Abstract: A product and process of removing the skins from nuts involves wetting the nut kernels with an alkaline solution and then with a peroxygen solution. The two substances react underneath the skin to liberate gas between the nut meat and the skin. The gas bubbles blister the skin, causing it to become loosened. Slight mechanical brushing is used to dislodge the blistered skins from the nut meats.

Abstract: Bauxites are rendered compatible with polymer compositions employed in the carpet industry. Suitable bauxites, which can be employed as flame-retarding fillers, are characterized by a surface area of less than about 12 m.sup.2 /g, a pH in aqueous suspension of more than about 6.5 and a particle size distribution, wherein less than about 15% by weight of the particles have a size of less than 3 microns. Bauxites having a surface area in the range of about 12-20 m.sup.2 /g can also be rendered compatible by modifying their surfaces with a small but effective amount of modifier selected from inorganic phosphates, silicates, aliphatic and aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids.

Abstract: Modification of the pore volume distribution of an alumina base catalyst support is accomplished by treating an alumina precursor of chi-rho-eta structure with an aqueous ammonium carbonate or bicarbonate solution under pressure at about 100.degree.-160.degree. C for 10-24 hours, followed by drying and thermal activation at a temperature of at least about 500.degree. C. The resulting support will possess more than about 70% of its total pore volume in the 45-300 angstrom unit pore diameter range. This pore volume distribution renders it particularly suitable for use as a catalyst carrier for hydrodesulfurization purposes.