Abstract: A ring-opening metathesis polymerisation (ROMP) reaction is disclosed in which a cyclic alkene compound is subjected to ROMP using a transition metal ROMP catalyst which has an alkyl moiety which is connected to the metal centre thereof through a double bond. The process includes the step of adding sufficient of an acyclic alkene having a carbon-carbon double bond capable of reacting with the catalytic metal moieties attached to the living end of each of the polymer chains generated in the ROMP reaction to end cap the polymer chains and to generate a stable olefin metathesis catalyst.

Abstract: A water-in-silicone oil emulsion contains (i) in the range from 0.1 to 25% by weight of particles of metal oxide having a median particle volume diameter in dispersion in the range from 18 to 32 nm, (ii) 5 to 60% by weight of silicone oil, and (iii) greater than 20% by weight of water. The metal oxide particles are preferably incorporated into the emulsion in the form of an aqueous dispersion. The emulsion exhibits good skin feel, effective UV protection, stability and improved transparency.

Abstract: A novel ashless polymeric dispersant is claimed which is suitable for use in an automotive lubricant composition. The ashless polymeric dispersant has a number average molecular weight of between 200 and 15,000 and derived from the reaction of a polar head group, which comprises a polar moiety having more than one amine, alcohol, acid or halogen functionality with two or more polar tail groups where each polar tail group comprises a polymeric backbone of 2 to 30 monomeric repeat units, each repeat unit comprising a hydrocarbon chain functionalised by the presence of at least one electronegative element or moiety. The dispersant has good dispersancy properties, when used as a sole dispersant or in combination with other dispersants. It provides enhanced seal resistance and has good oxidative stability in automotive applications as compared to current commercial products.

Abstract: A protective crosslinkable coating composition comprising modified epoxy resin and crosslinker the modified epoxy resin being the reaction product, by weight, of i) from 80 to 99.9 parts of di-epoxy resin of epoxy equivalent weight from 500 to 5000 and formed from the reaction of bis phenol A diglycidyl ether and bis phenol A and ii) from 0.1 to 20 parts of reactive material characterised in that a) the di-epoxy resin contains minor amounts of resin components of molecular weight less than 1000 Daltons, and the reactive material comprises b) mono-functional organic material of molecular weight at: least 100 Daltons having one moiety capable of reacting with the epoxy moieties of the di-epoxy resin and c) dicarboxylic acid of molecular weight less than 300 Daltons having two moieties capable of reacting with the epoxy moieties of the di-epoxy resin.

Abstract: A method for the production of a laminated composite mat is disclosed. The method involves impregnating a fibre mass with a liquid binder system and subjecting the so-obtained impregnated fibre mass to a drying step while the impregnated fibre mass is deposited as a layer on one side of a performed sheet incorporating an intumescent material so as to, at least, substantially remove the carrier liquid.

Abstract: There are described methods and apparatus for assessing sediments generated in liquid-based systems. The methods involve optically obtaining information to enable height and, thus, volume data relating to sediments to be measured. Although single samples of liquid-based systems may be processed the methods are particularly suited to processing multiple samples to obtain data relating to sediments 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 sediments.

Abstract: An autoxidisable architectural coating composition suitable for application to surfaces found in and around buildings at ambient temperatures and in natural daylight by unsophisticated users having no respiratory protection wherein surface autoxidation of the composition is promoted by a combination of low concentrations of metal ions (especially manganese or vanadium) and at least one photoinitiator. The composition avoids the need to use more than trace amounts cobalt ions which are rumoured to be carcinogenic yet achieves adequately fast rates of autoxidation. Preferably the use of cobalt is avoided altogether. The use of the low concentrations of the other metal ions reduces discolouration of the compositions often to levels below what is achieved using conventional cobalt promoters. It also improves gloss. Also a modification in which surface autoxidation is promoted by a combination of a photoinitiator and trace amounts of cobalt ions in the absence of other surface autoxidation promoting metal ions.

Abstract: Novel particulate materials that have been made by a spray process have at least 80% of particles of the same morphology. The particulate materials also have a mono-dispersivity index of not more than 1.2. In preferred particulate materials, the particles have at least two components, a first component being a matrix material and a second component being an active ingredient retained by said first component. Methods of making such particulate materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dispersion contains particles of metal oxide dispersed in a siloxane fluid and a dispersing agent which is a polysiloxane wherein (i) the polysiloxane contains in the range from 0.1 to 3 carboxyl groups, and (ii) the ratio of non-carboxyl group containing monomer units to carboxyl group containing monomer units in the polysiloxane is in the range from 40 to 150:1. The dispersion is particularly suitable for use as an ingredient in sunscreening cosmetics.

Abstract: A compound of the formula R1. [(AO)n.—R2]m (I) where: R1 is the residue of a group having at least m active hydrogen atoms; AO is an alkylene oxide residue; each n is independently from 1 to 100; m is at least 2; and each R2 is independently H, a C1 to C2, hydrocarbyl, or an acyl group —OC.R3, where R3 is a C1 to C21 hydrocarbyl group, wherein on average greater than one of the R2 groups is or comprises a C4 to C21 hydrocarbyl group comprising at least two ethylenic double bonds. The compounds are particularly suitable for use in preparing aqueous emulsions or dispersions of resins and polymers, especially alkyd resins.

Abstract: An automotive engine oil comprising a base oil and an antiwear additive system comprising an ester. The antiwear additive system preferably further comprises a phosphorus-containing and/or sulphur-containing antiwear additive. The antiwear additive system of the invention has superior antiwear properties and also reduced metal, phosphorus and sulphur levels compared to current commercial antiwear agents such as ZDDP.

Abstract: A column stabilising grid (1) is described for use in constructing stable columns of stacked objects, such as containers of paint. The grid (1) has a perimeter wall (2) bounding a number of locating cells (3) defined by walls (6) and (7) extending from a floor (4). Primary locating walls (6) are dimensioned to receive the base of a larger object and to resist lateral movement thereof. Secondary locating walls (7), each encompassed by a primary locating wall (6), are dimensioned to receive the base of a second, smaller object and to resist lateral movement thereof. The secondary locating walls (7) are eccentrically located within the primary locating walls (6). Stop means (10) and (11) depend from the underside of the grid (1). In use, a column is constructed by placing a grid (1) between adjacent layers of objects in a stack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial throat for simulating aroma release comprising—a tube (1) having an inlet (2) and an outlet (3) and having an upper portion (4), a middle portion (5) and a lower portion (6);—a sample supply system (12) debouching at the upper portion of the tube;—an inlet closure (9) for closing and opening the inlet;—an outlet closure (10) for closing and opening the outlet;—a gas ventilation system (13) debauching at the lower portion of the tube for providing a gas flow, such as an air flow, through the tube. The invention also relates to an assembly for simulating and analyzing aroma release comprising an artificial throat and an analyzing apparatus, such as a mass-spectrometer. Furthermore the invention relates to a method for simulating and analyzing aroma release by means of an artificial throat. Aroma release according to the invention means the release of volatile compounds from substances such as food and drinks, which compounds are transported by means o a gas flow.

Abstract: Ethylenically unsaturated, particularly acrylic, monomers are polymerised using a catalyst system including a manganese carbonyl initiator, an organic halogen reactive substrate and an allylic halide chain termination agent. Desirably the manganese carbonyl initiator is a dimanganese compound, particularly dimanganese decacarbonyl (Mn2(CO)10). The catalysis mechanism appears to involve initiator homolysis, abstraction of halogen from the reactive substrate forming an organic free radical which acts as a chain initiator for polymerisation and eventual reaction of the propagating chain radical with the chain terminating agent. The speed or extent of reaction may be modified by the inclusion of Lewis acids in the reaction mixture. The resulting polymers are telechelic and may have different end groups. The polymers can be reacted further to functionalise them and/or to form block copolymers.

Abstract: A lubricant composition for use in a rotary vane compressor has a base oil component that comprises an alkylbenzene as a major component thereof and a polyol ester as a minor component thereof. In particular, the base oil component comprises at least 55% by weight of alkylbenzene and at most 45% by weight of a polyol ester, more preferably between 55% and 75% by weight of alkylbenzene and between 45% and 25% by weight of polyol ester and, especially, between 60% and 75% by weight of alkyl benzene and between 45% and 25% by weight of polyol ester.

Abstract: A receiver medium for inkjet printing includes a porous substrate, having on at least one surface thereof a porous ink-absorbent coating having a colloidal particulate material, a water-insoluble liner binder polymer, and optionally a film forming polymer dispersion. On printing, the medium rapidly absorbs ink to give a touch-dry surface. The receiver medium can also have a satin finish surface. Also disclosed is a method of making the receiver medium.

Abstract: Lubricant compositions for use in automotive engine oils comprising a combination of a specific base stock or mixture of base stocks and a friction reducing additive to improve fuel economy and fuel economy longevity of the automotive engine oil. The friction reducing additive is a specific partial polyol ester and may also include a specific saturated primary amide.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for testing a material are described. The testing involves providing a material across a region of a support member which is arranged to define an opening and moving a force applying means relative to the material to apply a force to said material. The force applying means moves towards, passes into and/or passes through the opening prior to, during or after applying the force to the material.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula: R1R2N—CH2—CHO[(AO)m1R4]—CH2—OR3 where R1 is alkoxylated polyhydroxy hydrocarbyl; R2 is as defined for R1, or hydrocarbyl, particularly alkyl or alkoxyalkyl, alkoxylated hydroxyalkyl, or a group: —CH2—CHO[(AO)mlR4]—CH2—OR3; R3 is hydrocarbyl; AO is alkyleneoxy; ml is from 0 to 50; such that the average total number of alkyleneoxy groups in the molecule is from 3 to 50; and R4 is hydrogen, or alkyl, are useful as agrochemical adjuvants. The agrochemical can be a plant growth regulator, herbicide, and/or pesticide, for example insecticide, fungicide, acaricide, nematocide, miticide, rodenticide, bactericide, molluscicide and/or bird repellent. Particularly useful formulations include water soluble herbicide(s), particularly such as glyphosate, glufosinate and paraquat.

Abstract: Drilling, completing or workover of a well, particularly an oil and/or gas well, is carried out using a fluid which includes a continuous phase including an ester of the formula (I): (R2)p-Ph-(CH2)m—COO-(AO)n-R1 where R1, AO, n, m, Ph, R2 and p have defined meanings and particularly where the esters are alkyl or alkenyl benzoate esters. These esters are beneficial by having a range of viscosities, especially extending to low viscosities, and attractive toxicological and environmental profiles for use in drilling, completion and/or workover of wells.