Abstract: A polyvinyl alcohol-aldehyde gel having a high water content and low degree of crosslinking is provided which has improved stability. The gel can be used to retard the flow of water in subterranean formations encountered in hydrocarbon production. One embodiment of the invention provides a method of forming the gel in-situ in the pores of subterranean zones thereby retarding or blocking the flow of water therein.This application is a continuation application of copending Ser. No. 027,723, filed Mar. 19, 1987, now abandoned which was a divisional application of Ser. No. 693,680, filed Jan. 22, 1985, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,664,194 which was a continuation-in-part application of Serial No. 514,557, filed Jul. 18, 1982, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,498,540 which issued Feb. 12, 1985.

Abstract: Slightly crosslinked, water-soluble polymaleic acid which is obtainable by polymerization of maleic anyhdride with from 0.1 to 10% by weight of a crosslinking agent in an aromatic hydrocarbon at from 60 to 200.degree. C. in the presence of from 1 to 20% by weight, based on maleic anhydride, of a peroxyester, and hydrolysis of the polymer to give slightly crosslinked polymaleic acid having a Fikentscher K value of from 8 to 20 (measured at 20.degree. C. in 5% strength aqueous solution at pH 7 as the Na salt), a process for the preparation of slightly cross-linked polymaleic acid, and its use as a water treatment agent for reducing boiler scale and hard water deposits in water-conveying systems.

Abstract: A vinyl alcohol copolymer comprising the following general structure ##STR1## where R is hydrogen or methyl;R.sup.1 is a C.sub.6 -C.sub.18 hydrocarbyl group not containing an olefinic functionality;x is 70 to 99.5% mole %;y is 0 to 29.5 mole %; andz is 0.5 to 8 mole %.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clear lacquer based on polyvinylidene fluoride which comprises:(a) 30 to 45 wt. % of polyvinylidene fluoride with a K value of 40 to 55,(b) 4 to 15 wt. % of an acrylate resin,(c) 33 to 50 wt. % of latent, high boiling solvent,(d) 3 to 15 wt. % of low boiling solvent,(e) 0.01 to 1.0 wt. % of flowing adjuvant,(f) 0.01 to 0.95 wt. % of light protection agent. The present invention also provides a process for coating metallic surfaces, wherein this clear lacquer is applied to a metal surface and stoved at a temperature of from 250.degree. to 350.degree. C.

Abstract: An aqueous fabric finishing composition includes a solubilized polymer of from 40 to 51 mole percent of a mixture of higher one-alkenes and from 60 to 49 mole percent maleic anhydride.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a latex, reactive with a biologically active substance to form a conjugate suitable for serological or immunological assay procedures, the particles of which latex comprises a polymer core and a shell thereover, said shell comprising a water insoluble monomer of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.2 is H or CH.sub.3, n is 1 to 6, and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are alkyl, aryl, or same other group imparting water insolubility to said monomer.

Abstract: A composition for backing a carpet, which contains (a) 5 to 65% by weight of an olefin-polar monomer copolymer having a polar monomer content of 5 to 40% by weight, (b) 1 to 50% by weight of a synthetic oil comprising one or more non-condensed tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds having a boiling point of 250.degree. C. or higher and a molecular weight of 258 to 482, and being liquid at room temperature, (c) 30 to 90% by weight of an inorganic filler, and, if necessary, up to 50% by weight of a solid low-molecular compound component. The composition is particularly useful for automobile carpets and carpet tiles. The composition provides flexibility during blending, a high flexibility, and, in particular, a superior performance at low temperatures.