Abstract: A hydratable, highly absorbent keratin solid fiber or powder capable of absorbing a large weight excess of water may be produced by partially oxidizing hair keratin disulfide bonds to sulfonic acid residues and reacting the sulfonic acid residues with a cation. The neutralized suspension can be filtered, washed, and dried, leaving keratin solid which can be shredded into fibers and further ground into powder. Addition of water to the solid produces a hydrogel. The powder or hydrogel may be useful as an absorbent material, as a therapeutic for skin, or as an excipient. The keratin materials can be incorporated into nonwoven films. The hydrogel can be used as a biocompatible viscoelastic filler for implant applications. Another use for the absorbent keratin and keratin hydrogel is as an excipient in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: A method of using an exhaust flow simulation system to test the effects of exhaust system conditions on various materials. A typical exhaust flow simulator is a burner-based system, in which exhaust from burner combustion is exhausted through an exhaust line. A “test coupon” of the material may be placed at an appropriate location in the flow line, and tested to determine how it is affected by the exhaust resulting from various fuels and additives.

Abstract: A rapid setting, controlled low strength composition of Class C fly ash is provided having a quantity of hydrated lime and an iron chelating compound in an amount sufficient to accelerate the hydration and set time of the fly ash. In some examples, a filler material is added. A method for acceleration of the hydration and set time of a cementitious mixture is provided wherein hydrated lime is added to the cementitious mixture in an amount in the range of 0.1% to 15% by weight and an iron chelating compound in an amount in the range of 0.01% to 5.0% by weight of the cementitious material. Further, a calcium source and an iron chelating compound may be added to a Class C fly ash to accelerate the hydration and set time of the ash.

Abstract: Cementitious compositions comprising pozzolonic materials, alkaline earth metals, and a catalyst to catalyze the reaction between the pozzolonic materials and the alkaline earth metals.

Abstract: A keratin hydrogel-filled implantable prosthetic device. One device is a breast implant for augmenting or reconstructing a human breast including an envelope containing a keratin hydrogel. One keratin hydrogel is formed from a solid precursor which forms a keratin hydrogel upon addition of water. One source of keratin is human hair. In one method, an envelope suitable for implantation and a solid keratin hydrogel precursor are provided. The solid can be in fibrous or powder form. The solid precursor can be inserted into the envelope interior. A small incision near the breast can be made and the envelope inserted into the incision. After insertion, water can be injected into the envelope interior, preferably through the incision and through a self-sealing port in the envelope. In one method, the implant is provided as a kit, with the envelope and keratin hydrogel provided. The hydrogel can be injected into the envelope either before or after insertion into the breast area.