Abstract: The invention relates to a method in a water-base system for at least partially avoiding an expected viscosity decrease or providing a viscosity increase upon a temperature increase, by using a system containing as viscosity-adjusting agents a nonionic cellulose ether in such an amount that the aqueous solution thereof has a viscosity of 10-10,000 cP, measured according to Brookfield LV, 12 rpm at 20.degree. C., and an ionic surface-active compound in an amount of 1-30 mmol per liter of water.

Abstract: A fuel which is ethanol-based and which has the form of a solution includes from 62-94% by weight of ethanol; from 2-8% by weight of water; from 2-30% by weight of an ignition improving agent comprised of a water-soluble polyalkylene glycol compound containing 6-50 alkyleneoxy units with 2-4 carbon atoms and having a molecular weight of less than 2500. Such fuel is useful for fueling diesel engines and has excellent combustibility while emitting a low content of organic hydrocarbons. At the same time, the polyalkylene glycol ignition improving agent is odorless, non-toxic, stable in storage, and does not emit nitrogen oxides when combusted.

Abstract: A metal working process employs a metal working fluid which is water-based and which is one of neutral and basic, the metal working fluid including a corrosion inhibitor in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 10% by weight; a lubricant selected from the group consisting of mono- or dicarboxylic acids or esters thereof having more than 10 carbon atoms, organic phosphate esters containing one or two hydrocarbon groups having 6-18 carbon atoms, and nonionic alkylene oxide adducts having a molecular weight above 400, and mixtures thereof; and an antimicrobially active amount towards fungi and bacteria of at least one alkanolamine compound having the following general formula ##STR1## wherein R is an acyclic hydrocarbon group having 8-14 carbon atoms, A is an hydroxyalkyl group having 2-4 carbon atoms, and X is one of hydrogen. The at least one alkanolamine compound prevents microbial degradation of water-based fluids when included therein.

Abstract: A flat or semi-flat water paint composition having improved rheology- and performance-properties prepared by adding a water-soluble nonionic cellulose ether and an associative polyurethane thickener, each being a rheology- and performance-improving agent, to a flat or semi-flat water paint composition, wherein the weight ratio of the associative polyurethane thickener to the water-soluble nonionic cellulose ether is 2:8-8:2.