Abstract: Methods and processes to fractionate and/or convert cellulosic material into accessible sugar and chemical intermediates is provided. A method of embodiments of the invention includes processing lignocellulosic biomass by mixing lignocellulosic biomass and glycerol to form a biomass slurry, and heating and shearing the biomass slurry at a temperature ranging from 100° C. to 300° C. for an amount of time to disrupt inter- or intra-polymer linkages of the biomass. The demonstrated swelling and maceration of a biomass material in the presence of a solvent at elevated temperatures and under shearing, provides a processing window to efficiently extract lignin and convert cellulosic material into useful sugars at high conversion rates.

Abstract: Polymer composites containing keratin and at least one polymer (e.g., polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyesters, polyvinyl chloride, polylactic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxy esther ether, polyhydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, polyurethane, epoxies, or mixtures thereof; wherein polypropylene is not atactic polypropylene). Methods for producing the polymer composites are also provided. The properties of polymers are improved by the dispersion of cleaned, processed keratin material, preferably derived from poultry feathers, in the polymeric material. The keratin material can be in the form of fibers, particles, or large pieces from animal hair, nail, hoof, horn, or avian (e.g., poultry) feathers.

Abstract: Polymer composites containing keratin and at least one polymer. Methods for producing the polymer composites are also provided. The properties of polymers are improved by the dispersion of cleaned, processed keratin material, preferably derived from poultry feathers, in the polymeric material. The keratin material can be in the form of fibers, particles, or large pieces from animal hair, nail, hoof, horn, or avian (e.g., poultry) feathers.