Abstract: A highly compatibilized biodegradable composite with high impact strength including: (a) a polymeric matrix having one or more biodegradable polymers; (b) one or more fillers; and (c) free radical initiators are fabricated via one-step reactive extrusion method. An in-situ free radical reaction method of manufacturing the biodegradable composite, including the step of (a) (1) mixing one or more biodegradable polymers and a free radical initiator; (2) melting step (1) thereby manufacturing the highly compatibilized biodegradable matrix. (b) Mixing the composites of step (a) and fillers or second biodegradable polymers, thereby manufacturing the biodegradable composite. Also, nano-blends are successfully prepared in this invention ascribe to the improved compatibility of the different components.

Abstract: A process for regenerating a polyester container and regenerated polyester chips prepared therefrom. The process comprises preparing a polyester container provided with a heat shrinkable film; crushing the container provided with the heat shrinkable film to obtain flakes; and thermally treating the flakes to produce regenerated polyester chips, wherein when the flakes are thermally treated at a temperature of 200° C. to 220° C. for 60 minutes to 120 minutes, the clumping fraction is 5% or less, and the flakes comprise first flakes obtained by crushing the container and second flakes obtained by crushing the heat shrinkable film. It not only solves the environmental problems by improving the recyclability of the polyester container, but also is capable of enhancing the yield and productivity.

Abstract: A composition consisting of BSG and PLA is produced by the following steps: processing brewer's spent grains; mixing the BSG with the PLA at a specific proportion; the BSG and the PLA are well mixed by a binder and then subjected to a granulation process to form plastic granules. Adding BSG to the PLA can reduce the use of PLA. Furthermore, the composition consisting of BSG and PLA and the method for making the same are further utilized to make utensils, bottles, cans, containers, parts and other biological plastic products to achieve the purpose of adding value to the BSG.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composition consisting of brewer's spent grains and polylactic acid includes the steps of: providing a raw material containing brewer's spent grains; providing a raw material containing polylactic acid; mixing the brewer's spent grains with the polylactic acid at a specific proportion; and providing a binder to enable the brewer's spent grains and the polylactic acid to be well mixed, and to maintain a desired tensile strength. A pretreatment unit includes a dehydration process, a desiccation process, a drying process, a grinding process and a sieving process. A granulator includes a double screw extruder connected with a cutting machine. The double screw extruder mixes the PLA material and the brewer's spent grains and extrudes them into plastic bars which are then cut into plastic granules by the cutting machine.

Abstract: A material comprising crosslinked polyrotaxanes which exhibits desired viscoelasticity, particularly stress-strain characteristics with a wide low-stress region, in spite of being free from solvent; and a process for production of the same. The material comprises a first polyrotaxane bearing first cyclic molecules and a second polyrotaxane bearing second cyclic molecules, and the first and second polyrotaxanes are crosslinked via the first and second cyclic molecules. The material is free from solvent and exhibits a stress of 2.0 MPa or below at 50% strain.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymeric materials comprising biodegradable, dioxanone-based copolymers and implantable devices (e.g., drug-delivery stents) formed of such materials. The polymeric materials can also contain at least one additional biocompatible moiety, at least one non-fouling moiety, at least one biobeneficial material, at least one bioactive agent, or a combination thereof. The polymeric materials are designed to improve the mechanical, physical and biological properties of implantable devices formed thereof.

Abstract: Biomimetic adhesive compositions can be used in various aspects of subterranean treatment operations. Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise: providing an adhesive composition that comprises a first polymer comprising a plurality of monomers that comprise a phenolic moiety, a biopolymer that is crosslinkable with the first polymer, a crosslinking agent, and an oxidizing agent; introducing the adhesive composition into a subterranean formation; and forming a coacervate-bound surface in the subterranean formation by crosslinking the first polymer.

Abstract: This invention describes nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) for use as a drug delivery excipient. NCC binds significant quantities of water soluble, ionizable drugs, e.g., tetratcycline and doxorubicin, which are released rapidly over a one day period. A surfactant such as cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) can bind to the surface of NCC and increase the zeta potential in a concentration-dependent manner from ?55 to 0 mV. NCC with CTAB modified surfaces can bind significant quantities of the hydrophobic drugs such as anticancer drugs docetaxel, paclitaxel and etoposide. These drugs were released in a controlled manner over a 2-day period. The NCC-CTAB nanocomplexes were found to bind to KU-7 cells and evidence of cellular uptake was observed.

Abstract: A process of formulating a curable thermoset resin formulation is provided that includes reacting a natural cellulosic filler with at least one of: a silsesquioxane, a isocyanate, a base, or an organic acid to form a reduced hydrophilicity filler. By intermixing the resulting reduced hydrophilicity filler with a thermoset cross linkable polymeric resin, a curable thermoset resin formulation is formed that has superior properties to conventional formulations in terms of density and environmental impact. The formulation properties in terms of strength of the cured article are improved relative to untreated natural fillers. The treatment is advantageous relative to plasma treatment. An article is also provided produced upon cure of the formulation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to polymer compositions, methods of making polymer compositions, structures (e.g., textile articles) having the polymer composition covalently bonded to the structure, methods of attaching the polymer to the surface of the structure having —OH functionality (e.g., Calkyl—OH), methods of decreasing the amount of microorganisms formed on a structure, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a blend of cellulose acetate and a water soluble polymer. In some embodiments, the composition is water dispersive and/or biodegradable. Embodiments of the invention also relate to processes for preparing such compositions, and to materials and products including such compositions.

Abstract: There is provided an oil-in-water emulsion composition whose continuous phase is an aqueous phase, but which has a high moisture evaporation suppressing effect and is also superior in feeling, and a method for producing the same. An oil-in-water emulsion composition containing an oily component having an inorganic value of 2500 or less, an organic value of 5000 or less and an IOB value of 0.3 to 0.5, the oil-in-water emulsion composition containing the following components (A) to (C) in an aqueous phase. (A) a polyoxyethylene alkyl or alkenyl ether having alkyl group or alkenyl group having 20 to 24 carbon atoms and an average molar number of ethylene oxide added of 1.5 to 4 (B) a polyhydric alcohol (C) a water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: A material comprising crosslinked polyrotaxanes which exhibits desired viscoelasticity, particularly stress-strain characteristics with a wide low-stress region, in spite of being free from solvent; and a process for production of the same. The material comprises a first polyrotaxane bearing first cyclic molecules and a second polyrotaxane bearing second cyclic molecules, and the first and second polyrotaxanes are crosslinked via the first and second cyclic molecules. The material is free from solvent and exhibits a stress of 2.0 MPa or below at 50% strain.

Abstract: A crosslinked cellulose fiber that has been crosslinked with a low molecular weight polyacrylic acid crosslinking agent, having phosphorous incorporated into the polymer chain and a method of crosslinking the fiber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a gene carrier and the preparation method thereof. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is reacted with methacrylic anhydride (MA) to form chrondroitin sulfate-methacrylate (CSMA), which is further covalently bound with polyethylenimine (PEI) via the Michael addition to produce a CSMA-PEI gene carrier. The CSMA-PEI gene carrier can effectively reduce the cytotoxicity of PEI and enhance the transfection efficiency of PEI.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to plant fiber-reinforced thermoplastic 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 hemi-cellulose and lignin from the cellulose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-dispersive biodegradable compositions which may be formed into films and fibres. The present invention also relates to polymer blends comprising polylactide and water-soluble polymers. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of grafted copolymers (PLA-grafted water-soluble polymers) for the compatibilization of PLA and water-soluble polymers. Such reactive compatibilization of immiscible polymer blends is achieved in such a way that main blend components are covalently bonded. In addition, such reactive compatibilization can be carried out by reactive extrusion.

Abstract: Described is a polymeric compound comprising a polyvinyl alcohol, a carbohydrate, and a polyacrylic acid, in which compound the carbohydrate is present as a cross-linking agent which cross-links chains of polyvinyl alcohol and/or chains of polyacrylic acid. The novel compound has interesting properties as an alternative to known plastics materials. It is biologically degradable, has a reduced content of fossil starting material, and exhibits hardness and flexibility properties useful for widespread applications, such as packaging material and coatings. In addition, a method for producing the polymeric compound is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising a polymer comprising a repeating unit represented by formula (I). Each of A1 and A2 represents a group selected from the group consisting of —O—, —NRa— (Ra represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent), —S—, and —CO—; each of R1, R2 and R3 represents a substituent; n is an integer from 0 to 2; X represents an alkenylene group, alkynylene group, arylene group, or heterocyclic group; each of L1 and L2 independently represents a linking group.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of forming fibers. First and second precursors, each possessing a core and at least one functional group known to have click reactivity, are mixed. The mixed precursors are then extruded under heat to cross-link during fiber production.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for manufacturing a thermoformable plasticized composite containing cellulose fiber and polylactide by blending the dry cellulose fiber and a compatibilizer in a compactor into pellets, and subsequently reacting the reactive compatibilizer and the mixture of cellulose fiber and polylactide by compounding. The invention also concerns a composite manufactured using said process, as well as further processed products.

Abstract: Biomimetic adhesive compositions can be used in various aspects of subterranean treatment operations. Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise: providing an adhesive composition that comprises a first polymer comprising a plurality of monomers that comprise a phenolic moiety, a biopolymer that is crosslinkable with the first polymer, a crosslinking agent, and an oxidizing agent; introducing the adhesive composition into a subterranean formation; and forming a coacervate-bound surface in the subterranean formation by crosslinking the first polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides a block copolymer comprising at least a first block and a second block. The first block comprises a plurality of temperature-sensitive monomeric units, a plurality of hydrophilic monomeric units and a plurality of targeting monomeric units, and the second block comprises a plurality of hydrophobic monomeric units. The second block comprises at least one pH-sensitive moiety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispersion comprising an acryl-modified cellulose ester derivative (D) dispersed in an aqueous medium, wherein a hydrophobic acrylic resin (B) and a hydrophilic acrylic resin (C) are grafted onto a cellulose ester derivative (A) in the acryl-modified cellulose ester derivative (D). The dispersion has excellent long-term storage stability, and aqueous coating compositions comprising the dispersion can form coating films with excellent coating workability, solvent resistance, chemical resistance, water resistance, and excellent curability.

Abstract: A modified microfibrillated cellulose, a resin composition and a resin composite material that contain the modified microfibrillated cellulose are provided. In a modified microfibrillated cellulose according to the present invention, a hydrolyzable-silyl-group-containing resin (A) bonds to or adheres to a cellulose surface and a silicon atom content is 0.01 to 0.5 atomic percent. A resin composition containing 0.1% to 10% by weight of the modified microfibrillated cellulose is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a hydrophobized biomaterial consisting of a hydrophilic material, notably selected from vegetable fibers having hydroxyl functions, on which are grafted chains of polymers having ester functions, said method comprising a step for putting said hydrophilic material in contact with said polymers and for a transesterification reaction between said ester functions and said hydroxyl functions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide polymer compositions, methods of making polymer compositions, structures (e.g., textile articles) having the polymer composition covalently bonded to the structure, methods of attaching the polymer to the surface of the structure, methods of decreasing the amount of microorganisms formed on a structure, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test device for indicating the presence, concentration and effectiveness of chemical and biological agents. The test device interacts with the target agent producing a detectable signal indicating the presence, concentration and effectiveness of the agent.

Abstract: A method for producing biodegradable plastic from natural materials containing polysaccharides by treating the polysaccharide-containing materials with a basic aqueous solution, subsequently treating the mixture with a modifying material that converts pendant hydroxyl groups at any carbon atom of the anhydroglucose units of the saccharide to create polysaccharide carboxylate, and then reacting the product with proteins to produce a biodegradable copolymer with electrostatic chemical bonds between protein and polysaccharide carboxylate molecules. The process provides relatively inexpensive methods for preparing biodegradable plastics that are useful for manufacturing various articles.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an optical film which exhibits low hygroscopicity, high transparency, high heat resistance and markedly lowered brittleness, and particularly to provide an optical film which is appropriately employed as a polarizing plate protective film for large liquid crystal display devices and outdoor liquid crystal display devices. The above optical film is characterized in that acrylic resin (A) and cellulose ester resin (B) are incorporated at a weight ratio of 95:5-30:70, weight average molecular weight Mw of aforesaid acrylic resin (A) is at least 80,000, total substitution degree (T) of the acyl group of aforesaid cellulose ester resin (B) is 2.0-3.0, the substitution degree of the acyl group having 3-7 carbon atoms is 1.2-3.0, and weight average molecular weight Mw of aforesaid cellulose ester resin (B) is at least 75,000. It is characterized that the total substitution degree of the acyl group other than carbon atoms of 3-7 of the cellulose ester resin (B) is at most 1.3.

Abstract: A method for producing composite materials which comprises in one step preparing modified cellulose fibers by treating (A) cellulose fibers with an aqueous emulsion of (B) at least one ethylene copolymer having a molecular weight Mn of up to 20 000 g/mol maximum and comprising as comonomers in incorporated form (a) 50% to 95% by weight of ethylene, (b) 5% to 50% by weight of at least one comonomer having at least one alkylated or cycloalkylated amino group which is connected via a spacer to a polymerizable group, (c) 0% to 30% by weight of other comonomers, and in a further step by mixing modified cellulose fibers with (C) at least one thermoplastic (D) and optionally one or more adjuvants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer material with a functionalised surface and also to a method for in situ functionalisation of polymer materials. Furthermore, the invention comprises the use of the polymer materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are composites that comprise regenerated cellulose, a first active substance, a second active substance, and a linker. Methods for preparing the composites that involve the use of ionic liquids are also disclosed. Articles prepared from the disclosed composites and methods of using them are further disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biodegradable polymer composition comprising the following components (a)-(f) and/or product(s) formed from a reaction between the components: (a) one or more biodegradable polyesters; (b) polysaccharide; (c) polymer having pendant carboxylic acid groups; (d) transesterification catalyst; (e) polyepoxide; and (f) fatty acid sodium salt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer made of a primary amine functionalized polymer and a hemicellulose e.g. chitosan and xyloglucan, wherein the primary amine functionalized polymer is covalently bound to the hemicellulose, and to a cross-linking agent composition comprising the polymer. A method wherein manufacturing a cellulose containing product comprises the steps of; providing a cellulose containing product; treating said cellulose product with a cellulose adsorbing agent comprising a polymer made of a primary amine functionalized polymer and a hemicellulose e.g. chitosan and xyloglucan, and optionally other additives is also provided.

Abstract: Durable and disposable articles are provided which include a thermoplastic polymer composition, which includes a blend of a polymer and a modified polymer. The modified polymer has covalently bonded pendant substituents derived from cyclodextrin. The articles can be a films, coatings, nonwoven webs, or monolithic articles. An article can have the polymer composition as one part of the article, such as in one distinct area of the article, or on the surface of the article, for example as a coating or surface film. The article can be, for example, a multilayer barrier film, a nonwoven sheet or pad, an absorbent article, or a storage container.

Abstract: An additive comprising a phosphazene compound that has at least two reactive functional groups and at least one capping functional group bonded to phosphorus atoms of the phosphazene compound. One of the at least two reactive functional groups is configured to react with cellulose and the other of the at least two reactive functional groups is configured to react with a resin, such as an amine resin or a polycarboxylic acid resin. The at least one capping functional group is selected from the group consisting of a short chain ether group, an alkoxy group, and an aryloxy group. Also disclosed are an additive-resin admixture, a method of treating a wood product, and a wood product.

Abstract: A composition comprising purposely oriented lignocellulosic fiber bound to an inorganic hydrate such as gypsum in the absence of water using a polymer. In a preferred embodiment the polymer is polyurethane. A process for producing the composition and a wide variety of applications of the composition are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid composition which comprises at least one polymer and at least one ionic liquid, the cations of which are derived from polycyclic amidine bases, and a process for isolating cellulose from cellulose-containing sources using at least one such ionic liquid.

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

Abstract: Provided are novel methods for making cellulose nanocomposites, comprising biosynthesis of cellulose fibrils in situ using a growth medium comprising a polymer matrix material, under conditions suitable to provide for dispersion of the fibril throughout the growth medium as the fibrils are being formed to provide a cellulose nanocomposite material or film wherein the cellulose fibrils are highly or uniformly dispersed in the cellulose nanocomposite material, and wherein fibril structure and/or nanocomposite composition is customizable. Certain method aspects further comprise removing or separating the cellulose nanocomposite material or film from the medium, and may further comprise washing the cellulose nanocomposite material or film to remove residual medium. Particular aspects further comprise freeze-drying the cellulose nanocomposite material or film, and/or further comprise forming a molded product using the cellulose nanocomposite material or film. Compositions made by the methods are provided.

Abstract: Films made from a thermoplastic cellulose and microbially-derived, renewable and biodegradable aliphatic polyester such as polyhydroxyalkanoates are disclosed. The films, made from two relatively brittle materials exhibit more ductility and strength than the materials from which the film is made. The film may be incorporated into absorbent personal care product including but not limited to training pants, diaper, bandages, and bed pads.

Abstract: An article having a cyanoresin dielectric film is described. The cyanoresin dielectric film includes nanostructures of a toughening material. A method of forming such a cyanoresin dielectric film is also described. A capacitor having a cyanoresin dielectric film is presented.

Abstract: A crosslinked cellulose fiber that has been crosslinked with a low molecular weight polyacrylic acid crosslinking agent, having phosphorous incorporated into the polymer chain and a method of crosslinking the fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material comprising cellulose in association with a support selected from a polymer and/or a fibre, wherein said cellulose is produced by a micro-organism. The cellulose-reinforced material is provided for incorporation into a composite.

Abstract: There is provided a starch-based coating composition with excellent storage stability as a one-pack type paint, which can form coating films with excellent drying property, finished appearances, pencil hardness, mar resistance, adhesion, alkali resistance, solvent resistance and weather resistance, as well as coated articles that have been coated with the starch-based coating composition. The starch-based coating composition comprises as the binder a resin composition obtained by reacting (A) starch and/or modified starch with (B) an isocyanate group-containing compound obtained by reacting a polyisocyanate compound (b1) and a polyhydric alcohol (b2), or by reaction of these components with a resin obtained by radical polymerization of a mixture comprising an aromatic-based radical polymerizing unsaturated monomer, a hydroxyl group-containing radical polymerizing unsaturated monomer and optionally another radical polymerizing unsaturated monomer.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect, a thermally regulating construction material comprises a base material and a polymeric phase change material bound to the base material, wherein the base material provides reversible temperature regulation properties to the building construction material. In accordance with another aspect, an insulation material for use in building construction comprises a base material and a polymeric phase change material bound to the base material, wherein the base material provides reversible temperature regulation properties to the insulation material. The base material may be selected from the group consisting of foam insulation, loose fill insulation, and batted insulation.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film, containing an acyl-modified compound of a reduction product of a ketone compound-formaldehyde polymer, a polarizing plate containing the film as transparent protective film, and a liquid crystal display device having the polarizing plate.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymer compositions, films, continues, closures, laminates can comprise a modified vinyl polymer said modified polymer having a moiety comprising a cyclodextrin compound. The cyclodextrin compound, locked into the polymer structure, can absorb impurities, permeants, or other undesirable volatile materials. The cooperation between the cyclodextrin grafted onto the thermoplastic polymer and the polymer structure can provide barrier properties to a film, web or other polymer structure. A permeant or a contaminant can be complexed or trapped within the polymer and held within the film or Web preventing the permeant or contaminant from passing into the interior of a container or enclosure.

Abstract: A binder-consolidated cellulose bead or lignocellulose bead (referred to as consolidated bead for short), obtainable by mixing of cellulose or lignocellulose beads with a binder and subsequent crosslinking of the binder.