Abstract: A method for improving the fire resistance of a cellulose material comprises mixing boric acid with methanol to form a boric acid ester, combining the borate ester with magnesium sulfate to form a low viscosity magnesium borate sulfate solution, treating the cellulose material with the magnesium borate sulfate solution, and heating the treated cellulose material to evaporate remaining alcohol and solvent to form a crystals of a complex mixture containing combinations of magnesium sulfate, boric acid, magnesium borate, magnesium borate sulfate and their hydrates.

Abstract: A method for improving the hydrophobic properties of a cellulosic material having a measurable moisture content without leaving an acidic residue comprises immersing the material in an inert gas, treating the material at a first temperature of between about 180° F. and about 250° F. with a vapor of silane until the silane reacts with the moisture to form hydroxysilanes and an acid vapor, then treating the material at a second temperature of between about 280° F. and about 350° F. until the hydroxysilanes convert to dehydrated silanes that are diffusely resident in the material, and removing the moisture, the acid vapor and remaining silane vapor until the treated material is substantially acid free.

Abstract: Synthesis of a support material impregnated with silver sulfide provides a sorbent composition. Generating the silver sulfide relies on reaction of sulfur dioxide and one of hydrogen gas and hydrogen sulfide in presence of the support material following silver loading of the support material. Contacting a fluid stream with the sorbent composition removes heavy metal from the fluid stream.

Abstract: Synthesis of a support material impregnated with silver sulfide provides a sorbent composition. Generating the silver sulfide relies on reaction of sulfur dioxide and one of hydrogen gas and hydrogen sulfide in presence of the support material following silver loading of the support material. Contacting a fluid stream with the sorbent composition removes heavy metal from the fluid stream.