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: 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.

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: A moisture scavenger composition to address the processing of moisture sensitive materials or high moisture content materials in melt processable feed stocks. The moisture scavenger includes a desiccant, an elastomeric dispersant, and an optional hydrophillic synergist.

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: The instant invention generally provides polymer microfiller composite comprising a molecularly self-assembling material and a microfiller, and a process of making and an article comprising the polymer microfiller composite.

Abstract: It is provided an implantable device including a polymer blend that contains a polymer formed of fluorinated monomers and hydrocarbon monomers and another biocompatible polymer.

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 heat-shrinkable film comprising an aliphatic polycarbonate, wherein the film is uniaxially or biaxially oriented, and exhibits a heat-shrinkage of at least 30% in at least one direction when treated with hot air at 70° C. for 10 min, has an improved transparency and good heat-shrinkability which can be used for various purposes such as a label or wrapping material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rubber composition which makes it possible to improve the handling stability, ride comfort, and elongation at break in a balanced manner and at the same time to achieve satisfactory processability and fuel economy; and also provides a pneumatic tire formed from the rubber composition. The present invention relates to a rubber composition including a masterbatch that includes: a modified natural rubber with a phosphorus content of 200 ppm or less; and microfibrillated plant fibers. The rubber composition preferably has a ratio (E*a/E*b) of a complex modulus E*a in an extrusion direction to a complex modulus E*b in a perpendicular direction to the extrusion direction, both measured at a temperature of 70° C. and a dynamic strain amplitude of 2% under an initial elongation of 10%, of 1.05 to 6.00, wherein the complex modulus E*a is 7 to 100 MPa.

Abstract: Gels and gel-containing materials, including hydrogels, are described. A gel can be formed by blending polyacrylic acid (PAA) and a polyglycol, such as polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG) at room temperature and, in some cases, without using a catalyst. The blend material can be used to form soft or hard materials, films and particles. The blend material can be combined with vinyl monomers and polymerize to form a hydrogel. The hydrogel can have a high mechanical strength and high water absorbency.

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 dry powder composition for preparing a dry form of an acrylic finish is provided. The dry powder composition includes: calcium carbonate filler, coalescing aid, pH adjuster, and an acrylic-based re-dispersible polymer in powder form. In various embodiments, aggregate, silica sand, titanium dioxide, cellulose thickener, biocide, clay, cellulose fiber, mica filler, and/or defoamer are added. The dry powder composition can further comprise a hydrophobic agent. The dry powder can be mixed with a volume of water to produce a wet coating for application to a substrate.

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: An object of the invention is to provide an elastomer composition containing a substance as an alternative raw material for an elastomer component, which is low in environmental load and capable of being produced at low cost, and a tire using the elastomer composition. Here, the elastomer composition and the tire of the invention are characterized in containing residuum generated in a fermentative treatment of an organic matter in an elastomer component. In addition, as the above fermentative treatment, an anaerobic fermentative treatment or an aerobic fermentative treatment can be used.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer composition comprising at least two polyesters having improved mechanical properties, in particular a good balance between ultimate tensile strength, elastic modulus and elongation on failure. This composition is particularly suitable for the production of manufactured articles such as for example films, moulded objects, thermoformed objects or expanded articles.

Abstract: The present teachings disclose a composite. The composite includes a cellulose material dispersed in a fluoropolymer. The cellulose material is present in an amount of from about 1 weight percent to about to about 30 weight percent of the composition. A method of manufacturing a composite article and coating is described.

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: The present teachings provide a fuser member. The fuser member comprises a release layer comprising microcrystalline cellulose particles dispersed in a fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A binder composition has good tensile strength, and can improve the cycle life of a rechargeable battery by maintaining the conduction path of an electrode even during expansion or shrinkage of the active material. The binder composition is environmentally friendly, and can be used in existing production lines as-is. An electrode and a rechargeable battery use the binder composition. The binder composition for a rechargeable battery includes a main binder including a poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) having at least one of a sulfonic acid group (—SO3H) or a sulfonate group (—SO3?M+) in the polymer main chain.

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 printed circuit board is provided here, the printed circuit board including a cellulosic polymer, where the cellulosic polymer contains a boronate moiety.

Abstract: A Waterborne adhesive comprising 1 to 50 weight-% of a (meth)acrylate copolymer manufactured by polymerization of at least one ester of methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, crotonic acid and/or itaconic acid with aliphatic alcohols, substituted aliphatic alcohols, aromatic alcohols, polyether glycols, and other copolymerizable monomers, having an acid number from 0 to 150 mgKOH/g, 0 to 40 wt-% of natural polymers 0.5 to 30 wt-% of urea, 0.1 to 20 wt-% of additives, characterized in that the adhesive contains 0.05 to 20 weight-% of a super absorbent polymer.

Abstract: A cellulosic inclusion-thermoplastic composition that includes cellulosic inclusions and a thermoplastic polyolefin that forms a matrix in which the cellulosic inclusions are dispersed. A maleated polymer and a polar thermoplastic polymer resin of a polyamide or polyester are provided to improve adhesion between the cellulosic inclusions and the thermoplastic polyolefin. The polar thermoplastic polymer resin is characterized by a melting temperature greater than that of the thermoplastic polyolefin. The composition as provided has increased break tensile strength relative to a composition devoid of the polar thermoplastic polymer resin but otherwise is unchanged. The break tensile is measured at 23° Celsius and at an elongation rate of 50 millimeters per minute.

Abstract: Hydroxyl polymer-containing compositions, especially hydroxyl polymer-containing compositions that can be processed into polymeric structures, especially polymeric structures in the form of fibers are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention blend polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) with calcium carbonate (CC) or other filler(s) to form a single or multi-layer plastic film. The result is an improved plastic film that retains the beneficial properties of conventional plastic films, but can also be easily fractured and creased. Embodiments of the invention also provide a method for manufacturing the single or multi-layer plastic film.

Abstract: A binder mixture is described comprising: an aqueous copolymer dispersion which has a glass transition temperature, Tg, of less than 10° C. and which is prepared by emulsion polymerization of a monomer mixture comprising: (i) at least 60% by weight, based on the total amount of monomers, of at least one vinyl ester; (ii) from 15 to 30% by weight, based on the total amount of monomers, of ethylene; (iii) from 0.05 to 5% by weight, based on the total amount of monomers, of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having at least 4 carbon atoms; and (iv) from 0.05 to 5% by weight, based on the total amount of monomers, of an ethylenically unsaturated sulfonic acid or salt thereof.

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 present invention relates to a purified cellulose fiber which has an initial elastic modulus of 2.30 cN/dtex or higher in a region having an elongation of 0.5% to 0.7%, wherein the purified cellulose fiber is made by wet spinning or dry-wet spinning a cellulose-dissolved liquid made by dissolving a cellulose raw material in an ionic liquid, and a fiber-rubber composite and a tire, each using the same.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a dual cure composition comprising a radiation curable polymer precursor, solid particles, an organometallic precursor and a coupling agent, a hybrid organic/inorganic nanocomposite material produced using said dual cure composition and a dual cure process using thermal energy and radiation for producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire comprising a component, the component comprising a rubber composition comprising a diene based elastomer and 1 to 100 phr of: A) a twin polymerization reaction product of a silyl ether; or B) a twin polymerization reaction product of a boronic acid ester; or C) a twin polymerization reaction product of a titanium compound derived from tetraethyl orthotitanate and furfuryl alcohol; or D) a twin polymerization reaction product of a tungsten compound; The invention is further directed to the corresponding rubber compositions.

Abstract: A poly(phenylene ether)-poly(hydroxy ether) block copolymer is used to compatibilize blends of polar polymers and non-polar polymers. The resulting compatibilized blends exhibit physical property improvements relative to blends without a compatibilizer and blends with a poly(hydroxy ether).

Abstract: The subject matter discloses a composite material comprising a first component and a second component, the first component comprising an organic element and a thermoplastic element and the second component comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of vulcanized rubber and tire cords. The subject matter further discloses a process comprising mixing while heating under shear forces a first component comprising organic waste and thermoplastic waste with a second component comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of vulcanized rubber and tire cords; to obtain a melt; processing the melt, the processing comprises at least cooling the melt to obtain a composite material comprising: organic element; thermoplastic element; and at least one element selected from the group consisting of vulcanized rubber and tire cords.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material containing airlaid cellulose fiber material, and uses thereof.

Abstract: A suspension of a boron containing compound in the form of crystals, powder or granulate in a solvent which contain a carbomer as dispersant. This suspension is very stable, even at high concentrations, and exhibits favourable non-Newtonian viscosity behavior, which makes it suitable in a number of applications, such as for the control of fission reactions with the generation of electric power from nuclear energy.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film is produced by casting a solution comprising a cellulose acylate resin and a partially ring-opened, styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer. The produced film has improved wet heat durability and low haze.

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: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: A crushed stone surface texture composition includes by weight approximately 45-65% crushed stones, 5-25% stone dust and 15-35% resin. The resin includes by weight approximately 40-60% industrial grade adhesive and also 40-60% industrial grade thickening agent, water and ammonia. The crushed stones may vary in size from 0.0625 inch diameter to 0.09375 inch diameter. The crushed stones and the stone dust may include marble or granite. The industrial grade adhesive includes a vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion stabilized with anionic surfactants. The industrial grade thickening agent comprises hydroxyethyl cellulose. Exemplary embodiments may also include 0.1-15% fire proofing material which may include alumina trihydrate. Stone dust fills the voids and pores resulting in a smoother finished product that retains it aesthetic look and color over time while remaining easy to clean.

Abstract: The flame-retarding properties of polymeric compositions are selectively enhanced, without adversely affecting other properties of these materials to any significant degree, by including in the compositions oligomeric urethanes with high bromine content.

Abstract: A composition is provided comprising a) cellulose fibres having a number average length of from 0.001 to 0.5 mm and a specific surface area of from 1 to 100 m2/g and b) an at least partially hydrolysed vinyl acetate polymer. The composition is useful in providing self-supporting films or coating layers for providing barriers to permeable substrates.

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: Provided are chlorine-free ink and coating compositions that demonstrate improved adherence when applied to untreated flexible plastic film substrates. The provided compositions eliminate the need for a separate step of pre-treating a plastic film before applying an ink or coating composition. Also provided are methods for producing a printed article using the provided ink and coating compositions and methods of adhering chlorine-free inks or coatings that exhibit improved adhesion characteristics to untreated plastic films.

Abstract: A composition is provided comprising a) cellulose fibres having a number average length of from 0.001 to 0.5 mm and a specific surface area of from 1 to 100 m2/g; b) an at least partially hydrolysed vinyl acetate polymer; and c) at least one anionic polymer. The composition is useful in providing self-supporting films or coating layers for providing barriers to permeable substrates.

Abstract: Color concentrates for thermoplastic biofiber composites are disclosed. The concentrates employ three factors to achieve concentrated delivery of color to the processing machine and excellent and substantially uniform dispersion of color in the processing machine: melt flow of the concentrate exceeding at least 4 g/10 min. using ASTM D-1238; pellet size of the concentrate such that at least 50 pellets weigh less than one gram; and weight percent of the colorant ingredients in the concentrate exceeding at least 30 weight percent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a dissolving pulp from a cellulosic starting material using the kraft process, comprising the step of cooking the starting material with a cooking liquor. The process according to the invention characterized in that the starting material is exposed to a steam treatment prior to cooking and that the pulp obtained by cooking is subjected to cold caustic extraction (CCE) in the course of further processing.