Abstract: The invention provides a polymer composition comprising from 50 wt % to 99.9 wt % polymer, from 0.1 wt % to 10 wt % nanocellulose as a first nucleating agent, and from 0.01 wt % to 5 wt % of a second nucleating agent. In some embodiments, the polymer is polylactide, the first nucleating agent is lignin-containing nanocellulose, and the second nucleating agent is a sulfur-containing, oxygenated aromatic molecule. The oxygenated aromatic molecule may be an aromatic sulfonic acid or salt, such as dimethyl 5-sulfoisophthalate. In other embodiments, the sulfur-containing, oxygenated aromatic molecule is lignosulfonic acid. Other variations provide a polymer composition comprising polymer, lignin-containing nanocellulose as a dispersing agent, and additives selected from nucleating agents, compatibilizers, plasticizers, fillers, antioxidants, colorants, or flame retardants.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymer composition comprising from 50 wt % to 99.9 wt % polymer, from 0.1 wt % to 10 wt % nanocellulose as a first nucleating agent, and from 0.01 wt % to 5 wt % of a second nucleating agent. In some embodiments, the polymer is polylactide, the first nucleating agent is lignin-containing nanocellulose, and the second nucleating agent is a sulfur-containing, oxygenated aromatic molecule. The oxygenated aromatic molecule may be an aromatic sulfonic acid or salt, such as dimethyl 5-sulfoisophthalate. In other embodiments, the sulfur-containing, oxygenated aromatic molecule is lignosulfonic acid. Other variations provide a polymer composition comprising polymer, lignin-containing nanocellulose as a dispersing agent, and additives selected from nucleating agents, compatibilizers, plasticizers, fillers, antioxidants, colorants, or flame retardants.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymer composition comprising from 50 wt % to 99.9 wt % polymer, from 0.1 wt % to 10 wt % nanocellulose as a first nucleating agent, and from 0.01 wt % to 5 wt % of a second nucleating agent. In some embodiments, the polymer is polylactide, the first nucleating agent is lignin-containing nanocellulose, and the second nucleating agent is a sulfur-containing, oxygenated aromatic molecule. The oxygenated aromatic molecule may be an aromatic sulfonic acid or salt, such as dimethyl 5-sulfoisophthalate. In other embodiments, the sulfur-containing, oxygenated aromatic molecule is lignosulfonic acid. Other variations provide a polymer composition comprising polymer, lignin-containing nanocellulose as a dispersing agent, and additives selected from nucleating agents, compatibilizers, plasticizers, fillers, antioxidants, colorants, or flame retardants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing compositions containing a biocidal compound or adsorbent and/or catalyst compound and the compositions thereof. The invention also relates to a method for reducing or eliminating the amount of a bioactive agent or contaminant from an environment by contacting the environment with the composition of for a sufficient time to reduce or eliminate the amount of the bioactive agent or contaminant in the environment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing an enhanced adsorbent particle comprising contacting a non-amorphous, non-ceramic, crystalline, porous, calcined, aluminum oxide particle that was produced by calcining at a particle temperature of from 300° C. to 700° C., with an acid for a sufficient time to increase the adsorbent properties of the particle. A process for producing an enhanced adsorbent particle comprising contacting a non-ceramic, porous, oxide adsorbent particle with an acid for a sufficient time to increase the adsorbent properties of the particle is also disclosed. Particles made by the process of the instant invention and particle uses, such as remediation of waste streams, are also provided. The invention also relates to a method for producing an adsorbent and/or catalyst and binder system. The invention also relates to particles made by the process, binders, and methods for remediating contaminants in a stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an adsorbent and/or catalyst and binder system comprising I) mixing components comprising (a) a binder comprising a colloidal metal oxide or colloidal metalloid oxide, (b) an oxide adsorbent and/or catalyst particle, and (c) an acid, (ii) removing a sufficient amount of water from the mixture to cross-link components a and b to form an adsorbent and/or catalyst and binder system. The invention also relates to particles made by the process, binders, and methods for remediating contaminants in a stream.

Abstract: There are provided enantiomerically enhanced chiral substituted cyclopentadienyl ligands, and compounds thereof, and a process for their making comprising contacting an optionally substituted fulvene having a prochiral carbon 6 with a lithium salt of an amine, amino acid or amide to effectuate enantioselective hydride addition to the carbon 6 of the fulvene so as to create a chiral center. There are further provided enantiomerically enhanced chiral organometallic complexes having one or more chiral substituted cyclopentadienyl groups.

Abstract: There are provided enantiomerically enhanced chiral substituted cyclopentadienyl ligands and compounds thereof, and a process for their making comprising contacting a substituted fulvene or derivative thereof with an enantiomerically enhanced or pure nucleophile having at least one chiral center. There are further provided enantiomerically enhanced chiral organometallic complexes having one or more chiral substituted cyclopentadienyl groups.