Abstract: There are described methods and apparatus for assessing foams generated from liquids. Existing methods are slow and labour intensive. The new methods involve generating foams from liquids and optically obtaining information to enable parameters relating to the generated foam to be measured. Although single samples of liquids may be processed the methods are particularly suited to processing multiple samples to obtain data relating to foams at a high rate. The apparatus includes automated handling equipment to enable samples to be moved between workstations and relative to associated optical equipment that is used to obtain information relating to the foams.

Abstract: A particulate metal oxide having a mean length of the primary particles in the range from 50 to 90 nm, the mean width of the primary particles in the range from 5 to 20 nm, and the median volume particle diameter of the secondary particles is less than 45 nm. The metal oxide can be used in a sunscreen product that exhibits both effective UV protection and improved transparency.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I: ##STR1## wherein: R1 is hydrogen or alkyl;R2 is alkyl optionally substituted by one or more alkoxy groups or halogen atoms;X is a group of formula --OR3 wherein R3 is alkyl, cycloalkyl, or arylalkyl; or X is a group of formula --NHCVR4 wherein V is oxygen or sulphur, R4 is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl (which alkyl and cycloalkyl groups may be substituted), alkenyl, aryl, arylalkyl, amino, mono- or di-alkylamino or a group of the formula --OR5 wherein R5 is optionally substituted alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl; or X is a group of formula --NHSO.sub.2 R4a wherein R4a is alkyl, aryl or a group of formula --CH.sub.2 COR4b wherein R4b is alkyl or aryl;Y is optionally substituted alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, arylalkoxy or a group of formula --NR6R7 wherein R6 is hydrogen or alkyl and R7 is alkyl, cycloalkyl (which alkyl and cycloalkyl groups may be substituted), aryl or arylalkyl or R7 is a group of formula --COOR8 wherein R8 is alkyl are useful intermediates in the synthesis of beta-lactam antibiotics.

Abstract: Process for preparing lignocellulosic bodies by bringing lignocellulosic parts into contact with a composition comprising a polyisocyanate, fumed silica and a non-ionic liquid gellant and by pressing this combinations of parts and composition.The adhesion of the parts is excellent and the binder composition can be easily sprayed.

Abstract: A coating composition for a particulate filler comprising an organic oligomer containing a plurality of oxy groups, less than 15% of which are comprised in hydroxy groups, organic oligomer components thereof, fillers coated with the coating compositions, organic polymer matrices filled with a dispersion of the coated filler, and processes for the preparation of the oligomer components, the coating compositions, the coated fillers and the filled matrices, and precursors of the coating compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for coating a surface of a metal I, such as iron, steel, zinc, copper, tin or aluminum with a hydroxy oxime complex of metal II which may be lead of zinc. The complex can be incorporated in a surface coating composition.