Abstract: Water-resistant, protein-based adhesive dispersion compositions and methods for preparing them are provided. The adhesive dispersions are prepared by copolymerizing a denatured vegetable protein, such as soy flour, that has been functionalized with methylol groups with one or more reactive comonomers, and preparing an acidic dispersion of the adhesive. The adhesive dispersions exhibit superior water resistance, and can be used to bond wood substrates, such as panels or laminate, or in the preparation of composite materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to homogeneous phase enzyme-catalyzed processes for producing modified chitosan polymers or oligomers. An enzyme is reacted with a phenolic substrate in the presence of a chitosan polymer or oligomer to produce a modified chitosan polymer or oligomer. The invention also includes modified chitosan polymers or oligomers produced by the novel processes, in particular modified chitosan polymers or oligomers having useful functional properties, such as base solubility and/or high viscosity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel biopolymer consisting of a three-dimensional cross-linked mixture of (a) a cross-linking agent, activated with an activating agent, dissolved in a aqueous solution, and (b) a recombinant protein, namely polyubiquitin. The novel biopolymer is based on the cross-linking of ubiquitin (monomeric and/or polymeric) with a cross-linking agent, preferably bifunctionalized polyethylene oxides or a polyethylene glycol of various molecular masses (MW 2000 to 35 000 kDa), dissolved in aqueous solution in adequate proportions. The novel biopolymer offers a wide range of formulations since the number of ubiquitin units and cross-linking agent can vary both in length and ratio. The novel hydrogel is also biodegradable by a specific protease and is resistant to a wide range of other proteases.

Abstract: The invention concerns an aminoplastic or phenoplastic adhesive with improved mechanical strength containing a C1-C6 alcohol acetal, and a method for increasing the mechanical strength of an aminoplastic or phenoplastic adhesive, which consists in adding to the adhesive composition a C1-C6 alcohol acetal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a phenolic resin, as for example phenol formaldehyde, an active hydrogen containing polymer as for example a polyamide, and a curing agent, such as a polyepoxide.

Abstract: A novel class of materials and processes used in their preparation are described. These materials are comprised of man-made polymers grafted onto protein backbone, specifically onto protein backbone, which has been selectively modified to be used as adhesives, coatings and construction materials. Man-made polymers can be selected from a group including condensation polymers such as phenolics, epoxides, polyamides, thiols, or addition polymers such as acrylics, vinyls and polyolefins. Grafting can be accomplished either stepwise or from already preformed polymers. Grafts can also be formed with more than one polymer either after the first graft is formed or simultaneously. Furthermore grafts can be formed onto a modified or unmodified protein whose backbone has been reduced to a polyamine.