Abstract: A method for modifying a substrate containing a natural polymeric material to improve its interaction with other materials, the method comprising: A) Treating the substrate containing the natural polymeric material with a modifying agent selected from the group consisting of organo-functional coupling agents and multi-functional amine containing organic compounds; and B) optionally exposing the substrate containing natural polymeric material with one or more treatments selected from the group consisting of: i) subjecting the substrate to extraction with a solvent to reduce the content of extractable materials associated with the natural polymeric material prior to or during treatment with the modifying agent; ii) treatment with a physical field selected from static physical fields, high-frequency alternating physical fields and combinations of two or more thereof either prior to, during or after treatment with the modifying agent; and iii) oxidation of at least part of the natural polymeric material prior to

Abstract: Polyols suitable for use in urethane foams are made by a three-stage process that is much less dependent on petroleum-based chemicals than are prior art methods and that eliminates washing unreacted reagents out of the product. Trimethylolpropane is first reacted under acid catalysts with epoxidized tallow, the reacted epoxidized tallow is then reacted under alkaline catalysis with trimethylolpropane, and the resilient product reacted with propylene oxide.