A natural binder for binding biomasses and industrial waste and/or recycled materials, using processes employed for petroleum-derived binders, includes a mixture of a protein flour, a plant hydrolyzate, and a magnesium oxide.

A protective film forming composition which has a good mask (protection) function against a wet etching liquid and a high dry etching rate during processing of a semiconductor substrate and also has good coverage even for a stepped substrate, and from which a flat film can be formed due to a small difference in film thickness after being embedded; a protective film produced using the composition; a substrate with a resist pattern; and a method for producing a semiconductor device. This composition contains: (A) a compound having three or more carboxyl groups; (B) a resin or a monomer; and a solvent. The compound (A) having three or more carboxyl groups preferably has a ring structure. This ring structure is preferably selected from among an aromatic ring having 6-40 carbon atoms, an aliphatic ring having 3-10 carbon atoms, and a heterocyclic ring.

A barrier material comprising (a) at least one layer of cellulosic substrate comprising MFC, and (b) a first barrier layer arranged on at least one surface of said cellulosic substrate, is provided, as well as a method for reducing the water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) of a cellulosic substrate.

A barrier material comprising (a) at least one layer of cellulosic substrate comprising MFC, and (b) a first barrier layer arranged on at least one surface of said cellulosic substrate, is provided, as well as a method for reducing the water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) of a cellulosic substrate.

Polymerizable compositions comprising a radically polymerizable resin can be polymerized in the absence of a peroxide initiator and other undesirable components. The polymerizable compositions and methods employ a manganese- or iron-containing salt or organic complex and a 1,3-dioxo compound with one or more other components. The polymerizable compositions have better storage stability and reduced gel time-drift.

Polymerizable compositions comprising a radically polymerizable resin can be polymerized in the absence of a peroxide initiator and other undesirable components. The polymerizable compositions and methods employ a manganese- or iron-containing salt or organic complex and a 1,3-dioxo compound with one or more other components. The polymerizable compositions have better storage stability and reduced gel time-drift.

A toughened polyester composite comprising: (i) a polyester matrix and (ii) droplets of a high boiling point liquid having a boiling point of at least 140° C. dispersed in said polyester matrix, wherein the high boiling point liquid is present in an amount of 0.1-10 wt % by weight of the toughened polyester composite, and wherein the composite may further include: (iii) a modifier selected from polycarboxylic, polyol, and polyamine compounds, wherein the modifier is present in an amount of 0.1-10 wt % by weight of the toughened polyester composite. Methods for producing the polyester composite are also described.

A toughened polyester composite comprising: (i) a polyester matrix and (ii) droplets of a high boiling point liquid having a boiling point of at least 140° C. dispersed in said polyester matrix, wherein the high boiling point liquid is present in an amount of 0.1-10 wt % by weight of the toughened polyester composite, and wherein the composite may further include: (iii) a modifier selected from polycarboxylic, polyol, and polyamine compounds, wherein the modifier is present in an amount of 0.1-10 wt % by weight of the toughened polyester composite. Methods for producing the polyester composite are also described.

A toughened polyester composite comprising: (i) a polyester matrix and (ii) droplets of a high boiling point liquid having a boiling point of at least 140° C. dispersed in said polyester matrix, wherein the high boiling point liquid is present in an amount of 0.1-10 wt % by weight of the toughened polyester composite, and wherein the composite may further include: (iii) a modifier selected from polycarboxylic, polyol, and polyamine compounds, wherein the modifier is present in an amount of 0.1-10 wt % by weight of the toughened polyester composite. Methods for producing the polyester composite are also described.

A method for reducing the surface oil absorption of cellulose based substrate is provided, in which a coating composition is applied to said substrate; and in which the coating composition comprises carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and/or a salt of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). A coated paperboard, and a laminate of the coated paperboard with a polymer layer is also provided. The coating composition provides improved surface oil absorption and improved adherence of an overlying polymer layer.