A method for determining hydration of a polymer includes mixing a water-soluble, powdered dye with a powdered polymer and introducing the mixed water-soluble, powdered dye and powdered polymer into a water-based fluid. Full hydration of the powdered polymer is determined when the mixed water-soluble, powdered dye, powdered polymer and water-based fluid comprises substantially no internal optical contrast.

A method of bonding together surfaces of two or more elements. The method includes the steps of providing two or more elements, applying an adhesive to one or more of the surfaces to be bonded together before, during or after contacting the surfaces to be bonded together with each other, and curing the adhesive, wherein the adhesive comprises at least one hydrocolloid.

A method of coating a polymer surface, the method comprising: providing a polymer having a surface, optionally, treating at least a portion of the polymer surface with an oxidising agent, treating at least a portion of the polymer surface with a composition comprising a polysaccharide, oligosaccharide, polyol or mixture thereof, and incubating the treated polymer with the composition for a predetermined time. Also disclosed are polymers comprising such a coating, vessels comprising such coated polymers and medicals devices comprising such polymers.

The invention relates to a process for producing a pulverulent composition comprising at least one polymeric dispersant (PD) which comprises structural units having anionic and/or anionogenic groups and structural units having polyether side chains, and at least one polysaccharide (PS). The process here comprises the process steps: a) production of an aqueous dispersion having a viscosity of the dispersion of less than 10 000 mPa.Math.s, comprising the at least one polymeric dispersant (PD) and the at least one polysaccharide (PS) and b) spray drying of the aqueous dispersion produced in process step a). Furthermore, the use of the pulverulent composition according to the invention in inorganic binder compositions, especially as a rheological additive, is disclosed.

Bioplastic compositions and methods of making are described herein. The various mechanical and physical properties of the bioplastic may be varied by altering the thermoforming or incorporating an additive depending on the desired mechanical and physical properties of the end product. The bioplastic may be made entirely of biomatter and be backyard compostable.

The present invention relates to a method of providing thermal and/or acoustic insulation to a structure, comprising the steps of: providing a substrate which comprises fibres; applying the substrate to the structure; blending the substrate with a binder composition before, during or after application of the substrate to the structure; allowing curing of the binder composition after the substrate and the binder composition have been applied to the structure; wherein the binder composition comprises at least one hydrocolloid. The present invention also relates to an insulated structure obtainable by said method.

Provided are superabsorbent materials composed of agar, and one or more water-soluble natural polysaccharides, and dietary compositions containing such superabsorbent materials. The disclosed superabsorbent materials have various food and therapeutic applications and can be used as loading vehicles for nutrients and therapeutic agents. Also provided are methods for preparing such superabsorbent materials.

A stretch film for use in the cosmetic or agri-food packaging sectors comprises konjac and carrageenan in a mass ratio of between 20/80 and 60/40. A stretch film according to the present disclosure has advantageous properties for use as a biodegradable stretch cling film and cosmetic mask.

A polyurethane elastomer, which can be a foam, generated from (a) an organic diisocyanate, (b) a polyester resin, (c) a chain extender comprised of a polyhydric alcohol, (d) a crosslinker, (e) a plasticizer, (f) a surfactant, (g) a bio-additive, (h) a blowing agent, and (i) an optional dye; and optionally where the elastomer has, for example, a hardness value of, for example, from about 15 Asker C to about 60 Asker C, a tensile strength of from about 1 MPa to about 10 MPa, a resilience of from about 30 percent to about 60 percent, an elongation at break of from about 150 percent to about 700 percent, and a tear strength from about 2 Newtons/millimeters to about 4 Newtons/millimeters, and which elastomers can be selected for footwear.

Provided herein are mycelium materials and methods for production thereof. In some embodiments, a mycelium material includes: a cultivated mycelium material including one or more masses of branching hyphae, wherein the one or more masses of branching hyphae may be disrupted or pressed and/or a bonding agent may be combined with the cultivated mycelium material. Methods of producing a mycelium material are also provided.