Abstract: A new approach is conceived for the development of sustainable biomaterials comprising nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and polylactic acid (PLA) nanocomposites. The invention deals with advancing a method based on in situ ring opening polymerization of L-lactide in the presence of NCC particles to form NCC-PLA supramolecular nanocomposite materials. This material is hydrophobic and compatible with a wide range of synthetic and natural polymers. NCC-PLA nanocomposites have enhanced functionality (e.g. gas barrier), rheological and mechanical performance, as well as dimensional stability (i.e. less hygroexpansivity) relative to PLA. They are made from entirely renewable resources, and are potentially biocompatible as well as recyclable. NCC-PLA supramolecular nanocomposites can be suspended in most organic solvents or dried to form a solid substance. They can be processed using conventional polymer processing techniques to develop 3-dimensional structures, or spun into fibers, yarns or filaments.

Abstract: Disclosed are a water-dispersible halogen-capping polyalkylacrylate, a vinyl chloride-based block copolymer and a method for preparing the same. By using the water-dispersible halogen-capping polyalkylacrylate derivative as a chain transfer agent for polymerization of a vinyl chloride-based monomer, it is possible to obtain effects such as reduction of coagulation of particles and adhesion of particles to a reactor wall, improvement in reaction efficiency and polydispersity index, and prevention of yellowing.

Abstract: Biocomposite compositions and compositions, which include dried distillers solubles, and which can be used in making biocomposite compositions are described. Methods for preparing the compositions are also described.

Abstract: A modified filler composition used in papermaking is provided. The modified filler composition contains microfibrillated cellulose, filler, and latex having a glass transition temperature of less than 20° C. The dry weight of the microfibrillated cellulose is about 0.1% to about 10% that of the filler; the dry weight of the latex is about 0.1% to about 15% that of the filler.

Abstract: A modified filler composition used in papermaking is provided. The modified filler composition contains microfibrillated cellulose, and filler having negative charge, and a cationic polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer material with several advantageous properties. The polymer material has a low degree of swelling in water, it is biodegradable, it has extremely low permeability to gasses such as CO2 and it has a high strength. The polymer material is useful for a number of purposes, such as for preparing containers for food or beverages. The polymer material is prepared from a prepolymerization mixture comprising grafted plant derived material and monomers and/or cross-linkers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides pre-treatment compositions and related methods. As such, a pre-treatment coating for a print medium can include an evaporable solvent, a matrix, and a wax. The matrix can include from 50 wt % to 80 wt % of a fixer and from 5 wt % to 20 wt % of a low Tg latex. The wax can be present at from 5 wt % to 30 wt %. The weight percentages of the matrix and the wax are based on a total amount present in the pre-treatment coating after removal of the solvent.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive composition includes 4-15 w/w % styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymer, 20-35 w/w % styrene-isoprene diblock copolymer, 4-15 w/w % tackifier, 6-18 w/w % paraffin oil, and 30-45 w/w % hydrocolloid. The size of the hydrocolloid is below 40 ?m.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a composition for film formation comprising cellulose fibers, a layered inorganic compound, and a water-soluble polymer, which are each dispersed on nano level, a method for preparing a cellulose dispersion capable of forming a moisture-resistant film containing cellulose nanofibers, a gas-barrier laminate obtained by use of the dispersion, and a packaging material using the laminate. [Solution] A film-forming composition comprising at least cellulose fibers and a swollen inorganic compound is prepared. The method of preparing a cellulose dispersion comprises the steps of oxidizing cellulose, fibrillating the thus oxidized cellulose to prepare cellulose nanofibers, and adding a water-soluble polymer and inorganic particles to the dispersion containing the cellulose nanofibers.

Abstract: Biocomposite compositions and compositions, which include dried distillers solubles, and which can be used in making biocomposite compositions are described. Methods for preparing the compositions are also described.

Abstract: Fiber blends useful for garments with a balance of high thermal and comfort properties are disclosed. The fiber blends comprise a FR fiber component, a comfort fiber component, a structural fiber component, and an optional antistatic fiber. Yarns, fabrics, and garments comprising the fiber blends are also disclosed. Such garments are particularly useful for occupations requiring high thermal properties, such as oil and gas workers, fire fighters, utility workers, and military personnel, without compromising comfort of the wearers by maintaining breathability and moisture management properties of the fabric.

Abstract: Biocomposite compositions and compositions, which include dried distillers solubles, and which can be used in making biocomposite compositions are described. Methods for preparing the compositions are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to colorant compositions, and aqueous latex paints or other water-borne coatings made from them, which have a mitigated environmental impact. Levels of solvents, additives and impurities comprising volatile non-aqueous constituents, alkylphenol ethoxylates (and derivatives thereof), crystalline silica, and/or formaldehyde are decreased relative to those typical of preceding generations of colorants and tinted aqueous latex paints and other water-borne coatings. On the other hand, paint-performance as indicated by any of Stormer viscosity stabilization, rheological profile flow/leveling and sag resistance, water sensitivity and color transfer resistance is comparable to a paint in which the aforementioned solvents, additives and impurities are still present.

Abstract: Provided is a water-based plaster in which the gel strength is maintained to an appropriate level in a step of producing the water-based plaster, and particularly in a spreading step and an aging step, and a final preparation can exhibit an optimal adhesiveness for adhering to the skin. In the water-based plaster, a water-based adhesive base containing a water-soluble polymer as a main ingredient contains a higher fatty acid which is a liquid at room temperature and a viscosity of 1,000 (mPa·s, 20° C.) or more as a crosslinking modifier. The higher fatty acid is isostearic acid, and the contained amount thereof is 1 to 10% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to engineered cellulosic products which comprise plant material from plants of the genus Cymbopogon. Methods of making the engineered cellulosic products are also described. The engineered cellulosic products include particle boards and fibre boards.

Abstract: An optical compensation film and a liquid crystal display characterized in that in a scattered-light intensity measurement for a film with an incident light with 90° in a scattered light profile of a goniophotometer, in the case of measuring so as to detect a scattered light intensity at the position of 130° from a light source, a difference in scattered light intensity between the case where a film slow axis is installed horizontally on a sample stand and the case where the film slow axis is installed vertically is 0.05 or less.

Abstract: A resin composition containing a specific cellulose-based resin and a specific fumaric acid diester polymer in a specific blending ratio or containing, as the resin component, a specific cellulose-based resin and a specific fumaric acid diester polymer in a specific blending ratio and containing the resin component and an additive having an aromatic hydrocarbon ring or the like in a specific blending ratio. An optical compensation film can be produced using the resin composition.

Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity nanocellulose with surprisingly low mechanical energy input. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form nanofibrils and/or nanocrystals. The total mechanical energy may be less than 500 kilowatt-hours per ton. The crystallinity of the nanocellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. The nanocellulose material may include nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, or both. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose material is hydrophobic via deposition of some lignin onto the cellulose surface.

Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity nanocellulose with surprisingly low mechanical energy input. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form nanofibrils and/or nanocrystals. The total mechanical energy may be less than 500 kilowatt-hours per ton. The crystallinity of the nanocellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. The nanocellulose material may include nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, or both. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose material is hydrophobic via deposition of some lignin onto the cellulose surface.

Abstract: There is described a surface layer or coating of a fluoropolymer. Dispersed in the fluoropolymer is a compound of the formula: wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 each, independently of the others, are —H, alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl, R is a group of the formula —COOH, —COOM, —R5—COOH, —R5—COOM, —X—R5—COOH, or —X—R5—COOM wherein X and R5 are as defined herein, M is a cationic metal, A represents a saccharide monomer repeating unit having one or more R groups, B represents a saccharide monomer repeating unit having no R groups, m is an integer representing the number of repeating A units, and n is an integer representing the number of repeating B units.

Abstract: A carbon Nano material reinforced composite including carbon Nano material, calcium Nano scaled material, resin material such as phenolic resin or a modified form thereof including epoxy modified phenolic resin, alkyd modified phenolic resin and natural fiber or any modified processed form thereof. The carbon Nano material and calcium Nano scaled material are dispersed in the resin material along with the natural fiber and/or any modified form thereof. Along with the Nano scaled calcium material, optionally, other Nano scaled material such as Nano zinc oxide, Nano alumina, Nano silica, Nano Iron Oxide, Nano Silver, Nano copper, or Nano Zirconium, or any combination thereof can be used as per the requirement. The composite has strength similar to or better than the plywood.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a cellulose nanofiber, characterized by comprising the step of fibrillating cellulose in a polyester based resin, preferably in a polyester based resin having an ester group concentration of 6.0 mmol/g or more and a cellulose nanofiber produced by the manufacturing method concerned. In addition, the present invention provides a masterbatch composition containing the cellulose nanofibers and the polyester based resin. Furthermore, the present invention provides a resin composition containing the masterbatch composition and a diluent resin and a processed product thereof.

Abstract: Polyolefin dispersions, froths, and foams and articles manufactured therefrom are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for generating a thermoplastic foam from an aqueous dispersion. The aqueous dispersion may include a thermoplastic resin, water, and a stabilizing agent. The method may include adding at least one frothing surfactant to the aqueous dispersion to form a mixture, adding a flame retardant and/or a phase change material, frothing the mixture to create a froth, and removing at least a portion of the water to produce the foam.

Abstract: There is described a group of novel self-assembling peptides (SAPs), comprising biotinylated and unbiotinylated sequences, hybrid peptide-peptoid sequences, branched sequences for a total of 48 tested motifs, showing a heterogeneous ensemble of spontaneously self-assembled structures at the nano- and microscale, ranging from short tabular fibers to twisted ribbons, nanotubes and hierarchical self-assembled micrometer-long sheets. Specifically, the SAPs according to the present invention which initially spontaneous assemble, surprisingly form stable solid scaffolds upon exposure to neutral pH buffer. Further these SAPs allow adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of murine and human neural stem cells and have self-healing propensity. They also did not exert toxic effects in the central nervous system, can stop bleeding and foster nervous regeneration.

Abstract: A biodegradable resin composition containing a biodegradable resin and a cellulose having a crystallinity of less than 50%; and a biodegradable resin molded article wherein the biodegradable resin composition as defined above is molded. The biodegradable resin composition can be suitably used for various industrial applications, such as daily sundries, household electric appliance parts, and automobile parts.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel nanoscale cellulose particles and also a process for their production. The cellulose-based particles obtained have volume-averaged particle sizes of less than 300 nm. These nanoparticles are produced from amorphous cellulose or by amorphization of cellulose, optional subsequent hydrolysis and by input of energy into a water-containing medium after or during dispersion.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of a biodegradable polyester, where a mixture of aliphatic dihydroxy compounds, aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids or their liquid esters, and, optionally, further comonomers is mixed, without addition of a catalyst, to give a paste, and i) this mixture with at least a portion of the catalyst, is continuously esterified or, transesterified; ii) the transesterification or, esterification product obtained in i) is continuously precondensed with any remaining amount of catalyst to an intrinsic viscosity of from 20 to 70 cm3/g; iii) the product obtainable from ii) is continuously polycondensed to an intrinsic viscosity of from 60 to 170 cm3/g, and iv) the product obtainable from iii) is reacted continuously with a chain extender in a polyaddition reaction to an intrinsic viscosity of from 150 to 320 cm3/g. The invention further relates to biodegradable polyesters obtained_by this process.

Abstract: A biodegradable resin composition containing a biodegradable resin and a cellulose having a crystallinity of X (%), wherein the cellulose is obtained by a step including subjecting a cellulose-containing raw material to a pulverization treatment (A), wherein the cellulose-containing raw material contains a cellulose having a crystallinity of Y (%), and has a bulk density of from 100 to 500 kg/m3, and an average particle size of from 0.01 to 1.0 mm, and contains a cellulose in an amount of 20% by weight or more of a residue component obtained by removing water from the raw material, wherein X and Y satisfy the following formulas: 50?X?Y?5 (1) and 55?Y?99 (2). The biodegradable resin composition can be suitably used for various industrial applications, such as daily sundries, household electric appliance parts, and automobile parts.

Abstract: A new approach for improving fire resistance of cellulosic materials is provided, especially when the cellulosic material is to be used in polymer composites. Cellulosic material is treated with an aqueous mixture of alkali metal or ammonium hydroxide and alkaline earth or aluminum metal salt simultaneously with or within a short period of time of preparing the mixture. The treated cellulosic material becomes self-extinguishing and may also have improved thermal stability, improved interfacial thermal resistance, improved resistance to damage by oxidants and other chemical agents, improved resistance to biological agents and/or improved resistance to damage by ultra-violet light. The fire-resistant cellulosic material may also be treated with a layered nanoparticulate material either simultaneously with, subsequent to or prior to treatment with the aqueous mixture of alkali metal or ammonium hydroxide and alkaline earth or aluminum metal salt to impart further fire resistance to the cellulosic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising an associative thickener, a binder, polymer encapsulated opacifying pigment particles, and water. The composition of the present invention shows an improvement in opacity and S/mil over similar compositions that do not include polymer encapsulated opacifying pigment particles.

Abstract: Included are polymer compositions including a polymer and about 0.1% to 25% by weight of a cellulose additive. The polymer composition is in the form of a film and the cellulose additive may be a cellulose ester such as cellulose acetate butyrate.

Abstract: A drying type joint compound composition is provided, including: at least one binder, a filler and water, the water having a weight percentage in the range of 12-18% of the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A method of making a biodegradable composite is carried out by: (a) providing an aqueous mixture comprising partially hydrolyzed cellulose in a dissolution media; (b) providing a solution comprising a aliphatic polyester in a polar organic solvent; (c) combining the mixture with the solution to form a precipitate; (d) washing the precipitate with water to remove solvent and dissolution media and form a wet biodegradable composite; and then (e) drying the wet biodegradable composite to form a dry biodegradable composite. Composites made from the method are also described.

Abstract: Energy-activated room temperature-pumpable polymer compositions, devices for activating and processing the same into solid cellular or non-cellular polymeric materials that can be used as adhesives, sealants, coatings or gasket materials, and methods of making and using the same. The compositions according to the invention include solid particles that include one or more polymers, which are emulsified, dispersed or suspended in a liquid carrier together with at least one processing aid, such as a reactive blowing agent, a low molecular weight surfactant, a high molecular weight surfactant, one or more compounds found in latex paint, starch, cellulosic derived products and combinations of two or more thereof. The processing aids provide various benefits including, for example, reduced density, improved process hygiene, improved foam stability, faster bonding times and/or lower processing temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire with tread of a rubber composition containing a functionalized elastomer and pre-hydrophobated precipitated silica reinforcement.

Abstract: ‘Green’ composites are fabricated using resins, such as soy-based resins, and reinforced with crystalline high strength bacterial cellulose (BC) fibers. Bacterial cellulose is produced by providing a bacterial cellulose-producing bacterium such as Acetobacter xylinum; providing an inexpensive bacteria nutritional medium; culturing the bacterium in the bacteria nutritional medium under conditions to produce bacterial cellulose; and isolating bacterial cellulose produced by cultured bacteria from the bacteria nutritional medium. The bacteria nutritional medium comprises an inexpensive carbon source that is a plant-based seed extract. The seed extract is derived from a plant-based seed comprising soluble sugars.

Abstract: A process for improving the flow rate of an aqueous dispersion which comprises adding a natural polymer to said aqueous system and then adding a synthetic polymer to the aqueous system.

Abstract: A method for enhancing filtration performance in separating solids from liquids in an aqueous dispersion comprising a solids phase and a liquid phase in a two step process having a physical separation step and a filtration step comprising adding at least one filtration aid promoter and at least one synthetic polymer to the aqueous dispersion during and/or before the physical separation step resulting in concentrate and filtering the concentrate. The method may be applied in mining operations for dewatering mining slurry. Also, a composition applied in such method comprising at least one filtration aid promoter and at least one synthetic polymer. The filtration aid promoter comprises natural polymers, semi-natural polymers, coagulants and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of preparing a reinforced fluoropolymer composite is presented, which includes reacting a surface of a nanocrystalline cellulose with a fluorinated electrophile to form a fluoro-functionalized nanocrystalline in which the outer circumference of the nanocrystalline cellulose has been functionalized with fluorinated substrates, and contacting the fluoro-functionalized nanocrystalline cellulose with a fluoropolymer to form a fluoropolymer composite. Also presented is a method of preparing fluoro-functionalized nanocrystalline cellulose, including reacting a surface of a nanocrystalline cellulose with a fluorinated electrophile forming fluoro-functionalized nanocrystalline cellulose in which the outer circumference of the nanocrystalline cellulose has been functionalized with fluorinated substrates, precipitating the fluoro-functionalized nanocrystalline cellulose and isolating and purifying the fluoro-functionalized nanocrystalline cellulose.

Abstract: Cellulose nanofibers have an average degree of polymerization of 600 or more to 30000 or less, an aspect ratio of 20 or more to 10000 or less, an average diameter of 1 nm or more to 800 nm or less, and an I?-type crystal peak in an X-ray diffraction pattern, in which a hydroxyl group is chemically modified by a modifying group.

Abstract: A composite material comprising 10-98 wt. % of a bio-based particulate or fibrous filler and at least 2 wt. % of a polyester derived from an aliphatic polyalcohol with 2-15 carbon atoms and a polyacid, wherein the polyacid comprises at least 10 wt. % of tricarboxylic acid. Preferably, the filler is in the form of particles, fibers, and/or random or non-random layers. A plant-based filler may be used, in particular a cellulosic or lignocellulosic material, more in particular one or more materials selected from wood chips, wood flakes, sawdust, pulp, e.g., pulp of (recycled) paper or other fiber pulp, and plant-derived fibers such as cotton, linen, flax, and hemp. An animal-derived filler, in particular an animal-derived fiber such as wool, hair, silk, or feathers may also be used. Preferably the polyalcohol is selected from one or more of glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, 1,2-propane diol, 1,3-propane diol, and 1,2-ethane diol, in particular glycerol.

Abstract: A coating composition for forming a paper coat includes nano-fibrillated cellulose, pigment, latex, an auxiliary additive, and water. On a dry weight basis, the nano-fibrillated cellulose is in an amount by weight of 0.02 parts to 10 parts in the total composition, the pigment is in an amount by weight of 75 parts to 95 parts in the total composition, the latex is in an amount by weight of 5 parts to 15 parts in the total composition, and the auxiliary additive is in an amount by weight of 0.35 parts to 10 parts in the total composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to flame-retardant cellulosic man-made fibers containing a flame-retardant substance in the form of an oxidized condensate of a tetrakis hydroxyalkyl phosphonium salt with ammonia and/or a nitrogenous compound which contains one or several amine groups whereby the fiber has a tenacity of more than 18 cN/tex in a conditioned state. Production process and the use of the fibers according to the invention are further objects of the invention.

Abstract: A precursor batch composition that can be used to make porous ceramic articles is provided. In addition to a cellulosic binder and an aqueous solvent, the batch composition includes a polysaccharide gum. The batch composition may optionally include a linear water soluble polymer having a molecular weight of at least one million Daltons.

Abstract: A fiber blend, yarn, fabric, and/or garment suitable for use in arc and flame protection comprising (a) greater than 30 percent aramid fiber; (b) 20 to 35 weight percent modacrylic fiber; (c) 20 to 35 weight percent rayon fiber having a limiting oxygen index of 21 or less, and having a dry tensile strength of 3 grams per denier or greater; and (d) 0 to 3 weight percent antistatic fiber; the percentages on the basis of components (a), (b), (c), and (d); wherein the difference in the amount of the modacrylic fiber and the rayon fiber present in the blend, yarn, fabric, and/or garment is 10 percent by weight or less.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a modified propylene resin containing very small amounts of low-crystalline and low-molecular-weight components. The present invention relates to a modified propylene resin characterized by satisfying the following requirements (1) to (4). (1) The melting point (Tm) measured with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) is 140° C. or higher. (2) The amount of grafts of ethylenic unsaturated bond-containing monomer after hot xylene washing is 0.1 to 5 percent by weight. (3) The amount of components soluble in o-dichlorobenzene at 70° C. is 1.5 percent by weight or less. (4) The intrinsic viscosity [?] is 0.1 to 4 dl/g.

Abstract: The invention relates to an acrylic copolymer additive useful as a process aid in highly filled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) composites. The acrylic additive is especially useful in highly filled PVC flooring tiles, rolled flooring, pipe and siding. The acrylic copolymer additive contains from 50 to 79 weight percent of methyl methacrylate monomer units, and has a Tg of less than 90° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymeric compositions comprising a biodegradable copolymer that possesses shape-memory properties and implantable devices (e.g., drug-delivery stents) formed of materials (e.g., a coating) containing such compositions. The polymeric compositions can also contain at least one non-fouling moiety, at least additional biocompatible polymer, at least one biobeneficial material, at least one bioactive agent, or a combination thereof. The polymeric compositions are formulated to possess good mechanical, physical and biological properties. Moreover, implantable devices formed of materials comprising such compositions can be delivered to the treatment site in a conveniently compressed size and then can expand to dimensions appropriate for their medical functions.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates to a dry powder composition comprising water soluble polymer powders, and a component in powder form. The dry powder composition shows improved water dispersibility compared to the water soluble polymer powders. The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) further relates to an aqueous protective coating composition comprising the dry powder composition.

Abstract: In various embodiments a urethane/molecular rebar formulation comprising a specific composition is disclosed. The composition comprises a urethane polymer or prepolymer/discrete carbon nanotube formulation. Utility of the urethane/molecular rebar composition includes improved foams and adhesives.