United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of Agriculture

Bradley University

The Penn State Research Foundation

Zengshe Liu

Sevim Z Erhan

Rex E Murray

Luke Michael Haverhals

Kenneth Michael Doll

Brent H Tisserat

Atanu Adhvaryu

Paul D Calvert

Shailesh N Shah

Unique, inexpensive, and. strong biocomposites are obtained from blending cellulose matrix materials pith lignocellulosic reinforcement materials with the aid of alkaline aqueous solvent and cold temperatures. These lignocellulosic composites (LCs) are produced without use of any thermoplastic resins, adhesives, catalysts, plasticizers or d chemical or physical procedures. The LCs include a matrix and a reinforcement material. The matrix is a cellulose material (e.g., cotton, hemp, flax, or wood) that is liquefied using an aqueous alkaline solvent solution under cold temperatures to more readily adhere and or incorporate/encapsulate the lignocellulosic reinforcements (wood chips, fibers, and other lignocellulosic sources).

Lignocellulosic composites prepared with aqueous alkaline and urea solutions in cold temperatures systems

Unique, inexpensive, and strong biocomposites are obtained from blending cellulose matrix materials with lignocellulosic reinforcement materials with the aid of alkaline aqueous solvent and cold temperatures. These lignocellulosic composites (LCs) are produced without use of any thermoplastic resins, adhesives, catalysts, plasticizers or complicated chemical or physical procedures. The LCs include a matrix and a reinforcement material. The matrix is a cellulose material (e.g., cotton, hemp, flax, or wood) that is liquefied using an aqueous alkaline solvent solution under cold temperatures to more readily adhere and/or incorporate/encapsulate the lignocellulosic reinforcements (wood chips, fibers, and other lignocellulosic sources).

Lignocellulosic composites prepared with aqueous alkaline and urea solutions in cold temperatures systems and methods

Disclosed is the use of a metal catalyst or catalyst precursor that catalyzes the isomerization of an unsaturated fatty acid, unsaturated fatty acid derivative, or an unsaturated triglyceride. Also disclosed is the use of a metal catalyst or catalyst precursor that catalyzes the decarboxylation of an unsaturated organic compound. Also disclosed is the use of a catalyst or catalyst precursor for the dual function isomerization and decarboxylation of an unsaturated fatty acid to an unsaturated organic compound.

Process for isomerization and decarboxylation of unsaturated organic compounds with a metal catalyst or catalyst precursor

Disclosed is a method for using a metal catalyst or catalyst precursor that catalyzes the isomerization of an unsaturated fatty acid, unsaturated fatty acid derivative, or an unsaturated triglyceride. Also disclosed is a method for using a metal catalyst or catalyst precursor that catalyzes the decarboxylation of an unsaturated organic compound. Also disclosed is a method for using a catalyst or catalyst precursor for the dual function isomerization and decarboxylation of an unsaturated fatty acid to an unsaturated organic compound.

Disclosed is an elastomer synthesized by a reacting epoxidized vegetable oil with carboxylic acid to form the elastomer compound. More specifically, disclosed herein is an elastomer compound having a polyester component. The method for making the elastomer comprises mixing a polybasic acid with an alcohol solvent to form a solution, reacting said solution having carboxylic groups with epoxidized vegetable oil, and heating the solution at a range of approximately 50&#xb0; C. to 80&#xb0; C., wherein an amorphous polyester elastomer is formed. Also disclosed is an elastomer foam product formed by a reacting epoxidized vegetable oil with carboxylic acid.

Elastomer derived from epoxidized vegetable oil

Dimers of jojoba oil wax esters are prepared by reacting the wax esters in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of an acid catalyst in supercritical CO. In the reaction, the double bonds of the wax esters are opened and cross link or polymerize two wax esters as dimers. The jojoba ester dimers which are produced are of the formula: wherein Rand R' are independently selected from the group consisting of C15-C23 monounsaturated hydrocarbons, Rand R&#x2032; are independently selected from the group consisting of C8-C14 saturated hydrocarbons, and Rand R&#x2032; are independently selected from the group consisting of C6-C8 saturated hydrocarbons.

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Triglyceride oils having unsaturated fatty acid substituents are modified to convert sites of unsaturation to C-2 to C-10 diesters. The resulting derivatives are characterized by thermal and oxidative stability, have low temperature performance properties and are environmentally-friendly. They have utility as hydraulic fluids, lubricants, metal working fluids and other industrial fluids. The triglyceride oils are most easily prepared via epoxidized vegetable oils which are converted to the diesters in either a one- or two-step reaction.

Chemically modified vegetable oil-based industrial fluid

Biopolymeric hydrogel precursors are prepared by means of a ring-opening polymerization of epoxidized vegetable oils, followed by chemical hydrolysis. The recovered hydrogels having properties similar to Pluronic&#xae; type surfactants would have a plurality of end-use applications, including use as food additives and pharmaceutical ingredients. This invention provides the potential for an enhanced market for vegetable oils, and particularly for soybean oil.

Soy-based thermosensitive hydrogels for controlled release systems

Triglyceride oils having unsaturated fatty acid substituents are modified to convert sites of unsaturation to C- to C- diesters. The resulting derivatives are characterized by thermal and oxidative stability, have low temperature performance properties and are environmentally-friendly. They have utility as hydraulic fluids, lubricants, metal working fluids and other industrial fluids. The triglyceride oils are most easily prepared via epoxidized vegetable oils which are converted to the diesters in either a one- or two-step reaction.

Composite formulations useful in the production of objects by the solid freeform fabrication method comprise (A) an epoxidized drying oil (primary resin); (B) a curing agent; (C) a fibrous filler; (D) a thixotropic agent and optionally (E) a secondary resin. These composites are characterized by unique physical properties including enhanced biodegradability.

Growing community of inventors

Morton, IL, United States of America

Zengshe Liu