Abstract: The invention relates to a deformable, electrically conductive ink or paint. When the ink or paint is applied to a substrate in the form of a particular pattern, this pattern will also be electrically conductive after deformation. The invention also relates to the use of a deformable, electrically conductive ink or paint for providing an electromagnetic shielding layer or a functionally conductive path.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to precipitation polymerization processes for the manufacture of essentially non-crosslinked polymers prepared from N-vinyl acetamide monomer which exhibit reduced levels of residual non-polymerizable contaminants, particularly residual acetamide, the processes including the steps of contacting the N-vinyl acetamide monomer with a polymerization medium containing a diluent selected from ethyl acetate and acetone and a free-radical initiator, under conditions effective to polymerize the N-vinyl acetamide monomer, thereby forming a precipitate of the polymer in the polymerization medium; and isolating the precipitated polymer from the polymerization medium.

Abstract: A method to prevent the backstaining of denim during a stonewashing process comprising treating the denim with a solution or dispersion of a hydrophobically modified polymer having a hydrophilic backbone and at least one hydrophobic moiety, wherein said hydrophilic backbone is prepared from at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated hydrophilic monomer selected from the group consisting of amide, ether, alcohol, aldehyde, anhydride, ketone and ester; polymerizable hydrophilic cyclic monomer; non-ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable hydrophilic monomer which is selected from the group consisting of glycerol and other polyhydric alcohols; and combinations thereof, wherein said hydrophilic backbone is optionally substituted with one or more amino, amine, amide, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphonate, hydroxy, carboxyl or oxide groups; wherein said hydrophobic moiety is prepared from at least one hydrophobic monomer or a chain transfer agent, said hydrophobic monomer is selec

Abstract: This invention is directed to degraded, hydrated particulate starches that are hydrophobically modified and a method of providing paper with reduced porosity, resistance to liquid penetration and increased surface strength comprising applying to the surface of a paper substrate an effective amount of a surface sizing composition which comprises such starch. In particular, the starches are those in which the starch base is degraded to a water fluidity (WF) of from about 10 to 80 or the modified and/or particulate starch is degraded using a substantially equivalent amount of degradation agent and substantially the same reaction conditions, the starch is modified with a hydrophobic hydrocarbon group of 5 to 23 carbon atoms at about 1 to 20% substitution level by weight of bound hydrophobe based on the weight of starch, and the hydrated starch has a volume average hydrated particle size of at least about 20 microns and a volume fraction of hydrated particles at 1% solids of at least about 5%.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating a material to impart wrinkle reduction and temporary crease resistance thereto, and improve feel. The method involves: applying to said material a solution of a treatment composition in an amount effective to impart temporary crease and stain resistance, said fabric treatment composition comprising a hydroxy urea or hydroxy amide compound; and allowing said treatment composition to dry at ambient temperature, wherein said hydroxy urea compound comprises one urea and at least one hydroxyl group and said hydroxy amide compound comprises at least one amide group and at least one hydroxyl group. The material treatment is useful in reducing wrinkles in clothing, improving the feel of fabrics, and increasing the moisture adsorbence and retention in natural and synthetic fabrics.

Abstract: A powder detergent composition which is effective for removing and dispersing organic non-polar and polar soils from fabrics in wash liquors. The powder detergent composition comprises a polymer having a hydrophilic backbone and at least one hydrophobic moiety. The hydrophilic backbone is prepared from a monomer selected from ethylenically unsaturated hydrophilic monomers, polymerizable hydrophilic cyclic monomers, and non-ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable hydrophilic monomers selected from glycerol and other polyhydric alcohols. The hydrophobic moiety is prepared from a monomer selected from siloxanes, saturated or unsaturated alkyl and hydrophobic alkoxygroups, aryl and aryl-alkyl groups. The polymers also boost the cleaning performance of hard surface and dishware detergent compositions.

Abstract: Solvent-based processes for producing latent curing catalysts without causing an extreme exotherm. The process of the present invention includes combining an amine compound curing agent with a solvent, heating the mixture, adding an epoxy/solvent mixture via slow addition, removing the solvent and then heating the remaining composition. Following the heating, a phenolic resin is added to produce the final catalyst. The final catalyst comprises an amine compound, an epoxy, phenolic resin and a solvent. Catalysts having differing properties may be produced by varying the elements of the catalyst.

Abstract: Selectively cross-linked starches are disclosed that are useful as fluid loss control additives in subterranean treatment fluids comprising starches that cross-linked to a Brabender peak viscosity of about 800 to about 1250 Brabender units after about 40 to about 70 minutes at about 92° C. and provide good fluid loss control over a temperature range of from about 20° C. to about 160° C. (68° F. to 320° F.).

Abstract: Compositions, particularly foodstuffs, were thickened by the inclusion of an effective amount of a stabilized waxy potato starch, particularly a stabilized, crosslinked waxy potato starch, more particularly a hydroxypropylated waxy potato distarch phosphate. Compositions which include the starch may be thickened using less starch than if other starches were used. Foodstuffs prepared using the starch were improved in that they have better flavor, texture, and appearance.

Abstract: Provides high vinyl, radial multi-block styrene-butadiene-styrene-containing hot melt adhesive compositions that are radiation-curable to yield pressure-sensitive adhesive films with improved peel adhesion and cohesive strength, especially at elevated temperatures. These pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes are ideally suited for tape and label applications requiring good cohesive strength at elevated temperatures and yet are readily removed from painted or other surfaces leaving no adhesive residue.

Abstract: This invention relates to solvent-free moisture curable one-part hot melt polyurethane adhesive or sealant compositions which are solid at room temperature. In one embodiment, the polyurethane adhesive or sealant composition comprises in percentages by weight (a) from about 20% to about 75% of a urethane prepolymer; (b) from about 1% to about 66% of a reactive, hydroxyl containing, or a nonreactive polymer formed from ethylenically unsaturated monomers; and (c) from about 20% to about 75% of a thermoplastic resin. In another embodiment, the polyurethane adhesive or sealant composition comprises, in percentages by weight of the polyurethane composition (a) from about 10% to about 90% of a urethane prepolymer; and (b) from about 5% to about 90% of a thermoplastic resin which is an ethylene vinylacetate/ethylene acrylate terpolymer.

Abstract: A thickened aqueous fabric softener composition comprising at least one surfactant and a polymeric rheology modifier, wherein said polymeric rheology modifier is the polymerization product of (i) an alkyl ester of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid; (ii) a monomer selected from the group consisting of a vinyl-substituted heterocyclic compound containing at least one nitrogen or sulfur atom, (meth)acrylamide, a mono- or di-alkylamino alkyl(meth)acrylate, and a mono or di-alkylamino alkyl(meth)acrylamide; and (iii) an associative monomer. The polymeric rheology modifier does not require a make down step to slurry or disperse it into a fabric softener composition. The thickened fabric softener compositions do not affect rewettability, nor do they build up on cloth in multi-cycle washing. In addition, the thickened fabric softener compositions provide softening and reduce the formation of wrinkles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for applying an aqueous polymer dispersion to a substrate involving forming a viscosity of from 10 to 5,000 m·Pas, and applying the dispersion to a substrate at a pressure of from 100 to 1500 psi. The method is useful with porous substrates, and especially in non-woven materials. The process provides a precise means of coating a polymer dispersion on the surface of a substrate, or with controlled penetration into the substrate.

Abstract: An isotropic liquid detergent composition comprising at least one surfactant and from about 0.1 to about 75 weight percent, based on the total weight of the liquid detergent composition, of a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer having pendant acid functionality and a terminal fragment of a chain transfer agent, wherein the polymer is the polymerization product of a ethylenically unsaturated acid monomer and a C1 to C24 chain transfer agent. Unexpectedly, these polymers are compatible in isotropic liquid detergent formulations. When these polymers are used in a laundering process, they remove soil from textiles, inhibit soil redeposition onto textiles, and function as cobuilders by complexing metal ions present in hard water such as calcium and magnesium which otherwise may complex with the surfactants of a liquid detergent rendering the surfactants water-insoluble.

Abstract: A liquid epoxy-based potting composition has a glass transition temperature equal to or greater than 200° C. and comprises a cyclo-aliphatic epoxy, present in an amount of 50 to 80 parts by weight; a multi-functional aromatic epoxy (having more than two epoxy groups per molecule), present in an amount of 20 to 50 parts by weight; a liquid anhydride, present in an amount of 80 to 150 parts by weight; a basic latent accelerator, present in an amount of 1 to 5 parts by weight; and a filler, present in an amount of 100 to 500 parts by weight.

Abstract: A powder detergent composition which exhibits improved soil suspending properties on organic non-polar and polar soils in wash liquors. The powder detergent comprises a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer having pendant acid functionality and a terminal fragment of a chain transfer agent, wherein the polymer is the polymerization product of a ethylenically unsaturated acid monomer and a C1 to C24 chain transfer agent. The polymers also boost the cleaning performance of hard surface and dishware detergent compositions.

Abstract: Thermally-inhibited starches and flours which are functionally equivalent to chemically-crosslinked starches are prepared by a process which comprises the steps of dehydrating a granular starch or flour to anhydrous or substantially anhydrous (<1% moisture) and heat treating the dehydrated starch or flour for a time and at a temperature sufficient to inhibit the starch, (e.g., 120-180° C. for up to 20 hours). Preferably the pH of the starch is adjusted to neutral or greater (e.g., pH 8-9.5) prior to the dehydration. The dehydration may be a thermal dehydration carried out simultaneously with the heat treatment or a non-thermal dehydration carried out by extraction with a solvent (e.g., ethanol) or by freeze drying.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to sago fluidity starch and the use thereof. Such fluidity starches exhibit exceptionally fast gelling properties, high gel strengths, and exceptional elasticity. These properties allow for significantly reduced processing times, including reduced hold times. Further, the higher gel strength allows for reduced starch levels without loss of final product gel strength integrity or texture.

Abstract: A selected thickener-rheology modifier system comprising the combination of a hydrophobically, modified alkali-soluble thickener and a polysaccharide hydrocolloid or gum or polyalkylene glycol, preferably with a surfactant and more preferably with boric acid is especially useful in personal care compositions such as hair care and skin care compositions.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive composition which comprises a high molecular weight rubber and less than about 60 parts by weight of a liquid diluent, and has a G′ of less than about 15×104 dynes/cm2 at 10 rad/s at 25° C. is useful for adhesive skin application (e.g., surgical tape), including transdermal drug delivery applications.