Abstract: Disclosed are methods of producing super absorbing polymeric networks of polyaspartates from crosslinked polysuccinimide. In one preferred method aspect, polysuccinimide is first reacted with an organic crosslinking agent, preferably an organic base containing at least two primary amine groups to form crosslinked polysuccinimide. The crosslinked polysuccinimide is then hydrolyzed to a polymeric network of polyaspartate which demonstrates super absorbing capability in water and in saline solution. Alternative method aspects are disclosed in which super absorbing polymeric networks of polyaspartates are produced in a single reaction vessel by sequentially crosslinking polysuccinimide with organic crosslinking agent in an aqueous reaction mixture and then hydrolyzing the reaction product to produce a polymeric network of polyaspartate.

Abstract: The invention relates to colorimetric titration method, a titrator and colorimeter device. The titrating apparatus comprises radiant energy means for producing radiant energy. The device includes means for modulating an amplitude of an intensity of the radiant energy at a modulation frequency. The radiant energy is partially absorbed by an adjacent solution within a sample beaker having a color indicator dissolved therein. Radiant energy focusing means focuses the modulated radiant energy transmitted through the sample and beaker on radiant energy detection means. The radiant energy detection means produces a transmitted signal wherein an intensity of the transmitted signal is directly proportional to the intensity of transmitted energy. Filtering means filters the transmitted signal, such that a center frequency of the filtering means matches the modulation frequency of the radiant energy means.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of producing super absorbing polymeric networks of polyaspartates from crosslinked polysuccinimide. In one preferred method aspect, polysuccinimide is first reacted with an organic crosslinking agent, preferably an organic base containing at least two primary amine groups to form crosslinked polysuccinimide. The crosslinked polysuccinimide is then hydrolyzed to a polymeric network of polyaspartate which demonstrates super absorbing capability in water and in saline solution. Alternative method aspects are disclosed in which super absorbing polymeric networks of polyaspartates are produced in a single reaction vessel by sequentially crosslinking polysuccinimide with organic crosslinking agent in an aqueous reaction mixture and then hydrolyzing the reaction product to produce a polymeric network of polyaspartate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting the formation of CaCO.sub.3 -containing deposits on a surface by applying a composition comprising an anti calcification-effective amount of the peptide-containing or the protein-containing fractions isolated from a CaCO.sub.3 -containing tissue obtained from a CaCO.sub.3 -forming organism. Said fractions can be isolated from many CaCO.sub.3 -containing tissues, including, but not limited to, molluscan shells, echinoderm skeletons, carbonate sands, crustacean exoskeletons, coral endoskeletons and the like. The present method is useful for the prevention and/or retardation of inorganic scaling, as well as, for the inhibition of fouling by plant or animal organisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting the formation of CaCO.sub.3 -containing deposits on a surface by applying a composition comprising an anti calcification-effective amount of a poly amino acid, a poly amino acid amide or derivative thereof. The present method is useful for the prevention and/or retardation (inhibition) of inorganic scaling, as well as for the inhibition of fouling by plant or animal organisms.