Abstract: This invention concerns a method for the manufacture of a granulated aerogel (1) from a precursor (2), comprising the following steps: mixing the precursor (2) with a synthetic solvent (3) and a hydrolysis agent such as water, and if appropriate a catalyst (4), to obtain a gel, granulating the resulting product, in particular by cutting a jet of said gel, to produce granules, maintaining the granules in contact with the synthetic solvent (3) and the hydrolysis agent, washing the granules by adding a washing solvent to extract in particular the hydrolysis agent and, if appropriate, the catalyst (4), drying of the granules to extract the synthetic solvents (3) and/or washing solvents by sending them supercritical CO2 in excess, the steps of granulating, maintaining, washing and drying being carried out at a pressure higher than that of the critical point of CO2, and these conditions being maintained between these steps.

Abstract: Provided are a solvent-substitution solvent for producing a hydrophobized aerogel and a method for producing a hydrophobized aerogel. The solvent-substitution solvent includes pentanol in an amount of 41 wt % to 100 wt % and n-butanol in an amount of 0 wt % to 59 wt %. The method includes performing a solvent substitution process using the solvent-substitution solvent. If the solvent-substitution solvent is used for solvent substitution and/or hydrophobization in an aerogel production process, water (moisture) contained in a wet gel may be effectively substituted with the solvent-substitution solvent, and the solvent-substitution solvent may easily be collected at a high degree of purity and may be reused if necessary. Therefore, the rate of solvent loss may be minimized.

Abstract: A method for producing a solid antifoaming agent comprising the following steps: providing an alkaline solution; adding an oil to the above alkaline solution to produce a saponification reaction; adding a liquid antifoaming agent; and putting aside the mixture containing the above alkaline solution, the oil and the liquid antifoaming agent to form the solid antifoaming agent. The ingredients of the solid antifoaming agent according to the present invention include 5˜40 weight percent vegetable oil, a 20˜40 weight percent sodium hydroxide solution and a 30˜60 weight percent liquid antifoaming agent.

Abstract: An aerogel including a benzoxazine moiety-containing polybenzoxazine polymer is provided, wherein the aerogel comprises a reaction product of an aryl alcohol compound having at least two hydroxyl groups and an amine compound having at least two amine groups.

Abstract: An improved aerogel and a process for production of the same. The improved aerogel which has a significantly reduced dust (e.g., aerogel fines) and static charge, as compared with conventional aerogel products. The aerogel also has a “sticky” or “tacky” nature which can be used to attract any available dust, fines and/or particulate matter and also restrict flowability of aerogel granules, for example, out of a breached container and thereby minimize loss of the aerogel product through any breached opening.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to a biocompatible, biodegradable, and moldable plastic carrier for a fish attractant or stimulant suitable for use as a component of an artificial fish bait. The carrier comprises one or more grades of poly(vinyl alcohol), a plasticizer, a humectant, and water. It may additionally contain one or more of the following additives: fish olfactory/gustatory stimulants, visually stimulating colorants, preservatives, scrim, and biodegradation enhancers. The present subject matter additionally relates to a method for the production of such carriers and fish bait or lures incorporating the carrier.

Abstract: To provide a heat-resistant resin composition which has excellent heat resistance, does not show a reduced mechanical strength such as flexural strength even after being passed rough a reflow furnace and heat-treated under high temperature conditions, and also has an excellent flame retardancy; a production method of the heat-resistant resin composition; a heat-resistant resin-molded article; and a surface mount electronic component. The heat-resistant resin composition includes a polyarylene sulfide resin (A) and an aromatic polyamide (B) having terephthalic acid amide as an essential structural unit at a former/latter ratio of 70/30 to 95/5 by mass. In a molded article composed of the heat-resistant resin composition, the average diameter of holes formed by etching a broken-out section of the molded article with an organic solvent is 0.1 to 1.0 ?m, where the broken-out section is observed on a scanning electron microscope (2,500 times).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a stable sol-gel solution. The solution may be used to form coating materials for metallic substrates, such as silver-based substrates for use in mirrors. The process includes the steps of preparing a sol-gel solution by bringing one or more molecular metal and/or metalloid precursors into contact with a medium comprising an organic solvent, adding at least one mercaptoorganosilane compound to the solution, hydrolyzing the solution obtained, and then adding one or more complexing agents to the solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to coated particles comprising particles and a crosslinked polysiloxane coating and to a process for the manufacture of said coated particles. Further, the invention relates to the use of the coated particles to improve surface properties of articles and to material compositions comprising the coated particles, in particular coating compositions. According to the invention there is provided coated particles comprising particles having a surface with hydroxy functional groups and a crosslinked polysiloxane coating comprising a reaction product of polysiloxane disilanol according to formula I: wherein n is 1 to 25, and wherein each R is a same or different hydrocarbon group, and a coating crosslinking agent, preferably an alkoxysiloxane having 3 or 4 alkoxy groups which polysiloxane coating is at least partly grafted to the particle surface by reaction with the hydroxy functional groups on the particles.

Abstract: The compositions of hydrogel colloidal crystals are made from mixing an aqueous suspension of poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (“PNIPAM”)-co-allylamine microgels with dichloromethane, forming a PNIPAM-co-allylamine/dichloromethane mixture. The PNIPAM-co-allylamine/dichloromethane mixture is incubated for a period of time at a given temperature, forming the colloidal crystal material. The colloidal crystals can be stabilized by diffusing a glutaric dialdehyde solution into the colloidal crystal material. The concentration of polymer matrix microgels can determine the orientation of random or columnar crystals.

Abstract: Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities reduced (gels broken) by the direct or indirect action of a composition that contains at least one metal ion source and optionally at least one second source. An optional second source may be a chelating agent where at least one reducing agent source may be additionally optionally used. Another optional component with the metal ion source includes a second, different metal ion source. The breaking composition is believed to directly attack the VES itself, possibly by disaggregating or otherwise attacking the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid, and/or possibly by changing the chemical structure of the VES to give two or more products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surfactant composition containing a cationic surfactant (hereinafter referred to as a compound (A)), one or more compounds (hereinafter referred to as a compound (B)) selected from anionic aromatic compounds and bromide compounds and a cationic polymer (C), wherein compound (A) and (B) are selected when meeting the following condition: a combination of the compounds (A) and (B) ensures that that the viscosity (20° C.) of a solution prepared by mixing an aqueous solution SA of the compound (A) and an aqueous solution SB of the compound (B) in the same ratio is at least two times the viscosity of any one of the aqueous solutions (20° C.) before being mixed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an organic aerogel including a polymer obtained from reaction an aryl alcohol compound, an aldehyde compound, and a polyol compound, a composition for forming the same, and a method of preparing the same.

Abstract: The inventions provide nanocrystallites and processes for the production of these nanocrystallites according to known silica-based sol-gel preparation principles based on hydrolysis/condensation mechanisms. The processes include a synthesis step comprising providing a homogenized colloidal dispersion of precursors, catalyst, and surfactant to form the sol matrix. The processes further include a novel drying step for a wet hydrogel intermediate product, including a short-cycle drying period during which the liquids present in this hydrogel can be evaporated at ambient pressure and low temperature ranges in any convenient drying apparatus while, inter alia, preserving the gel structure, especially gel porosity. Porosity values for the dried product up to about 98-99% can be attained, with product He densities as low as about 0.033 g/cc. Nanocrystallites produced by this process have, inter alia, excellent clarity, thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, surface scattering, and bulk modulus properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoreversible synthesis of a new type of material made by embedding a colloidal population within a thermo-reversibly gelled polymer. The polymer may be a physically cross-linked PVA hydrogel. PVA hydrogels are non-toxic, biocompatible, mechanically robust, and elastic. The present invention TGCCA diffraction is similar to that of photo-polymerized PCCA. The present invention TGCCA can be irreversibly covalently cross-linked using glutaraldehyde. The cross-linked TGCCA can be made responsive to chemical stimuli by functionalizing the hydrogel hydroxyl groups. The diffraction of carboxyl or amine functionalized TGCCA was monitored as a function of the pH and determined diffraction wavelengths titrate with the pKa of the functional group. It was also demonstrated that TGCCA could be fabricated in arbitrarily large volumes and shapes. The present invention method fabricates inexpensive homogenously diffracting chemically modifiable TGCCA.

Abstract: Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities reduced (gels broken) by the direct or indirect action of a composition that contains at least one metal ion source and optionally at least one second source. An optional second source may be a chelating agent where at least one reducing agent source may be additionally optionally used. Another optional component with the metal ion source includes a second, different metal ion source. The breaking composition is believed to directly attack the VES itself, possibly by disaggregating or otherwise attacking the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid, and/or possibly by changing the chemical structure of the VES to give two or more products.

Abstract: The invention provides process for making contra-soluble nano-dispersions of at most sparingly-soluble materials in a soluble carrier material comprising the steps of: (i) providing a single phase mixture of: a) a solvent or a mixture of miscible solvents, b) at least one carrier material soluble in solvent (a), said carrier material being also contra-soluble to payload material (c) and solid at ambient temperature, c) at least one a payload material which is soluble in solvent (a), and, (ii) drying the mixture to remove solvent (a) and thereby obtain the carrier material (b) in solid form with payload (c) dispersed therein as nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogel article having a multi-layered structure and exhibiting a gradient in polymer molecular weight. The invention also provides a method of forming a hydrogel article having a multi-layered structure and exhibiting a gradient in polymer molecular weight.

Abstract: This invention provides a viscous, shape conforming gel, comprising between about 1% and 50% by weight (dry) of a plurality of polymeric nanoparticles suspended in a liquid or liquids, at least one of which is polar. The plurality of polymeric nanoparticles contained in the gel have an average diameter of less than 1 micrometer and are comprised of an effective amount of polymeric strands each of which is obtained by polymerization of an effective amount of a monomer or two or more monomers in a polar liquid or a mixture of two or more miscible liquids, at least one of which is polar, and an effective amount of a surfactant to stabilize the plurality of gel particles, thereby forming a suspension of gel particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a stable sol-gel solution comprising, in succession, the following steps: a) preparing a sol-gel solution by bringing one or more molecular metal and/or metalloid precursors into contact with a medium comprising an organic solvent; b) adding at least one mercaptoorganosilane compound to the solution obtained in a); c) hydrolyzing the solution obtained in b); and d) adding, to the solution obtained in c), one or more complexing agents chosen from carboxylic acids, ?-diketone compounds and hydroxamate compounds.

Abstract: A slurry rheology modifier comprises a first water-soluble low-molecular compound [referred to hereinafter as compound (A)] and a second water-soluble low-molecular compound [referred to hereinafter as compound (B)] being different from the compound (A), wherein the viscosity of an aqueous solution at 20° C. prepared by mixing an aqueous solution SA (with a viscosity at 20° C. of 100 mPa·s or less) of compound (A) with an aqueous solution SB (with a viscosity at 20° C. of 100 mPa·s or less) of compound (B) in the ratio of 50/50 by weight can be at least twice as high as the viscosity of either aqueous solution before mixed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to solid composites including colloidal nanocrystals within a sol-gel host or matrix and to processes of forming such solid composites.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing a lactic acid ester composition based on a lactic acid composition involving a step of transforming the composition into a lactic acid oligomeric composition having a mean degree of polymerisation (DPM) ranging between 2 and 30 approximately; and a step which involves mixing and reacting said oligomeric composition with an alcohol, in the presence of a transesterification catalyst, to esterify all or part of the lactic acid contained in said oligomeric composition. The invention also concerns the use of ethyl lactate as solvent for preparing gelified compositions.

Abstract: Modified alginic acid or alginic acid derivatives and anti-reflective coatings based on thereon are described.

Abstract: A method for treating a micro-emulsion that can be used for removing the ink-accepting areas of a lithographic printing master is disclosed, which enables to recycle the water from the used micro-emulsion. The method comprises the heating of the micro-emulsion to a temperature above 50° C. thereby obtaining an aqueous phase and an organic phase and separating the aqueous phase from the organic phase.

Abstract: Liquid water soluble polymer suspensions in non-aqueous solvents are extremely stable over long periods of time with minimum separation of the solvent and no hard packing of the dispersed water soluble polymer. The suspensions enable a user to rapidly add the suspension to water, being mixed at low speeds, without the formation of lumps or fisheyes and without generating fugitive dust in the process. The suspensions are environmentally safe and biodegradable. Unlike many other liquid polymer suspensions, the suspensions exhibit minimal oil or grease upon dilution. They contain no surfactants that can add to the oil and grease determination. The suspensions and the fluids produced by diluting the fluids to a working concentration of the water soluble polymer exhibit low toxicity to marine organisms and to humans. The suspensions can be manufactured from ingredients suitable for use in personal care applications such as cosmetics, shampoos and the like.

Abstract: A crystal substance formed by precipitating as fibrous aggregates by making a metal aliphatic carboxylate dissolve completely in pure water, stirring, and gradually cooling the resulting solution. A method of preparing the fibrous crystal aggregates. A material for recovering flowing oil and method of recovering flowing oil by using the fibrous crystal aggregates. A material for solidifying liquid hydrocarbon, waste tempura oil and edible oil and method of solidifying liquid hydrocarbon, waste tempura oil and edible oil by using the fibrous crystal aggregates. A method of preparing the solidifying material.

Abstract: Liquid suspensions of particles in non-aqueous solvents are extremely stable over long periods of time with minimum separation of the solvent and no hard packing of the dispersed particles. The suspensions enable a user to rapidly add the suspension to water and to mix at low speeds without generating fugitive dust in the process. In addition, a liquid dispersion can provide an easy to use liquid containing higher concentrations of the active dispersed phase than can be accomplished by simply preparing an aqueous solution of the dispersed phase. Alternatively, highly water-soluble particles may also be suspended which have poor storage, freeze/thaw, or heat/cool stability. In some cases, liquid dispersions can yield controlled release of the dispersed phase because the dispersed phase is not in aqueous solution. The suspensions are environmentally safe and biodegradable and may be used in environmentally sensitive applications, such as for oil well treating fluids for offshore areas.

Abstract: A method is described for enhancing mass and heat transport of fluids in a fine pore structure through an appropriate modulation of the fluid pressure. For example, in an air drying process for a porous material that contains liquid, the air pressure is modulated throughout the volume of the drying chamber. Alternatively, the fluid pressure is modulated in a process stream. As an example, this method can be used for rapid drying of any open porous substances ranging from small pored materials such as aerogels and xerogels, to larger pored substances or articles such as industrial articles, agricultural articles (e.g., densely stacked vegetables, coffee beans, hops and other grains), paper-based products, thin films, pharmaceuticals, cloth, and clothing.

Abstract: Methods of more rapidly producing aerogel products by means of a rapid solvent exchange of solvent inside wet gels with supercritical CO2 by injecting supercritical, rather than liquid, CO2 into an extractor that has been pre-heated and pre-pressurized to substantially supercritical conditions or above. Preferably, pressure waves are applied to the supercritical CO2 to enhance the solvent exchange. The rapid solvent exchange process is followed by depressurization, optionally with a gas exchange. Preferably, pressure waves are used to speed up the depressurization. The process greatly reduces the time for forming aerogel products.

Abstract: Plastic additives which are useful as nucleating agents and which are especially useful for improving the optical properties of polymeric materials are provided. More particularly, this invention relates to certain alkyl (or alkoxy) substituted fluoro-benzylidene sorbitol acetals and polymer compositions thereof which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive fluorinated and alkylated benzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.

Abstract: The invention provides a cosmetic and personal care composition, preferably a hair styling composition such as spray, gel or mousse, comprising a hydroxyl-functionalized dendritic macromolecule. Preferably the dendritic macromolecule is built up from polyester units.

Abstract: Certain multi-substituted dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals having electron withdrawing groups as constituents and electron donating groups on the other such that the compounds are asymmetric in structure and are dipolar in nature are provided. Polymer compositions comprising such compounds, are also contemplated which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive asymmetric dipolar dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.

Abstract: Improved methods and compositions for treating subterranean formations penetrated by well bores are provided. A method for breaking a gelled hydrocarbon fluid comprised of a hydrocarbon liquid, a ferric iron or aluminum polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic or phosphoric acid ester is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are horticultural substrates coated with a particulate membrane and a method for controlling pests and providing enhanced horticultural effect by applying a particulate membrane to the surface of the horticultural substrate.

Abstract: Compositions comprising, in an aqueous phase, at least one amphiphilic polymer comprising at least one fatty chain and hydrophilic units, and at least one polyoxyalkylene, and optionally comprising a thickening system for use in particular in cosmetics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing polyorganosiloxane emulsions whose internal phase comprises the active polyorganosiloxane substance and whose external phase comprises, in solution or dispersion, an emulsifier or an emulsifier mixture and, if desired, an emulsion-stabilizing protective colloid, to the polysiloxane emulsions thus obtainable and, in particular, to the use of these macroemulsions, so prepared, as defoamers.

Abstract: Fish lures and compositions and processes for making fish lures are described. The fish lures are soft and biodegradable, and they release fish attractant efficiently. Compositions for making the fishing lures comprise at least one water-soluble long-chain polyhydroxy polymer and, optionally, a water-soluble polymeric gum and/or a hydrogen-bonding accelerator. The lures may be cured after molding by subjecting the lure to freezing temperatures for various intervals of time.

Abstract: Disclosed are horticultural substrates coated with a particulate membrane and a method for controlling pests and providing enhanced horticultural effect by applying a particulate membrane to the surface of the horticultural substrate.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a gelling agent composition comprising the reaction product of a high molecular weight gelling agent additive, a low molecular weight phosphate diester acid, and a Group II or Group III metal salt, to methods of preparing the gelling agent composition, to a gelled hydrocarbon liquid comprising the gelling agent composition and to a method of fracturing subterranean formations using the gelled hydrocarbon liquid.

Abstract: Fragrance releasing silicon compounds either as siloxanes or silanes may be emulsified to form water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions. Further non-aqueous emulsions of two or more non-aqueous immiscible phases one of which contains a fragrance releasing silicon compound may be prepared by utilizing the emulsion stabilizing properties of a particulate elastomer dispersion in a volatile silicone compound.

Abstract: Method and composition for gel formation in hydrocarbon recovery, in which an organic phosphate ester is gelled by a novel activator composition comprising iron sulfate, dibutylaminoethanol, and a phosphate surfactant.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the preparation of optically pure isomers of formoterol by the reaction of an optically pure 4-benzyloxy-3-formamidostyrene oxide with an optically pure 4-methoxy-.alpha.-methyl-N-(phenylmethyl)benzeneethanamine followed by debenzylation. Useful intermediates in the process are also disclosed, as are the novel L-tartrate salt of R,R-formoterol and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.

Abstract: Method and composition for gel formation in hydrocarbon recovery, in which an organic phosphate ester is gelled by a novel activator composition comprising iron sulfate, dibutylaminoethanol, and a phosphate surfactant.

Abstract: A gelling agent for viscosifying liquid hydrocarbon fracturing fluids is an aluminum salt of a phosphate ester made by forming the ester by reacting P.sub.2 O.sub.5 with a mixture of organic alcohols which include high molecular weight alcohols or diols selected from hydroxy functional homopolymers, copolymer or terpolymer made from olefins and diolefins selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene, butene, butadiene, isoprene, and selected styrenes. The oil based fracturing fluid containing the gelling agent in sufficient concentration to provide a viscosity of between 50 cp and 350 cp at 100.degree. F.

Abstract: An oil-water mixed composition is consisted of a solid or semisolid oil phase at room temperature, and a water phase which is dispersed into the oil phase. The water phase contains a humectant and is solid or semisolid at room temperature. Preferably, the oil phase contains hydrophobic silica, dextrin fatty acid ester or polyvalent alcohol oligo ester of long chain monocarboxylic acid and long chain dicarboxylic acid. The oil-water mixed composition is superior in stability with passage of time and safety. In addition, this composition has demonstrated little stickiness and sensation of unsuitability for skin, and has much emollient effect (i.e., to prevent the skin from dryness) and is persistent in preserving its emollient effect.