Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a hydroxyalkyl starch. In accordance with the disclosed invention, the method comprises reacting the starch with a starch hydroxylating agent in the presence of an alcohol and an alcohol-soluble alkali metal, at a temperature effective to provide a cold water soluble starch, preferably at a temperature of between about 90° and about 110° C. The starch thus produced will be granular and cold water soluble.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a hydroxyalkyl starch. In accordance with the disclosed invention, the method comprises reacting the starch with a starch hydroxylating agent in the presence of an alcohol and an alcohol-soluble alkali metal, at a temperature effective to provide a cold water soluble starch, preferably at a temperature of between about 90° and about 110° C. The starch thus produced will be granular and cold water soluble.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for derivatizing a malto-oligosaccharide. The method includes the steps of providing the malto-oligosaccharide and derivatizing the malto-oligosaccharide in an aqueous medium with a cationic agent to form a derivatized malto-oligosaccharides. Malto-oligosaccharides having a high DS sufficient to render the derivatized product suitable for use as a trash scavenger are attainable in accordance with the present inventive method. Also disclosed are a method for trash scavenging, a process for preparing a paper web, in which anionic trash is scavenged prior to withdrawing a paper web from a pulp furnish; and a paper web prepared in accordance with the present inventive process.

Abstract: Disclosed are a liquid-absorbent polymer and a substantially clear gelatinoid product. The liquid absorbent polymer comprises a saponified graft copolymer of starch and a polynitrile species, such as polyacrylonitrile. In accordance with the disclosed invention, the liquid-absorbent polymer is prepared from a derivatized starch, the derivatized starch having a degree of substitution sufficient to substantially inhibit starch-starch interactions in the gelatinoid product formed upon mixing of the polymer with liquid. Preferred starches have a degree of substitution (DS) of at least about 0.01. Upon saponification of the liquid-absorbent polymer and placing of the polymer into absorbent contact with a liquid, a gelatinoid product will be formed. The gelatinoid product thus formed will have a substantially homogeneous index of refraction, and thus will be substantially clear.

Abstract: Borated starch compositions useful for controlling the rate of crosslinking of hydratable polymers in aqueous media for use in drilling fluids.

Abstract: YImproved liquid absorbent products comprising saponified polymers or copolymers or starch graft copolymers of 2-propenenitrile or 2-methyl-2-propenenitrile which exhibit a white appearance. The products are produced by the use of an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent or a combination of an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent.

Abstract: A substantially water-insoluble solid liquid-absorbing composition comprising an alkali metal salt of an aqueous alcoholic alkali saponified cross-linked homopolymer of acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile and the process for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to stable, aqueous polymeric dispersions comprised of graft copolymers of at least one vinyl monomer and a derivatized and thinned amylopectin starch, that is, a starch wherein the starch is made up entirely or almost entirely of amylopectin units such as waxy maize starch. The amylopectin starch is derivatized to a degree of substitution of at least about 0.01 and thinned to an intrinsic viscosity of not less than about 0.12 deciliters per gram. The graft copolymers have a starch/monomer ratio of less than about 100/25 by weight. The dispersions have high solids contents (25% by weight or greater) and are stable (show no excessive increase in viscosity and remain homogeneous) over extended periods of time. This invention also relates to processes for the production of the dispersions.

Abstract: This invention discloses stable, aqueous polymeric dispersions comprised of at least 25% solids, dry basis, of a starch graft copolymer of a thinned and derivatized starch and at least one vinyl monomer. The starch has a degree of substitution of at least about 0.05 and an intrinsic viscosity of not less than about 0.12 deciliters per gram. The starch graft copolymers have a starch/monomer ratio of less than about 100/25. The dispersions are stable over extended periods of time at normal storage temperatures. Processes for the production of the dispersions are also disclosed.