Abstract: A novel aqueous release agent is described, which contains as release-active subtances oil and/or wax emulsified in water as the carrier and which also contains as a further release-active substance one or more aliphatic primary, secondary and/or tertiary amines with at least one C.sub.12 -C.sub.24 alkyl radical and one or more ammonium salts as the emulsifier for the amine or amines. The invention is based on the surprising finding that hydrophobic amines (so-called fatty amines) are release-active substances. It has also surprisingly been found according to the invention that when using ammonium salts as the emulsifier, mould removal characteristics are not only impaired, but often even improved, which is not the case with conventional emulsifiers. The release agent according to the invention is particularly suitable in processes for producing polyurethane foam articles.

Abstract: A process for producing polyurethane foam articles is described, in which the article is produced in the conventional manner by foaming in a mould and a release agent is applied to the mould surface prior to filling with the foam-producing components. According to the invention, a solvent-free, aqueous release agent is used in combination with one or more alkali metal and/or ammonium salts of higher fatty acids and one or more higher alcohols and the combination is applied in the hot state, preferably at a temperature of at least 75.degree. C. to the mould surface. In addition, an additive is described, which is suitable for performing the process according to the invention and contains one or more alkali metal and/or ammonium salts of higher fatty acids, one or more higher alcohols and otherwise water.

Abstract: A composition killing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms is described and which contains a mixture of 4,5-dichloro-1,2-dithiol-3-one and dibromonitrilopropionamide. The combination leads to a marked synergistic action of the two active substance components in the control of microorganisms. The composition is suitable for use in a large number of industrial systems.