Abstract: A faux leather biomaterial is disclosed. It may be made from shell seafood waste and coffee grounds with the aim to work as a sustainable alternative instead of prior art faux and animal leathers.

Abstract: A power transmission belt includes a belt body at least portion of which is made of a rubber composition containing a rubber component, cellulose-based fine fibers, and cotton powder.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a resin lens, comprising: A) mixing a polyisocyanate, a modified isocyanate, a catalyst and a release agent, and performing vacuum defoaming at 0˜30° C. for 10˜90 min to obtain a material a; B) mixing the material a with a sulfur-containing compound, and performing vacuum defoaming at 15˜20° C. for 20˜120 min to obtain mixed monomers; and C) completing casting of the mixed monomers, and curing to obtain a resin lens. The present disclosure uses polyisocyanate and a modified isocyanate at the same time to prepare a resin lens with higher glass transition temperature and higher surface hardness without producing bank mark and edge fogging. The present disclosure further provides a method for producing modified isocyanate. The obtained modified isocyanate used with polyisocyanate further improves the glass transition temperature and surface hardness of the resin lens without producing bank mark and edge fogging.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and techniques for manufacturing articles containing cellulosic material, a tackifier, and a binder, and related processes of making and using the cellulosic articles. In particularly exemplary embodiments, the manufactured articles are door skins, sometimes known as door facings, and doors made from the door skins. The article contains a lipophilic cellulosic material, a tackifier, and a binder.

Abstract: A flame-retardant vanillin-derived molecule, a process for forming a flame-retardant resin, and an article of manufacture comprising a material that contains the flame-retardant vanillin-derived molecule are disclosed. The flame-retardant vanillin-derived molecule can be synthesized from vanillin obtained from a bio-based source, and can have at least one phosphoryl or phosphonyl moiety with phenyl, allyl, epoxide, propylene carbonate, or thioether substituents. The process for forming the flame-retardant resin can include reacting a vanillin derivative and a flame-retardant phosphorus-based molecule to form the flame-retardant vanillin-derived molecule, and binding the flame-retardant vanillin-derived molecule to a resin. The flame-retardant vanillin-derived molecules can also be bound to polymers. The material in the article of manufacture can be flame-retardant, and contain the flame-retardant vanillin-derived molecules.

Abstract: A flame-retardant vanillin-derived monomer, a process for forming a flame-retardant polymer, and an article of manufacture comprising a material that contains flame-retardant vanillin-derived monomer are disclosed. The flame-retardant vanillin-derived monomer can be synthesized from vanillin obtained from a bio-based source, and can have at least one phosphoryl or phosphonyl moiety with phenyl, allyl, epoxide, or propylene carbonate substituents. The process for forming the flame-retardant polymer can include reacting a vanillin derivative and a flame-retardant phosphorus-based molecule to form the flame-retardant vanillin-derived monomer, and then polymerizing the flame-retardant vanillin-derived monomer. The material in the article of manufacture can be flame-retardant, and contain the flame-retardant vanillin-derived monomer. Examples of materials that can be in the article of manufacture can include resins, plastics, adhesives, polymers, etc.

Abstract: A method of extracting underground natural resources through an ore chute located in a temperature region where temperature in the ground is not higher than 60° C., comprising introducing a dispersion solution obtained by dispersing polyoxaylate in water into the ore chute with pressure to hydrolyze the polyoxalate.

Abstract: A flame-retardant vanillin-derived small molecule, a process for forming a flame-retardant polymer, and an article of manufacture comprising a material that contains the flame-retardant vanillin-derived small molecule are disclosed. The flame-retardant vanillin-derived small molecule can be synthesized from vanillin obtained from a bio-based source, and can have at least one phosphoryl or phosphonyl moiety with phenyl, allyl, or thioether substituents. The process for forming the flame-retardant polymer can include reacting a diol vanillin derivative and a flame-retardant phosphorus-based molecule to form the flame-retardant vanillin-derived small molecule, and binding the flame-retardant vanillin-derived small molecule to a polymer. The material in the article of manufacture can be flame-retardant, and contain the flame-retardant vanillin-derived small molecules. Examples of materials that can be in the article of manufacture can include resins, plastics, adhesives, polymers, etc.

Abstract: A flame-retardant vanillin-derived cross-linker, a process for forming a flame-retardant polymer, and an article of manufacture comprising a material that contains the flame-retardant vanillin-derived cross-linker are disclosed. The flame-retardant vanillin-derived cross-linker can be synthesized from vanillin obtained from a bio-based source, and can have at least one phosphoryl or phosphonyl moiety with phenyl, allyl, epoxide, propylene carbonate, or thioether substituents. The process for forming the flame-retardant polymer can include reacting a diol vanillin derivative and a flame-retardant phosphorus-based molecule to form the flame-retardant vanillin-derived cross-linker, and binding the flame-retardant vanillin-derived cross-linker to a polymer. The material in the article of manufacture can be flame-retardant, and contain flame-retardant vanillin-derived cross-linkers. Examples of materials that can be in the article of manufacture can include resins, plastics, adhesives, polymers, etc.

Abstract: Composite comprising a heterophasic propylene copolymer (HECO), a high density polyethylene, a cellulose-based filler and a compatibilizer.

Abstract: A process for improving the rheological properties of an aqueous dispersion comprising adding a rheology modifier to the aqueous dispersion, and then adding a water soluble synthetic polymer flocculant to the aqueous dispersion. The rheology modifier may be selected from the group consisting of natural polymers, semi-natural polymers, synthetic materials and combinations thereof. The water soluble synthetic polymer flocculant may be selected from the group consisting of water soluble anionic polymers, cationic polymers, amphoteric polymers, nonionic polymers, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a polymeric composition and an antimicrobial composition, each comprising a superabsorbent polymer (SAP), such as used in diapers and sanitary napkins, and peroxide. The superabsorbent material can be made by the process of treating a preformed SAP, such as a crosslinked polyacrylate salt, with a treatment solution comprising hydrogen peroxide dissolved in water, followed by drying. The resulting superabsorbent material has strong antimicrobial activity. Optionally, the treatment solution may also contain a metal salt, including those of zinc, zirconium, and magnesium.

Abstract: An aqueous solution comprising (a) one or more mono-, di- and/or oligosaccharides and (b) a methylcellulose, wherein the methylcellulose has anhydroglucose units joined by 1-4 linkages wherein hydroxy groups of anhydroglucose units are substituted with methyl groups such that s23/s26 is 0.36 or less, is produced by i) mixing the methylcellulose with an aqueous liquid comprising one or more mono-, di- and/or oligosaccharides at a shear rate of at least 1000 s?1 or ii) mixing one or more mono-, di- and/or oligosaccharides with the methylcellulose and/or an aqueous liquid before, simultaneously with or after mixing the methylcellulose with the aqueous liquid at a shear rate of at least 1000 s?1.

Abstract: Formaldehyde-free binder compositions are described that include an aldehyde or ketone, an organic anhydride, an alkanol amine, and a nitrogen-containing salt of an inorganic acid. The binder compositions may be applied to fibers, such as glass fibers, to make formaldehyde-free, fiber-reinforced composites. Methods of making fiber-reinforced composites are also described, where such methods may include mixing an alkanol amine with an organic anhydride to make a first mixture, and adding a reducing sugar to the first mixture to make a second mixture. A nitrogen-containing salt may be added to the second mixture to make a binder composition, which may be applied to fibers to form a binder-fiber amalgam. The amalgam may be heated to cure the binder composition and form the fiber-reinforced composite.

Abstract: Superabsorbent material, comprising first superabsorbent polymers, coated with second clay-crosslinked superabsorbent polymers, said second clay-crosslinked superabsorbent polymers being obtainable by the step of polymerization of a solution/dispersion of polymerizable compounds and clay particles, to obtain said second superabsorbent polymers, crosslinked by said clay particles, of a weight average largest particle dimension of less than 800 nm.

Abstract: Provided herein are organic solvent-based processes for the removal of rubber from aged briquettes made from compressed plant matter (briquettes) of non-Hevea plants. Also provided are aged briquettes made from the compressed plant matter of non-Hevea plants where the briquettes have been aged for either various time period after formation and the rubber within the briquette has retained its a molecular weight to within a specified range.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the invention a method for servicing a problem management record are provided. The method may include creating a problem management record profile from information provided in a problem management record, wherein the information includes characteristics of a client computer system and symptoms of a problem. The method may also include comparing the profile to profiles of previously resolved problem management records to find a profile having at least one matching. The method may also include contrasting information used to obtain a solution to a problem of the previously resolved problem management record to the information provided in the problem management record, wherein information used to obtain a solution which is not provided in the information provided in the problem management record is classified as additional information. The method may also include collecting the additional information, wherein collecting includes searching documentation of the client computer system.

Abstract: A controlled release composite membrane comprising hydrophobic styrene-butadienestyrene block copolymer as hydrophobic continuous medium and hydrophilic functional agents incorporated within silica nanoparticles as hydrophilic dispersed medium and a preparation process of said membrane are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a stable aqueous dispersion of large acrylic based polymer particles and small acrylic based polymer particles wherein the large polymer particles comprise structural units of a phosphorus acid monomer or a salt thereof; and wherein the small polymer particles comprise a substantial absence of structural units of any phosphorus acid monomer and salts thereof. The bimodal dispersion of the present invention provides a way of making a high solids adsorbing latex with high hiding efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cosmetic exhibiting superior feeling to the touch and a superior uniformity using a novel organopolysiloxane. The cosmetic contains a liquid organopolysiloxane having fluidity at 25° C. and having a crosslinked three-dimensional network structure. The aforementioned liquid organopolysiloxane has a loss factor, tan ?, at a shear frequency of 10 Hz, which is 1 or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyalkylene carbonate-based resin film and a manufacturing method thereof. The polyalkylene carbonate-based resin film according to the present invention has biodegradability and complete combustion decomposability to show environment-friendly feature and rubber-like properties. Therefore, the resin film can be applied to various resin molded products requiring elasticity, and in particular, preferably applied to resin molded products such as disposable groves, disposable containers, and disposable rubber molded products.

Abstract: A material forms a pattern by applying a photosensitive composition to a base material and drying to form a photosensitive coating and performing exposure and development, and a method for forming the pattern. A photosensitive composition includes water-soluble organic particles, and a solvent, wherein the solvent is a poor solvent for the water-soluble organic particles. Preferably, the water-soluble organic particles of the photosensitive composition includes a polymer which contains a unit structure (A) for forming organic particles, a unit structure (B) for forming interparticle crosslinkage, and a unit structure (C) for imparting dispersibility, and the photosensitive composition further includes a photoacid generator.

Abstract: In the process of forming a wood pulp fiber and thermoplastic polymer composition the step of adding mineral oil to the composition during mixing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing multi-color dispersions and the multi-color dispersions made thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods relating to microneedles, including a first element including an array of microprojections and a second element including a supportive substrate upon which the microprojections are formed perpendicular to the substrate surface.

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 present invention is directed to polymeric materials comprising biodegradable, dioxanone-based copolymers and implantable devices (e.g., drug-delivery stents) formed of such materials. The polymeric materials can also contain at least one additional biocompatible moiety, at least one non-fouling moiety, at least one biobeneficial material, at least one bioactive agent, or a combination thereof. The polymeric materials are designed to improve the mechanical, physical and biological properties of implantable devices formed thereof.

Abstract: Compositions of P4HB (poly-4-hydroxybutyrate) and copolymers thereof, have been developed for pultrusion, as well as processes to produce profiles from these compositions by pultrusion. These pultrusion processes provide profiles without causing structural damage to the surface of the profile. The profiles may be used in medical applications. These compositions include P4HB, and copolymers thereof, having intrinsic viscosities less than 3.2 dl/g but greater than 0.8 dl/g. The profile may be formed using conditions such as: pull rate of 0.1 to 100 mm/min, die temperature of up to 95° C., rod stock temperature up to 95° C., draw ratio of up to 100×, pulling force of greater than 10 MPa, and clamping pressure at least 10% higher than the pulling force. Preferably, the profile is formed by pulling the rod stock through a series of dies placed at intervals with the hole sizes decreasing in diameter by 0.1 to 10 mm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sizing composition in the form of a physical gel for glass strands which contains 0.1 to 5% by weight of at least one texturing agent chosen from xanthans, guars and succinoglycans, 2 to 8% by weight of at least one film-forming agent, 0.1 to 8% by weight of at least one compound chosen from plasticizing agents, surface-active agents and dispersing agents, 0.1 to 4% by weight of at least one coupling agent, and 0 to 6% by weight of at least one additive. Another subject-matter of the present invention is glass strands coated with the abovementioned sizing composition and the composite materials containing an organic or inorganic material reinforced with the said glass strands.

Abstract: A styrenic composition including a polar modified styrenic co-polymer resulting from the polymerization of a combined mixture of at least one styrenic monomer and at least one comonomer and a biodegradable component is disclosed. The at least one comonomer includes a polar functional group and the polar modified styrenic co-polymer and the biodegradable component are combined to obtain a styrenic composition having a biodegradable component. Also disclosed is a method of enhancing bio-polymer miscibility in a styrenic based polymer. The polarity of a blend is manipulated by combining a styrenic monomer and a polar co-monomer to form a combined mixture and subjecting the combined mixture to polymerization to obtain a styrenic polymer blend to which a bio-polymer is added.

Abstract: A composition for enhancing fluid viscosity including a mixture of at least one cationic or cationizable polymer and at least one anionic or anionizable (hydrolysable) polymer. The composition has a zeta potential at 25° C. in the range of 0.5 to 100 mV or ?0.5 to ?100 mV, typically 1 to 60 mV or ?1 to ?60 mV, or is a precursor convertible at a temperature of 100 to 250° C. to the composition having a zeta potential at 25° C. of 0.5 to 100 mV or ?0.5 to ?100 mV, typically 1 to 60 mV or ?1 to ?60 mV. Typically the compositions exhibit salt tolerance and interaction of both polymers at very high temperatures (>300° F.) such that the system exhibits an increase of viscosity at extreme temperatures. The compositions are useful for hydraulic fracturing, enhanced oil recovery, subterranean acidization, personal care as well as home and industrial cleaners.

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: The present invention provides a method for producing chitin nanofibers, which includes the steps of deproteinizing a material derived from a chitin-containing organism by an alkali treatment, deashing a deproteinized integument by an acid treatment, optionally treating the deashed integument under acidic conditions, and then subjecting to a fiber-loosening treatment. The present invention also provides chitin nanofibers obtained by the method, and a composite material and a coating composition each containing the same. The present invention provides a method for producing chitosan nanofibers, which includes, in addition to the above steps, a deacetylation step and chitosan nanofibers obtained by the method, and a composite material and a coating composition each containing the same.

Abstract: A composite includes particles of thermoplastic polymer coated with a chitin nanowhisker gel and melt-blended. The thermoplastic polymer may be polystyrene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, or another thermoplastic polymer. A method of processing chitin includes forming a non-colloidal mixture substantially of chitin and hydrochloric acid to subject the chitin to hydrolysis; upon the mixture becoming substantially colloidal, controlling conditions of the mixture to slow the hydrolysis; dialyzing the substantially colloidal mixture to produce a processed colloidal mixture consisting substantially of water and crystalline chitin; and reducing amount of agglomerated crystalline chitin and water in the processed colloidal mixture thereby to yield chitin nanowhisker gel.

Abstract: The present application is generally directed to novel compositions and methods used to produce a biodegradable, starch-based, water-resistant article of manufacture. The teachings include a composition comprising a biodegradable fiber component in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 40% on a dry weight basis, starch component in an amount ranging from about 40% to about 94.5% on a dry weight basis, and an additive component in an amount ranging from more than 0% to about 15% on a dry weight basis. The additive component can comprise an epoxidized vegetable oil, a hydrogenated triglyceride, poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl acetate-ethylene) copolymer, poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) copolymer, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Claimed is a cationic copolymer and also its use as an admixture agent for building product systems, especially based on calcium sulfate. The copolymers of the invention effectuate accelerated setting behavior in clay-containing as well as non-clay-containing gypsums and they enable uncurtailed water reduction performance by dispersant agents used at the same time with the copolymers. The clay fractions in the gypsum system are masked by the cationic copolymer, and so the building product mixture exhibits properties of a building product mixture not containing clay. The copolymers are used as a formulation and also together with retarders.

Abstract: Provided are cold process formulation aids (CPFAs), methods for their manufacture, and personal care products made using them. CPFAs include (i) a polymer having an aliphatic backbone and a plurality of pendant groups thereon that are pendant ionic or ionizable groups, or pendant groups having at least one permanent dipole that includes an acid, alcohol, thiol, ester, amine, amide, imide, imine, or nitrile moiety, and (ii) a wax selected from natural waxes and synthetic waxes, wherein if the wax is not micronized and is not self-emulsifying, the ratio, by weight, of the non-micronized wax to the polymer having an aliphatic backbone is from about 60:40 to 80:20, and if the wax is a micronized wax or a self-emulsifying wax, the ratio, by weight, of wax to polymer backbone is 70:30 to 98:2.

Abstract: Binder for granular and/or fibrous substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and composition for binding of a particulate or fibrous substrate, in particular natural particles or fibres such as for example wood particles and fibers, but also other natural fibers such as straw, flax, grass, straw, hemp, bagasse and bamboo. The current invention describes the composition of a cheap binder that can bind particles and fibers in a fast way, resulting in substrates that have the required mechanical properties. The binder has a good sustainability so that the end product also has an improved sustainability profile. Furthermore, the new binder composition will make the resulting substrates (composite materials) flame retardant.

Abstract: The present application provides a polymer composite comprising at least one polymer and a reclaimed pyrolyzed carbon black (pCB), wherein the pCB comprises less than about 10 ?g/g of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Also provided are polymer composite and consumer-ready formulations of the low PAH pCB and methods of manufacturing such composites and formulations.

Abstract: Inclusion of a needle structured clay or the plate structured clay sodium montmorillonite in a chitosan film was found to reduce shrinkage of the film. The clay is processed into a substantially dispersed form. Laminates fabricated from this chitosan film including dispersed clay can be used in make a variety of finished articles that can be used to provide protection from hazardous chemical and biological agents.

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: Additives for application in construction chemistry are proposed comprising an organic and/or inorganic core component A) with rheology-enhancing properties and a shell component B) applied to the same by virtue of physical and/or chemical interactions which acts as a coating. Component A) should be a of water-soluble and/or water-swellable and/or water-absorbable compound of the non-cellulose type with viscosity-enhancing properties in the final application. The shell component B) should preferably be a film-forming polymer which is able to release component A) during the application in construction chemistry in a retarded manner such as for example polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate and polyethylene glycol. Component B) can be composed of several layers and comprises at least one reactive layer.

Abstract: Urea mixtures and methods for making and using same are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the urea mixture can include urea, a urea-aldehyde resin, a liquid medium, and a sugar. The urea mixture can have an aldehyde to urea molar ratio of about 0.2:1 to about 0.7:1. The urea mixture can have a sugar concentration of about 2 wt % to about 8 wt %, based on the combined weight of the urea, the urea-aldehyde resin, the liquid medium, and the sugar.

Abstract: There is provided a resist composition including a crosslinking material configured to cause crosslinking in the presence of an acid, an inclusion compound, and a solvent.

Abstract: Durable, impact-resistant structural coatings with dewetting and anti-icing properties are disclosed. The coatings possess a self-similar structure with two feature sizes that are tuned to affect the wetting of water and freezing of water on the surface. Dewetting and anti-icing performance is simultaneously achieved in a structural coating comprising multiple layers, with each layer including (a) a continuous matrix; (b) porous voids, dispersed within the matrix, to inhibit wetting of water; and (c) nanoparticles, on pore surfaces, that inhibit heterogeneous nucleation of water. These structural coatings utilize low-cost and lightweight materials that can be rapidly sprayed over large areas. If the surface is damaged during use, fresh material will expose a coating surface that is identical to that which was removed, for extended lifetime.

Abstract: Polymers are infused with carbonates, such as alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts of carbonate, bicarbonate and sesquicarbonate, alone or in combination. The carbonates are soluble, soft, and have been infused within the polymeric material in a sufficient amount to provide an alkaline aqueous environment to inhibit microbes when the polymeric material is contacted with water.

Abstract: Novel articles, in particular films, made from polymers, which are elastic, impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor. Said articles are made from a composition comprising a dispersion of an elastomer in an aqueous solvent, a hydrophilic compound and a cross-linking agent.

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 sizing composition includes a texturing agent, a film-forming agent, and organic particles dispersed therein. A glass fiber strand is formed from a plurality of individual glass fibers coated with the sizing composition. A thermoplastic composite material includes such glass fiber strands.