Abstract: Hydroxypolyamides, hydroxypolyamide products, and post-hydroxypolyamides are disclosed as gel forming agents. Hydroxypolyamides and post-hydroxypolyamides are prepared from known methods. Hydroxypolyamide products are produced from a modified polymerization procedure which utilizes strong base for deprotonation of ammonium salts from the esterification of stoichiometrically equivalent polyacid:polyamine salts. The hydroxypolyamide products are capable of gel formation at lower concentrations than hydroxypolyamides and post-hydroxypolyamides from the known methods of preparation, and are therefore superior gel forming agents.

Abstract: A highly loaded concentrate pellet composition includes an active ingredient in a concentration of at least about 60% by weight, and a low molecular weight binder in a concentration of up to about 35% by weight. The active ingredient is evenly dispersed in the binder. The binder has a melting point that permits the composition to melt under shear in an extruder. The binder is non-metallocene and non-stearic.

Abstract: A method for preparing a coffee polyol includes: (a) extracting coffee oil from coffee grounds; (b) modifying the coffee oil to obtain an epoxidized coffee oil; and (c) reacting an alcohol with the epoxidized coffee oil to obtain a coffee polyol. A polyurethane dispersive solution is prepared from a prepolymer composition that includes: a coffee polyol prepared from the abovementioned method; an isocyanate; and a solvent. A foam-based material is made from a foaming composition that includes a coffee polyol prepared from the abovementioned method. A polyurethane material is made from a polyurethane composition that includes a coffee polyol prepared from the abovementioned method.

Abstract: A composite material includes a matrix composed of a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymer and a filler composed of particles dispersed in the matrix. The particles are composed of naturally-derived materials (e.g., ground bone meal or pumice powder), have a microporous microstructure, have a low hygroscopic expansion, and are less than 1.0 mm in size. Preferably, the matrix and the filler together constitute 100% by weight of the composite material, and at most 30% by volume of the composite material is consumed by the filler. The composite material may take the form of an anaerobically biodegradable article of manufacture such as a building material a coating of a building material or other article.

Abstract: Hydroxypolyamides, hydroxypolyamide products, and post-hydroxypolyamides are disclosed as gel forming agents. Hydroxypolyamides and post-hydroxypolyamides are prepared from known methods. Hydroxypolyamide products are produced from a modified polymerization procedure which utilizes strong base for deprotonation of ammonium salts from the esterification of stoichiometrically equivalent polyacid:polyamine salts. The hydroxypolyamide products are capable of gel formation at lower concentrations than hydroxypolyamides and post-hydroxypolyamides from the known methods of preparation, and are therefore superior gel forming agents.

Abstract: In order to provide a curable casting compound for producing plastic molded parts, comprising a binder component based on polymerizable monomers selected from methyl acrylate or methyl methacrylate and a proportion of about 40 to about 85% by weight of one or more inorganic fillers, which compound can be used for producing plastic molded parts having an increased impact strength, it is proposed that the casting compound comprise 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of keratin fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a new use for water-stable, oil-modified, nonreactive alkyd resins. It has now been found that such resins can be used as the predominant component of a construction adhesive employed in the manufacture of disposable absorbent articles, for example. As such, the construction adhesive need not employ plasticizers, tackifiers, and conventional polymers required by hot-melt adhesives typically used as construction adhesives. Furthermore, in the manufacture of disposable absorbent articles, the construction adhesive containing a water-stable, oil-modified, nonreactive, alkyd resin does not need to be processed or applied at the high temperatures required of construction adhesives containing reactive alkyds.

Abstract: A composite material includes a matrix composed of a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymer and a filler composed of particles dispersed in the matrix. The particles are composed of naturally-derived materials (e.g., ground bone meal or pumice powder), have a microporous microstructure, have a low hygroscopic expansion, and are less than 1.0 mm in size. Preferably, the matrix and the filler together constitute 100% by weight of the composite material, and at most 30% by volume of the composite material is consumed by the filler. The composite material may take the form of an anaerobically biodegradable article of manufacture such as a building material a coating of a building material or other article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a core and a cover covering the core, wherein the cover is formed from a cover composition containing a non-petroleum based polyester resin as a resin component (A) and a needle-like and/or fibrous filler (B). The present invention further provide a golf ball comprising a core and a cover covering the core, wherein the cover is formed from a cover composition containing, a non-petroleum based polyester resin (A-1), at least one petroleum based thermoplastic resin (A-2), and a compatibilizer (C) containing at least a (meth)acrylic resin (C-1) having a polar functional group and an olefin resin (C-2) having a polar functional group. According to the present invention, durability, abrasion resistance and repulsion of a golf ball can be improved.

Abstract: Particulate binder compositions and methods for making and using same are provided. The binder composition for producing composite lignocellulose products can include an aldehyde based resin and a filler, an extender, or a combination thereof. The binder composition can be in the form of particulates. The particulates can each comprises the filler, the extender, or the combination thereof and the aldehyde based resin.

Abstract: A thermoplastic biobased material-containing composition comprising chemically-modified feathers and/or dried distillers grains and a process for forming the thermoplastic biobased material-containing composition. More specifically, the thermoplastic biobased material-containing composition comprises one or more of the following chemically-modified biobased materials: (a) acylated biobased material having a % Acyl Content that is at least 3% and a % Weight Gain that is at least 1%, and; (b) etherified biobased material having a % Weight Gain that is at least 2%; and (c) graft polymerized biobased material having a % Monomer Conversion that is at least 40%, a % Grafting Efficiency that is at least 30%, and a % Grafting that is at least 10%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric materials including a glycosaminoglycan networked with a polyolefin-containing polymer. The present invention also relates to hydrogels containing the polymeric materials. The present invention further relates to methods of synthesizing the polymeric materials and hydrogels of the present invention.

Abstract: A film-forming composition made from a mixture of PVOH, chitosan, an alkali metal or ammonium bisulfite or metabi sulfite, and optional ingredients such as plasticizers, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, surfactants, crosslinking agents, lubricants, and extenders, is disclosed. Also disclosed are a method of making a film from the composition, a resulting film, and a packet made from the film and containing a cleaning composition such as a rinse additive. The composition can be formulated to yield an article such as a film which is soluble only below a predetermined pH threshold.

Abstract: A composite material includes a matrix composed of a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymer and a filler composed of particles dispersed in the matrix. The particles are composed of naturally-derived materials (e.g., ground bone meal or pumice powder), have a microporous microstructure, have a low hygroscopic expansion, and are less than 1.0 mm in size. Preferably, the matrix and the filler together constitute 100% by weight of the composite material, and at most 30% by volume of the composite material is consumed by the filler. The composite material may take the form of an anaerobically biodegradable article of manufacture such as a building material a coating of a building material or other article.

Abstract: Provided herein are skin substitutes suitable for use in a living subject for purpose of repairing damaged tissues, methods of producing the skin substitutes and their uses. A biocomposite membrane comprising poly(?-caprolactone) (PCL) and at least one material selected from collagen and gelatin is provided. In one embodiment, the biocomposite is a 2-component membrane of PCL and gelatin. In another embodiment, the biocomposite is a 3-component membrane of PCL, collagen and gelatin. The bio-composite membrane may be used directly in vivo as a wound dressing, or as a support for cell growth on each side of the membrane to produce an in vitro cultivated artificial skin for future in vivo and/or in vitro applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous composition for outdoor, indoor, facade and roof paints having a biocidal action.

Abstract: An elastomer composition is provided which contains a matrix of biomass plastic and crosslinked natural rubber particles dispersed like islands in the matrix. An eraser using the elastomer composition is also provided. The present invention is capable of providing an elastomer composition and eraser using the same, which can be recycled, are friendly to the environment, and corresponds to the recycling society, without relying on fossil resources.

Abstract: An elastomer composition is provided which contains a matrix of poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) produced from microorganisms and crosslinked natural rubber particles dispersed like islands in the matrix. An eraser using the elastomer composition is also provided. The present invention is capable of providing an elastomer composition and eraser using the same, which can be recycled, are friendly to the environment, and corresponds to the recycling society, without relying on fossil resources.

Abstract: An eraser composition for de-flakes is disclosed. The composition comprises (i) a SEBS copolymer (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) and SBS copolymer (styrene-butadiene-styrene) and TPE styrene, and the weight percentage being 10 to 35%; (ii) organic fillers of sodium carbonate, and pearl powder, and the weight percentage being about 30 to 60%; (iii) paraffin oil, and of a weight percentage of about 35 to 55%; (iv) palm oil, jojoba oil, linolein oil, moisturizer, deep cleanser, and olive oil, and a weight percentage of 5 to 15%; and (v) edible food pigments, or edible colorants, and the weight percentage of 0.1 to 0.5%.

Abstract: A novel solvent system for dissolving rigid-rod like polymers, such as polybenzoxazole (PBO), is disclosed, wherein said solvent system includes: a methanesulfonic acid (MSA) and a trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Therefore, the rigid-rod like polybenzoxazole (PBO) can be easily dissolved in said solvent system without extra heat treatment. Besides, the polybenzoxazole (PBO) solution of said solvent system is firstly able to apply into electrospinning at room temperature to produce PBO nano-fiber, which has metallic luster and high thermal stability. Evident supported by the WAXD suggested these fibers have their molecular chains well aligned along the fiber spinning direction and has the advantages of heat resistance, flame retardance, and chemical environmental resistance, thus can be applied to a wide usage.

Abstract: Hydroxypolyamides, hydroxypolyamide products, and post-hydroxypolyamides are disclosed as gel forming agents. Hydroxypolyamides and post-hydroxypolyamides are prepared from known methods. Hydroxypolyamide products are produced from a modified polymerization procedure which utilizes strong base for deprotonation of ammonium salts from the esterification of stoichiometrically equivalent polyacid:polyamine salts. The hydroxypolyamide products are capable of gel formation at lower concentrations than hydroxypolyamides and post-hydroxypolyamides from the known methods of preparation, and are therefore superior gel forming agents.

Abstract: Methods for treating surfaces of polymeric substrates (as used in medical implants) with inert plasmas to promote the growth of bioentities (such as cells) on these surfaces is disclosed. The treated surfaces are subsequently exposed to an environment to form functionalities associated with enhanced growth of the bioentity on the surface. For example, the substrate may be exposed to the ambient environment. The bioentity may then be deposited on the modified surface. This inert plasma treatment and exposure to a suitable environment does not degrade the implants, and thus improved implants are created. Also, due to the specific functional groups at the modified surface, high cell densities are achieved.

Abstract: It is provided a raw material composition, having various uses, comprising components (1) to (3) as described below: (1) a composition comprising (a) a polymer component including a homopolymer of vinyl acetate or a partial hydrolysate thereof, or a copolymer of vinyl acetate and one or more monomers selected from a group consisting of acrylic esters, amide acrylate, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methacrylic esters, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, and fumaric acid or a partial hydrolysate thereof; (2) a composition comprising one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of silicone compounds, polyvinyl acetate, cetyl methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and epoxy resins; and (3) organic or inorganic powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to new universal pigment preparations having very good thermal stability and weathering stability as virtually foam-free aqueous, solventborne, and solvent-free pigment preparations and to their use in aqueous, solventborne or solvent-free coating materials, such as paints, adhesives, inks, including printing inks, and for coloring plastics.

Abstract: This invention reveals polypropylene composites to be used in the automotive, electronics, packaging and textile industries, which comprises a polypropylene homopolymer in a proportion ranging from 10 to 60% by weight, a natural reinforcement based on eggshells, and an antioxidant. This invention also reveals a natural reinforcement produced from eggshells obtained as an agroindustrial waste, the process to obtain said composite, and the process to obtain such reinforcement. By means of this invention, polypropylene composites using the natural reinforcement are obtained that have improved mechanical and thermal behavior when compared to polypropylene composites using traditional mineral reinforcements.

Abstract: Rubber compositions having feather material incorporated therein and products formed from these rubber compositions, an example being a cross-linkable or cross-linked rubber composition having an essentially unsaturated rubber elastomer and a filler that is selected from carbon black, silica or combinations thereof with between 1 and 60 phr of feather material, the feather material having feather barbs with a diameter of about 5 ?m and a length of between about 5 and 25 mm. Other embodiments include, with the feather barbs, the feather quills wherein at least a portion of the feather barbs are not separated from the feather quills. The feather material may include a coupling agent comprising a first moiety that is reactant with the rubber elastomer and a second moiety that is reactant with the feather material.

Abstract: An alpha-halocarbo aromatic monomer or comonomer and/or an allyl halide monomer or comonomer can be reacted with aluminum or an aluminum-containing catalyst to form a polymer.

Abstract: A color stabilized composite material combines polymers with cellulosic natural fibers or wood or wood based composite materials to manufacture an array of products for both indoor and outdoor applications. The invention provides the means to enhance the color stability of such products from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation and weather in addition to improving the physical properties of the overall fiber-polymer matrix. In one aspect, the invention provides a composite material including a natural fiber, such as wood flour, and a polymer resin, wherein the natural fiber has been pretreated with a bleaching or oxidizing agent.

Abstract: An aqueous hot melted type adhesive base material containing 4-biphenylyl acetic acid (BPAA) is provided. The adhesive base material contains constant amounts of BPAA and has good drug releasability, so that bioavailability of the drug is enhanced. An analgesic and anti-inflammatory external plaster containing BPAA is also provided. The plaster is obtained by dissolving BPAA into an aqueous hot melted type adhesive base material comprising as essential components a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, an adhesive resin, an antioxidant, lanolin, and water.

Abstract: A composition containing transparent thermoplastic polymers and a surface modified oxide particles is disclosed. The size of the particles is less than 200 nm and the composition is suitable for the preparation of products wherever diathermancy is undesirable.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved aqueous suspension concentrate for water insoluble chemicals comprising a mixture of an anionic suspension agent and a homo- and/or a co-polymer of a heterocyclic vinyl lactam combined in a mole ratio of between about 0.1:1 and about 10:1.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the preparation of a molded compound. The molded compound is made by the process which contains the steps of (1) mixing a. an unsaturated polymer resin which has been synthesized from a natural triglyceride oil containing an effective amount of acid groups in order to thicken with metal ions b. a polymerizable monomer, c. a thickening agent to form a polymerizable material, (2) polymerizing said polymerizable material in a mold to form a molded compound. The invention further relates to a molded compound.

Abstract: Use of an aqueous composition, which has been prepared by dissolving (A) dihydroxypropylchitosan and (B) 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (B) in an aqueous medium, makes it possible to provide articles excellent in hydrophilicity, antibacterial and deodorant activities, touch feeling, antifogging property, paper strength, dyeability, waterproofness, antifouling property and/or the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable plastics and biodegradable plastic products thereof having flexibility, and more specifically, it aims to provide a plasticizer for providing aliphatic polyester, in particular, polylactic acid with flexibility, an aliphatic polyester composition using the same, a film, a sheet, a bag and the like obtained by molding said composition, that are, with respect to 100 parts by weight of aliphatic polyester, (1) an aliphatic polyester compound which contains polyglycerol acetic ester by 5-50 parts by weight, (2) an aliphatic polyester compound which contains polyglycerol acetic ester and acetic and fatty acid ester of glycerol having a specific structure by 5-50 parts by weight, and (3) flexible products which are obtained by molding the fatty polyester compound indicated in the above (1) or (2) into films, sheets, bags or the like.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the process of extraction, purification and characterization of a fluorescent dye from a marine echinoderm Holothuria scabra, compositions containing the dye and various applications of the dye.

Abstract: A toner is constituted by at least a binder resin, a colorant and a wax. The binder resin has been formed from monomers including a vinyl monomer and polyester-forming monomers containing at least a polybasic carboxylic acid having three or more carboxyl groups or its anhydride, and comprises at least a hybrid resin comprising a vinyl polymer unit and a polyester unit.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a method for the formation of unique poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels, articles that are made from such hydrogels, unique odor-providing pest repellent compositions and their uses to repel pests.

Abstract: Novel adhesive compositions are described that include an epoxyamine and, preferably, a curing agent. The adhesive composition can be used in surgical settings such as implanting bioprostheses and/or in manufacturing of bioprostheses. Biocompatible substrates can be adhered together by an adhesive bond formed by curing of the epoxyamine adhesive composition.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a mixture of a silane functionalized polyaromatic polymer and an organic or inorganic material containing moieties reactive with the silane groups to provide a covalent bond therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to derivatized polycarboxylate dispersants for cementitious mixtures, including those mixtures with high percentages of pozzolan cement replacement and dry cast applications. In particular, the invention is directed to a cementitious mixture comprising cement, including cements with high percentages of pozzolan cement replacement, water, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and including a dispersant, wherein said dispersant is a derivatized polycarboxylate dispersant, or combination of polycarboxylate dispersants, which is a derivatized polymer comprising a backbone having moieties derived from (a) an unsaturated hydrocarbon; (b) at least one of a substituted carboxylic acid monomer, a substituted ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and maleic anhydride; and (c) optionally including an N-polyoxyalkylene succinimide; and wherein derivative moieties are pendant to the backbone monomer by at least one ester linkage and at least one amide linkage.

Abstract: A polymeric composition comprising a filler melt-dispersed in a matrix comprising, a destructurized starch component; a synthetic thermoplastic polymeric component selected from the group consisting of polyvinylalcohol, polyvinyl acetate, thermoplastic polyesters and graft copolymers of polysaccharides; and a fluidizing agent selected from the group consisting of C12-C22 fatty acids, C12-C22 fatty alcohols, esters and amides of said fatty acids, polyolefin waxes, polyglycol ethers of alditols, polyglycerols esterified with C12-C22 fatty acids, and mixtures thereof, wherein said filler is a mixture of an inorganic filler and a filler of organic nature, wherein the organic filler is present in an amount from 5% to 70% by weight.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of manufacturing implantable biocompatible cell encapsulation devices, wherein the cell encapsulation devices have a jacket made of a permeable, biocompatible material that is loaded with a core made of a reticulate foam scaffold having interconnected pores, with cells that are dispersed in the interconnected pores.

Abstract: A cement dispersant composed of water-soluble vinyl copolymers which include specified kinds of constituent units at specified ratios and of which the weight average molecular weight pullulan converted by GPC method is 15000-150000 and the ratio of weight average molecular weight to number average molecular weight is 2-7 is used together with cement, aggregates and water to produce concrete with the water-to-cement ratio of 20-45%.

Abstract: Controlled release compositions of matter are disclosed comprising complexes for treating a population of one or more aquatic organisms in a column of water. The complexes comprise at least one system wherein the system comprises at least one bioactive agent as a component selected for treating a population of aquatic organisms, at least one carrier component, and at least one high molecular weight organic plasticizer coating component for regulating the controlled release rate and release profile of the bioactive agent in water or at least one bioactive agent and one joint-function component that can serve as both a carrier and coating to regulate the controlled release rate and release profile of the bioactive agent in water, with or without optional binder components and/or additional formulation materials.

Abstract: The invention provides contaminant-reducing agent delivery compositions that are useful for the control of organic or inorganic contaminants in aquatic or terrestrial environments. The compositions comprise one or more superabsorbent solid organic polymers and at least one contaminant-reducing agent. These superabsorbent polymers act as the primary carriers of one or more contaminant-reducing agents effective for the control of organic or inorganic contaminants in aquatic or terrestrial environments. Contaminant-reducing agents include film-forming agents, microbial agents, nutrient agents, and mixtures thereof. The invention also provides a method to entrap and accumulate organic and inorganic contaminants in one or more superabsorbent polymer compositions containing no contaminant-reducing agent. The invention also provides a method to entrap water in superabsorbent polymers to activate natural and applied microbial and nutrient contaminant-reducing agents in terrestrial environments.

Abstract: A polymeric composition comprises a matrix including a starch component and at least one synthetic thermoplastics polymeric component in which a filler is dispersed, characterised in that the matrix includes a fluidising agent selected from the group consisting of C.sub.12 -C.sub.22 fatty acids, C.sub.12 -C.sub.22 fatty alcohols, esters and amides of the said fatty acids, poly and polyglycol ethers of alditols or polyglycerols esterified with the said fatty acids and their mixtures and the said filler comprises natural fillers of an organic nature dispersed in the matrix in quantities of from 5% to 70% by weight with reference to the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A method of producing a collagen-containing material has the steps of comminuting untanned collagen-containing raw material, preparing from the raw material a collagen solution, preparing a leather paste from tanned collagen-containing waste, mixing the collagen solution and the leather paste to produce a mixture, adding a cross-linking agent to the mixture, freezing and unfreezing the mixture, and performing a preliminary treatment of the untanned collagen-containing raw material with a solution of alkali and a surfactant with pH less than 9.5.

Abstract: Materials containing fine natural organic material particles are disclosed. As the fine particles, superfine silk fibroin particles are produced by a process comprising a first step of comminuting silk fibroin into coarse particles with dry mechanical comminuting means, a second step of comminuting the coarse silk fibroin particles into fine particles with dry mechanical comminuting means, and a third step of comminuting the fine silk fibroin particles into superfine particles with an average particle diameter of 10 .mu.m or below with dry mechanical comminuting means, the silk fibroin particles being beta-treated during or after at least one of the first to third comminuting steps. Specific examples of the material are films, sheets, paints, fiber treating materials, etc.

Abstract: Novel aerated fibrous slurry comprising fibrous material, foaming agent, stabilizer, water and gas, which when dried to a water content of not more than 10% by weight, forms a dry, resilient fibrous foam composition. The dry, resilient fibrous foam composition is useful as an inexpensive cushioning filler, as a heat insulating material and as an absorbent of liquids.

Abstract: This invention relates to binary blends of cellulose esters and aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters, cellulose esters and aliphatic polyesters as well as ternary blends of cellulose esters and/or aliphatic polyesters and/or aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters and/or polymeric compounds as well as fibers, molded objects, and films prepared therefrom.