Abstract: Highly efficient and universal biomass conversion methods are described. Methods utilize a base-catalyzed decarboxylation reaction in a conversion process carried out in the presence of excess base to overcome carbonate formation from CO2. Methods can efficiently convert all components of a biomass feedstock to liquid hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide byproduct. The process has several versions: hydrolysis and alcoholysis, etc. The chemical process can be carried out with nearly 100% conversion for any type of biomass feedstock and requires no expensive or complicated pretreatment. The conversion reactions can be carried out at moderate temperatures of 170-300° C. and form a product that can include a mixture of hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons, including alcohols and phenol derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the reactivity of lignin, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) forming, under heating at a temperature of 71-94° C., an aqueous dispersion comprising alkali and lignin, wherein the alkali comprises a hydroxide of an alkali metal; and b) heating the dispersion formed in step a) at a temperature of 50-95° C. for producing alkalated lignin.

Abstract: A method of coating hydroxylated surfaces by gas phase grafting is described. Especially acyl groups, silyl groups and/or alkyl groups are located on the surface of materials by gas phase grafting. The grafting method is a dry process. The material to coat can be organic or inorganic materials. The produced surface coated material are strong and durable and material normally not water-proof can be water-proof due to the surface treating. Examples of items produced from surface treated material may be water-proof cardboard boxes, other containers, furniture, interior for cars and boats. Items produced from organic materials such as from plant parts are biodegradable.

Abstract: Dried nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), in particular films of NCC, of controlled water dispersibility and a method to control the dispersibility of dried NCC by controlling electrolyte solution ionic strength and ion valency is described. Neutral M-NCC suspensions containing monovalent counterions (e.g., M=Na+, K+, NH4+, Et4N+) produced by neutralization of acid-form NCC (H-NCC) with the appropriate hydroxide, are readily dispersible in water when fully dried; this is in contrast to H-NCC. The dispersion of dried M-NCC in aqueous media is effectively prevented by a combination of (1) increased electrolyte concentration and ionic strength, and (2) higher valency of the cation component of the dissolved salt. Additionally, pre-treatment of dried M-NCC films with an electrolyte solution having a polyvalent cation, for example a divalent or trivalent cation is sufficient to prevent the subsequent dispersion of the M-NCC film in pure water.

Abstract: An aircraft anti-icing composition is provided comprising a freezing point depressant and a thickener comprising nanocrystalline cellulose. A thickening composition is also provided comprising nanocrystalline cellulose. Also taught is the use of nanocrystalline cellulose in the manufacture of an anti-icing composition and the use of nanocrystalline cellulose in a thickening composition.

Abstract: An aircraft anti-icing composition includes a freezing point depressant and a thickener including nanocrystalline cellulose. A thickening composition also includes nanocrystalline cellulose. Also taught is the use of nanocrystalline cellulose in the manufacture of an anti-icing composition and the use of nanocrystalline cellulose in a thickening composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of texturized microcrystalline cellulose from raw pulp material. This texturized microcrystalline cellulose can then be used for surface treatment of paper or paper board. Additionally, the texturized microcrystalline cellulose may be used as a starting material for production of paper or paper board.

Abstract: A mixture of substances is designated for introduction into a liquid aqueous system and comprises at least one extremely finely divided active substance component that is designated for subsequent dissolution or dispersion in the liquid aqueous system. The mixture of substances comprises a proportion of cellulose-containing plant fibers and is present in finely particulate form. The cellulose-containing plant fibers improve both the transformation of the extremely finely divided active substance component into the finely particulate form and also its subsequent redissolution in the liquid aqueous system.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a gypsum composition suitable for use in the manufacture of construction materials comprising a) gypsum, b) water, and c) a water repellancy composition comprising a hydroxy-based cellulose and a siliconate.

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.