Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for removing particulate matter from a fluid, comprising a particle functionalized by attachment of at least one activating group or amine functional group, wherein the modified particle complexes with the particulate matter within the fluid to form a removable complex therein. The particulate matter has preferably been contacted, complexed or reacted with a tethering agent. The system is particularly advantageous to removing particulate matter from a tailing solution.

Abstract: Formulations and methods for papermaking are disclosed herein using one or more volatile debonders, where the volatile debonder forms a solution or an emulsion with water in a paper precursor, and where the volatile debonder is evaporable from the paper precursor before the paper precursor is completely dried to form a paper sheet during papermaking. Two volatile debonders having different boiling points can be used, where they are miscible in water and in each other, and where one volatile debonder has a higher molecular weight and the other volatile debonder has a lower boiling point.

Abstract: The invention encompasses compositions and methods for the preparation thereof, wherein the composition comprises a polymeric foam that comprise a plurality of polymeric struts having an air-foam interface, wherein a composition comprising inorganic particulate matter is disposed upon the air-foam interface, the inorganic particulate material comprising inorganic particles coated with a hydrophobic amine modifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified proppants, and methods for their manufacture. In embodiments, the modified proppant comprises a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating is applied to a surface of the proppant particle and localizes on the surface to produce the modified proppant. In embodiments, formulations are disclosed comprising the modified particles, and methods are disclosed for using the formulations.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of producing an optically-enhanced paper-based material are disclosed. The composition can include an optical brightening agent and an additive having an aromatic portion, where the aromatic portion is associated with an optical brightening agent. The paper-based material can exhibit a higher capacity for the optical brightening agent relative to a paper-based material that lacks the additive. Techniques for increasing optical brightening agent retention in a paper-based material are also disclosed. The techniques include using an additive having an aromatic portion, where the aromatic portion associates with an optical brightening agent so that the retention of the optical brightening agent is improved.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for recovering a target material from an aqueous stream. The target material can be a natively hydrophobic target material, such as a hydrocarbon material, such as coal. The target material can also have a surface modification that renders it hydrophobic. Systems for recovering the target material can comprise an extractant formulation comprising a light hydrocarbon solvent and a high molecular weight hydrophobic polymer, wherein the extractant formulation is mixable with the aqueous stream in a mixer to form an admixed solution having a hydrophobic portion and an aqueous portion, with the target material partitioning to the hydrophobic portion; a separator for isolating the hydrophobic portion from the aqueous portion; and a collector to which the hydrophobic portion is directed, wherein the target material is recovered from the hydrophobic portion.

Abstract: Formulations and methods for papermaking are disclosed herein using one or more volatile debonders, where the volatile debonder forms a solution or an emulsion with water in a paper precursor, and where the volatile debonder is evaporable from the paper precursor before the paper precursor is completely dried to form a paper sheet during papermaking. Two volatile debonders having different boiling points can be used, where they are miscible in water and in each other, and where one volatile debonder has a higher molecular weight and the other volatile debonder has a lower boiling point.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of producing paper-based materials are disclosed. In general, the techniques utilize an amine-containing polymer, such as chitosan, to functionalize one or more components of a mixture used to form materials such as paper-based materials. Such components can include the fibers of a pulp and/or filler particles. In one instance, either the pulp or the filler particles are functionalized, but not both. Such functionalization can improve the qualities of a paper-based material relative to when such functionalization is not utilized. Techniques and compositions are also described to further improve the qualities of a paper material by utilizing a complementary polymer which can couple with the amine-containing polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an edible surface-modifying particle precursor composition for preparing edible surface-modifying particles that includes one or more starches resulting in a total amylose content from the starches of about 0.1% to about 20% of the total weight of the composition. The composition also includes a ground cereal in amounts of about 10% to about 40% of the total weight of the composition; and water. Disclosed also are coated food substrates bearing such edible surface-modifying particles, and methods for making food products using the edible surface-modifying particles.

Abstract: The invention encompasses systems and methods for removing contaminants from an aqueous stream using systems and methods that add treatment agents comprising anchor particles and tethers, with optional activating agents or activators.

Abstract: The invention encompasses formulations for increased attachment and retention systems of biologically active organic compounds and methods for the preparation and use thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-component fluid loss control system comprising a core substrate and a polymeric shell cooperating with each other to form a microcomposite, wherein the core substrate and the polymeric shell are formed from different materials. The system can demonstrate switchable behavior. The core substrate and the polymeric shell can be further modified, where modifications cooperate with each other to form the microcomposite. Also disclosed are formulations for fluid loss control and methods for controlling fluid loss in a well.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for attaching particulate additives to a population of cellulose fibers dispersed in an aqueous solution. The cellulose fibers are treated with an activator that forms complexes with them. The particulate additive is attached to a tether that is capable of interacting with the activator, thereby forming a tether-bearing particulate additive. The tether-bearing particulate additive can be added to the activated suspension of cellulose fibers. The resulting interaction between the tether and the activator forms durable complexes that attach the particulate additive to the cellulose fibers. Using these systems and methods, useful additives like starches can be attached to cellulose fibers, imparting advantageous properties such as increased strength to paper products formed thereby. These systems and methods are particularly useful for papermaking involving virgin pulp fibers, recycled fibers, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hair treatment preparation comprising a payload in an intimate relationship to a polymeric nanostructure, the polymeric nanostructure being reactive to hair or capable of being immobilized onto or in hair. The nanoscopic nature of the entities being engineered ensures three distinct characteristics. First, the imparted attribute can be either nearly permanent or semi-permanent, depending on the attachment chemistry. In the semi-permanent version, the intended effect can be controllably erased by removal of the nanostructure by simple chemical or physical means. Second, the nanoscopic entities are invisibly small. Their presence does not deteriorate the hand or feel of the hair. Third, the nano-technology approach is infinitely flexible and adaptable. It can be coupled with many existing dyes, colorants, UV absorbers, fragrances, softening agents and the like for hair treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for removing particulate matter from a fluid, comprising a particle functionalized by attachment of at least one activating group or amine functional group, wherein the modified particle complexes with the particulate matter within the fluid to form a removable complex therein. The particulate matter has preferably been contacted, complexed or reacted with a tethering agent. The system is particularly advantageous to removing particulate matter from a tailing solution.

Abstract: Methods, particles, and devices are disclosed for filtration of oil for use of the oil in the preparation of biodiesel. Disclosed particles may comprise a substantially inert porous particle with a coating comprising a polymer having amine, amino, and/or imine group(s).

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for removing an ionic material from a fluid using a capture polymer that sequesters the ionic material and an anchor particle bearing a tethering polymer. The tethering polymer complexes with the capture polymer after the capture polymer has sequestered the ionic material, thereby affixing a complex of capture polymer and ionic material to the anchor particle to form a removable complex. The removable material can be segregated from the fluid via a removal system, thereby removing the ionic material from the fluid.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to systems and methods for removing hydrocarbon contaminants from a contaminated solid using an environmentally benign extractant and an oleophilic absorber, where the environmentally benign extractant and the oleophilic absorber are separate components.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of producing paper-based materials are disclosed. In general, the techniques utilize an amine-containing polymer, such as chitosan, to functionalize one or more components of a mixture used to form materials such as paper-based materials. Such components can include the fibers of a pulp and/or filler particles. In one instance, either the pulp or the filler particles are functionalized, but not both. Such functionalization can improve the qualifies of a paper-based material relative to when such functionalization is not utilized. Techniques and compositions are also described to further improve the qualities of a paper material by utilizing a complementary polymer which can couple with the amine-containing polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of removing particulate matter from potash tailings fluid. The invention includes providing an activating material capable of being affixed to the particulate matter, affixing the activating material to the particulate matter to form an activated particle, providing an anchor particle and providing a tethering material capable of being affixed to the anchor particle; and attaching the tethering material to the anchor particle and the activated particle to form a removable complex in the potash tailings fluid.