Abstract: A process of producing a composite having carbon nanotubes is described where the carbon nanotube formation process of producing carbon nanotubes includes controlled heating of plant fiber materials in an oxygen-limited atmosphere. The plant fiber materials may be heated either cyclically or by rapid heating to produce the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A polylactide hydrosol polymer formulations suitable for thin film articles and methods of making the thin film articles are provided. The formulations and methods can be use to make articles such as gloves, condoms, catheters and the like using dip forming, and various casting processes.

Abstract: An object thereof is to provide a tire rubber composition about which the ice braking-performance is largely improved while the tire-abrasion resistance is kept. In order to achieve the object, a tire rubber composition comprises a diene-based rubber component, and banana fiber in an amount of 0.1 to 20 parts by weight for 100 parts by weight of the diene-based rubber component.

Abstract: Provided is an aromatic polycarbonate resin composition including a combination composed of 98 to 1 mass % of an aromatic polycarbonate (A), 1 to 98 mass % of an aliphatic polyester (B), and 1 to 80 mass % of an organic filler derived from a natural product (C), the aromatic polycarbonate resin composition being obtained by suppressing increase in density of an aromatic polycarbonate resin composition containing an aliphatic polyester, while improving rigidity and fluidity thereof and ameliorating poor external appearance such as pearly luster.

Abstract: A recycled elastomeric composition that can include a natural rubber, a synthetic elastomeric polymer, or combinations thereof is described herein. The synthetic elastomeric polymer can include butadiene and styrene. The recycled elastomeric composition can also include a compatibilized silica with a coupling agent, a crumb rubber, a carbon black, a filler, and an extender oil. Articles comprising the recycled elastomeric composition can include: floor mats, tires, belts, rollers, footwear, wire or cable jacketing, roof edging, tubulars, and marine impact bumpers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of making a biopolymeric material comprising contacting a biopolymer and a binder sufficient to form a mixture, heating the mixture and profile extruding the mixture sufficient to create a biopolymeric material. Embodiments also relate to a method of making a biopolymeric material comprising contacting a biopolymer and a reactive composite sufficient to form a mixture, heating the mixture and profile extruding the mixture sufficient to create a biopolymeric material.

Abstract: The invention provides for structural composites made from biomaterials such as wood products, plant fibers and the like; and/or a non-biomaterial having free —OH groups; a thermoplastic resin such as a polyolefin; coupling agents such as a thermosetting resin or a second thermoplastic resin; a blocked catalyst, a crosslinker and other functional additives may be used.

Abstract: A rubber composition is provided that attains both low heat generating property and high reinforcement property simultaneously at high levels, is capable of attaining low fuel consumption through the tire, is excellent in durability, and is good in workability and surface property. The rubber composition contains 100 parts by weight of a diene rubber component, from 0.5 to 50 parts by weight of bagasse charcoal having a BET specific surface area of from 10 to 300 m2/g, and at least one of carbon black and silica. The total amount of the bagasse charcoal, the carbon black and the silica is preferably from 30 to 100 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the diene rubber component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resinous, flame-retardant composition comprising (i) 40-66 wt. % alkenyl aromatic resin, (ii) 9-33 wt. % ammonium polyphosphate, (iii) 14-40 wt. % cellulosic material and (iv) an amount of between 0.1 parts per 100 parts resinous components (phr) and 10 phr of at least one metal stearate, wherein all weights are based on the total weight of the composition and wherein ammonium polyphosphate and cellulosic material are present in a weight % ratio effective to provide molded articles exhibiting at least V-1 flame rating as determined according to the UL-94 protocol. Processes to prepare the composition and articles comprising a composition of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-toxic, non-static, environmentally benign artificial snow product is made by extruding a mixture of starch, polyvinyl alcohol, hydrogenated soy flakes and talc to form an extruded starch product and processing the extruded starch product into snow flake like fragments. The snow flake like fragments may be sorted by size. Colorant may be added to yield artificial snow flakes in various festive colors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for production of a molded article comprising a plant-derived composite material in which a plant-derived material is evenly dispersed and a plant-derived composite material molded article prepared therewith, and a method for production of a plant-derived composite material in which a plant-derived material is evenly dispersed and a plant-derived composite material prepared therewith. The present method for production of a molded article is a method for producing a molded article composed of a plant-derived composite material comprising a plant-derived material (e.g., a kenaf core) and a thermoplastic resin (e.g.

Abstract: In this patent, fibers have been successfully extracted from various natural occurring materials using a series of chemical, biological and mechanical methods. Moreover, these fibers can be conjugated onto certain polymer chains via coupling agent and chemical modification. Consequently, the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the polymers can be dramatically elevated with the incorporation of these fibers. The intended polymers include conventional plastics (epoxy resins, polyesters and polyolefins etc.), rubbers (natural rubbers and thermoplastic rubbers etc.) and biodegradable polymers. Apart from the enhancement of mechanical properties and thermal stability, the incorporation of natural fibers can reduce the production cost of the materials and meet the demand of environmental protection.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article of manufacture, e.g., a molded container, film or sheet, comprising a polylactide-based composite material. The composite material may comprise a renewable resource derived polylactide-based polymer matrix, naturally derived fiber reinforcement material, nanoclay, a natural oil, fatty acid, wax, or waxy ester, and optionally an inhibitory agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of producing a stable acid denatured soy/urea adhesive having improved wet and dry strengths, with more efficient production and lower production costs. The method comprises combining urea with soy flour that has been acid treated until denatured and substantially free from urease activity. The soy flour is preferably lowered to a pH of 2.0 to 4.0 for at least 1 minute. Optionally, the method may also include adding a crosslinking agent, diluent or both to the soy flour/urea adhesive and/or adding an emulsified or dispersed polymer. Adhesives and dispersions prepared according to the methods of this invention offer increased stability and strength properties.

Abstract: A resin composition includes (A) a polylactic acid and (B) polyarylate particles having a number average particle diameter of from 10 nm to 300 ?m.

Abstract: Polymeric foam and polymeric foam products that contain a foamable polymer material, at least one blowing agent, activated carbon, and water are provided. The activated carbon acts as both a water absorbent and carrier for the water. The activated carbon is able to control and increase cell size even in the presence of carbon dioxide, HFCs, and/or infrared attenuating agents. Additionally, the activated carbon permits a desired amount of water to be introduced into the polymer melt. By controlling the amount of activated carbon and its water content during an extrusion process, a broad range of cell sizes can be obtained in the extruded product. In exemplary embodiments, the activated carbon is added to a primary extruder and water is directly injected into a secondary extruder. Alternatively, the activated carbon is compounded with a polymer resin, pre-hydrated by conditioning or steam impregnation, and added to a primary or secondary extruder.

Abstract: A natural fibre based, melt processable composite material comprising a polymer matrix of a biodegradable polymer and dried peat as a reinforcing agent.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing fire resistant materials comprising the steps of recovering Cladophora algae; mixing said algae with water to form an aqueous mixture; mixing a chlorine based solution to the mixture to kill the algae and any bacteria and to form an algae-based product; allowing the algae-based product to separate and rise to the surface of the aqueous mixture; skimming the algae-based product from the surface of the mixture; drying said recovered algae-based product; and recovering the dried algae-based product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dried emulsion. In particular, the invention relates to a dried emulsion containing a liquid hydrophobic phase and a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymeric matrix whose hydrophobic phase content is high. The invention also relates to a method for producing the dried emulsion and to uses of this emulsion. The utilized water-soluble matrix contains block copolymers.

Abstract: This invention provides a polylactic acid resin composition in which stereocomplex crystals of poly-L-lactic acid and poly-D-lactic acid can be selectively crystallized to obtain polylactic acid having a sufficiently high speed of crystallization and a sufficiently high ratio of stereocomplex crystal and a molded article thereof obtained via melt molding and crystallization of the same. Such polylactic acid resin composition comprises polylactic acid capable of generating stereocomplex crystallization and an aromatic urea compound represented by formula (1): wherein R1 represents an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R2 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 25 carbon atoms; and m is an integer between 1 to 6.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resin composition including a thermoplastic resin (A), a glass fiber (B) having a ratio of the major axis to the minor axis of the fiber cross section of 1.5 to 10 and a flame retardant (C), wherein the mass ratio (A/B) of the thermoplastic resin (A) to the glass fiber (B) is 30/70 to 95/5, and a part or the whole of the thermoplastic resin (A) is composed of a polyamide 11 resin (A1a) or/and a polyamide 1010 resin (A1b); and the resin composition includes 10 parts by mass or more of the polyamide 11 resin (A1a) or/and the polyamide 1010 resin (A1b) and 5 to 40 parts by mass of the flame retardant (C) in relation to 100 parts by mass of the total amount of the thermoplastic resin (A) and the glass fiber (B).

Abstract: An additive composition, a cement composition, and method for modifying rheology of an uncured masonry cement, comprising the use of at least one extra-cellular biopolymer, at least one anionic surfactant, and at least one cationic or amphoteric surfactant. Preferably, the biopolymer and surfactants are incorporated into the cement by incorporating the components into the grinding of clinker as part of the manufacture of the cement. Masonry cements produced by the invention have excellent workability, particularly when coarse sands are employed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of natural fiber reinforced polyamide compositions, particularly it relates to natural fiber reinforced polyamide compositions for manufacturing environmentally friendly electronic device housings that exhibit good mechanical properties.

Abstract: The incorporation of a synergistic combination of a boron-containing fungicide and an anhydride-functional polyolefin coupling agent during the manufacture of lignocellulosic based thermoplastic materials significantly increases their resistance to surface impairment caused by mold. The preferred amount is about 0.5 to 3 percent by weight of the coupling agent and about 0.5 to 3 percent by weight of the boron containing fungicide.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a polycarbonate containing a plant-derived component excellent in hue by using a plant-derived anhydrosugar alcohol represented by the following formula (1) or a composition thereof as a raw material: wherein R1 to R4 each independently represent a group selected from a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group and an aryl group.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of amine-functionalized vinyl polymer particles which process comprises suspension polymerizing minostyrene together with at least one other vinylic monomer and optionally a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispersion comprising an acryl-modified cellulose ester derivative (D) dispersed in an aqueous medium, wherein a hydrophobic acrylic resin (B) and a hydrophilic acrylic resin (C) are grafted onto a cellulose ester derivative (A) in the acryl-modified cellulose ester derivative (D). The dispersion has excellent long-term storage stability, and aqueous coating compositions comprising the dispersion can form coating films with excellent coating workability, solvent resistance, chemical resistance, water resistance, and excellent curability.

Abstract: The invention relates to interspersed clay, comprising clay and a seaweed extract used as an interspacing component, particularly an ulva extract. The invention also relates to a method for the preparation thereof and to foodstuffs and nanocomposites comprising said interspersed clay.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resinous, flame-retardant composition comprising (i) 40-66 wt. % alkenyl aromatic resin, (ii) 9-33 wt. % ammonium polyphosphate, (iii) 14-40 wt. % cellulosic material and (iv) an amount of between 0.1 parts per 100 parts resinous components (phr) and 10 phr of at least one metal stearate, wherein all weights are based on the total weight of the composition and wherein ammonium polyphosphate and cellulosic material are present in a weight % ratio effective to provide molded articles exhibiting at least V-1 flame rating as determined according to the UL-94 protocol. Processes to prepare the composition and articles comprising a composition of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flame-retardant composition comprising (i) 40-66 wt. % alkenyl aromatic resin, (ii) 9-33 wt. % ammonium polyphosphate and (iii) 14-40 wt. % starch, wherein all weights are based on the total weight of the composition and wherein ammonium polyphosphate and starch are present in a weight % ratio effective to provide molded articles exhibiting at least V-1 flame rating as determined according to the UL-94 protocol. Processes to prepare the composition and articles comprising a composition of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to highly cross-linked UHMWPE, which is possessed of an improved oxidation resistance, as well as a method for making the same. The UHMWPE material of the current invention is combined with an anti-oxidant compound or a free-radical scavenger prior to formation. Once the UHMWPE with the added material has been formed and treated with gamma or electron beam irradiation, it shows an improved wear resistance and also a good resistance to oxidation. Such a material, is particularly interesting for the field of making replacement joint implants.

Abstract: An elastomer composition is provided which contains a matrix of poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) produced from microorganisms and crosslinked natural rubber particles dispersed like islands in the matrix. An eraser using the elastomer composition is also provided. The present invention is capable of providing an elastomer composition and eraser using the same, which can be recycled, are friendly to the environment, and corresponds to the recycling society, without relying on fossil resources.

Abstract: An elastomer composition is provided which contains a matrix of biomass plastic and crosslinked natural rubber particles dispersed like islands in the matrix. An eraser using the elastomer composition is also provided. The present invention is capable of providing an elastomer composition and eraser using the same, which can be recycled, are friendly to the environment, and corresponds to the recycling society, without relying on fossil resources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally-friendly shoe bottom, which mainly comprises thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), softening oil, cornstalk, wheat stalk, rice straw, and rice bran. The main advantages of the environmentally-friendly shoe bottom are that it uses the agriculturally waste cornstalk, wheat stalk, rice straw, and rice bran to replace calcium carbonate and zinc stearate included in the traditional sole material TPR and retains the physical properties of the traditional TPR. Further, the environmentally-friendly shoe bottom may also naturally decompose, which achieves the purposes of protecting the ecological environment and efficiently utilizing the agriculturally waste resource.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded article includes the step of pressing a pre-molding material that is prepared by dispersing a polylactic acid-base aliphatic polyester and a compatible copolymer into kenaf fibers. The compatible copolymer contains a first polymerizable monomer and a second polymerizable monomer. The pressing step is performed at a temperature that permit the polylactic acid-base aliphatic polyester to be changed to a softened state or a molten state. The first polymerizable monomer has a polymerizable double bond part and a hydrophilic group. The second polymerizable monomer has a polymerizable double bond part and an epoxy group.

Abstract: A composite material is provided which is lightweight, mechanically strong, and excellent in formability and water resistance, and is capable of reducing an environmental burden. A production method of the composite material composed of a natural vegetable fiber and a synthetic polymer includes chemically bonding a molecular chain of the synthetic polymer to a surface of the natural vegetable fiber; kneading the chemically bonded fiber and a synthetic polymer of a type one of identical to and different from the synthetic polymer used in the chemical bonding; and forming the obtained kneaded material into a predetermined shape.

Abstract: An insulation element is provided for installation in a gap of thickness G provided between two objects. The insulation element includes a body made from a thermoplastic polymer material. The body has a first face, a second face and a thickness defined between the first and second faces. The body is characterized by a semi permanently pre-installation thickness T1 where T1 is less than G. The body swells upon heating to a thickness T2 where T2 is greater than or equal to G so that the insulation element bridges the gap, engages the two objects and provides a spring rate of between 4.0 and 275.0 grams per square inch.

Abstract: Blended compositions and methods for the production of thermoset compositions of soy meal, which has been treated to remove non-thermoplastic materials associated with soy beans, and natural rubber. Also provided is a method for the preparation of a prepared granular soy meal by blowing a gas through a stream of granular natural soy meal to remove hulls and cellulose fiber materials which are lighter than the granular soy meal to provide the prepared granular soy meal for the compositions. The compositions are elastic and can be used in place of rubber bands and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for production of a molded article comprising a plant-derived composite material in which a plant-derived material is evenly dispersed and a plant-derived composite material molded article prepared therewith, and a method for production of a plant-derived composite material in which a plant-derived material is evenly dispersed and a plant-derived composite material prepared therewith. The present method for production of a molded article is a method for producing a molded article composed of a plant-derived composite material comprising a plant-derived material (e.g., a kenaf core) and a thermoplastic resin (e.g.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of producing composite polymers by combining fillers with polymers in the presence of pre-formed high molecular weight polymer. Monomer polymerization can be initiated through the addition of initiators or by reactive chemical groups on the surface of the fibers. The composite materials formed possess superior mechanical properties compared to similar polymer composites made by either purely mechanical mixing or solely polymerization of monomers in the presence of the fillers.

Abstract: This document provides household and garden products, and methods for making such products. For example, household and garden products comprised of selected waste products from industrial processes combined with a binder are provided. In addition, products formed by mixing calcium sulfate dihydrate with a binder to form a mixture are provided.

Abstract: Transgenic plants, plant material, and plant cells for synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates, preferably poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (also referred to a as PHB) are provided. Preferred plants that can be genetically engineered to produce PHB include plants that do not normally produce storage products such as oils and carbohydrates, and plants that have a C4 NAD-malic enzyme photosynthetic pathway. Such plants also advantageously produce lignocellulosic biomass that can be converted into biofuels. An exemplary plant that can be genetically engineered to produce PHB and produce lignocellulosic biomass is switchgrass, Panicum virgatum L. A preferred cultivar of switchgrass is Alamo. Other suitable cultivars of switchgrass include but are not limited to Blackwell, Kanlow, Nebraska 28, Pathfinder, Cave-in-Rock, Shelter and Trailblazer.

Abstract: The invention relates to natural fatty acid based hybride resins, which have been modified with reactive monomers, such as acrylates, and especially to their use as binding agents and compatibilisators in combination products such as composites, as well as to composites containing them and to a method for the manufacture of the composites. The combination product comprises 1-50 weight-%, calculated from the dry matter, of a natural fatty acid based acrylate hybride resin, either as such or as an aqueous emulsion, and 99-50 weight-% of cellulose, wood, linen, hemp, starch or other natural fibre material or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an environmentally-friendly biocomposite prepared from a mixture, as a reinforcement, of algae fibers extracted from algae and a polymeric reagent by means of high-temperature compression-molding, and a method for preparing the biocomposite.

Abstract: A curable binder composition comprising an emulsion polymer and a natural binder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for use in making a starch-based food or beverage container, the formulation allowing the container to be water resistant for a usable amount of time without the need for coatings or similar. An embodiment of the formulation comprising water, native and pregelatinized starch, an insolubilizing compound, proteins or natural polymeric compounds, fibers, a wax emulsion, and a fiber-sizing agent.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this application relates to a novel biodegradable additive polymer composition useful for the preparation of biodegradable plastic products which comprises of a mixture of (i) a polymer selected from Polyethylene, polypropylene, poly styrene, poly vinyl chloride or a mixture thereof (ii) Cellulose (iii) Amides (iv) nutrients selected from Blue green algae and/or Yeast and (v) Water This composition can be mixed with a virgin polymer to get a master polymer. The master batch composition may be mixed with a virgin polymer, which is useful for preparing products which are biodegradable.

Abstract: It is provided a raw material composition, having various uses, comprising components (1) to (3) as described below: (1) a composition comprising (a) a polymer component including a homopolymer of vinyl acetate or a partial hydrolysate thereof, or a copolymer of vinyl acetate and one or more monomers selected from a group consisting of acrylic esters, amide acrylate, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methacrylic esters, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, and fumaric acid or a partial hydrolysate thereof; (2) a composition comprising one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of silicone compounds, polyvinyl acetate, cetyl methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and epoxy resins; and (3) organic or inorganic powder.

Abstract: Novel materials containing dispersed or aligned biomolecules and/or cells and biomasses, which are preferably chemically modified, can be preferably used as conductors, semiconductors, transistors, resistors or non-conductors and as artificial jewels and gemologic materials, materials for use in computer, aerospace, marine and automobile industries, as well as modified alloys for machines and pipelines, boring and drilling machines and materials, and for pumps and for oil industry, as well as for furniture, for wood paper and cellulose industry, as well as for textile industry.

Abstract: Provided is a polylactic acid resin composition obtained by adding a carboxylic acid amide and a carboxylic acid ester each of which has at least one polar group in a molecule to a polylactic acid resin reacted with a (meth)acrylate compound. Also provided is a polylactic acid resin molded article which is a molded article obtained by molding the polylactic acid resin composition, manufactured by setting a mold temperature to a glass transition temperature of a polylactic acid resin plus 20° C. or higher and a melting point thereof minus 20° C. or lower, at the time of injection molding the polylactic acid resin composition. Thus, a resin composition in which a moldability is improved at a temperature at which a polylactic acid resin is crystallized, and a molded article therefrom are provided.