Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable polyamide fiber. The present invention also discloses a method for obtaining such fiber and articles made therefrom. The biodegradable polyamide fiber of the invention can be obtained by adding a biodegradation agent during the melt-spinning extrusion of a specific polyamide described below.

Abstract: Crude glycerol obtained from raw materials, such as the glycerol obtained during the production of biodiesel or glycerol obtained during the conversion of fats or oils, is purified by forming a dioxolane therefrom by reacting the crude glycerol with a ketone or aldehyde, separating the dioxolane thus formed, converting the dioxolane into purified glycerol and ketone/aldehyde, and recovering the glycerol thus purified.

Abstract: Processes for the purification of crude glycerol obtained as a by-product of industrial processes, such as saponification, hydrolysis and transesterification with low chain alcohols of natural oils and fats, is described. Purified glycerol can also be obtained from the treatment of crude glycerol obtained as a by-product of biodiesel production from vegetable oils and animal fats.

Abstract: The present invention generally concerns a treatment process for crude alkaline glycerol obtained as a by-product of transesterification reaction of natural oils and fats with lower alcohols. The present invention particularly concerns the treatment of crude alkaline glycerol obtained as a by-product of the biodiesel production from vegetable oils and animal fats using organic alkyl carboxylic acids or their aqueous solution, comprising the steps of: (a) acidification of the crude alkaline glycerol stock to pH in the range of about 4 to about 6, particularly 4 to 5, with organic alkyl carboxylic acids, in the presence of water in the range from about 5% to about 50%, particularly 15 to 30%, in weight with respect to the weight of the crude alkaline glycerol stock; (b) separating the formed free fatty acids, for instance by flotation; (c) removing the alcohol present in the acidified crude glycerol stock, for instance by distillation; (d) separating the acidic glycerol.

Abstract: Crude glycerol obtained from raw materials, such as the glycerol obtained during the production of biodiesel or glycerol obtained during the conversion of fats or oils, is purified by forming a dioxolane therefrom by reacting the crude glycerol with a ketone or aldehyde, separating the dioxolane thus formed, converting the dioxolane into purified glycerol and ketone/aldehyde, and recovering the glycerol thus purified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of fire-resistant threads, fibres, filaments and textile articles from a thermoplastic matrix, whereby at least one fire-retardant agent and/or a composition comprising at least one fire-retardant agent is deposited on the threads, fibres and/or filaments during transport in the course of the production thereof.