Abstract: A prepolymer comprising an acid group is made by a process comprising the step of contacting: (i) a di-isocyanate, (ii) a polyol containing an acid group, and (iii) a polyol without an acid group, the contacting conducted under reaction conditions and in a solvent consisting essentially of: (A) a first component consisting essentially of at least one glycol ether ketone, and (B) optionally, a second component consisting of at least one aprotic glycol ether. The prepolymer is useful in the preparation of water-based polyurethane dispersions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing hydrogen using an aluminum-based water-split reaction, in which water is reacted with metallic aluminum, at least one-soluble inorganic salt catalyst that causes progressive pitting of the metallic aluminum, and at least one metal oxide initiator that increases temperature upon exposure to water. The solid reactant materials are differentially distributed in a matrix relative to at least one inlet for introducing water to the matrix. The differential distribution affects at least one characteristic of the reaction, such as the rate, temperature, pressure and products of the reaction, the latter comprising one or more of hydrogen, heat and steam. The water-soluble inorganic salt catalyst may be sodium chloride, potassium chloride and combinations thereof, and the metal oxide initiator may be magnesium oxide, calcium oxide and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing hydrogen using an aluminum-based water-split reaction, in which water is reacted with metallic aluminum, at least one-soluble inorganic salt catalyst that causes progressive pitting of the metallic aluminum, and at least one metal oxide initiator that increases temperature upon exposure to water. The solid reactant materials are differentially distributed in a matrix relative to at least one inlet for introducing water to the matrix. The differential distribution affects at least one characteristic of the reaction, such as the rate, temperature, pressure and products of the reaction, the latter comprising one or more of hydrogen, heat and steam. The water-soluble inorganic salt catalyst may be sodium chloride, potassium chloride and combinations thereof, and the metal oxide initiator may be magnesium oxide, calcium oxide and combinations thereof.