Abstract: A suspension of a finely divided material in a liquid suspending medium which swells cellulose, the suspension containing microfibrillated cellulose in an amount sufficient to produce a stable, homogeneous suspension. The finely divided materials are hydrophilic polymers.

Abstract: A suspension of a finely divided material in a liquid suspending medium which swells cellulose, the suspension containing microfibrillated cellulose in an amount sufficient to produce a stable, homogeneous suspension. The finely divided material is a dense solid such as coal or sand.

Abstract: A methylated phenolic ether is prepared by reacting in the absence of a protic solvent a phenolic compound containing an unreacted phenolic hydroxy group with trimethyl phosphate, the reaction occurring in one step and without the intermediate preparation of a phenolate.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an alkylated phenolic ether comprising reacting a phenolic compound at a temperature of at least the melting point of the phenol and in the absence of a solvent with an alkylating agent until an alkylated phenol is produced.

Abstract: An alkylated phenolic ether is prepared by reacting in the absence of a protic solvent a phenolic compound containing an unreacted phenolic hydroxy group with an alkyl sulfite of the formula (RO).sub.2 SO in which R is a one to four carbon alkyl group, the reaction occurring in one step and without the intermediate preparation of a phenolate.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuously and semi-continuously casting molten metals and alloys. Control of the initial stages of solidification is carried out through application of a thermal insulating layer on the coolant side of a casting mold wall. The layer modifies the heat flux characteristics of the mold along a selected length thereof.

Abstract: A device for the controlled release of an active material into a liquid medium comprises a liquid soluble body having an array of cavities therein containing the active material. The body may be enclosed in a casing of a material having a relatively low dissolution rate and provided with means, e.g. an aperture whereby a portion of the body can be exposed to dissolving attack by the liquid medium. The body is so constructed that the cavity contents are released sequentially and at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a semi-solid thixotropic alloy slurry and preferably a rheocasting therefrom. Molten metal in a mold is cooled under controlled conditions while it is mixed under the influence of a moving magnetic field. A non-zero, magnetic field is provided across the full cross section of the mold and over the entire solidification zone. This results in a magnetomotive stirring force of sufficient magnitude to provide mixing of the molten metal to form the slurry. Preferably, a two pole induction motor stator is used to generate the magnetic field.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibiting paint comprises a resin vehicle containing a water soluble glass which, on dissolution in water, releases corrosion inhibiting materials. The glass itself, or the combination of the glass and the paint, are so constituted that conditions of low acidity, i.e. above pH 4.0, are presented to a metal surface to which the print is applied. The glass may contain phosphorus pentoxide as the glass forming oxide together with one or more Group IIA or IIB metal oxides as the glass modifying oxide or oxides.

Abstract: A hydrophobic gel composition comprises an aluminium stearate, liquid paraffin and polyisobutylene. The gels are prepared by first blending together aluminium stearate and liquid paraffin. The mix is then heated to 180.degree.-200.degree. C. and a quantity of polybutylene preheated to 150.degree. C. is added, after which the composition is allowed to cool slowly to ambient temperature. The compositions are particularly useful in electrical connectors.

Abstract: A fine grained metal composition suitable for forming in a partially solid, partially liquid condition. The composition is prepared by producing a solid metal composition having an essentially directional grain structure and heating the directional grain composition to a temperature above the solidus and below the liquidus to produce a partially solid, partially liquid mixture containing at least 0.05 volume fraction liquid. The composition, prior to heating, has a strain level introduced such that upon heating, the mixture comprises uniform discrete spheroidal particles contained within a lower melting matrix. The heated alloy is then solidified while in a partially solid, partially liquid condition, the solidified composition having a uniform, fine grained microstructure.

Abstract: Process of preparing a solid controlled release urea-formaldehyde fertilizer composition comprising preparing an aqueous mixture of urea, formaldehyde and ammonia, heating the mixture, acidifying the mixture to initiate methylene urea polymerization and heating to complete methylene urea polymerization and dry the reaction products. The process is carried out under conditions such that the majority of polymeric nitrogen present in the final product consists of short chain methylene urea polymers selected from the group consisting of methylene diurea, dimethylene triurea and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Rayon fibers having high wet modulus, low wet elongation and low caustic solubility are prepared from an unmodified viscose spinning solution by spinning the viscose solution into a zinc-free coagulation bath containing at least 125 g/l of Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4, at least 125 g/l of (NH.sub.4).sub.2 SO.sub.4 and less than 100 g/l of H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 while the bath is at a temperature above 40.degree. C. The coagulated filament is then stretched in a secondary bath maintained at a temperature over 70.degree. C.

Abstract: Rayon fibers having a C-shaped cross section and characterized by low caustic solubility are prepared from an unmodified viscose spinning solution having a salt index below 14 by spinning the viscose solution into a zinc-free coagulation bath containing at least 100 g/l of Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4, at least 175 g/l of (NH.sub.4).sub.2 SO.sub.4 and more than 100 g/l of H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 while the bath is at a temperature above 40.degree. C. The coagulated filament is then stretched in a secondary bath maintained at a temperature over 70.degree. C.

Abstract: Highly reactive cellulose is prepared by mercerizing cellulosic material and reacting it with an hydroxyalkylating agent to a degree of substitution ranging from 0.05 to 0.3, said degree of substitution being short of rendering the cellulose appreciably soluble in water. The highly reactive cellulose is particularly useful for the preparation of such cellulose derivatives as cellulose acetate at considerably improved production levels.

Abstract: A liquid applicator for dispensing a chemical in dilute aqueous form. The applicator comprises a conduit adapted at one end for connection with a water source and at another end for the discharge of a chemical in dilute aqueous form. Two containers are connected with the conduit one adapted to contain a concentrated liquid chemical, the other adapted to contain the chemical premixed with water. The containers are connected with the conduit in series with a two stage aspirator so that concentrated chemical from the first container is mixed with water and passed into the second container and the mixture is then further diluted and discharged from the applicator.

Abstract: A controlled release particulate fertilizer composition prepared by the reaction of urea and formaldehyde comprising polymeric nitrogen in the form of methylene urea polymers of varying chain length. The majority of the polymeric nitrogen consists of short chain polymers selected from the group consisting of methylene diurea, dimethylene triurea and mixtures thereof and the average degree of polymerization of urea and formaldehyde is greater than 1.5. The fertilizer compositions combine safety and high levels of plant nutrient efficiency.

Abstract: An edible suspension of a finely divided food material in a liquid suspending medium which swells cellulose, the suspension also containing microfibrillated cellulose in an amount sufficient to produce a stable, homogeneous suspension. The microfibrillated cellulose, a form of cellulose having a very large available surface area per unit of weight, acts to confer, among other benefits, greater stability on the suspension.

Abstract: A display system comprising at least one display element, for example in the form of a pivoted pointer for indication of a changing measured value in association with a scale. The display element is implemented by an electro-optical cell filled with a liquid, the cell having two transparent plates separated by a distance frame with an associated illuminating device at the back side. Portions of one of the transparent plates is rendered opaque, the remaining areas on that plate providing transparent windows. Transparent areas are also provided between the plates. One of said transparent areas has a contour corresponding with the contour of the scale. The other of said areas extends over a larger surface.

Abstract: Microfibrillated celluloses having properties distinguishable from all previously known celluloses, are produced by passing a liquid suspension of cellulose through a small diameter orifice in which the suspension is subjected to a pressure drop of at least 3000 psig and a high velocity shearing action followed by a high velocity decelerating impact, and repeating the passage of said suspension through the orifice until the cellulose suspension becomes a substantially stable suspension. The process converts the cellulose into microfibrillated cellulose without substantial chemical change of the cellulose starting material.