Abstract: A process is disclosed herein, the process comprising: a) contacting a mixture comprising furandicarboxylic acid dialkyl ester, 1,3-propanediol, and a metal catalyst at a temperature in the range of from 160° C. to 220° C. to form a prepolymer, wherein the mole ratio of the furandicarboxylic acid dialkyl ester to the 1,3-propanediol is in the range of from 1:1.3 to 1:2.2 and the concentration of metal catalyst is in the range of from 20 ppm to 400 ppm, based on the total weight of the mixture; b) removing at least a portion of the unreacted 1,3-propanediol; and c) heating the prepolymer to a temperature in the range of from 230° C. to 260° C. under reduced pressure to form poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate) polymer while removing 1,3-propanediol.

Abstract: A process is disclosed herein, the process comprising: a) contacting a mixture comprising furandicarboxylic acid dialkyl ester, 1,3-propanediol, and a metal catalyst at a temperature in the range of from 160° C. to 220° C. to form a prepolymer, wherein the mole ratio of the furandicarboxylic acid dialkyl ester to the 1,3-propanediol is in the range of from 1:1.3 to 1:2.2 and the concentration of metal catalyst is in the range of from 20 ppm to 400 ppm, based on the total weight of the mixture; b) removing at least a portion of the unreacted 1,3-propanediol; and c) heating the prepolymer to a temperature in the range of from 230° C. to 260° C. under reduced pressure to form poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate) polymer while removing 1,3-propanediol.

Abstract: Disclosed are foam compositions and processes to form mixed tannin-phenolic foams. The foams comprises a continuous polymeric phase defining a plurality of cells, wherein the continuous polymeric phase comprises a mixed-resin derived from a phenol, a tannin, and a first monomer, and wherein the plurality of cells comprises a plurality of open-cells and a plurality of closed-cells with an open-cell content measured according to ASTM D6226-5, of less than 50%. The foam composition also comprises a discontinuous phase disposed in at least a portion of the plurality of closed-cells, the discontinuous phase comprising one or more blowing agents.

Abstract: Disclosed are foam compositions and processes to form mixed tannin-phenolic foams. The foams comprises a continuous polymeric phase defining a plurality of cells, wherein the continuous polymeric phase comprises a mixed-resin derived from a phenol, a tannin, and a first monomer, and wherein the plurality of cells comprises a plurality of open-cells and a plurality of closed-cells with an open-cell content measured according to ASTM D6226-5, of less than 50%. The foam composition also comprises a discontinuous phase disposed in at least a portion of the plurality of closed-cells, the discontinuous phase comprising one or more blowing agents.

Abstract: A nonwoven web of unmodified or cyanoethylated nanocellulose was found to have greater strength than kraft paper after immersion in oil at high temperature, making it useful as an insulation material for transformers. A mixture of nanocellulose and polymetaphenylene isophthalamide has further improved properties for use as an insulating material.

Abstract: Disclosed are foam compositions and processes to form mixed tannin-phenolic foams. The foams comprises a continuous polymeric phase defining a plurality of cells, wherein the continuous polymeric phase comprises a mixed-resin derived from a phenol, a tannin, and a first monomer, and wherein the plurality of cells comprises a plurality of open-cells and a plurality of closed-cells with an open-cell content measured according to ASTM D6226-5, of less than 50%. The foam composition also comprises a discontinuous phase disposed in at least a portion of the plurality of closed-cells, the discontinuous phase comprising one or more blowing agents.

Abstract: Disclosed are foam compositions and processes to form closed-cell phenolic foams. The foams comprises a continuous polymeric phase defining a plurality of cells, wherein the continuous polymeric phase comprises a phenol-formaldehyde resole derived from a phenol and formaldehyde, and wherein the plurality of cells comprises a plurality of open-cells and a plurality of closed-cells with an open-cell content measured according to ASTM D6226-5, of less than 50%. The foam composition also comprises a discontinuous phase disposed in at least a portion of the plurality of closed-cells, the discontinuous phase comprising 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene.

Abstract: Disclosed are acetals of nepetalic acid. They may be prepared by reaction of an alcohol with nepetalic acid, and are useful as repellents for insects and arthropods, in addition to other uses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for treating biomass to produce sugars. The process is directed to decrystallizing cellulose by contacting biomass with an acid mixture comprising sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid at particular molar ratios. Following decrystallization, the biomass may be hydrolyzed with the acid mixture to produce a saccharification product comprising sugars.

Abstract: Disclosed are acetals of nepetalic acid. They may be prepared by reaction of an alcohol with nepetalic acid, and are useful as repellents for insects and arthropods, in addition to other uses.