Abstract: The present invention provides an improved lyophilization process for forming biocompatible foam structures. The process allows the foam structures to be tailored for specific end uses. The foams formed by this process are well suited to be used in medical applications such as tissue engineering.

Abstract: A biodegradable plastic article molded of a mixture comprising the following components: (A) a biodegradable plastic at 98 to 59% by weight, (B) a dry powder of a water-swelling fiber at 1 to 40% by weight, and (C) a fertilizer powder at 1 to 40% by weight (wherein the sum of (B) and (C) is from 2 to 41% by weight). This biodegradable plastic article can improve biodegradability of the biodegradable plastics and make it possible to regulate the rate of biodegradation thereof.

Abstract: A mixture of a binder and a particle material, the mixture having 50 to 90 volume percent of the particle material. The binder is curable in a temperature range of 50° F. to 90° F. The volume percent of the present composition provides an inherent permeability in any conventional application method. It can be sprayed or applied by hand and yet it still maintains an intrinsic permeability.

Abstract: A mixture of a binder and a particle material, the mixture having 50 to 90 volume percent of the particle material. The binder is curable in a temperature range of 50° F. to 90° F. The volume percent of the present composition provides an inherent permeability in any conventional application method. It can be sprayed or applied by hand and yet it still maintains an intrinsic permeability.

Abstract: A non-asbestos friction material is obtained by molding and curing a composition comprising a fibrous base, a filler and a binder. The binder is present in a total amount V1 and the filler contains in part graphite present in an amount V2, each expressed in volume percent of the overall composition, such that the product V1×V2 is from 10 to 100 and the sum V1+V2 is from 10 to 30. When used as a brake lining in drum brakes, for example, the friction material exhibits low wear during high-speed braking, excellent heat resistance, stable braking effectiveness and good strength.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of manufacturing implantable biocompatible cell encapsulation devices, wherein the cell encapsulation devices have a jacket made of a permeable, biocompatible material that is loaded with a core made of a reticulate foam scaffold having interconnected pores, with cells that are dispersed in the interconnected pores.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced molded plastic part, a process for its manufacture and a use. The fiber-reinforced molded plastic part consists of a plastic matrix with natural fibers particularly arranged in a uniformly distributed manner in the plastic matrix. The plastic matrix has at least two mutually mixed polymers, of which one is a biopolymer and the other is a polymer which is at least largely resistant to biological stress.

Abstract: A cement dispersant composed of water-soluble vinyl copolymers which include specified kinds of constituent units at specified ratios and of which the weight average molecular weight pullulan converted by GPC method is 15000-150000 and the ratio of weight average molecular weight to number average molecular weight is 2-7 is used together with cement, aggregates and water to produce concrete with the water-to-cement ratio of 20-45%.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to flax shives reinforced thermoplastic compositions and a method for reinforcing thermoplastic resins. The present invention provides a use for flax shives, which is the portion left over after processing plant materials to separate plant fibers (bast fibers) from the shives.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to flax shives reinforced thermosetting resin compositions and a method for reinforcing thermosetting resins. The present invention provides a use for flax shives, which is the portion left over after processing plant materials to separate plant fibers (bast fibers) from the shives.

Abstract: This invention relates to reinforced thermoplastic moulding compositions prepared from biodegradable polymers, for example aliphatic or polyester amides, aliphatic polyester urethanes, and to the use thereof for the production of mouldings and to the mouldings, wherein the reinforcing materials are selected from wood flour, fibres of natural origin, minerals of natural origin, cellulose and cellulose derivatives.

Abstract: A biocompatible cell device having an internal foam scaffold to provide a growth surface for encapsulated cells which produce a biologically active molecule.

Abstract: Controlled release compositions of matter are disclosed comprising complexes for treating a population of one or more aquatic organisms in a column of water. The complexes comprise at least one system wherein the system comprises at least one bioactive agent as a component selected for treating a population of aquatic organisms, at least one carrier component, and at least one high molecular weight organic plasticizer coating component for regulating the controlled release rate and release profile of the bioactive agent in water or at least one bioactive agent and one joint-function component that can serve as both a carrier and coating to regulate the controlled release rate and release profile of the bioactive agent in water, with or without optional binder components and/or additional formulation materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid composition for coating surfaces, comprising: polymer droplets dispersed in a liquid component, ultraviolet light (UV) absorber, and defoamer. The liquid component comprises water, and volatile organic solvent. The organic solvent comprises a first and a second ether. The first and the second ether are miscible with water. The UV absorber and the defoamer are dispersed in the liquid component. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides the liquid composition with a particulate composition to provide a material for superior non-skid surface coatings, such as non-skid flooring surface coatings. Thus, the invention provides a material for making non-skid coatings, comprising: a particulate composition including wollastonite particles, cellulose particles, and diatomaceous earth particles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ink-jet recording process which comprises applying a first liquid at least containing a water-soluble resin having at least one carboxyl group or anhydride thereof, or sulfonic group per molecule to a recording medium and then applying an ink at least comprising water, an organic solvent, a dye, an alkali-soluble resin and an alkali to the portions where the first liquid has adhered, thereby forming an image. An ink set and an instrument for use in such a process are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to flax shives reinforced thermoplastic compositions and a method for reinforcing thermoplastic resins. The present invention provides a use for flax shives, which is the portion left over after processing plant materials to separate plant fibers (bast fibers) from the shives.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising a thermoplastic, structurally crosslinked elastomeric or thermosetting polymer, which comprises(a) a polar, adsorptive inorganic or organic material in the form of fibres or particles which are in mutual contact, onto which is adsorptively bound(b) a polar antistatic agent comprising a mixture ofb1) at least one polar organic compound having at least 5 carbon atoms and at least 3 heteroatoms, andb2) the salt of an inorganic protic acid, which is solvated or complexed in the polar organic compound. The invention also relates to a second composition comprising b) a polar inorganic or organic material, b1) a polar organic compound having at least 5 carbon atoms and at least 3 heteroatoms and b2) an inorganic salt, to the use of this second composition for the antistatic treatment of polymers, and to a process for preparing antistatically treated polymers.

Abstract: The invention provides contaminant-reducing agent delivery compositions that are useful for the control of organic or inorganic contaminants in aquatic or terrestrial environments. The compositions comprise one or more superabsorbent solid organic polymers and at least one contaminant-reducing agent. These superabsorbent polymers act as the primary carriers of one or more contaminant-reducing agents effective for the control of organic or inorganic contaminants in aquatic or terrestrial environments. Contaminant-reducing agents include film-forming agents, microbial agents, nutrient agents, and mixtures thereof. The invention also provides a method to entrap and accumulate organic and inorganic contaminants in one or more superabsorbent polymer compositions containing no contaminant-reducing agent. The invention also provides a method to entrap water in superabsorbent polymers to activate natural and applied microbial and nutrient contaminant-reducing agents in terrestrial environments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising a thermoplastic, structurally crosslinked elastomeric or thermosetting polymer, which comprises(a) a polar, adsorptive inorganic or organic material in the form of fibers or particles which are in mutual contact, onto which is adsorptively bound(b) a polar antistatic agent comprising a mixture ofb1) at least one polar organic compound having at least 5 carbon atoms and at least 3 heteroatoms, andb2) the salt of an inorganic protic acid, which is solvated or complexed in the polar organic compound. The invention also relates to a second composition comprising b1) a polar inorganic or organic material, b) a polar organic compound having at least 5 carbon atoms and at least 3 heteroatoms and b2) an inorganic salt, to the use of this second composition for the antistatic treatment of polymers, and to a process for preparing antistatically treated polymers.

Abstract: In this disclosure, there are provided materials which completely degrade in the environment far more rapidly than pure synthetic plastics but which possesses the desirable properties of a thermoplastic: strength, impact resistance, stability to aqueous acid or base, and deformation at higher temperatures. There is provided a method for using the degradable plastic materials in preparing strong, moldable solids. There is further provided a method of making and applications for macromolecular, surface active agents that change the wetting behavior of lignin-containing materials. These surface active agents are used to provide a method of making and applications for synthetic polymers coupled to pieces of a vascular plant using macromolecular surface active agents.

Abstract: A mechanically-bonded, water-absorbent fiber mulch including natural and crimped synthetic fibers that are intimately mixed to form a mechanically-bonded fiber mulch. A water-absorbent polymer-based material is dispersed throughout the fiber mulch to increase its water absorption capacity.

Abstract: A method of producing a composition which is composed of from 5 to 50 wt. % of caoutchouc, preferably natural caoutchouc; from 4 to 25 wt. % of starch powder; from 10 to 50 wt. % of one of polybetahydroxybutyrate or cellulose; and from 0 to 15 wt. % of auxiliary agent, and which is biodegradable includes providing caoutchouc in one of flaked or granular form; providing initial materials selected from the group consisting of starch, polybetahydroxybutyrate, cellulose, and auxiliary agent, in ground form as one of a powder or granulated; homogeneously mixing the initial materials into the caoutchouc to provide a homogeneous mixture: plasticizing the homogeneous mixture by heating in one of a screw-type extruder or injection molding machine to provide a plasticized mass; and ejecting the plasticized mass from the extruder or injection-molding machine and allowing the mass to cool. Preferably, plasticizing is carried out of a temperature ranging from 170.degree. C. to 180.degree. C.

Abstract: A composition is provided which comprises an acrylamide-containing polymer comprising repeat units derived from at least two monomers, a polypropylene glycol, and optionally, a polysaccharide. Also provided is a water-based composition which can be used as drilling fluid wherein the composition comprises calcium chloride, an acrylamide-containing polymer which has repeat units derived from at least two monomers, a polypropylene glycol, and optionally, a polysaccharide.

Abstract: A composition is provided which comprises an acrylamide-containing polymer comprising repeat units derived from at least two monomers, a polypropylene glycol, and optionally, a polysaccharide. Also provided is a water-based composition which can be used as drilling fluid wherein the composition comprises calcium chloride, an acrylamide-containing polymer which has repeat units derived from at least two monomers, a polypropylene glycol, and optionally, a polysaccharide.

Abstract: A soil top dressing is comprised of a mixture of sand, clay, a plasticizer material, water, and a coloring pigment, if desired. The components of the soil composition are preferably present in the following proportions by weight: sand 50-70%; clay 10-40%; plasticizer 0.5-5.0%; water 5-20%; coloring pigment 1-5%; all coated with kelp meal granules (5-20%). The method of making the invention involves continuously mixing a portion of the sand and the plasticizer in an agitation mixer. The sand becomes coated with the plasticizer, whereupon a quantity of clay is then added, followed by an additional portion of the plasticizing material. It is particularly important that the sand particles become coated with the plasticizing compound and clay. The coloring pigments are added and mixed thereafter. The foregoing particles are thereupon coated with particles of kelp meal. As soon as complete mixing takes place, material can be immediately transferred from the mixer to suitable packaging.

Abstract: There are herein disclosed a rubber composition for cleaning a mold which comprises 100 parts by weight of a natural rubber and/or a synthetic rubber, 2 to 30 parts by weight of an amino-alcohol salt in terms of an amino-alcohol content, 5 to 50 parts by weight of a glycol, 30 to 90 parts by weight of an adsorbent and 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of an organic peroxide, and a method for cleaning the mold by the use of this rubber composition.Since the amino-alcohol is fixed as the salt, the generation of ammonia odor at the time of kneading or at room temperature can be prevented to improve a working environment, and the volatilization of the amino-alcohol can be inhibited, whereby a mold cleaning effect can be maintained even after the lapse of a long time.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a resorcinol-glutaraldehyde reaction product as an accelerator for thermosetting phenolic resin and to a method of making the accelerator. Further, the invention relates to a resin blend comprising phenol-formaldehyde and the accelerator and a process for making cellulosic board, oriented strandboard and plywood wherein the binder for the cellulosic board, oriented strandboard and plywood in its uncured form comprises the resin blend of the invention. In another embodiment the accelerator for thermosetting resin comprises resorcinol and glutaraldehyde.

Abstract: A dehydrating plastics material composition of high moisture-absorption capacity, comprising:A) 50% to 80% by weight of one or more compatible thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers;B) 20% to 50% by weight of one or more dehydration agents;C) 2% to 8% by weight of one or more elastomers; andD) 1% to 4% by weight of fibers of lengths lying in the range 0.5 mm to 4 mm, the fibers being selected from: synthetic fibers, vegetables fibers, and animal fibers.A method of preparing such a composition.A package or container whose inside surface is constituted by a plastics material of the above composition.

Abstract: Structural building materials or articles obtained from a composition comprising crop plants or residues therefrom and/or virgin or recycled polyolefin materials or plastics blended and combined with coloring agents which give the particular color desired to the structural articles and with bonding agents such as the natural thick sticky substance commonly found in sugarbeets to provide the necessary cohesiveness to the structural articles and/or with ultraviolet stabilizers and/or impact modifiers, which may be extruded through a profile die or compression molded or injection molded in a conventional mold in heated platens as such to produce the desired structural articles such as door jambs, door sills, garage jambs, deck materials, sheets of varied dimensions, sidings, shingles, door slabs, window sashes and frames, moldings, etc., which effectively replaces wood as the primary component of such structural articles.

Abstract: This invention pertains to foamed algal plastics and products made therefrom, and methods for making algal plastics. The invention also pertains to algal plastic resin precursors for generating the foamed algal plastics and algal plastic products. The foamed algal plastics comprise a foamed and stabilized algal fiber matrix having substantial dimensional stability. The foamed algal plastics can be used, for instance, to generate packing materials, such as molded packings or foamed particles packings (e.g. packing peanuts).

Abstract: Compositions and a method are provided for forming a coated wood, plastic or metal product having the appearance and texture of wood grain. The joints on a wood surface are concealed by the coating and the coating is capable of accepting conventional wood stain.

Abstract: A degradable plastic film comprising film forming ethylene copolymers and lignin incorporated in the form of pulverulent powder having a grain diameter of about 1 to 5 microns. The films are homogeneous and possess a thickness of about 15 to 25 microns. The films may be made doubly decomposable by adding photoactive or oxidizing agents.

Abstract: Scatterable binder in pulverized form, for binding spilled liquids, comprisinga) superabsorbers,b) Kieselguhr, peat, sawdust, wood meal, wood wool, straw, paper fibers, pulp or plastics in fibrous or milled form andc) polyglycol,the content of polyglycol being up to 30% by weight and wherein said scatterable binder is in pulverized form and is a means for binding spilled liquids.

Abstract: Molding compositions based on unsaturated polyester (UP) resins and containing natural fibers are prepared from which molded parts can be produced by hot pressing. The molded parts have a residual styrene content <0.1 wt. %. The UP resins are comprised of a customary UP and a mixture of styrene and di(meth)acrylic acid ester(s).

Abstract: Compositions and a method are provided for forming a coated wood, plastic or metal product having the appearance and texture of wood grain. The joints on a wood surface are concealed by the coating and the coating is capable of accepting conventional wood stain.

Abstract: A composite useful for structural components comprised of recycled high density polyethylene and herbaceous fibrous materials and a method to produce composites based on recycled high density polyethylene and chopped herbaceous fibers. An alternative structural composite is disclosed which is comprised of recycled low density polyethylene and chopped herbaceous fibrous material.

Abstract: The method of making a pressible mixture of lignocellulose-containing fibers and a thermoplastic material includes mixing the fibers with 2 to 8% by weight of a duroplastic, preferably an aminoplast or a phenoplast, 0.5 to 2% by weight of a hydrophobic agent for example, paraffin, and 2 to 10% by weight of an aqueous dispersion of methacrylate and/or polyethylene to form a pretreated fiber mixture and then subsequently mixing 100 parts by weight of the pretreated fiber mixture with from 120 to 150 parts by weight of a thermoplastic powder.

Abstract: Flakeboard or particle board panels and other composite articles made from wood flakes or other particulate lignocellulosic materials having a relatively high internal bond and improved resistance to moisture are made from flakes or particles which have a moisture content of at least 15%. A catalyst capable of accelerating the reaction between the flakes or particles, the binder and water is applied to the flakes or particles prior to the addition of a moisture-tolerant particle board binder, such as an organic polyisocyanate. A mat of the resulting furnish is compression shaped under pressure and at a temperature less than 250.degree. F. for a time period sufficient to form a composite article of the desired shape and/or dimensions.

Abstract: Compositions and a method are provided for forming a coated wood, plastic or metal product having the appearance and texture of wood grain. The joints on a wood surface are concealed by the coating and the coating is capable of accepting conventional wood stain.

Abstract: A composite material comprised of a thermoplastic resin matrix and a cellulosic fiber reinforcing material is prepared by reducing the water content of the fibers prior to exposure to the resin.

Abstract: A polyolefin resin composition comprising a polyolefin resin and, blended therewith, (A) 10 to 40 wt % of a styrene type resin and (B) 0.5 to wt % of one or more members selected from among rosin, derivatives of rosin and petroleum resins is provided. This composition is excellent in adhesion to a cast foamed polyurethane, etc. and capable of forming a molding product with a low molding shrinkage.

Abstract: Shaped articles can be made by extruding, or injection moulding, a composition containing at least 50% by weight of dried cells of a micro-organism containing a .beta.-hydroxybutyrate polymer. In order to make the composition melt processable the cells are subjected to a cell wall breakage step before or after drying and, if necessary, are mixed with an extracted .beta.-hydroxybutyrate polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new azulmic acids stabilized by condensation with carbonyl compounds, several processes for their preparation and their use for various purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new modified azulmic acids, several processes for their preparation and their use as intermediate products for the synthesis of numerous products.

Abstract: Particle board contains, as a fibrous material with good structural properties, at least a proportion of chicory root particles. Preferably the chicory is mixed with bagasse fibres to provide strength to the board, and a filler in the form of coffee grounds is included. The coffee and chicory constituents are conveniently obtained as wastes from the manufacture of instant coffee.

Abstract: The invention concerns the production of particle board with a very substantially lowered formaldehyde emission as well as suitable binding agents. According to the invention the binding agent used in the production of the board is a combination of a polyisocyanate with a aminoplast resin containing 0.25 to 0.625 moles of formaldehyde per mole equivalent of aminogroups. The particle boards thus obtained possess satisfactory mechanical properties and a strongly reduced formaldehyde emission.

Abstract: Modified tall oil pitch is blended with a metallurgical addition agent and briquetted, extruded, molded, pelletized, or tabletized into a unitary composition. The tall oil pitch is modified chemically to increase the molecular weight and improve the binding properties.