Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a copolymer of maleic anhydride and an alkylene oxide of the formula: ##STR1## wherein m is at least 4,n is at least 1,the ratio of m to n is at least 4:1, preferably 4:1 to 100:1,R, which may be the same or different, is a hydrogen, halogen, alkyl derivative or phenyl derivative, andR' is: ##STR2## The instant invention is also directed to a process for the preparation of the copolymer and its use in inhibiting the precipitation and deposition of scale in an aqueous system.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a slurry for use in coating silicon steel prior to high temperature annealing, comprising magnesium oxide, water and at least one inorganic compound selected from the group consisting of barium oxide, barium nitrate, chromium nitrate, and their hydrates.The instant invention is also directed to a process for coating silicon steel, comprising coating the steel with a magnesium oxide slurry prior to high temperature annealing, the improvement wherein at least one inorganic compound selected from the group consisting of barium oxide, barium nitrate, chromium nitrate, and their hydrates is pre-mixed in said slurry, thereby minimizing the formation of "tight magnesia" on the steel.