Abstract: A method is provided for forming stable dispersions of boehmite alumina in water containing a peptizing acid by mixing said alumina with dilute aqueous acid solutions and treating the alumina prior to dispersion by heating at temperatures of from about 250.degree. F. to 700.degree. F. and pressures of from about 10 psig to about 2000 psig in the presence of up to 80 weight percent of water based upon the total alumina for a period of time sufficient to stabilize the alumina to the extent necessary. Dispersions can be prepared which will remain fluid up to days longer than will those prepared from the untreated alumina.

Abstract: A static storage stable fire resistant hydraulic fluid composition is provided which comprises(a) from about 40 to about 50 volume percent water together with(b) from about 50 to about 60 volume percent of a combination of(1) a lubricating oil(2) an emulsifier system containing succinic esters of hydrocarbon substituted succinic acid, polyhydric alcohols and alkaline earth salts of a fatty acid, and(3) at least one material selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene derivatives of alcohols and acids.Most preferred materials are the ether derivatives of polyoxyethylene containing from 10 to 20 oxyethylene units formed from 10 to 20 saturated carbon atom normal alcohols. The most preferred material is the ether derivative of a polyoxyethylene containing 10 oxyethylene units formed from stearyl alcohol.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a drag reducing substance which comprises:(a) a transition metal catalyst slurry containing:1. crystalline titanium halide having the general formula TiXn where n=2.5 to 3.0 and X is halogen,2. a hydrocarbon diluent, and3. an ether;(b) a co-catalyst;(c) alpha-monoolefinic hydrocarbons containing from 2 to 30 carbon atoms under suitable polymerization conditions providing for an ultrahigh molecular weight polymer that is soluble in hydrocarbons; and(d) ceasing the polymerization at a polymer content of 20 percent by weight or less.

Abstract: A method is provided by which thermally stable polyoxymethylene containing polymers are produced. These polymers are prepared by polymerizing trioxane or formaldehyde which has been first treated with micro-wave radiation. Trioxane or formaldehyde treated in this manner is then suitable for homopolymerization or copolymerization with any of the variety of comonomers known to copolymerize with these materials. The resultant polyoxymethylene containing polymers are of exceptional thermal stability without the necessity of added stabilizers.

Abstract: Basic compounds of Ba and Sr used in the production of peaked alcohol alkoxylates can be removed from the products by precipitating with some polybasic organic acids. Examples of effective acids include glutaric, diglycolic, adipic, and azelaic acids.

Abstract: Pyrite is removed from coal by crushing, air classification and organic heavy medium separation. A superior method is taught wherein only a fraction of the total coal treated need be treated with organic media separation.

Abstract: Amorphorus titanium, uranium, chromium ions and zirconium together with sulfate ions are effective promoters for magnesium oxide catalysts. These catalysts are active for the ortho methylation of phenols in the vapor phase to yield 2,6-xylenol.

Abstract: Poly(butene-1) in type II form can be accelerated to its stable type I form by applying a volatile solvent such as an olefinic hydrocarbon and allowing the solvent to evaporate. The phase transformation can be accelerated by additional treatment with heat below the melt temperature of about 90.degree. C. and/or ultrasonic sound.

Abstract: Strontium-containing materials catalyze the alkoxylation of alcohols. Strontium produced alkoxylates have sharper alkoxylate distributions, lower free alcohols, lower pour points, and better detergency than alkoxylates obtained from alkali base catalysis.

Abstract: A dual element strain gauge is placed near a welded or otherwise constrained joint on a structural member so as to provide a constraint factor. The location for the strain gauge must be selected to provide constraint factor that is preferably near either maximum or minimum value. The strain gauge is monitored to detect a change in the initial constraint factor, which indicates failure has begun or is imminent.

Abstract: Strontium and barium-based catalyzed alkoxylation of alcohols of all classes is carried out more rapidly and produces a more peaked reaction product when carried out in the presence of co-catalysts such as calcium oxide, calcium carbide, calcium hydroxide, magnesium metal, magnesium hydroxides, zinc oxide, and aluminum metal.

Abstract: Initiation and propagation of cracks in materials is detected and monitored by (a) adhering an acoustical emitter to the area of the material to be monitored, and (b) monitoring for acoustical signals emitted by the adhered emitter, said signals produced by cracks in the material initiating in or propagating into the acoustical emitter. An acoustical emitter such as brittle plastic, glass rods or strips and metal such as tin or cadmium can be used.

Abstract: Alumina fibers are prepared by a method comprising(a) forming aluminum methoxide from aluminum alkoxides using methanol;(b) recovering aluminum methoxide as a solid precipitate phase, washing to remove higher alcohols and drying to recover a powder;(c) reacting the recovered powdered aluminum methoxide with dilute hydrochloric acid to form aluminum chlorohydrate; then(d) concentrating the aluminum chlorohydrate solution under vacuum to desired viscosity.

Abstract: A mixture of 2,4-/2,5-xylenol can be alkylated with a suitable alkylating agent over a strongly acidic divinylbenzene-styrene copolymer to afford a greater amount of 4-t-alkyl-2,5-xylenol than 6-t-alkyl-2,4-xylenol provided the alkylation is carried out at a suitably low temperature of 60.degree. C. or less.

Abstract: A method of producing ultra-high molecular weight polymers useful as drag reducing substances or antimist agents comprising;(1) polymerizing an alpha-olefin or olefins from 2 to 30 carbon atoms with a Ziegler catalyst in a light hydrocarbon solvent;(2) adding a heavy hydrocarbon diluent or a non-solvent suspending agent to the resulting polymer or copolymer mixture, and(3) removing substantially all of the light hydrocarbon component.

Abstract: Dioxane impurities in ether sulfates are removed by using a novel steam stripping technique in which water is neither added to nor removed from ether sulfate. This is possible because the chemical potential of water in the vapor phase is kept at the same value as that of water in the solution phase. In this way, thickening and foaming are avoided while dioxane levels can be reduced to below 10 parts per million by weight in a single pass.

Abstract: Butylation of a mixture of xylenols and trimethylphenols gives a product which is suitable for use as a stabilizer for polyvinyl chloride. The material can be added to the reactor during polymerization as a shortstopper and retain effectiveness as a stabilizer in the finished polymer.

Abstract: Phenol is methylated over an alumina catalyst using methanol, and the reaction product therefrom is combined with additional methanol over a promoted magnesium oxide catalyst. Major reaction products are ortho-cresol, 2,6-xylenol and 2,3,6-trimethylphenol. The promoted magnesium oxide catalyst contains metal promoters selected from the group consisting of titanium, chromium, and uranium together with sulfate ions.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for measuring the diffusion of liquid into solids comprising(a) an upper portion having substantially sloped walls, the lower end of said sloped walls meeting to form an aperture,(b) solids retaining means positioned at said aperture, said means being permeable to a liquid whose absorption is being measured,(c) a lower portion substantially cylindrical in configuration, said lower portion connected with said upper portion wherein said aperture is common to both, and wherein(d) both upper and lower portions are operably connected to a gravimetric scale, such that the total weight of the upper and lower portions, solids retaining means, solid content, and liquid can be weighed.The apparatus and method taught provide an efficient easy way for measuring fusion of liquid in the solids.

Abstract: HCl gas is added to aluminum alkoxides containing from 1 to 5 carbon atoms (0.5 mole HCl/mole Al) and the mixture is hydrolyzed in water. Alcohol is recovered by azeotropic distillation and the product, a solution of aluminum oxychloride, is concentrated.