Abstract: Lightly cross-linked, water-insoluble copolymers of maleic anhydride with suitable vinyl monomers are dispersed with the aid of a surfactant in a cellulosic pulp slurry or papermaking furnish to prepare molded pulp or paper products incorporating said copolymer in finely divided form. The resulting product is treated with an alkaline agent such as ammonia gas or an alcoholic solution of an alkali metal hydroxide to convert the copolymer to a water-swellable salt form whereby the treated molded pulp or paper product has a high absorbency for aqueous fluids.

Abstract: Water-insoluble, water-swellable fibers adapted to bind aqueous fluids such as body exudates are prepared by spinning fibers from an organic solvent solution of a copolymer of maleic anhydride with suitable vinyl monomers. The copolymer solution also contains a small amount of a polyfunctional cross-linking agent such as a glycol or alkylene diamine which reacts to cross-link the copolymer chains when the fibers are heated and dried. The cross-linked copolymer fibers are then rendered hydrophilic and water-swellable by reaction with ammonia or an alkali metal hydroxide.

Abstract: The invention consists of a composition of matter consisting of finely divided, high molecular weight, water-soluble polymeric material in intimate mixture with from one to four other components and a process for the preparation thereof. The invention composition is highly dispersible and rapidly soluble in aqueous media without skinning and agglomeration and is useful as a flocculant and thickener in many industrial processes.

Abstract: Novel compositions comprise homogeneous mixtures of liquid carbon dioxide and an anhydrous lower alkanol gelled to a viscosity of at least 10 centipoises with a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose having a methoxyl degree of substitution of from 0.2 to 1.0 and a molar substitution of hydroxypropoxyl of at least 1.2. The compositions are employed in a method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore by injecting same under pressure down the wellbore and into the formation to stimulate production of natural gas or petroleum.

Abstract: The difficulties in using clay minerals as absorbents in articles such as diapers, floor mats, utility wiping cloths, etc. is overcome by flocculating the clay into granular aggregates. The dry aggregates are dispersed into a flexible fibrous support to prepare the absorbent products. The aggregates, additionally, show enhanced water absorbing properties in many instances.