Abstract: A low-VOC, two-component polyurethane adhesive is provided. The polyurethane adhesive has an A-side that includes an isocyanate and a non-reactive plasticizer, and a B-side that includes an aliphatic polyester polyol, a non-polyester polyol, and a urethane catalyst. The A-side and the B-side are reacted at a volume ratio of 1:1 and formulated at an NCO/OH index within the range of 0.90 to 1.10. The polyurethane adhesive is solvent-free and is particularly suitable for adhering a polymeric membrane to a substrate.

Abstract: Surfactant compositions comprising an alkoxylate, a sulfate, or ether sulfate of a C10-C12 monounsaturated alcohol are disclosed. The alkoxylate, sulfate, or ether sulfate may derive from undecylenic acid or undecylenic alcohol. Compared with their saturated analogs, the monounsaturated alkoxylates, sulfates, and ether sulfates are less irritating, making them valuable for personal care, laundry, cleaners, and other household applications. Microscopy studies show that the alkoxylates, sulfates, and ether sulfates have favorable phase behavior over a wide range of actives levels, expanding opportunities for products with greater compaction. When combined with cationic surfactants, the alkoxylates, sulfates, and ether sulfates exhibit synergy, and they have improved solubility compared with their saturated analogs. The surfactants find value for the personal care, laundry and cleaning, emulsion polymerization, agricultural products, oilfield applications, and specialty foams industries.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing a foam board system are disclosed. In some examples, a system includes an applicator to distribute one or more fluids onto a substrate. One or more sensors configured to measure one or more characteristics of the one or more fluids. A control circuitry is configured to compare the one or more measured characteristics to one or more threshold characteristics, and to adjust one or more operating parameters of the system in response to a characteristic of the one or more measured characteristics falling outside a threshold of the one or more threshold characteristics.

Abstract: A method for demulsifying a recovered drilling fluid is disclosed. A recovered drilling fluid is first combined with dilution water and a diethanolamine-based C8-C18 alkanolamide demulsifying agent. The recovered drilling fluid comprises hydrocarbons, a brine having at least 25% total dissolved solids, an emulsifier, and undissolved oil-wetted solids. In a second step, the mixture is separated, or is allowed to separate, into three distinct phases, including a clear oil phase comprising the hydrocarbons, a clear brine phase, and a water-wetted solid phase. Compositions suitable for use as demulsifiers and demulsified compositions are also disclosed. The alkanolamide demulsifying agents enable rapid, clean separation of phases and efficient recovery of 80% or more of the oil phase from the recovered drilling fluid.

Abstract: Agricultural compositions that employ structured surfactant systems to suspend water-insoluble or sparingly soluble agricultural actives and/or adjuvants are disclosed. Also disclosed are agricultural compositions that combine structured surfactant systems with electrolytes to form structured electrolyte compositions. The structured surfactant systems, both with and without electrolyte, suspend one or more agricultural actives and/or crop oil and non-aqueous adjuvants to provide agricultural compositions that can combine combinations of actives in a single, stable composition.

Abstract: Compositions comprising an acrylamide polymer emulsion and a nonionic surfactant suitable for use as friction reducers for hydraulic fracturing are disclosed. The nonionic surfactants include aralkylated phenol ethoxylates, amine ethoxylates, amidoamine ethoxylates, linear or branched alcohol EO/PO alkoxylates, ethoxylated alcohols, alkylphenol ethoxylates, and EO-capped poly(oxypropylene) block copolymers. Improved hydraulic fracturing processes in which an acrylamide polymer emulsion is used as a friction reducer are also described. In these processes, the surfactant is included in the composition with the acrylamide polymer friction reducer, or it is introduced separately into the process. The performance of low-cost polyacrylamide friction reducers can be boosted with a small proportion of certain readily available nonionic surfactants.

Abstract: Lactide-based random polyester polyols for use in polyurethane compositions are disclosed. The polyester polyols have an OH value in the range of greater than 400 mg KOH/g up to 1100 mg KOH/g and are the reaction product of at least one polycarboxylic acid, at least one lactide, and one or more polyalcohols. The polyester polyols can be formulated into the B-side of a two part polyurethane composition to obtain a polyurethane having improved hardness and solvent resistance and a low VOC content. The polyurethane composition is particularly suitable for polyurethane coating applications.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibitor active and method for reducing corrosion of a metal surface in contact with a corrosive environment is disclosed. The corrosion inhibitor active is an organic sulfonated compound that is derived from the sulfonation of one or more carboxylic acids, internal olefins, or alpha-olefins having a carbon chain length of 15 to 26 carbon atoms. The method of reducing corrosion includes contacting the metal surface with an effective amount of the corrosion inhibitor active. The corrosion inhibitor active is useful in high temperature corrosive environments, such as those found in oil and gas operations.

Abstract: Compositions may include those of the formula: (I) wherein R1 is an alkyl chain having a carbon number in the range of greater than 40 to 200, R2 is a multiester, R3 is hydrogen, an ion, or an alkyl chain having a carbon number in the range of 1 to 200, m is an integer selected from 0 to 4, and n is an integer selected from the range of 0 to 4, wherein the sum of m and n is 1 or greater. Compositions may include a reaction product of a polyisobutylene-substituted succinic anhydride and a hydroxy-functional dendrimer, wherein the molar ratio of polyisobutylene-substituted succinic anhydride to hydroxy-functional dendrimer is within the range of 10:1 to 30:1.

Abstract: A low-VOC, two-component polyurethane adhesive is provided. The polyurethane adhesive has an A-side that includes an isocyanate and a non-reactive plasticizer, and a B-side that includes an aliphatic polyester polyol, a non-polyester polyol, and a urethane catalyst. The A-side and the B-side are reacted at a volume ratio of 1:1 and formulated at an NCO/OH index within the range of 0.90 to 1.10. The polyurethane adhesive is solvent-free and is particularly suitable for adhering a polymeric membrane to a substrate.

Abstract: Detergents useful for cold-water cleaning and mid-chain headgroup and alkylene-bridged surfactants useful therein are disclosed. The mid-chain headgroup surfactant has a C14-C30 alkyl chain and a polar group bonded to a central zone carbon of the alkyl chain. The alkylene-bridged surfactant has a C12-C18 alkyl chain, a polar group, and a C1-C2 alkylene group bonded to the polar group and a central zone carbon of the C12-C18 alkyl chain. Preferred surfactants in these classes are alcohol sulfates, alcohol ethoxylates, ether sulfates, sulfonates, arylsulfonates, alcohol phosphates, amine oxides, quaterniums, betaines, and sulfobetaines. Surprisingly, detergents formulated with the surfactants provide outstanding cold-water performance in removing greasy stains such as bacon grease, butter, cooked beef fat, or beef tallow from soiled articles.

Abstract: Provided is a method for improving the yield of rhamnolipids comprising culturing in medium containing a triglyceride containing oil and sweetener as a carbon source.

Abstract: A promoted membrane suitable for use in single-ply roofing applications is disclosed. The membrane comprises EPDM rubber and 0.1 to 10 wt. % of an adhesion promoter. The promoter comprises a polyester resin having a hydroxyl number within the range of 28 to 250 mg KOH/g, a content of terephthalate recurring units within the range of 40 to 65 wt. % based on the amount of polyester resin, and a glass-transition temperature within the range of 40° C. to 80° C. Roofing systems comprising the promoted EPDM membranes are also disclosed. Compared with an unpromoted membrane, the promoted membranes provide a substantial and unexpected boost in peel strength such that the roofing systems resist weather-induced failure of the bond between the roofing membrane and the roof substrate. The invention helps roofers minimize or limit the aggravation and cost of warranty claims from customers whose buildings and contents may otherwise be damaged or destroyed by exposure to wind and/or rain.

Abstract: A disinfectant composition that is effective against tuberculosis-causing bacteria is disclosed. The composition contains a disinfectant agent that is a combination of biocidal quaternary ammonium compound and an N,N-di-substituted alkylamide water insoluble solvent. The composition can be a concentrated formulation or a ready-to-use formulation. Methods of disinfecting surfaces containing tuberculosis-causing bacteria are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polyether-epoxide polymer compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise a reaction product of a polyepoxide compound and a polyol composition comprising a polyether polyol. The ratio of epoxy equivalents to hydroxyl equivalents is within the range of 0.5:1 to 3:1. The polyether-epoxide composition has a Tg within the range of ?40° C. to 60° C. The polyether polyol has a hydroxyl value within the range of 150 to 800 mg KOH/g and an average hydroxyl functionality within the range of 3.5 to 8.0. In some aspects, the polyol composition further comprises a polyester polyol. Low- and elevated-temperature processes catalyzed by bases or Lewis acids for making the polyether-epoxide compositions are also disclosed. In a simple yet innovative approach, a new class of polymers useful for coatings, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, and other valuable products is assembled from readily available starting materials without reliance on polyamines or polyisocyanates.

Abstract: Flowback aid mixtures and oil-in-water microemulsions produced by combining an aqueous brine with the flowback aid mixtures are disclosed. The flowback aid mixture comprises an oil, a fatty alcohol ethoxylate, and a quaternized fatty amine ethoxylate. The amount of oil is less than or equal to 12 wt. % based on the amount of flowback aid mixture. The microemulsions have a surface tension at 25° C. less than 30 mN/m and a Z-average particle size as determined by dynamic light scattering at 25° C. of less than or equal to 10 nm. Also disclosed are processes that utilize the flowback aid mixtures. In one process, the mixture is introduced into a subterranean formation and is combined prior to or during its introduction into the formation with a formation brine, process water, or both to give the microemulsion. In one hydraulic fracturing process for recovering gas, oil, or both, a fracturing fluid and the flowback aid are co-injected into a subterranean formation to give the microemulsion.

Abstract: Isocyanate-modified polyester-epoxide polymer (i-PEEP) compositions are disclosed. The i-PEEP compositions comprise a reaction product of a polyepoxide compound, a polyisocyanate, and a polyester polyol composition. The ratio of epoxy equivalents to hydroxyl equivalents is within the range of 0.2 to 2. The i-PEEP index as defined herein is within the range of 100 to 200. The i-PEEP composition has a Tg within the range of ?30° C. to 35° C. Low- and elevated-temperature processes catalyzed by bases or Lewis acids for making the i-PEEP compositions are also disclosed. In a simple yet innovative approach, a new class of polymers useful for coatings, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, and other valuable products is assembled from readily available starting materials without reliance on the polyamines typically used to cure epoxy systems.

Abstract: An enzymatic process for producing fatty acid triglycerides using a lipase catalyst system that includes a mixture of a supported lipase catalyst and an additive, such as silica gel. The additive is used without adsorbing any of the acyl group donor or acyl group acceptor reactants onto the additive. Use of the catalyst system decreases production reaction time, decreases the temperatures required for reaction, and allows for a single reaction vessel. The catalyst system can be used to efficiently produce medium chain triglycerides or conjugated linoleic acid triglycerides.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the integrity of a manufactured board are disclosed. An example system includes a testing platform configured to secure the manufactured board, a sensor configured to measure a parameter corresponding to a flatness of a surface of the board, and a controller. The controller is configured to identify regions on the surface corresponding to one of a peak or a valley based on the parameter, and calculate a score representing the integrity of the manufactured board based on the identified peaks and valleys. The controller adjusts a flow rate, a pressure, a temperature, and position of a deposited substance in a manufacturing process based on a comparison with a height of the peak and/or a depth of the valley to stored peak heights and/or valley depths. In some examples, a mechanical tester determines a compressive strength and a density of the board at the identified regions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a storage stable, aqueous, herbicidal formulation containing an ultra-high concentration of glyphosate in the isopropylamine, potassium or mixed salt form in combination with a surfactant system, to a method of making the formulation, and to a method of treating unwanted vegetation employing the formulation. The surfactant system employed in the concentrate comprises dialkoxylated alkylamine, water miscible solubilizer and amine oxide. The surfactant system unexpectedly permits the formulation of storage stable, ultra-high loaded aqueous glyphosate salt concentrates possessing high or no cloud points.