Rick

thank you everyone for your recommendations and ideas! they're a big help.

Can anyone suggest a good source for a variety of fabrics to make jar ties? Thanks, Rick

Thanks Kassandra and Robin for the links - I looked over all the info and it's very interesting, especially the stuff on polymorphing. Nuggets to chew on indeed. I don't know if I'm more confused now or on the path to an answer! But somehow I feel I'm at least understanding the relationships better. And now I'd make a bet instead of guess that it's a mixture happening and not a bond at all. I think knowing that makes a big difference about managing all other variables. Thank you too Kelly, helpful info to know. Rick

Yes it may be related to curing. I've asked that question many, many times everywhere and no one so far knows for sure. The basis of my interest has to do with the adding temp of FO, the curing time, and the throw. The only thing I know is that some materials (non-soy & non-fo) have the greatest probability of bonding / binding at certain temperature ranges, and that the intended end effect of the product is achieved that way. If that's the case with soy and fo, then the right temp range has to be used. And if not the case, then a much wider temp range can be used. Some people add FO at 175 and others add as low as 125 with equally good results. My best guess is that soy & fo form a mixture, not a bond. And therefore lower adding temps are ok (tho maybe requiring more mixing time), and a longer curing time simply allows more time for diffusion in the mix. Thanks for replying. I hope others will offer their opinions too. Or maybe a survey about fo adding temps? Rick

Do FOs "bond" with soy, or form a "solution" (like milk & syrup) with soy? Does anyone know for sure? Rick