Abstract: A binder has at least one isocyanate and at least one biopolymer mixed with water. The biopolymer may be a biopolymer nanoparticle or cooked and chemically modified starch. Optionally, the binder may also include urea. The biopolymer and water are mixed, and the isocyanate is added to the mixture. The binder may have a viscosity that is suitable for being sprayed on a substrate to make a composite material, for example a viscosity of 700 cP or less or 500 cP or less at 40° C. The substrate may be wood, another lignocellulosic material, or synthetic or natural fibers. In particular examples, the binder is used to make no added formaldehyde wood composites including particle board and fiberboard. Alternatively, the binder may have a higher viscosity and be used to make plywood.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separation material comprising porous polymer particles that comprise a styrene-based monomer as a monomer unit; and a coating layer that comprises a macromolecule having hydroxyl groups and covers at least a portion of the surface of the porous polymer particles, wherein the rupture strength is 10 mN or higher.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for manufacturing a fibrous yarn. An aqueous suspension having fibers and at least one rheology modifier is directed through at least one nozzle to form at least one fibrous yarn. The said nozzle is adapted to swirl the flow of the aqueous suspension around the main flow axis of the said nozzle. Then the aqueous suspension at the exit of the nozzle is merged with at least one annular flow comprising at least one cross linking reagent. Then the fibrous yarn is subjected to pressing mechanism. The pressing mechanism is adapted to dewater and twist the fibrous yarn. Finally, a fibrous yarn product having improved physical properties is produced.

Abstract: Provided are a biaxially stretched laminated polyester film and a laminated glass composed of the same. Specifically, the invention is achieved by a biaxially stretched laminated polyester film including 51 layers or more in total, in which a first layer and a second layer are alternately laminated, wherein a polyester (A) constituting the first layer is polyethylene-2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate; a polyester (B) constituting the second layer is a polyester containing at least one of an ethylene terephthalate component and an ethylene naphthalene dicarboxylate component; an average reflectance within a wavelength range of 400 to 750 nm is not more than 25%; an average reflectance within a wavelength range of 800 to 1,200 nm is 50% or more; and a Young's modulus of the film at 90° C. is 2,400 MPa or more in at least one direction of the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the film.

Abstract: Described herein are pharmaceutical enteric soft capsules that do not contain gelatin as a film-forming polymer. In particular, compositions and methods for manufacturing enteric soft capsules comprising carrageenans as film forming polymers are disclosed.

Abstract: Enteric soft capsules containing carrageenans as the film-forming polymer have been developed. The enteric soft capsules comprise iota carrageenan and kappa carrageenan, methacrylic acid copolymers, modifeid starch fillers, plasticizers, water, and other excipients. Such enteric soft capsules are stable at pH 1.2 for at least 2 hours and dissolve at pH 6.8 within about 30 minutes. Methods for manufacturing enteric soft capsules comprising carrageenans are also exemplified.

Abstract: A high-loft fabric fire barrier is constructed with a substrate comprised of a blend of non-woven flame retardant cellulosic fibers and thermoplastic polymeric fibers, and a layer of nanoclay material extending along and integrated with at least one of opposite surfaces of the substrate, and preferably along both of the opposite surfaces. The fire barrier is incorporated into the construction of upholstered or cushioned items and, in particular, into a mattress.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating a solid dosage form to improve the printability and abrasion resistance of a print to be produced on a surface of the solid dosage form, which includes treating the surface of the solid dosage form with a polyethylene glycol-containing aqueous solution before printing; a production method of a solid dosage form with a printed surface, which includes printing on the surface after the aforementioned treatment; and a solid dosage form having a print improved in abrasion resistance on its surface, which can be obtained by the aforementioned production method.

Abstract: Objective is to provide an aqueous composition for conductive coating which enables to form a conductive coating. In more specific embodiment, an object of the present invention is to provide an aqueous composition for conductive coating which enables to form a conductive and transparent coating, while being excellent in environmental safety and dispersion stability. An aqueous composition for conductive coating, comprising a water-soluble xylan, a resin and a carbon nanotube in an aqueous medium. The carbon nanotube may be a multilayer carbon nanotube or a single-layer carbon nanotube.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to the field of plant propagation. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for the propagation of vegetatively reproducing plants and plants and plant parts produced by such methods. The invention also provides encapsulated propagules. The invention also provides various end uses for the encapsulated propagules and for plants grown from the same. The invention also provides a method for the modification of the architecture of rhizomes and rhizomes having modified architecture and a method for the modification of the architecture of stem cuttings and stem cuttings having modified architecture. The invention also provides a coating for a propagule and a propagule coated therewith.

Abstract: A curable aqueous composition is disclosed comprising a carbohydrate, a crosslinking agent, and an amine base, wherein the curable aqueous composition has a pH adjusted by the amine base. Further disclosed is a method of forming a curable aqueous solution.

Abstract: Aqueous binder compositions with reduced rates of salt precipitation are described. The compositions may include a carbohydrate and a sequestrant for sequestering one or more multivalent ions (e.g., Ca2+, Mg2+, Ba2+, Al3+, Fe2+, Fe3+, etc.). The sequestrant reduces a precipitation rate for the multivalent ions from the aqueous binder composition. Methods of reducing salt precipitation from a binder composition are also described. The methods may include the steps of providing an aqueous binder solution having one or more carbohydrates. They may also include adding a sequestrant for one or more multivalent ions to the aqueous binder solution. The sequestrant reduces a precipitation rate for the multivalent ions from the binder composition.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a scalable and electrostretching approach for generating microfibers exhibiting uniaxial alignment from polymer solutions. Such microfibers can be generated from a variety of natural polymers or synthetic polymers. The hydrogel microfibers can be used for controlled release of bioactive agents. The internal uniaxial alignment exhibited by the presently disclosed fibers provides improved mechanical properties to microfibers, contact guidance cues and induces alignment for cells seeded on or within the microfibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for making synthetic polyisoprene latex and synthetic polyisoprene condoms. A process for making a compounded synthetic polyisoprene latex suitable for making a latex film comprises (a) compounding a synthetic polyisoprene latex with suitable compounding ingredients, (b) maturing the latex and optionally (c) storing the latex; characterized in that steps (a), (b) and (c) if included are carried out at a low temperature so as to minimize prevulcanization of the latex. Condoms can be made from latexes produced according to the process of the invention.

Abstract: A non-toxic, biodegradable, and water soluble adhesive made from a reduction of all natural substances. The adhesive is suited for gluing ornamental accessories to infants, children, young adults, adults or pets. The adhesive is further suited for temporarily attaching items to surfaces. The adhesive may comprise a reduction of a mixture comprising a syrup, a nectar, and a refined sugar.

Abstract: A substantially non-elastic incompressible composition, which substantially does not quickly self-level under standard operating conditions, includes: a suspending agent which reacts substantially as a solid when subjected to forces below a critical force, and which becomes substantially flowable when subjected to forces above said critical force. Aspects include compositions comprising one or more of ceramic microparticulates, flexible-walled microparticulates, celled macroparticulates, and fibers dispersed within the suspending agent, and energy absorbing applications thereof. Another aspect comprises thin-walled macrospheres containing a substantially non-elastic incompressible composition.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising a building panel such as ceiling tile for example includes, in addition to any by-product perlite fines, additional perlite fines in an amount sufficient to improve the fire resistance of the building panel over the fire resistance of the building panel without the additional perlite fines. In one aspect, the additional perlite fines can comprise at least approximately 3.5% perlite fines by weight. In another aspect, the additional perlite fines can have an average diameter of approximately 23 microns or less. Methods of manufacture related to the building panel also are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the manufacture of fibrous yarn including the steps, where an aqueous suspension including fibers and at least one rheology modifier is provided, followed by directing the suspension through at least one nozzle, to form at least one yarn, and then dewatering the yarn.

Abstract: Aqueous binder compositions with reduced rates of salt precipitation are described. The compositions may include a carbohydrate and a sequestrant for sequestering one or more multivalent ions (e.g., Ca2+, Mg2+, Ba2+, Al3+, Fe2+, Fe3+, etc.). The sequestrant reduces a precipitation rate for the multivalent ions from the aqueous binder composition. Methods of reducing salt precipitation from a binder composition are also described. The methods may include the steps of providing an aqueous binder solution having one or more carbohydrates. They may also include adding a sequestrant for one or more multivalent ions to the aqueous binder solution. The sequestrant reduces a precipitation rate for the multivalent ions from the binder composition.

Abstract: A method of re-circulating washwater used to clean production components for the manufacture of fibrous insulation, e.g. fiberglass is disclosed. The method includes providing a bulk washwater recovery loop to re-circulate washwater used to clean the downstream air components, as well as a separate hoodwall washwater recovery loop to re-circulate hoodwall washwater. Re-circulated hoodwall washwater may be used to clean the forming hood components and for preparation of binder dispersions. In the latter case, the pH of the hoodwall washwater is measured and the binder dispersion may be prepared with 100% hoodwall washwater, 100% makeup water, or a blend of each depending on and in response to the pH measurement.

Abstract: A composition comprising starch, a biogum and water subjected to heat, shearing and optionally depolymerization is provided which is useful as a stable high solids dispersion useful in various applications including as wet-end additives for paper making.

Abstract: This invention concerns a biopolymer consisting of a polysaccharide composed of galactose (50-90%), glucose (1-25%), mannose (1-25%) and rhamnose (0.5-20%), which may additionally contain, in trace amounts, xylose, fucose, ribose, arabinose and/or fructose. The galactose-rich polymer also contains non-saccharide components, namely, acyl groups. This invention also concerns a process for the production of the galactose-rich polymer, by microbial fermentation using glycerol or glycerol-rich substrates as carbon source, and recovery of the polymer from the culture broth. From the process for the production of the galactose-rich polymer results the co-production of intracellular biopolymers, namely, polyhydroxyalkanoates.

Abstract: A water-based non-permanent adhesive solution composition comprised of water, gum arabic powder, sodium benzoate, citric acid and denatured alcohol capable of being applied directly to the thumb and playing fingers for players of stringed instruments including, but not limited to, banjos, steel guitars, and Dobros. When applied to the thumb and playing fingers the solution quickly and safely binds the picks to the skin to prevent the picks from slipping or falling off during prolonged periods of play.

Abstract: There is provided a cellulose ester film comprising at least one plasticizer and satisfying the following expressions (1) to (5); |Re|?5 nm (1); 50 nm<Rth<300 nm (2); 25 ?m?d?65 ?m (3); 1×10?3?Rth/d?4×10?3 (4); 3.8 GPa<E?<5.0 GPa (5); wherein Re represents a retardation value in an in-plane direction; Rth represents a retardation value in a thickness direction; d represents a film thickness; and E? represents an elastic modulus of the film.

Abstract: Composition (C) for coating ingestible solid forms, comprising, per 100% of its mass—from 10% to 90% of a graft copolymer of polyvinyl alcohol and of polyethers (Pi), and—from 10% to 90% by mass of an auxiliary coating agent, characterized in that a non-zero mass proportion of said auxiliary agent is polydextrose. Processes for the preparation and use thereof.

Abstract: A bonding composition for insulation products based on mineral wool, notably of glass or of rock, includes at least one reducing saccharide, at least one hydrogenated saccharide, and at least one polyfunctional crosslinking agent.

Abstract: Biodegradable single-phase cohesive hydrogels useful, e.g., for the formulation of viscosupplementation compositions or compositions for filling wrinkles, contain a homogeneous blend of x polymers, which may be identical or different, crosslinked prior to the interpenetration thereof by mixing in the form of a single-phase hydrogel, wherein such crosslinked polymers are insoluble in water and miscible with one another, and x ranges from 2 to 5; in one embodiment, the hydrogels are such that the x polymers have identical or different degrees of crosslinking, at least one of the x polymers having a degree of crosslinking x1 and at least one of the x polymers having a degree of crosslinking x2, with x1 being greater than or equal to x2.

Abstract: A water retention agent for a cementitious composition, characterized in that it takes the form of a liquid aqueous suspension of at least one polysaccharide at a mass concentration of between 15 and 30% in an aqueous solution of a strong base salt, excluding ammonium salts, with an anionic strength of between 1.25 mol/L and 15 mol/L, having a pH greater than 9 and containing an attapulgite in micronized form and at least one non-phyllitic mineral powder, referred to hereafter as filler, which is chemically inert in the aqueous suspension and which has a grain size of between 0.1 and 100 micrometers, the aqueous suspension being stable at least in a temperature range of between 5° C. and 30° C. The water retention agent is suitable for increasing both the viscosity and the water retention capacity of cementitious compositions without affecting the spreading ability thereof.

Abstract: A non-toxic, biodegradable, and water soluble adhesive made from a reduction of all natural substances. The adhesive is suited for gluing ornamental accessories to infants, children, young adults, adults or pets. The adhesive is further suited for temporarily attaching items to surfaces. The adhesive may comprise a reduction of a mixture comprising a syrup, a nectar, and a refined sugar.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly, bio-based binder system that is useful for the formation of fiberglass insulation, the system includes: A) an aqueous curable binder composition, which includes a carbohydrate and a crosslinking agent; and B) a dedust composition, which includes a blown, stripped plant-based oil and optionally at least one emulsifying agent. The bio-based binder system is typically heated to form a cured binder system.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel photo-generated carbohydrate arrays and methods of their use to detect the presence of one or more agents in a sample. The invention also relates to a high-throughput strategy to facilitate the identification and immunological characterization of pathogen-specific carbohydrates, including those of Bacillus anthracis. The invention can be used to determine the presence of a pathogen and whether a subject has been exposed to a pathogen, such as by screening for pathogen-specific antibodies.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting deposition of multivalent saturated fatty acids on paper sizing equipment and/or devices which use a paper surface sizing composition containing higher starch solids levels of surface sizing starches and a source of multivalent cations, such as a multivalent metal drying salt, by including (wholly or partially) one or more low fatty acid surface sizing starches in the paper surface sizing composition. Also, a paper surface sizing system for carrying out this method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light, biodegradable, organic pigment and filler, and a method of manufacturing it. According to the present invention, a solution comprising a starch derivative is first prepared by dissolving the starch derivative into a suitable solvent, and, after that, the solution is brought into contact with a non-solvent to precipitate the starch derivative from the solvent, and, as a result, a dispersion is obtained, one which comprises a precipitate consisting of starch derivative and a liquid phase formed of the solvent and the non-solvent, after which the solvent is removed from the liquid phase and the precipitate is separated from the non-solvent and recovered. The present invention can be used to manufacture both a product comprising 100-300 nm spherical particles, which is suitable for use as a pigment, and a coral-like, porous product which is particularly suitable as a filler.

Abstract: Solutions formed by combining poly(?(1?3) glucan) with CS2 in aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution have been shown to produce the xanthated form of the poly(+(1?3) glucan). The solutions so formed have been shown to be useful for solution spinning into fiber of poly(?(1?3) glucan) when the spun fiber is coagulated in an acidic coagulation bath. The fibers so produced exhibit desirable physical properties. The poly(?(1?3) glucan) employed was synthesized by fermentation.

Abstract: A sterile biofilm could be engineered to isolate the glue-like substance while eliminating the adverse properties of the bacteria. The resulting sterile glue-like substance would be used to help the cells stick to the support structure. The engineered biofilm could be added to the support structure in the laboratory that produces the support structure or just prior to the addition of the cells by the user. Alternatively, the biofilm and support structure could be combined intra-corporally. This biofilm also could be used as an independent polysaccharide based adhesive with mild to moderate adhesion forces. The biofilm could serve as a surgical adhesion or grouting for cells, for tissue fixation (soft tissue to soft tissue, soft tissue to bone, etc.) and as a sealant. The biofilm could be used in conjunction with other implants and devices. The biofilm could be used to coat a stent.

Abstract: The present invention describes a fungal modified chitosan adhesive for binding a fibrous material and the method of producing the adhesive. The adhesive is produced by providing a chitosan containing raw material; a fungal growing medium; a fungal culture; mixing the raw material, the growing medium and the fungal culture together to produce a suspension; incubating the suspension to produce a broth comprising a modified chitosan solid, an at least partially-consumed medium liquid and a fungal residue; separating the modified chitosan solid from the liquid and the fungal residue, and dissolving the modified chitosan solid to produce the adhesive resin.

Abstract: A film forming composition and a polymeric film or coating comprising hemicellulose and at least one component selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, cellulose, and an oligomer or polymer, is disclosed, said polymeric film or coating further comprising at least one additive/reactant increasing the liquid/moisture resistance and mixed with and/or reacting with the hemicellulose and said at least one component before or in conjunction with the forming of the film or coating. The use of said film or coating is also disclosed. Further, a method for the manufacture of said polymeric film or coating is disclosed, as well as a method for improving the liquid/moisture resistance of hemicellulose. Said at least one additive/reactant increasing the liquid/moisture resistance is either a cross-linking agent or a hydrophobizing agent. In another preferred embodiment the additive is a 2:1 layered phyllosilicate. The additive forms a nanocomposite with the hemicellulose as a matrix.

Abstract: A composition for a reduced viscosity hydrophobic thickener system for thickening a polymer-containing aqueous system, a method for providing a reduced viscosity thickener system for a polymer-containing aqueous system, and a method for increasing the viscosity of a polymer-containing aqueous system are disclosed.

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: Bioplastics including an oligosaccharide, a plasticizer, and an additive are described. Such bioplastics display advantageous attributes including tensile strength that can be tailored for particular uses. Processes for obtaining such bioplastics are also described.

Abstract: The water dispersibility of water-soluble polymer particles can be improved by a method which comprises the following step: i) foaming a fluid composition comprising a compound A) having a weight average molecular weight of less than 10,000 or a water-insoluble polymer B) having a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000; ii) contacting the produced foam with water-soluble polymer particles having a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000; and iii) drying the particles, whereby the foam collapses during the contacting and/or drying step and the water-soluble polymer particles are encrusted with the compound having a weight average molecular weight of less than 10,000 or the water-insoluble polymer having a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sizing composition that, when applied to paper substrate, creates a substrate, preferably suitable for inkjet printing, having increased print density, and print mottle, as well as print sharpness, low HST, and/or image dry time, the substrate preferably having high brightness and reduced color-to-color bleed as well. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of reducing the HST of a paper substrate by applying the sizing composition to at least one surface thereof. Further, the application relates to methods of making and using the sizing composition, as well as methods of making and using the paper containing the sizing composition.

Abstract: Cement compositions comprising carboxylated inulin and methods of using the same to cement a workspace. In one embodiment, a method of cementing includes providing a cement composition comprising a carboxylated inulin, for example, in a subterranean formation. The method further includes allowing the cement composition to set. In some embodiments, the cement composition has a thickening time of from about 2 hours to about 11 hours. In other embodiments, the cement composition has a viscosity that is about constant for a period of time after the cement composition is placed.

Abstract: Exopolysaccharides, preferably obtained by fermenting bacteria from deep hydrothermal ecosystems, serve as agents for preventing the formation of unwanted biofilms on a surface. A method for protecting a surface by preventing the formation of the primary film leading to unwanted biofilms, includes placing the surface in contact with at least one exopolysaccharide, or grafting the exopolysaccharide onto the surface. A method for modifying the physical properties of a surface such that the adhesion of an unwanted bacterial biofilm to the surface is reduced is also described.

Abstract: A method for adhering a medical device to biological tissue includes adhering an adhesive composition having a plurality of reactive members of a specific binding pair to tissue which has a plurality of complementary reactive members of the specific binding pair via click chemistry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing chill haze in a protein containing liquid (especially beverages resulting from fermentation such as beer and wine) by contacting the liquid with silica microgels having an average microgel diameter of at least 18 nm, more preferably at least 45 nm, and most preferably at least 70 nm. It has now been discovered that microgels having an average microgel diameter of less than about 18 nm do not adequately reduce chill haze of a protein containing liquid. In particular, while microgels having an average microgel diameter of less than about 18 nm cause the coagulation of haze-forming components, these components remain suspended in liquid and continue to cause haze despite allowing the liquid to settle for long periods of time.

Abstract: A binder comprising a polymeric binder comprising the products of a carbohydrate reactant and nucleophile is disclosed. The binder is useful for consolidating loosely assembled matter, such as fibers. Fibrous products comprising fibers in contact with a carbohydrate reactant and a nucleophile are also disclosed. The binder composition may be cured to yield a fibrous product comprising fibers bound by a cross-linked polymer. Further disclosed are methods for binding fibers with the carbohydrate reactant and polyamine based binder.

Abstract: The water dispersibility of water-soluble polymer particles can be improved by a method which comprises the following step: i) foaming a fluid composition comprising a compound A) having a weight average molecular weight of less than 10,000 or a water-insoluble polymer B) having a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000; ii) contacting the produced foam with water-soluble polymer particles having a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000; and iii) drying the particles, whereby the foam collapses during the contacting and/or drying step and the water-soluble polymer particles are encrusted with the compound having a weight average molecular weight of less than 10,000 or the water-insoluble polymer having a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000.

Abstract: The invention relates to enamine resins which are the reaction products of a) an acetoacetylated resin, and a C1-C20 alkyl amine or a mixture of C1-C20 alkyl amines. The acetoacetylated resin is the reaction product of a polyol having 4 or more hydroxyl groups; and at least one acetoacetate. The invention also relates to an acetoacetylated resin which is the reaction product of a polyol having 4 or more hydroxyl groups and at least one acetoacetate, where a portion of the hydroxyl groups of the polyol are replaced by acetoacetate groups and the remaining hydroxyl groups are replaced by a saturated monofunctional carboxylic acid ester, unsaturated monofunctional carboxylic acid ester, or a mixture thereof; as well as to enamine resins prepared from these acetoacetylated resins. The invention also relates to curable coating compositions containing such resins or a mixture of those resins, at least one metallic drier compound; and optionally one or more solvents.

Abstract: A bonding composition for insulation products based on mineral wool, notably of glass or of rock, includes at least one reducing saccharide, at least one hydrogenated saccharide, and at least one polyfunctional crosslinking agent.