Abstract: An edible adhesive is made by cross-linking a sugar with a polyfunctional acid. The adhesive has the property of binding two articles together for a limited period of time and then controllably releasing the adhesive bond between the articles when in contact with a liquid, such as a liquid beverage.

Abstract: Lubricating additives for drilling fluids are prepared from semi-solid highly viscous and/or high molecular weight lubricants, such as polyalkylenes (e.g., polybutene), by steam jet cooking a mixture of starch, water, and the lubricant in order to uniformly suspend micrometer-sized lubricant droplets in an aqueous starch matrix. These additives avoid the need for toxic emulsifiers, surfactants, or short-chain hydrocarbon solvents for dispersing the lubricants. They impart lubricity to drilling fluids (muds) and also inhibit fluid loss in geological formations by enhancing the filtration control properties of the fluid.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydroxy fatty acids and novel estolide compounds, each of which may be used as lubricants, greases, plasticizers and printing inks, as well as in cosmetics. The estolides are of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from C.sub.6 -C.sub.16 hydrocarbons which may be saturated or unsaturated, and branched or straight chain, and optionally substituted, such as with one or more hydroxy groups; R.sub.2 is independently selected from C.sub.2 -C.sub.17 hydrocarbons which may be saturated or unsaturated, and branched or straight chain, and optionally substituted, such as with one or more hydroxy groups; A is selected from C.sub.3 -C.sub.14 hydrocarbons which may be saturated or unsaturated, and branched or straight chain, and optionally substituted; n is greater than or equal to 1; y is an integer from 3-13; x is 1 or 2; and . . . designates a single or double carbon/carbon bond.