Abstract: Residual ethylene oxide is removed from poly(ethylene oxide) by the steps of adding to particles of high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) a finely divided solid particulate material which is capable of coating the poly(ethylene oxide) particles and impeding their agglomeration under conditions of heating, heating the particles of poly(ethylene oxide) at a temperature of at least 40.degree. C. and preferably which is near their crystalline melting point, and maintaining the temperature for a sufficient time to reduce the ethylene oxide in the particles of poly(ethylene oxide) to ten ppm or less. In one embodiment, the poly(ethylene oxide) is heated by holding the particles in a heated enclosure; in another, it is heated as a slurry in a liquid medium; in yet another, it is heated by warm gas in a gaseously-fluidized bed; and in a fourth, it is heated by microwave radiation.

Abstract: This invention is a method for agglomerating mineral ore concentrate comprising the commongling of mineral ore concentrate with a binding amount of a water soluble, high molecular weight polymer. The selected polymer is applied to the mineral ore concentrate either (1) as a dispersion in a non-aqueous medium or (2) as a dry powder. The most preferred polymers are water soluble poly(acrylamide) based polymers.

Abstract: This invention is a method for agglomerating mineral ore concentrate comprising the commingling of mineral ore concentrate with a binding amount of water soluble polymers, preferably poly(acrylamides), and clay, preferably bentonite. The polymer is applied to the mineral ore concentrate either (1) as a dispersion in a non-aqueous dispersion medium or (2) as a dry powder. This invention is also a method of agglomerating mineral ore concentrate with flux material.

Abstract: A process for the water-in-oil emulsion polymerization of at least one ethylenically-unsaturated monomer is disclosed wherein a water-in-oil emulsion of said monomer is polymerized in the presence of a first, highly reactive polymerization initiator until a small amount of polymer is present sufficient to provide a shear-stable emulsion, followed by completing the polymerization in the presence of a second, less reactive polymerization initiator.

Abstract: A high molecular weight, water-soluble polymer, water-in-oil emulsions thereof and a flocculating process using same are disclosed. The polymer may be represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein A represents a repeating unit derived from a hydrophobic vinyl monomer having a water-solubility of less than about 5 weight %; R.sub.1 and R.sub.3 are each hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are each a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or an ethyl group; R.sub.2 represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 13 carbon atoms; X represents a monovalent cation; B represents a repeating unit derived from an ethylenically-unsaturated carboxylic acid or a salt thereof; m is about 0.1-10 mole %, n is about 1-40 mole %, p is about 20-98.9 mole %, and q is about 0-40 mole % with the proviso that m+n+p+q=100 mole % and r is a large positive integer.

Abstract: Described herein is a process for flocculating phosphatic slimes which comprises (a) forming a concentrated aqueous solution from a water-soluble ter-or higher polymer water-in oil emulsion, (b) diluting said concentrated aqueous solution of ter-or higher polymer formed in step (a) with additional water, (c) mixing the diluted solution of (b) with phosphatic slimes under appropriate floc forming conditions and (d) allowing the suspended solids to settle from said slime to form an essentially clear aqueous supernatant.

Abstract: Described herein are water soluble acrylamide containing polymers having an intrinsic viscosity of at least about 15 dl/g. These polymers are suitable for use in water purification.

Abstract: Described herein are water soluble ter- or higher polymer water-in-oil emulsions comprising:(a) an aqueous phase comprising from about 60 to about 80 weight percent and containing therein from about 30 to about 70 weight percent of a ter- or higher polymer and from about 30 to about 70 weight percent of water,(b) a hydrophobic liquid comprising from about 15 to about 39.5 weight percent, and(c) an oil-soluble surfactant comprising from about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent, said weight percents based on the total weight of the emulsion.

Abstract: Water-soluble polymers are rapidly dissolved by employing a concentrate of (i) a water-soluble particulate polymer, (ii) a water-insoluble organic vehicle which is a non-solvent for the polymer, (iii) a nonionic surfactant agent having an HLB in the ranges of 3-5 and 9-13 and if necessary, a thickening agent.

Abstract: A process for forming green ceramic bodies using an aqueous solution of a high molecular weight, water-soluble polymer as a lubricant.

Abstract: Articles for conditioning hair have been fabricated by blending water soluble polymers with water insoluble polymers to form interpenetrating networks so that the water soluble polymer can be extracted from the article when wet or when brought in contact with wet hair.