Abstract: Cellulosic biolaminate assemblies are provided. In one embodiment, a biolaminate structure is provided comprising a first cellulosic layer, a second cellulosic layer, and a first bio-based polymer. The first bio-based polymer impregnates the first cellulosic layer and the second cellulosic layer. The first cellulosic layer and the second cellulosic layer are fused together.

Abstract: Biopolymers that may be used in optical applications are provided. Suitable biopolymers include polylactic acid and polylactic acid blends. The polylactic acid may be used with a photocatalyst such as titonium dioxide in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the polylactic acid may incorporate decorative fused recycled particles. Generally, the biopolymer may be used in applications where optical characteristics and/or fire performance are desired.

Abstract: High surface energy materials with low refractive index and UV transparency wherein multilayers of similar or dissimilar materials are thermally fused together to form various functional optical requirements are provided. In some embodiments, a photocatalytic biopolymer structure comprising of a UV transparent biopolymer in integrating fused nanophotocatalytic minerals such as Tio2 used for various applications is provided. Many embodiments are based on the integration of nanophotocatalytic minerals fused to a biopolymer structure in which the biopolymer structure is UV transparent (UVT) and allows UV light to be transmitted through the biopolymer structure activating the nanophotocatalytic fused layer.

Abstract: A viscoelastic extrusion process (VEEP) for biopolymers such as polylactic acid is provided. The VEEP process removes many processing and performance limitations of PLA as well as creates performance sufficient to produce durable “nonbiodegradable” products as a direct replacement for PVC and other petrochemical profile and sheet extrusion applications. The VEEP process also retains a high degree of crystallinity within the PLA for increasing toughness and to lower its biodegradability. The invention also includes an integral process wherein rheology is highly modified to allow profile extrusion and higher melt strength wherein processing is lower than the melting point of the primary biopolymer and below the browning points of the natural fibers in the biopolymers viscoelastic state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a biolaminate composite assembly, including one or more biolaminate layers, a non-plastic rigid substrate and an adhesive layer in contact with the substrate and the one or more biolaminate layers. The substrate is laminated or formed to the one or more biolaminate layers. Embodiments also relate to methods of making a biolaminate composite assembly.

Abstract: Biolaminate composite assemblies are provided. Generally, the biolaminate composite assemblies may comprise one or more biolaminate layers and at least one biolaminate layer may comprise polylactic acid. In one embodiment, a biolaminate composite assembly is provided comprising one or more biolaminate layers wherein the biolaminate composite assembly is three-dimensionally formable over a rigid non-plastic substrate. At least one of the biolaminate layers comprises polylactic acid and a natural wax. In another embodiment, a method for forming a biolaminate composite assembly is provided.

Abstract: A method for crosslinking of the biolaminate to meet higher heat resistance and other functional performance needs for biolaminate surfacing products and applications is provided. Using such method, it is possible to change the overall performance characteristics of a biolaminate to address specific needs and applications. The crosslinked biolaminate can be either in a single layer or multilayer construction and either thermoformed or flat laminated onto a rigid composite substrate.

Abstract: Biolaminate assemblies for use as high pressure laminates are provided. In one embodiment, the biolaminate assembly includes a surface wear layer including polylactic acid and at least one of a plastic and mineral. The surface wear layer is adapted to be laminated or thermoformed to a nonplastic rigid substrate. The surface wear layer has a wear resistant range greater than about 400 cycles using tabor abrasion and temperature resistance range from about 212° F. to about 356° F. such that the biolaminate assembly is suitable for use as a high pressure laminate.

Abstract: Cellulosic biolaminate assemblies are provided. In one embodiment, a biolaminate structure is provided comprising a first cellulosic layer, a second cellulosic layer, and a first bio-based polymer. The first bio-based polymer impregnates the first cellulosic layer and the second cellulosic layer. The first cellulosic layer and the second cellulosic layer are fused together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition, which can be referred to as a biopolymer, including fermentation solid and thermoactive material. The present invention also includes methods of making the biopolymer, which can include compounding fermentation solid and thermoactive material. The present biopolymer can be formed into an article of manufacture.

Abstract: Biocomposite compositions and compositions, which include dried distillers solubles, and which can be used in making biocomposite compositions are described. Methods for preparing the compositions are also described.

Abstract: Structures can be formed from a composition, which can be referred to as a biopolymer, that includes fermentation solids and thermoactive material. Methods of making biopolymer products include for example extruding, injection molding, or compounding fermentation solid and thermoactive material. Structures formed from biopolymer can include lumber replacements, window components, door components, siding assemblies, and other structures.

Abstract: A structural biocomposite material that incorporates small strands of agricultural straw, typically non-wood cellulosic straws, such as cereal grain straw.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced protein-based biocomposite particulate material containing a legume-based thermosetting resin and cellulosic material, and rigid biocomposite pressure-formed materials produced therefrom, are provided. The particulate material and resultant pressure-formed materials contain the legume-based resin and fibrous cellulosic material in amounts such that the ratio of cellulose solids to resin solids is about 0.8:1.0 to about 1.5:1.0. Particularly preferred pressure-formed materials also include a secondary thermosetting binder, such as an isocyanate.

Abstract: A cellulose mixture including a protein based adhesive binder and colorant. The mixture can be compression molded or extruded and upon curing in the presence of microwave or radio frequency energy or in thermally controlled appliance, produces board or shape formed stock. The produced stock exhibits colorations and a grain pattern comparable to natural stone. Unlike stone, the material exhibits a light weight, low density, structural rigidity and ready machinability. A preferred method includes admixing separate, colorized batches of feedstock, each feedstock includes shredded waste newsprint, soybean flour, water and a colorant; reducing the moisture content of each feedstock or a proportioned admixture of several feedstocks, such as by air drying or compressing or performing the admixture in the presence of heat; compacting the admixture to final shape; and curing the shaped material. Final forming and finishing apparatus complete the process.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced protein-based biocomposite particulate material containing a legume-based thermosetting resin and cellulosic material, and rigid biocomposite pressure-formed materials produced therefrom, are provided. The particulate material and resultant pressure-formed materials contain the legume-based resin and fibrous cellulosic material in amounts such that the ratio of cellulose solids to resin solids is about 0.8:1.0 to about 1.5:1.0. Particularly preferred pressure-formed materials also include a secondary thermosetting binder, such as an isocyanate.

Abstract: A dielectric inset mountable within a conical horn antenna for focusing an impinging electromagnetic wave front as a planar wave front at an attached wave guide. In one construction a homogeneous inset having an ellipsoidal forward surface and conical aft surface is fitted into a double flared conical antenna including a cylindrical, hybrid mode matching section. In various alternative compound constructions, materials of differing dielectric constants and geometrical shapes are arranged to facilitate a size and weight reduction of the inset and focus the incident wave front relative to the wave guide. In other embodiments, still lower density materials, including suspended metallic particulates are used.

Abstract: A small aperture horn antenna comprising an outer conical shell and interiorly of which are formed at least first and second conically flared, dielectric-coated stages of differing flare angles which are coupled to one another via an intermediate cylindrical stage. The dielectric coating is applied to form a uniformly smooth horn interior surface. Mountable to the antenna input aperture are various reflective and homogeneous dielectric refractive focusing lenses and to the output is a low noise waveguide converter. A remotely controlled, axial mount assembly enclosed in a gas-filled, roof mountable radome is also disclosed. Alternatively, the same antenna geometry may be used to transmit a directive electromagnetic wave.