Abstract: The present composition is capable of forming a particle film and comprises: (a) less than 99.65% by weight of at least one particle; (b) at least one volumizing agent selected from the group consisting of: (i) cellulose selected from the group consisting of ethyl hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, and ethyl methyl cellulose and present in an amount greater than 0.35% by weight; and (ii) non-cellulosic component or cellulose other than said cellulose (i) present in an amount of at least 0.05% by weight; and optionally (c) at least one spreader. The composition may be used to form agricultural films.

Abstract: Methods for producing finely divided copper or copper alloy powders are described, from compositions containing metal ions and an alkanolamine, preferably monoethanolamine, wherein the alkanolamine acts as a primary reducing agent. In preferred embodiments the methods for producing micron and submicron copper powder utilize precursor compositions containing copper ions in the form of submicron particles of copper carbonate, copper hydroxide, copper oxides, or any combination thereof, and utilize monoethanolamine (or optionally but less preferably hydrazine), and preferably additionally containing caustic and a reducing sugar.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for blocking radiation to horticultural crops in order to reduce light-induced freeze and chill damage which involve treating the surface of the horticultural crops with an effective amount of one or more particulate materials.

Abstract: A process for producing sub-micron-sized copper powder comprising the steps of: providing a precursor composition comprising a solution of copper monoethanolamine complex; and heating the precursor composition to a temperature wherein copper monoethanolamine complex is converted to copper powder. A process for producing nickel powder comprising the steps of: providing a precursor composition comprising a solution of nickel monoethanolamine complex; and heating the precursor composition to a temperature wherein nickel monoethanolamine complex is converted to nickel powder.

Abstract: The use of mixed cerium-containing synthetic solid abrasive materials in chemical mechanical polishing slurries can provide better selectivity, better substrate removal rates, or lower defect rates than conventional ceria slurries. The slurries have abrasive particles that include a plurality of solid cerium-containing phases selected from CeO2, Ce2O3, cerium-nitride material, cerium-fluoride material, and cerium-sulfide material, where different cerium-containing materials are present in different particles or on the same particles.