Abstract: A lightweight multilayer substrate comprising a thermally compressed nonwoven core having a first surface and an opposed second surface, at least one top layer adhered to the first surface of the thermally compressed nonwoven core, and, optionally, at least one bottom layer adhered to the opposed second surface of the thermally compressed nonwoven core. The lightweight multilayer substrate has a specific modulus greater than 1200 (MPa/(g/cm3)) and a thermal expansion coefficient of less than 3×10?5 m/(m*° C.). The lightweight multilayer substrate is thermally balanced between 25° C. and 70° C.

Abstract: A composition comprising 10 to 50 wt% wood pulp fiber and 45 to 85 wt% thermoplastic polymer wherein the dilution level for detection in a bag at 40° C. is equal to or less than 450 as determined by ASTM E679.

Abstract: A water soluble polymer blend composition includes at least one water soluble polymer and at least one immiscible polymer. The water soluble polymer and the immiscible polymer can be melt processed at a temperature above their respective melt processing temperatures and quenched to form the water soluble polymer blend composition in a non-equilibrium state, such that it can exhibit a non-equilibrium morphology. Non-equilibrium morphologies can include, e.g., a microfiber morphology or a co-continuous morphology.

Abstract: A polymeric material can be deposited or coated on a surface of a hollow microsphere to produce a sacrificial microsphere. Sacrificial microspheres can provide a cost-effective way to produce lightweight plastics and composites.

Abstract: A composition includes an infrared reflective additive having one or more infrared reflective colorants and a thermally emissive filler. The infrared reflective additive can be melt processed in a polymeric matrix.

Abstract: A composition including 6 to 50 weight percent wood pulp fiber and 45 to 93.45 weight percent thermoplastic polymer. In some embodiments, the average dispersion of the wood pulp fibers within the thermoplastic polymer is equal to or greater than 90% as determined by the Dispersion Test. In some embodiments, the dilution level for detection in a bang at 40° C. is equal to or less than 450 as determined by ASTM E679. In some embodiments, the composition further includes 0.5 to 5 weight percent of an additive, such as a compatibilizer, a coupling agent, an anti-oxidant, and/or a lubricant. In some embodiments, the wood pulp fiber is bleached chemical wood pulp fiber.

Abstract: The present invention describes compostable or biobased foams that are useful for fabricating foamed articles and methods for producing the same. The foams are produced using a compound comprising a compostable or biobased polyester and a blowing agent. Additives including plasticizers and chain extenders are optionally included in the compostable or biobased composition. These foams can be produced using conventional melt processing techniques, such as single and twin-screw extrusion processes. In one embodiment, foamed strand profiles are cooled and cut using conventional strand pelletizing equipment. In another embodiment, foamed beads are produced by cutting the foamed strand at the face of the extrusion die and the foamed bead or strand is subsequently cooled. The resulting compostable or biobased foamed bead has a density less than 0.15 g/cm3 and the foam is compostable, as determined by ASTM D6400.

Abstract: A composition comprising 10 to 50 weight % wood pulp fiber and 45 to 85 wt % thermoplastic polymer wherein the composition has a brightness of at least 20 as measured by the Brightness Test. The wood pulp fiber can be bleached chemical wood pulp fiber. The brightness may be at least 30 as measured by the Brightness Test.

Abstract: A composition comprising 10 to 50 wt % wood pulp fiber and 45 to 85 wt % thermoplastic polymer wherein the dilution level for detection in a bag at 40° C. is equal to or less than 450 as determined by ASTM E679.

Abstract: The present invention describes compostable or biobased foams that are useful for fabricating foamed articles and methods for producing the same. The foams are produced using a compound comprising a compostable or biobased polyester and a blowing agent. Additives including plasticizers and chain extenders are optionally included in the compostable or biobased composition. These foams can be produced using conventional melt processing techniques, such as single and twin-screw extrusion processes. In one embodiment, foamed strand profiles are cooled and cut using conventional strand pelletizing equipment. In another embodiment, foamed beads are produced by cutting the foamed strand at the face of the extrusion die and the foamed bead or strand is subsequently cooled. The resulting compostable or biobased foamed bead has a specific gravity less than 0.15 g/cm3 and the foam is compostable, as determined by ASTM D6400.

Abstract: A polymeric material can be deposited or coated on a surface of a hollow microsphere to produce a sacrificial microsphere. Sacrificial microspheres can provide a cost-effective way to produce lightweight plastics and composites.

Abstract: A composition including 6 to 50 weight percent wood pulp fiber and 45 to 93.45 weight percent thermoplastic polymer. In some embodiments, the average dispersion of the wood pulp fibers within the thermoplastic polymer is equal to or greater than 90% as determined by the Dispersion Test. In some embodiments, the dilution level for detection in a bag at 40° C. is equal to or less than 450 as determined by ASTM E679. In some embodiments, the composition further includes 0.5 to 5 weight percent of an additive, such as a compatibilizer, a coupling agent, an anti-oxidant, and/or a lubricant. In some embodiments, the wood pulp fiber is bleached chemical wood pulp fiber.

Abstract: The method of making a pellet comprising wood pulp fiber and thermoplastic polymer, comprising extruding an extrudate comprising 10 to 50 weight % wood pulp fiber and 45 to 85 weight % thermoplastic polymer through a die, cutting a pellet from the extrudate, removing the pellet from the extrudate with water having a temperature less than the extrudate, filtering the pellet from the water. In one embodiment the wood pulp fiber in the pellet has a moisture content of 1% or less. In one embodiment the wood fiber does not swell.

Abstract: Provided are biomass-based materials and valuable uses of microalgal biomass including: (i) acetylation of microalgal biomass to produce a material useful in the production of thermoplastics; (ii) use of triglyceride containing microalgal biomass for production of thermoplastics; (iii) combination of microalgal biomass and at least one type of plant polymer to produce a material useful in the production of thermoplastics; (iv) anionization of microalgal biomass to form a water absorbant material; (v) cationization of microalgal biomass, and optional flocculation, to form a water absorbant material; (vi) crosslinking of anionized microalgal biomass; (vii) carbonization of microalgal biomass; and (viii) use of microalgal biomass in the making of paper.

Abstract: A method of modifying a biobased feedstock derived from agricultural resources and specifically from the non-distillate products of fermentation-derived renewable fuel and distilled spirit processes. The pyrolytic modification of biobased feedstocks results in materials that are thermally stable and better suited for subsequent melt processing in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: Hyper-branched biodegradable polymers are produced by melt processing biodegradable polymers with a branching agent at temperatures that promote free radical reactions between the biodegradable polymer and the branching agent. The biodegradable compositions have an excellent balance of mechanical properties and are suitable for flame retardant applications.

Abstract: The present invention describes compostable or biobased foams that are useful for fabricating foamed articles and methods for producing the same. The foams are produced using a compound comprising a compostable or biobased polyester and a blowing agent. Additives including plasticizers and chain extenders are optionally included in the compostable or biobased composition. These foams can be produced using conventional melt processing techniques, such as single and twin-screw extrusion processes. In one embodiment, foamed strand profiles are cooled and cut using conventional strand pelletizing equipment. In another embodiment, foamed beads are produced by cutting the foamed strand at the face of the extrusion die and the foamed bead or strand is subsequently cooled. The resulting compostable or biobased foamed bead has a specific gravity less than 0.15 g/cm3 and the foam is compostable, as determined by ASTM D6400.

Abstract: The method of making a pellet comprising wood pulp fiber and thermoplastic polymer, comprising extruding an extrudate comprising 10 to 50 weight % wood pulp fiber and 45 to 85 weight % thermoplastic polymer through a die, cutting a pellet from the extrudate, removing the pellet from the extrudate with water having a temperature less than the extrudate, filtering the pellet from the water. In one embodiment the wood pulp fiber in the pellet has a moisture content of 1% or less. In one embodiment the wood fiber does not swell.

Abstract: Provided are biomass-based materials and valuable uses of microalgal biomass including: (i) acetylation of microalgal biomass to produce a material useful in the production of thermoplastics; (ii) use of triglyceride containing microalgal biomass for production of thermoplastics; (iii) combination of microalgal biomass and at least one type of plant polymer to produce a material useful in the production of thermoplastics; (iv) anionization of microalgal biomass to form a water absorbant material; (v) cationization of microalgal biomass, and optional flocculation, to form a water absorbant material; (vi) crosslinking of anionized microalgal biomass; (vii) carbonization of microalgal biomass; and (viii) use of microalgal biomass in the making of paper.

Abstract: Described herein are a wood plastic composite including an oleaginous microbial biomass, a thermoplastic composite including a heterotrophically cultivated microalgal biomass, and related articles and methods.