Abstract: The present invention includes a method for dissolving cellulose comprising dissolving cellulose in an ionic liquid and a co-solvent, wherein the ionic liquid is an imidazolium-based ionic liquid with, e.g., a halide or acetate as the anion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of removing lignin from a material by associating the material with a deep eutectic solvent (DES) that includes at least one hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and at least one hydrogen bond donor (HBD). The methods of the present disclosure may also include one or more steps of heating the solvent-associated material, separating the material from the solvent, drying the material, washing the material, and/or processing the material. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to delignified materials that are formed in accordance with the methods of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the preparation of chitin nanocrystals, nanowhiskers, or both directly from a raw chitinous biomass without the prior isolation of a raw chitin polymer using an ionic liquid comprising: drying the raw chitinous biomass; and extracting in a single step a purified chitin by hydrolyzing with an ionic liquid from a raw, unpurified chitinous biomass, wherein the chitin nanocrystals and nanowhiskers comprise at least one of a high aspect ratio, are highly crystalline, or have high thermal stability.

Abstract: The present invention includes a bioplastic and a method of making a bioplastic comprising the steps of: dissolving a low quality cellulose biomass in a solvent, wherein low quality is defined as having little to no textile value; regenerating cellulose fibers by removing the solvent; plasticizing the cellulose fibers in the presence of a polyol into a plasticized film; and hot pressing the plasticized film into the bioplastic.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for dissolving cellulose comprising dissolving cellulose in an ionic liquid and a co-solvent, wherein the ionic liquid is an imidazolium-based ionic liquid with, e.g., a halide or acetate as the anion.

Abstract: The present invention includes composition and methods for a core matrix comprising a dissolved cellulose fiber of, e.g., high molecular weight (DP>5000) or microcrystalline cellulose of low molecular weight (DP: 150-300), printed into a two or three dimensional pattern; a conductive material comprising a carbon nanotube or graphene oxide disposed on or about the cellulose fiber or microcrystalline cellulose; and an enhancer or stabilizer that stabilizes the dissolved cellulose or microcrystalline cellulose disrupted during a printing process, wherein the conductive material and the cellulose or microcrystalline cellulose forms one or more features in or on the cellulose fiber or microcrystalline cellulose.

Abstract: The present invention includes composition and methods for a core matrix comprising a dissolved cellulose fiber of, e.g., high molecular weight (DP>5000) or microcrystalline cellulose of low molecular weight (DP: 150-300), printed into a two or three dimensional pattern; a conductive material comprising a carbon nanotube or graphene oxide disposed on or about the cellulose fiber or microcrystalline cellulose; and an enhancer or stabilizer that stabilizes the dissolved cellulose or microcrystalline cellulose disrupted during a printing process, wherein the conductive material and the cellulose or microcrystalline cellulose forms one or more features in or on the cellulose fiber or microcrystalline cellulose.

Abstract: The stickiness of cotton is determined by testing a cotton sample at two or more temperatures. Sticky deposits are recorded at a lower temperature, preferably 27° C. or 34° C., to detect the trehalulose-rich honeydews droplets. Then, the sample is subjected to a higher temperature, preferably 54° C., to detect the non trehalulose-rich honeydew droplets and physiological sugars. By comparing the results at these two temperatures, an accurate grading system for cotton may be produced which can help growers and spinners accurately identify different types of cotton and determine processing problems.

Abstract: The stickiness of cotton is determined by testing a cotton sample at two or more temperatures. Sticky deposits are recorded at a lower temperature, preferably 27° C. or 34° C., to detect the trehalulose-rich honeydews droplets. Then, the sample is subjected to a higher temperature, preferably 54° C., to detect the non trehalulose-rich honeydew droplets and physiological sugars. By comparing the results at these two temperatures, an accurate grading system for cotton may be produced which can help growers and spinners accurately identify different types of cotton and determine processing problems.