Abstract: The present embodiments herein generally relate to thermoset resins that are derived from vegetable oil based sources, including fibrous plant sources. The utilization of plant based oil as starting materials makes the technology a green alternative to currently available solutions. This, coupled with the novel synthetic methods that are utilized, results in a transformation of the plant based oils into useful, durable, and resilient thermoset resins.

Abstract: The present embodiments herein generally relate to thermoset resins that are derived from vegetable oil based sources, including fibrous plant sources. The utilization of plant based oil as starting materials makes the technology a green alternative to currently available solutions. This, coupled with the novel synthetic methods that are utilized, results in a transformation of the plant based oils into useful, durable, and resilient thermoset resins.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein is generally directed to methods of recycling epoxy polymers using organic salts as catalysts in an aqueous solution. Epoxy polymers and their composites are widely used in many fields such as coatings, adhesives, wind blades, automobiles, aeronautic vehicles, and sporting goods. However, the management of thermoset composite wastes is becoming a public concern as the out of service thermoset products build up. With the increasing awareness of environmental protection and the depleting of landfill sites, it is of great importance to develop an economically viable and environmentally-friendly recycling technology of thermoset materials that is suitable to industrial scale-up production. As such, there is a clear and present need for a novel solution that is environmentally friendly and scalable in the market.

Abstract: The present embodiments herein generally relate to thermoset resins that are derived from vegetable oil based sources, including fibrous plant sources. The utilization of plant based oil as starting materials makes the technology a green alternative to currently available solutions. This, coupled with the novel synthetic methods that are utilized, results in a transformation of the plant based oils into useful, durable, and resilient thermoset resins.

Abstract: Compositions of biodegradable polymer blends and methods for making these polymers are disclosed. A polymer blend may have a composition of at least one biodegradable polyester present in about 50 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of the polymer composition, at least one biodegradable elastomer with cross-linked epoxy functional groups, and at least one catalytic curing agent. The at least one biodegradable elastomer and the at least one catalytic curing agent can be present in a total amount of about 10 weight percent to about 50 weight percent of the polymer composition, and can be present in a weight-to-weight ratio of about 19:1 to about 1:1. Further, the polymer may have a notched Izod impact strength according to ASTM D256 of about 150 Joules/meter to about 1200 Joules/meter.

Abstract: A novel bio-based superabsorbent polymer material based on a proteinaceous natural polymer is introduced herein. There is further disclosed a method for the manufacture of such a bio-based crosslinked superabsorbent polymer material. The method includes, but not limited to, introducing polymerizable unsaturated groups onto the natural polymer or its derivative so as to yield a macromonomer. The macromonomer can be formed by covalently binding unsaturated carbon-carbon double bonds to a proteinaceous substrate through a reaction of a selected chemical compound and the amino group on the proteinaceous substrate. The macromonomer is then copolymerized with unsaturated co-monomer(s) to form a crosslinked superabsorbent material.

Abstract: Methods for producing functionalized graphene from graphite oxide or graphite are disclosed in which ionic liquids are used as a reaction medium to promote chemical functionalization of the graphene through electrochemically interacted exfoliation of graphene sheets.

Abstract: A novel bio-based superabsorbent polymer material based on a proteinaceous natural polymer is introduced herein. There is further disclosed a method for the manufacture of such a bio-based crosslinked superabsorbent polymer material. The method includes, but not limited to, introducing polymerizable unsaturated groups onto the natural polymer or its derivative so as to yield a macromonomer. The macromonomer can be formed by covalently binding unsaturated carbon-carbon double bonds to a proteinaceous substrate through a reaction of a selected chemical compound and the amino group on the proteinaceous substrate. The macromonomer is then copolymerized with unsaturated co-monomer(s) to form a crosslinked superabsorbent material.

Abstract: A novel bio-based superabsorbent polymer material based on a proteinaceous natural polymer is introduced herein. There is further disclosed a method for the manufacture of such a bio-based crosslinked superabsorbent polymer material. The method includes, but not limited to, introducing polymerizable unsaturated groups onto the natural polymer or its derivative so as to yield a macromonomer. The macromonomer can be formed by covalently binding unsaturated carbon-carbon double bonds to a proteinaceous substrate through a reaction of a selected chemical compound and the amino group on the proteinaceous substrate. The macromonomer is then copolymerized with unsaturated co-monomer(s) to form a crosslinked superabsorbent material.

Abstract: Methods for producing functionalized graphene from graphite oxide or graphite are disclosed in which ionic liquids are used as a reaction medium to promote chemical functionalization of the graphene through electrochemically interacted exfoliation of graphene sheets.

Abstract: Methods for producing functionalized graphene from graphite oxide or graphite are disclosed in which ionic liquids are used as a reaction medium to promote chemical functionalization of the graphene through electrochemically interacted exfoliation of graphene sheets.

Abstract: Compositions of biodegradable polymer blends and methods for making these polymers are disclosed. A polymer blend may have a composition of at least one biodegradable polyester present in about 50 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of the polymer composition, at least one biodegradable elastomer with cross-linked epoxy functional groups, and at least one catalytic curing agent. The at least one biodegradable elastomer and the at least one catalytic curing agent can be present in a total amount of about 10 weight percent to about 50 weight percent of the polymer composition, and can be present in a weight-to-weight ratio of about 19:1 to about 1:1. Further, the polymer may have a notched Izod impact strength according to ASTM D256 of about 150 Joules/meter to about 1200 Joules/meter.

Abstract: Provided is a compound of Formula (I); where R1, R2, L1 and L2 are as described herein. The compound of Formula I and copolymers thereof can be used as epoxy resins, curing agents, flame retardants, UV curable agents and the like. A process for preparing the compound of Formula (I) is also provided.

Abstract: A novel bio-based superabsorbent polymer material based on a proteinaceous natural polymer is introduced herein. There is further disclosed a method for the manufacture of such a bio-based crosslinked superabsorbent polymer material. The method includes, but not limited to, introducing polymerizable unsaturated groups onto the natural polymer or its derivative so as to yield a macromonomer. The macromonomer can be formed by covalently binding unsaturated carbon-carbon double bonds to a proteinaceous substrate through a reaction of a selected chemical compound and the amino group on the proteinaceous substrate. The macromonomer is then copolymerized with unsaturated co-monomer(s) to form a crosslinked superabsorbent material.

Abstract: An epoxide agent for an epoxy resin system, the epoxide agent comprising at least one non-acid functional rosin moiety and at least one epoxide moiety. Another embodiment is a curing agent for an epoxy resin system comprising at least one non-acid functional rosin moiety and at least one moiety that is reactive with an epoxy.

Abstract: An epoxide agent for an epoxy resin system, the epoxide agent comprising at least one non-acid functional rosin moiety and at least one epoxide moiety. Another embodiment is a curing agent for an epoxy resin system comprising at least one non-acid functional rosin moiety and at least one moiety that is reactive with an epoxy.

Abstract: A biodegradable plant protein composite is described. The composite includes a plant protein, which is preferably soy protein, and a polylactide. The composite also preferably includes a compatibilizer, a cross-linking agent, and a plasticizer. The composites of this invention offer the advantages of being water resistant and biodegradable.

Abstract: The present invention includes biodegradable plant protein composites.

Abstract: A biodegradable plant protein composite is described. The composite includes a plant protein, which is preferably soy protein, and a polylactide. The composite also preferably includes a compatibilizer, a cross-linking agent, and a plasticizer. The composites of this invention offer the advantages of being water resistant and biodegradable.