Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel use of nanomaterials as a viscosity modifier and thermal conductivity improver for gear oil and other lubricating oil compositions. The gear oils of the instant invention have a higher viscosity index, higher shear stability, and improved thermal conductivity compared to currently available gear oils. The preferred nanoparticles also impart a reduction in the coefficient of friction, including reduced friction in the boundary lubrication regime. These properties are obtained by replacing part or all of the polymer thickener or viscosity index improver or some other part of the composition normally used in gear oils with nanomaterials of suitable shape, size, and composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water based, low VOC super hydrophobic coating composition that can be used to make wet and dry dirt repellent surfaces to keep the surfaces clean for a reasonable period of time. The coating utilizes hydrophobic nanoparticles dispersed in water. This treatment produces a virtually transparent coating releasing very little or no VOC compounds whereas previous coatings of comparable hydrophobicity release up to 99 percent VOC compounds. The coating can be applied by a simple, single application method and the super hydrophobic property can be achieved by drying at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. A preferred coating can be easily removed and renewed when desired. The aqueous hydrophobic self cleaning coating composition that can be applied by conventional methods such as by spraying the composition onto a surface creating a wet and dry dirt repellent coating on the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel use of nanomaterials as a viscosity modifier and thermal conductivity improver for gear oil and other lubricating oil compositions. The gear oils of the instant invention have a higher viscosity index, higher shear stability, and improved thermal conductivity compared to currently available gear oils. The preferred nanoparticles also impart a reduction in the coefficient of friction, including reduced friction in the boundary lubrication regime. These properties are obtained by replacing part or all of the polymer thickener or viscosity index improver or some other part of the composition normally used in gear oils with nanomaterials of suitable shape, size, and composition.

Abstract: A coating composition and process for generating transparent, near-transparent, and semi-transparent super-hydrophobic coatings on surfaces having a contact angle of greater than 165 degrees. The composition comprises hydrophobic nanoparticles of silsesquioxanes containing adhesion promoter groups and low surface energy groups.

Abstract: A super hydrophobic self cleaning coating composition that can be applied by conventional methods such as by spraying the composition onto a surface creating a wet and dry dirt repellent coating on the surface. The super hydrophobic self cleaning coatings are used on exterior automotive and boat surfaces, and in many other applications, to produce a self cleaning surface, reduce adherence of dirt and contaminants to a treated surface, and reduce drag in some applications providing an energy savings. The coating utilizes a blend of organic and/or inorganic polymers with hydrophobic nanoparticles of fumed silica and/or titania in a volatile solvent which evaporates at ambient temperature. The coating solves the problem of poor resistance to UV light, opaque appearance, and/or some abrasion resistance not found in previous coatings of similar nature. A preferred coating has good resistance to UV light and some resistance to abrasion.

Abstract: A fluid media such as oil or water, and a selected effective amount of carbon nanomaterials necessary to enhance the thermal conductivity of the fluid. One of the preferred carbon nanomaterials is a high thermal conductivity graphite, exceeding that of the neat fluid to be dispersed therein in thermal conductivity, and ground, milled, or naturally prepared with mean particle size less than 500 nm, and preferably less than 200 nm, and most preferably less than 100 nm. The graphite is dispersed in the fluid by one or more of various methods, including ultrasonication, milling, and chemical dispersion. Carbon nanotubes with graphitic structure is another preferred source of carbon nanomaterial, although other carbon nanomaterials are acceptable. To confer long term stability, the use of one or more chemical dispersants is preferred.

Abstract: A pet enclosure that permits burrowing pets, such as dogs, to burrow through a tunnel like structure possessing an open end and a closed end that will permit the animal's exit by pushing the end open. The device has the benefit of providing both mental and physical stimulation for the animal.

Abstract: An engine lubricant formulated as a complete crankcase motor oil or additive concentrate composed of a combination of chemical constituents including a base oil selected from a synthetic oil, a mineral oil or semi-synthetic base oil (hydrogenated oil) or combination thereof, an oil soluble molybdenum additive, a dispersant inhibitor containing zinc dithiophosphate, and viscosity index improvers and one or more seal swelling agents to lubricate the engine and recondition the seals of new and/or high mileage engines. Addition of a polyalphaolefin and/or one or more esters such as a diester or polyolester may also be utilized therein. The lubricant may be formulated as a complete engine oil crankcase lubricant, or concentrated into an additive for addition to conventional mineral oil based engine oil, synthetic engine oils, or blends thereof in an effective amount of up to 30 percent volume percent, typically from 20 to 25 percent by volume.

Abstract: An aqueous wheel cleaning solution for removing the dirt form the surface of aluminum, chrome, stainless steel, painted steel, painted aluminum, clear coated aluminum, rubber, and plastic wheels and tires without scrubbing by applying the cleaning solution to the wheel and/or tire then rinsing the wheel and/or tire with water. Selected polymers include a polyvinylpyrrolidone, a poly(N-vinylimidazole, a poly(4-vinylpyridine-betaine), and/or a poly(4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide) each one of which can be used with conventional wheel cleaning components such as an acid or alkaline-based cleaning formulation to dramatically improve its wheel cleaning power. These polymers can attach to organic and inorganic dirt particles forming a complex with them for easy removal from the wheel and/or tire during rinsing, leaving the wheel and/or tire clean without scrubbing the wheel or tire surface.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to water resistant peelable protective and decorative clear or pigmented coating compositions and, more specifically, to solvent and aqueous based, polymeric coating compositions which form a protective and/or decorative coating on a variety of substrates, including automotive paints, metals, plastics, concrete, natural and synthetic elastomers, and ceramics. The coatings are be formulated for temporary or long term protection depending upon the application.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to water resistant peelable protective and decorative clear or pigmented coating compositions and, more specifically, to aqueous and solvent based, polymeric coating compositions which form a protective and/or decorative coating and is removably adheres to a variety of substrates, including automotive paints, metals, glass, vinyl, plastics, concrete, natural and synthetic elastomers, and ceramics. The coatings can be either a flat film on the substrate, or a three-dimensional expandable foamy coating, and can be readily peeled off from the substrate as a whole piece. The coatings may be formulated for temporary or long-term protection depending upon the application. The peelable coatings can be applied as a paint, paste, film, or expandable foam cord whereby the expansion of the foam can be controlled by the formulation and applicator.

Abstract: Fluid compositions that have enhanced thermal conductivity, up to 250% greater than their conventional analogues, and methods of preparation for these fluids are identified. The compositions contain at a minimum, a fluid media such as oil or water, and a selected effective amount of carbon nanomaterials necessary to enhance the thermal conductivity of the fluid. One of the preferred carbon nanomaterials is a high thermal conductivity graphite, exceeding that of the neat fluid to be dispersed therein in thermal conductivity, and ground, milled, or naturally prepared with mean particle size less than 500 nm, and preferably less than 200 nm, and most preferably less than 100 nm. The graphite is dispersed in the fluid by one or more of various methods, including ultrasonication, milling, and chemical dispersion. Carbon nanotube with graphitic structure is another preferred source of carbon nanomaterial, although other carbon nanomaterials are acceptable.

Abstract: The introduction of nanotubes in a liquid provides a means for changing the physical and/or chemical properties of the liquid. Improvements in heat transfer, electrical properties, viscosity, and lubricity can be realized upon dispersion of nanotubes in liquids; however, nanotubes behave like hydrophobic particles and tend to clump together in liquids. Methods of preparing stable dispersions of nanotubes are described and surfactants/dispersants are identified which can disperse carbon nanotubes in aqueous and petroleum liquid medium. The appropriate dispersant is chosen for the carbon nanotube and the water or oil based medium and the dispersant is dissolved into the liquid medium to form a solution. The carbon nanotube is added to the dispersant containing the solution with agitation, ultrasonication, and/or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A lubricant additive formulation for increasing the performance of conventional engine lubricants for use as an engine treatment oil additive formulated for addition to conventional motor oil to improve the lubricating properties of the engine oil and enhance the performance of the engine. A preferred embodiment of the engine treatment oil additive comprises a blend of chemical constituents including a base stock selected from a synthetic base stock, a mineral oil base stock, and a severely hydrocracked base stock or combinations thereof, an oil soluble molybdenum additive, dispersant inhibitor, and selected additives such as polytetrafluoroethylene, viscosity index improvers, and extreme pressure wear agent used in combination with a conventional crankcase lubricant at about a 20 to about a 25% volume/percent or as a complete motor oil. Additional components may be added to the engine treatment oil additive formulation to enhance specific properties for special applications.

Abstract: An aqueous wheel cleaning solution for removing the dirt form the surface of aluminum, chrome, stainless steel, painted steel, painted aluminum, clear coated aluminum, rubber, and plastic wheels and tires without scrubbing by applying the cleaning solution to the wheel and/or tire then rinsing the wheel and/or tire with water. Selected polymers include a polyvinylpyrrolidone, a poly(N-vinylimidazole, a poly(4-vinylpyridine-betaine), and/or a poly(4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide) each one of which can be used with conventional wheel cleaning components such as an acid or alkaline-based cleaning formulation to dramatically improve its wheel cleaning power. These polymers can attach to organic and inorganic dirt particles forming a complex with them for easy removal from the wheel and/or tire during rinsing, leaving the wheel and/or tire clean without scrubbing the wheel or tire surface.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to water resistant peelable protective and decorative clear or pigmented foam coating compositions and, more specifically, to aqueous and solvent based, polymeric coating compositions which form a protective and/or decorative coating and is removably adheres to a variety of substrates, including automotive paints, metals, glass, vinyl, plastics, concrete, natural and synthetic elastomers, and ceramics. The coatings present a three-dimensional expandable foamy coating, and can be readily peeled off from the substrate as a whole piece. The coatings may be formulated for temporary or long-term protection depending upon the application. The peelable coatings can be applied as a paint, paste, film, or expandable foam cord whereby the expansion of the foam can be controlled by the formulation and applicator.

Abstract: An engine lubricant formulated as a complete crankcase motor oil or additive concentrate composed of a combination of chemical constituents including a base oil selected from a synthetic oil, a mineral oil or semi-synthetic base oil (hydrogenated oil) or combination thereof, an oil soluble molybdenum additive, a dispersant inhibitor containing zinc dithiophosphate, and viscosity index improvers and one or more seal swelling agents to lubricate the engine and recondition the seals of new and/or high mileage engines. Addition of a polyalphaolefin and/or one or more esters such as a diester or polyolester may also be utilized therein. The lubricant may be formulated as a complete engine oil crankcase lubricant, or concentrated into an additive for addition to conventional mineral oil based engine oil, synthetic engine oils, or blends thereof in an effective amount of up to 30 percent volume percent, typically from 20 to 25 percent by volume.

Abstract: A lubricant additive formulation for increasing the performance of conventional engine lubricants for use as an engine treatment oil additive formulated for addition to conventional motor oil to improve the lubricating properties of the engine oil and enhance the performance of the engine. A preferred embodiment of the engine treatment oil additive comprises a blend of chemical constituents including a base stock selected from a synthetic base stock, a mineral oil base stock, and a severly hydrocracked base stock or combinations thereof, an oil soluble molybdenum additive, dispersant inhibitor, and selected additives such as polytetrafluoroethylene, viscosity index improvers, and extreme pressure wear agent used in combination with a conventional crankcase lubricant at about a 20 to about a 25% volume/percent or as a complete motor oil. Additional components may be added to the engine treatment oil additive formulation to enhance specific properties for special applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of release agents commonly in uses in preventing asphalt and other sticky compounds such as rubbers from sticking to the transporting vehicles such as dump truck beds and processing tools, and equipment, and more particularly to a novel biodegradable release agent applied to metal surfaces prior to use for promoting free release of sticky hot-mix asphalt materials from the metal tools and equipment used in road construction applications.

Abstract: A water repellent glass treatment for automotive applications comprising a windshield washer solvent which contains quaternary compounds, preferably siloxane based quaternary ammonium compounds, fatty quaternary ammonium compounds, and mixtures thereof which are dispersible in water, alcohol's and water alcohol mixtures and imparts a good degree of hydrophobicity to the windshield surface. The fluid is used in underhood washer solvent reservoirs and applied to the windshield of the automobile in the conventional manner and is packaged in diluted solution or a concentrate for addition to the windshield cleaner/solvent solution.