Abstract: This disclosure provides novel compositions comprising an inorganic and organic compound, which provides a means for the indirect attachment of a reactive species, such as an organic reactive molecule, within a binder polymer matrix. Such compositions provide a hydrophilic nanoscale domain that is uniformly dispersed within the polymer matrix. The nanoscale domain comprises inorganic particles having a nanoscale dimension. Such compositions can enhance the performance potential of the re-active species within the polymer material. The polymer composite that results from the introduction of such reactive species into a polymer matrix provides a self-decontaminating feature. The reactive species include those that are capable of associating with a halogen to form a complex that is active in decontamination of chemical or biological agents.

Abstract: A seal member for sealing a conveyor belt is a monolithic homogeneous piece of material having opposite first and second halves and comprises first and second primary seals and first and second secondary seals. The first secondary seal is resiliently movable relative to the first primary seal. The second secondary seal is resiliently movable relative to the second primary seal. The first primary seal and the first secondary seal are part of the first half of the seal member. The second primary seal and the second secondary seal are part of the second half of the seal member. When the seals on one of the first and second halves of the seal member become excessively worn, the seal member can be flipped so that the seals on the other half of the seal member can be utilized.

Abstract: A seal member for sealing a conveyor belt is a monolithic homogeneous piece of material having opposite first and second halves and comprises first and second primary seals and first and second secondary seals. The first secondary seal is resiliently movable relative to the first primary seal. The second secondary seal is resiliently movable relative to the second primary seal. The first primary seal and the first secondary seal are part of the first half of the seal member. The second primary seal and the second secondary seal are part of the second half of the seal member. When the seals on one of the first and second halves of the seal member become excessively worn, the seal member can be flipped so that the seals on the other half of the seal member can be utilized.

Abstract: This disclosure provides novel compositions comprising an inorganic and organic compound, which provides a means for the indirect attachment of a reactive species, such as an organic reactive molecule, within a binder polymer matrix. Such compositions provide a hydrophilic nanoscale domain that is uniformly dispersed within the polymer matrix. The nanoscale domain comprises inorganic particles having a nanoscale dimension. Such compositions can enhance the performance potential of the re-active species within the polymer material. The polymer composite that results from the introduction of such reactive species into a polymer matrix provides a self-decontaminating feature. The reactive species include those that are capable of associating with a halogen to form a complex that is active in decontamination of chemical or biological agents.

Abstract: A process for cleaning a surface contaminated with an organic, acidic or basic contaminant. In the process, a liquid-state composition including an agent selected form the group consisting of an absorbant, an acid-neutralizing agent and a base-neutralizing agent is applied to the surface, and allowed to interact with the contaminant to form a product and to solidify into a solid-state matrix which sequesters the product. The solid-state matrix is then removed from the surface, thereby substantially cleaning the surface of the contaminant. There is also a process wherein a second liquid-state composition including a functionally different composition is applied to the surface. The second liquid-state composition may enhance the removability of the solid-state matrix from the surface.

Abstract: A process for removing a contaminant from a surface. In the first step of this process, a liquid-state composition is applied to a surface comprising a contaminant. Next, the liquid-state composition is allowed to solidify into a solid-state matrix comprising the contaminant, thereby sequestering the contaminant. Finally, the solid-state matrix is removed from the surface, thereby decontaminating the surface. Also provided is a process for cleaning up a contaminant-containing spill in which a liquid-state composition is applied to the spill, physically mixed with the spill, and allowed to form a solid-state matrix. The matrix is then removed, thereby cleaning up the spill. A further process is provided for detecting a contaminant in a surface or spill, in which a contaminant-detecting compound is applied to a surface or spill and is allowed to react with the contaminant to produce a detectable change, thereby detecting the contaminant.