Abstract: Processing aids comprising amorphous particulate silicates containing from about 2% to about 50% water, are utilized in processes for compounding thermoplastic resins, allowing higher levels of additives to be more effectively incorporated into the thermoplastic resins. The processing aids allow greater dispersion of pigments and other additives in compounded thermoplastic resins and concentrates.

Abstract: Improved blowing agents for thermoplastic and thermoset polymers are disclosed which contain silicate based compounds containing from about 5 to about 40% water and which expand or intumesce when heated to at least about 5 times their initial volume, which blowing agents are highly effective, predictable, stable and microwave receptive, do not cause post-blow, and which also act as an initiator or accelerator for other organic blowing agents.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing dense, free-flowing and non-caking alkali metal silicate-based particles which are heat expandable into lightweight particles of a spumiform character. Pursuant to the invention, one provides at a selected temperature a dilatant aqueous gel comprising an alkali metal silicate as the majority non-aqueous component, the silicate being present in the gel in a dissolved state; and the non-aqueous content of the gel being in the range of from about 38 to 65% (w/w). Shearing forces are imposed upon the gel which exceed the flow response characteristics of the gel, whereby the viscosity of the gel becomes sufficiently high to cause a discontinuity in the gel, resulting in disruption into discrete particles. The discrete particles are conditioned while being maintained as separate entities to thereby form a skin on the particles so that they will not agglomerate or coalesce with one another.

Abstract: Methods and additives for purging thermoplastic extruders and associated apparatus are included which involve the addition of a purging additive to a follower thermoplastic resin which additive when heated causes the follower resin to froth as it passes through the unit, the passage of frothed resin thereby causing the removal of the contents of the unit, which contents includes resident resin along with resident additives, degraded materials and any other undesired materials which may be present in the unit.

Abstract: A method of producing dense, free-flowing alkali metal silicate-based particles which, when sufficiently heated, will form lightweight particles of a spumiform nature which may be employed as thermal or acoustical insulation or as a lightweight filler for gypsum or cement or for numerous other purposes. The method comprises premixing a liquid alkali metal silicate with selected fillers and/or insolubilizers, adjusting the temperature and solids content of the mixture until it passes into a dilatant gel state which will fracture when extended at a rate of between about 3 and 95 cm/minute, and subsequently extruding or pelletizing the gel at this temperature to form particles which are conditioned in an air stream for at least one second and then dried to a moisture level of between about 5 and 30%. These particles or pellets serve as a stable intermediate which can be expanded to form lightweight spumiform particles by further heating at a later time or at a remote location.

Abstract: An improved dry powder composition for use in aqueous solution in the bleaching and sanitizing of fabrics, which will cause minimal fabric or fabric dye damage upon direct contact of the concentrated composition with damp or wet fabric. The composition includes a first component comprising a dry dihalohydantoin, which in aqueous solution provides a source of available bleaching and sanitizing chlorine; and a second component comprising an inhibiting system in an effective amount to inhibit the activity of available chlorine from the first component such that fabric or fabric dye degradation is beneath a predetermined level when the concentration of the first component of the composition is above saturation with respect to the aqueous solvent. The inhibiting system comprises 5,5-dimethylhydantoin, and one or more dry acidifying agents which function to buffer a 50% aqueous solution/suspension of said composition to a pH of 5.0 or below.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous production of intumesced, expanded, puffed, or exfoliated particles. A rotatable processing table is driven by a speed controllable motor connected to rotate the table at a desired rotational rate. Particulate feeding means overlie the table for depositing the particles to be intumesced onto a first sector in the path of the upper surface of the processing table during rotation thereof. Heating means are mounted above and below the plane of the processing table at a second sector in the rotational path of same which is spaced from the first sector, and heat expand the particles during passage through the second sector. A scraper blade is mounted above the processing table at a third sector in the rotational path of the table which is spaced and downstream from the second sector.

Abstract: According to the invention, in a process for agglomerating a mass of particulates containing hydratable or hydrated inorganic salts wherein the particulates are sprayed with a silicate solution to form agglomerates and the resulting agglomerates are subjected to an aging/drying step to allow hydration equilization and excess water evaporation, the improvement comprises replacing a portion of the particulates with puffed borax as an agglomerating aid to minimize aging/drying time.

Abstract: An improved composition is disclosed for use in aqueous solution in the bleaching and/or sanitizing of fabrics. The composition comprises a polychlorinated cyanurate, which in aqueous solution provide a source of available bleaching and sanitizing chlorine; and an inhibiting system for inhibiting the activity of available chlorine from said polychlorinated cyanurate to a level beneath a predetermined fabric or fabric dye degradation level, when the concentration of said polychlorinated cyanurate is at or above saturation with respect to the aqueous solvent. The inhibiting system comprising cyanauric acid, and one or more additional salts which function to bring a 50% aqueous solution/suspension of the composition to a pH in the range of 6.1 to 7.6.

Abstract: A method for pre-spotting fabric garments to facilitate removal of stains and soils upon subsequent laundering or dry cleaning, comprising contacting the stained or soiled areas of said garment with a composition comprising a non-ionic aqueous carrier; from about 5 to 50 parts by weight of a non-ionic amide surfactant; frm 0.5 to 50 parts by weight of a humectant; and a sufficient concentration of an anti-wicking agent to preclude wicking upon the said composition being subjected to the Standard Migration Test as heretofore defined.

Abstract: A method for pre-spotting fabric garments to facilitate removal of stains and soils upon subsequent laundering or dry cleaning, comprising contacting the stained or soiled areas of said garment with a composition comprising a non-ionic aqueous carrier; from about 5 to 50 parts by weight of a non-ionic amide surfactant; from 0.5 to 50 parts by weight of a humectant; and a sufficient concentration of an anti-wicking agent to preclude wicking upon the said composition being subjected to the Standard Migration Test as heretofore defined.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing the absorptive capacity of functional compositions into puffed borax particles. The method comprises contacting the particles with a sufficient amount of a solvent composition, e.g. water, steam, ethylene glycol, capable of dissolving portions of the exterior and interior cellular walls of the particle to thereby form a reticulated puffed borax having enhanced absorptive capacity for the functional composition. The reticulated puffed borax particle comprises a plurality of cells adjacent to each other wherein a major portion of the cell walls have openings therein to interconnect the cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a puffed borax product having superior particle strength and improved uniformity of hydration and puff ratio. In the method particles of borax having a given particle size distribution are introduced into a downwardly flowing slowly moving laminar air stream in a vertical tower, as a horizontally dispersed sheet of particles. The air stream is heated sufficiently to remove part of the water of hydration without fusing the borax. The borax particles, carried by the air stream, are gravitationally separated downstream, and are found to have a more uniform puffing ratio, i.e. feed particles of different sizes are puffed more proportionally than in prior art processes.An apparatus for carrying out this method is also disclosed, which comprises a vertical tower with an input for heated air and an opening in the wall of the tower through which the borax feed is introduced as a dispersed sheet.