Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a stable dispersion of nano-particles, comprising the steps: a) mixing a suspension of nano-particles with an aqueous solution of gelatine hydrolysate; and b) adding an aqueous solution of gelatine to the mixture. Furthermore, the invention relates to a stable dispersion of nano-particles as well as the use thereof.

Abstract: Multilayer pearlescent pigments comprising platelet-shaped transparent substrates provided with an optically active coating, where the optically active coating includes at least a) an absorbing high-index layer A having a refractive index n?1.8 b) a low-index layer B having a refractive index n<1.8 c) a high-index layer C having a refractive index n?1.8 and also d) optionally at least one outer protective layer D and where the multilayer pearlescent pigments have a cumulative frequency distribution of a volume-averaged size distribution function, with the indices D10, D50, D90 and a span ?D in a range from 0.7-1.4, the span ?D being calculated in accordance with formula (I) ?D=(D90?D10)/D50??(I). The disclosure further relates to a method for producing these multilayer pearlescent pigments, and also to their use.

Abstract: Multilayer pearlescent pigments comprising platelet-shaped transparent substrates provided with an optically active coating, where the coating includes at least (a) a nonabsorbing high-index layer A having a refractive index n?1.8, (b) a low-index layer B having a refractive index n<1.8, (c) a nonabsorbing high-index layer C having a refractive index n?1.8 and also (d) optionally at least one outer protective layer D where the pigments have a cumulative frequency distribution of a volume-averaged size distribution function, with the indices D10, D50, D90 and a span ?D in a range from 0.7-1.4, the span ?D being calculated in accordance with formula (I) ?D=(D90?D10)/D50??(I). The disclosure further relates to a method for producing these multilayer pearlescent pigments, and also to their use.

Abstract: A formaldehyde-free aqueous adhesive composition comprising (a) soy protein and (b) magnesium oxide or a mixture of magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide, wherein components (a) and (b) together constitute at least 50 weight percent of the composition, excluding the weight of the water.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel biolatex conjugate compositions and methods of production and use thereof. The novel biolatex conjugate compositions comprise a biopolymer-additive complex (prepared by co-extruding a biopolymer feedstock, at least one performance-enhancing additive, and at least one plasticizer under shear forces) reacted with a crosslinking agent under shear forces. The biolatex conjugate compositions exhibit enhanced performance properties for coated paper, paperboard, and other applications using extremely low levels of performance-enhancing additives.

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 dried distiller soluble based bioadhesive composition and method for producing the dried distiller soluble based bioadhesives are disclosed, as well as derivatives thereof. The produced dried distillers solubles derives from co-products of corn fermentation facilities, and is advantageously comprised in part of water-soluble proteins. The method for producing the dried distillers solubles generally involves separation and/or introduction of targeted constituents and/or physiochemical treatment to facilitate use as an adhesive. Use of the method and bioadhesive compositions disclosed herein will improve the economics of fermentation by increasing co-product value, reducing plant-wide energy utilization, decreasing waste and emissions, and increasing overall product yield from each bushel of corn consumed.

Abstract: A composite of one or more repeat sequence protein polymers and either one or more metal oxides or one or more plasticizers which alter the material properties of the repeat sequence protein polymers, including the morphology of the polymers as well as the elastic modulus and tensile strength. The morphology of the composite is aligned, generally parallel nanofibers.

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: The present invention provides a soy protein-based adhesive composition and a process for making the composition that may be used in particleboards and similar wood composite systems and that is formed from an aqueous mixture of calcium oxide, pine oil, protein, lignin, and acid. The preferred protein is an enzymatically-modified soy protein and the preferred enzyme is urease.

Abstract: A composite of one or more repeat sequence protein polymers and either one or more metal oxides or one or more plasticizers alters material properties of the repeat sequence protein polymers, including the morphology of the polymers as well as the elastic modulus and tensile strength. The morphology of the composite is aligned, generally parallel nanofibers.

Abstract: Paper coating formulations having a reduced level of binder and processes for their manufacture are disclosed. Specifically, the paper coating formulations comprise a paper coating pigment and a binder. The binder comprises a strongly associated adhesive material that can bind to the other components, such as pigments, that is less prone to depletion from paper coating formulations into a paper web during use.

Abstract: Additionally, a coating composition comprising gelatine, water and a metal and/or ceramic powder is used to form coating layers on selected materials.

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: Scratch-resistant nanocomposite materials contain at least one film-forming hydrophilic colloid and at least one ceramic nanoparticle material. In particular, the film-forming hydrophilic colloid may be a gelatin, and the ceramic nanoparticle material may be alumina. In another aspect, the invention relates to scratch-resistant imaging elements comprising a support and a layer comprising such a nanocomposite material. The nanocomposite layer may be employed as an imaging layer, or as a protective layer disposed between an imagining layer and the environment.

Abstract: A substrate treatment composition comprising a particulate substrate treating agent (other than precipitated calcium carbonate), wherein the particles of the substrate treating agent, such as silica, organosilane, aluminium oxide or hydroxide have a broad range of diameters and include at least some particles with a diameter greater than 0.9 &mgr;m and at least some particles with a diameter less than 0.5 &mgr;m. Suitable substrates include paper, fabrics, plastics and glass which are subsequently printed on.

Abstract: Scratch-resistant nanocomposite materials contain at least one film-forming hydrophilic colloid and at least one ceramic nanoparticle material. In particular, the film-forming hydrophilic colloid may be a gelatin, and the ceramic nanoparticle material may be alumina. In another aspect, the invention relates to scratch-resistant imaging elements comprising a support and a layer comprising such a nanocomposite material. The nanocomposite layer may be employed as an imaging layer, or as a protective layer disposed between an imagining layer and the environment.

Abstract: Coating foundry sand with a thin layer of an oxidation-promoting catalyst. Preferred catalysts comprise ferric and cupric oxides. The catalysts promote the oxidation of any polymeric binder or residues admixed with the sand. The sand is coated by wetting the grains with a solution of a catalyst precursor, drying the sand and baking the sand in air to convert the precursor to the catalyst.