Abstract: The use of high aspect fillers in the production of simulated stone, masonry and brick textured products such as cladding, siding, panels, or other building and construction materials. High aspect fillers increase the dimensional stability, rigidity, thermal and sound insulation. The high aspect fillers may be included into a matrix polymer with or without chemical bonding. The disclosed invention is not limited to products in the building or construction industries and may be applied in the manufacture of a wide variety of products in other industries.

Abstract: Provided are a resin composition in which a moldability is improved at a temperature at which a polylactic acid resin is crystallized by adding both a carboxylic acid amide or a carboxylic acid ester which has at least one polar group in a molecule and a layered silicate to the polylactic acid resin, and a molded article.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fiber-reinforced resin composition suitable for producing molded articles for products such as electrical and electronic equipment. The object has been achieved by a biodegradable resin composition containing a kenaf fiber, which contains a kenaf fiber in an amount of 10 to 50% by mass. In this case, the biodegradable resin is preferably a crystalline thermoplastic resin, particularly polylactic acid. The average fiber length (number average fiber length of the fibers excluding fragments) of the kenaf fiber is preferably 100 ?m to 20 mm, and the kenaf fiber preferably contains a kenaf fiber having a fiber length of 300 ?m to 20 mm. As the kenaf fiber, a fiber prepared from bast of kenaf is preferred.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extrudable reinforced resin-containing composition comprising resin capable of plastic flow, reinforcing material, and a lubricant composition comprising oxidized polyethylene wax, ester wax, and amide wax. Also provided are the lubricant composition, and extrusion methods and extruded products based on the present compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable composition for the preparation of table-ware, mulching film and package, which comprises: 2-6% by weight of starch; 35-45% by weight of plant powders; 20-30% by weight of calcium carbonate; 2-7% by weight of sorbitol; 7-13% by weight of polypropylene; 2-5% by weight of polyethylene; 2-6% by weight of coupling agent; 1-2% by weight of defoamer; 2-5% by weight of stearic acid; 2-6% by weight of stearate; 3-6% by weight of glycerine or epoxidized soybean oil; and 60-100 ppm photosensitizer. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing the composition, which comprises: treating a plant waste with a diluent acid, drying and pulverizing, then mixing it with starch, polypropylene, and polyethylene, sorbitol, defoamer, coupling agent, stearic acid, stearate, glycerine and photosensitizer homogeneously; and blending the mixture obtained in a double-screw extruder at a temperature of 160-180° C. to obtain the composition of the present invention.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing lignocellulosic board panels. The process comprises providing lignocellulosic material and an adhesive system. The adhesive system comprises (a) a base adhesive resin and (b) an extender and/or filler material comprising sugar beet material. The adhesive system (i) retains substantial moisture in the lignocellulosic material, and/or (ii) creates a relatively higher initial viscosity, and/or (iii) maintains a substantially stable viscosity thereof over time. The lignocellulosic material is combined with adhesive system. The combined lignocellulosic material and adhesive is then formed into the lignocellulosic board panels.

Abstract: Cellulose nanofibers have been processed from renewable feedstock in particularly from natural fibers, root crops and agro fibers, wherein the pulp was hydrolysed at a moderate temperature of 50 to 90 degree C., one extraction was performed using dilute acid and one extraction using alkali of concentration less than 10%; and residue was cryocrushed using liquid nitrogen, followed by individualization of the cellulose nanofibers using mechanical shear force. The nanofibers manufactured with this technique have diameters in the range of 20-60 nm and much higher aspect ratios than long fibers. Due to its lightweight and high strength its potential applications will be in aerospace industry and due to their biodegradable potential with tremendous stiffness and strength, they find application in the medical field such as blood bags, cardiac devices, valves as a reinforcing biomaterial.

Abstract: A color stabilized composite material combines polymers with cellulosic natural fibers or wood or wood based composite materials to manufacture an array of products for both indoor and outdoor applications. The invention provides the means to enhance the color stability of such products from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation and weather in addition to improving the physical properties of the overall fiber-polymer matrix. In one aspect, the invention provides a composite material including a natural fiber, such as wood flour, and a polymer resin, wherein the natural fiber has been pretreated with a bleaching or oxidizing agent.

Abstract: This present teachings relate to compositions that can include U-PVCs and flax fibers, and methods of preparing and use the same. Comparing to the existing technology, this invention has the advantages of producing materials that can be light weight, high strength, good aesthetic appearance, high machinability, high resistance to wear, abrasion, grease, and/or aging, non-toxic, low odor, and easy to clean.

Abstract: Disclosed are natural products composites protected against the deleterious effects of microorganisms comprising at least one natural product, at least one thermoplastic resin, and an effective amount of an antifungal agent. The composites are further advantageously protected against weathering and color formation by the incorporation therein of at least one light stabilizer and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of the oxides, hydroxides or silicates of Ca, Mg, Al and Zn. The light stabilizers are selected from the group consisting of the ultraviolet light absorbers and the sterically hindered amines. The metal oxide is for example CaO. The natural products are for example wood flour, flax, hemp, jute, kenaf, or rice husk. The thermoplastic resin is for example polyethylene or polypropylene. The antifungal agent and potential coadditives are incorporated via melt processing such as extrusion, co-kneading, pultrusion and injection molding.

Abstract: A synthetic resin composition includes at least one synthetic resin and RBC or CRBC particles dispersed in the resin. A method for preparing a synthetic resin composition includes mixing RBC or CRBC particles with a synthetic resin at a temperature near the melting temperature of the synthetic resin. Preferably, the method of includes the step of kneading the mixture.

Abstract: The biodegradable composition of the present invention comprising a matrix of a fibrous powder coated with an acrylate copolymer and a natural polymer dispersed in the matrix, can be advantageously used in manufacturing disposable containers for fast food, e.g., cup noodles.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to biodegradable compositions containing starch, especially in combination with a polymer containing pendant carboxylic acid groups, a polyolefin homopolymer or copolymer, water, an oil component, and other optional components, including (co)polymers, additives, and/or fillers. These biodegradable compositions may preferably be used in footwear articles and smoking-related filters.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved aqueous suspension concentrate for water insoluble chemicals comprising a mixture of an anionic suspension agent and a homo- and/or a co-polymer of a heterocyclic vinyl lactam combined in a mole ratio of between about 0.1:1 and about 10:1.

Abstract: A simulated wood product is molded by either extrusion or injection molding. This product has pulverized powders obtained from recycled building members. These members include recycled wooden members made of wooden materials and recycled resinous members also made of wooden materials. The pulverized powders include recycled wooden members and recycled resinous members in a mixed state by mixing and pulverizing the recycled wooden members and recycled resinous members together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a polymer-wood composite structure and additive systems for use therein. The method of the invention includes extruding a heated mixture that includes from about 20% to about 80% by weight of a thermoplastic polymer, from about 20% to about 80% by weight of a cellulosic filler material, and from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of an additive system. The additive system according the invention includes a blend of from about 10% to about 90% by weight of a nonionic compatibilizer having an HLB value of from about 9 to about 19 and from about 10% to about 90% by weight of a lubricant. Use of the method and additive system according to the invention facilitates the production of highly filled polymer-wood composite structures at a very high output rate while maintaining commercially acceptable surface appearance.

Abstract: A system and method for extruding composite material and the composite material therefrom. The composite material consists of a filler mixed with a binding agent. The composite material is extruded as billets with enhanced physical properties, such as color, texture, electrical conductivity and fire retardancy, and contains a dispersion pattern of the filler material. A system and method are also provided for drawing the composite material through a die and a composite material produced thereby. The drawn composite material exhibits a density reduction over the density of the starting material and enhanced physical properties. A particularly useful tongue and groove arrangement are also provided for joining adjacent strips of a composite material made according to the extrusion process.

Abstract: Blended cement compositions for mixture with aggregate and water to prepare cementitious products. Such blended cement compositions contain cement, calcined diatomaceous earth, calcined kaolin, fiberous material and reactive vinyl acetate co-polymers, with or without talc and/or bentonite or their functional equivalents. Admixtures for blending into cement to create such blended cements or their read-mix equivalents contain calcined kaolin, calcined diatomaceous earth, fiberous material and reactive vinyl acetate co-polymers, with or without talc and/or bentonite or their functional equivalents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for modifying cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) which involves the steps of subjecting the CNSL to ozonolysis to form ozonolysis reaction products, followed by reduction of the ozonolysis reaction products to give a mixture of phenolic components and aldehydes. In a preferred embodiment, the process involves reacting CNSL with ozone to form a mixture containing ozonolysis reaction products, and then treating the mixture under reducing conditions to form a further mixture containing phenolic components with an eight carbon chain having a terminal —CHO group and alkyl components of varying lengths with either one or two terminal —CHO groups. The resulting CNSL aldehydes may be used to form adhesives for use in the manufacture of composites such as wood particle board.

Abstract: This invention relates to a long fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material and to a method for producing long fiber-reinforced thermoplastics. According to said method, the fibers are impregnated with a first thermoplastic material. Since the matrix of the material consists of at least two different thermoplastics, the fibers being essentially only wet by one of the two thermoplastic materials, the material is considerably more variable in terms of the mechanical and other physical properties that can be obtained than known thermoplastic, long fiber-reinforced materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to free flowing fiber reinforcing material which includes a blend of flax bast fibers and flax shives with a specific distribution of particle sizes and aspect ratios, thermoplastic pellets which include such reinforcing fiber blend, thermoplastic composites which include such reinforcing fiber blend and method for making such pellets and composites.

Abstract: A composition that employs a coupling agent with a fluoropolymer processing aid to address melt-processing issues related to the use of interfering components in melt-processable polymeric binders.

Abstract: The biodegradable composition of the present invention comprising a matrix of a fibrous powder coated with an acrylate copolymer and a natural polymer dispersed in the matrix, can be advantageously used in manufacturing disposable containers for fast food, e.g., cup noodles.

Abstract: A new natural fiber and rubber composition for use in clothing and fashion accessories, is provided. The rubber portion of the new composition includes recycled rubber, most preferably recycled tire rubber. The fiber portion of the new composition includes natural fiber fabric such as hemp or cotton fabric.

Abstract: A gypsum composition suitable for use in the manufacture of gypsum products is provided. The gypsum composition includes gypsum, water, and a solid dispersant comprising a supported acrylic/polyether comb-branched copolymer. A method of making a gypsum composition is also provided. The method includes mixing together, in any combination, gypsum, water, and a solid dispersant comprising a supported acrylic/polyether comb-branched copolymer.

Abstract: A cushioning molded product is provided which is produced by binding a vegetable fiber with a copolymer of a saccharide and an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid to conduct molding. Further a process is provided for producing a cushioning molded product from a copolymer of a saccharide and an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, and a vegetable fiber, the process comprising (a) mixing or adhering the copolymer and the vegetable fiber, and (b) molding the resulting mixture into an intended shape by heating the mixture to bind the vegetable fiber with the copolymer.

Abstract: Sulfonated aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters are provided. The copolyesters are produced from a mixture of aromatic dicarboxylic acids, aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, ethylene glycol, other glycols, and components containing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfo groups, such as a metal 5-sulfoisophthalic acid derivative. The copolyesters have lower sulfonation than known sulfonated polyesters, and provide advantageous thermal properties for some end uses. The sulfonated aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters are useful in forming coatings or films on various substrates, and in packaging. Some compositions comprising the sulfonated aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters are biodegradable, as are some of the sulfonated aromatic-aromatic copolyesters.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel composites comprising plastic and plant material derived from members of Parthenium spp. and, in particular, Parthenium argentatum (also known as guayule), Parthenium tomentosum or Parthenium incanum. The invention is also directed to composites that possess insect, fungal, and microbial resistance. Products made from composites of the instant invention are useful to make numerous items, particularly those used for construction such as lumber, plywood, particleboard, fiberboard, poles, railroad crossties, or the like.

Abstract: A tackifier utilizing a synthetic polymer of polyacrylamide, polyacrylate, or a co-polymer of acrylamide or acrylate, combined with a natural organic material. A cross-linking agent is also employed to cross-link the synthetic polymer to the natural organic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of compositions comprising reaction products of low molecular mass dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acids with ammonia to produce moldings comprising finely divided materials.

Abstract: A water-absorbent composition includes: a specific plant extract; a water-absorbent resin whose surface portion and/or periphery thereof is treated; and/or a water-absorbent resin having a specific property. Specifically, it is preferable to use a water-absorbent resin having three characteristics: (1) a specific neutralization rate, (2) a specific particle diameter, and (3) a specific plant extract. The water-absorbent composition has a superior deodorant performance and an absorbent characteristic when the water-absorbent composition is used (provided) in an absorbing product such as a paper diaper, thereby providing a superior deodorant performance and a superior absorbent characteristic to the foregoing absorbing product.

Abstract: A fire and flame retardant composition is provided by mixing brazing flux, baking soda, lime and redwood bark to form the basis of the material composition. The basic material is then readily combined with other materials including flammable items such as silicone, epoxy glue, or the like to produce a composite material which remains resistant or impervious to fire and flame. The basic material composition is further combined with a suitable binder such as silicone to form a coating mixture which, when layered upon a fabric such as cotton fabric, produces a fire and flame retardant garment which also produces improved insulation and protective characteristics while remaining flexible.

Abstract: A low noise composition includes fine particles of RBC or CRBC dispersed in a synthetic resin. The composition can be formed into an article of manufacture prepared by molding the composition.

Abstract: A resin composition for a sliding member, comprises from 0.1 to less than 1.0% by weight of a fatty acid, 0.1 to 2.0% by weight of a metallic soap, 0.1 to 2.0% by weight of a phosphate, 0.3 to 2.0% by weight of a lubricating oil, and a polyester-based elastomer as the balance. A sliding member produced from such resin composition exhibits excellent friction and wear characteristics even at a low sliding speed under a high load.

Abstract: A cellulose/polyolefin pellet comprising polyolefin material and cellulosic material. The pellet may be concentrated such that it contains less than about 20% by weight of the polyolefin material and at least about 55% by weight of the cellulosic material. The pellet may be shipped to a remote manufacturing location where it may be blended with additional polyolefin material to make a synthetic wood component.

Abstract: Cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials, and compositions and composites made therefrom, are disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a plant fiber composite material that is environmentally benign. There is also disclosed products of the plant fiber composite material, a processing method for the plant fiber composite material, and extruded or molded products using the plant fiber composite material.

Abstract: A wood composite board or panel, such as particleboard, fiberboard, oriented strand board or waferboard and a method of producing the same. The composite board or panel comprises a plurality of wood pieces, thermoset resin to bind the wood pieces and a filler having a high thermal conductivity. Examples of such a filler include natural and synthetic graphites, metal, carbon, silicon carbide and other similar compounds and their mixtures.

Abstract: New wood-synthetic resin composite products and methods of forming these products are provided. The products comprise a cellulosic or fibrous material and polypropylene (preferably reactor flake polypropylene). The products are formed by passing ingredients including the fibrous material and polypropylene through an extruder (preferably a twin screw extruder) at temperatures of from about 150-260° C. The extruded composite products have physical properties very similar to those of natural wood, including high tensile strengths, high compressive strengths, and high densities.

Abstract: Shaped load-carrying structures are fabricated using bamboo linear fibers with a compatible bonding material and synthetic polymers such as polyesters, epoxies, and polyolefins. The structures are manufactured by coating at least one of bamboo culms, split bamboo culms, bamboo fiber tape, or prepared bamboo fibers with a bonding material to produce a core. The core is then combined with a polymer matrix and extruded or molded to form a structure having the desired shape. The structures compare favorably with wood, steel, and concrete regarding strength, longevity, price and ability to withstand earthquakes. The structures may be used as beams, columns, telephone poles, marine piles and pallets.

Abstract: Novel synthases and the corresponding nucleic acids encoding such synthases are disclosed herein. Such synthases possess an active site pocket that includes key amino acid residues that are modified to generate desired terpenoid reaction intermediates and products. Synthase modifications are designed based on, e.g., the three-dimensional coordinates of tobacco 5-epi-aristolochene synthase, with or without a substrate bound in the active site.

Abstract: Cellulosic materials such as wood chips, textile fibers and the like are treated to produce products such as particle board having enhanced fire and heat resistant properties. For example, wood chips are saturated with an eqimolar aqueous solution of monoammonium phosphate and diammonium phosphate. A metal hydroxide is added to the solution. The saturated wood chips are dried and mixed with a modified glue composition. The glue that which contains urea formaldehyde and/or phenolic resin is in powdered or brown marble form and dissolved in water. The treated wood chips and modified glue is then mixed, formed into a mat and placed under pressure at about 120° C. for 8 to 15 minutes. The pressure may range from about 300 to 400 psi.

Abstract: Foamed and solid, flax-filled composites. The flax filler may be used as a substitute for wood fiber, wood flour, and other cellulosic fillers in synthetic wood composites. The flax filler may be present in an amount up to about 55% by weight of an exemplary solid composite. In an exemplary foamed composite, the flax filler may be present in an amount up to about 40% by weight.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive composition suitable for medical purposes comprising a rubbery elastomeric base and water soluble or water swellable hydrocolloids, where the adhesive composition includes a substantially homogeneous mixture of 15-60% of one or more rubbery components, 10-60% of a mixture of hydrocolloids that includes a cellulose derivative, amidated pectin, and potato starch, 0-50% of one or more tackifier resins, 0-15% cohesive strengthening agent, 0-10% of a plasticizer and 0-5% pigment. The adhesive shows at least as good properties as state of the art adhesives comprising gelatine with respect to resistance to biological fluids, adhesion to skin, and coherence.

Abstract: Etherified vinyl alcohol polymers based on partially or completely hydrolyzed vinyl acetate homopolymers or copolymers, containing from 0.1 to 100 mol % of whose vinyl alcohol groups of the formula (I) —CH2-CHR—O—R1, R is H or CH3, and R1 in the etherified vinyl alcohol polymers is identical or different and is unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, aryl, or alkaryl radicals each having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, the substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, amine, ammonium, carboxylic acid, carboxylic ester, carboxamide, ether, keto, sulfonic acid, phosphonate, nitrate, and polyoxyalkylene radicals having from 2 to 50 C2-8 oxyalkylene units are useful as thickeners in liquid-containing compositions, particularly hydraulically and non-hydraulically setting construction formulations such as cements, plasters, mortars, adhesives, and renders.

Abstract: Filled thermoplastic compositions useful e.g., as sound-deadening sheeting for automotive carpet are obtained by blending at least one ethylene/&agr;-olefin interpolymer; about 40-95 percent by weight of filler; and optionally elastomeric polymers.

Abstract: Novel adhesive compositions are described that include an epoxyamine and, preferably, a curing agent. The adhesive composition can be used in surgical settings such as implanting bioprostheses and/or in manufacturing of bioprostheses. Biocompatible substrates can be adhered together by an adhesive bond formed by curing of the epoxyamine adhesive composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a molded element, in particular in the form of a plate, which comprises a compressed mixture of binder and filler. In addition to that, the present invention relates to a method and a device for manufacturing a molded element, in particular a plate, wherein a mixture comprising binder and filler is compressed and heated. The present invention furthermore relates to floor plates, a sports hall provided with such floor plates, promotional gifts, ceiling plates, furniture and objects of art.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved lyophilization process for forming biocompatible foam structures. The process allows the foam structures to be tailored for specific end uses. The foams formed by this process are well suited to be used in medical applications such as tissue engineering.

Abstract: A biodegradable plastic article molded of a mixture comprising the following components: (A) a biodegradable plastic at 98 to 59% by weight, (B) a dry powder of a water-swelling fiber at 1 to 40% by weight, and (C) a fertilizer powder at 1 to 40% by weight (wherein the sum of (B) and (C) is from 2 to 41% by weight). This biodegradable plastic article can improve biodegradability of the biodegradable plastics and make it possible to regulate the rate of biodegradation thereof.