Abstract: A cord, thread or filament is treated by applying to it a dilute solution of a polysiloxane prepolymer which is then cured, such that either (a) the outer envelope of the cord, thread or filament is enrobed, or (b) in the case of a cord or thread, the filaments thereof are substantially individually encapsulated by, a coating of cured polysiloxane polymer. The treated cords, threads and filaments have inter alia improved abrasion and fray resistance, water repellance and slip qualities.

Abstract: The ends of bristles of a brush, e.g. a toothbrush, are treated with a polysiloxane prepolymer which is then cured. The treated bristles are smooth and round-ended.

Abstract: Sheet material for making a water closet disposable article, such as a bag for body waste products, is unaffected by contact with water of neutral pH, but is degraded on contact with an alkali added to the pan of the water closet. The material may have a central layer of polyvinyl alcohol, an inner layer made up of at least two coatings of a blend of polyvinylidene chloride acrylonitrile copolymer with carboxylated acrylic copolymer, and an outer layer of at least two coatings of carboxylated acrylic acid. A similar sheet can be used to back an absorbent layer of a sanitary article, such as a diaper. In use, an alkaline substance containing triethanolamine and a surfactant, such as sodium dioctyl sulphosuccinate, is added in liquid form to the water closet pan prior to dropping in the bag or other article, so as to raise the pH of the water to about 10.

Abstract: A prepolymer composition for forming a scratch-resistant coating, comprising an acidic, aqueous solution of a polysiloxane prepolymer having non-coreactive side groups and co-reactive side groups other than hydrolysable groups, the composition being curable by evaporation of solvent and a decrease in acidity causing the co-reactive groups to react together to cross-link the polymer. Suitable co-reactive side groups are amino, epoxy and thiol. Suitable non-coreactive side groups are alkyl and gamma methacryloxy propyl. Acidity is suitably achieved by using a volatilisable organic acid such as acetic acid, so that it evaporates with the solvents to decrease the acidity.

Abstract: Improved polyfuran foams are prepared by polymerizing or copolymerizing furfuryl alcohol, alone or in combination with prepolymers or precopolymers of furfuryl alcohol, as liquid feed material in the presence of a liquid acidic compound, the liquid feed material containing at least 20% of free furfuryl alcohol and wherein at least 50% of the hydroxyl groups in the mixture are present as free furfuryl alcohol. The liquid acidic compound or mixture of acidic compounds having a pKa value in water of from 1 to 4 or having a pka value in water of less than 1 and being uniformly distributed in mono alcohols that do not polymerize in the presence of said acidic compound or mixture of acidic compounds. The polyfuran foam having non-flammability characteristics as determined by the muffle furance test.