Abstract: A method for cleaning a water filtration membrane, the method having at least an alkaline cleaning step, wherein the method includes a first enzyme solution comprising a polypeptide having carbohydrase activity, and a second enzyme solution comprising a polypeptide having protease activity.

Abstract: An antiscalant composition, the composition having a silica inhibitor composition, and a dispersant composition. A method for inhibiting scale formation in a membrane system, the method providing an antiscalant composition, the antiscalant composition having a silica inhibitor and a dispersant, and adding the antiscalant composition to an aqueous stream of an aqueous system.

Abstract: A method of designing a nano-structured optical device includes: selecting a first nanoscale building block from a finite set of types of building blocks; placing the first nanoscale building block at a position and orientation in a three-dimensional optical device structure; optimizing the position, orientation, and type of the first nanoscale building block to obtain a preselected optical effect based on optical scattering from the first nanoscale building block; selecting a second nanoscale building block from the finite set of types of building blocks; placing the second nanoscale building block at a position and orientation in the three-dimensional optical device structure along with the first nanoscale building block; and optimizing the positions, orientations, and types of the first and second nanoscale building blocks to obtain the preselected optical effect based on optical scattering from the first and second nanoscale building blocks.

Abstract: A method has been found for the inhibition of microbial biofilm on surfaces in contact with systems, such as aqueous systems. In accordance with the method, an effective amount of a modified tannin biofilm control agent is fed to the system water. The modified tannin biofilm control agent comprises a reaction product of an amine, an aldehyde and tannin and provides a good environmental profile.

Abstract: Conversion and passivation coatings and methods for treating metal surfaces such as steel and aluminum are disclosed. The coating compositions comprise a silane and a stabilizing agent. The methods herein comprise contacting the requisite metal surface with the coating composition.

Abstract: Conversion and passivation coatings and methods for metal surfaces such as steel and aluminum are disclosed. The coating compositions comprise an aqueous sol of cerium oxide and/or silica particles and a ureido silane compound. The methods of the invention comprise contacting the requisite metal surface with the coating composition.

Abstract: Chromate-free and metal phosphate free treatments and compositions for applying a conversion or passivation coating for metals, more particularly, steel, zinc coated steel, and aluminum surfaces. The methods of the invention comprise contacting the requisite metal surface with a treatment composition comprising a member or members comprising one or more Group IV B elements, fluoride, and phosphonic acid or phosphonate. Optionally, a silane may be added as a treatment component.

Abstract: Chromate-free treatments and compositions for applying a conversion or passivation coating for metals, more particularly zinc coated metal surfaces. The methods of the invention comprise contacting the requisite metal surface with a phosphonomethylated polyamine. Other aspects of the invention involve methods and compositions in which the following optional components can be included: fluoacid, silane, inorganic phosphorus, acid, latex film forming component and pH adjustment agent.

Abstract: Chromate free treatments and compositions for applying a conversion or passivation coating to metal surfaces. Preferred compositions comprise a film forming latex polymer, fluoacid, phosphoric acid, and a polyoxyethylene/oxypropylene block copolymer. The requisite metal surfaces are contacted by the compositions and dried. Rinsing is optional.