Abstract: Some variations provide an emulsion-colloid system for forming a colloidal barrier material disposed on a substrate, the system comprising a hydrophilic first liquid, an acid, a gelling agent, a hydrophobic second liquid, a plasticizer, and optionally additives, wherein the emulsion-colloid system is characterized by (1) a first instance that is a flowable emulsion above 60° C. and less than the boiling point of the first liquid, and (2) a second instance that is a colloid below 40° C. The emulsion-colloid system is capable of reversible transition, mediated by temperature, between the first instance and the second instance. The disclosed colloidal barrier material provides the functionality of plastic alternatives while removing disadvantages. The disclosed colloidal barrier material reduces labor-intensive application of the barrier, such as the case for covering grain piles with plastic tarps.

Abstract: Some variations provide an emulsion-colloid system for forming a colloidal barrier material disposed on a substrate, the system comprising a hydrophilic first liquid, an acid, a gelling agent, a hydrophobic second liquid, a plasticizer, and optionally additives, wherein the emulsion-colloid system is characterized by (1) a first instance that is a flowable emulsion above 60° C. and less than the boiling point of the first liquid, and (2) a second instance that is a colloid below 40° C. The emulsion-colloid system is capable of reversible transition, mediated by temperature, between the first instance and the second instance. The disclosed colloidal barrier material provides the functionality of plastic alternatives while removing disadvantages. The disclosed colloidal barrier material reduces labor-intensive application of the barrier, such as the case for covering grain piles with plastic tarps.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved method for refining cellulose that produces a highly refined cellulosic material. The method comprises soaking raw material in a mild NaOH using reduced temperatures and pressures, and refining the material with a plate refiner so that a waste water stream is reduced in volume and has a pH within a range of 8 to 9. The present invention also comprises a HRC gel having a lignin concentration of at least about one (1)% by weight, and a water retention capacity of about 25 to at least about 56 g H2O/g dry HRC.

Abstract: A species of bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L., is pelleted, crumbled and sieved to a desired size. A sorbent produced therefrom has excellent sorbency and clumping, and is consequently well-suited for application as a scoopable animal litter. Alternative applications include, but are not limited to, industrial, commercial and residential sorbents, and high nitrogen content tackifiers suitable for hydro-seeding and other application.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved method for refining cellulose that produces a highly refined cellulosic material. The method comprises soaking raw material in a mild NaOH using reduced temperatures and pressures, and refining the material with a plate refiner so that a waste water stream is reduced in volume and has a pH within a range of 8 to 9. The present invention also comprises a HRC gel having a lignin concentration of at least about one (1)% by weight, and a water retention capacity of about 25 to at least about 56 g H2O/g dry HRC.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved method for refining cellulose that produces a highly refined cellulosic material. The method comprises soaking raw material in a mild NaOH using reduced temperatures and pressures, and refining the material with a plate refiner so that a waste water stream is reduced in volume and has a pH within a range of 8 to 9. The present invention also comprises a HRC gel having a lignin concentration of at least about one (1)% by weight, and a water retention capacity of about 25 to at least about 56 g H2O/g dry HRC.

Abstract: An improved method for refining cellulose that produces a highly refined cellulosic material comprising soaking raw material in a mild NaOH using reduced temperatures and pressures, and refining the material with a plate refiner so that a waste water stream is reduced in volume and has a pH within a range of 8 to 9. Also, a HRC gel having a lignin concentration of at least about one (1)% by weight, and a water retention capacity of about 25 to at least about 56 g H2O/g dry HRC is provided.

Abstract: A process and materials are described in which highly refined celleuloise fibers are broken down into microfibers and further processed into compositions, films. coatings and solid materials which are biodegradable and even edible. The process for the formation of hardenable compositions may comprise:providing a composition comprising non-wood cellulose fiber, 36. mechanically reducing the size of the non-wood cellulose fiber to less than 2 mm, reducing the amount of binding of microfibers by lignin within said non-wood cellulose fibers present in said composition comprising cellulose fiber to form a first fiber product, providing pressure of at least 300 psi to said first fiber product while it is in the presence of a liquid, and removing said pressure within a time interval which will cause said cellulose fiber to break down into a second fiber product comprising microfibers in said liquid.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for producing esters from a feedstock that includes a fat or an oil. The process includes mixing the feedstock with an alcohol and a catalyst. The catalyst includes a mixture of calcium acetate and barium acetate The reaction mixture is heated at a temperature effective to make esters.