Abstract: A sol-gel process for producing layers of zirconium oxide is described which comprises the following stages: (i) production of a soluble, zirconium-containing powder by: (a) reaction of a zirconium alcoholate of the general formula Zr (OR)4, in which the residues R are the same or different and represent straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkyl or alkenyl residues with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, which optionally exhibit one or more carbonyl and/or ester and/or carboxyl functions, with one or more polar compounds having complexing, chelating properties, (b) heating the solution, (c) mixing the solution with water, optionally in the presence of a catalyst, (d) concentrating the solution until a powder is obtained, (ii) dissolving the powder forming a sol, (iii) coating a substrate with the sol, and (iv) annealing the coated substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an easy-open can of aluminum or iron for storing beverage therein (high or low carbonated beverage), which comprises an easy-to-open stopper for a beverage can.

Abstract: Heat exchanger provided with a housing having an inner wall, an inlet and an outlet for passing a first heat exchange medium through the housing. The housing furthermore has a core comprising a series of plate-shaped fins placed at least almost parallel to each other. Each fin is provided with pipe openings. A bundle of pipes is present for passing a second heat exchange medium, as well as a number of baffle plates, each baffle plate being provided with pipe openings. Each of the pipes extend through respective pipe openings of respective fins and respective baffle plates. Filling blocks are further provided, each having a bent base portion which has an outer surface. The bend of the base portion is such that the filling block closely abuts the inner wall of the housing. The filling block further has a rib projecting from the base portion to the centre of the housing when placed in the housing, which rib has a central slot. In said slot a respective baffle plate is accommodated.

Abstract: This invention comprises a concentrate further comprising a salt(s), a rheological modifier(s), an effective amount of a stabilizing compound selected from the group consisting of aliphatic carboxylic acids optionally substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups, aliphatic polycarboxylic acids optionally substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups, aliphatic and alicyclic organic compounds having at least three hydroxyl groups, glycols, mixtures thereof and the like and water which is present in an amount at least sufficient to solubilize the stabilizing compound(s) up to an amount at which said thickening compound is activated. This composition, upon dilution, after aging has the viscosity development characteristic(s) of a freshly diluted concentrate. If desired, this concentrate further comprises performance additives and other components and is preferably formulated for use in preparing a fire retardant concentrate.

Abstract: Superabsorbent fiber and film compositions comprising partially acidified, hydrolyzed, internally plasticized, crosslinked, superabsorbing fibers or film derived from polysuccinimide and processes for preparing same.

Abstract: There are disclosed corrosion inhibiting compositions comprising (a) at least one amido acid or salt thereof and (b) at least one of an aryltriazole or 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole wherein the molar ratio of (a) to (b) is about 0.34:1 to about 5:1, and aqueous metal working fluids containing the corrosion inhibiting compositions of the invention.

Abstract: Flame-resistant, retroreflective, transparent, flexible, tear-resistant, mine brattice cloth with plastic-coated, open web fabric and retroreflective strips. Preferred plastic coating is a flame-resistant vinyl polymer plasticized with tri aryl phosphate ester or tetrahalo phthalate ester.

Abstract: Electrolytic hydrodimeric coupling of dialkyl maleates in alkanol solutions containing an alkanol-soluble alkali metal alkoxide/quaternary ammonium tetrafluoroborate mixed supporting electrolyte yields tetraalkyl 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylates.

Abstract: A method of producing phosphorus in which a mixture of phosphoric acid and carbon reductant is exposed to microwaves at a power level sufficient to heat the mixture to a temperature at which phosphorous is produced. This method can be carried out at lower temperatures than conventional phosphorous production and does not give rise to the solid waste normally formed in conventional phosphorous production. The phosphorus thus formed can be converted back to phosphoric acid, thus effecting purification of the phosphoric acid.

Abstract: Amorphous ferrophosphorus alloys (Formula II) are useful as shrinkage control agents in cement composites, and new amorphous ferrophosphorus alloys particularly useful for this purpose are disclosed having the formula: FeaCrbMcPdCeSif  (Formula I) wherein M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Vg, Nih, Mni and mixtures thereof, and a is about 66-76, b is about 1-10, c is about 2-7, d about 12-20, e about 1-6, f is less than about 2, g is about 1-5, h is less than about 2 and i is less than about 2, atomic percent.

Abstract: A process for the in situ remediation of soil comprising introducing at least one co-metabolite for treating contaminants in a contaminated soil region into the contaminated soil region wherein the source of the at least one co-metabolite is at least one root zone located within the contaminated soil region, wherein each root zone contains the root system of a plurality of plants capable of releasing the at least one co-metabolite, and transmitting direct electric current through the contaminated soil region between a first electrode and a second electrode having opposite charge, wherein the first electrode is located at a first end of the contaminated soil region and the second electrode is located at the opposite end of the contaminated soil region.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to water-treatment technology, namely compositions comprising a phosphonic acid, a zinc salt and a metal salt. A preferred metal salt is aluminum tri-chloride whereas amino tris methylene phosphonic acid is a preferred phosphonic species. The use of the compositions in water-treatment methods is also described.