Abstract: A process for producing odor-inhibiting water-absorbing polymer particles based on ethylenically unsaturated monomers bearing acid groups, wherein the acid groups have been neutralized to an extent of from 40 to 70 mol % and the polymer particles are coated with a condensed tannin and/or a hydrolyzable tannin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plastic materials comprising lignin and poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) to methods of manufacturing those plastic materials and to articles obtained by molding the plastic materials of the invention. Since PBS can be obtained from renewable sources, the present invention also provides for bioplastic materials comprising lignin and PBS. The present invention also provides for plastic materials comprising lignin and PBS and at least one fiber and to articles obtained from those plastic materials that are degradable, compostable and recyclable.

Abstract: Provided is an adhesive composition disclosed herein includes tannin, poly(ethylene glycol) and water. The adhesive composition has little toxicity, allows adhesion even in the absence of a thermosetting curing agent, and is hardly soluble in water to show moisture resistance, unlike known tannin adhesives. Therefore, the adhesive composition may be used as a medical adhesive, adhesive depot for sustained release of drug, anti-adhesion agent, cell/protein adsorption barrier and medical hemostatic applicable to various wet environments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a composition comprising 10 to 45% of the total solids weight lignin, polyacrylonitrile or a polyacrylonitrile copolymer, and a solvent to form a lignin-based polyacrylonitrile-containing dope and the resulting products. The dope can be processed to produce fibers, including precursor, oxidized and carbonized fibers. The oxidized fibers are of value for their flame resistant properties and carbonized fibers are suitable for use in applications requiring high strength fibers, or to be used to form composite materials.

Abstract: Novel particles and composite particles, their uses and a novel process for producing them from alkoxysilyl-group-carrying alkoxylation products.

Abstract: A two-component solvent-free polyurethane laminating adhesive for flexible packaging, including a First Component and a Second Component is provided. The First Component, which acts as a resin, includes a first vegetable oil based Polyol A in an amount from 20 to 40 weight percent, a second vegetable oil based Polyol B in an amount from 0.5 to 5 weight percent, and a Polyisocyanate C in an amount from 60 to 74 weight percent. The Second Component, which acts as a hardener, includes a first vegetable oil based Polyol A in an amount from 87 to 99 weight percent, and a Polyol E in an amount from 0.5 to 5 weight percent. The first vegetable oil based Polyol A is preferably a hydroxylated castor oil, and the second vegetable oil based Polyol B is preferably hydroxylated linseed oil.

Abstract: Use of water redispersible polymer powders stabilized with a protective colloid as a thermoplastic binder for natural particulate materials allows thermoplastic processing such as extrusion, without formation of bubbles due to moisture present, and while maintaining physical properties.

Abstract: Flame retardant and water resistant products are produced from bio-based materials such as lignin cellulose containing materials. The lignin cellulose materials are modified by the method of delignification. The method of this invention utilizes an amino compound in an aqueous solution to react with the lignin in the lignin cellulose and the amino lignin and freed lignin becomes water soluble. The amino compound also reacts with the non-water soluble lignin still attached to the cellulose and also to the cellulose that is produced. Other products are produced in this method such as carbohydrates, hemi-cellulose, rosins, waxes, alcohols and other products. The amino lignin, lignin, amino lignin and amino cellulose is reacted with many organic and inorganic compounds such as aldehydes, polyisocyanates, epoxies, polycarboxylic acids, vegetable oils and many other compounds to produce resins and adhesives which may be used to produce products such as molded products, particleboard, plywood, ABS, etc.

Abstract: The invention refers to aliphatic-aromatic biodegradable polyesters obtained from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, aromatic acids of renewable origin and diols, and also to blends of said polyesters with other biodegradable polymers of either natural or synthetic origin.

Abstract: The present invention provides derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content. Surprisingly, it has been found that consistent and predictable antioxidant activity may be provided by selecting for derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content.

Abstract: The present invention provides hardwood derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content. Surprisingly, it has been found that consistent and predictable antioxidant activity may be provided by selecting for derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content.

Abstract: The present invention provides softwood derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content. Surprisingly, it has been found that consistent and predictable antioxidant activity may be provided by selecting for derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content.

Abstract: The invention relates to functionalized lignin, rubber compositions which contain functionalized lignin and to products which have at least one component comprised of such rubber composition.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a paper product, the method comprising; providing a mixture comprising lignin in an aqueous solution at a concentration and pH such that substantially all the lignin is solubilised; treating the paper product with a cationic polymer followed by treating the paper product with the lignin mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispersing agent composition and to a process for treating liquid slurries of bentonite particles, optionally comprising contaminating solids, in order to remove any contaminating solids and/or the bentonite particles, wherein said dispersing agent composition is added to said slurry causing contaminating solids and/or the bentonite particles to settle without flocculation.

Abstract: The present invention provides wood adhesive binder compositions comprising a naturally occurring protein component, e.g. soy flour, and an oxazoline-functional group containing polymer or resin component, the two components in a solids weight ratio of from 60:40 to 98:2. As formulated, the compositions may comprise from 40 to 98 wt. % of the naturally occurring protein component, preferably, 50 wt. % or more. Preferably, the wood adhesive binder further comprises lignins or lignosulfonate. Where the wood adhesive binder compositions comprise lignins or lignosulfonates, they remain more fluid and workable at a higher pH such as, for example, 4.5 or more. Any of the compositions may be formulated with one or more in situ acid generator compound to insure more rapid cure on heating or pressing. The binder enables the provision of mechanically sound, low cost and biodegradable composites, such as, medium density fiberboard (MDF).

Abstract: A resin composition includes: an aliphatic polyester compound; and a lignophenol compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for producing naturally-degradable substitutes of plastics and to a method for producing a granular combination of naturally-degradable polymers suitably usable in the plastic transformation industry.

Abstract: A curable binder composition comprising an emulsion polymer and a natural binder.

Abstract: A mixture, comprising of fly ash and an emulsion, where said emulsion is mixed with said fly ash in a range of 5% to 50% of fly ash per an area of a square yard and 0.5 gallons to 2.5 gallons per square yard of the emulsion to said area.

Abstract: A resin composition includes: an aliphatic polyester compound; and a lignophenol compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing novel lignin derivatives, which comprises using a lignophenol derivative containing a diphenylpropane unit formed by binding a carbon atom at an ortho-position relative to a phenolic hydroxyl group of a phenol derivative to a carbon atom at a benzyl-position of a phenylpropane fundamental unit of lignin, and binding an oxygen atom of the hydroxyl group and a ?-positional carbon atom under alkali conditions under which the hydroxyl group can dissociate, to obtain an arylcoumaran derivative containing an arylcoumaran unit in which a coumaran skeleton is bound to an aromatic ring of lignin.

Abstract: A hardener composition and pine bark tannin-containing resin composition are disclosed. The resin composition is formulated to neutral pH in order to reduce the extent of self-polymerisation and provide a satisfactory shelf life. The hardener composition may be mixed with a suitable resin, or the resin composition mixed with a suitable hardener to produce a cold set adhesive which is particularly useful for bonding wood.

Abstract: Adhesive composition derived from tannin-furfuryl alcohol catalyzed by acid in a two-part aqueous system is used to bond a variety of wood substrates to give good bond strength and high percentage of wood failure. The reactivity of the mixed adhesive can be controlled by the proper selection of acid catalyst, catalyst concentration, and adhesive composition. This gives adhesive with a wide range of open time during processing. This adhesive system can be either cold set or heat activated. It can also be cured by radio frequency similar to typical industrial settings. These characteristics make this adhesive system suitable for a number of engineered wood applications such as finger joint, Glulam, I-joist, and LVL.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions produced from abundant and renewable resources such as lignocellulosic materials, particularly decayed lignocellulosic materials or demethylated lignin. Other components present in particular examples of the adhesive compositions include relatively inexpensive materials, such as borates and/or polyethyleneimine. Also disclosed are lignocellulosic composites that are made from the adhesive compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for vulcanizing caoutchouc or latex by adding a mixture M which contains a component a) from a1) 20 to 96% by weight of sulfur, a2) 4 to 80% by weight of a complexing agent, and optionally other additives b) to caoutchouc or latex and then vulcanizing the mixture. The inventive method is characterized in that the average particle size of the primary particles of component a) ranges from 0.05 to 20 ?m.

Abstract: A copolymer resin composition provided by the process of the present invention is of considerable strength and moldability and is produced by polymerization of a monosaccharide or a polysaccharide that is derived from natural objects and has a hydroxyl group, and a carboxyl group or a salt thereof with a compound having a hydroxyl group and a carboxyl group. The monosaccharide or the polysaccharide serves as a polyfunctional central compound. The copolymer resin composition is obtained through dehydration-polycondensation of (A) at least one selected from the group consisting of a monosaccharide and a polysaccharide having a hydroxyl group, and a carboxyl group or an ion-exchanged carboxyl group; and (B) at least one selected from the group consisting of (b1) hydroxycarboxylic acid, (b2) polyhydroxycarboxylic acid, (b3) a mixture of an aliphatic polyol and an aliphatic polybasic acid, and (b4) an aliphatic polyester obtained by the reaction of an aliphatic polyol with an aliphatic polybasic acid.

Abstract: A water-soluble granular composition including at least 40% of at least one plant growth regulator, at least one binder, at least one disaccharide and at least one surfactant; as well as methods for making and using the composition are disclosed. The water-soluble granular composition advantageously improves preparation of a solid plant growth regulator formulation for spray application, as such composition swiftly dissolves, is easily metered for application, can be more highly concentrated and is dust-free. A presently preferred water-soluble granular composition includes at least 40% of at least one gibberellin as the plant growth regulator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing novel lignin derivatives, which comprises using a lignophenol derivative containing a diphenylpropane unit formed by binding a carbon atom at an ortho-position relative to a phenolic hydroxyl group of a phenol derivative to a carbon atom at a benzyl-position of a phenylpropane fundamental unit of lignin, and binding an oxygen atom of the hydroxyl group and a ?-positional carbon atom under alkali conditions under which the hydroxyl group can dissociate, to obtain an arylcoumaran derivative containing an arylcoumaran unit in which a coumaran skeleton is bound to an aromatic ring of lignin.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel composites comprising plastic and plant material derived from members of Parthenium spp. and, in particular, Parthenium argentatum (also known as guayule), Parthenium tomentosum or Parthenium incanum. The invention is also directed to composites that possess insect, fungal, and microbial resistance. Products made from composites of the instant invention are useful to make numerous items, particularly those used for construction such as lumber, plywood, particleboard, fiberboard, poles, railroad crossties, or the like.

Abstract: Liquid suspensions of particles in non-aqueous solvents are extremely stable over long periods of time with minimum separation of the solvent and no hard packing of the dispersed particles. The suspensions enable a user to rapidly add the suspension to water and to mix at low speeds without generating fugitive dust in the process. In addition, a liquid dispersion can provide an easy to use liquid containing higher concentrations of the active dispersed phase than can be accomplished by simply preparing an aqueous solution of the dispersed phase. Alternatively, highly water-soluble particles may also be suspended which have poor storage, freeze/thaw, or heat/cool stability. In some cases, liquid dispersions can yield controlled release of the dispersed phase because the dispersed phase is not in aqueous solution. The suspensions are environmentally safe and biodegradable and may be used in environmentally sensitive applications, such as for oil well treating fluids for offshore areas.

Abstract: Stable and environmentally friendly suspensions of solid particulates are provided through the addition of such solid particulates to a suspension medium which is comprised of a liquid carrier, a liquid carrier soluble resin, an organophyllic clay, and an activator wherein said liquid carrier is a carboxylic acid ester, preferably 2-ethylhexyl oleate, said liquid carrier soluble resin is selected from the group consisting of styrene-isoprene copolymers, styrene ethylene-propylene block copolymers, styrene isobutylene copolymers, styrene butadiene copolymers, polybutylene, polystyrene, polyethylene-propylene copolymers, methyl methacrylate and mixtures thereof, said organophyllic clay is one of kaolinite, halloysite, vermiculite, chlorite, attapullgite, smectite, montmorillonite, bentonite, hectorite, and mixtures thereof and said activator is an alcohol of the formula ROH wherein R is an alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The adhesive system for use in binding lignocellulosic materials into a composite product, the adhesive system consisting essentially of a first part and one of (a) a second part; (b) a third part, and (c) both the second part and the third part; the first part being selected from the group consisting of powdered tannins, powdered modified tannins, and mixtures thereof; the second part being a powdered component reactive with the first part and selected from the group consisting of aldehyde polymers, phenolic resoles, modified phenolic resoles, and mixtures thereof; the third part being a liquid polymeric isocyanate, wherein:

Abstract: An antimicrobial biocidic fiber-plastic composite is capable of killing bacteria on contact. The composite can be produced from a cellulose fiber material obtained from agricultural waste, a plastic material obtained from industrial waste, and one or more biocides that kill bacteria without being harmful to humans. Lignin is removed from the fiber material through a delignification process to allow the biocides to bind directly with the cellulose fibers. In one example, the biocides include Sodium Hypochlorite, N-chloro-p-toluenesulfonamide sodium salt-trihydrate, Vitamin E and Citric Acid. After adding the biocides, lignin is added back to the mixture to allow the cellulose fibers to bind with the plastic material. The fiber-plastic composition can then be extruded, pelletized, and molded into any shape or size.

Abstract: Asphalt emulsions containing emulsifiers comprising alkali metal or ammonium salts of solidified pyrolytic wood tar oil. Resinous compositions useful as asphalt emulsifiers comprising: (a) solidified pyrolytic wood tar oil and salts thereof, and (b) rosins and salts thereof.

Abstract: A plastic material made from a polymer blend, is characterized in that said material contains at least one lignin-based natural polymer, in particular based on alkali lignin produced during the extraction of cellulose, and at least one other synthetic and/or natural polymer which increases the impact resistance, proteins excluded. The inventive plastic material has excellent characteristics. It is biodegradable due to the natural polymer content and has, to a considerable extent, an ecologically neutral CO2 balance. The polymer blend can be used advantageously in place of wood or wood materials.

Abstract: A wood adhesive formulation containing furfuryl alcohol, lignin, maleic anhydride, and iron and zinc catalysts.

Abstract: A molded fiber product is made from plant fibers containing lignin. Plant fibers ranging in size below 0.5 mm are used. Binding agents and other additives may be mixed with the fibers to enhance product or process performance. The plant fiber mixture of fibers and additives are heated at temperatures between 40 degrees C. and 300 degrees C. The heated fibers are compressed in a mold to an average density of at least 960 kg/m3. Compression pressures of at least 3.4 MPa are used. The compressed fiber product is released from the mold and the mold may be reused. A thermoset molded plant fiber product is provided having characteristics and qualities similar to engineering grade thermoplastics and thermoset plastics.

Abstract: Provided is an additive for a thermoplastic resin prepared by mixing tannin with a coupling agent, and the above additive inhibits the thermoplastic resin from being reduced in a molecular weight in heating and melting and achieves heat stabilization of the thermoplastic resin. Accordingly, it becomes possible to recycle the molded articles.

Abstract: Tannin obtained by dehydrating it by heating up to 70 to 230° C. to subject it to polycondensation is used as a resin additive.

Abstract: Biobased cross-linked compositions, methods of fabrication and structures, in particular biobased printed wiring boards using the compositions and methods of making the structures are described. Biobased materials such as lignin, crop oils, wood resins, tannins, and polysaccharides and combinations thereof are cross-linked, preferably using heat, a cross-linking agent, and an initiator. The materials fabricated have suitable properties for printed wiring boards which are made by impregnating a fiberglass or biobased cloth with an admixture of the biobased material, cross-linking agent and initiator which is processed by conventional methods to produce a printed wiring board.

Abstract: A biodegradable composition, is obtained by heating a melting together at least one lignin and/or a lignin containing material with a protein. This composition may contain one or more additives. Also disclosed are articles produced with this composition.

Abstract: Paper sizing compositions comprising (a) cellulose-reactive size, (b) dispersant system comprising primary anionic dispersant, and secondary dispersant selected from cationic and/or non-ionic dispersant, and (c) inorganic salt.

Abstract: A composition that includes the reaction product of a lignin derivative and a reactant selected from the group consisting of alkylating agents, acylating agents, and combinations thereof, where the reaction product has a measurable cohesive strength, and a plasticizer in an amount sufficient to cause the composition to exhibit plastic deformation in response to an applied tensile stress.

Abstract: A functional form according to the present invention is disclosed, containing a melt form of a forming resin (Y) compounded with a functional component (a) having antimicrobial properties or deodorizing properties, selected from the group consisting of a catechin, a saponin, a tea-leaf powder, a tea-leaf extract, and tannin (tannic acid), and a ceramics component (b). A process for the production of a functional form is also disclosed, including melt forming a forming resin (Y) compounded with a functional component (a) having antimicrobial properties or deodorizing properties, selected from the group consisting of a catechin, a saponin, a tea-leaf powder, a tea-leaf extract, and tannin (tannic acid), and a ceramics component (b). According to the present invention, the elution of functional components (such as catechins and saponins) can be controlled even after water washing and their functionalities can be maintained (such as antimicrobial properties or deodorizing properties) over a long period of time.

Abstract: The invention provides a composite resin composition comprising aliphatic polyester resin (component A) having aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acid units, one or more biomass material (component B) selected from the group consisting of cellulose, lignocellulose and starch and unsaturated carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof (component C), wherein the composite resin composition comprises a component obtained by covalently bonding a portion or the whole of component A and component B through component C. On processing into various formed items, the composite resin composition of the invention exhibits excellent tensile strength and other physical properties and processability and simultaneously has good biodegradability, and enable biomass materials of low added value to apply to high added value uses in a large amount.

Abstract: A phenolic-rich pyrolysis oil is produced by pyrolysing lignocellulosic material at a temperature of no more than about 550.degree. C under an absolute pressure of no more than about 50 kPa to produce pyrolysis vapors, and condensing the pyrolysis vapors to obtain a condensate consisting of a phenolic-rich pyrolysis oil having a dew point of about 65 to about 75.degree. C. under an absolute pressure of about 15 to about 20 kPa. Such a phenolic-rich pyrolysis can be directly used in making phenol-formaldehyde resol resins.

Abstract: The invention provides a composite resin composition comprising aliphatic polyester resin (component A) having aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acid units, one or more biomass material (component B) selected from the group consisting of cellulose, lignocellulose and starch and unsaturated carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof (component C), wherein the composite resin composition comprises a component obtained by covalently bonding a portion or the whole of component A and component B through component C. On processing into various formed items, the composite resin composition of the invention exhibits excellent tensile strength and other physical properties and processability and simultaneously has good biodegradability, and enable biomass materials of low added value to apply to high added value uses in a large amount.

Abstract: A method for the dispersion of cement, which comprises incorporating in a cement composition consisting at least of cement and water a cement dispersing agent formed of a polymer obtained by polymerizing a monomer component containing an alkoxy polyalkylene glycol mono(meth)acrylic ester monomer produced by the interesterification of an alkoxy polyalkylene glycol and a (meth)acrylic ester. A cement composition comprising the cement dispersing agent, cement and water.

Abstract: Phase change (hot melt) ink compositions for use in a phase change (hot melt) ink jet recording device are disclosed to comprise:(a) from about 0.1% to about 30% of one or more colorants; and(b) from about 0.1 to about 99.9% of one or more reversibly-crosslinked-polymers.Recording is conducted by thermally melting the ink at a temperature above ambient temperature (20.degree. C.) to provide prints that possess high quality images, scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, low-temperature storage stability and flexibility, offset and pick resistance, adhesion, and other desired properties. Components other than those listed above may be included in the ink compositions to achieve specific printer, substrate, or end use requirements. Furthermore, the present invention also includes methods for the preparation of the above-described inks.