Abstract: The novel features of this invention include a bio-based binding-agent and a manufacturing process which—together with conventional production equipment—comprise a very low-cost system for making strong and water-insoluble products from a variety of particulate feedstocks, including finely-divided lignocellulosic fiber and particles, or fines, of chemically-inert materials. This binding-agent—process combination is uniquely suited to the manufacture of water-impermeable agglomerates from granular and powdery materials—including minerals, metal particles and carboniferous fines no courser than about one cm—and to creation of composite materials from particulated forestry residues, crop wastes and paper byproducts. Of particular commercial interest is the production of synthetic fuel from moist fine coal without the input of the thermal energy normally required for dewatering and drying the feedstock, and for curing prior art bonding agents.

Abstract: The specification discloses an unorthodox system for manufacturing strong, light-weight and weather-resistant cellulosic composite materials from discarded paper and newsprint, and papermill sludge--and from an unlimited variety of particulated fibrous lignocellulosics--without the use of an extrinsic adhesive. Both the matrix-forming resin and the fiber-substrate, which comprise the entire composite, are spontaneously created in situ at ambient conditions by the ammoniation of a mixture of a protein-containing material and a particulated cellulosic. Heating an article shaped from such a mixture to above 175.degree. C. polymerizes the resin and bonds the fiber-substrate into a cellulosic composite product. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing reinforced and laminated composites as well as a composition which simplifies the production of both cellulosic composites and all-biomass thermosetting resins.

Abstract: A multi-purpose resin synthesized from a mixture of a protein and a carbohydrate by ammoniation instead of hydrolysis is described. Any primary product of photosynthesis (glucose, starch or lignocellulose) is qualified for use as the carbohydrate component of the resin, which is an expedient, low-cost and benign substitute for conventional thermosetting resins in the manufacture of numerous industrial products.