Abstract: The composition includes an acrylic polymer, a water-repellent polymer, and a stabilizer against ultraviolet light, in which the stabilizer is an ultraviolet light-absorber, a hindered amine light stabilizer, or a combination thereof. A coated article includes at least one of hardwood, softwood, oriented strand board, or plywood with a surface that is at least partially coated, wherein the surface that is at least partially coated has a b* value on the International Commission on Illumination L*, a*, and b* scale greater than 15 after 90 days of weathering. Methods of making the composition and the coated article are also described.

Abstract: The inventors of the present disclosure recognized that, surprisingly, the antimicrobial treatments used on cellulosic sponges do not work in hydrophilic polyurethane sponges. As such, the inventors of the present disclosure discovered a need for an antimicrobial treatment for use on hydrophilic polyurethane foam sponges. The present inventors invented one antimicrobial composition for use on hydrophilic polyurethane foam sponges including an acetate salt solution humectant. The present inventors invented another antimicrobial composition for use on hydrophilic polyurethane foam sponges including a non-halogen humectant comprising a salt solution having a pH between about 3 and 10 and a water activity of less than 0.9 at 25° C.

Abstract: The inventors of the present disclosure recognized that, surprisingly, the antimicrobial treatments used on cellulosic sponges do not work in hydrophilic polyurethane sponges. As such, the inventors of the present disclosure discovered a need for an antimicrobial treatment for use on hydrophilic polyurethane foam sponges. The present inventors invented one antimicrobial composition for use on hydrophilic polyurethane foam sponges including an acetate salt solution humectant. The present inventors invented another antimicrobial composition for use on hydrophilic polyurethane foam sponges including a non-halogen humectant comprising a salt solution having a pH between about 3 and 10 and a water activity of less than 0.9 at 25° C.

Abstract: A process for preparing monoesters comprises the step of reacting at least one diol with at least one carboxylic acid in a biphasic solvent system, the carboxylic acid being sufficiently water soluble to allow esterification to occur, and the biphasic solvent system comprising water and at least one aprotic solvent in which the resulting monoester has greater solubility than in water.

Abstract: A process for preparing functional group-containing olefinic compounds comprises the steps of (a) reacting at least one alkylidene phosphorane with at least one carbonyl-containing compound that comprises at least one group that is a leaving group, or that is capable of subsequent conversion to a leaving group, to form an olefinic compound that comprises at least one leaving group, the carbonyl-containing compound being selected from the group consisting of ketones and aldehydes; and (b) reacting the olefinic compound with at least one functional group-containing nucleophile to form a functional group-containing olefinic compound.

Abstract: Modifying agents for polyolefins improve the physical and/or optical properties of the polymers and have formula (I): ##STR1## and salts thereof, wherein X, Y, Z, R and R1 are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: Modifying agents for polyolefins enhance nucleation and crystallization of the polyolefins and provide improved optical and/or physical properties. The modifying agents are compounds of formulas (I) and (II): or a salt thereof, wherein X, Y, R1, R2, R3 and R4 and R8 are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: Modifying agents for polyolefins improve the physical and/or optical properties of the polymers and have formula (I): ##STR1## and salts thereof, wherein X, Y, Z, R and R1 are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: Sulfonic acid salts of compounds of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein X, Y, Z and R1 are as defined in the specification are useful as clarifying and/or nucleating agents for polyolefins.