Abstract: The rod-shaped apatite crystals of the formula Ca5(PO4)3(OH)xFy have the following features a) the length-to-breadth ratio of the crystals is at least ?5 and b) x+y=1, where if x or y?0 the total amount of the crystals is present as a mixture of individual hydroxyapatite crystals and fluoroapatite crystals and/or as mixed crystals, such that, based on the total amount of the crystals, (1?x)·100% of the hydroxide ions present if y=0 are replaced by fluoride ions. The invention furthermore describes dispersions which contain such rod-shaped apatite crystals, and a process for the preparation of the dispersions or of the apatite crystals.

Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles are disclosed. The multicomponent particles comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each particle contains about 20% to about 40%, by weight, of the basic resin, based on the total weight of the acidic resin and basic resin present in the particle. Blends of multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles with particles of a second water-absorbing resin also are disclosed. Improved diaper cores containing particles of the multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles also are disclosed.

Abstract: Surface-tested superabsorbent polymer particles obtained by mixing 100 parts by weight of superabsorbent polymer particles with 0.001 to 10 parts by weight of a hydroxyalkylamide, and heating the surface-treated superabsorbent polymer particles to crosslink molecular chains existing at least in the vicinity of the surfaces of the superabsorbent polymer particles is disclosed. Surface crosslinking the superabsorbent polymer particles with a hydroxyalkylamide substantially increases both the rate of liquid absorption and the quantity of liquid absorbed and retained by the superabsorbent particles.

Abstract: A process for introducing an allyl-positioned carbonyl group into a 2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexene ring which carries a polyenyl radical in the 1-position, by oxidizing the ring with a halogen(V)-oxyacid or a salt of such an acid, and the new oxo compounds obtainable by the said process, which may be used as dyes for foodstuffs or cosmetics. The oxidation is carried out in the presence of a catalyst and of an inert diluent or solvent, in an acid medium. Suitable catalysts are bromine and iodine and the oxides of elements of groups Va, VIa, VIIa and VIII of the periodic table.