It is provided a microspherical structure comprising an external shell of structured cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and at least one polymer, and a core, wherein the core can be hollow or filled with an immiscible medium. It is also provided a method for producing the same comprising spray-drying the mixture of CNCs and polymer through an atomizer and into a drying chamber forming droplets, wherein the solvent used to suspend the CNCs is evaporated and the microspherical structures are formed. These microstructural spheres can have wide industrial, medical and pharmaceutical applications, whereby their ingredients and structure are tuned and controlled.

A composite material is formed by preparing mass particles consisting of a fibrous material at least partially derived from recycled post-consumer materials and preparing particles of a binding material consisting of a thermoplastic material at least partially derived from recycled post-consumer material. The prepared mass particles and particles of binding material are mixed together such that the binding material liquifies and coats the mass particles which are subsequently then pressed together to form a composite article in which the mass particles typically occupy between 35% and 60% by weight of the composite material and the binding material occupies between 40% and 60% by weight of the composite material. The composite material is suitable for replacing concrete, wood, or other construction, manufacturing or industrial materials, and possesses properties that in some applications may be equal or superior such materials.

The present invention relates to plastic composition comprising at least one polyester, biological entities having a polyester-degrading activity and at least an anti-acid filler, wherein the biological entities represent less than 11% by weight, based on the total weight of the plastic composition, and uses thereof for manufacturing biodegradable plastic articles.

The disclosure provides a nanodispersion of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in monoethylene glycol (MEG) as well as a method for dispersing CNCs in MEG and a process for preparing a polymer composites comprising a CNC nanodispersion in MEG comprising copolymerizing said nanodispersion of CNCs and at least one monomer polymerizable with said MEG and/or CNCs.

A cellulose membrane according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a self-supporting cellulose membrane having a thickness of between 20 nm and 1300 nm, inclusive, composed of regenerated cellulose having a weight average molecular weight of 150,000 or more.

The present disclosure provides a method for preparing an aerogel or a foam, the method comprising: forming a reaction mixture comprising a cellulose nanofibril gel, a first solvent, and one or more crosslinking agents under conditions sufficient to crosslink the gel; and contacting the crosslinked gel with a second solvent under conditions sufficient to dry the crosslinked gel, thereby forming an aerogel or foam.

The present disclosure describes thermoformable sheets capable of retaining an absorbing stain, pigmented sealer or clear sealer. The unique resin binder formulations and products include porosity-promoting agents that result in the resin binder having a porous surface capable of being stained, while still having the favorable properties of traditional Thermofoil products. The methods of the invention produce a Thermofoil product that can be stained with a variety of stains and colorants after manufacturing to suit the individual builder's or homeowner's preference.

A biopolymer film is provided that comprises a combination of: crystalline nano cellulose (CNC)/esterified crystalline nano cellulose (ECNC) reinforced with chitosan. The two polymer components can be present in any ratio but an approximate CNC to ECNC 70:30 ratio is preferred. The chitosan component is derived from exoskeletons of crustaceans. Also provided are methods of preparing biopolymer film and preparing food packaging components from said biopolymer film. The CNC/ECNC mixture is dissolved in an ethanol solution and the chitin is dissolved in acetic acid and mixed together to form a polymer blend.

A method of manufacturing a thermally insulating product comprises: (a) forming a mixture comprising solvent and gel network former and optionally foaming agent; (b) dispersing a thermally insulating filler in the mixture; and (c) drying the mixture to form the thermally insulating product.

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rapid, economically feasible method for producing continuous films with excellent properties using nanocellulose suspensions at high consistency.