Abstract: The present disclosure provides a process for the synthesis of bio-based formaldehyde-free wood adhesive with lignin and cellulose derived bio-oil which can be generated from the fractionation/liquefaction of lignocellulose biomass such as agricultural and forestry wastes. Curable groups are introduced onto the bio oil through functionalization reaction with cyclic anhydrides such as maleic anhydride, citric anhydride, phthalic anhydride, succinic anhydride, methyl succinic anhydride. Wood adhesives are formulated with the functionalized bio oil by addition of water and curing agents. Two-ply plywood samples were prepared following the ASTM International Standard 2017, D2339-98 and cured on a hot press between 190-200° C. for 3-4 min under 3 MPa pressure. The plywood samples have dry and wet strengths in the range of up to 3.5 MPa with over 80% wood failure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cost-effective process for catalytic conversion of simple C6-based sugars (such as glucose and fructose) and industrial-grade sugar syrups derived from starch (such as different grades of High Fructose Corn Syrup) and cellulosic biomass to 5-HydroxyMethylFurfural (5-HMF) in a continuous-flow tubular reactor in bi-phasic media using inexpensive heterogeneous solid catalysts. Commercial and synthesized heterogeneous solid catalysts were used and their activities in terms of sugar conversion and HMF selectivity and yield were compared. Continuous dehydration of fructose, glucose and industrial-grade sugar syrups derived from corn and wood to HMF was achieved and the stability of selected catalysts and feasibility of catalyst recycling and regeneration were demonstrated.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a process for the synthesis of bio-based formaldehyde-free wood adhesive with lignin and cellulose derived bio-oil which can be generated from the fractionation/liquefaction of lignocellulose biomass such as agricultural and forestry wastes. Curable groups are introduced onto the bio oil through functionalization reaction with cyclic anhydrides such as maleic anhydride, citric anhydride, phthalic anhydride, succinic anhydride, methyl succinic anhydride. Wood adhesives are formulated with the functionalized bio oil by addition of water and curing agents. Two-ply plywood samples were prepared following the ASTM International Standard 2017, D2339-98 and cured on a hot press between 190-200° C. for 3-4 min under 3 MPa pressure. The plywood samples have dry and wet strengths in the range of up to 3.5 MPa with over 80% wood failure.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a process for liquefaction of hydrolysis residue of lignocellulosic biomass, original lignocellulosic biomass or municipal solid waste in alcohol-water media at alkaline conditions, for the production of low-Mw bio-oils. The disclosed process is characterized in that it works for the direct liquefaction of the biomass, and operates under mild conditions (<300° C. and <10 MPa) employing alkali compounds as catalysts (NaOH, KOH, CaO, Na2CO3, K2CO3, Ca(OH)2 or Ba(OH)2). The process is further characterized in that it employs mixed solvents (glycerol-water, ethylene-glycol, water, glycerol-alcohol-water or ethylene-glycol-alcohol water), where all solvents are recyclable and reusable. The low-Mw bio-oils from hydrolysis residue of lignocellulosic biomass, original lignocellulosic biomass or municipal solid waste can be utilized as a liquid bio-fuel or bio-based chemicals for the production of various bio-based materials.

Abstract: Polyether (meth)acrylates based on cyanuric acid or substituted cyanuric acid and multifunctional alcohol, which optionally include triethanolamine units, have wide applications in UV curable adhesives, coatings, inks, sealants, paints or 3D printing. These polyether acrylates have rigid cyanurate structure endowing the material with extra strength and thermal stability. Furthermore, triethanolamine unit, when present, endows the material with anti-oxygen inhibition property in UV curing process. These polyether (meth)acrylates have low viscosity and high reactivity towards UV curing. The cured resins have high resilience and strength.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cost-effective process for catalytic conversion of simple C6-based sugars (such as glucose and fructose) and industrial-grade sugar syrups derived from starch (such as different grades of High Fructose Corn Syrup) and cellulosic biomass to 5-HydroxyMethylFurfural (5-HMF) in a continuous-flow tubular reactor in bi-phasic media using inexpensive heterogeneous solid catalysts. Commercial and synthesized heterogeneous solid catalysts were used and their activities in terms of sugar conversion and HMF selectivity and yield were compared. Continuous dehydration of fructose, glucose and industrial-grade sugar syrups derived from corn and wood to HMF was achieved and the stability of selected catalysts and feasibility of catalyst recycling and regeneration were demonstrated.

Abstract: A resin composition containing the reaction product of a 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) produced in-situ from e.g., glucose and a phenolic compound. Phenolic compounds include phenol, cardanol and bio-phenol. The resin is heat-curable using cross-linking agents such as tetraethylammonium chloride or lignin, etc.

Abstract: A resin composition containing the reaction product of a 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) produced in-situ from e.g., glucose and a phenolic compound. Phenolic compounds include phenol, cardanol and bio-phenol. The resin is heat-curable using cross-linking agents such as tetraethylammonium chloride or lignin, etc.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of arborescent polymers comprises epoxidation of a first polymer and grafting thereto a second polymer having groups reactive to the epoxide groups on the first polymer. The epoxidation and grafting steps can be repeated. In an additional embodiment, the present invention provides a one-pot method for the synthesis of arborescent polymers. In a reaction pot, a first polymer is copolymerized and then reacted with an activating compound in order to generate a polyfunctional macroinitiator. Monomers are then added to the reaction pot, the monomers having functional groups reactive towards reactive sites on the first polymer.