Abstract: A composition comprising starch, a biogum and water subjected to heat, shearing and optionally depolymerization is provided which is useful as a stable high solids dispersion useful in various applications including as wet-end additives for paper making.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising from 5-15% by weight prolamine, from 5 to 15% by weight surfactant and from 70-90% by weight water is provided along with methods of sizing substrates. Particularly preferred are compositions further comprising glyoxal or other crosslinking agents. Also provided are coating compositions comprising from 5 to 30% surfactant by weight with water and an antifoam agent and further comprising a carbohydrate The compositions are optionally applied with additional coating ingredients including carbohydrates including starches as well as binders, minerals and pigments and antifoam agents.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of coating mediumweight and heavyweight papers in a size press by applying a paper coating composition comprising a binder wherein the binder comprises a stable aqueous dispersion comprising a water insoluble component and a water soluble component such that the water insoluble component comprises coalescable polymer particles which have a T.sub.g less than 55.degree. C. and a majority of which have a particle size less than 1 micron; and the water soluble component comprises a water soluble polymer capable of inhibiting coalescence of said polymer particles, or a water soluble polymer and a component capable of inhibiting coalescence of said polymer particles; and wherein said water insoluble component comprises greater that 3% and less than 75% by weight of the binder solids and said water soluble component comprises greater than 25% and less than about 97% of said solids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a sized warp yarn comprising the steps of (a) preparing a warp yarn sizing composition comprising (i) a first component which is a starch material, and (ii) a second component comprising starch and a reaction product of styrene and 1,3-butadiene wherein said starch component of said second component is characterized by an intrinsic viscosity of from about 0.07 to about 0.35 dl/g, and (b) slashing warp yarn with the sizing composition of step (a).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a sized synthetic fiber comprising the steps of (a) preparing a sizing composition for synthetic materials used in textile manufacturing comprising (i) a lubricant or wetting agent and (ii) a binder composition comprising starch and a reaction product of styrene and 1,3-butadiene wherein said starch is characterized by an intrinsic viscosity of from about 0.07 dl/g to about 0.35 dl/g; (b) sizing synthetic fiber with the sizing composition of step (a); and (c) removing excess sizing composition from the sized fiber.

Abstract: A nutrient supplement for enhancing the growth of mushrooms in a compost bed is disclosed. The supplement comprises a protein material (e.g., corn gluten meal) coated with a hydrophilic carbohydrate material.

Abstract: A method for improving the properties of particles of a starch hydrolyzate product made by the partial hydrolysis of cereal and root based starches. Particles of starting material are blended with a volatile liquid other than water, and the resulting blend is compacted in a roller compactor without extraneous lubricant, to form a sheet. The sheet is broken into small particles which are sieved and dried. The resulting particles are non-spherical, appear crystalline under a light microscope and have a surface topography comprising cracks, crevices and fissures. These particles have good solubility, a bulk density comparable to the starting material, and no flow or dusting problems.

Abstract: A method for improving the properties of particles of a starch hydrolyzate product made by the partial hydrolysis of cereal and root based starches. Particles of starting material are blended with a volatile liquid other than water, and the resulting blend is compacted in a roller compactor without extraneous lubricant, to form a sheet. The sheet is broken into small particles which are sieved and dried. The resulting particles are non-spherical, appear crystalline under a light microscope and have a surface topography comprising cracks, crevices and fissures. These particles have good solubility, a bulk density comparable to the starting material, and no flow or dusting problems.