Abstract: What is described herein are homogeneous, aqueous, non-freezing seed coating compositions containing high loadings of a nutrient such as Mn(NO.sub.3).sub.2.6H.sub.2 O.

Abstract: Stable, single phase w/o aerosol microemulsion final use compositions containing a sprayable agriculturally active composition are described herein.

Abstract: A low volatile organic compound hair spray composition in the form of a stable, clear, single phase microemulsion in which the particles therein have a diameter of less than 1 micron, consisting essentially of by weight,(a) a butyl half-ester of a copolymer of maleic anhydride and ethyl vinyl ether in an amount of about 2-10%, optionally neutralized up to 20 mole %,(b) poly(methyl vinyl ether) as a surface active polymer in an amount of at least 0.75 to 1 part of (a);(c) a secondary surfactant that is a polyethoxylated glyceryl fatty acid ester in an amount of at least 0.1%, and which has a hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance of greater than 10,(d) ethanol in an amount of 20 to 50%, and(e) water to 100%.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sunscreen composition comprising between about 1 and about 40 wt. % of a hydrophobic aromatic compound having extended conjugation in its structure and selected from the group of ##STR1## or a mixture of one or more of the above and between about 99 and about 60 wt. % of a film forming water based mixture of from about 12 to about 60 wt. % of a C.sub.8 to C.sub.14 alkyl lactam and mixtures thereof, from about 8 to about 15 wt. % of an Na or K salt of an organic surface active sulfate or sulfonate, from about 5 to about 30 wt. % of a water insoluble C.sub.10 to C.sub.20 alpha-olefin/N-vinyl lactam copolymer and from about 15 to about 40 wt. % water, which composition can be added to a cosmetic or agrichemical to stabilize the formulation against UV deterioration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a 1-8% crosslinked terpolymer of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl vinyl ether, maleic anhydride and a hydrophobic C.sub.6 to C.sub.18 alkyl vinyl ether in a critical molar ratio of from 1-3:1:0.01-0.20, which polymer has a pH of from about 4 to about 11, a Brookfield viscosity of from about 10,000 to about 150,000 cps and is characterized as having desirable salt tolerance enhanced viscosity, stability, low residual monomers and enhanced use characteristics. The invention also relates to liquid or aqueous gel compositions of the crosslinked terpolymer containing a salt and a method for the preparation of said crosslinked terpolymer gel.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved polymerization free radical initiator delivery system for the polymerization of monomers containing olefinic unsaturation and to the preparation of the initiator which comprises dissolving a water insoluble free radical initiator and an excess amount of the polymeric product of the reaction in a mutual organic solvent having a boiling point below 140.degree. C., in the presence of between about 1.0 and 100 wt. % of a surfactant based on weight of initiator and mixing the resulting solution to achieve uniform molecular distribution of initiator and polymer molecules in the surfactant/solvent mixture; removing the solvent to provide coprecipitated initiator/polymer microparticles and then diluting the coprecipitated microparticles with water under vigorous agitation to form a microparticle emulsion of low viscosity which is suitable as the initiator feed for contact with monomer in a polymerization reaction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stable wetting agent concentrate suitable for combination with an agrichemical which comprises a mixture of (a) a N--C.sub.8 to C.sub.18 alkyl lactam having from 4 to 6 carbon atoms in the heterocyclic ring and (b) a polyalkyleneoxide/polydimethyl siloxane copolymer, combined in a weight ratio of between about 10:90 and about 90:10 (a) to (b), and (c) between about 0.01 and about 25 wt.% based on total composition of an anionic surfactant, which composition exhibits synergistic wetting properties and allows for the use of lower effective dosages of the agrichemical due to induced cuticular and stomatical absorption by the plant species. The invention also pertains to the preparation of the wetting concentrate and its combination with an active component for use on a plant as a single phase composition.

Abstract: Various liquid or low melting pesticide and herbicide formulations, previously formulated with organic solvents, are combined with a polymer in solution and co-precipitated to form a polymer complex which captures the pesticide or herbicide yet exists as a solid at ambient conditions. By preparing the pesticide or herbicide formulation as a solid complex, storage and handling of the formulation is possible without the potential for organic solvent emission. When the solid polymer complex is placed in water, a stable aqueous dispersion of the pesticide or herbicide is achieved as the polymer inhibits flocculation, with approximately 100% recovery of the pesticide or herbicide.

Abstract: A three part cleaning composition uses C.sub.6 -C.sub.20 alkyl substituted lactam as a cleaning agent, an anionic surfactant and water to solubilize and remove oil or grease from hard surfaces. The lactam is provided in a ratio, relative to surfactant of 5-0.1 to 5-3.0, more preferably 5-0.1 to 5-1.0. The composition is surprisingly effective in forming micro-emulsions with the oil or grease and maintaining the emulsions for ease in disposal. Using an aqueous solution including C.sub.6 -C.sub.20 alkyl substituted lactam provides a low volatility, non-flammable degreasing solution, which is highly effective and biodegradable.

Abstract: An extrudible, wet paste composition of an agriculturally active chemical is provided herein which is used for forming water-dispersible or water-soluble granules thereof. These granules form stable suspensions or solutions in water which provide efficient delivery systems for such agricultural chemicals.

Abstract: A 0% VOC, single phase hair spray composition of a water-insoluble polymer wherein substantially all the particles therein have a diameter of less than 1 micron, i.e. a microemulsion.

Abstract: This invention relates to the polyalk-1-enyl ethers having the formula ##STR1## which is the reaction product of a hydroxylated compound and an alk-1-enyloxy oxirane and to the process for preparing the polyalk-1-enyl ether product.

Abstract: What is provided herein is a stable, emulsifiable gel matrix for an agriculturally active chemical, which matrix will form an emulsifiable gel concentrate upon addition of the agriculturally active chemical, and upon water dilution, a highly stable aqueous macroemulsion which avoids precipitation of the active ingredient on extended storage. In addition, the inventive emulsifiable gel concentrates may contain relatively high concentrations of the agriculturally active chemical, the concentration sometimes referred herein to as "loading", making it advantageous from both the economic and handling viewpoints.

Abstract: Emulsion concentrates of water-insoluble film-forming polymers are disclosed which can be utilized to form water-resistant films of active ingredients, such as, agriculturally active chemicals. Methods for preparation and use of the emulsion concentrates are disclosed.

Abstract: A water based wetting agent uses higher alkyl substituted lactam, anionic surfactant and water to enhance the wetting properties of herbicide and pesticide formulations. The composition is effective in enhancing wetting times, and in some instances increases the formulation effectiveness through enhanced contact, better penetration and lower surface tension. Utilizing a herbicide or pesticide formulation including the wetting agent provides a fast absorption of actives with rapid uptake to promote weed control with no or minimal phytotoxicity at the use levels.

Abstract: A hardwood floor cleaner composition is provided which is non-tacky, and cleans and shines in one-step, is free of silicones, does not dull the wood surface. The composition comprises (a) about 0.1-5%, preferably 0.2-2%, of a C.sub.6 -C.sub.24 alkyl pyrrolidone, preferably N-octyl-pyrrolidone; (b) about 0.1-5%, preferably 0.2-1%, of an anionic or nonionic surfactant, preferably sodium dodecyl sulfate; (c) about 1-5%, preferably 2-4%, of a shine booster, preferably a vinylpyrrolidone copolymer, such as vinylpyrrolidone-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (Gafquat.RTM. 755-N - ISP); and (d) about 0.5-2%, preferably 0.8-1.5%, of a film-former, for example, an acrylic emulsion, preferably Esi-Cryl.RTM. 405 (Emulsion Systems Inc.), which is 2-methyl-2-propenoic acid, copolymer with ethyl-2-propenoate, methyl-2-methyl propenoate and 2-propenoic acid, and (e) about 85-95%, preferably 88-93%, of water, or an alcohol, or mixtures thereof, by weight of the composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved polymerization free radical initiator delivery system for the polymerization of monomers containing olefinic unsaturation and to the preparation of the initiator which comprises dissolving a water insoluble free radical initiator and an excess amount of the polymeric product of the reaction in a mutual organic solvent having a boiling point below 140.degree. C., in the presence of between about 1.0 and 100 wt. % of a surfactant based on weight of initiator and mixing the resulting solution to achieve uniform molecular distribution of initiator and polymer molecules in the surfactant/solvent mixture; removing the solvent to provide coprecipitated initiator/polymer microparticles and then diluting the coprecipitated microparticles with water under vigorous agitation to form a microparticle emulsion of low viscosity which is suitable as the initiator feed for contact with monomer in a polymerization reaction.

Abstract: What is provided herein is an inert matrix composition (IMC), and a microemulsifiable concentrate (MEC) in the form of a free-flowing, high-melting solid, suitable for making an aqueous microemulsion (AME) of an agriculturally active chemical (AAC) with dilution water. The inert matrix composition comprises about 10-50% of a C.sub.6 -C.sub.18 alkylpyrrolidone, about 10-50% of an anionic surfactant and about 10-70% of a complexing agent characterized by being an organic compound having a melting point >100.degree. C., a molecular weight .ltoreq.500, a water solubility of at least 10% by weight, and being capable of hydrogen-bonding with the alkylpyrrolidone component of the composition. The MEC comprises the IMC and about 1-20% of the agriculturally active ingredient (AAI). Upon dilution with water an AMC is provided having a few ppm to 1% AAI.

Abstract: A highly stable composition composed of a water insoluble agriculturally active ingredient, a surfactant, a lactam having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or branched or straight chained alkyl having from 1 to 16 carbon atoms and R.sub.1 is branched or straight chained alkyl having from 1 to 16 carbon atoms, with the provision that the sum of the carbon atoms in R and R.sub.1 is less than or equal to 16; and n is 3, 4, or 5;and at least about 80 percent by weight water, and wherein the specific agriculturally active ingredient, surfactant, and lactam and amounts of each are such that composition is in the form of a microemulsion.

Abstract: A solvent for producing emulsifiable concentrates from agriculturally active chemicals which are insoluble in water comprises an alkoxyalkyl lactam such as butoxy propyl pyrrolidone. An agriculturally active chemical and the alkoxyalkyl lactam are admixed optionally with co-solvents, emulsifiers and surfactants to produce a stable emulsifiable concentrate. The concentrate is dilutable with water at the point of use to produce either macro or micro emulsions which are themselves stable to assure even application.