Abstract: Method for manufacturing an asbestos-free friction material having as component materials inorganic and/or organic and/or metallic fibers, at least one organic binder, at least one friction modifier or lubricant and at least a filler or abrasive. The raw components of the friction material are mixed together to obtain a raw mixture which is then molded to obtain a block or layer of friction material. The mixing step includes a first step of hot blending of at least part of the organic binder with at least part of the other components of the friction material by a rolling mill blender that is open to atmospheric pressure at a temperature lower than the polymerization temperature of the organic binder but greater than or equal to its softening temperature, in order to obtain a semifinished solid product. A second step of grinding the semifinished solid product reduces the product to a powder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to plant fiber-reinforced thermoplastic compositions and a method for reinforcing thermoplastic resins. The present invention provides a use for the cellulose portion of a plant material, which is the portion left over after processing the selected plant materials to separate the hemi-cellulose and lignin from the cellulose.

Abstract: A cellulose fiber can reduce environmental burden while providing an enhanced modulus of elasticity easily and reliably. A composite material contains the cellulose fiber. A method of producing the cellulose fiber includes preparing a solution where needle-shaped phases each comprising a cellulose I crystal structure are dispersed in a matrix phase comprising a cellulose II crystal structure. The cellulose fiber includes the matrix phase and the needle-shaped phases contained in the matrix phase and the needle-shaped phases are oriented along an axial direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to plant fiber-reinforced thermoplastic compositions and a method for reinforcing thermoplastic resins. The present invention provides a use for the cellulose portion of a plant material, which is the portion left over after processing the selected plant materials to separate the hemi-cellulose and lignin from the cellulose.

Abstract: A resin composition containing (A) a polyimide having acidic functional groups and (B) a compound having functional groups that react with the acidic functional groups, where (a) a solution rate in 3 mass % aqueous sodium hydroxide at 45° C. is 0.95 or more after a heat history of 90° C. for 10 minutes with the solution rate before the heat history assumed to be 1, (b) the solution rate in 3 mass % aqueous sodium hydroxide at 45° C. ranges from 0.001 ?m/sec to 0.02 ?m/sec after the heat history of 180° C. for 60 minutes, (c) a bleed-out amount is 50 mg/m2 or less in storing at 40° C. for 2 weeks after the heat history of 180° C. for 60 minutes, and (d) a thermogravimetric decrease at 260° C. is 2.0% or less in measuring on a temperature rising condition of 10° C./min from 40° C. by thermogravimetric analysis (TG).

Abstract: A method for producing a binder resin by a reaction of a cellulose derivative, a polyvinyl acetal, and a bonding agent that has in the molecule at least two functional groups that can react to hydroxyl groups in the polyvinyl acetal and the cellulose derivative. In the production method, the content of the bonding agent is at least double the molar quantity of whichever has the greater number of moles between the polyvinyl acetal and the cellulose derivative. The produced binder resin is favorable in a coating paste such as a conductive paste, and causes an improvement in film quality such as the smoothness and denseness of a coating film formed by the paste.

Abstract: Provided herein is a cellulose nanofiber that can be easily combined with a compound having a reactive double-bond group and that can provide a molded article which contains only a small amount of an uncured material that acts as a plasticizer in a molded product, using a simple producing method that does not require any process involving solvent displacement or solvent removal. A high-strength resin composition or molded body prepared by using the cellulose nanofiber is also provided. In refining cellulose in the presence of a compound having a reactive double bond and a hydroxyl value of 200 KOHmg/g or more, the cellulose has a moisture content of 4 to 25 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the amount of the cellulose converted on the assumption that the percentage moisture of the cellulose is 0%.

Abstract: A resin composition includes a cellulose derivative in which at least one hydroxyl group is substituted with an acyl group, which has a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 to 75,000 and an average degree of substitution of the acyl group of 1.8 to 2.5, and which exhibits an amount (weight ratio) of an insoluble portion, when being dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at 25° C., of less than or equal to 5% by weight.

Abstract: Disclosed is a injection molded composite wheel, including a thermoplastic polyamide composition consisting essentially of (A) 20 to 70 weight percent of at least one polyamide resin including at least one repeat unit selected from the group consisting of the formulas —C(O)(CH2)10C(O)NH(CH2)nNH—??(I), —C(O)(CH2)12C(O)NH(CH2)nNH—??(II), —C(O)(CH2)14C(O)NH(CH2)nNH—??(III), and —C(O)(CH2)16C(O)NH(CH2)nNH—??(IV); wherein n is an integer selected from 4, 6, and 10, and with the proviso that when the polyamide resin has repeat units of formula (I), at least one other repeat unit of formula (II)-(IV) is also present in at least 30 mol % content; (B) 20 to 65 weight percent of one or more fiber reinforcing agents, and (C) 0 to 20 weight percent of one or more polymer impact modifiers.

Abstract: A method for preparing a cellulose dispersion includes oxidizing cellulose; preparing cellulose nanofibers by defibrating the oxidized cellulose; and adding a water-soluble polymer and inorganic particles to the dispersion containing the cellulose nanofibers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a filled composition made from and/or containing (A) a first polymer composition made from and/or containing (i) a heterophasic polypropylene copolymer and (ii) a polypropylene blend, and (B) a biofiller composition made from and/or containing a cellulose-based biofiller. The filled composition can additionally be made with and/or contain an elastomeric ethylene copolymer composition. Optionally, the filled composition can further be made with and/or contains a grafted polyolefin composition. The filled composition is useful in making automotive components.

Abstract: A resin composition for producing a composite part, comprising a first resin component comprising a glycidyl ether epoxy resin, a second resin component comprising a naphthalene based epoxy resin, and an amino-phenyl fluorene curative; wherein the epoxy resin components a) and b) contain up to 33 wt % of the second resin component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to plant fiber-reinforced biocomposite thermoplastic and/or resin compositions and a method for reinforcing thermoplastic resins. The present invention provides a use for the cellulose portion of a plant material, which is the portion left over after processing the selected plant materials to separate the cellulose in a mechanical process that does not damage the internal molecular structure of the cellulose fraction, enabling the cellulose fraction to chemically bond with the thermoplastic resin to enhance the reinforcement of the resin or thermoplastic biocomposite composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods of treatment employing compositions comprising polyelectrolyte complexes. The compositions include a water-soluble first polyelectrolyte bearing a net cationic charge or capable of developing a net cationic charge and a water-soluble second polyelectrolyte bearing a net anionic charge or capable of developing a net anionic charge. The total polyelectrolyte concentration of the first solution is at least 110 millimolar. The composition is free of coacervates, precipitates, latex particles, synthetic block copolymers, silicone copolymers, cross-linked poly(acrylic) and cross-linked water-soluble polyelectrolyte. The composition may be a concentrate, to be diluted prior to use to treat a surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to plant fiber-reinforced biocomposite thermoplastic and/or resin compositions and a method for reinforcing thermoplastic resins. The present invention provides a use for the cellulose portion of a plant material, which is the portion left over after processing the selected plant materials to separate the cellulose in a mechanical process that does not damage the internal molecular structure of the cellulose fraction, enabling the cellulose fraction to chemically bond with the thermoplastic resin to enhance the reinforcement of the resin or thermoplastic biocomposite composition.

Abstract: A smoke producing method and device of the present disclosure produces a non-incendiary, organic-polymerization based, smoke-producing reaction. The method of generating smoke comprises initiating a frontal polymerization reaction by heating a composition comprising a monomer compound that exothermically polymerizes upon initiation with an initiator compound and an initiator compound that initiates polymerization of the monomer compound present at a mass concentration that is at least five percent of the mass concentration of the monomer compound. The polymerization of the monomer compound is exothermic, and in one embodiment the concentration of initiator compound is at least five percent of the concentration of monomer compound. The smoke mainly comprises thermal decomposition products of the initiator compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to water-based well drilling fluids. It has been found that cellulose based particles, which comprise cell wall material and their networks of cellulose based fibers and nanofibrils can be used to produce suspensions having viscosity and rheological properties particularly suitable for use as a drilling fluid. It is assumed that the organization of the cellulose fibrils, as it exists in the parenchymal cell walls, is at least partly retained in the cellulose based particles of the invention, even though part of the pectin and hemicellulose is removed there from. Breaking plant-based pulp down into this kind of cellulose based particles involves fewer and gentler processes than to break the pulp down further into cellulose nanofibrils, and therefore the present cellulose based particles can be produced much faster and at lower cost than completely unraveled cellulose nanofibrils.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to plant fiber-reinforced thermoplastic compositions and a method for reinforcing thermoplastic resins. The present invention provides a use for the cellulose portion of a plant material, which is the portion left over after processing the selected plant materials to separate the hemi-cellulose and lignin from the cellulose.

Abstract: Provided are modified cellulose nanofibers that can be easily formed into a composite with a resin containing a solvent and a resin composition that contains the modified cellulose nanofibers. A method for producing modified cellulose nanofibers is characterized in that a step of obtaining modified cellulose by causing cellulose having hydroxyl groups to react with a resin having an intramolecular polybasic anhydride structure and a step of miniaturizing the modified cellulose are performed in the same step. In this method, the polybasic anhydride structure is a cyclic polybasic anhydride structure obtained by ring formation through dehydration condensation of carboxyl groups in the molecule.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a process for preparing D,L-methionine by feeding carbon dioxide to an aqueous potassium methioninate solution obtained by hydrolysis of 5-(2-methylmercaptoethyl)hydantoin, in order to precipitate out crude methionine, which is separated off and purified. In this process an aqueous solution of the separated-off crude methionine is purified by recrystallization from a solution containing potassium ions and also a crystallization additive. The crystallization additive is a nonionic or anionic surfactant, or a mixture of different nonionic or anionic surfactants. The recrystallization occurs by introducing a 60 to 110° C.-hot methionine solution into a 35 to 80° C.-warm methionine suspension, a temperature of which is lower than that of the introduced solution, such that the temperature of the methionine suspension being maintained between 35 and 80° C. during the addition. The crystallization additive is a sorbitan fatty acid ester or a mixture of different sorbitan fatty acid esters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions useful for use in separators for use in lithium ion batteries, and membranes, separators, and devices derived therefrom.

Abstract: A first polyimide precursor solution composition contains: (A) a polyamic acid; (B) a carboxylic acid compound having at least three pairs of carboxyl groups within its molecule or an esterified product thereof; and (D) a solvent. A second polyimide precursor solution composition contains the components (A), (B), and (D) of the first polyimide precursor solution composition and additionally containing (C) a carboxylic acid compound having two pairs of carboxyl groups within its molecule or an esterified product thereof. A third polyimide precursor solution composition contains the components of the second polyimide precursor solution composition, wherein the polyamic acid (A) is a polyamic acid having a specific structure.

Abstract: Polyelectrolyte complexes between cationic polymers and anionic polymers are used in antiperspirant compositions containing an active antiperspirant ingredient.

Abstract: Polymer nanocomposites exhibit a reversible change in stiffness and strength in response to a stimulus. The polymer nanocomposites include a matrix polymer with a comparably low modulus and strength and nanoparticles that have a comparably high modulus and strength. The particle-particle interactions are switched by the stimulus, to change the overall material's mechanical properties. In a preferred embodiment, a chemical regulator is used to facilitate changes of the mechanical properties. Methods for inducing modulus changes in polymer nanocomposites are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a polymer brush structure exhibiting birefringence, said polymer brush structure comprising a plurality of substantially parallel oriented polymers and characterized by a longitudinal z-direction having a first refractive index, nz, and a lateral x,y-direction having a second refractive index, nx,y, wherein the difference, ?n, between the first refractive index and the second refractive index is in a range of about 0.1 to about 0.6, as measured by ellipsometry and fit to a Cauchy analytical model.

Abstract: Method for producing a blend of a plastic first material and a wood or other plant second material in a planetary roller extrusion arrangement. The method involves feeding particles of the second material into a feed, which particles of the second material have a maximum diameter of 1 mm. Particles of the first material are fed into a melting device and liquefied into a plastic melt. The plastic melt is fed into a pump. Particles of the second material are moved into a planetary roller part of the extrusion arrangement, while the plastic melt is also pumped in. The particles of the second material are then blended with the plastic melt to form a blend that is at least 60% by weight of the second material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of D,L-methionine, in which carbon dioxide is fed to an aqueous potassium methioninate solution obtained by hydrolysis of 5-(2-methylmercaptoethyl)hydantoin, in order to precipitate out crude methionine, which is separated off and purified, where, for the purposes of purification, an aqueous solution of the separated-off crude methionine is prepared and subjected to a recrystallization, characterized in that the solution from which the recrystallization takes place contains potassium ions and also a crystallization additive, where the crystallization additive is a nonionic or anionic surfactant, or a mixture of different nonionic or anionic surfactants, and that the recrystallization takes place by introducing a 60 to 110° C.-hot methionine solution into a 35 to 80° C.-warm methionine suspension, the temperature of which is lower than that of the introduced solution, the temperature of the methionine suspension being maintained between 35 and 80° C.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a dispenser, which is filled with a gel comprising a C1 to C10 carboxylic acid and a thickener, comprising a polyester membrane. The invention further relates to said gel. It also relates to s method for preparing said dispenser, comprising a) mixing C1 to C10 carboxylic acid and the thickener, and b) filling the mixture of step a) into the dispenser. The invention further relates to a method for the control of mites in bee hives comprising putting said dispenser inside or near a bee hive. It also relates to a use of the dispenser or the gel for the control of mites or of nosema in agricultural, industrial or domestic environment.

Abstract: Provided is a cellulose acetate film used for optical compensation and, in particular, a cellulose acetate film having a low retardation value Rth in the film thickness direction.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced resin composition which is capable of providing a light-weight molded article that has a high mechanical strength. The fiber-reinforced resin composition contains (A) a thermoplastic resin and (B) resin-impregnated filament bundles containing rayon fibers. The rayon fibers of the component (B) have a fiber diameter of 5-30 ?m and an X-ray orientation degree of 86% or more. The resin-impregnated filament bundles are obtained by: tying 2,000-30,000 rayon fibers of the component (B) lined up in the longitudinal direction together in a bundle; integrating the bundle of the rayon fibers by impregnating the bundle with the thermoplastic resin of the component (A) in a molten state; and then cutting the integrated bundle into pieces 3-30 mm long.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified cellulose nanofibers obtained by neutralizing cationic groups of cationic cellulose nanofibers with an anionic additives. Moreover, the present invention relates to a resin composition containing the aforementioned modified cellulose nanofibers and a molding resin, and to a molded body obtained by molding the resin composition. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a production method of modified cellulose nanofibers comprising neutralizing cationic groups of cationic cellulose nanofibers with an anionic additives.

Abstract: An extruded composite adapted for use as a building material includes a core having a base polymer and a natural fiber in a substantially homogeneous mixture and an ionomer capstock. To improve adherence of the ionomer to a base polymer, the ionomer can be mixed with a similar or substantially similar base polymer prior to coextrusion with the core. Additionally, various additives may be mixed with the capstock material to improve visual aesthetics of the product and performance of the building material, especially over time.

Abstract: A method for enabling D2T2 printing onto non-D2T2 printable substrates uses a diffusible primer material provided on a dye-sheet or ribbon. The primer comprises a polymer, a release agent and a plasticizer. The release agent and the plasticizer are diffused into the substrate, while the polymer remains on the dye-sheet or ribbon. Printing of the primer onto the PC substrate is controlled via a computer image program corresponding to a colored image. This computer image program also controls the printing of the colored image at the primed locations. Accordingly, image-wise treatment of a plastic material via the primer selectively renders the PC substrate surface D2T2 printable at the point of personalization, providing for a 100% PC full card body having the colored image.

Abstract: The deposition of graphene is accomplished by various techniques that result in a change of the graphene's solubility in the liquid medium. The solubility change enables the deposition of the graphene onto the substrate. Once the graphene is deposited onto the substrate, the at least partially coated substrate may be separated from the liquid medium. The substrates may then serve as a carrier to deliver the graphene to a desired application.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production method for purified polysaccharide fibers in which carbon disulfide emission is suppressed while efficiently producing purified polysaccharide fibers having excellent strength, purified polysaccharide fibers produced by using the production method, a fiber-rubber complex using the purified polysaccharide fibers, and a tire having excellent tire characteristics using the fiber-rubber complex. The production method for purified polysaccharide fibers of the present invention is a production method for purified polysaccharide fibers of wet-spinning or dry-wet-spinning polysaccharide by bringing a polysaccharide solution obtained by dissolving a polysaccharide raw material in a liquid including an ionic liquid into contact with a solidification liquid including an ionic liquid, in which a concentration of the ionic liquid in the solidification liquid is 0.

Abstract: A fastening component is a molded article of a mixture in which microfibrillated cellulose fibers are dispersed in a thermoplastic resin, wherein the thermoplastic resin has a melting point of between 150 and 200° C., and wherein when the total mass % of the thermoplastic resin and the cellulose fibers is set to be 100 mass %, the mass % of the cellulose fibers included in the mixture is greater than 20 mass % and less than 60 mass %. When the total mass % of the thermoplastic resin and the cellulose fibers is set to be 100%, the mass % of the cellulose fibers included in the mixture is preferably equal to or greater than 30 mass % and equal to or less than 50 mass %.

Abstract: A method of producing a composite material, comprising an assembly of natural fibres, impregnated with an amorphous or semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer, said method including: i) a step of impregnating said assembly with a precursor composition in the molten state and including: a) at least one prepolymer P(X)n of said thermoplastic polymer, having a molecular chain P having, at the ends of same, n reactive functions X, with n ranging from 1 to 3, in particular n being 1 or 2, and preferably 2 b) at least one chain extender Y-A-Y including reactive functions Y with at least one of said functions X ii) a step of polymerisation by mass (poly)addition, in the molten state, of said prepolymer with said chain extender with: said thermoplastic polymer being the result of said polymerisation by mass polyaddition and said impregnation i) and polymerisation ii) taking place at a temperature lower than 250° C.

Abstract: Provided are a rubber composition for tire containing raw material rubber and cellulose whiskers, and a tire produced from the same composition and having excellent general properties. Since the rubber composition for tire contains cellulose whiskers having superior reinforcing properties than rubber reinforcing materials, the rubber composition for tire can provide a tire having markedly enhanced properties compared to tires using the conventional rubber reinforcing materials. Also, when cellulose whiskers are applied to the rubber composition for tire, the content of the conventional rubber reinforcing materials can be reduced. As a result, the elongation ratio and low-fuel consumption performance that have been considered poor due to the use of conventional rubber reinforcing materials can be improved to a superior level, and a lightweight tire can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a composite article comprising cellulose pulp fibers and a thermoplastic matrix, wherein said process comprises the steps of: a) mixing a refined aqueous pulp suspension with a water suspension of thermoplastic fibers into a composition, b) forming the composition into a fiber web, c) dewatering the fiber web, d) drying the fiber web, and e) heating and pressing the dried fiber web from step d) to melt said thermoplastic fibers into a thermoplastic matrix and form a composite article.

Abstract: Formulations for solvent-based flexographic or rotogravure inks, which are capable high-quality, defect-free printing at high speeds, contain flexographic ink resins solutions and solvent mixtures which are designed to maintain a dynamic solubility parameter in the ink as the dry state is approached during the printing process. The inks described show extremely high quality printing at linear press speeds above 1800 fee per minute (ca 0.549 km/min).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a composition comprising cellulose pulp fibers and thermoplastic fibers wherein said process comprises the step of: a) mixing a refined aqueous pulp suspension with a water suspension of thermoplastic fibers. The invention also relates to compositions and composite articles obtainable by said process.

Abstract: A flame resistant composite fabric includes a first flame resistant fabric layer, a second flame resistant fabric layer, and a barrier layer that bonds the first flame resistant fabric layer to the second flame resistant fabric layer. The barrier layer is capable of withstanding temperature of 500° F. for at least 5 minutes without substantial change in the integrity of the flame resistant composite fabric.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rubber composition that allows uniform dispersion of microfibrillated plant fibers so as to improve the required performance for a tire in a balanced manner, and a pneumatic tire formed from the rubber composition. The present invention relates to a rubber composition prepared from a masterbatch obtained by mixing rubber latex, microfibrillated plant fibers and a cationic polymer, wherein 0.01 to 5 parts by mass of the cationic polymer is added per 100 parts by mass of a rubber component of the rubber latex.

Abstract: An adhesive composition including at least 7% and at most 30% by weight of adhesive component, which adhesive component includes at least one polyvinyl alcohol and/or at least one dextrin and/or at least one starch, further including a carbomer and optionally a boron compound, wherein the pH of the composition is at most 13.0 and, if starch and the boron compound are present, more than 91.0% of all the starches in the composition are in a cold water insoluble form. Further provided are a solid dry premix suitable as the basis for the adhesive composition, and processes for preparing the solid dry premix, or the adhesive composition, and articles wherein any of these are employed to form an adhesive bond with a substrate.

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 composite product includes gypsum in an amount of 60 to 90% by weight, fibers in an amount of 1.5 to 26% by weight substantially homogeneously distributed through the composite, and a rheology-modifying agent in an amount of 0.5 to 6% by weight. The composite is caused or allowed to cure to form a cured composite. The cured composite is a fire resistant component used in a fire-rated door core, a fire-rated door or a fire-rated building panel. The fire resistant component may include a building panel, a door panel, a door core, a door rail, a door stile, a door lock block, a door border, or a door insert.

Abstract: Polymeric particles having a size of about 0.1 to about 100 microns comprising at least two different phase separated polymers, at least one pigment, and at least one additive, where the pigment and additive are distributed within the phase separated polymers. Also disclosed are methods for preparing polymeric particles comprising phase separated polymers that comprise additives and pigments, wherein the methods involve molding.

Abstract: The present invention provides a binder-resin composition (a) for binding filler particles to a surface of a separator substrate for a nonaqueous-electrolyte secondary battery. The use of this composition makes it possible to give a separator excellent in heat resistance. The binder-resin composition (a) is a resin composition including a water-soluble polymer (A) having a metal carboxylate group, and a water-soluble polymer (B) having a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group or a sulfo group. However, the composition does not include a copolymer C that includes a structural unit (1) derived from vinyl alcohol and a structural unit (2) derived from a metal salt of acrylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel production method of a cellulose nanofiber and a novel cellulose nanofiber. The method for producing a cellulose nanofiber comprises defibrating pulp by a single- or multi-screw kneader in the presence of water, the single or multi-screw kneader having a screw circumferential speed of 45 m/min. Or more.

Abstract: A metal adsorbent which can adsorb a wide variety of metals, can conform to various uses, and adsorbs metals in large amounts. Metal adsorbents in various forms, which have the property of highly efficiently adsorbing metals, are produced by (a) a method in which a polyamine polymer is chemically bonded and immobilized to a porous support, (b) a method in which a polyamine polymer is blended into a solution of a raw material for fibers and the mixture is formed into fibers by wet-spinning or dry spinning, and (c) a method in which a polyamine polymer is blended into a solution of a film-forming polymer and the mixture is formed into a film by a method of film formation from solution.