Abstract: It has been found that a hot-melt adhesive composition can be prepared by mixing a starch product, urea and optionally water are mixed with each other to obtain a homogeneous composition, the starch product/urea weight ratio being selected within the range of 3/1-3/97 and the amount of water present being 3-20 wt. %, based on the amount of starch product +urea, and which mixing may or may not be carried out with heating, but an oxidative treatment is omitted. Moreover, a hot-melt adhesive composition has been found which essentially comprises the above components in the above weight ratio and amount. The composition obtained according to the invention is solid at room temperature but becomes fluid at elevated temperature and can particularly be used in the manufacture of packagings and nonwoven articles.

Abstract: Dry products in flake or granulate form suitable as a paste base may be obtained by drying a mixture, containing approximately 30 to 80% by weight of water, of from(a) 30 to 95% by weight of carboxymethylated and/or alkoxylated starch,(b) 3 to 40% by weight of a cellulose ether, and(c) 2 to 40% by weight of a water-dispersible polymer or water-soluble polymer, and(d) optionally, conventional additives, such as preservatives, wetting agents, fillers and the like,in a thin layer on a surface heated to 80.degree. to 200.degree. C. The dry products obtained do not undergo physical separation and are readily dispersible or self-dispersible in water.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for applying waterproof starch layers to substrates, which comprises applying an aqueous starch dispersion containing a waterproofing agent to the substrate and then drying same.In order to improve the processability and processing time of the binders, this invention is characterized in that the waterproofing agent or a catalyst which catalyzes the reaction of the waterproofing agent with the starch molecules is present in the starch dispersion in the form of microcapsules, and that, after applying the starch dispersion to the substrate, the waterproofing agent is reacted with the starch molecules by digesting disrupting or puncturing the microcapsules.

Abstract: Washing tank for separating particles differing the specific gravity by means of a liquid separatory medium using the float-and-sink method. The washing tank is provided with at least one collecting tray for removing the settled particles, which collecting tray can be reciprocated along the bottom of the washing tank and in the first extreme position is about centrally on the bottom of the washing tank, where it can collect settling particles, and in the second extreme positions rests on the edge of the washing tank, so tilted that settled particles contained in it can slide into a discharge device positioned next to the washing tank. Preferably, the washing tank is provided with two alternating collecting trays hingingly attached to arms fixed on a horizontal shaft swinging to and fro between two extreme positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of objects from water-hardened materials, reinforced with one or more reticulate webs, one over the other, which webs have been obtained by stretching, fibrillating and spreading of a film of organic polymeric material, by continuously supplying one or more reticulate webs, contacting them with a water-hardening material and water, thus forming a composite material, and shaping and hardening this material. This is obtained according the invention in that:a. one or more reticulate webs, one on top of the other, are continuously supplied and laid on a carrier;b. the reticulate webs are folded zig-zag on this carrier;c. the folded network is continuously transported in a direction virtually normal to the direction in which the reticulate webs are supplied;d. subsequently, the folded network is contacted, directly or indirectly, with a water-hardening material and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for manufacturing articles comprised of fiber-reinforced hydraulically bound material. A layer of the fiber-reinforcing and hydraulically bindable materials are placed on a first endless carrier while a second similar layer is formed on a second endless carrier. The layer formed on the second carrier is deposited on the layer formed on the first carrier by reversing the second carrier and the composite layer formed as a result is thereafter given the desired shape and is hardened.A number of fibrous network structures are used with the hydraulically bindable material and the two are formed into a layer with the networks distributed in it. Water is removed from that layer by suction, while on the second carrier a number of fibrous networks are likewise supplied to be formed into a layer comprised of the hydraulically bindable material with the networks distributed in it and water is also removed by suction from this layer.