Abstract: Inclusion of a branched alcohol in the catalytic hydrogenation reaction involving an aliphatic nitro compound dramatically increases the efficiency of the conversion of nitro groups into amino groups. This discovery is of particular value in the production of polyalkyleneamines via nitration of a polyalkene, such as a polybutene, and its subsequent reduction. The polyalkyleneamines so produced are useful as dispersant additives for motor oils and fuels.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device useful for measuring the fineness of a dispersion of particles in a liquid vehicle. A device according to the invention includes a light source, a means for mounting a film of said vehicle of increasing thickness, and a means for producing an electronic image of said film, in which these elements are positioned relative to one another so that the light the imaging means receives is predominantly light reflected from regions of the surface of said film which are disrupted by protruding particles. This is achieved by configuring the device so that the image producing means is aimed into the dark field below the light source, with the image producing means being directed generally at an angle below the angle of reflection of any light reflected from undisrupted regions of the surface of the film.

Abstract: Provided herein are moist towelettes useful for cleansing, among other things, hard surfaces and human skin. The moist towelettes of the invention comprise a towelette portion which is moistened with a liquid composition of matter wherein the liquid composition includes an alkylene carbonate as one of its components. According to one preferred form of the invention, the liquid composition from which the towelettes are made moist are alcohol-free. In another embodiment, a substantial portion of the alcohol in a given formulation is replaced with an alkylene carbonate component. Preferred alkylene carbonate components include propylene carbonate, butylene carbonate, and glycerine carbonate.

Abstract: Amido alkyl amine oxides, optionally blended with ether carboxylates, amphoteric surfactants, chelants, solvents, hydrotropes and/or wetting agents are used to prepare glyphosate solution concentrates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward effective photoresist stripping compositions that are less corrosive and do not cause skin irritation. One form of the present invention is a composition useful as a photoresist remover that includes an alkylene carbonate, and one or more additional components chosen from the group that includes alkyl hydrogen peroxides, hydroxyalkyl ureas, urea-hydrogen peroxides, N-substituted morpholines and alcohols. Another form of the present invention is a composition for removing photoresist from a surface that includes an N-substituted morpholine.

Abstract: A process for preparing alkali silicate—polyisocyanate composites without catalyst separation. The process involves blending a catalyst and a polyisocyanate to form a first component, and blending an alkali silicate and water to form a second component. The first and second components are then mixed together to form a reactive mixture that reacts to form a hardened composite. The progression of the reaction proceeds without excessive foaming, high exotherms, or the release of an offensive odor. Sodium silicate—polyisocyanate composites prepared according to the above process, and a process for using the alkali silicate—polyisocyanate composites to consolidate and seal various types of formations in mining, tunneling, and other construction projects are also disclosed. Any void volume which is capable of receiving a flowable precursor of a composite formulation according to the invention prior to its cure is suitable for treatment according to the present invention.

Abstract: A process is provided for increasing the concentration of sulfuric acid in a waste solution of sulfuric acid previously used to produce titanium dioxide. The waste solution of sulfuric acid is fed into a first heat exchanger/evaporator stage that operates at a sulfuric acid concentration of less than 30%. A portion of the solution discharged from the first heat exchanger/evaporator is fed into a heat exchanger/evaporator that uses waste heat and operates at a sulfuric acid concentration that is greater than 40%, while the remainder of the solution discharged from the first heat exchanger/evaporator and the solution discharged from the heat exchanger/evaporator using waste heat is fed into a second heat exchanger/evaporator that operates at a sulfuric acid concentration that is greater than 50%.

Abstract: A method for removing diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA) from butadiene streams that does not leave an excessive amount of residual contaminates in the isolated butadiene stream. The DEHA is removed from the butadiene streams by ion exchange resins, which efficiently remove DEHA from the butadiene streams without causing the accumulation of an excessive amount of residual contaminants. To prevent polymerization of the butadiene upon removal of the DEHA, tert-butylcatechol (TBC) may be added to the butadiene stream before or after DEHA removal. Fresh or spent ion exchange resins may be used. After removal from the butadiene stream, the isolated DEHA can then be easily concentrated, and disposed or recycled. A method for removing DEHA from hydrocarbon streams is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing chlorine and iron oxide from iron chloride (which may be generated as a by-product of the direct chlorination of titaniferous ores) comprises the steps of converting ferrous chloride to ferric chloride by reaction with chlorine, separating the solids from the gaseous products, reacting the gaseous ferric chloride with oxygen, condensing unreacted ferric chloride onto iron oxide particles, separating the gaseous products from the iron oxide particles and recycling the iron oxide particles to the oxidation or condensation step.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of &ggr;-hydroxy ethers from cyclic organic carbonates and active-hydrogen-containing compounds in one form includes the steps of contacting an active-hydrogen-containing compound and a cyclic organic carbonate compound containing a six-membered ring, and a catalyst, running the reaction at a suitable temperature, and isolating the &ggr;-hydroxy ether as a mixture that can be purified or used directly as produced in the reaction.

Abstract: Provided herein are polyurethane foams which may be prepared by spray techniques. The foams of the invention are prepared using conventional isocyanates and a novel Mannich condensate polyol having a hydroxy number in the range of 250-340 and a viscosity of 3500 cps or less, and wherein the Mannich condensate polyol is derived from nonylphenol, formaldehyde, an alkanolamine, and propylene oxide as the sole alkoxylating agent. Polyurethane foams prepared according to the invention possess superior physical properties over sprayed polyurethane foams prepared using Mannich condensate polyols which are made using mixtures of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions of matter useful in de-inking secondary fibers. A composition according to the invention includes an aqueous solution of an anionic form of a styrene-methacrylic acid copolymer. When a surfactant is used in combination with the copolymers herein described in a de-inking operation, a synergy is observed in that the combination of copolymer and surfactant combination together yield a recycled fiber product having higher brightness level and a lower effective residual ink concentration than recycled fibers produced using either the copolymer or surfactant alone in the same operation.

Abstract: Provided herein are cross-linked super absorbing polymers made by reacting a copolymer having an esterifiable acid group with a cyclic alkylene carbonate. The resulting cross-linked materials have an increased ability to retain absorbed liquids even under the influence of applied stress. Catalysts are also disclosed which are useful in promoting the reaction between the alkylene carbonate and copolymer.

Abstract: Provided herein are catalyst systems useful for providing polyurethane foam products which exhibit low fogging characteristics while possessing favorable overall physical properties when used as interior components of automobiles and other motorized vehicles.

Abstract: Provided herein are developer solutions useful in producing semiconductor-based circuit elements or precursors thereof, which contain tris-(2-hydroxyethyl)methylammonium hydroxide. Developers according to the invention are either aqueous or alcoholic solutions of tris-(2-hydroxyethyl)methylammonium hydroxide which preferably further comprise a stabilizer. Through use of the compositions provided herein, greatly reduced levels of volatile amines are released during the developing process which lessens the burden on clean room atmosphere purification equipment owing to lessened airborne impurities.