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: 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: A process for improving the flow rate of an aqueous dispersion which comprises adding a natural polymer to said aqueous system and then adding a synthetic polymer to the aqueous system.

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: 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.

Abstract: The present invention is related to surfactant-based formulations comprising the polyelectrolytes and blends of such polyelectrolytes with non-cellulosic cationic polysaccharide polymers wherein the surfactant is a phosphate ester. The surfactant-based formulations exhibit improved clarity of the resulting formulations, their improved conditioning of keratin substrates, textile substrates, and hard-surface substrates, their improved deposition of dispersed phase materials onto keratin substrates, textile substrates, and hard-surface substrates, their improved lather performance, and their improved rheology in applications such as personal care and household care products and textile applications.

Abstract: Compositions comprising sun-care actives and self adapting polymers are disclosed. Self adapting polymers align themselves with the hydrophilic group pointing to the surface during application thus delivering an aesthetically pleasing surface to the consumers with a pleasant after feel. These polymers then rearrange upon contact with water so that the hydrophobic groups now point to the surface which then increases the water resistance of the formulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for dispersing a dry cellulose ether powder in an aqueous solution without forming lumps using powder handling and mixing devices. The cellulose ethers can be cross-linked with an aldehyde cross-linker. An acid or partially neutralized acid is used to improve the solubility.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting resinous and sticky substances from filling or forming deposits on or within papermaking forming wire, by applying to said wire an effective inhibiting amount of a composition comprising at least one cationic agent selected from the group consisting of (a) cationic polyureas, (b) hydrophobically modified cationic polymers, (c) alkylammonium or/and alkylimidazolium salts, and optionally at least one nonionic amphiphilic copolymer selected from (i) hydrophobically modified polyethylene glycols], (ii) hydrophobically modified cellulose ethers, (iii) copolymers of vinyl alcohol and vinyl alkonate, (iv) polyoxyalkylene block copolymers, and (v) hydrophilically modified polydimethylsiloxanes.

Abstract: Methods for making a heterogeneous polymer blend comprising one or more anionic polymers, one or more cationic polymers, and one or more non-ionic polymers, which method comprises (a) adding to a non-neutral solution a first amount of polymerization initiator and one or more anionic or cationic monomers, wherein each monomer has the same charge; (b) a second amount of the polymerization initiator and one or more non-ionic monomers; (c) adding a third amount of the polymerization initiator and one or more ionic monomers that are oppositely charged from the monomers of (a); adding stepwise, a fourth amount of the polymerization initiator to react any residual monomer, and (e) neutralizing the resulting polymer blend. Also claimed are heterogeneous polymer blends containing polymers formed from one or more anionic, cationic, and non-ionic monomers, either polymerized in situ or separately and then combined.

Abstract: Vinylamine-containing polymers are disclosed where the amine groups are substituted with cationic functional groups. Processes for preparing such polymers, as well as compositions comprising such polymers are also disclosed. 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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are hydrophobically-modified poly(aminoamides) useful as fixative detackifiers for stickies and pitch control in papermaking processes. These polymers are prepared via modification of amine-containing water-soluble poly(aminoamides) with reactive functional group-containing hydrophobic compounds. In particular, poly(aminoamides) may be modified, under appropriate reaction conditions, with long chain alkyl glycidyl ether, AKD (alkyl ketene dimer), ASA (alkyl succinyl anhydride), or Quab (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl-N,N,N-dimethylalkyl ammonium chloride). These novel polymers are effective in inhibiting deposition of organic contaminants in pulp and papermaking systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of producing a stable acid denatured soy/urea adhesive having improved wet and dry strengths, with more efficient production and lower production costs. The method comprises combining urea with soy flour that has been acid treated until denatured and substantially free from urease activity. The soy flour is preferably lowered to a pH of 2.0 to 4.0 for at least 1 minute. Optionally, the method may also include adding a crosslinking agent, diluent or both to the soy flour/urea adhesive and/or adding an emulsified or dispersed polymer. Adhesives and dispersions prepared according to the methods of this invention offer increased stability and strength properties.