Abstract: A dust-reducing composition for treating dry soil that includes a hygroscopic compound together with a hydrophobic compound in relative amounts sufficient to form a water-repellant surface on the soil. Also, a process for treating dry soil to reduce dust generation due to movement of traffic or air thereover. This process includes applying onto the soil a hygroscopic compound and subsequently applying a hydrophobic compound onto the hygroscopic compound containing soil. Alternatively, the process includes applying onto the soil an aqueous solution of a mixture of a hygroscopic compound and a hydrophobic compound. In either case, the hygroscopic and hydrophobic compounds are applied in relative amounts sufficient to form a water-repellant surface on the soil.

Abstract: A substrate treatment method for imparting hydrophobicity to a substrate or for rendering the substrate hydrophobic. This method includes the step of treating an agricultural soil substrate by applying an aqueous solution that preferably includes a mixture of sodium and/or potassium methylsiliconate and sodium and/or potassium silicate. The method imparts hydrophobicity to the substrate and renders it hydrophobic.

Abstract: A substrate treatment composition of an aqueous solution for imparting hydrophobicity to a substrate or for rendering the substrate hydrophobic. This solution preferably includes sodium and/or potassium methylsiliconate and sodium and/or potassium silicate. Also, the use of this composition for the treatment of a substrate to impart hydrophobicity or to render the substrate hydrophobic.

Abstract: A dust-reducing composition for treating dry soil that includes a hygroscopic compound together with a hydrophobic compound in relative amounts sufficient to form a water-repellant surface on the soil. Also, a process for treating dry soil to reduce dust generation due to movement of traffic or air thereover. This process includes applying onto the soil a hygroscopic compound and subsequently applying a hydrophobic compound onto the hygroscopic compound containing soil. Alternatively, the process includes applying onto the soil an aqueous solution of a mixture of a hygroscopic compound and a hydrophobic compound. In either case, the hygroscopic and hydrophobic compounds are applied in relative amounts sufficient to form a water-repellant surface on the soil.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition intended for the protection of a solid substrate against environmental attack. The composition includes at least one biocidal component and a hydrophobing agent. The composition is in the liquid phase, and the liquid is a common solvent for the hydrophobing agent and the biocidal component(s).

Abstract: A substrate treatment composition of an aqueous solution for imparting hydrophobicity to a substrate or for rendering the substrate hydrophobic. This solution preferably includes sodium and/or potassium methylsiliconate and sodium and/or potassium silicate. Also, the use of this composition for the treatment of a substrate to impart hydrophobicity or to render the substrate hydrophobic.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition intended for the protection of a solid substrate against environmental attack. The composition includes at least one biocidal component and a hydrophobing agent. The composition is in the liquid phase, and the liquid is a common solvent for the hydrophobing agent and the biocidal component (s).

Abstract: Compositions for application to a soil for retaining water in the soil for plants are prepared by applying an aqueous solution containing sodium and/or potassium methylsiliconate to a substrate so that the siliconate applied is in an amount of between 180 g and 1,000 g per m.sup.3 substrate and then, the treated substrate is allowed to dry at ambient temperature. The substrates employed include tree bark, sawdust, compost and vegetable mould and also gravel and sand. Additionally, porous articles prepared for containing plants also may be treated for improving retention of water.

Abstract: A process for reducing the acidity of a coffee extract is described in which the coffee extract undergoes electrodialysis. The non-cathodic extract is collected, contacted with subdivided chitosan and, after removal of the chitosan, is mixed with at least a part of cathodic extract to provide a deacidified coffee extract.

Abstract: A flavoring agent is provided for a tea composition to impart various flavors. The flavoring agent is selected from the group consisting of anthranilic acid, N-methyl anthranilate and N,N-dimethyl anthranilate acid in an amount of 0.25 to 200 ppm of ester based on the weight of the soluble tea solids. The flavoring agent may also comprise geranyl acetone and .delta.-decalactone.

Abstract: An aqueous extract of a vegetable material is treated with a view to reducing its caffeine and/or chlorogenic acid content. The treatment is with a solid ligneous adsorbent of vegetable origin in divided form at a temperature of from 0.degree. to 100.degree. C. so as to absorb the caffeine and the chlorogenic acid. The combination of extract and ligneous adsorbent is dried by freeze-drying. The dried combination is thereafter introduced into infusing bags. On infusing the bags in hot water, an extract is obtained in partially decaffeinated and partially deacidified form.

Abstract: An aqueous extract of a vegetable material is treated with a view to reducing its caffeine and/or chlorogenic acid content. The treatment is with a solid ligneous adsorbent of vegetable origin in divided form at a temperature of from 0.degree. to 100.degree. C. so as to absorb the caffeine and the chlorogenic acid. Preferably adsorption takes place at a temperature of at most 30.degree. C. and the overall process includes the following subsequent steps:Separating the adsorbent from the aqueous extract,Washing the adsorbent with water at a temperature of from 0.degree. to 30.degree. C. so as to displace the non-specifically associated soluble constituents and combining washing waters with the aqueous extract,Subjecting the adsorbent to lixiviation with hot water at at least 60.degree. C.

Abstract: A flavoring agent is provided for a tea composition to impart various flavors. The flavoring agent consisting essentially of geranyl acetone and .delta.-decalactone in a ratio of 1:1 to 1:2 and is used in an amount of 0.5 to 9 ppm of .delta.-decalactone based on the soluble tea solids.