Abstract: An improved process for preparing strong acid cation exchange resins by sulfonation of wet crosslinked copolymer in the absence of organic swelling solvents is disclosed. This process involves dewatering a crosslinked poly(vinylaromatic) copolymer to selected residual moisture levels of 3 to 35%, followed by non-solvent sulfonation, to provide strong acid cation exchange resins having enhanced physical stability and that are free of chlorinated-solvent contaminants.

Abstract: A method for the protection of wood and other wood materials without affecting dimensional stability or surface integrity of the treated material is described. The method involves treating wood material with an iron salt and selected oxidants where the iron salt is preferably complexed with organic chelating ligands. Preferably, a microbicidal agent is also incorporated into the method to provide treated wood products that demonstrate excellent surface integrity, dimensional stability and retention of the infused microbicidal agents for extended periods of time without incurring the detrimental environmental effects of conventional chromium or copper-based inorganic salt preservation methods.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions having enhanced thickening properties containing lipophilically-modified copolymer thickeners and one or more hydrophilic surfactants are disclosed. In particular, aqueous compositions containing (i) lipophilically-modified copolymers containing at least 5% of selected lipophilically-modified components and (ii) surfactants having an HLB value of greater than 15 are useful for the thickening of a range of personal, domestic and industrial products.

Abstract: Polymer compositions derived from selected monoethylenically unsaturated (C3-C6)carboxylic acid monomers, (C1-C4)alkyl (meth)acrylate ester monomers and alkoxylated (meth)acrylate monomers used in certain weight ratios to provide enhanced detergent and cleaning performance are disclosed. Polymer compositions containing from 5 to 40% of monoethylenically unsaturated (C3-C6)carboxylic acid monomer, from 35 to 65% of (C1-C4)alkyl (meth)acrylate ester monomer and from 20 to 60% of alkoxylated (meth)acrylate monomer provide improved cleaning performance in laundry detergent formulations relative to conventional polymer compositions.

Abstract: Microbicidal compositions containing selected ratios of a non-halogenated 2-alkyl-3-isothiazolone and one or more (C1-C7) esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid are disclosed as improved formulations for controlling microbial growth. In particular the combination of 2-methyl-3-isothiazolone with a mixture of methyl para-hydroxybenzoate and propyl para-hydroxybenzoate is especially effective as a microbicidal component in personal care compositions.

Abstract: An improved method for measuring the chromatographic properties, such as excluded volume, of hydrophobic polymer substrates is disclosed. Use of 0.05-1 micron sized crosslinked ionically-charged polymer particles, especially emulsion-form or ground polymer particles, as a large-molecule probe, allows environmentally friendly aqueous-based solvent systems to be used as mobile phases to characterize hydrophobic polymer supports for use in analytical or preparative scale chromatographic applications. This method eliminates the use of non-polar organic solvents that is required when conventional non-polar large-molecule probes (such as polystyrene) are used to characterize chromatographic media.

Abstract: Stable liquid microbicide compositions, having high concentrations of non-halogenated 3-isothiazolones, are disclosed. Aqueous concentrates containing from 60 to 95% non-halogenated 3-isothiazolones provide excellent low temperature storage stability and good chemical stability, thus allowing enhanced flexibility in the preparation of less concentrated antimicrobial formulations.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing dilute solutions of 3-isothiazolone compounds against the formation of unwanted brown precipitate in the presence of low levels of copper, by the addition of 2 to 50% of selected water-soluble organic solvents, is disclosed. The aqueous solutions are substantially free of metal nitrate, metal nitrite and magnesium salt stabilizers.

Abstract: Novel amine-chelate complexes are useful in significantly reducing the viscosity of heavy crude oils, facilitating the recovery and transportation of such heavy crude oils. The amine-chelate complexes are formed by heating together an organic amine with a chelating agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to the inhibition of tripolyphosphate and pyrophosphate scales in aqueous systems involving adding to said aqueous system at least one copolymer comprising the following monomers in polymerized form: (I) 50-80% by weight of one or more weak acids; (II) 2-50% by weight of one or more strong acids; (III) 0-30% by weight of one or more monoethylenically unsaturated C4-C8 dicarboxylic acids; and (IV) 0-30% by weight of one or more monomethylenically unsaturated monomers polymerizable with (I), (II) and (III); wherein the total of monomers (I), (II), (III), and (IV) equals 100% by weight of copolymer. The invention is particularly suited to the inhibition of tripolyphosphate and pyrophosphate scales which occur as a result of using low phosphate (STPP) containing detergent formulations.

Abstract: Macroporous polymers having selected porosity and permeability characteristics that provide rigid polymer matrices suitable for use in medium and high pressure reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPC) are disclosed. A method for preparing the polymers using selected mixed porogens in selected proportions relative to the monomer phase is also disclosed. The polymers are especially useful as stationary phases in large scale chromatography columns without developing increased pressures during prolonged use, while maintaining good chromatographic performance for targeted biomolecules, such as insulin.

Abstract: A method for improving the storage stability of personal care formulations containing ultraviolet (UV) radiation-absorbing agents (sunscreen agents) is disclosed. Latex polymer particles containing a void, having a particle size from 50 to 1000 nanometers, and having at least 4% polymerized crosslinker monomer units in the shell portion of the particle are especially effective in maintaining storage stability and effectiveness of sunscreen formulations when added to personal care compositions containing at least one sunscreen agent.

Abstract: A method for improving the corrosion resistance of aerosol or foam hair spray formulations in metal containers is disclosed. In particular, the present invention involves the use of phosphate ester emulsifiers in the preparation of the emulsion polymer hair fixative resins to provide corrosion resistance of the hair styling composition in metal containers without negatively affecting the performance of the hair styling product itself. Use of the selected emulsifiers is particularly useful in non-corrosive aqueous hair styling compositions containing low (80% or less) volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations.

Abstract: A method for preparing ceramic particle slurries having controlled rheological properties to allow further processing to ceramic green bodies with improved compaction, green strength and green density is disclosed. Polymer additives containing 0.1 to 20% of acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid monomer units are especially useful in controlling the viscosity of high solids aqueous slurries of ceramic particles and acting as binders to improve the strength of finished ceramic articles, such as sinks, spas, bathroom fixtures and sanitaryware.

Abstract: A method for providing improved compaction, green density, green strength and surface finish properties in simulated stone and mineral-like materials from ceramic green bodies, based on addition of selected polymer additives during ceramic processing, is disclosed. Polymer additives having weight-average molecular weights from 30,000 to 1,000,000, glass transition temperatures from −50 to +90° C., and low hygroscopicity are particularly useful in providing enhanced properties of ceramic products involving processing of large-size granule intermediates.

Abstract: The invention concerns chemical compositions in the form of pellets which disintegrate quickly and efficiently in aqueous media and a method of producing the pellets. Such pellets comprise (a) at least one constituent with pharmaceutical, agrochemical, water treatment, water softening, fabric softening or detergency activity; (b) at least one disintegration agent comprising one or more crosslinked polyacrylate water absorbent polymers with a gel-formation time of 30 seconds or less and (c) at least one water transport agent to transport water into the pellet when the pellet contacts water.

Abstract: Polymers having amine-thiol terminal moieties are provided. The amine-thiol terminal moieties are imparted by using amine-thiols as chain transfer agents in aqueous addition polymerizations. The polymers are useful as mineral dispersants, as water-treatment additives for boiler waters, cooling towers, reverse osmosis applications, sugar refining, paper production, geothermal processes and oil wells, and as detergent additives acting as builders, anti-filming agents, dispersants, sequestering agents and encrustation inhibitors.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of high surface area, low-swelling macroporous polymeric adsorbents is disclosed. The use of organic sulfonic acids to provide postcrosslinking of macroporous copolymers eliminates the need for traditional organic swelling solvents and Lewis-acid catalysts used to provide conventional macronetted polymers. In particular, methanesulfonic acid provides macroporous polymeric adsorbents having high surface area and porosity, low levels of residual vinyl groups, and free of residual contaminants from conventional Lewis-acid/Friedel-Crafts reactions.

Abstract: Polymers having amine-thiol terminal moieties are provided. The amine-thiol terminal moieties are imparted by using amine-thiols as chain transfer agents in aqueous addition polymerizations. The polymers are useful as mineral dispersants, as water-treatment additives for boiler waters, cooling towers, reverse osmosis applications, sugar refining, paper production, geothermal processes and oil wells, and as detergent additives acting as builders, anti-filming agents, dispersants, sequestering agents and encrustation inhibitors.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the performance of hair fixative resins in hair styling compositions by using selected polymers having certain compositions is disclosed. In particular, the present invention involves a method of improving the stiffness performance of hair fixative resins by using polymers containing 5-95% (C1-C10)alkyl (meth)acrylate, 0-70% hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate, 0-50% monocarboxylic acid monomer and 1-25% dicarboxylic acid monomer. The selected polymers are particularly useful in aqueous hair styling compositions containing low (80% or less) volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations.