Methods of Modifying Agricultural Co-Products and Products Made Therefrom
AssigneeBattelle Memorial Institute
InventorsRamanathan S. Lalgudi, Barry L. McGraw, Robert J. Cain
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In a method of producing a polymer composite, a polymer is provided in a liquid state such as a molten state. A plant material, such as soymeal, is provided that includes protein and carbohydrate. The plant material has a particle size less than 50 microns. A reactive protein denaturant is also provided. A dispersion of the plant material and the reactive protein denaturant is formed in a matrix of the liquid polymer. The plant material is reacted to bond with the reactive protein denaturant, and the reactive protein denaturant is reacted to bond with the polymer. The polymer is solidified to produce the polymer composite.
Claims20
A method of producing a polymer composite comprising:
- providing a polymer in a liquid state;
- providing a plant material that includes protein and carbohydrate, the plant material having a particle size less than 50 microns;
- providing a reactive protein denaturant;
- forming a dispersion of the plant material and the reactive protein denaturant in a matrix of the liquid polymer, reacting to chemically bond the plant material to the reactive protein denaturant, and reacting to chemically bond the reactive protein denaturant to the polymer;
- and
- solidifying the polymer to produce the polymer composite.
A reactive extrusion method of producing a polymer composite, the method comprising:
- providing a polymer in a liquid state;
- providing a plant material that includes protein and carbohydrate, the plant material having a particle size less than 50 microns;
- providing a reactive protein denaturant;
- in a single-step process in an extruder, forming a dispersion of the plant material and the reactive protein denaturant in a matrix of the liquid polymer, reacting to chemically bond the plant material to the reactive protein denaturant, reacting to chemically bond the reactive protein denaturant to the polymer, and extruding the dispersion;
- and
- solidifying the polymer to produce the polymer composite.
A moldable polymer composite comprising:
- a thermoplastic polymer;
- and
- a plant material dispersed in a matrix of the polymer, the plant material including carbohydrate and protein that is unfolded, the plant material having a particle size less than 50 microns;
- and
- a reactive protein denaturant chemically bonded to the protein and having promoted unfolding of the protein.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.