Biopolymers having coiled nanostructures and processes incorporating the biopolymers

Abstract

The present disclosure is generally directed to biopolymers having coiled nanostructures, methods of making those biopolymers, and applications involving those biopolymers. Biopolymers having coiled nanostructures may be produced through a biophysical process by which the shape of a biopolymer macromolecular chain is altered. Biopolymers having coiled nanostructures may then be cross-linked to prepare biopolymeric networks. The biopolymeric networks may be configured to incorporate solid particles, in which they serve to hold the solid particles together against external stresses, solvents, and the like. For this reason, the biopolymers having coned nanostructures are useful in a variety of applications, including in an improved process for forming iron ore pellets.

1 . A biopolymer having a coiled nanostructure, wherein the biopolymer comprises:
 one or more starches, one or more hemicelluloses, or a combination thereof; and   one or more alginates,   wherein the biopolymer is negatively charged and is adapted to be used in a biopolymeric network.   
     
     
         2 .- 5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . A process for making the biopolymer of  claim 1  with a coiled nanostructure, wherein the process comprises:
 preparing an alkaline aqueous solution containing raw material comprising a substantially linear biopolymer macromolecule including the one or more starches, the one or more hemicelluloses, or the combination thereof and the one or more alginates, the biopolymer is negatively charged and is adapted to be used in the biopolymeric network; 
 adding one or more stabilizing agents to the solution; 
 adding a carboxylic acid agent to the solution under conditions which cause the macromolecule to transform into a coil; and 
 adding oil to the solution and mixing the solution to produce the biopolymer having the coiled nanostructure. 
 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The process of  claim 6 , wherein the stabilizing agent comprises phosphate, sulfate, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The process of  claim 6 , wherein the stabilizing agent comprises glycerol. 
     
     
         10 . The process of  claim 6 , further comprising adding calcium carbonate to stabilize the coiled nanostructure. 
     
     
         11 . A composition comprising a colloidal suspension with a dispersed phase that comprises a biopolymer having a coiled nanostructure as defined in  claim 1 . 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 11 , wherein the dispersed phase further comprises negatively charged ions. 
     
     
         15 . The composition of  claim 14 , wherein the negatively charged ions comprise one or more of boron, phosphate, and glycerol. 
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 11 , wherein the dispersed phase is dispersed in water. 
     
     
         17 . A process for stabilizing solid particles against erosion in soil or against a settlement in a suspension by incorporating particles into a biopolymeric network, wherein the method comprises:
 contacting the solid particles with a composition that comprises a biopolymer having a coiled nanostructure as defined in  claim 1 , and   causing the composition to undergo cross-linking to form a biopolymeric network that incorporates the solid particles.   
     
     
         18 . The process of  claim 17 , wherein the composition comprises a solution of the biopolymer in water. 
     
     
         19 . The process of  claim 18 , wherein the solution comprises between about 95 and about 99.5 percent water. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . The process of  claim 17 , wherein the contacting comprises mixing the composition with the particles. 
     
     
         22 . The process of  claim 17 , wherein the composition is configured so that the solid particles act to promote cross-linking. 
     
     
         23 . The process of  claim 17 , wherein the solid particles are sand or soil. 
     
     
         24 .- 47 . (canceled)