Abstract: Coating formulations which behave as elastic solids having reversible stress-induced fluidity are prepared by creating a fluid having distributed therein effective amounts of ionic charge sites and countercharge sites. For instance, elastic solids having reversible stress-induced fluidity are prepared by combining liquid formulations with a dispersion of a small, but effective, amount of at least one crystalline mixed metal hydroxide conforming substantially to the formulaLi.sub.m D.sub.d T(OH).sub.(m+2d+3+n.multidot.a) (A.sup.n).sub.a .multidot.xH.sub.2 Owhere m is zero to one, D is a divalent metal, d is from zero to 4, T is a trivalent metal, A represents at least one anion or negative-valence radical of valence n and a is the amount of A, where n is 1 or more, (m+2d+3+n.multidot.a) is equal to or greater than 3, (m+d) is greater than zero, and xH.sub.2 O represents excess waters of hydration, if any.

Abstract: Fine particle silica, especially fumed silica (FS), is interacted, in aqueous medium, with a substantially crystalline mixed metal layered hydroxide (MMLH) of the formula shown below to form a novel adduct, MMLH-SiO.sub.2, as an aqueous gell which is shear-thinning and which has rapid gelation times, the said MMLH comprising the general formulaLi.sub.m D.sub.d T(OH)(m+2d+3+n.a)(A.sup.n)a.qH.sub.2 O (I)where: m is from zero to about 1; D represents divalent metal ions; d is from zero to about 4; T represents trivalent metal ions; A represents monovalent or polyvalent anions or negative-valence radicals other than OH-ions; a is the number of ions of A; n is the valence of A; n-a is from zero to about -3; q is zero or more; (m+d) is greater than zero; and (m+2d+3+n.a) is equal to or greater than 3.

Abstract: A regenerable exhaust gas filter element for diesel engines includes an interlaced network of mullite crystals grown together forming a rigid porous body. Soot carried by exhaust gas from a diesel engine flowing through the filter is trapped in the porous body and thereafter burned off to regenerate the element. A network of mullite crystals in accordance with the invention is automatically interlaced and fused with one another to form the porous body of the filter element.

Abstract: Aqueous-based functional products or corrosive products such as cleansers, household products, commercial products, and personal care products are thickened or viscosity-modified by the addition of at least a small, but effective, amount of at least one crystalline mixed metal hydroxide conforming substantially to the formulaLi.sub.m D.sub.d T(OH).sub.(m+2d+3+n.a) A.sub.a.sup.n.xH.sub.2 Owhere m is zero to one, D is a divalent metal, d is from zero to 4, T is a trivalent metal, A represents at least one anion or negative-valence radial of valence n, where n is 1 or more, (m+2d+3+n.a) is equal to or greater than 3, (m+d) is greater than zero, and xH.sub.2 O represents excess waters of hydration.

Abstract: A high density brine useful as a drilling fluid for deep wells is rendered corrosion resistant by the incorporation of a soluble aliphatic or aromatic aldehyde with or without olefinic unsaturation and with the use of alkali metal thiocyanates or ammonium thiocyanates. The aldehyde can be reacted with a primary amine prior to use.

Abstract: Industrial liquids containing viscoelastic surfactant compositions can be reversibly thickened and broken. For example, a thickened industrial liquid can exhibit good solids carrying capacity, and after the viscosity of the liquid is broken, using techniques such as change in pH, addition of a hydrocarbon, change in temperature, etc., the solids can be easily removed therefrom. Viscosity can be again provided to the industrial liquid without the necessity of adding substantial amounts of additional thickener.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibiting composition including a solution of at least one alkali or alkaline-earth metal halide in water and specific corrosion inhibiting concentrations of zinc ions and thiocyanate ions, for use in well drilling, completion, packer fluid and workover operations.

Abstract: Compositions useful as corrosion inhibitors for high density brines at high temperatures comprise phosphonium salts, such as triphenyldocosyl phosphonium chloride.