Abstract: The improved composition for use in the production of composite carbon materials comprises a mesophase pitch containing at least 80% of an optical anisotropic phase and having a softening point of no higher than 250.degree. C., and sulfur present in an amount of 6-35 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of said mesophase pitch. Said composition may be heated together with an aggregate and subsequently shaped to yield a composite carbon material. The improved process for producing a composite carbon material comprises impregnating an aggregate with said composition as it is melted, shaping the mixture in a temperature range of 150.degree.-350.degree. C, and then carbonizing the shaped part.

Abstract: A fluidized catalytic cracking process and apparatus operates with a single or multi- stage refluxed catalyst stripper. Recycle, or reflux, of stripped catalyst to the stripping zone improves stripping. Preferably, a two stage hot stripper is used. Addition of regenerated catalyst to spent catalyst from the reactor heats spent catalyst in a first stripping stage, which preferably uses stripping steam. Catalyst from the first stripping stage passes up through a second stage stripping zone with a heat removal means, e.g., a stab-in tube bundle. Steam or flue gas fluidizes catalyst, improves heat transfer and strips the catalyst. Some catalyst from the second stage stripper is preferably recycled to the inlet to the first stripping stage. Additional hot regenerated catalyst may be added downstream of the first catalyst stage to heat the second stripping stage, added to catalyst removed from the primary stripping zone which is sent to the regeneration zone.

Abstract: A process for removing molybdenum from uranium bearing solutions reduces molybdenum contamination of uranium product. The process employs solvent extraction techniques to remove molybdenum by using a molybdenum-selective extraction reagent of the chelating hydroxy-oxime type. The molybdenum-loaded extractant is stripped with dilute alkali for reuse. Where the uranium bearing solution originates from a solvent extraction process, a pretreatment stage is applied using an agent to remove entrained uranium extractant.

Abstract: Water demand in an aqueous joint compound composition is increased by incorporating a blend of water soluble polymer (WSP) and crosslinked polyacrylic acid water demand polymer (WDP) with a WSP to WDP blend ratio of 9:1 to 25:1. A preferred WSP is hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcellulose. This blend may also be used for aqueous tile adhesives.In the joint compound the thickener, comprising water-soluble cellulose ether(s) and water-insoluble but swellable polyacrylic acid or salt thereof, the acrylic component gives increased joint compound viscosity without the need to decrease water level or increase thickener level.