Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include a drying agent that includes a metal organic salt of an ?-hydroxy acid for use as a drier in liquid (e.g., coatings, inks, lubes, greases) compositions. Compositions having a waterborne or oil-based composition and a drying agent are also described. Also provided are methods of producing a coating on a surface, by applying to the surface a composition having a drying agent that includes a metal organic salt of an ?-hydroxy acid. Methods for preparing an air-drying composition by combining a waterborne or oil-based composition and a drying agent having a metal organic salt of an ?-hydroxy acid are also described.

Abstract: An improved high-solids coating composition is disclosed containing at least about 65% by weight of non-volatile material comprising at least one curable organic resin and a drier effective amount of at least one hydrocarbon-soluble neodymium salt of an organic carboxylic acid. A method of curing high-solids coating compositions is also disclosed utilizing at least one hydrocarbon-soluble neodymium salt of an organic carboxylic acid.

Abstract: High gas and coke make due to contamination of a zeolitic fluid cracking catalyst by metal species such as nickel and vanadium during a cracking process is reduced by adding a phosphorus compound to the process. When the catalyst already contains a metals passivating agent or such agents are used in the cracking process further significant reduction in gas and coke make is realized without significant increase in regenerator temperature by adding additional phosphorus.