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: 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.