Abstract: An ultrahigh molecular weight polymer, such as ultrahigh molecular weight polyisobutylene, is used as an additive to enhance the coating properties of a solvent. The polyisobutylene has a molecular weight of at least 2.5-3.0 million daltons, preferably greater than about 6 daltons, and is provided in a preferred concentration of 0.05 to 0.3%. The solvent can be a medicinal grade mineral oil. Other suitable solvents include hydrocarbon oil and low viscosity, synthetic compositions. In all cases, the coating properties of the solvent are greatly enhanced by the addition of ultrahigh molecular weight polyisobutylene. In another aspect of the invention, ultrahigh molecular weight polyisobutylene is used as an additive to enhance the viscoelasticity of a mineral oil based sunscreen formulation. In still another aspect of the invention, the fibers of a fabric material are coated with an ultrahigh molecular weight polymer to greatly strengthen the fabric.

Abstract: A method and composition for improving the mechanical efficiency of a engine is provided. Ultra-high molecular weight polyisobutylene (PIB) added to the fuel changes the momentary mechanical properties of the fuel during induction. The additive provides a more uniform spray droplet size, increases the extensional viscosity of the fuel, and adapts other physical properties, under induction conditions.

Abstract: Chemically reactive liquids such as catalyzed monomers and prepolymers are mixed with finely divided solids to form a homogeneous blend by chilling the liquid to a temperature below its solidification point, forming it into finely divided solidly frozen particulates, chilling the finely divided solids to a temperature below the solidification temperature of the reactive liquid and mixing the materials together without allowing the temperature to rise to the liquid solidification point. The admixture may then be formed into a permanent shape by warming to a temperature whereat the frozen liquid melts and the liquid is caused to react.

Abstract: Solid particles of microscopic size are mixed in a nitrogen atmosphere at conditions of pressure and temperature such that at least a monolayer of nitrogen molecules is adsorbed on the particle surfaces but at conditions at which liquid nitrogen cannot exist in the mixture.

Abstract: A dual drum skimmer is provided for the removal and recovery of oil floating on water. The skimmer includes two oil pick-up drums arranged along a common axis which pick up oil and deposit it in a collection trough. Oil deposited in the collection trough is directed to a reservoir trough arranged on the opposite side of the drums from the collection trough. The drums are formed as hollow, closed cylinders and, together with the reservoir trough, provide the total buoyancy necessary to float the skimmer. The skimmer is particularly effective in shallow and in trash laden water and can operate in water depths of as little as three inches.

Abstract: The oxidizer and fuel components of propellant and explosive charges are bound within a polymer matrix to form a structurally sound composite shape of uniform consistency by comminuting and admixing the polymer and oxidizer and fuel components at cryogenic temperatures, compacting the mixture into a desired shape and warming the shaped compact to at least ambient temperatures. In one preferred embodiment, propellant charges for rockets and munitions and the like are fabricated by pressing or extruding a polymer-oxidizer-fuel mixture into selected shapes.

Abstract: A mixture of unlike particulate solids is dispersed in liquid nitrogen to form a slurry. The slurry is then subjected to shear and impact forces of sufficient intensity and duration to break up agglomerates, to comminute at least the larger particles, and to obtain a randomly mixed homogeneous suspension. The suspension is thereafter stabilized by removal of liquid nitrogen to form a past or powder which may be further processed into shapes by extrusion or molding. One preferred embodiment utilizes a batch-to-continuous process for the compounding of rubber with carbon black and other additives.

Abstract: Dispersions of oil and similar liquids in water are clarified with separation of the oil and water phases by mixing the dispersion with a polymer dissolved in an oil miscible solvent in a manner such that contact between the polymer solution and dispersed oil droplets is achieved. The polymer must be soluble in the oil and must have a molecular weight sufficiently high to impart viscoelasticity to the resulting solution of polymer in solvent and oil. Thereafter, the oil and water phases are readily separated by settling and decantation, or by enhanced phase separation techniques such as centrifugation.

Abstract: A particulate, free-flowing and rapid dissolving polymer composition is prepared by comminuting a high molecular weight thermoplastic or viscoelastic polymer at a temperature below its glass transition temperature while maintaining the polymer in an inert environment. A finely divided, solid coating agent is mingled with the comminuted polymer while maintaining the polymer particles in a cold and inert atmosphere. The particles of coating agent form a protective shell around each polymer particle by tumble mixing the components while raising the temperature of the mixture. The polymer composition finds use as a drag reducing agent; as an anti-misting agent; to enhance the efficiency of oil skimming processes and devices; and for the preparation of polymer solutions for other uses.

Abstract: A particulate, free-flowing and rapid dissolving polymer composition is prepared by comminuting a high molecular weight thermoplastic or viscoelastic polymer at a temperature below its glass transition temperature while maintaining the polymer in an inert environment. A finely divided, solid coating agent is mingled with the comminuted polymer while maintaining the polymer particles in a cold and inert atmosphere. The particles of coating agent form a protective shell around each polymer particle by tumble mixing the components while raising the temperature of the mixture. The polymer composition finds use as a drag reducing agent; as an anti-misting agent; to enhance the efficiency of oil skimming processes and devices; and for the preparation of polymer solutions for other uses.

Abstract: A particulate, free-flowing and rapid dissolving polymer composition is prepared by comminuting a high molecular weight thermoplastic or viscoelastic polymer at a temperature below its glass transition temperature while maintaining the polymer in an inert environment. A finely divided, solid coating agent is mingled with the comminuted polymer while maintaining the polymer particles in a cold and inert atmosphere. The particles of coating agent form a protective shell around each polymer particle by tumble mixing the components while raising the temperature of the mixture. The polymer composition finds use as a drag reducing agent; as an anti-misting agent; to enhance the efficiency of oil skimming processes and devices; and for the preparation of polymer solutions for other uses.

Abstract: A method for separating liquids, particularly hydrocarbons from water, whereby a small amount of a high molecular weight polymer is dissolved in the hydrocarbon to render it viscoelastic. A hydrocarbon layer is then mechanically removed from the water in a manner which causes rapid stretching of the hydrocarbon with attendant development of elastic properties in the hydrocarbon layer. The polymer may be applied to the surface of the hydrocarbon as droplets of a relatively concentrated polymer solution or as solid particulates having a polymer core covered by a powdered solid material which is non-reactive toward the polymer.

Abstract: A particulate, free-flowing and rapid dissolving polymer composition is prepared by comminuting a high molecular weight thermoplastic or viscoelastic polymer at a temperature below its glass transition temperature while maintaining the polymer in an inert environment. A finely divided, solid coating agent is mingled with the comminuted polymer while maintaining the polymer particles in a cold and inert atmosphere. The particles of coating agent form a protective shell around each polymer particle by tumble mixing the components while raising the temperature of the mixture. The polymer composition finds use as a drag reducing agent; as an anti-misting agent; to enhance the efficiency of oil skimming processes and devices; and for the preparation of polymer solutions for other uses.

Abstract: Soluble polymers are fractionated according to molecular weight by cryogenically comminuting the polymer and introducing the polymer particles, while still in the active state induced by cryogenic grinding, into a liquid having a solvent power selected to produce a coacervate fraction containing high molecular weight polymer species and a dilute polymer solution containing lower molecular weight polymer species. The coacervate may be physically separated from the solution and finds use in the production of antimisting jet fuels and the like.

Abstract: High molecular weight, water soluble polymers are dissolved to form liquid solutions at relatively low polymer concentrations and solid, water-plasticized composites at higher polymer concentrations by admixing finely divided polymer particles with ice particles at temperatures below, and preferably far below, the freezing point of water. The admixture is then allowed to warm causing the ice to melt and the polymer to dissolve in the water.

Abstract: Chemically reactive liquids such as catalyzed monomers and prepolymers are mixed with finely divided solids to form a homogeneous blend by chilling the liquid to a temperature below its solidification point, forming it into finely divided solidly frozen particulates, chilling the finely divided solids to a temperature below the solidification temperature of the reactive liquid and mixing the materials together without allowing the temperature to rise to the liquid solidification point. The admixture may then be formed into a permanent shape by warming to a temperature whereat the frozen liquid melts and the liquid is caused to react.

Abstract: Particles of two different normally solid materials are caused to react by generating free radicals on the surfaces of at least one of the solids by mechanical working, suitably by comminution, at cryogenic temperatures. At least one of the solids is preferably a polymeric material while the other may be a different polymer, a catalyst, a lubricity enhancing material, a filler, a pigment or the like.

Abstract: Spilled liquid hydrocarbon products ranging from crude oil to refined fractions and discrete compounds are converted from a liquid to a gel or to a semi-solid or solid state by contacting a liquid petroleum product with a slurry of cryogenically comminuted polymer particles in a liquified refrigerant gas. The technique is particularly appropriate for control of oil spills in a water environment wherein the oil is either floating on or dispersed in water. Contact of the polymer particles with liquid hydrocarbons results in virtually instantaneous solvation of the polymer in the hydrocarbon to produce a cohesive gel or a semi-solid to solid material at a polymer concentration ranging generally from about 0.2% to 1% for gel formation and from about 1% to 30% for formation of a semi-solid to solid material based on hydrocarbon weight.

Abstract: Toxic liquids, especially halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, are immobilized within a container by dispersing cryogenically comminuted polymer particles in a surface active state throughout the liquid. The polymer is injected into a container holding the toxic liquid as a slurry of particles in a cryogenic refrigerant. Use of a heat, shear or radiation degradable polymer as the immobilizing agent allows the solidified liquid to be returned to a fluid state for later disposal by incineration.

Abstract: This invention provides a technique for extremely rapid dissolution, or dispersion on essentially the molecular level, of certain polymeric materials in compatible liquid vehicles. The polymeric materials are comminuted at cryogenic temperatures and are then introduced into a liquid vehicle preferably while still at or near cryogenic temperature. At low concentrations, the resulting blend or system displays reduced friction to flow while high concentrations may be used to immobilize the liquid vehicle and/or reduce its vapor pressure.