Abstract: This invention is directed toward a method for inhibiting the formation (nucleation, growth and agglomeration) of clathrate hydrates. The method comprises adding into a mixture comprising hydrate forming substituents and water, an effective amount of a hydrate inhibitor selected from the group consisting of anionic, cationic, non-ionic and zwitterionic hydrate inhibitors. The hydrate inhibitor has a polar head group and a nonpolar tail group not exceeding 12 carbon atoms in the longest carbon chain.

Abstract: An elastomeric material nanocomposite having sufficiently low air permeability to be useful as a tire inner liner among other things, can be prepared by dispersing a layered clay material into the elastomer in the form of packets having an average thickness in the range of about 100 .ANG. to about 1400 .ANG.. Accordingly, the present invention provides in one embodiment, a novel composite composition, and in another embodiment, a novel tire inner liner composition.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition comprising a major amount of an ethylene alpha olefin copolymer and a minor amount of a lower molecular weight ethylene alpha olefin or a neutralized sulfonated ethylene alpha olefin.

Abstract: A composite material is provided comprising an elastomer, from about 0.1 wt % to about 15 wt. % of a layered mineral based on the weight of the total composition and from about 0.1 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of asphalt based on the weight of the total composition.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of clathrate hydrates in a fluid having hydrate forming constituents is disclosed. More specifically, the method can be used in treating a petroleum fluid stream such as natural gas conveyed in a pipe to inhibit the formation of a hydrate restriction in the pipe. The method uses a mixture comprising a first additive and a second additive. The mixture produces a synergistic hydrate inhibition effect. The first additive is selected from the class of substantially water soluble polymers. The second additive is selected from the class of ionic or non-ionic organic compounds which have a polar part and nonpolar part with the nonpolar part having an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group with 12 or fewer carbon atoms.