Abstract: A synthetic polymer has a water-soluble or water-swellable polyurethane backbone and terminal groups and/or intermediate groups of blocks of hydrophobes of alkyl- or aryl compounds containing a polymerizable cyclic monomer or a polymerizable double bond (or alkene) group or derivatives thereof. The blocks of hydrophobes are composed of two or more units of the same or different hydrophobes. These synthetic polymers are used as rheology modifiers, especially in latex paints.

Abstract: Haloamine biocides are prepared via multi-step processes in an integrated apparatus comprising an electrochemical cell and a mixing chamber, wherein active halogen donor species are electrochemically generated and subsequently reacted with amine-containing compositions to form haloamine biocide. Haloamine biocides prepared according to such processes are used to treat liquids in order to inhibit, reduce, and/or control microorganism growth therein.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the use of glyoxal-free compositions, more particularly, to the use of hydroxyethylcellulose agglomerated with low molecular weight hydroxyethylcellulose in consumer products, in particular, pharmaceutical, personal care (excluding oral care compositions), as well as household care applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining liquid phase turbidity of multiphase wastewater. A turbidity sensor is provided with multiphase wastewater, such as by placement of the sensor in a reaction chamber, and generates a signal in response to a detected turbidity of the wastewater. The generated signal is sampled to produce a plurality of signal samples. The samples are compared to a threshold, and a turbidity of the wastewater is determined based on samples falling within the threshold. The threshold may be determined based on a statistical analysis of the plurality of samples, or may be set to a predetermined value. The wastewater may be provided by placing the turbidity sensor in a flocculation chamber, and a control signal generated based on the determined turbidity of the wastewater. This control signal may be used to adjust the amount of a chemical, such as a coagulant, introduced into the wastewater.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates generally to a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) system for use in ready-mix joint compounds. More specifically, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates to a non-uniformly substituted (“blocky”) CMC system for use as an efficient thickener and rheology modifier for ready-mix joint compounds and the use of a reduced amount of clay for improving the joint compounds.

Abstract: A process is described for producing fermentable sugars derivable from biomass that contains polysaccharide, such as cellulose, made increasingly accessible as a substrate for enzymatic degradation or other methods of depolymerization. These fermentable sugars are subsequently able to be fermented to produce various target chemicals, such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones or acids.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-uniformly substituted (“blocky”) hydroxyethylcelluloses (HECs) and derivatives thereof that exhibit associative behavior in both neat solutions and in filled systems. The HECs and derivatives thereof exhibit unique and highly desirable rheology and are more efficient in thickening aqueous systems than prior art HEC products. These blocky HECs can be distinguished from prior art and commercial HEC products by having an unsubstituted anhydroglucose trimer ratio (U3R) greater than 0.21 and the hydroxyethyl molar substitution greater than about 1.3 and less than about 5. This invention also relates to processes for making blocky HEC and uses thereof in functional systems.

Abstract: Stable, coating compositions useful for enhancing the dry strength of paper are disclosed. The compositions comprise an aqueous solution of nearly neutral polymer, cationic polymer and starch. Method of using the coating composition to improve the dry strength of paper is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stable aqueous slurry composition comprising clay or clay-like material, hydrophobically associative polymer, and optionally a surfactant; and a method of inhibiting the deposition of organic contaminants in pulp and papermaking applications.

Abstract: This technology relates to a method of sizing paper through the use of an aqueous solution of ketene dimer and vinylamine-containing polymers. It also relates to the stability of the ketene dimer/polyvinylamine solution.

Abstract: A joint compound with improved crack resistance is formed by combining water, a filler such as calcium carbonate, a latex emulsion binder, a thickening system such as methylhydroxyethyl cellulose, and nanocrystalline cellulose. The nanocrystalline cellulose is provided in an amount effective to reduce the crack formation during drying.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of a stable, pH self-adjusting, solid biocidal mixture and also relates to the use of the biocidal mixture in preventing or inhibiting the growth of living organisms in liquids.

Abstract: Aqueous multiphase compositions are stabilized using a blend of cellulose ether and nanocrystalline cellulose. The multiphase compositions can include particulates dispersed in water, oil in water emulsions, foams, and combinations of these systems. The blend can be used to stabilize aqueous paint systems, personal care products such as shampoos and detergents formed as oil in water emulsions, and foaming products such as detergents, shampoos, other personal care products and edible compositions such as whip cream substitutes. Further, this blend can reduce or eliminate the need for surfactants in many of these multiphase compositions.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of paper with enhanced dry strength comprising adding to the wet end of a paper machine, (a) a glyoxalated acrylamide-containing polymer and (b) a cationic aqueous dispersion polymer. Guidelines for the properties of the polymers that make this coadditive system effective are established. Polymer properties discussed include molecular weight, cationic charge, polymer composition and functionalization, and relative additive amounts.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel, stable bi-molecular cationic inverse emulsion polymers (W/O) with both different molecular weights and cationic activities that are assembled via an “in situ” emulsion polymerization of a high molecular weight cationic polymer in the presence of a low molecular weight polymer in the aqueous phase. The low molecular cationic polymer is produced in a pre-polymerization in solution. The novel, stable cationic water-in-oil emulsion is easy invertible and useful as flocculant, dewatering aid and retention aid in papermaking.

Abstract: A stable paper sizing composition comprising a dispersion of ketene dimer and a pH adjusted vinylamine containing polymer is disclosed. The method of preparing the stable sizing composition and the method of using the stable sizing composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention involves a cross-linked carboxylic acid hydrophobically modified copolymer product in which cross-linked carboxylic acid is modified with a non-hydrocarbyl hydrophobe, namely, poly(dimethyl siloxane) or fluoronated alkyl methacrylates.

Abstract: Synergistic mixtures of haloamines and their use to control the growth of microorganisms in aqueous systems are disclosed. The method of using the synergistic mixtures entails adding an effective amount of a monohaloamine and an effective amount of a dihaloamine to an aqueous system. The ratio of monohaloamine to dihaloamine is selected to result in a synergistic biocidal effect.

Abstract: A process for producing an acylated vinylamine-containing polymer is disclosed. The acylated vinylamine-containing polymer is produced by reacting a vinylamine-containing polymer with at least one acylating agent.

Abstract: Vinylamine-containing polymers are disclosed where the amine groups are substituted with (1) cationic functional groups, (2) anionic functional groups, (3) hydrophobic functional groups, (4) hydrophilic functional groups, (5) functional groups that impart amphoteric characteristics to the polymers, or (6) combinations thereof. Also disclosed are processes for preparing such polymers, as well as compositions comprising such polymers. Among other applications, these polymers can be used in papermaking applications as dry strength additives, wet strength additives, retention aids, drainage aids, and pitch and stickies control agents.