Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrolysate of a lignocellulosic material, and specifically a method of using a hydrolysis treatment liquid obtained by a hydrolysis treatment of a lignocellulosic material before kraft cooking in order to obtain dissolving pulp for uses other than use of a fuel. Specifically, the present invention provides a dispersant containing the hydrolysate obtained by hydrolysis treatment of the lignocellulosic material. The dispersant of the present invention has excellent dispersibility for a substance such as an inorganic substance and an organic substance without limitation of powder, particulate, granular, fiber, and flat plane shapes.

Abstract: A resin binder for a toner obtained by polycondensing a carboxylic acid component and an alcohol component in the presence of a lignin compound; a toner for electrophotography, containing the resin binder; and a method for producing a resin binder for a toner, including the step of polycondensing a carboxylic acid component and an alcohol component in the presence of a lignin compound. The resin binder for a toner of the present invention is suitably used as a resin binder of a toner used in development of latent images formed in electrophotography, electrostatic recording method, electrostatic printing method or the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for synthesizing a composition of polymers, copolymers, terpolymers and tetrapolymers, and to the use thereof, said composition being made from: cyclodextrins, in particular ?-cyclodextrin, ?-cyclodextrin, ?-cyclodextrin, the derivatives or corresponding mixtures thereof, and/or calix[n]arene(s) and/or of calix[n]arene derivative(s) and/or a mixture of two or more different calix[n]arenes selected from calix[n]arenes (n=4-20) and/or the derivatives thereof, and to the uses thereof. A method was developed on the basis of direct-melt polycondensation. The invention can be used in the pharmaceutical, human medicine, veterinary medicine, chemistry, separation chemistry, environmental, electronics, biological, diagnostics, phytosanitation, medicinal food, agri-food, and cosmetics fields, and in the nutraceutical field and in the field of molecular imprints (MIP).

Abstract: The invention relates to dietary fiber for human and animal nutrition and more particularly to roughage consisting of a fiber formulation containing lignocellulose. Said formulation contains a fraction of a fibrous substance that is fermentable in the digestive tract and a fraction of a fibrous substance that is poorly or non-fermentable in the digestive tract.

Abstract: A lignocellulose-containing material, obtainable by treating lignocellulose particles A with a binder B, the binder B comprising the following components: An aqueous component (I) comprising (i) a polymer A which is composed of the following monomers: a) from 80 to 100% by weight of at least one ethylenically unsaturated mono- and/or dicarboxylic acid (monomer(s) A1) and b) from 0 to 20% by weight of at least one further ethylenically unsaturated monomer which differs from the monomers A1 (monomer(s) A2) and ii) a low molecular weight crosslinking agent having at least two functional groups which are selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, carboxylic acid and derivatives thereof, primary, secondary and tertiary amine, epoxy and a component (II) as an aqueous dispersion comprising one or more polymer(s) M which are composed of the following monomers: a) from 0 to 50% by weight of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer which comprises at least one epoxide group and/or hydroxyalkyl group (mono

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for sequestering carbon dioxide. Biomass is converted into paraffinic hydrocarbons. The paraffinic hydrocarbons are steam cracked into olefins. The olefins are polymerized into non-biodegradable polyolefins.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) products for use in agricultural applications, and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. Certain of the SAPs include a monomer or a mixture of monomers, selected from acrylic acid, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, methacrylamide, 2-acryloamido-2-methyl-propanesulfonic acid, methacrylic acid, vinyl sulfonic acid, ethyl acrylate, potassium acrylate, derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, that is graft polymerized onto a starch in the presence of an initiator to form a starch graft copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for utilizing a wood hydrolysate obtained from a hydrothermal treatment of a wood material method comprises the steps of providing a wood material, treating the wood material by means of an aqueous hydrothermal treatment so that a wood hydrolysate and a wood residue is formed. The wood hydrolysate comprises oligo- and polysaccharides as the main component of dry matter. The method further comprises the steps of; separating the wood hydrolysate into at least a first and a second fraction and using at least one of the at least first and second fractions for production of an intermediate or end product. Such end product may be e.g. a film, coating, package or a gel. The present invention also relates to a polymer product such as a film, a coating or a gel and its applications. The present invention provides for biodegradable and renewable polymer products and a method which utilizes and extracts a very high product value from a process.

Abstract: Lost circulation of drilling fluid is one of the most serious and expensive problems facing the drilling industry. The present invention relates to an improved drilling fluid for reducing or preventing lost circulation to an underground formation surrounding a well bore in the process of drilling a well. The drilling fluid comprises a base fluid and wax or waxy substance as a primary seepage loss agent. The invention also provides a method of reducing or preventing lost circulation to an underground formation surrounding a well bore in the process of drilling a well using the drilling fluid of the invention, wherein the primary seepage loss agent is added to the drilling fluid, either before or during drilling, and the drilling fluid is pumped down hole during drilling.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) products for use in agricultural applications, and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. Certain of the SAPs include a monomer or a mixture of monomers, other than acrylonitrile, that is graft polymerized onto a starch in the presence of an initiator to form a starch graft copolymer that is cross-linked and the SAP product is isolated.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polymer combined with a beneficial additive and method for administering the same in agricultural applications is disclosed. A method for delivering a beneficial additive in agricultural applications includes obtaining a beneficial additive combined with a superabsorbent starch graft copolymer and dispensing the combined beneficial additive and superabsorbent polymer in an agricultural environment.

Abstract: A method of and a product formed by entrapping a bioactive, growth-promoting additive in a starch matrix to form a starch-based, superabsorbent polymer product for use in agricultural applications involves (1) graft polymerizing a monomer and a starch to form a starch graft copolymer including a starch matrix; (2) isolating the starch graft copolymer; (3) forming particles of starch graft copolymer; and (4) adding a bioactive, growth-promoting additive such that at least some of the bioactive, growth-promoting additive is entrapped by the starch matrix. Following placement of the starch-based SAP including a bioactive, growth-promoting additive in proximity to a plant, root, seed, or seedling, growth of the plant, root, seed, or seedling is promoted because availability of beneficial nutrients is increased.

Abstract: A superabsorbent starch graft copolymer product having particle sizes useful in granule applicators for application to agricultural fields. Starch graft copolymers applied to field crops provide excellent anti-crusting properties, increased seed germination and stand, increased crop growth, increased yields, and reduced water requirements.

Abstract: Hemicellulose fibers, more particularly to non-naturally occurring fibers incorporating hemicellulose, processes for making same and fibrous structures incorporating same are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biomass resin composition comprising a phenolized biomass substance and a reactive substance having a melting point of at most 100° C. other than phenol. The biomass resin composition is prepared by a process, which comprises adding a reactive substance such as a phenol derivative or drying oil into the reaction system, in the step of preparing a phenolized biomass substance by phenolizing a biomass substance with a phenol in the presence of an acid catalyst. The present invention provides a biomass resin composition, in which the melting point can be freely controlled and which is excellent in properties such as flowability, processability, water resistance and impact resistance and can be prepared by a simple process, and a process for preparing the same.

Abstract: Methods of making and using a superabsorbent starch graft copolymer involve producing starch graft copolymers having particle sizes useful in granule applicators for application to agricultural fields. Starch graft copolymers applied to field crops provide excellent anti-crusting properties, increased seed germination and stand, increased crop growth, increased yields, and reduced water requirements.

Abstract: The present invention concerns treated fibrous porous material having a defined nanostructure comprising reactive sites thereon, wherein said fibrous porous material is treated with a low viscosity organic solution comprising organic solvent, isocyanate component unsaturated resin and optionally additional additives. The treated fibrous porous material is further mixed with a resin to form a composite. The composite may be formed by various methods of mixing and molding. The invention is further directed to various composites made therefrom. The fibrous porous material is selected from the group comprising cellulose, lignin, synthetic ceramics, porous metal nanopowders, kaolin, bio fibers and porous powders of biological origin or their mixtures. The resin may be any polymer virgin or scrap obtained from industrial or domestic waste, and is selected from thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a foam prepared from a resin comprising: one or more saccharides; one or more isocyanates; one or more resin polyols; and water. The foam may be for example polyurethane foam or polycyanurate foam, either flexible or rigid. Another embodiment includes a method for preparing a foam comprising: forming a resin by mixing one or more saccharides with one or more isocyanates and then mixing the one or more saccharides and the one or more isocyanates with water; and admixing one or more foam polyols to the resin. Another embodiment includes a method for manufacturing a foam derived from an isocyanate, comprising replacing all or a portion of the isocyanate with a resin comprising: one or more saccharides; one or more isocyanates; one or more resin polyols; and water. Another embodiment includes an article of manufacture comprising such foam.

Abstract: A novel resin for binding composite lignocellulosic, cellulosic and non-cellulosic products is disclosed. The resin is comprised of one or more isocyanates, one or more saccharides, one or more polyols, and water. Preferaby, the saccharide is a polysaccharide comprised of corn syrup. Preferably, the isocyanate is a polyisocyanate and the polyol is an ethylene glycol. Also disclosed are methods for preparing and applying the resin as well as the products prepared from the resin.

Abstract: Methods of making and using starch graft copolymers produce particle sizes useful in granule applicators for applying to agricultural fields. Starch graft copolymers on field crops provide excellent anti-crusting properties, increased seed germination and stand, increased crop growth, increased crop yields and reduced water requirements.

Abstract: A low-pressure CO2 tank or an air compressor with a refrigerated air dryer is attached to the vent zone of a standard twin-screw extruder. During extrusion, the gas is dissolved in the wood-plastic melt. The CO2 expands which foams the wood-plastic material.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an aliphatic polyester, utilizing starch as a raw material. The invention produces an aliphatic polyester by the steps of hydrolyzing starch to obtain glucose, oxidizing the glucose to obtain gluconolactone or gluconic acid, reducing the gluconolactone or the gluconic acid to obtain caproic acid, chlorinating the caproic acid to obtain 6-chlorocaproic acid, cyclizing the 6-chlorocaproic acid to obtain &egr;-caprolactone, and executing ring-opening polymerization of the &egr;-caprolactone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soybean-based adhesive resin including a soybean flour and a cross-linking agent. The cross-linking agent is reacted with the functional groups in the soybean flour to form an adhesive resin. The present invention also relates to a method of making a soybean-based adhesive resin. This method involves providing an aqueous solution of soybean flour and adding a cross-linking agent to the solution under conditions effective to cross-link the soybean flour so that an adhesive resin is formed. Also disclosed is a composite product which includes particulate plant material and the soybean-based adhesive resin. The adhesive is prepared by reacting the cross-linking agent with the functional groups in the soybean flour. The present invention also relates to a method of making a composite product by providing particulate plant material and applying the soybean-based adhesive resin to the particulate plant material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hybrid polymer material or system that combines naturally occurring building blocks with synthetic building blocks. The sets of naturally occurring and synthetic building blocks are mixed and joined on a molecular or nanoscopic level to give homogeneous or microphase-separated morphologies to the resulting mixed polymer system. These hybrid polymers combine the comfort attributes of natural materials with the robustness and design properties of synthetic materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in the preparation of a hot press molded board from a lignocellulose or an inorganic material as a main raw material, an isocyanate-based binder composition with which a board having eternally good releasability from a hot press plate, excellent physical properties and a low hygroscopic linear expansion coefficient can be obtained with improved productivity. The binder composition comprises (A) a compound having at least two isocyanate groups, (B) a low molecular weight polyethylene and (C) water as indispensable components.

Abstract: An aliphatic polyester is provided which is manufactured by a process comprising a step of hydrolyzing cellulose so as to form D-glucose, a step of forming gluconolactone represented by the formula (II) from the D-glucose, and a step of performing ring-opening polymerization of the gluconolactone so as to form an aliphatic polyester represented by the formula (I). In the formulas above, R represents a hydrogen atom, an acetyl group, or a linear or a branched alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and the subscript n is an integer of 10 to 6,000.

Abstract: The present invention relates to evenly substituted polysaccharide derivatives having the general structure: polysaccharide—O—R wherein polysaccharide—O represents a substituted or unsubstituted polysaccharide unit and R is a substituent of a polysaccharide-OH group having either the structure R=—A—B— or the structure R=—B—, wherein A is a linear polyether chain having the following structure: A=(—D—O—)n wherein D denotes a linear aliphatic branched or unbranched chain having 2 to 12 C atoms, O represents an oxygen atom and n is a number equal to or greater than 1, and B represents a substituted carbamic acid having the structure wherein E denotes a linear or branched aliphatic chain having 1 to 18 C atoms.

Abstract: A discontinuous lignocellulose fiber is described for use as a reinforcing filler for thermoplastic composite compositions. The fiber filler includes a significant percentage by weight of long, “hair-like” fibers. Specifically, at least about 20 percent by weight of the fiber filler is discontinuous lignocellulose fiber with a fiber length greater than about 15 millimeters and a fiber diameter less than about 0.5 millimeters. A moldable thermoplastic composite composition including the discontinuous lignocellulose fiber comprises about 20 to about 50 percent by weight of the fiber filler and about 50 to about 80 percent by weight thermoplastic. The discontinuous lignocellulose fiber filler yields thermoplastic composite compositions having improved physical properties over basic thermoplastic. The improved physical properties can be achieved without the use of coupling agents, although coupling agents may be used to further enhance the composite properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soybean-based adhesive resin including a soybean flour and a cross-linking agent. The cross-linking agent is reacted with the functional groups in the soybean flour to form an adhesive resin. The present invention also relates to a method of making a soybean-based adhesive resin. This method involves providing an aqueous solution of soybean flour and adding a cross-linking agent to the solution under conditions effective to cross-link the soybean flour so that an adhesive resin is formed. Also disclosed is a composite product which includes particulate plant material and the soybean-based adhesive resin. The adhesive is prepared by reacting the cross-linking agent with the functional groups in the soybean flour. The present invention also relates to a method of making a composite product by providing particulate plant material and applying the soybean-based adhesive resin to the particulate plant material.

Abstract: New and useful products are based on sheeted cellulose impregnated with a polyfunctional isocyanate and a fire retardant material. The fire retardants are chosen from organophosphorous esters compatible with the isocyanate in the proportions used. Preferred impregnating compositions use about one part of isocyanate and two parts of a halogenated diphosphate ester. Other compatible phosphorous based materials may be included for viscosity control.

Abstract: Lignocellulosic light weight molding products which are useful as heat insulator, shock absorber, sound absorber and so on and have open-celled foam-structure are mainly composed of lignocellulose that is able to use in not only fibrous shape but also other various shapes. They are at least composed of four components shown hereunder; (1) lignocellulose, (2) water soluble high polymer containing not less than two OH groups in a molecule and having the film properties of tensile strength 10 to 300 MPa and surface tension 30 to 65 mN/m in 0.4 wt % aqueous solution at 20.degree. C., (3) water soluble high polymer containing not less than two carboxyl groups in a molecule and/or anionic surfactant, and (4) high polymer having the film properties of tensile strength 0.1 to 10 MPa and ultimate elongation 200 to 2000%, 2nd transition point 30.degree. to 40.degree. C. and cohesion energy density 30 to 200 cal/cc.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of densifying lignocellulosic material such as wood. The wood is impregnated with a maltodextrin solution under vacuum and/or pressure and the maltodextrin is then cross linked to insolubilise the maltodextrin. A wood-polymer composite is formed. Suitable cross linking agents include compounds having at least one hydroxyl group. Maltodextrins having a dextrose equivalent in the range 15 to 30 are preferred. The resulting composite material has improved appearance, hardness, impact resistance, strength and water repellency.

Abstract: The invention relates to the chemical bonding of a polymer/or polymers onto non-metallic substrates such as cellophane by ultrasonic techniques. The cellophane film is preactivated by contacting with silver nitrate solution followed by treatment with potassium hydroxide solution whereby particles of silver and silver oxide are uniformly distributed, in situ, over the surface of cellophane film. The pretreated cellophane film when contacted with grafting solution, that contains monomers, prepolymers, catalyst, graft initiator and other ingredients of the composition, which is being agitated with ultrasonic energy results in polymerization of monomer/prepolymer onto the surface of the cellophane film.

Abstract: Process for binding lignocellulosic material using polyisocyanates in combination with lignin solvents and optionally lignin as binder.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composition of matter useful as a paper impregnant, to the method of its use, and to the products produced by the method. Poly (diphenylmethane diisocyanate) or PMDI has been used in the past as a paper impregnant with or without propylene carbonate as a diluent. These products have generally required pressing under high pressures and at elevated temperatures. It has now been found that triacetin and/or triethyl citrate in usages up to about 20% of PMDI give superior performance in impregnated products. The modified PMDI will cure at essentially ambient conditions in times as short as 1-2 days to insoluble polyureas with low residual amounts of isocyanates and reaction byproducts such as 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane. The treated papers can be used in applications of which skins for sandwich panels and high strength corrugated board would be exemplary.

Abstract: Polymers containing a plurality of free hydroxy groups, such as cellulose, agarose or polyvinyl alcohol, are contacted in absence of reactants for hydroxy groups, with at least one N-heterocyclic compound, e.g. pyridine, pyrrole, pyridazine, their partially or fully hydrogenated analogs and any of these which may be substituted, in a pre-activation step prior to reaction with reactant for free hydroxy groups in the polymer, the polymer-bound residue of which reactant may be thereafter reacted in turn with amino compounds containing at least one unsubstituted N-attached hydrogen atom, e.g. proteins, thereby to form amine-polymer conjugates. The invention further relates to a powder, bandage, patch or like cover for application to wounds which has been manufactured from polymer containing a plurality of hydroxy groups by a process which includes the step of providing an amine conjugated to the polymer; the amine may be, e.g., trypsin, chymotrypsin, lysozyme, collagenase, albumin and hyaluronidase.

Abstract: This invention refers to a wood substitute with lignocellulosic and mineral material particles which are molded in sheet, e.g. plates and/or panels in different thicknesses or forms in stencil at choice, using in principal natural and artificial, and vegetal cellulosic material components, e.g. dried leaves, sawdust, rotten wood particles splinters, paperwastes, roots and mineral materials as limestone from sulphates type carbonates or calcium oxides, with synthetic binders from different chemical structures, with or without dyes, in these proportions: 35-60 by weight lignocellulosic components particles, 5-35 by weight limestone types, 5-30 by weight synthetic binders from different harmless chemical structures, with or without synthetic dyes from varied chemical structures and with or without requested additions.

Abstract: A multi-purpose resin synthesized from a mixture of a protein and a carbohydrate by ammoniation instead of hydrolysis is described. Any primary product of photosynthesis (glucose, starch or lignocellulose) is qualified for use as the carbohydrate component of the resin, which is an expedient, low-cost and benign substitute for conventional thermosetting resins in the manufacture of numerous industrial products.

Abstract: An insulating sheathing panel has an insulating core, such as foam, sandwiched between PMDI impregnated cover sheets. The resulting panels offer structural reinforcement as well as insulating qualities to a building framework.

Abstract: A laminated product has an organic polymer layer on at least one surface of a substrate of cellulosic material impregnated with polyisocyanate. The substrate is preferably made from substantially delignified cellulosic material and an isocyanate resin. The isocyanate resin comprises a polyisocyanate, preferably PMDI, and may include a miscible organic solvent, preferably one such as propylene carbonate having a high boiling point and low flammability and toxicity. The substrate may be cured with an uncured overlay sheet positioned on the cured substrate and then cured to bond the substrate and overlay. Alternatively, a cured overlay may be adhesively or otherwise secured to a previously cured substrate. As yet another alternative, an uncured overlay sheet and uncured substrate may be placed in position and simultaneously cured. An overlay may be positioned on one or both major surfaces of a substrate sheet.

Abstract: An insulating sheathing panel has an insulating core, such as foam, sandwiched between PMDI impregnated cover sheets. The resulting panels offer structural reinforcement as well as insulating qualities to a building framework.

Abstract: Process for producing a composite material in which a cellulosic substrate is treated with a solution of a polyfunctional isocyanate in an aprotic swelling solvent and the substrate is then compressed to form the composite material. The substrate may take the form of wood chips, wood particles, wood flakes, wood fibers, wood flour, ground wood, wood veneers and wood laminates, paper, card, straw, refined cellulose such as cotton or viscose and plant fibers such as bamboo or palm fiber.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a polyureacellulose composite material from substantially delignified cellulosic material and an isocyanate resin. The isocyanate resin comprises a polyisocyanate, preferably PMDI, and a miscible organic solvent, preferably one such as propylene carbonate having a high boiling point and low flammability and toxicity. The composite surprisingly exhibits values of physical parameters that are at least as good as, and sometimes far superior to, corresponding parameters of similar composites made using neat (undiluted) polyisocyanate. Single- and multiple-ply composites can be made, employing only a single curing step.

Abstract: A method for controlling the permeability of a petroleum-bearing subterranean formation including the steps of producing from biomass, a water-insoluble viscous biomass oil, and injecting the biomass oil into the petroleum bearing formation to decrease the permeability of at least some of the formation for altering flow paths through the formation to increase petroleum yield.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of producing a surface hardened woody decorative sheet by reacting a cellulose material such as a wood flour, a wood chip, a chaff, etc., with a dibasic acid anhydride and a monoepoxy compound having a polymerizable double bond to form a setting composition mainly composed of an oligoesterified cellulose material having a polymerizable double bond and an oligomer having a polymerizable double bond, placing in layer the setting composition on a woody sheet, and hot-pressing them to integrate the setting composition and the woody sheet in a body.

Abstract: An industrially advantageous woody molding is produced by adding a dibasic acid anhydride to a woody material such as a wood meal in the presence or absence of a catalyst such as sodium carbonate, whereby the dibasic acid anhydride is bonded to the hydroxy group of the woody material to form an esterified woody material, adding thereto a compound having at least two epoxy groups in the molecule thereof, kneading well the mixture, and then heat and press molding the kneaded mixture at a temperature higher than 120.degree. C. and a pressure greater than 60 kg/cm.sup.2.The product thus obtained by the process of this invention has a smooth and lustrous surface, has good water resistance and dimensional stability, and also is excellent in mechanical strength and hardness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing water-soluble resin and a resin product made by that method, the method including the steps of supplying a volume of an acidic pyrolysis oil, raising the pH of the oil above 7.0 to partially polymerize the oil, and heating the partially polymerized oil to encourage further polymerization to form the resin product.

Abstract: The invention is a method of making a cellulose based polymeric material and the products of the invention. A cellulosic substrate is impregnated with an essentially uncatalyzed polyfunctinal isocyanate and pressed at elevated temperature and pressure. The substrate may be a chemical or thermomechanical pulp or paper while the isocyanate is preferably diphenylmethane diisocyanate or its oligomers. Pressing conditions are preferably in the range of about 150.degree.-245.degree. C. at pressures in the range of about 2700-8300 kPa for times less than 2 minutes. Moisture content of the cellulosic substrate is not highly critical and may be as high as 7% without adverse effects. The product is especially useful as overlays and for forming strong, water resistant laminates which can be molded in either flat or three dimensional forms.

Abstract: The process for producing a plastic-like cured woody molding, which comprises applying a pressure necessary for plasticizing at least a woody component at temperature of from 120.degree. C. to 180.degree. C. to a composition comprising (A) an oligoesterified woody material obtained by alternately adding a polybasic acid anhydride and a monoepoxy compound having unsaturated double bond to the hydroxy groups of a woody material and (B) an oligomer obtained from a polybasic acid anhydride and a monoepoxy compound having unsaturated double bond with the addition of (C) a radical polymerization initiator to simultaneously perform the plasticization and crosslinking by the polymerization of the unsaturated double bonds. The plastic-like cured woody moldings thus obtained have dense and glossy surfaces and are particularly excellent in dimensional stability, mechanical properties and heat distortion temperature.