Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a manufactured surface component may be comprised of a textile material on a first face and an elastomer material on a second face, wherein said elastomer material is bonded to said textile material, wherein said manufactured surface component is substantially planarly configured, wherein an area of said first face and said second face is from about 0.04 square inches to about 4.0 square inches, wherein a thickness of said manufactured surface component is from about 0.3 mm to about 2.5 mm, and wherein said manufactured surface component is substantially free of any petrochemical-derived plastics, petrochemicals, and toxins.

Abstract: A frictional power transmission belt includes a compression rubber layer that includes a frictional power transmission surface at least a part of which can come into contact with a pulley and that is formed of a cured product of a rubber composition. On a surface of the frictional power transmission surface, a surface layer comprising a cured product of a rubber composition containing a polyvinyl pyrrolidone-based resin and an elastomer component is laminated.

Abstract: This invention relates to the flexible packaging, either as sheet, roll, bag, sachet, or other forms, which is biodegradable and edible, and could be used as packaging for solid, semisolid, and liquid, which is featured by the composition of biopolymers, at least two of different natural and renewable biopolymers, and the manufacturing method thereof.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin composition, containing a thermoplastic synthetic resin, a cellulose in the content of 10 to 70 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic synthetic resin, and an organic peroxide, in which the tensile strength of a resin composed of the thermoplastic resin composition measured in conformity with JIS K7161 is 40 MPa or more; a cellulose-reinforced thermoplastic resin composition; a molded article of a cellulose-reinforced resin; and a method of producing a cellulose-reinforced thermoplastic resin composition or a molded article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a molded product manufactured from a high heat resistant bio-based polycarbonate ester. More specifically, the molded product has excellent heat resistance, and thus can be applied to various fields such as those of automobiles, electrical electronics, displays, aviation, machines, lighting, medicine or food.

Abstract: A process for preparing polypropylene particles by using recyclable coffee grounds plant fibers includes the following preparation steps: S1) preparing raw materials; S2) processing the raw materials; S3) mixing the raw materials to obtain a mixture; and S4) performing mixing and extrusion granulation on the mixture. The raw materials in S1 include 35-40 parts of coffee grounds powder, 60-80 parts of polypropylene resin, 2-5 parts of compatibilizer, 4-8 parts of toughening agent, 1-3 parts of diffusing agent, 1-3 parts of maleic anhydride, 0.7-1.6 parts of anti-UV agent, 3-6 parts of antioxidant, and 1-2 parts of white oil. The present disclosure adopts coffee grounds for mixing preparation, the discarded coffee grounds can be reused, the prepared polypropylene particles contain fiber components, and the performance of a material is improved.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a composite material. In one example, the composite material includes a polymer base reinforced with a powder formed from pupunha fibers. The resulting composite material is provided as pellets for further processing.

Abstract: A bio-plastic composite containing brewer's spent grains, comprising: addition amounts of 10%˜60% brewer's spent grains, 40%˜90% petrochemical plastic, wherein the brewer's spent grains have a length-to-diameter ratio of 7.6 to 10.2.

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 a novel polymer as well as to a method for the preparation of a polymer or polymer blend comprising a novel new matrix component, to a method for the preparation of the said first matrix component, to a method for the preparation of an article comprising the said polymer or polymer blend, as well as to an article comprising the said polymer or polymer blend.

Abstract: A pumpable shelf-stable suspension of fibers in an organic phase comprising 1.0-60 wt % of fibers and 0.01-10 wt % of a disubstituted urea is proposed as well as a method using the disubstituted urea to suspend fibers in an organic phase.

Abstract: Provided herein are organic solvent-based processes for the removal of rubber from non-Hevea plants such as guayule shrubs. By the use of the processes, solid purified rubber can be obtained that contains 0.05-0.5 weight % dirt, 0.2-1.5 weight % ash, and 0.1-4 weight % resin (when it has been dried so as to contain 0.8 weight % volatile matter).

Abstract: Biopolymer catalysts, methods of synthesizing a biopolymer catalyst, and methods of catalyzing the hydrolysis of cellulose with a biopolymer catalyst are described.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprises a thermoplastic polymer, a polymer additive selected from the group consisting of nucleating agents, clarifying agents, and combinations thereof, and a fluoropolymer. A molded article comprises at least one wall defining a cavity, the wall having an opening therein permitting access to the cavity. The wall comprises a polymer composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer, a polymer additive selected from the group consisting of nucleating agents, clarifying agents, and combinations thereof, and a fluoropolymer. A method for molding a polymer composition is also provided.

Abstract: A process for providing and processing natural fibres, wherein the process includes the following steps: 1) providing a biomass including fibres and having a dry substance content of at most 50% by weight; 2) adding water to produce a suspension including the biomass; 3) extracting the natural fibres from the biomass; 4) separating the liquid from the suspension; 5) at least single repetition of at least one of steps 2) to 4), the suspension having at least one agent for finishing of the fibres in the last repetition of at least one of steps 2) to 4); and 6) drying the natural fibres.

Abstract: A process of obtaining plastic compound based on fibrous plant material, plastic compound based on obtained fibrous plant material and equipment for extrusion of plastic compound based on fibrous plant material. The objective is to fundamentally give to the final product a greater mechanical resistance against natural degrading agents, such as weather and infestations, and to this end, proposes changes in its procedural and manufacturing stages, in order to provide, essentially, the increase in the density of the final product, making it more compressed and maintaining its organoleptic properties unchanged.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a plastic article for automotive interior parts using a biomass pellet and to a method for manufacturing the plastic article, which is characterized by injection molding a pellet containing paper powder and plastic resin. The present disclosure provides a plastic article for automotive interior parts using a biomass pellet, which meets the physical property requirements for automotive interior parts.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin composition that may contain plant fine powders that are kicked up when a plant is pulverized. Such plant fine powders have an average particle diameter of 20 ?m or less. Standard deviation of particle diameters are 15 ?m or less. Content of the plant fine powders is less than 50 wt %.

Abstract: A system and method of producing a filler material for combining with a polymer in a product may comprise providing an initial mixture including wetted unfermented grain solids, oxidizing the initial mixture to form a treated mixture, removing moisture from the treated mixture, and combining the treated material with a polymer into a composition.

Abstract: Novel structural materials composed of industrial hemp fiber with recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) as well as methods for the production of the same are disclosed. The material's mechanical strength outperforms that of conventional lumber and could compete with glass fiber reinforced composites, particularly in tensile strength. In addition, this material offers many other significant advantages including insect free, high moisture resistance, no harmful chemical treatments, and no rapid corrosion in water environments.

Abstract: A method for preparing a coffee polyol includes: (a) extracting coffee oil from coffee grounds; (b) modifying the coffee oil to obtain an epoxidized coffee oil; and (c) reacting an alcohol with the epoxidized coffee oil to obtain a coffee polyol. A polyurethane dispersive solution is prepared from a prepolymer composition that includes: a coffee polyol prepared from the abovementioned method; an isocyanate; and a solvent. A foam-based material is made from a foaming composition that includes a coffee polyol prepared from the abovementioned method. A polyurethane material is made from a polyurethane composition that includes a coffee polyol prepared from the abovementioned method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filler material for a floor, comprising a natural base material and a mixture containing loess and a resin in powder or pellet form, as well as to a method for producing the filler material. The filler material of the present invention uses the natural base material and is thus environmentally-friendly and not harmful to the human body. Further, in the event rice husks are used as the natural base material, a person slipping on the floor is protected from burning caused by friction as the rice husks have a high moisture content. In addition, the loess contained in the filler material keeps the floor from becoming moldy and emits far infrared radiation, and therefore is beneficial to the human body. The resin emulsion of the filler material prevents the natural base material from generating dust, thus preventing dust from entering the human body via the respiratory organs of the human body.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising hedgehog shaped particles, at least one binder, and at least one hydrophobizing agent and/or at least one hydrophilizing agent, a method for controlling the wettability of substrate surfaces using these compositions, as well as a material comprising these compositions.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions containing a natural filler and, more specifically, thermoplastic compositions containing a natural filler and having improved thermal and weathering resistance. The wood-plastic composites utilize a cellulose filler, such as wood flour, and vegetal fibers, such as Curauá fiber, as a reinforcement filler. The issues with regard to thermal degradation of cellulose during processing are reduced through the use of specific additives designed to improve its performance during processing. Additionally, other additives are included to improve the UV resistance. Specific combinations of thermal stabilizer and UV additive are provided that enhance the thermal resistance and weathering resistance of the compositions as compared to prior art systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides preparation of a yarn with coffee residue. The present invention also provides a novel yarn with coffee residue and applications of the same.

Abstract: Cold-pressed mats of lignocellulosic material having a Push Off Test extension equal to at least 85% of that of a mat made with a urea-formaldehyde resin are produced from a lignocellulosic material and binder system. These mats are produced at ambient temperature by separately adding each component of the binder system to the lignocellulosic material, blending the lignocellulosic material and binder system to coat the lignocellulosic material with the binder system, forming the coated lignocellulosic material into the desired form and applying pressure to the formed lignocellulosic material to obtain the desired thickness. The binder system includes: (i) at least one polyfunctional isocyanate and (ii) at least one aqueous dispersion of an adhesive or tackifier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a molding material comprising an unsaturated polyester resin and microfibrillated plant fibers, the microfibrillated plant fibers comprising cellulose and hemicellulose, and having a specific surface area of 5 to 20 m2/g; a method of producing the molding material; a molded article obtained by curing the molding material; and a method of producing an unsaturated polyester resin molded article comprising microfibrillated plant fibers.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin molding, which is lightweight and has reduced environmental impact is provided. A thermoplastic resin molding manufacturing method capable of efficiently manufacturing the thermoplastic resin molding and of satisfactorily limiting the occurrence of rust in the injection molding die is also provided. The thermoplastic resin molding may contain a thermoplastic resin and a plant fiber as the main components, and the ratio of thermoplastic resin to plant fiber content may be 7:3 to 4:6. The molding may be obtained by injection molding of a thermoplastic resin composition containing a thermoplastic resin and a plant fiber and having a water content of 0.4% or less.

Abstract: Polymer compositions and methods of making and using the polymer compositions are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising a polymer, a compatibilizer and an algae product.

Abstract: A natural fiber based, melt processable composite material comprising a polymer matrix of a biodegradable polymer and dried peat as a reinforcing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite system comprising at least one biodegradable blend, containing at least one biodegradable block copolyester urethane (PEU) and also at least one polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), possibly a filler comprising a polysaccharide and/or derivatives thereof and also possibly further biocompatible additives. Composite systems of this type are used for producing molded articles, molded parts or extrudates. Furthermore, the invention relates to possibilities for using the composite system.

Abstract: Provided are a rubber composition in which microfibrillated plant fibers are sufficiently uniformly dispersed to improve tire performance requirements in a balanced manner, and a pneumatic tire formed from the rubber composition. The present invention relates to a rubber composition formed from a masterbatch containing a rubber latex and microfibrillated plant fibers, the masterbatch being obtained by stirring the microfibrillated plant fibers in a solvent with a circulation type or continuous homogenizer and mixing the resulting microfibrillated plant fiber solution with the rubber latex and a cationic polymer, the microfibrillated plant fibers having a mean fiber length of 10 to 150 ?m, the microfibrillated plant fiber solution containing 0.1 to 2.0% by mass of the microfibrillated plant fibers, and the amount of the cationic polymer being 0.01 to 5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component of the rubber latex.

Abstract: A blowable insulation material comprising natural fibers and short cut synthetic fibers or fiber balls. The natural fibers and short cut synthetic fibers or fiber balls are individually treated with a water repellent to impart water repellency to the fibers, and later aerodynamically blended together. The water repellent fibers constitute a part or most of the blowable insulation material, thus enhancing the durability of the structure as well as water repellency, which may be advantageous during washing or laundering.

Abstract: A fiberboard comprising dried plant fibers added with binder resins obtained from a reaction between a diisocyanate and a polyol derived from natural oils or fatty acids, and formed by pressing at a temperature range of 50° C. to 150° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reed composite which can be used as building material, method for manufacturing the composite, and building material using the composite. The reed composite contains reed stalk having a particle size of 40 to 180 mesh 25 to 45 wt % of thermoplastic polymer impregnated into fibers of the reed stalk. The reed composite is eco-friendly and has improved strength and no swelling.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cellulosic textile filament made from microfibrillar cellulose fibers and a thickening agent as well as the precursor dope for forming such filaments, nonwoven webs made from such cellulosic textile filaments and the process for forming such filaments and nonwoven webs including such filaments. One of the advantages of these filaments is the eco-sensitive way in which they are made as they utilize a water-based dope that does not require any chemical solvents unlike other processes such as those used to make Lyocell fibers. In addition, the process does not involve any washing or extraction steps and it employs a cellulosic fiber source that is broadly based and renewable.

Abstract: The present invention provides continuous methods of making ready to use aqueous soy binders comprising extruding in a twin screw extruder wet non-water soluble soy flour in grind phase mixing and, downstream, including further a polycarboxy emulsion copolymer in distributive phase mixing, wherein in the aqueous binders the amount of soy flour solids ranges from 51 to 95 wt. %, based on the total weight of binder solids. The present invention provides continuous and simple methods for providing aqueous binders wherein the soy flour has a sieve particle size ranging from 5 to 44 ?m. Making soy flours of such a particle size enables soy flour binder compositions useful as binders for non-wovens, such as mineral fiber or glass mats.

Abstract: Provided is a plant-derived resin composite material which has a sufficiently fast crystallization rate and excellent moldability and heat resistance by using a thermoplastic resin composition containing a plant-derived thermoplastic resin and an organic crystal nucleating agent which is composed of one or more low molecular weight compounds comprising at least two polar groups in the molecule, a spacing between any two of the polar groups being 34±4 angstroms.

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 present invention provides methods of promoting the revascularization and/or reenervation of central nervous system lesions using an in-situ crosslinkable hydrogel. The present invention also provides methods of treating a spinal cord injury by topically delivering to the spinal cord injury site a vehicle comprising a neurotrophic factor and/or anti-inflammatory agent. Also provided are methods of treating a spinal cord injury by topically administering or delivering a hydrogel to the injury site.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the method for producing artificial stone using used ground coffee including the steps of drying the used ground coffee; mixing and stirring resin, color and metal salt initiator thoroughly; then mixing used ground coffee, calcium carbonate or aluminum trihydrate (ATH) or mixtures of both calcium carbonate and aluminum trihydrate and peroxide with mixtures of resin, color and metal salt initiator; then stirring whole mixtures and leaving the mixtures to form a gel; next filling the mold with gelated mixtures and leaving them for setting at room temperature; removing and drying artificial stone in an oven to complete the reaction and to achieve the excellent product; then coating products with waterproof agents (Water Repellant; Water Repellant Preservative) or coated with resin as lacquer.

Abstract: Hydroxypolyamides, hydroxypolyamide products, and post-hydroxypolyamides are disclosed as gel forming agents. Hydroxypolyamides and post-hydroxypolyamides are prepared from known methods. Hydroxypolyamide products are produced from a modified polymerization procedure which utilizes strong base for deprotonation of ammonium salts from the esterification of stoichiometrically equivalent polyacid:polyamine salts. The hydroxypolyamide products are capable of gel formation at lower concentrations than hydroxypolyamides and post-hydroxypolyamides from the known methods of preparation, and are therefore superior gel forming agents.

Abstract: A process for providing and processing natural fibres, wherein the process includes the following steps: 1) providing a biomass including fibres and having a dry substance content of at most 50% by weight; 2) adding water to produce a suspension including the biomass; 3) extracting the natural fibres from the biomass; 4) separating the liquid from the suspension; 5) at least single repetition of at least one of steps 2) to 4), the suspension having at least one agent for finishing of the fibres in the last repetition of at least one of steps 2) to 4); and 6) drying the natural fibres.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of producing composite polymers by combining fillers with polymers in the presence of pre-formed high molecular weight polymer. Monomer polymerization can be initiated through the addition of initiators or by reactive chemical groups on the surface of the fibers. The composite materials formed possess superior mechanical properties compared to similar polymer composites made by either purely mechanical mixing or solely polymerization of monomers in the presence of the fillers.

Abstract: A separating apparatus for separating rind and pith of a stalk including: a working platform; a support frame connected to the working platform; a saw blade disposed on the working platform for gradually splitting the stalk in a longitudinal direction thereof with the movement of the stalk; a guiding member disposed on the working platform and located behind the saw blade for separating the stalk that is split; a brush located behind the guiding member and protruded from the working platform, the brush being connected to the support frame through a brush shaft, and an axis of the brush shaft being perpendicular to the stalk; and a first motor connected to the brush shaft for driving the brush shaft to rotate. A method for plasticizing and granulating cortical fiber of a stalk based on the above separating apparatus for separating rind and pith of the stalk is also disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention generally relate to a moisture barrier coating that is biodegradable and compostable. Some embodiments also relate to a coating that is dual ovenable. Such coatings may be used to increase moisture resistance and provide non-stick or release characteristics when applied to biodegradable and compostable disposable food packaging and food service items. In some embodiments, a plasticizer, an amide wax and optionally a rosin are added to a cellulose-ester-based coating to increase moisture resistance. In other embodiments, a biodegradable polymer, an amide wax, optionally a plasticizer, and optionally a rosin are added to a cellulose-ester-based coating to drastically increase moisture resistance. In still other embodiments, phospholipids or medium-chain triglycerides or increased levels of amide wax may be added to the either of the embodiments above to provide enhanced release characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides a woody synthetic resin composition having excellent weather resistance, and a molded body thereof. The synthetic resin composition of the invention contains a wood flour in an amount of 5 to 200 parts by mass and a hindered amine compound having a partial structure represented by the following general formula (1) wherein R1,R2,R3 and R4 each independently represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R represents an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, an alkyl group substituted by hydroxyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms or a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 8 carbon atoms, in an amount of 0.01 to 5 parts by mass, with respect to 100 parts by mass of a synthetic resin, and a molded body thereof.

Abstract: In order to provide a curable casting compound for producing plastic molded parts, comprising a binder component based on polymerizable monomers selected from methyl acrylate or methyl methacrylate and a proportion of about 40 to about 85% by weight of one or more inorganic fillers, which compound can be used for producing plastic molded parts having an increased impact strength, it is proposed that the casting compound comprise 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of keratin fibers.