Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method of making a crosslinked thermoset resin. One embodiment of this method comprises: (i) separating a plant-derived flour mixture into a protein fraction comprising proteins and a carbohydrate fraction comprising carbohydrates; (ii) subjecting the carbohydrate fraction to an oxidizing agent to yield oxidized carbohydrates comprising aldehyde functional groups or both aldehyde functional groups and carboxyl functional groups; and (iii) reacting the oxidized carbohydrates with the protein fraction under conditions effective to crosslink the proteins, thereby yielding a crosslinked thermoset resin. The present invention also relates to a crosslinked thermoset resin and composites, nanofiber membranes, and adhesives comprising the crosslinked thermoset resin.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an enhanced starch resin composition, methods of making the enhanced starch resin composition using environmentally benign, water-based processes, and products produced using the enhanced starch resin composition. The enhanced starch resin composition comprises a native starch and/or a waxy starch crosslinked with a multi-functional polycarboxylic acid. The starch resin composition is formed by a water-based reaction comprising using a non-toxic, water-soluble catalyst to catalyze esterification of the native starch and/or the waxy starch with the multi-functional polycarboxylic acid, thereby yielding a crosslinked starch resin composition having at least one enhanced mechanical property and/or reduced moisture absorption as compared to the native starch and/or the waxy starch.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an enhanced starch resin composition, methods of making the enhanced starch resin composition using environmentally benign, water-based processes, and products produced using the enhanced starch resin composition. The enhanced starch resin composition comprises a native starch and/or a waxy starch crosslinked with a multi-functional polycarboxylic acid. The starch resin composition is formed by a water-based reaction comprising using a non-toxic, water-soluble catalyst to catalyze esterification of the native starch and/or the waxy starch with the multi-functional polycarboxylic acid, thereby yielding a crosslinked starch resin composition having at least one enhanced mechanical property and/or reduced moisture absorption as compared to the native starch and/or the waxy starch.