Abstract: Compositions comprising a blend of two or more paper strengthening agents have improved stability compared with previously known paper strengthening agents. One component is a polymeric paper strengthening agent, preferably a wet strengthening agent. The other component is a stabilized polyacrylamide prepared by (1) reacting a first portion of glyoxal with a polyacrylamide having pendant amide groups to form a first reaction mixture comprising polyacrylamide; (2) adding an acid to the first reaction mixture to form a second reaction mixture having a reduced pH and comprising the polyacrylamide; and (3) adding a second portion of glyoxal to the second reaction mixture to form the stabilized polyacrylamide. If desired, an aldehyde scavenger can be included in one or more of step (1), step (2), step (3), or the stabilized polyacrylamide. Such compositions can be used to enhance the strength of paper, particularly the wet strength of paper.

Abstract: Cationic thermosetting resins and especially resins having azetidinium functional groups, such as polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin resins, are stabilized against premature gelation by the addition of (1) a low molecular weight, non-aldehyde, non-ionic, water soluble organic stabilizing compound (preferably one that is reactive with the cationic moiety), preferably in combination with (2) a water soluble, inorganic complexing metal salt.

Abstract: An improved granular-type urea fertilizer having an extended or slow release nitrogen component in which a non-thermosetting urea-formaldehyde resin concentrate is used to provide the granular fertilizer with an extended-release nitrogen component.

Abstract: A method for preparing a cationic polyacrylamide composition particularly suitable for making a glyoxylated polyacrylamide composition useful as a temporary wet-strengthening agent and the composition resulting from that method, along with the use of the composition for adding temporary wet strength to paper and the resulting strengthened paper products.

Abstract: A phenol-formaldehyde resin, having a low concentration of tetradimer, making the resin suitable for preparing a binder composition for making non-woven fiber products, such as fiberglass insulation, prepared by reacting phenol and formaldehyde in the presence of a sulfite source.

Abstract: An aqueous, formaldehyde-free binder composition comprising a modified copolymer of maleic anhydride and a vinyl aromatic compound such as styrene, the copolymer being modified by reaction with a primary alkanolamine, such as monoethanolamine (MEA), to produce a modified copolymer that is self-curing and cures as a consequence of cross-linking, esterification reactions between pendant carboxyls and hydroxyl groups on the solubilized (hydrolyzed) modified copolymer chains; the invention also relates to the corresponding method of using the binder composition for making fiber products, especially fiberglass insulation.

Abstract: An aqueous binder composition, useful for making fiber products, especially fiberglass insulation, comprising an aqueous substantially alkaline (pH of at least 5.0) solution of a polyol and a hydrolyzed (solubilized) copolymer of maleic anhydride and a vinyl aromatic compound, preferably styrene (i.e., a SMA copolymer); the copolymer is solubilized using ammonia, a secondary alkanolamine (preferably diethanolamine (DEA)), a tertiary alkanolamine (preferably triethanolamine (TEA)), or a mixture thereof and the binder composition is cured as a consequence of cross-linking, esterification reactions between pendant carboxyls on the solubilized (hydrolyzed) copolymer (SMA) chains and hydroxyl groups of the polyol, including the diethanolamine and/or triethanolamine preferably used in the solubilization of the SMA.

Abstract: Thermosetting adhesives for use in e.g., particleboard or fiberboard, wherein the adhesives comprise a resin having azetidinium functional groups, can provide fast tack-building and curing, as well as ultimately excellent bonding characteristics. Preferably, the azetidinium-functional resin is formed from the reaction product of a polyamidoamine and epichlorohydrin.

Abstract: A composite proppant having a proppant substrate such as a porous ceramic or silica sand coated with magnetic particles and a method of propping a subterranean formation using a composition consisting essentially of the composite proppant.

Abstract: A phenol-formaldehyde resin, having a low concentration of tetradimer, making the resin suitable for preparing a binder composition for making non-woven fiber products, such as fiberglass insulation, prepared by reacting phenol and formaldehyde in the presence of a sulfite source.

Abstract: Thermosetting adhesive compositions for use in e.g., particleboard or fiberboard, wherein the compositions comprise a blend of a protein-based component and a polymeric quaternary amine cure accelerant, can provide the fast tack-building and curing, as well as ultimately good bonding characteristics normally associated with synthetic resin compositions. Preferably, the polymeric quaternary amine cure accelerant is the reaction product of a polyamidoamine and epichlorohydrin.

Abstract: The dunnage airbag inflation circuit of this invention includes a pilot valve that is controlled by a pressure sensing line in communication with the dunnage bag, and an arrangement of other valves to allow the dunnage bag to inflate up to a certain preset pressure. The pressure sensing line controls pilot air to various valves and ultimately to the main pilot valve allowing airflow to the dunnage bag until the dunnage bag reaches a certain preset pressure. The inflation circuit also includes (i) a safety pressure valve to stop airflow to the dunnage bag if for some reason the dunnage bag continues to be inflated past the preset pressure, and (ii) a stop valve that allows an operator to manually override the pressure valve and stop the airflow to the dunnage bag.

Abstract: Stable dispersions of phenolic resins, particularly bisphenol-A/formaldehyde resins, for use in e.g., baking enamels, coatings, adhesives, binders, etc., are disclosed. The dispersions have low levels (e.g., <0.1% by weight) of free aldehyde, thereby reducing environmental harms associated with aldehyde emissions. Low free aldehyde levels are achieved using melamine as an aldehyde scavenger during preparation. It has now been discovered that melamine, in contrast to other scavengers of aldehydes, does not adversely affect dispersion stability, interfere with later processing operations, or negatively impact the final resin product quality (e.g., after curing).

Abstract: A container ensemble for food packaging comprising a substantially planar lid member formed of a polymeric material which has a plurality of substantially planar lids which are integrally formed and separably joined to each other, each of the lids including a sealing channel around its perimeter and a skirt extending outwardly therefrom. The lid member is provided with tearable portions to facilitate separation. The other component of the ensemble is a cup member formed of a polymeric material defining a plurality of cups which are integrally formed and also separably joined to each other, the cups including a bottom, a sidewall, and a brim about an upper opening of each cup. Each cup has a skirt extending outwardly from its brim provided with tearable portions to facilitate separation.

Abstract: An anhydride and resorcinol latent catalyst system for a phenolic resole resin provides a resin having long pot life and long shelf life, yet cures quickly thereafter.

Abstract: The sidewall portion of a cup or other container for a heated beverage or other hot liquid comprises a relatively rigid outer wall and a relatively flexible inner liner. The wall and liner are attached together at respective upper and lower circumferential bands and at least an intermediate portion of the liner between the upper and lower circumferential bands is separable from the outer wall, to thereby form a sealed void between the outer wall and the inner liner which extends circumferentially along the entire comfort band and which defines a comfort band encircling at least a middle region of the cup. In one embodiment, a liner preform is placed on a tapered mandrel provided with selectively heated circumferential bands for sealing the upper and lower circumferential bands of the liner to an inner surface of the outer wall. Preferably, the container is a stackable disposable cup with a liner formed of a heat shrinkable material which is activated (i.e.

Abstract: A container blank comprises at least one substrate layer made of disposable material and at least one film layer disposed substantially over the substrate layer and having at least one portion adapted to shrink away from the substrate layer upon application of heat. The shrunk film layer portion is adapted to thermally insulate the substrate layer located substantially behind the shrunk film layer portion.

Abstract: A method for making storage-stable glyoxalated inter-copolymers with higher and adjustable charge density suitable for use as a strengthening agent for paper. The glyoxalated inter-copolymers can be used to enhance the strength of paper, particularly recycled paper and mechanical printing paper.

Abstract: A non-aqueous coating composition of very low volatility (i.e., low-VOC) that can be cured in a short period of time under an ambient temperature condition without the use of solvents consisting essentially of a mixture or blend of three components: (1) a complex ester made by reacting a monomeric monobasic fatty acid, a mixture of diacids and a polyol;(2) a drying oil (i.e., primarily an unsaturated fatty acid triglyceride); and (3) an unsaturated monomer of low volatility and its use for producing a coated substrate and especially a wood composite material substrate having a cured seal coat.