Abstract: The use of nanoparticles of a metal melting below 400° C., preferably bismuth, dispersed in a lubricant for providing a low coefficient of friction coating to interacting surfaces of machinery, such as a powertrain of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The use of an effective amount of trans-4-tertbutyl-1-phenylcyclohexanol in waxes to increase the melting point, softening temperature, as well of other properties.

Abstract: Improving the properties of polymer materials by incorporating into a polymer material an effective amount of a modifying agent, preferably trans-4-tertbutyl-1-phenylcycolhexanol. Properties such as melting point, elastic modulus and softening temperature are improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a starch/gum based ingredient for use in food products which includes a high amylose starch and a hydrocolloid, edible gum to which water is added and co-processed in an extruder under conditions of temperatures of about 100° C. or more and moisture levels of at least about 16.7% and relatively high shear. The ingredient provides desirable texture and mouth feel characteristics to food products in which it is incorporated, and provides a white color along with improved opacity. Flavor release is improved and storage stability is controlled. It also serves as a processing aid. Also disclosed is a method of making the ingredient and various food products embodying the ingredient.

Abstract: A liquid fertilizer composition having a substantial ability to retard leaching of constituent plant nutrients is prepared by dispersing glyoxylated hydroxypropyl guar in an aqueous mixture containing a fertilizer chemical in a preferred concentration of 0.4-1.5% by weight. Similarly, a liquid herbicide, fungicide, insecticide, fire retardant or other liquid plant treatment composition having the ability to adhere to applied surfaces to resist washing is prepared by dispersing glyoxylated hydroxypropyl guar in an aqueous mixture of such a plant treatment chemical in a corresponding concentration. A method is disclosed for producing glyoxylated hydroxypropyl guar by reacting guar gum with propylene oxide and the reaction product thereof with glyoxal in the absence of alcohol or any solvent.

Abstract: A new method for internally strengthening products formed from fibrous materials and the resulting products are provided. The method is characterized by the use of a wet-end additive and specifically a particular grade of polyvinyl alcohol which is super-hydrolyzed and which is substantially insoluble in water maintained at 130 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, the polyvinyl alcohol particles have an extremely high hydrated bulk volume so that they form a highly stable suspension in water and which aids in achieving high retention of the particles in the web of the resulting product. The products formed by the method as described exhibit substantial improvements in strength properties.

Abstract: A starch, hydrated with between 0.7 and 2.0 parts of water and which has been brought to the verge of gelatinization, is combined with a hydrocolloid gum, which also may have been pre-hydrated, to form a mixture. The mixing process is designed to achieve the following objectives: intimately mixing the hydrocolloid gum with the starch as the latter is gelatinizing; heating the uniform blend under pressure but under low enough shear to preclude starch degradation; and extruding it through a die so that it expands and creates a product with a large surface area to facilitate drying. As an objective measure of processing effectiveness, the product should yield water viscosities which are equal to those obtained from the raw materials when present in 10-20% excess. In subjective test the processed mixture should perform better at 10-20% less usage level than the unprocessed mixtures when used in stabilizing frozen desserts, sour cream and dressings.

Abstract: This invention relates to the reduction of water demand in alkaline aqueous suspensions containing free cations, particularly in the wet process production of Portland cement and more specifically to the use of carbon dioxide and anionic polymer dispersants to realize such a water demand reduction. The combination of the carbon dioxide and anionic polymer dispersant is synergistic and the combination effectively reduces the water demand of the suspended solids at concentrations where neither additive alone is effective.

Abstract: Device for applying a measured quantity of water-soluble or water-dispersible reagent to a water-containing solid medium for use in molecular diffusion or affinity separation procedures is provided in the form of a film consisting essentially of a film-forming solid organic polymeric binder which is soluble in water to the extent of at least 1% by weight at 20.degree.C. and dispersed in said binder a measured quantity of said reagent, said film being of a size and shape adapted to be placed in contact with said medium to permit said reagent and binder to diffuse completely into said medium. The device is used by placing it in face-to-face contact with a water-containing solid medium.

Abstract: A hydratable or hydrated gel medium for use in bioassay of a test substance contains fixed in a localized zone a reagent for the test substance. Assays are conducted rapidly by diffusing the test substance followed by an indicator substance also reactive with the reagent into the zone and measuring a change in characteristics within the zone caused by the reaction of the indicator substance.

Abstract: A modified agarose or agar containing alkylated, alkenylated, acylated or hydroxyalkylated agarose in which the alkyl, alkenyl, and acyl groups contain from 1 to 3 carbon atoms and the hydroxyalkyl groups contain from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, which modified product has a gelling temperature at least 1.degree.C. lower than the gelling temperature of the corresponding unmodified agarose or agar. The modified material also has a lowered melting point and a higher clarity than the unmodified. The product is made by alkylation, etc. either in a non-aqueous solvent or in an aqueous alkaline solvent; in the latter case the aldehyde end group of the unmodified material may be first blocked by reduction to the hydroxyl group. The compounds are useful as thickeners, for electrophoresis and for diffusive Interactions.