Abstract: Particulate, absorbent, polymeric compositions comprising interparticle crosslinked aggregates formed from precursor particles having a relatively small particle size. (i.e., fine precursor particles). The interparticle crosslinked aggregates comprise fine precursor particles of substantially water-insoluble, absorbent, hydrogel-forming, polymer material; and an interparticle crosslinking agent reacted with the polymer material of the precursor particles to form crosslink bonds between the precursor particles. The mass average particle size of the precursor particles is generally less than about 300 microns. Interparticle crosslinked aggregates formed from fine precursor particles have particularly high rates of fluid uptake with minimal gel blocking properties.

Abstract: Flexible, porous, absorbent polymeric macrostructures having flexibility even after extended periods at elevated temperatures and/or low humidities are disclosed. The macrostructure comprises an interparticle crosslinked aggregate and an effective amount of a suitable plasticizer. The macrostructures are suitable for use, for example, in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a first topsheet with apertures large enough for low-viscosity fecal material to pass through to a secondary topsheet. The secondary topsheet immobilizes the fecal material in position for dewatering, so that the liquid components of the fecal material are absorbed by the core and the solid components of the fecal material are separated from the liquid components. This arrangement provides for easier cleaning of the wearer when the soiled disposable absorbent article is removed.

Abstract: Particulate, absorbent, polymeric compositions comprising interparticle crosslinked aggregates. The interparticle crosslinked aggregates comprise precursor particles of substantially water-insoluble, absorbent, hydrogel-forming, polymer material; and an interparticle crosslinking agent reacted with the polymer material of the precursor particles to form crosslink bonds between the precursor particles. Sufficient interparticle crosslinked aggregates are formed when the mass average particle size of the resultant polymeric composition has been increased by at least about 25% over the mass average particle size of the precursor particles. The resultant polymeric composition provides improved structural integrity, an increased acquisition rate, and minimal gel blocking properties.

Abstract: Method for inhibiting dust emissions from hot (>120.degree. F.) substrates are provided for. The method comprise adding to the substrate an aqueous solution or formed solution of polyethylene oxide or a polyethylene oxide derivative.

Abstract: Particulate, absorbent, polymeric compositions comprising interparticle crosslinked aggregates. The interparticle crosslinked aggregates comprise precursor particles of substantially water-insoluble, absorbent, hydrogel-forming, polymer material; and an interparticle crosslinking agent reacted with the polymer material of the precursor particles to form crosslink bonds between the precursor particles. Sufficient interparticle crosslinked aggregates are formed when the mass average particle size of the resultant polymeric composition has been increased by at least about 25% over the mass average particle size of the precursor particles. The resultant polymeric composition provides improved structural integrity, an increased acquisition rate, and minimal gel blocking properties.

Abstract: Method for inhibiting dust emissions from hot (250.degree. F.) solids are provided for. The method comprises adding to the solids an aqueous solution or foamed solution of a cellulose derivative compound.

Abstract: A biocidal composition and method for inhibiting and controlling the growth of microorganisms are disclosed. The composition comprises an amount, effective for the intended purpose, of polyvinyl alcohols and gallic or boric acids, in combination with additional biocidal components, the composition in a gel form. The method comprises administering an amount of the gelled composition to the particular water containing system for which treatment is desired.

Abstract: A biocidal composition and method for inhibiting and controlling the growth of microorganisms are disclosed. The composition comprises an amount, effective for the intended purpose, of polyethylene glycols and bis(trichloro methyl) sulfone, in combination with additional biocidal components, the composition in a gel form. The method comprises administering an amount of the gelled composition to the particular water containing system for which treatment is desired.

Abstract: A foam carrier for a dust control agent and a pesticidal material is provided to control fugitive dust dissemination and biological activity in bulk/granular solids.

Abstract: A process of dewatering and agglomerating fine coal. The process consists of treating an aqueous fine coal slurry with a chemical binding agent prior to filtration or drying. The preferred chemical binding agent is an emulsifiable process oil. The process results in more efficient dewatering and low dustiness of the treated coal.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for controlling fugitive dust emissions from bulk granular or powdered solids are disclosed. Fugitive dust emissions are controlled by applying an aqueous, foamed solution including a water-soluble cationic polymer to dust producing bulk, granular or powdered solids. The cationic polymer is incorporated into an aqueous foam comprising anionic, amphoteric or cationic foaming agents.

Abstract: An improved non-viscous aqueous dust control solution which includes a polyvinyl alcohol and boric acid. The improved solution may be spray applied or applied as a foam. The solution may include cross-linking agents, extenders, plasticizers or surfactants.

Abstract: Absorbent members incorporating particulate, absorbent, polymeric compositions comprising interparticle crosslinked aggregates. The interparticle crosslinked aggregates comprise precursor particles of substantially water-insoluble, absorbent, hydrogen-forming, polymer material; and an interparticle crosslinking agent reacted with the polymer material of the precursor particles to form crosslink bonds between the precursor particles. The absorbent members of the present invention can comprise a combination of fiber material and discrete particles of the polymeric composition or laminates (layered absorbent members) containing such polymeric compositions. The performance of absorbent members is enhanced by the use of such polymeric compositions due to the high rate of fluid uptake and minimal gel blocking properties of the interparticle crosslinked aggregates.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as diapers or sanitary napkins incorporating particulate, absorbent, polymeric compositions comprising interparticle crosslinked aggregates. The interparticle crosslinked aggregates comprise precursor particles of substantially water-insoluble, absorbent, hydrogel-forming, polymer material; and an interparticle crosslinking agent reacted with the polymer material of the precursor particles to form crosslink bonds between the precursor particles. The polymeric compositions of the present invention may be incorporated into absorbent articles as the sole absorbent material; as an absorbent core comprising a mixture of fiber material and discrete particles of the polymeric composition; or as a laminate (a layered absorbent core) containing such polymeric compositions. The performance of absorbent articles is enhanced by the use of such polymeric compositions due to the high rate of fluid uptake and minimal gel blocking properties of the interparticle crosslinked aggregates.

Abstract: Foam is formed from a solution of demineralized make-down water and foaming agent, and the foam contacted with solid materials to suppress process dust emissions. The foaming agent may be a low salt tolerant surfactant which loses its surface active properties in typical aqueous process streams, or end uses, thereby minimizing subsequent foam related problems. The low salt tolerant surfactant may be part of a combination of components for forming foam which is low salt tolerant.

Abstract: A method for controlling fugitive dust emissions from bulk granular or powdered solids is disclosed. Fugitive dust emissions are controlled by applying an aqueous, foamed solution including a water-soluble cationic polymer to dust producing bulk, granular or powdered solids. The cationic polymer is incorporated into an aqueous foam comprising anionic, amphoteric or cationic foaming agents.

Abstract: Absorbent polymeric macrostructures that are porous and comprise an interparticle crosslinked aggregate having a circumscribed dry volume greater than about 10.0 mm.sup.3. The interparticle crosslinked aggregrate comprises a multiplicity of precursor particles of substantially water-soluble, absorbent, hydrogel-forming, polymer material; and an interparticle crosslinking agent reacted with the polymer material of the precursor particles to form crosslink bonds between the precursor particles. Because of the particulate nature of the precursor particles, the macrostructure has pores between adjacent precursor particles. The pores are interconnected by intercommunicating channels such that the macrostructure is liquid permeable.

Abstract: Absorbent polymeric macrostructures that are porous and comprise an interparticle crosslinked aggregate having a circumscribed dry volume greater than about 10.0 mm.sup.3. The interparticle crosslinked aggregate comprises a multiplicity of precursor particles of substantially water-insoluble, absorbent, hydrogel-forming, polymer material; and an interparticle crosslinking agent reacted with the polymer material of the precursor particles to form crosslink bonds between the precursor particles. Because of the particulate nature of the precursor particles, the macrostructure has pores between adjacent precursor particles. The pores are interconnected by intercommunicating channels such that the macrostructure is liquid permeable.

Abstract: A stable foam having foam bubble diameters of 0.005-0.015 inches and being comprised of from about 10-30 wt. % of a brine freeze control agent selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, borax, potassium thiocyanate, potassium acetate, sodium acetate, and sodium nitrite, anionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, and water is applied to solid, particulate materials such as coal or mineral ores to inhibit freezing and improve handleability characteristics of the particulate materials. The foam optionally may contain additional freeze control agents such as ethylene glycol or cellulose ethers.