Abstract: A particle of TiO2 or ZnO which has been doped with one or more other elements such that the concentration of dopant in the surface of the particle is greater than that at the core of the particle, and compositions containing such particles for use as sunscreens or in veterinary, agricultural or horticultural compositions or as coatings for plastics and other materials.

Abstract: A composition is described which comprises a component which is susceptible to free radical attack, said composition comprising, as a free radical scavenger, at least one particle having a size not exceeding 100 nm of an oxide of a rare earth or transition metal possessing adjacent oxidation states. The composition is preferable a UV sunscreen composition suitable also for cosmetic use.

Abstract: A polymeric composition is described which comprises an amount of one or more organic or inorganic components which are photosensitive and/or which are degraded by another ingredient of the composition and an amount of Ti02 and/or ZnO which has been doped with a second element or the reduced ZnO, this composition having a rate of deterioration of UV light-sensitive physical factor at least 5% less than that of a composition having the same formulation except that it does not contain the said Ti02 and/or ZnO which has been doped with a second element or the said ZnO.

Abstract: A method of improving the efficiency of a fuel is described which comprises adding to the fuel prior to the introduction of the fuel to a vehicle or other apparatus comprising an internal combustion engine cerium oxide and/or doped cerium oxide and, optionally, one or more fuel additives.

Abstract: A composition suitable for veterinary, agricultural or horticultural use is disclosed which comprises at least one organic veterinarally, agriculturally and/or horticulturally active compound, and titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide which has been doped with a second element and/or reduced zinc oxide as well as a composition suitable for household use which comprises at least one organic biocide and one of the specified oxides.

Abstract: A composition is described which comprises an ingredient which is adversely affected by the presence of TiO2 and/or ZnO, and TiO2 and/or ZnO which has been doped with another element and/or reduced ZnO.

Abstract: A luminescent particle is described having the formula: M2[M1(POM)] wherein: M2 is a cation, M1 is an ion of a metal capable of providing a luminescent centre or a mixture of two or more thereof, and POM is a polyoxometallate, polythiometallate or polyoxothiometallate of at least one metal of group VA or VIA of the Periodic Table and, optionally, a hetero atom, X, the amounts of X, M1, M2 and POM being such as to provide overall neutrality.

Abstract: A UV screening composition comprising novel particles which are capable of absorbing UV light so that electrons and positively charged holes are formed within the particles is disclosed. These particles comprise a host lattice incorporating a second component to provide luminescence trap sites and/or killer sites, said second component being niobium, vanadium, antimony, tantalum, strontium, calcium, magnesium, barium, molybdenum or silicon.