Abstract: A thermoset non-isocyanate polyurethane foam (NIPU) composition includes a reaction product of a polycyclic carbonate, a polyamine; and a foaming ingredient including a carbonate-based chemical foaming agent. The reaction product is configured to form a urethane bond. The polycyclic carbonate and the polyamine can be bio-derived. A process for making the NIPU foam includes the steps of: (a) selecting a polycyclic carbonate and a polyamine; (b) mixing the polycyclic carbonate and the polyamine to form a reactant product including a partially cured gel matrix; (c) adding a foaming ingredient comprising a blowing agent including a carbonate; (d) curing the mixture to form the NIPU foam. Optionally, a first catalyst can be added to step (b); and additional foaming ingredients selected from the group consisting of an accelerant, a surfactant, and a combination thereof can be added prior to step (d).

Abstract: An algae-elastomer composite including an elastomer matrix; algae; and a mixing additive sufficient to achieve a desired property. The algae can be present in a milled condition having a particle size value of between about 10 and 120 microns. The algae is mixed with the elastomer matrix in a dry condition having a moisture content of below about 10%. A method of preparing the algae-based elastomer composite is provided that includes the steps of: premixing an elastomer matrix; adding an algae filler; adding a mixing additive that includes a plasticizer; forming an elastomer-algae blend by blending the algae and elastomer to a temperature sufficient to be further mixed, wherein the temperature is about 10° C. higher than the temperature sufficient for the elastomer alone; adding and mixing a curing or vulcanizing agent for the elastomer dispersing the elastomer-algae blend; and heating and curing the elastomer-algae blend into a final form.

Abstract: An algae-based thermoplastic composition is provided that includes a protein-rich algae biomass selected from either microalgae, macroalgae or combinations thereof. The protein content is greater than or equal to 15% by weight of the algae biomass and the algae biomass is dried to a moisture content of less than or equal to 15% by weight and having a particle d99 of up to 200 microns. The dried algae biomass is at least 5% by weight of the thermoplastic composition. The composition includes a biodegradable resin configured to exhibit rheological properties suitable for blending with algae including a melting temperature less than 250° C. and a melt flow rate in excess of 0.01 g/10 min.

Abstract: An algae-based thermoplastic foam is provided having a protein-rich algae biomass selected from either microalgae, macroalgae or combinations thereof. The protein content is greater than or equal to 15% by weight of the algae biomass and the algae biomass is dried to a moister content of less than or equal to 15% by weight having an average particle size of up to 200 microns. The composition includes a resin configured to exhibit rheological properties suitable for blending with algae including a melting temperature less than 250° C. and a melt flow rate in excess of 0.01 g/10 min. The foam includes a foaming ingredient selected from the group consisting of crosslinkers, compatibilizers, plasticizers, accelerants, catalysts, blowing agents, other ingredients, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: This document presents algae-derived antimicrobial fiber substrates, and a method of making the same. The fiber may be a synthetic fiber, but can also be formed as a cellulosic (e.g., cotton). In various implementations, an algae-derived antimicrobial fiber substrate can be made to have identical properties and characteristics of nylon-6 of nylon 6-6 polymer or the like, and yet contain antimicrobial, anti-viral, and/or flame retardant algal derived substances. Any of various species of red algae, brown algae, blue-green algae, and brown seaweed (marine microalgae and/or macroalgae) are known to contain a high level of sulfated polysaccharides with inherent antimicrobial, antiviral, and flame-retardant properties, and can be used as described herein. Additionally disclosed are algae-derived flexible foams, whether open-cell or closed-cell, with inherent antimicrobial, antiviral, and flame resistant properties.

Abstract: This document discloses algae-derived flexible foams, whether open-cell or closed-cell, with inherent antimicrobial and flame resistant properties, wherein a process of manufacturing includes the steps of: harvesting algae-biomass; sufficiently drying the algae biomass; blending the dried algae biomass with a carrier resin and various foaming ingredients; adding an algal-derived antimicrobial compound selected from various natural sulfated polysaccharides present in brown algae, red algae, and/or certain seaweeds (marine microalgae); and adding a sufficient quantity of dried algae biomass to the formulation to adequately create a fire resistant flexible foam material.

Abstract: An algae-based thermoplastic foam is provided having a protein-rich algae biomass selected from either microalgae, macroalgae or combinations thereof. The protein content is greater than or equal to 15% by weight of the algae biomass and the algae biomass is dried to a moister content of less than or equal to 15% by weight having an average particle size of up to 200 microns. The composition includes a resin configured to exhibit rheological properties suitable for blending with algae including a melting temperature less than 250° C. and a melt flow rate in excess of 0.01 g/10 min. The foam includes a foaming ingredient selected from the group consisting of crosslinkers, compatibilizers, plasticizers, accelerants, catalysts, blowing agents, other ingredients, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a control system for a furnace. The control system comprises a thermal imaging camera and a control unit. The thermal imaging camera is configured to receive thermal radiation from a plurality of positions in a furnace and to generate an image which includes temperature information for the plurality of positions in the furnace. The control unit is configured to receive the image from the thermal imaging camera and to generate control signals for the furnace using the image.

Abstract: A thermoset non-isocyanate polyurethane foam (NIPU) composition includes a reaction product of a polycyclic carbonate, a polyamine; and a foaming ingredient including a carbonate-based chemical foaming agent. The reaction product is configured to form a urethane bond. The polycyclic carbonate and the polyamine can be bio-derived. A process for making the NIPU foam includes the steps of: (a) selecting a polycyclic carbonate and a polyamine; (b) mixing the polycyclic carbonate and the polyamine to form a reactant product including a partially cured gel matrix; (c) adding a foaming ingredient comprising a blowing agent including a carbonate; (d) curing the mixture to form the NIPU foam. Optionally, a first catalyst can be added to step (b); and additional foaming ingredients selected from the group consisting of an accelerant, a surfactant, and a combination thereof can be added prior to step (d).

Abstract: An algae-elastomer composite including an elastomer matrix; algae; and a mixing additive sufficient to achieve a desired property. The algae can be present in a milled condition having a particle size value of between about 10 and 120 microns. The algae is mixed with the elastomer matrix in a dry condition having a moisture content of below about 10%. A method of preparing the algae-based elastomer composite is provided that includes the steps of: premixing an elastomer matrix; adding an algae filler; adding a mixing additive that includes a plasticizer; forming an elastomer-algae blend by blending the algae and elastomer to a temperature sufficient to be further mixed, wherein the temperature is about 10° C. higher than the temperature sufficient for the elastomer alone; adding and mixing a curing or vulcanizing agent for the elastomer dispersing the elastomer-algae blend; and heating and curing the elastomer-algae blend into a final form.

Abstract: An algae-based thermoplastic foam is provided having a protein-rich algae biomass selected from either microalgae, macroalgae or combinations thereof. The protein content is greater than or equal to 15% by weight of the algae biomass and the algae biomass is dried to a moister content of less than or equal to 15% by weight having an average particle size of up to 200 microns. The composition includes a resin configured to exhibit rheological properties suitable for blending with algae including a melting temperature less than 250° C. and a melt flow rate in excess of 0.01 g/10 min. The foam includes a foaming ingredient selected from the group consisting of crosslinkers, compatibilizers, plasticizers, accelerants, catalysts, blowing agents, other ingredients, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An algae-based thermoplastic composition is provided that includes a protein-rich algae biomass selected from either microalgae, macroalgae or combinations thereof. The protein content is greater than or equal to 15% by weight of the algae biomass and the algae biomass is dried to a moisture content of less than or equal to 15% by weight and having a particle d99 of up to 200 microns. The dried algae biomass is at least 5% by weight of the thermoplastic composition. The composition includes a biodegradable resin configured to exhibit rheological properties suitable for blending with algae including a melting temperature less than 250° C. and a melt flow rate in excess of 0.01 g/10 min.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition includes at least one kind of algae that constitutes from about 10 wt. % to about 55 wt. % of the composition, and a polymer that constitutes from about 45 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of the composition, wherein the composition is free of plasticizer and free of plant polymer. An injection molded article is formed from a material including at least one kind of algae that constitutes from about 10 wt. % to about 55 wt. % of the composition, and a polymer that constitutes from about 45 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of the composition, wherein the material is free of plasticizer and free of plant polymer.

Abstract: An algae-elastomer composite including an elastomer matrix; algae; and a mixing additive sufficient to achieve a desired property. The algae can be present in a milled condition having a particle size value of between about 10 and 120 microns. The algae is mixed with the elastomer matrix in a dry condition having a moisture content of below about 10%. A method of preparing the algae-based elastomer composite is provided that includes the steps of: premixing an elastomer matrix; adding an algae filler; adding a mixing additive that includes a plasticizer; forming an elastomer-algae blend by blending the algae and elastomer to a temperature sufficient to be further mixed, wherein the temperature is about 10° C. higher than the temperature sufficient for the elastomer alone; adding and mixing a curing or vulcanizing agent for the elastomer dispersing the elastomer-algae blend; and heating and curing the elastomer-algae blend into a final form.

Abstract: There is provided a control system for a furnace. The control system comprises a thermal imaging camera and a control unit. The thermal imaging camera is configured to receive thermal radiation from a plurality of positions in a furnace and to generate an image which includes temperature information for the plurality of positions in the furnace. The control unit is configured to receive the image from the thermal imaging camera and to generate control signals for the furnace using the image.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition includes at least one kind of algae that constitutes from about 10 wt. % to about 55 wt. % of the composition, and a polymer that constitutes from about 45 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of the composition, wherein the composition is free of plasticizer and free of plant polymer. An injection molded article is formed from a material including at least one kind of algae that constitutes from about 10 wt. % to about 55 wt. % of the composition, and a polymer that constitutes from about 45 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of the composition, wherein the material is free of plasticizer and free of plant polymer.

Abstract: A bioplastic composition may contain certain biodegradable and renewable components. In some examples, the bioplastic composition includes at least one kind of aquatic macrophyte biomass, which may contain a native composition of protein and carbohydrates, in a blend with one or more types of biodegradable or durable thermoplastic polymers. The aquatic macrophyte composition may provide a balance of both polymeric and reinforcing properties to the blended bioplastic not typically exhibited by terrestrial feedstock such as soy meal or corn starch. Such a bioplastic composition may be formed into molded articles using extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, or the like.

Abstract: This document presents algae-derived antimicrobial plastic substrates, and a method of making the same. The plastic is preferably synthetic, but can also be formed as a bioplastic (e.g., polylactic acid). In various implementations, an algae-derived antimicrobial plastic substrate can be made to have similar properties and characteristics of nylon, nylon-6, nylon 6-6 polymer, and/or the like, and yet contain antimicrobial substances. Any of various species of red algae, brown algae, and brown seaweed (marine microalgae and/or macroalgae) are known to contain a high level of sulfated polysaccharides with inherent antimicrobial properties, and can be used as described herein.

Abstract: Data communications are enabled to be performed between first and second computer systems without having to match data types at the first and second computer systems. A first data type is associated with a request for a resource. The request for the resource is transmitted from a first agent at the first computer system to a second agent at the second computer system. The resource is instantiated at the second computer system according to a second data type that is different from the first data type. The resource is received by the first agent from the second agent. The received resource is materialized into an instance of the first data type using the first agent.

Abstract: A bioplastic composition may contain certain biodegradable and renewable components. In some examples, the bioplastic composition includes at least one kind of aquatic macrophyte biomass, which may contain a native composition of protein and carbohydrates, in a blend with one or more types of biodegradable or durable thermoplastic polymers. The aquatic macrophyte composition may provide a balance of both polymeric and reinforcing properties to the blended bioplastic not typically exhibited by terrestrial feedstock such as soy meal or corn starch. Such a bioplastic composition may be formed into molded articles using extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, or the like.