Abstract: An efficient method and apparatus for making a compressed structural fiberboard from agricultural fibrous matter. The method and apparatus provides a conveyor having variable drives for carrying the agricultural fibrous matter; a hopper having variable drives for conditioning and delivering the agricultural fibrous matter to an extruder; the extruder having a cyclic ram with linear actuators and a floating plate to drive the cyclic ram between an extended position, wherein the agricultural fibrous matter is compacted into the compressed structural fiberboard, and a retracted position, wherein the agricultural fibrous matter is delivered to the extruder; synthetic oil heaters for heating the compressed structural fiberboard; a heat sink track cooler for cooling the compressed structural fiberboard; and a water jet cutting system for cutting the compressed structural fiberboard into individual boards.

Abstract: Solar cell substrates require high optical transparency, but also prefer high optical haze to increase the light scattering and consequently the absorption in the active materials. Unfortunately there is a tradeoff between these optical properties, which is exemplified by common transparent paper substrates exhibiting a transparency of about 90% yet a low optical haze (<20%). In this work we introduce a novel transparent paper made of wood fibers that display both ultra-high optical transparency (˜96%) and ultra-high haze (˜60%), thus delivering an optimal substrate design for solar cell devices. Compared to previously demonstrated nanopaper composed of wood-based cellulose nanofibers, our novel transparent paper has better dual performance in transmittance and haze, but also is fabricated at a much lower cost. This high-performance, low-cost transparent paper is a potentially revolutionary material that may influence a new generation of environmentally friendly printed electronics.

Abstract: A range of carbon materials can be produced using lignin in combination with synthetic phenolic resins or naturally occurring lingo-cellulosic materials. The lignin, which is essentially a naturally occurring phenolic resin, has a carbon yield on pyrolysis similar to that of the synthetic resins, which aids processing. The lignin can be used as a binder phase for synthetic resin or lignocellulosic materials allowing the production of monolithic carbons from a wide range of precursors, as the primary structural material where the thermal processing is modified by the addition of small quantities of synthetic resin materials or as structure modified in the production of meso/macro porous carbons in either bead, granular or monolithic form. A carbonised monolith is provided comprising mesoporous and/or macroporous carbon particles dispersed in a matrix of microporous carbon particles with voids between the particles defining paths for fluid to flow into and through the structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel additive formulation that is designed to inhibit and/or reverse phase separation in Ethanol Blended Fuels (EBFs). The additive may further have the characteristics of reducing friction, corrosion, and wear in internal combustion engines that run on EBFs. The fuel additive in accordance with the present invention is a formulation of hexylene glycol and boric acid. Minimization of phase separation and reduction of engine wear and degradation due to friction and deposit formation is expected to result in increased engine efficiency, extension of engine life, and reduction in repair and maintenance costs.

Abstract: Methods for making composite products are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the method can include combining a plurality of lignocellulose substrates, a free radical precursor, and a polyphenolic material to produce a mixture. The polyphenolic material can be in a liquid form, a solid form, or both when combined to produce the mixture. The method can also include maintaining the mixture at a temperature of less than 60° C. for at least 10 minutes while retaining at least 11 wt % of the free radical precursor charged to the mixture. The mixture can also include heating the mixture comprising at least 11 wt % of the free radical precursors charged to the mixture to a temperature of at least 60° C. to about 300° C. to produce a composite product.

Abstract: Hydraulically applied fiber matrix compositions for use on soils include a water-soluble, crosslinkable, hydratable gum, and a compound capable of crosslinking the water-soluble, crosslinkable, hydratable gum. The compositions may further include hydrocolloids and mulch. The hydraulically applied fiber matrix compositions are useful for hydroseeding and soil stabilization.

Abstract: A product is provided comprising at least one densified biomass particulate having a substantially smooth, non-flakey outer surface and containing no added binder, wherein said densified biomass particulate is comprised of a plurality of pretreated lignin-coated plant biomass fibers which contain a trace amount of base from pretreatment of said fibers. Methods for using and making the product are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various building materials used in the building and construction industry, and to buildings or objects constructed therefrom, and to methods of making these building materials. The building materials comprise a polymeric material, such as sodium alginate and/or calcium alginate which confers significant flame-, fire- and heat-resistance or imperviousness to the materials. Other substances can be added to the materials to improve cross-linking and/or to produce resistance to fungal degradation. The building materials which can be produced, processed, or treated using the alginate polymers of the invention include, but are not limited to, wood products; masonry products; wall, roofing, flooring and siding products; and paint products. Further, sodium alginate in the form of a gel may be used as a firebreak to effectively stop the advance of grass fires, wildfires, and forest fires.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispersion liquid containing fine cellulose fiber capable of uniform dispersion in an organic solution or resin and capable of use in electronic components. Further disclosed are a laminate body and a cellulose film obtained from fine cellulose fibers with improved water resistance. Further disclosed are a fine cellulose fiber dispersion liquid which forms a film as an undercoat of a base material, in particular of a base material made from naturally occurring materials such as polylactic acid, wherein said film has an improved adhesiveness with respect to said base material; and a laminate body using the same. The fine cellulose fiber dispersion liquid contains at least fine cellulose fibers, and either an ammonia or an organic alkali.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymer compositions comprising starch and articles made therefrom are water stable or may be rendered so. One method of making water stable thermoplastic compositions comprises the steps of mixing destructured starch with polyhydric alcohol and acid, and forming an ester condensation reaction product from at least a portion of the polyhydric alcohol and acid. In some embodiments, a pre-polymer formed from the ester condensation reaction may be provided as a pre-polymer that is mixed with the starch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition from which a biomass material can be obtained with low energy through simple processes and facilities. Also disclosed are a formed body (a cured body such as a molding and a particleboard) obtained from the composition and a method for producing the formed body. Specifically disclosed is a composition which is cured by applying heat/pressure thereto. The composition is characterized by being mainly composed of a plant-derived material in the form of powder or small pieces and a polycarboxylic acid. It is preferable that the composition additionally contains a sugar. The composition is useful as a composition for molding or a composition for wood bonding. A formed body can be produced by adding a polycarboxylic acid and a sugar in the form of a solution into a plant-derived material in the form of small pieces, and applying heat/pressure thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat-resistant material based on calcium hydrosilicate, a process for producing it and the use of the material as fire protection material or insulation material.

Abstract: Emulsions are provided which are useful in imparting water-resistance to lignocellulosic products. In one embodiment, the emulsions contain a nonsaponifiable wax, a saponified wax, an alkyl phenol component, a dispersant/surfactant such as a salt of polynaphthalenesulfonic acid, and a carboxymethylcellulose. Such emulsions may be added to hot, even boiling, water without the emulsion separating of curdling. Various embodiments are stable for extended periods of time when stored at room temperature, do not require the addition of a preservative biocide to avoid contributing to biodegradation in a lignocellulosic product. The emulsions are pourable liquids at room temperature. Optionally, the emulsions may be added to lignocellulosic products with a preservative to inhibit the preservative from leaching out.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous dispersion useful for internal sizing or surface sizing in the production of paper, comprising at least one cellulose reactive sizing agent selected from the group consisting of ketene dimers and multimers, at least one cellulose non-reactive sizing agent and at least one emulsifier selected from the group consisting of oxyalkylene phosphate and sulfate esters and salts thereof. The invention further concerns a process for its preparation, use thereof, and processes for the production of paper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrophobising system for paper or a similar fiber product, comprising (1) a ketene dimer, and (2) an alkenyl and/or alkyl succinic acid and/or a salt thereof. The invention additionally relates to a method for hydrophobising paper or a similar fiber product comprising adding a hydrophobising system defined above to fibers.

Abstract: A puncture preventive sealant capable of reducing the content of cellulose fibers for suppressing the cost of the sealant while keeping a high sealing performance due to the cellulose fibers. A sealant, which is filled in a sealant chamber defined in a tube adjacently to an air chamber, contains synthetic fibers and cellulose fibers in a solvent. The content of the synthetic fibers is in a range of from 75 to 90 wt % and the content of the cellulose fiber is in a range of from 25 to 10 wt %. Since the sealant is filled in the sealant chamber having a capacity significantly smaller than that of the air chamber, the separation of the synthetic fibers due to a centrifugal force substantially exert no adverse effect on the characteristics of the sealant. Accordingly, the content of the cellulose fibers can be set at such a minimum value so as to block a large puncture hole. As a result, it is possible to reduce the cost by reducing the content of the cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A composition that includes the reaction product of a lignin derivative and a reactant selected from the group consisting of alkylating agents, acylating agents, and combinations thereof, where the reaction product has a measurable cohesive strength, and a plasticizer in an amount sufficient to cause the composition to exhibit plastic deformation in response to an applied tensile stress.