Abstract: A process of producing an organically modified metal oxide wherein an aqueous slurry of a metal oxide which can be peptized in the presence of an acid is admixed with an aqueous slurry of an oregano silage having the formula RySiX4-y, the mixture of the aqueous slurry and the oregano silage being thermally aged to produce a colloidal metal oxide sol which can be dried to produce a powder which is readily discernible in polar compounds such as alcohols, water and the like.

Abstract: A process of producing an organically modified metal oxide wherein an aqueous slurry of a metal oxide which can be peptized in the presence of an acid is admixed with an aqueous slurry of an organo silane having the formula RySiX4-y, the mixture of the aqueous slurry and the organo silane being thermally aged to produce a colloidial metal oxide sol which can be dried to produce a powder which is readily dispersible in polar compounds such as alcohols, water and the like.

Abstract: A thickened, shear thinnable composition comprising a water-miscible organic liquid, alumina, water and an effective amount of a gelling agent that will flocculate or gel the alumina to the desired degree but permit the gelled composition to be rendered less viscous or pourable upon the application of a shear force.

Abstract: An in-situ biocide having improved characteristics comprises polyoxymethylene polymers having an inherent viscosity of at least 0.1 as measured in para-chlorophenol at 60.degree. C. Such polymers provide continuous release of formaldehyde biocide in hydrocarbon production, transportation, ans storage systems by long term decomposition of the polyoxymethylene. The polyoxymethylenes used are water-insoluble materials, wherein decomposition rate can be controlled through the use of pH, temperature, and certain decomposition catalysts.

Abstract: Free-flowing, reagglomeration-resistant powders are prepared utilizing finely divided polymer particles coated with alumina. The alumina-coated polymer powder exhibits cold-flow reagglomeration-resistance behavior and, when added to solvents specific for the alumina-coated polymer, dissolves very rapidly.

Abstract: Trioxane and other acetals are purified by contact with an alkali metal hydroxide and phase transfer catalyst followed by isolation in a purified form. This reaction provides acetals sufficiently pure for polymerization to high molecular weight.

Abstract: Processing properties of polyethylene resins are improved while retaining original physical properties by incorporating less than 1.5 weight percent of high molecular weight, non-crystalline polyolefins into the polyolefin resins. The resulting compositions exhibit reduced melt viscosity at high shear rates while providing essentially unchanged finished physical properties of the polyethylene article.

Abstract: Trioxane and other acetals are purified by contacting with an alkali metal superoxide, then isolated in a purified form. Optionally, a phase transfer catalyst can be utilized in the purification. Recovered acetals are sufficiently pure for polymerization to high molecular weight.

Abstract: A method of purifying trioxane and other acetals by contacting them with an alkali metal and a phase transfer catalyst is described. Trioxane so purified is capable of being polymerized to high molecular weight.

Abstract: This invention relates to "comb" polymers having high molecular weight and related structurally to polyoxymethylene, but having improved thermal stability. In addition, this invention relates to a method for preparing these high molecular weight "comb" polymers and teaches a process which exhibits reduced reactor fouling and produces a free-flowing powder. Generally the improved polymer is made by copolymerizing trioxane with polyanhydride or copolymerizing trioxane with copolymers of olefins and anhydrides. The improved polymer can optionally be reacted with agents known to react with terminal hydroxy groups to end-cap the polymer.

Abstract: A method is provided by which thermally stable polyoxymethylene containing polymers are produced. These polymers are prepared by polymerizing trioxane or formaldehyde which has been first treated with micro-wave radiation. Trioxane or formaldehyde treated in this manner is then suitable for homopolymerization or copolymerization with any of the variety of comonomers known to copolymerize with these materials. The resultant polyoxymethylene containing polymers are of exceptional thermal stability without the necessity of added stabilizers.