Abstract: A process for producing an aqueous silica-based sol is disclosed wherein a cationic ion exchange resin having part of its ion exchange capacity in hydrogen form is contacted with an aqueous alkali metal silicate to form a slurry having a pH from 5.0 to 11.5 and/or having particle aggregation or microgel formation corresponding to a S value up to 45%; adjusting the pH using a material comprising an aluminum compound; and separating the resin from the slurry. Silica-based sols having an S value from 15 to 25%, mole ratio Si:Al from 20:1 to 50:1, mole ratio Si:X, where X=alkali metal, from 5:1 to 17:1, SiO2 content of at least 5% by weight and containing silica-based particles having a specific surface area of at least 300 m2/g, as well as the use of such silica-based sols in producing paper are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for the preparation of an alkenyl-substituted cyclic anhydride compound comprising the steps of subjecting one or more olefinically unsaturated C6-C28 hydrocarbons of which at least 30% by weight is alpha-olefin to a double bond isomerization step by contacting them with a catalyst comprising an alkali metal on a carrier, and reacting the resulting isomehzed olefinic C6-C28 hydrocarbons with a cyclic anhydride of an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid to form the alkenyl-substituted cyclic anhydride compound. Furthermore, it pertains to the thus obtained alkenyl-substituted cyclic anhydride and to its use as a paper additive.

Abstract: A protective crosslinkable coating composition comprising modified epoxy resin and crosslinker the modified epoxy resin being the reaction product, by weight, of i) from 80 to 99.9 parts of di-epoxy resin of epoxy equivalent weight from 500 to 5000 and formed from the reaction of bis phenol A diglycidyl ether and bis phenol A and ii) from 0.1 to 20 parts of reactive material characterised in that a) the di-epoxy resin contains minor amounts of resin components of molecular weight less than 1000 Daltons, and the reactive material comprises b) mono-functional organic material of molecular weight at: least 100 Daltons having one moiety capable of reacting with the epoxy moieties of the di-epoxy resin and c) dicarboxylic acid of molecular weight less than 300 Daltons having two moieties capable of reacting with the epoxy moieties of the di-epoxy resin.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process wherein initiators having a half-life from 0.0001 hour to 0.05 hour at the polymerization temperature are dosed to a polymerization mixture. The dosing of such initiator allows improved control of the polymerization rate and faster polymerization rates, and the process will render a polymer with very low residual initiator levels.

Abstract: A paper coating composition is provided, comprising a polyvinyl alcohol graft copolymer comprising at least one side-chain polymer, formed from at least one carboxylic acid containing monomer, grafted onto a polyvinyl alcohol; and a further component selected from the group consisting of binders, thickeners and combinations thereof. The graft copolymer unexpectedly provides superior viscosification and water retention compared to results using a blend of the PVOH and carboxylated polymer where the two polymers were formed in the absence of one another.

Abstract: Low molecular weight graft copolymer comprising a synthetic component formed from at least one or more olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomers or salts thereof, and a natural component formed from a hydroxyl-containing natural moiety. The number average molecular weight of the graft copolymer is about 100,000 or less, and the weight percent of the natural component in the graft copolymer is about 50 wt % or greater based on total weight of the graft copolymer. Processes for preparing such graft copolymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing aqueous silica-based sols which comprises providing a cationic ion exchange resin having at least part of its ion exchange capacity in hydrogen form; bringing said ion exchange resin in contact with an aqueous alkali metal silicate to form an aqueous slurry; adjusting the pH of the aqueous slurry and separating the ion exchange resin from the aqueous slurry, as well as the silica-based sols obtained by the process; the invention also relates to silica-based sols obtained by the process, as well as a process for producing paper which comprises providing an aqueous suspension comprising cellulosic fibres; adding to the suspension one or more drainage and retention aids comprising a silica-based sol according to the invention; and dewatering the obtained suspension to provide a sheet or web of paper.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous dispersion of cellulose-reactive sizing agent containing an acid anhydride, an anionic polyelectrolyte and a nitrogen-containing organic compound which is an amine or quaternary ammonium thereof having a molecular weight less than 180 and/or having one or more hydroxyl groups. The invention further relates to a process for the production of paper which comprises adding the aqueous dispersion of cellulose-reactive sizing agent to an aqueous cellulosic suspension.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a rheological additive to replace casein in minerally setting building material compounds, characterized in that the rheological additive contains at least two different dispersing agents and at least one stabilizer, or at least one dispersing agent and at least two different stabilizers, wherein said at least one dispersing agent is or said at least two dispersing agents are selected from the group of lignin sulfonate, polycarboxylate, polycarboxylate ether, melamine formaldehyde sulfonate, alkylphenol glycol ether and/or naphthaline sulfonates, and said at least one stabilizer is or said at least two stabilizers are selected from the group of modified or unmodified, fully or partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetal, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyalkylene glycol, polyalkylene oxide, agar-agar, carob seed grain, pectin, poly(meth)acrylate and/or (meth)acrylate thickeners, poly(meth)acrylamides, polyurethanes, associative thickeners, gelatine and/or soy protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dry or slurry process to prepare phosphate-crosslinked cellulose ethers from a cellulose starting material comprising the steps of adding an alkalizing agent to the cellulose starting material to achieve mercerization, adding an ethehfying agent to the reaction mixture to achieve etherification of the cellulose, and adding a crosslinking agent to the reaction mixture to achieve crosslinking of the cellulose, wherein at least part of the alkalizing agent is added to the cellulose starting material before the etherification and/or crosslinking reactions take place to obtain alkalized cellulose; the crosslinking agent and the etherifying agent are added one after the other in random order or simultaneously; the crosslinking agent is an alkali metal thmetaphosphate; and the crosslinking and etherification steps are performed at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: Hybrid copolymers include a synthetic polymer which is derived from at least one anionic or non-anionic ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a naturally derived hydroxyl containing chain transfer agent as an end group. The hybrid copolymer may be prepared as a blend with a builder or a chelating agent. Hybrid copolymers also include a synthetic portion derived from at least one ester monomer and a naturally derived hydroxyl containing chain transfer agent as an end group. Ester graft copolymers include a naturally derived hydroxyl moiety backbone and side chains derived from at least one ester monomer. Further, a method of determining the concentration of a hybrid copolymer in an aqueous system and methods of preparing a hybrid copolymer are also included.

Abstract: A self-stabilizing dispersion composition having a copolymer having at least one polymerizable acid-containing moiety, wherein the at least one acid-containing moiety is at least partially neutralized before or during polymerization, and at least one hydrophobic moiety. A process for producing such compositions is also provided, as well as a process for encapsulating water-insoluble actives in such copolymers.

Abstract: A glass adhesion composition containing a copolymer having an acid and a substituted amide, silanol, or amine oxide functionality. The substituted amide, silanol, or amine oxide functionality provide excellent adhesion of the copolymer to glass, silica, sand and other silicon-based substances. The copolymer is useful as a fiberglass binder, and also useful in providing protective coatings on glass sheets. A fiberglass sizing composition is also provided having a copolymer that includes at least one acid group derived from at least one acid monomer, a hydrophobic comonomer, and a crosslinker.

Abstract: Polysaccharide thermosetting systems and composites utilizing such systems include formaldehyde free binders formed from at least one polysaccharide and at least one polysaccharide crosslinker.

Abstract: The invention pertains to removing soluble alkali metal or ammonium salt of a divalent anion from brine comprising following steps: obtaining brine with NaCl-concentration between 150g/L and saturation in the presence or absense of a cyrstal growth inhibitor for NaCl(GCI-NaCl),or with NaCl concentration above saturation in the presence of a CGI-NaCl, said brine optionally comprising a crystal growth inhibitor for the alkali metal or ammonium salt of the divalent anion(CGI-DA); if necessary, acidify the solution to pH<11.5; if the concentration of CGI-DA is less than 20 mg/L, adding CGI-DA to obtain at least 20 mg CGI-DA/L; subjecting the solution to a membrane filtration; if the concentration of CGI-DA in the concentration from the separation is less than 20 mg/L, adding CGI-DA to obtain at least 20 mg CGI-DA/L; crystalling the concentration; removing the crystallized alkali metal or ammonium salt of the divalent anion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alkalimetal salt of glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA) of the formula NaxKyHzGLDA, wherein x is equal to or more than 2 and lower than 4 and y is more than 0 and equal to or lower than 2, x+y is 3.5-4, and x+y+z=4, to processes to prepare such salt and the use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an additive package for warm-mix asphalt formulations for the pavement of road surfaces, said additive package comprising a) surfactant component, and b) an asphalt rheology modifying component, wherein said asphalt rheology modifying component comprises at least one of a i) a wax component and ii) a resin component. The invention also relates to a warm mix asphalt having improved compaction at lower temperatures, and to a pavement made from said warm mix asphalt.

Abstract: Personal care compositions having plant fiber such as tapioca fiber, and methods of applying those formulations. The addition of fiber to personal care formulations can provide performance improvement such as cleansing, exfoliation, irritation reduction, suspending, foam enhancement, and rheological property modification.

Abstract: This patent pertains to the use of anionic polyurethanes in a solubilized state which contribute to enhanced aesthetics to skin care compositions. The polyurethanes may be used alone or in combination with another polymer, particularly acrylate and methacrylate polymers.

Abstract: Hybrid copolymers for use as anti-sealant and dispersant. The polymers are useful in compositions used in aqueous systems. The polymers include at least one synthetic monomeric constituent that is chain terminated by a naturally occurring hydroxyl containing moiety. A process for preparing these hybrid copolymers is also provided.