Abstract: A composite material of the invention is a mixture of cellulose microfibers having a carboxyl group content of 0.1 to 3 mmol/g and a moldable polymeric material selected from the group consisting of a biomass-derived polymer and a petroleum-derived polymer. The biomass-derived polymer is preferably polylactic acid or pulp. The cellulose microfibers are preferably present in an amount of 0.01% to 60% by mass. Another composite material of the invention is a mixture of cellulose composite microfibers and a moldable resin, the cellulose composite microfibers being obtained by adsorbing a surfactant onto cellulose microfibers having a carboxyl group content of 0.1 to 3 mmol/g.

Abstract: Disclosed are molecular and polymeric compounds having desirable properties as semiconducting materials. Such compounds can exhibit desirable electronic properties and possess processing advantages including solution-processability and/or good stability. Organic transistor and photovoltaic devices incorporating the present compounds as the active layer exhibit good device performance.

Abstract: The degradation of an absorbent solution comprising organic compounds provided with an amine function in aqueous solution is reduced considerably in the presence of a small amount of degradation-inhibiting additives belonging to the class of derivatives of pyrimidine or of triazine, at least one substituent of which contains a sulfur atom. The absorbent solution is employed for deacidifying a gaseous effluent.

Abstract: A bio-oil formulation, useful as an asphalt binder substitute in pavement and roofing shingles, includes bio-oil and a polymer additive. The bio-oil binder can include an asphalt additive. The bio-oil binder can be emulsified with water and a surfactant for use as a weatherproofing sealant or as an adhesive. A method for making the bio-oil binder is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermosetting aqueous binder compositions comprising one or more reducing sugar, one or more diprimary diamine or poly(primary amine), and from 7 to 45 wt. %, based on total solids, of one or more polysaccharide having a dextrose equivalent (DE) value of from 5 to 30. The compositions provide treated articles, such as fiberglass mat. The binders provide articles having a dramatically reduced binder weight loss upon cure and a reduction in cure energy needed to achieve early dry strength.

Abstract: Novel structural materials composed of industrial hemp fiber with recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) as well as methods for the production of the same are disclosed. The material's mechanical strength outperforms that of conventional lumber and could compete with glass fiber reinforced composites, particularly in tensile strength. In addition, this material offers many other significant advantages including insect free, high moisture resistance, no harmful chemical treatments, and no rapid corrosion in water environments.

Abstract: A method for making lignin-amines is provided. The method comprises providing a lignin; then modifying the lignin with modifier to create a modified lignin; and then reacting the modified lignin with an amine to form a lignin-amine. Suitable modifiers comprise acrylates. A method for coagulating suspended materials in a water stream is also disclosed. The method comprises providing a water stream and contacting the suspended materials in the water stream with at least one lignin-amine.

Abstract: Redispersible polymer powder compositions which include a polyglycol in admixture with a redispersible polymer powder (RDP), which powder includes a codried mixture of a carboxylated, water insoluble film-forming styrene butadiene polymer and a colloidal stabilizer, results in cement compositions having unexpectedly superior overall bonding strength and adhesion after water immersion. Use of the polyglycol provides good workability or ease of troweling during application. In addition, the RDP composition, which includes the RDP and the polyglycol, provides the cement-based composition with excellent abrasion resistance, surface appearance, and color. Also, the RDP composition provides for at least a 30% reduction, for example a 50% or more reduction in the amount of retarder or retardant employed in the dry mix formulation for cement compositions, such as self leveling flooring compounds or compositions, and cement-based tile adhesives.

Abstract: A process for providing and processing natural fibres, wherein the process includes the following steps: 1) providing a biomass including fibres and having a dry substance content of at most 50% by weight; 2) adding water to produce a suspension including the biomass; 3) extracting the natural fibres from the biomass; 4) separating the liquid from the suspension; 5) at least single repetition of at least one of steps 2) to 4), the suspension having at least one agent for finishing of the fibres in the last repetition of at least one of steps 2) to 4); and 6) drying the natural fibres.

Abstract: Hybrid copolymer compositions include a hybrid copolymer including at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a naturally derived hydroxyl containing chain transfer agent as an end group; and a hybrid synthetic copolymer including one or more synthetic polymers derived from the at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer with at least one initiator fragment as an end group. The hybrid copolymer composition may be prepared as a scale inhibiting composition. Methods of preparing a hybrid copolymer are also included.

Abstract: A cellulose ester composition is provided comprising at least one cellulose ester and at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer, and a plasticizer. Processes for producing the cellulose ester composition are also provided. In another embodiment, a cellulose ester/elastomer composition is provided comprising at least one elastomer, at least one cellulose ester; and at least one additive; wherein the additive is at least one selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer and a plasticizer. Processes for producing the cellulose ester/elastomer composition is also provided as well as articles comprising the cellulose ester/elastomer composition.

Abstract: A bio-resin composition contains cellulose acetate and a biodegradable secondary polymer in a ratio of at least 10:1 by weight of the total weight of the composition wherein the secondary polymer is an aliphatic polyester such as polybutylene succinate or an aliphatic co-polyester such as polybutylene succinate adipate or an aliphatic/aromatic polyester such as polybutylene adipate terephthalate. The secondary polymer may be present in an amount up to 10% by weight, more preferably up to 6% by weight and more preferably still in the range 2% to 3% by weight of the total weight of the composition where the combined amount of secondary polymer and cellulose acetate may be up to 85% of the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A manufacturing method includes the steps of providing lignocellulosic fibers, providing a plastic material, and mixing the lignocellulosic fibers and the plastic material to obtain a composite material. The manufacturing method also includes, prior to the mixing step, a step for heat treatment of the lignocellulosic fibers wherein the lignocellulosic fibers are heated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light, single-layer derived timber product board which is distinguished by having a bulk density of below 500 kg/m3 and consisting of a mixture of crushed and sliced chips. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the production of such a light, single-layer derived timber product board.

Abstract: Aqueous binder composition for granular and/or fibrous substrates, where the binder contains i) a copolymer constructed from ethylenically unsaturated monomers; and ii) lignin.

Abstract: Biodegradable resin materials are provided which comprise a blend of a starch component, a synthetic thermoplastic polymer resin, one or more plasticizers, and a protein component. In certain embodiments, the synthetic thermoplastic polymer resin may comprise a thermoplastic polyester-based compound, and the protein component may comprise albumin. The biodegradable resin materials tend to exhibit physical and mechanical characteristics that contrast with conventional biodegradable materials.

Abstract: A diol from which a resin material having high processability and a high refractive index can be manufactured, a polycarbonate resin and a polyester resin which is a polymer of the diol, and a molded article and an optical element formed of the polymer. The diol is represented by the general formula (1) shown below; the polycarbonate resin and the polyester resin are polymers thereof; and the molded article and the optical element are formed of the polymers, wherein R1 and R2 each independently denote one of a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms; Q denotes one of an oxyethylene group, a thioethylene group and a single bond.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biodegradable plastic having increased biodegradation speed. Said plastic comprises a) finely distributed particle of a biodegradable, water-soluble, organic component, and b) finely distributed particles of a water-soluble, inorganic component promoting the growth of microorganisms and comprising N, P, and/or S. Said plastic is particularly based on cellulose esters such as cellulose acetate. Preferable components A are water-soluble saccharides and/or water-soluble organic acids. Said particularly advantageous biodegradable plastic is particularly available in the form of fibers, films, injection molded items, granulate beads, and containers. Controlled-release biocides and/or fertilizers can also be included in the molded part, wherein the molded part is degraded faster in the environment as said ingredients are released. The accelerated biodegradation is based on a synergistic interaction of the components indicated.

Abstract: Branched silicone (organopolysiloxane) resins and preparation method and use thereof are provided, which contain at least one group selected from phosphonate and phosphinate groups and at least one organic group containing nitrogen. Such silicone resins can be used in thermoplastic, thermosetting or rubber organic polymer compositions to reduce the flammability of the organic polymer compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel production method of a cellulose nanofiber and a novel cellulose nanofiber. The method for producing a cellulose nanofiber comprises defibrating pulp by a single- or multi-screw kneader in the presence of water, the single or multi-screw kneader having a screw circumferential speed of 45 m/min. Or more.