Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for improving the characteristics of paper substrates. The method involves adding to a paper substrate an NCC-polymer. NCC-polymers have unique chemical properties which result in improvements in wet strength, dry strength and drainage retention properties of the paper substrates.

Abstract: The invention meets the needs above by providing a surfactant system, mixture or blend that can be used as a part of a soaking composition. The surfactant system is capable of forming emulsions with, and thus removing, oily and greasy stains. In a preferred embodiment the surfactant compositions of the invention can remove non-trans fat and fatty acid stains. The invention involves foaming soaking compositions that have some or part of the anionic surfactant present in the same replaced with an extended chain anionic surfactant.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for improved cleaning using neutral cleaners are disclosed. In particular, neutral pH cleaning compositions according to the invention employ a synergistic combination of water insoluble surfactants and an anionic hydrotropes capable of forming a stable, low-foaming solution. The neutral cleaning solutions provide significant benefits over water insoluble microemulsions traditionally used for neutral cleaning compositions and provide at least equivalent cleaning efficacy as non-neutral cleaning compositions.

Abstract: Water treatment compositions are provided that are effective for mitigating corrosion or fouling of surfaces in contact with aqueous systems. The water treatment compositions can include one or more azole compounds, one or more transition metals, and one or more dispersants, in addition to various other additives. The water treatment compositions can exclude phosphorus and still be effective. Methods for mitigating corrosion or fouling of a surface in an aqueous system are also provided.

Abstract: A warewashing detergent composition is provided for use for in cleaning of alkaline sensitive metals such as aluminum or aluminum containing alloys. The compositions include alternatives to sodium tripolyphosphate and/or other phosphorous containing raw materials, while retaining cleaning performance and corrosion prevention. According to the invention, high molecular weight polyacrylates (polyacrylic acid homopolymers) with a molecular weight of at least about 5000 are used as corrosion inhibitors and can be included for aluminum protection in a number of different detergent compositions.

Abstract: Acidic viscoelastic cleaning compositions are disclosed which use non polymer thickening agents. According to the invention, cleaning compositions have been developed using viscoelastic surfactants in acidic cleaning formulations. These provide the dual benefit of thickening as well as an additional cleaning, thereby improving performance. Applicants have also identified several pseudo linking agents which when, used with viscoelastic surfactants provide enhanced viscoelasticity and cleaning.

Abstract: A flooring is disclosed including a substrate having a coating composition thereon, the coating composition comprising a hardenable film-former and at least 0.5 weight percent of an oxidizing agent sufficient to decolorize a stain on the film-former is disclosed, wherein the oxidizing agent comprises hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite, and organo-chlorine bleaches and will at least partially decolorize a plurality of stains when applied to the hardened coating, allowed to stand for one hour at room temperature, and evaluated by visual observation of the stain under average overhead fluorescent illumination. The oxidizing agent is not consumed as a catalyst or initiator to polymerize or otherwise cause a reaction in the floor coating before it is applied and before it has hardened. A coating composition of the invention may include from about 0.8 to about 5 weight percent oxidizing agent and the film-former forms a hardened film resistant to rinsing with tap water.

Abstract: Methods employing detergent compositions effective for reducing soil redeposition and accumulation on hard surfaces are disclosed. The detergent compositions employ phosphinosuccinic acid adducts in combination with an alkalinity source and gluconic acid or salts thereof, copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic acids or salts thereof, sodium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A dishwashing detergent composition is provided for consumer use for in cleaning of alkaline sensitive metals such as aluminum or aluminum containing alloys. The compositions include alternatives to sodium tripolyphosphate and/or other phosphorus containing raw materials, while retaining cleaning performance and corrosion prevention. According to the invention, a phosphinosuccinic acid oligomer or mixture thereof is used as a corrosion inhibitor and can be included for aluminum protection in a number of different detergent compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-corrosive degreasing concentrate and ready to use formulation. In particular, non-corrosive compositions capable of removing polymerized grease as effectively as some alkali metal hydroxide (i.e. caustic) based degreasers without requiring the use of personal protective equipment are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for facilitating the removal of mercury from flue gases by converting elemental mercury to oxidized mercury and subsequently capturing the oxidized mercury. In one aspect, a method of removing mercury from a mercury-containing flue gas may include the steps of introducing into the flue gas a sulfide source in an effective amount to convert elemental mercury to gaseous oxidized mercury and then capturing the gaseous oxidized mercury.

Abstract: The use of ferric hydroxycarboxylate as a chelator and builder for cleaning compositions is disclosed. The cleaning composition may be formulated for warewashing, laundering, and for other means of removing soils and includes a ferric hydroxycarboxylate, an alkalinity source and a surfactant system. The cleaning composition has a pH of between about 9 and about 12.

Abstract: A drainage component in fluid communication with the fluid supply line includes a drain channel leading to a drain, the drain channel having an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall has a sealing surface approximate a three-way elastomeric valve. The elastomeric valve includes a moveable first wall having a first position when the fluid supply is on and a second position when fluid supply is off and a second wall connected to the moveable first wall, the second wall engaging a drain sealing surface when the first wall is in the first position. The elastomeric valve includes an orifice through which fluid may flow. When the pressure of the fluid on the elastomeric element increases, the second wall of the elastomeric valve engages the drain sealing surface. The elastomeric valve is preferably a fluoroelastomer to ensure both flexibility and resistance to a variety of chemical products.

Abstract: Corrosion inhibitors and methods for inhibiting or reducing corrosion are provided. The corrosion inhibitors include one or more niobate containing compounds. The corrosion inhibitors may be added to an aqueous system and inhibit the corrosion of a surface contained in the aqueous system. Illustrative examples of suitable niobate compounds are potassium niobate, ammonium niobate, and ammonium niobate oxalate.

Abstract: The present invention is a solid rinse aid composition and methods of making and using the same. Applicants have surprisingly found that the crystal modifier sodium xylene sulfonate (short chain alkyl benzene or alkyl naphthalene sulfonates) at higher percentage can act as a solidification agent. The solid rinse aid composition generally includes an short chain alkyl benzene or alkyl naphthalene sulfonates solidification agent and an effective amount of a surfactant which can include a sheeting agent component, defoamer component and/or association disruption agent. The solid rinse aid composition may be phosphate-free, aminocarboxylate-free, and GRAS if desired.

Abstract: Peroxycarboxylic acid compositions having reduced hydrogen peroxide content are generated according to the invention, having enhanced antimicrobial efficacy. Simultaneously, a stable hydrogen peroxide and active oxygen coordinating compound complex is generated and has utility as a recycled bleaching component. In particular, methods of using an active oxygen coordinating compound to selectively and non-destructively remove hydrogen peroxide are provided. Preferred active oxygen coordinating compounds suitable for use with the peroxycarboxylic acid compositions include nitrogen-containing compounds, preferably urea, urea copolymers and/or derivatives, PVP, PVP copolymers and/or derivatives, and/or inorganic carbonates.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for producing and grinding cement. The method makes use of combining an additive with one or more components selected from a list of gypsum, hemihydrate, anhydrite, calcium sulfate to form a mixture then blending the mixture with clinker, and finally grinding the mixture and clinker to form cement. By adding the additives before grinding the amount of water and energy needed for mixing is reduced.

Abstract: A disinfecting shower cleaner composition including a medium-chain fatty acid coupled with a nonionic surfactant providing temperature stable antimicrobial compositions. The invention specifically relates to antimicrobial compositions including fatty acid antimicrobial agents coupled with an ethoxylated amine and methods of using the antimicrobial compositions.

Abstract: An alkaline detergent is described which includes the use of a copolymer in combination with an alkali metal hydroxide. The detergent maintains cleaning functions and also prevents hard water scaling, for example at application temperatures of between 145-180 degrees Fahrenheit and with a pH of 9.5 to about 13.

Abstract: A composition and method of eliminating pests combines water and a solid form of sodium lauryl sulfate to form a pesticide composition effective to cause mortality in pests. The composition is applied to the indoor structure in an area which the pests inhabit. The sodium lauryl sulfate can be in needle form, pellet form or powder form and constitutes between about 1% and about 10% by weight of the pesticide composition. The composition may be applied to an area inhabited by cockroaches, including, but not limited to, in crevices, cracks, corners, wall and floor junctures or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas of a structure.