Abstract: Water is separated from a less hydrophilic fluid by contacting the mixture with one face of a membrane having an active layer which consists essentially only of polymers of an unsaturated organic acid with a ratio of carbon atoms to acid groups (not counting any carbon atoms in the acid groups) of not more than six. Water is removed as a vapor from the other side of the membrane.

Abstract: A method for producing sulphatoalkyl acrylates or methacrylates having the general formula; ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is H or CH.sub.3, R.sub.2 is one or more alkoxylate groups each of which has from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, comprises reacting a hydroxy alkyl acrylate or methacrylate having the formula; ##STR2## where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are as defined above, with chlorosulphonic acid at a temperature of less than 20.degree. C. to form the acid ester. Salts of the acid ester may be produced by reaction with a basic metal salt, ammonium salt or quaternary ammonium salt.

Abstract: A method for forming a three-dimensional network containing encapsulated organic material comprises reacting a functionalized polymer and a complementary functional cross-linking agent in the presence of the organic material. The method may be used for recovering oil spilled on sea or land, for treating organic wastes or preventing leakage of oil from tanks or pipelines.