Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating surfaces by enzymatic reaction of a biopolymer, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) applying an enzyme to the surface of a substrate, and b) contacting the enzyme with the biopolymer to be deposited, wherein the enzyme cleaves the biopolymer, wherein the cleavage gives rise to at least two cleavage products of the biopolymer having different solubility in a solvent, and at least one cleavage product of the biopolymer having relatively low solubility is deposited on the surface of the substrate, and to a coated article obtainable by the method and to a coating composition comprising a biopolymer and at least one component selected from the group comprising binders, fillers, pigments and/or additives, and optionally a solvent.

Abstract: A dried distiller soluble based biopolymer, processes for forming the biopolymer, and articles of manufacture thereof. The produced dried distillers solubles derives from co-products of corn fermentation facilities and is comprised in part of water-soluble proteins. A biopolymer consists essentially of dried distillers solubles, and an article of manufacture includes a biopolymer consisting of dried distillers solubles and an optional additive. The process of forming dried distiller solubles involves separating whole stillage into a liquid fraction and a solid fraction, wherein the liquid fraction comprises water soluble proteins in an amount greater than the solid fraction, and wherein the solid fraction has a higher solid content than the liquid fraction. The liquid fraction is sprayed at an elevated temperature to remove at least a portion of moisture in the liquid fraction and form particles and granules of the liquid fraction.

Abstract: A method and material for paving a surface, such as a dirt trail, is disclosed. The method includes obtaining raw chert material which is composed primarily of particles of gravel, sand, and clay obtained from a quarry or mine, and which has been screened to remove particles of a size of one inch or more. The screened chert is mixed to achieve consistency of the material, then mixed with a predetermined quantity of an aqueous enzyme solution. The aqueous enzyme solution contains an enzyme fluid mixed with water in the ratio of 0.02 to 5 gallons of enzyme fluid to 400 to 1000 gallons of water. The material-solution mix is than applied to a surface in layers and compacted to achieve a finished thickness of about 6 to 10 inches. After a delay of 48 hours, the paved surface is usable by equipment and vehicles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a print medium for high speed, digital inkjet printing, which has high brightness and is resistant to yellowing. The print medium includes a base paper formed from a fiber furnish containing at least 30% by weight of mechanical pulp, and a coating layer formed on at least one surface of the base paper. The coating layer contains a metallic salt, a combination of two different binders at a predetermined ratio, and at least one inorganic pigment. A method of making the print medium is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improvement in a mixture for forming into a body that is to be fired into a “whiteware ceramic product” wherein the mixture is a compound of clay and other minerals with a ferric oxide content of less than about 5.0% by weight of the dry mixture. The improvement includes adding to the mixture a binder in the form of a combination of protein and a vegetable flour with an equivalent gram strength of at least 30 grams and a protein content of 20-50% of the binder, where the binder is in the range of 0.05% to 0.50% by weight of the dry mixture.

Abstract: The invention concerns lake compositions based on natural macromolecules (gelatin, chitosan, pectine etc.) with possible additions of vinyl polymers, metal-alcoxides etc., characterized by a barrier effect modulated in situ, in particular as a function of the relative humidity in the exterior ambient.

Abstract: In order to provide grease, oil and wax resistance to a paper substrate, a coating containing a binder, a filler material and calcium carbonate is used. The coating of the invention is essentially free from fluorocarbons, which are considered harmful to human and animal populations, and surfactants and other chemicals which may alter the color of the coated paper. The coated paper has a GE brightness level between approximately 50 and approximately 90, while providing superior grease, oil and wax resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a kaolin composition having nanosize dimensions. At least about 75% of the kaolin particles by weight have an equivalent spherical diameter (esd) of less than about 0.25 ?m. The kaolin can also have a particle size distribution wherein at least about 99% of the particles by weight have an esd of less than about 2 ?m, and/or wherein at least about 98% of the particles by weight have an esd of less than about 1 ?m, and/or wherein at least about 97% of the particles by weight have an esd of less than about 0.5 ?m. The kaolin can have a mean diameter ranging from about 0.075 ?m to about 0.2 ?m, and a shape factor of about 30 or less.

Abstract: A composition for surface treatment of paper which includes a nanoparticle fraction, and a carrier fraction for detaining the nanoparticles in the surface layer. The carrier fraction includes plate-like pigment particles, and at least one binder. The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing the composition and to its use.

Abstract: A biodegradable thermoplastic material comprising a natural polymer, a plasticizer and an exfoliated clay having a layered structure and a cation exchange capacity of from 30-250 milliequivalents per 100 grams and a process of preparing a biodegradable thermoplastic material comprising preparing a suspension of clay, combining said suspension with a natural polymer and a plasticizer and extruding the resultant composition at a temperature of 35-200° C.

Abstract: In order to provide grease, oil and wax resistance to a paper substrate, a coating containing a binder, a filler material and calcium carbonate is used. The coating of the invention is essentially free from fluorocarbons, which are considered harmful to human and animal populations, and surfactants and other chemicals which may alter the color of the coated paper. The coated paper has a GE brightness level between approximately 50 and approximately 90, while providing superior grease, oil and wax resistance.