Abstract: An oxidative breaker system for use in reducing the viscosity of a guar-based suspension includes a silicone oil carrier fluid, an oxidizer and a suspension aid. The suspension aid is preferably fumed silica. The oxidizer may be selected from the group consisting of alkali metal peroxide, transition metal peroxide, persulfate, bromide and bromate. In highly preferred embodiments, the oxidizer is magnesium peroxide or calcium peroxide. Also disclosed is a method for breaking a guar-based suspension with the inventive oxidative breaker system.

Abstract: An oxidative breaker system for use in reducing the viscosity of a polysaccharide-based or derivatized polysaccharide-based suspension includes a silicone carrier fluid, an oxidizer, and a suspension aid. The suspension aid is preferably fumed silica. The oxidizer may be selected from the group consisting of alkali metal peroxide, transition metal peroxide, persulfate compound, bromide compound, and bromate compound. In highly preferred embodiments, the oxidizer is magnesium peroxide or calcium peroxide. Alternative carrier fluids and suspension agents are also included in the art. Also disclosed is a method for breaking a polysaccharide-based suspension with the inventive oxidative breaker system.

Abstract: An article is provided that comprises fibers, as is a method of forming the article. The fibers comprise an organopolysiloxane component selected from (i) an organopolysiloxane having the formula (R3SiOi/2)w(R2Si?2/2)x(RSi?3/2)y(Si?4/2)z (I), wherein each R is selected from the group of an inorganic group, an organic group, and combinations thereof, w is from 0 to 0.95, x is from 0 to 0.95, y is from 0 to 1, z is from 0 to 0.9, and w+x+y+z=1, and (ii) a cured product of said organopolysiloxane having the formula (I), and combinations of (i) and (ii), provided that the fibers are free from organic polymers, organic copolymers, and organosiloxane-organic copolymers. The method of forming the article includes the step of forming fibers from a composition. The composition used to form the fibers comprises the organopolysiloxane having the formula (I), provided that the composition is free from organic polymers, all-organic copolymers, and organosiloxane-organic copolymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibers exhibiting a water contact angle of above 150° and water contact angle hysteresis of below 15°, methods of producing the same, and applications thereof. The present invention further relates to superhydrophobic fiber mats, methods of producing the same, and applications thereof.

Abstract: Exemplary mobile drying containers and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, the mobile drying container includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, a second end wall having a gate, an interior bottom, an upper volume and a lower volume separated by a ventilated floor supported by support members, wheels positioned below the lower volume, and one or more support legs positioned below the lower volume to provide support between the mobile drying container and the ground. The upper volume holds the crop to be dried, and the gate of the second end wall is operable to open and provide a path to dump or remove the crop. The lower volume is operable to receive a flow of air from an opening to assist with the drying of the crop. The present invention also encompasses other embodiments and methods.