The invention relates to an aqueous binder composition for mineral fibers comprising at least one hydrocolloid.

Methods of forming cross-linked polysaccharides are disclosed in which one or more polysaccharides are dissolved in solution, gelled, modified to have a desired concentration, and subsequently irradiated. The irradiation of the gel crosslinks the polysaccharide(s) present. The disclosed techniques may be applied to various polysaccharides, including but not limited to agarose and/or hyaluronic acid.

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 fire-protecting insulation product has air-laid mineral wool fibres and a binder. The binder is the result of curing a binder composition comprising at least one hydrocolloid. The product further comprises a particulate endothermic material.

The present invention provides a separation material comprising porous polymer particles that comprise a styrene-based monomer as a monomer unit; and a coating layer that comprises a macromolecule having hydroxyl groups and covers at least a portion of the surface of the porous polymer particles, wherein the rupture strength is 10 mN or higher.

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 biodegradable container made from plant-based plastic that holds, in a preferred embodiment, one to two ounces of a gel-like or otherwise viscous liquid for immediate nutrition. Once opened and used, the container can be safely disposed of on the ground where it will be broken down by natural factors like rain over several days.

The bioplastic composition comprises: at least one seaweed extract in a concentration by weight comprised between 30% and 80% with respect to the weight of the bioplastic composition; water in a concentration by weight comprised between 1% and 30% with respect to the weight of the bioplastic composition; at least four additives present in a total concentration by weight comprised between 20% and 70% with respect to the weight of the bioplastic composition; wherein the additives comprise at least one plasticizer, at least one antimicrobial agent, at least one gelling agent and at least one adjuvant.

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.