer substrate and hydrogel matrix for a period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hardenable dental composition comprising component (A) comprising a cationically hardenable compound, component (B) comprising an initiator being able to initiate the hardening reaction of the cationically hardenable compound, and component (C) comprising a filler, wherein the filler comprises a filler body and a filler surface, the filler surface comprising side groups with polar moieties. The invention also relates to a process of producing the dental composition, to the use of the dental composition as dental impression material and to a method of taking an impression of dental tissue.

Abstract: Conjugates are provided herein which comprise a protein attached to at least two polymeric moieties, at least one of which exhibits reverse thermal gelation. The conjugates are suitable for being cross-linked by non-covalent and/or covalent cross-linking. Compositions-of-matter comprising cross-linked conjugates are provided herein, as well as processes for producing same. Methods of controlling a physical property of compositions-of-matter are also provided herein. The conjugates and compositions-of-matter may be used for various applications, such as cell growth, tissue formation, and treatment of disorders characterized by tissue damage or loss, as described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a polymer material filled with longer fibers, wherein the fibers, which typically have a residual moisture content of approximately 5 to 8% and a minimum length of more than 2 mm, and the carrier material are mixed and heated in a reactor or cutter-compacter, constantly moving them and optionally comminuting the carrier material, and constantly maintaining the pourability and/or lumpiness. According to the invention, the conditions, and particularly the temperature, in the reactor are adjusted so as to dry the fibers to the lowest residual moisture possible, at which the fibers are just barely sufficiently flexible so as not to break during processing in the reactor, or during an optionally following compression step, for example extrusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an amphiphilic polymer comprising at least 75% of amphiphilic monomers of formula (I), the average molar mass of the polymer being between 800 and 100 000, and also water-soluble complexes between the polymer according to the invention and a hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound, in particular a membrane protein, a concentrated aqueous solution of one or more such complex(es), a product comprising one or more such complex(es) attached to a substrate by means of the polymer according to the invention, and various uses of these products.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to uses of saccharide binding moieties, e.g., lectins for targeting cells, typically cancer stem cells. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to conjugates comprising: a) a saccharide binding moiety; b) a polymer; and c) a therapeutic agent; wherein the saccharide binding protein is covalently attached to the polymer.

Abstract: A compressible and highly flexible plugging agent comprises the following components in parts by weight: 70-80 parts of natural rubber, 0.5-1 part of polyacrylamide (PAM), 1.5-3 parts of polyanionic cellulose (PAC), 0.5-1 part of biopolymer XC and 10-15 parts of ultrafine calcium carbonate; and the preparation method thereof comprises the following steps: adding the components in the weight parts into the natural rubber in order according to the common preparing method at normal temperature and pressure, mixing and stirring evenly, drying and then grinding into particles of 0.05-50 mm. The plugging agent is characterized by wide raw material sources, simple process, safe application, high plugging ratio and high compressibility, which is suitable for oil recovering and geological drilling applications.

Abstract: A thermo-responsive polymer covalently bound with a peptide, wherein the peptide comprises a peptide moiety that is able to self-assemble and a functional peptide moiety comprising a bioactive sequence, and compositions comprising such thermo-responsive polymer covalently bound with a peptide. Methods for the preparation of such thermo-responsive polymers covalently bound with a peptide and the use thereof for the preparation of hydrogels.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides protein-containing compositions, methods and uses thereof. A conjugate comprises a globular protein conjugated with a polymer that preserves the folded and functional structure of a protein. In some embodiments, a fusion protein comprises a globular protein conjugated with an elastin-mimic polymer (EMP). Also disclosed is an assembled solid-state or gel-state nanostructure comprising a plurality of conjugates, wherein each comprises a globular protein conjugated with a polymer that preserving the folded and functional structure of a protein. In certain embodiments, provided compositions and methods further comprise an additive.

Abstract: Disclosed are fast-curing, inexpensive corn-gluten resin compositions, methods for making them, methods for forming them into solid articles. In some embodiments, the resin composition includes corn meal gluten and a non-toxic organic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an amphiphilic polymer comprising at least 75% of amphiphilic monomers of formula (I), the average molar mass of the polymer being between 800 and 100 000, and also water-soluble complexes between the polymer according to the invention and a hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound, in particular a membrane protein, a concentrated aqueous solution of one or more such complex(es), a product comprising one or more such complex(es) attached to a substrate by means of the polymer according to the invention, and various uses of these products.

Abstract: A biodegradable and renewable film that may be employed in a wide variety of applications is provided. The film is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains at least one starch and at least one plant protein. Even at a high renewable material content, the present inventors have discovered that films may be readily formed from plant proteins and starches by selectively controlling the individual amount of the starch and plant proteins, the nature of the starch and plant proteins, and other components used in the film. Balancing the amount of starches and plant proteins within a certain range, for instance, can reduce the likelihood of plant protein aggregation and enhance the ability of the composition to be melt processed. The composition also contains at least one plasticizer that improves the thermoplastic nature of the protein and starch components. The selection of the plasticizer may also help reduce the tendency of the plant protein to aggregate during melt processing.

Abstract: A composition for forming a polymeric cell culture surface includes (i) a pre-polymer comprising a polymer backbone, a cationic moiety conjugated to the backbone, and a cross-linker moiety conjugated to the backbone; and (ii) a peptide-polymer comprising a polymer backbone and cell adhesive peptide conjugated to the backbone. Cross-linked coatings for cell culture that have a suitable amount of cell adhesive peptide and cationic moiety may be formed from the pre-polymer and peptide-polymer.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing a biocompatible hydrogel by covalently cross-linking an effective amount of a first macromonomer including a cyclic thioester group with an effective amount of a second macromonomer including a terminal cysteine group is disclosed. In addition, the synthesis and use of the following specific cyclic thioester macromonomer that can be used in the method, as well as specific hydrogels made using this macromonomer are disclosed. The disclosed method produces a biocompatible hydrogel, while producing substantially no toxic free thiol by-product. Accordingly, the method can be used in making biomedical products, such as sutures and tissue replacement biomaterials, and for encapsulating therapeutic cells and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Biomarker stabilizing agents. In at least one embodiment of a stabilizing bead of the present disclosure, the stabilizing bead comprises a latex particle having a carboxylate group, and a stabilizing agent functionally coupled to the latex particle, wherein the stabilizing agent is capable of completely or substantially preventing the degradation or inactivation of a diagnostic agent in close proximity to the stabilizing agent. Optionally, an embodiment of a stabilizing bead may further comprise at least one of human serum albumin (HSA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Moreover, an embodiment of a stabilizing bead of the present disclosure may further comprise a linker group coupled to latex particle.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a rubber composition which not only realizes sufficiently low heat generation properties but also exhibits more excellent crack growth resistance than the conventional rubber composition. The rubber composition contains in 100 mass % of rubber components thereof: 20-80 mass % of natural rubber in which the total nitrogen content in natural rubber latex is in the range of 0.1 mass % to 0.4 mass % (exclusive of 0.1 mass % and inclusive of 0.4 mass %); and butadiene-based polymer having cis content of 90% or higher.

Abstract: A water dilutable binder resin for use in an inorganic fiber material; wherein the binder resin is prepared by reacting at least the following components in any order: (a) proteinaceous material which is substantially soluble in water at 20° C. and has a viscosity of <50 mPa*s for a 25 wt % aqueous solution, (b) an aromatic hydroxyl compound, and (c) an aldehyde, and wherein the water dilutable binder resin has a property of having a viscosity of <100 mPa*s when measured at a concentration of 50 wt % at 20° C. During curing, the resin thus produced gives lower phenol emissions. Also, the formaldehyde and ammonia emissions are dramatically lower when compared to conventional resins.

Abstract: Processes for preparation of a protein-polymer composite material are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include providing an admixture of a polymer resin, a surfactant and a non-aqueous organic solvent. An aqueous solution containing bioactive proteins and substantially free of surfactant is mixed with the admixture. The emulsion is mixed with a crosslinker to produce a curable composition. The curable composition is cured, thereby producing the protein-polymer composite material.

Abstract: A method of selecting components for use in water-absorbing pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions is provided. The method involves selecting a film-forming polymer, a ladder-like non-covalent crosslinker that is capable of forming a ladder-like interpolymer complex with the film-forming polymer selected, and selecting a carcass-like non-covalent crosslinker that is capable of forming a carcass-like complex with at least one of the film-forming polymer selected or the ladder-like non-covalent crosslinker selected. The adhesive hydrogels provide high adhesion in a swollen state and bridge the gap between conventional pressure sensitive adhesives and bioadhesives. Methods for preparing and using the resulting compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a plastic material from a protein source, the method characterised by the following steps; i) treating the protein source with at least one denaturing agent to break interactions between proteins or portions thereof, and ii) treating the denatured protein source with sufficient pressure and temperature to consolidate the denatured protein source into a plastic material.

Abstract: The application describes materials derived from keratin proteins in combination with polymers, either as intimate mixtures with water soluble polymers, or as chemically bound copolymers. The keratin protein is a specific keratin protein fraction, and is preferably intact, s-sulfonated and from the intermediate filament protein family. The application also describes the process for production of these materials.

Abstract: A biodegradable and renewable film that may be employed in a wide variety of applications is provided. The film is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains at least one starch and at least one plant protein. Even at a high renewable material content, the present inventors have discovered that films may be readily formed from plant proteins and starches by selectively controlling the individual amount of the starch and plant proteins, the nature of the starch and plant proteins, and other components used in the film. Balancing the amount of starches and plant proteins within a certain range, for instance, can reduce the likelihood of plant protein aggregation and enhance the ability of the composition to be melt processed. The composition also contains at least one plasticizer that improves the thermoplastic nature of the protein and starch components. The selection of the plasticizer may also help reduce the tendency of the plant protein to aggregate during melt processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel biolatex conjugate compositions and methods of production and use thereof. The novel biolatex conjugate compositions comprise a biopolymer-additive complex (prepared by co-extruding a biopolymer feedstock, at least one performance-enhancing additive, and at least one plasticizer under shear forces) reacted with a crosslinking agent under shear forces. The biolatex conjugate compositions exhibit enhanced performance properties for coated paper, paperboard, and other applications using extremely low levels of performance-enhancing additives.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tertiary amine intermediate represented by the following formula, and electrophilic monomers derived therefrom. The invention also relates to adhesives or sealants derived from such electrophilic moieties. where R?CH3, H, CH3CH2 or other alkyl group; and R1?H, C(O)CH2OCH2COOH, C(O)(CH2)nCOOH with n=1-4, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to supramolecular ionomers. i.e. polymers having quadruple hydrogen bonding units (4H-units) and ionic groups or ionogenic groups within their structure. The supramolecular ionomers can be dispersed or solubilized in water at high solids contents while maintaining low viscosities, facilitating easy use and processing of the resulting aqueous formulations. The aqueous supramolecular ionomer compositions have excellent film-forming properties. Moreover, the polymer materials have good mechanical properties after drying, as they are not tacky, show high elasticity and low or no creep.

Abstract: The present invention discloses density controlled capsule particle and methods for making the same for use in a wide range of consumer and personal care products.

Abstract: A friction material for a synchronizer ring comprises (A) a petroleum coke with an ash content of 0.1 mass % to 8 mass % or (B) a pitch coke with an ash content of 0.1 mass % to 8 mass %, more preferably (C) a calcined petroleum coke with an ash content of 0.1 mass % to 1 mass % or (D) a foundry coke with an ash content of 5 mass % to 8 mass %. The friction material is effectively used for a synchronizer ring requiring high coefficient of dynamic friction.

Abstract: Water soluble latex compositions comprising cis 1,4 polyisoprene and a biopolymer are disclosed. The compositions may contain 0.1-10% cis 1,4 polyisoprene and are suitable for application wherein a biodegradeable water soluble product is desired.

Abstract: A process for preparing an aqueous polyamide dispersion by hydrolase-catalyzed reaction of an aminocarboxylic acid compound in aqueous medium.

Abstract: A tire comprising a tread, where the tread includes a vulcanized rubber, from about 5 to about 80 parts by weight of a nylon-containing block copolymer per 100 parts by weight of the vulcanized rubber, and from about 1 to about 100 parts by weight filler per 100 parts by weight of the vulcanized rubber.

Abstract: New aerogels are disclosed which comprise silica, at least one organic polymer having polar functional groups, and at least one metal ion. Also disclosed are methods for making such aerogels. The present invention further concerns printable objects comprising these aerogels, specifically when the print media are imaged by the absorption of liquid and the spatial localization of pigments or dyes.

Abstract: A method of reducing allergenicity of latex rubber products such as latex rubber gloves. The latex rubber product is treated with first bath of an alkane hydrocarbon followed by a protein substituting material in the form of a synthetic plasticizer. A final wash is carried out using an alkaline or oxidative wash to remove surface and interstice dwelling protein.

Abstract: An adhesive suitable for bonding wood is both heat curable and radio frequency (RF) curable. This adhesive is composed of an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer and hydrolyzed soy protein having a pH of at least about 9 and advantageously from about 9 to 11.5. The weight ratio of prepolymer to soy protein hydrolyzate ranges from about 70:30 to 90:10.

Abstract: A molding composition comprises (A) an aggregate, at least one of (B) an unsaturated polyester and (C) an unsaturated polyester-polyamide, and (D) a radical generator comprising a peroxide represented by formula: R1OOC(CH3)2—R3—C(CH3)2OOR2 wherein R1 and R2, which may be the same or different, each represent an alkyl group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms or an arylalkyl group having 7 to 17 carbon atoms; and R3 represents an arylene group.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recording medium comprising a substrate having a glossy coating thereon, wherein the glossy coating comprises a binder and first and second groups of particles, wherein: (a) the first group comprises metal oxide particles, wherein the metal oxide particles are aggregates of smaller, primary particles, (b) the mean diameter of the primary particles is less than about 100 nm, (c) the mean diameter of the aggregates is from about 100 nm to about 500 nm, (d) the mean diameter of the particles in the second group is less than about 50% of the mean diameter of the aggregates in the first group, and (e) the ratio of particles in the first group to particles in the second group is from about 0.1:1 to about 10:1 by weight. The glossy coating of the inventive recording medium has an excellent rate of liquid absorption, a relatively high liquid absorption capacity, excellent adhesiveness, and a non-brittle, crack-resistant, glossy surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are a deproteinizing agent comprising a proteolytic enzyme and one or more cationic surfactants selected from the group consisting of an alkylamine salt, an alkylamine derivative and quaternized compounds thereof; and a method of preparing a cationic deproteinized natural rubber latex, which comprises adding said deproteinizing agent to a field latex or an ammonia-treated latex thereby subjecting the latex to a deproteinization treatment and purifying the rubber particles in the latex.

Abstract: Affinity macroligands (AML) comprising a reversibly water soluble poly-N-alkylacrylamide linked to a ligand, and their use in the separation of a target substance from a mixture comprising the target substance and other materials are disclosed. Preferred AMLs have number average molar masses of less than 7,000 g/mol (chain length n typically about 25), mass distributions of less than 1.2 and narrow precipitation-solubility temperature (NPST) interval, typically in the range of 1-2° C.

Abstract: Elastomeric compositions are described and include at least one elastomer and an aggregate having a carbon phase and a silicon-containing species phase. The aggregate exhibits one or more specific characteristics. Methods of improving the rolling resistance of an elastomeric composition are also described and include introducing the aggregate into an elastomeric composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are liquid crystalline polyester molding compositions which are capable of being molded into an article having a thickness of less than 1.5 mm and a flammability classification of 94V-O as determined by the UL-94 20 mm Vertical Burning Test (ASTM D 3801) which are comprised of (i) certain all-aromatic, liquid crystal polyester consisting essentially of terephthalic acid residues, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid residues, hydroquinone residues, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid residues; and (ii) about 0.1 to 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the liquid crystalline polyester molding composition, carbon black. These liquid crystalline polyester molding compositions also may contain glass fiber. The disclosed molding compositions are particularly useful for manufacturing circuit boards and electrical connectors for use in various electronic devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ink-jet recording process which comprises applying a first liquid at least containing a water-soluble resin having at least one carboxyl group or anhydride thereof, or sulfonic group per molecule to a recording medium and then applying an ink at least comprising water, an organic solvent, a dye, an alkali-soluble resin and an alkali to the portions where the first liquid has adhered, thereby forming an image. An ink set and an instrument for use in such a process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A room temperature curable organopolysiloxane composition including:(A) a diorganopolysiloxane terminated with a hydroxyl group at the both terminal ends and having a viscosity at 25.degree. C. of 25 to 1,000,000 cSt,(B) an organosilane having 3 or more hydrolyzable groups per molecule, a partially hydrolyzed and condensed product thereof or a mixture thereof, said hydrolyzable group is a ketoxime group or an alkenyloxy groups, anda thin leaf-like inorganic filler. This can give cured products with good oil resistance, and suitable as FIPG materials for automobiles.

Abstract: A polymer scale preventive agent for use in polymerization of a monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond, comprising an alkaline solution containing (A) a condensation product having a molecular weight of 400 to 50,000 obtained by condensing a quinone compound. This agent is applied to the inner wall surfaces of a polymerization vessel, and dried to form a coating. Such a vessel is effective in preventing polymer scale deposition, not only on the areas located in the liquid-phase region but also on the areas around the interface between the gas and liquid phases in the vessel, and is useful in producing a polymer that shows few fish eyes and good whiteness when formed into sheets or the like.

Abstract: A hemocompatible surface-modifying additive is provided for modifying polyurethane or polyurethane urea substrates. The additive has a polyurethane or polyurethane urea hard block or an alternative block which is miscible with the poly(urethane) or poly(urethane-urea) base polymer, a polysiloxane hydrophobic soft block, an optional hydrophilic spacer and a peptide selected from the group consisting of Arg-Gly-Asp, X-Arg-Gly-Asp, Arg-Gly-Asp-X and X-Arg-Gly-Asp-X', wherein X and X' are amino acids.