Abstract: The present application provides switchable, homogeneous paint composition and methods of painting and/or forming films or coatings using the composition. The composition includes a liquid having an aqueous solution and dissolved acid gas (e.g., carbonated water), and a switchable polymer. The switchable polymer converts from a protonated, water-soluble form in the liquid to a water-insoluble unprotonated form following removal or substantial removal of the liquid and acid gas.

Abstract: A solid composition, which may be in the form of pellets, comprising at least two biopolymeric thickening agents, such as polysaccharides, wherein said solid composition is capable of forming hydrogels in the presence of water or an aqueous solution. The hydrogel is a water-enhancing, fire-suppressant that is useful for one or more of fire-fighting, fire-suppression, or fire-prevention and exhibits non-Newtonian fluidic, pseudoplastic or thixotropic behaviour.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use of switchable water, which is capable of reversibly switching between an initial ionic strength and an increased ionic strength, is described. The disclosed methods and systems can be used, for example, in distillation-free removal of water from solvents, solutes, or solutions, desalination, clay settling, viscosity switching, etc. Switching from lower to higher ionic strength is readily achieved using low energy methods such as bubbling with C02, CS2 or COS or treatment with Bronsted acids. Switching from higher to lower ionic strength is readily achieved using low energy methods such as bubbling with air, inert gas, heating, agitating, introducing a vacuum or partial vacuum, or any combination or thereof.

Abstract: The present application provides a switchable forward osmosis system, and processes thereof. In particular, this application provides a process for treating an aqueous feed stream, comprising: forward osmosis using an aqueous draw solution having a draw solute concentration of ?20 wt %, the draw solute comprising ionized trimethylamine and a counter ion; wherein, the feed stream: (i) comprises ?5 wt % total dissolved solids; (ii) is at a temperature of ?20° C.; (iii) is at a temperature between ?30° C.-?60° C.; (iv) has an acidic pH or a basic pH; (v) comprises organic content; (vi) comprises suspended solids; (vii) or any combination of two or more of i)-v). Also provided herein are the related system and draw solution for performing the process, and various uses thereof for treating typically difficult to dewater feed streams.

Abstract: The present application provides switchable, homogeneous paint composition and methods of painting and/or forming films or coatings using the composition. The composition includes a liquid having an aqueous solution and dissolved acid gas (e.g., carbonated water), and a switchable polymer. The switchable polymer converts from a protonated, water-soluble form in the liquid to a water-insoluble unprotonated form following removal or substantial removal of the liquid and acid gas.

Abstract: The present application provides a stabilized suspension for production of fire-suppressing hydrogels. Specifically, the present application provides a composition comprising: (i) at least one thickening agent; (ii) at least one liquid medium; and, (iii) at least one particulate suspending agent, wherein the composition consists of >75%, by weight, consumer-grade components and wherein the composition is a concentrate that forms a fire-suppressing hydrogel when mixed with water or an aqueous solution. Also provided is a hydrogel prepared from this composition methods of using the hydrogel to extinguish, suppress and/or prevent fires, including both class A and class B fires.

Abstract: The present application provides a polymer composite comprising at least one polymer and a reclaimed pyrolyzed carbon black (pCB), wherein the pCB comprises less than about 10 ?g/g of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Also provided are polymer composite and consumer-ready formulations of the low PAH pCB and methods of manufacturing such composites and formulations.

Abstract: The present application provides a composite material that comprises a solid and solid-supported non-polymeric switchable moiety, wherein the switchable moiety comprises a functional group that is switchable between a first form and a second form, said first form being neutral and hydrophobic, and said second form being ionized and hydrophilic. The composite material converts to, or is maintained in, said second form when the switchable moiety is exposed to CO2 at amounts sufficient to maintain the ionized form. The composite material converts to, or is maintained in, said first form when CO2 is removed or reduced to an amount insufficient to maintain the ionized form. CO2 is removed or reduced by exposing the composite material to heat and/or a flushing inert gas such as N2, Ar, or air. Envisioned uses of these composite materials includes removing water from non-aqueous solvents, removing water vapour from gaseous mixtures, and cleaning industrial reaction vessels and/or pipelines.

Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a hydrophobic liquid form to hydrophilic liquid form upon contact with water and a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. The hydrophilic liquid form is readily converted back to the hydrophobic liquid form and water. The hydrophobic liquid is an amidine or amine. The hydrophilic liquid form comprises an amidinium salt or an ammonium salt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a latex composition wherein the latex composition comprises a butyl ionomer or partially halogenated butyl rubber ionomer. The latex composition is formed by dissolving the butyl ionomer in a suitable solvent, emulsifying the polymer in the solvent, adding water and optionally a minor amount of a suitable surfactant system to the emulsion and concentrating the emulsion to remove the water. The advantages of butyl ionomer latex include lower emulsifier levels, increased latex stability, improved interaction and adhesion to polar substrates and surfaces. Through the judicious choice of emulsifiers and/or washing to remove excess emulsifier a film with enhanced non-extractable polymeric antimicrobial function can be created. These properties of ionomer latex are useful in coatings, dipped goods and sponge applications.

Abstract: The present application provides a polymer composite comprising at least one polymer and a reclaimed pyrolyzed carbon black (pCB), wherein the pCB comprises less than about 10 ?g/g of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Also provided are polymer composite and consumer-ready formulations of the low PAH pCB and methods of manufacturing such composites and formulations.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of butyl ionomers or partially halogenated butyl ionomers in reducing a population of and/or preventing accumulation of organisms. The organisms may be bacteria, algae, fungi, mollusca or arthropoda. The invention also relates to coatings for shaped articles comprising the butyl ionomers.

Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a hydrophobic liquid form to hydrophilic liquid form upon contact with water and a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. The hydrophilic liquid form is readily converted back to the hydrophobic liquid form and water. The hydrophobic liquid is an amidine or amine. The hydrophilic liquid form comprises an amidinium salt or an ammonium salt.

Abstract: The present application provides a polymer composite comprising at least one polymer and a reclaimed pyrolyzed carbon black (pCB), wherein the pCB comprises less than about 10 ?g/g of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Also provided are polymer composite and consumer-ready formulations of the low PAH pCB and methods of manufacturing such composites and formulations.

Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a hydrophobic liquid form to hydrophilic liquid form upon contact with water and a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. The hydrophilic liquid form is readily converted back to the hydrophobic liquid form and water. The hydrophobic liquid is an amidine or amine. The hydrophilic liquid form comprises an amidinium salt or an ammonium salt.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use of switchable water, which is capable of reversibly switching between an initial ionic strength and an increased ionic strength, is described. The disclosed methods and systems can be used, for example, in distillation-free removal of water from solvents, solutes, or solutions, desalination, clay settling, viscosity switching, etc. Switching from lower to higher ionic strength is readily achieved using low energy methods such as bubbling with C02, CS2 or COS or treatment with Bronsted acids. Switching from higher to lower ionic strength is readily achieved using low energy methods such as bubbling with air, inert gas, heating, agitating, introducing a vacuum or partial vacuum, or any combination or thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a latex composition wherein the latex composition comprises a butyl ionomer or partially halogenated butyl rubber ionomer. The latex composition is formed by dissolving the butyl ionomer in a suitable solvent, emulsifying the polymer in the solvent, adding water and optionally a minor amount of a suitable surfactant system to the emulsion and concentrating the emulsion to remove the water. The advantages of butyl ionomer latex include lower emulsifier levels, increased latex stability, improved interaction and adhesion to polar substrates and surfaces. Through the judicious choice of emulsifiers and/or washing to remove excess emulsifier a film with enhanced non-extractable polymeric antimicrobial function can be created. These properties of ionomer latex are useful in coatings, dipped goods and sponge applications.

Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a hydrophobic liquid form to hydrophilic liquid form upon contact with water and a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. The hydrophilic liquid form is readily converted back to the hydrophobic liquid form and water. The hydrophobic liquid is an amidine or amine. The hydrophilic liquid form comprises an amidinium salt or an ammonium salt.

Abstract: The present application provides a polymer composite comprising at least one polymer and a reclaimed pyrolyzed carbon black (pCB), wherein the pCB comprises less than about 10 ?g/g of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Also provided are polymer composite and consumer-ready formulations of the low PAH pCB and methods of manufacturing such composites and formulations.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of butyl ionomers or partially halogenated butyl ionomers in reducing a population of and/or preventing accumulation of organisms. The organisms may be bacteria, algae, fungi, mollusca or arthropoda. The invention also relates to coatings for shaped articles comprising the butyl ionomers.