A bio-composite material comprises protein-containing non-wood fibrous biomass comprising at least 6 wt% protein, and a cross-linking agent. The bio-composite material may optionally further contain wood biomass, or non-protein-containing non-wood biomass, and is formable into a bio-composite board to replace wood-based boards for a variety of applications. A bioplastic material comprises a bioadhesive, fibrous biomass and a plastic material, and is formable into a variety of products, such as a cup, using conventional plastic processing techniques. Suitable fibrous biomass may include used coffee grounds and a variety of other biomass. A method of forming a board from a bio-composite material, and a method of manufacturing a bioplastic are also provided.
Distiller's Grain (DG) based bio-adhesives consisting of DG biomass, crosslinking agents, and fillers are described as substitutes for formaldehyde based wood glue for making wood panels. Algal bio-adhesives consisting of algal biomass, crosslinking agents, and fillers are described as substitutes for formaldehyde based glue for making wood panels. Processes for preparing such DG based bio- adhesives and algal bio-adhesives are provided, comprising the steps of: combining DG biomass or algal material with a cross-linking agent and inorganic fillers to form a blend; micronisation or homogenisation of the blend to obtain powdery material; and mixing the powdery material with additional water to form a bio-adhesive.
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