A method and system for the production of fibers for use in biocomposites is provided that includes the ability to use both retted and unretted straw, that keeps the molecular structure of the fibers intact by subjecting the fibers to minimal stress, that maximizes the fiber's aspect ratio, that maximizes the strength of the fibers, and that minimizes time and energy inputs, along with maintaining the fibers in good condition for bonding to the polymer(s) used with the fibers to form the biocomposite material. This consequently increases the functionality of the biocomposites produced (i.e. reinforcement, sound absorption, light weight, heat capacity, etc.), increasing their marketability. Additionally, as the disclosed method does not damage the fibers, oilseed flax straw, as well as all types of fibrous materials (i.e. fiber flax, banana, jute, industrial hemp, sisal, coir) etc., can be processed in bio composite materials.

The present invention is directed to an article of manufacture, which can be a fiber and or a film. In one aspect, the fiber or the film comprises a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and an inorganic filler comprising particles having an average diameter of less than about 20 micrometers. The PVOH has a degree of hydrolysis of greater than about 95% and is present in a range between about 20 wt. % and about 99 wt. % based on the total fiber weight. Methods of making the fibers and films are also disclosed.

A modified polymer includes a diene-based polymeric chain and at least one end terminated with a blocked isocyanate group. The blocked isocyanate group may be the reaction product of an isocyanate and a blocking agent, and the blocking agent is selected, such that the modified polymer deblocks at temperatures of at least 100 C. An aqueous emulsion of the modified polymer may be provided that may be surfactant-free. The emulsion may be combined with one or more latexes to provide a treatment solution for a fabric or fiber that does not require the use of resorcinol and formaldehyde. Once treated and dried, the fabric or fiber may be used to impart tensile strength to rubber products, such as tires, air springs, flexible couplings, power transmission belts, conveyor belts, and fluid routing hoses.

Copolymers comprising cellulose and starch connected by at least one cross-linker, methods of producing the copolymers, and formed articles comprising the copolymers are described herein. The copolymers may be biodegradable and may have improved physical properties when compared to the homopolymers and other biodegradable polymers. In some embodiments, the copolymer may be more flexible than unmodified cellulose may have better structural integrity than unmodified starch.

A gear is provided that has excellent continuous moldability for practical use, and both high slidability and high durability. The provided gear is a molded resin constructed of a resin composition comprising a thermoplastic resin (A) and cellulose nanofibers (B) with an average fiber diameter of 1000 nm or smaller, and having a number average molecular weight of the thermoplastic resin (A) in the range of 10,000 to 150,000, wherein a sliding surface of the gear with another gear teeth has an arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa of 3.0 μm or lower.

The present invention relates to the treatment or prevention of skeletal disorders, at particular skeletal diseases, developed by patients that display abnormal increased activation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), in particular by expression of a constitutively activated mutant of FGFR3.

Vinyl resin compositions containing nanocrystalline materials, films formed therefrom, laminates formed from such films, and methods of making and using thereof are described herein.

The present invention relates to a composition for fuel cell membranes and a process for the preparation thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to thermo-mechanically and chemically stable polymer electrolyte membranes which have been prepared without compromising proton conductivity by using multifunctional polydopamine and mechanically robust nanocellulose.

The present invention relates to a process for the production of a surface coated support material wherein said process comprises contacting a support material with an aqueous dispersion of nanocellulose. The surface coated support material can be used in a composite material. The invention therefore further relates to the surface coated support material per se, a composite comprising the material, a process for the production of the composite material and an article produced from the composite material.

A process is provided for overmolding an insert or substrate with non-oriented thermoplastic fibers present in an amount that allows them to thermally bond in the presence of non-oriented filler fibers. The thermoplastic fiber fusion retains the filler fibers within the insert upon cooling. The filler fibers are selected to modify the properties of the insert and an overmolded article formed with the insert therein. Such overmolded articles are used in applications including vehicle components such as automotive interior light bases, posts, undercar components, cross members, chassis components, and frame components; architectural components such as home door interiors, sound damping panels, and weather resistant wood replacement. Articles formed with the inventive process yield weight reductions compared to conventional insert overmoldings, along with low scrap generation, process flexibility with respect to part shape and fiber material. Improved recyclability and reduce costs are realized with the inclusion of natural fiber fillers.