Abstract: Precipitate-free aqueous compositions, well adapted as agricultural chemicals, e.g., crop protectants, are comprised of at least one water soluble cationic organic compound, e.g., a pesticidally active quaternary ammonium compound, and a thickening amount of a xanthan gum having an intrinsic viscosity of less than 3,500 cm.sup.3 /g.

Abstract: Essentially homogeneous and storage-stable liquid chocolate milk products, having viscosities ranging from 10 to 100 mPa.s, are formulated from milk bases including a suspension of cocoa particulates and a suspension stabilizing amount of a xanthan/galactomannan admixture adapted for the formation of an aqueous gel therefrom, wherein the ratio by weight of xanthan/galactomannan ranges from 80/20 to 20/80.

Abstract: Pseudoplastic aqueous concentrates, well adapted for dilution with water to constitute precipitate-free sprayable compositions useful, e.g., for plant protection, are formulated in water from a thickening amount of a xanthan gum having a content in pyruvic acid moieties of less than about 2%, and at least one water soluble organic cationic compound, e.g., a cationic pesticide.

Abstract: Shaped articles having improved mechanical properties, e.g., stronger catalysts and catalyst supports, are produced by shaping a mass of particulate material, e.g., ceramic powder, into the form of the desired final article, the particulate material including a microbially produced poly-saccharide compound, and then consolidating the shaped article by heat treating same, e.g., to sintering or calcination temperatures.

Abstract: Monolithic catalyst substrates are more adherently coated with at least one oxide layer, by including in the coating composition a gum or biogum, preferably xanthan gum.

Abstract: Aqueous acid cleaning compositions well adapted, e.g., for the descaling of metallic face surfaces include (i) water, (ii) a carboxylic acid dissolved therein having a dissociation constant pK, at 25.degree. C., of at least 2, (iii) a stabilizing amount of at least one salt of an acid having a pK value of at least 2, and of a strong base, and (iv) a thickening amount of a polysaccharide.

Abstract: Latices of particles of vinyl acetate/olefin copolymers. The particles have an average diameter between 0.05 and 1 .mu.M. The copolymers have a glass transition temperature between -30.degree. and 50.degree. C. The particles are present in the latices in a concentration between 10 and 70% by weight. The latices contain a protective colloid comprising a water-soluble polymer (a) containing at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of N-methylolacrylamide and N-methylolmethacrylamide and a water-soluble polymer (b) of ethylene glycol, wherein polymer (b) has a molecular weight of between 1,000 and 50,000.The latices are prepared by polymerization in aqueous emulsion, in the presence of an initiator and the above-described protective colloid.The latices may be applied as binders in the manufacture of paints, glues, paper, textiles, floor coverings and mortar additives.

Abstract: Latices of vinyl acetate polymers comprising particles having an average diameter between 0.05 and 1 .mu.m and being present in the latex at a concentration of between 10 and 70% by weight. The polymers have a glass transition temperature between -20.degree. and 50.degree. C. The latices also contain a protective colloid comprising a water-soluble polymer (a) containing at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of N-methylolacrylamide and N-methylolmethacrylamide and a water-soluble polymer (b) of ethylene glycol, the polymer (b) having a molecular weight between 1,000 and 50,000.The latices are prepared by polymerization in aqueous emulsion, in the presence of both an initiator and the above-reference protective colloid. The latices may be applied as binders in the manufacture of paints, glues, paper, textiles, floor coverings and mortar additives.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of latices of vinyl acetate polymers. Vinyl acetate is polymerized by itself or mixed with at least one copolymerizable monomer, in aqueous emulsion, in the presence of an initiator, an emulsifier and a protective colloid comprising a water-soluble polymer (a) containing at least one monomer of acrylamide, methacrylamide, or substituted or unsubstituted N-alkyl derivatives of acrylamide or methacrylamide and a water-soluble polymer (b) of ethylene glycol, the polymer (b) having a molecular weight between 1,000 and 50,000. The latices may be applied as binders in the manufacture of paints, glues, paper, textiles, floor coverings and mortar additives.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of latices of vinyl acetate/olefin copolymers. Vinyl acetate is copolymerized with at least one olefin and, if desired, at least one other copolymerizable monomer, in aqueous emulsion, in the presence of an initiator, an emulsifier and a protective colloid comprising a water-soluble polymer (a) containing at least one monomer of acrylamide, methacrylamide or substituted or unsubstituted N-alkyl derivatives of acrylamide or methacrylamide and a water-soluble polymer (b) of ethylene glycol having a molecular weight between 1,000 and 50,000. The latices may be applied as binders in the manufacture of paints, glues, paper, textiles, floor coverings and mortar additives.

Abstract: Magnetic-polymer latex having a concentration of less than 65% by weight of hydrophobic vinyl aromatic polymer particles. The polymer particles have diameters from 0.03 to 5 microns and also have dispersed therein a magnetically-charged material in an amount of from 0.5 to 50% by weight with respect to the polymer portion of the polymer particles.A process for preparing magnetic-polymer latices. Magnetically charged particles are dispersed in an organic phase comprising an organically soluble initiator and an organic monomeric component selected from the group consisting of a single vinyl aromatic monomer and a combination of a single vinyl aromatic monomer and a copolymerizing monomer. The dispersion so obtained is mixed with an aqueous solution containing an emulsifying agent and the mixture is homogenized. Polymerization is then effected to form a magnetic-polymer latex containing hydrophobic vinyl aromatic polymer particle.