A composite flame barrier includes at least one layer of nonwoven flame resistant fibers, and at least one layer of heat absorbing intumescing expandable graphite held together with polymeric binders and fire resistant fibers in a sheet structure. The composite material provides thermal protection that cannot be achieved using the expandable graphite is alone. By mechanically attaching a nonwoven felt or hydro-entangled nonwoven material to the layer containing expandable graphite, the graphite becomes stabilized and is more resistant to forces that may damage the material (wind, high velocity flames etc.) and decrease or eliminate the thermal performance of the expandable graphite. The composite flame barrier is useful in applications where prolonged fire and heat resistance is required, and has an advantage of being flexible and lightweight. The uses for the material include emergency portable fire shelters, structural protection of aircraft, structural steel fire proofing, fire-rated wall assemblies, and other fire-resistant applications.

The invention relates to a multi-layered protective element (20) for a battery (1) with at least two battery cells (10), which are arranged next to one another, wherein the protective element (20) can be arranged between the battery cells (10), and wherein the protective element (20) has a compressible core layer (21). According to the invention, the core layer (21) predominantly comprises animal wool and the layer thickness of the core layer is 60 to 98% of the total thickness of the protective element. The invention also relates to a battery (1) and to the use of the protective element (20) for a battery (1).

The invention relates to a multi-layered protective element (20) for a battery (1) with at least two battery cells (10), which are arranged next to one another, wherein the protective element (20) can be arranged between the battery cells (10), and wherein the protective element (20) has a compressible core layer (21). According to the invention, the core layer (21) predominantly comprises animal wool and the layer thickness of the core layer is 60 to 98% of the total thickness of the protective element. The invention also relates to a battery (1) and to the use of the protective element (20) for a battery (1).

A monolayer, plant protein based imitation leather material and methods of making same. Embodiments of the method comprise 1) creating a mixture of a one or more plant protein powder, a one or more non-proteinaceous polymer or toughening elastomer, a one or more plasticizer, a one or more cross-linking agent, and a one or more curing agent in an; 2) calendering the mixture into a flat, monolayer sheet at a controlled roll temperature and affixing the sheet onto a surface of a carrier fabric and 3) curing the calendered monolayer sheet by applying heat and pressure for a period of time.

A monolayer, plant protein based imitation leather material and methods of making same. Embodiments of the method comprise 1) creating a mixture of a one or more plant protein powder, a one or more non-proteinaceous polymer or toughening elastomer, a one or more plasticizer, a one or more cross-linking agent, and a one or more curing agent in an; 2) calendering the mixture into a flat, monolayer sheet at a controlled roll temperature and affixing the sheet onto a surface of a carrier fabric and 3) curing the calendered monolayer sheet by applying heat and pressure for a period of time.

Imitation leather fabrics comprising a plant protein, plasticizer, and optionally non-proteinaceous polymer and methods of making are disclosed. The fabrics have similar properties to natural leather obtained from animal skin. They are biodegradable, flexible, and stretchable; and can be used as a substitute of natural or synthetic leather.

Imitation leather fabrics comprising a plant protein, plasticizer, and optionally non-proteinaceous polymer and methods of making are disclosed. The fabrics have similar properties to natural leather obtained from animal skin. They are biodegradable, flexible, and stretchable; and can be used as a substitute of natural or synthetic leather.