Abstract: The application describes materials derived from keratin proteins in combination with polymers, either as intimate mixtures with water soluble polymers, or as chemically bound copolymers. The keratin protein is a specific keratin protein fraction, and is preferably intact, s-sulfonated and from the intermediate filament protein family. The application also describes the process for production of these materials.

Abstract: The application describes materials derived from keratin proteins in combination with polymers, either as intimate mixtures with water soluble polymers, or as chemically bound copolymers. The keratin protein is a specific keratin protein fraction, and is preferably intact, s-sulfonated and from the intermediate filament protein family. The application also describes the process for production of these materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compositing putrescible waste material, the apparatus including a stationary elongated compositing chamber which is mounted to be generally horizontal in orientation or slightly inclined from an inlet end to an outlet end and includes at least one rotatable shaft therein with paddles or tines that extend therefrom in a generally helical pattern. Rotation of the shaft causes the composting material to move along the chamber. Air is injected into the compositing chamber and accumulates in a headspace above the compositing material where it is measured for flow rate, gas content and temperature and eventually removed from near an inlet end of the chamber.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of soluble proteins of high molecular weight with little or no damage to the structural integrity of the proteins. The process is economically and environmentally acceptable by virtue of the cost of reagents that are used, and the recycling of some of those reagents, and is suitable for the production of soluble proteins on a large scale. The process includes a first stage using oxidative sulfitolysis followed by a second stage using mild conditions to extract the soluble protein. In the case of wool as the protein source the process leads to the production of soluble keratin proteins fractionated into the classes S-sulfonated keratin intermediate filament proteins and S-sulfonated keratin high sulfur proteins.