Abstract: The present invention provides a binder composition comprising a first binder comprising by dry weight based on total dry weight of the first binder, from 5% to 98% of polymer particles, from 0.3% to 10% of a first polysaccharide, from 0.01% to 5% of a crosslinker, from 0.3% to 6% of a water-soluble metal cation, and from 0.05% to 3% of a cationic polyelectrolyte. The binder composition may further comprise a second binder comprising by dry weight based on total dry weight of the second binder, from 0.3% to 20% of the first polysaccharide, from 0.5% to 20% of a second polysaccharide. And in that case, the wet weight ratio of the first binder to the second binder is from 1:20 to 20:1. The present invention further provides a paint formulation comprising the binder composition.

Abstract: Provided is a composition comprising (a) one or more polyisocyanate, wherein said polyisocyanate has the structure of formula I: A-NCO??I and (b) one or more compound having the structure of formula II: A-L-Q-G??II wherein A in structure II is identical to A in structure I, L is a linking group formed by a reaction of an isocyanate group with an isocyanate-reactive group, Q is an organic group, and G is an anionic group, and wherein the ratio of the sum of the moles of isocyanate groups plus the moles of said L groups to the moles of said Q groups is 3:1 to 10:1. Also provided is an emulsion in which the particles comprise such a composition and further comprise (c) one or more water-insoluble compound that is different from said polyisocyanate (a).

Abstract: Provided is a composition comprising one or more compound having the structure of formula II: wherein A is a residue of a polyisocyanate, L is a linking group formed by a reaction of an isocyanate group with an isocyanate-reactive group, n is 5 to 25, m is 0 to 100, and Z is methyl or ethyl or propyl, and wherein the ratio of the sum of the moles of isocyanate groups plus the moles of said L groups to the moles of said Z groups is 2:1 to 30:1.

Abstract: Provided is a composition comprising (a1) one or more compound that is a trimer of a diisocyanate that has structure A1-NCO; (b1) one or more compound having the structure A1-L1-(CH2CH2O)n—Z; (a2) one or more compound that is a trimer of a diisocyanate that has structure A2-NCO; and (b2) one or more compound having the structure A2-L2-Q-G; wherein A1 in structure II-1 is identical to A1 in structure I-1, L1 is a linking group formed by a reaction of an isocyanate group with an isocyanate-reactive group, n is 5 to 25, Z is an alkyl group, A2 in structure II-2 is identical to A2 in structure I-2, L2 is a linking group formed by a reaction of an isocyanate group with an isocyanate-reactive group, Q is an organic group, G is an anionic group, A1 and A2 may be identical or different, wherein wa1+wa2 is 0% to 90%, wherein wa1 is the weight percent of said compound (a1), based on the total solids weight of said composition, wherein wa2 is the weight percent of said compound (a2), based on the total solids weight of

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods and materials for delivering a cyclopropene or other active ingredient to a plant. Provided are compositions comprising double encapsulated particles having a waxy coating and being imbedded in a resin matrix. Such double encapsulated particles are further coated with Pickering particles and suspended in an oil. The double encapsulated particles comprise a volatile compound (for example, 1-MCP complex powder) as an active ingredient. Also provided are methods for preparing such compositions and methods for using such compositions.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising a collection of coated particles, wherein the coated particles comprises an active ingredient dispersed in an resin matrix; and a coating comprising at least one hydrophobic compound. Also provided are methods for preparing compositions comprising: (a) blending an active ingredient (for example, 1-MCP complex powder) with resin at the temperature slightly over the melting point of the resin; (b) dispersing the blend into an oil medium containing hydrophobic particles by shearing and obtain an oil dispersion; and (c) consolidating the resin particles by cooling. Thus, the active ingredient (for example, 1-MCP complex powder) is imbedded in the resin matrix spheres, and the hydrophobic particles, which also serve as Pickering emulsifier to stabilize the matrix spheres, form a coating layer around the matrix spheres to provide protection against water. Thus, the sphere is composed of the “Pickering” particle and resin matrix, in which the active ingredient is imbedded.

Abstract: Compositions for delivering an active ingredient include particles comprising an active ingredient (for example, 1-MCP complex powder) imbedded in a resin matrix, the particles being suspended in an oil medium. Methods for preparing such compositions include blending an active ingredient with a resin at a temperature higher than the melting point of the resin to provide a blend; dispersing the blend into an oil medium at a temperature higher than the melting point of the resin to provide a dispersion comprising dispersed particles in the oil medium; and consolidating the dispersed particles to provide consolidated particles comprising a solid matrix of the resin impregnated with the active ingredient. Methods of using such compositions include mixing the compositions with an aqueous medium to provide an emulsion or slurry and either contacting plants or plant parts with the emulsion or placing the emulsion near plants or plant parts.

Abstract: An ignition system for a multi-burner heat exchanger assembly, a furnace, and a method using same are disclosed. The assembly may include a plurality of adjacent heat exchanger tubes, with a burner associated with each tube. All the burners may be lit with a single igniter and no source of secondary air. To do so, each of the burners may be provided so as to generate a swirling exit flow of combustion gases. One or more carryover tubes may also be connected between adjacent pairs of heat exchanger tubes or adjacent pairs of burners. The swirling flow generated by the burners causes hot combustion gases to move through the carryover tubes to thus carry the flame from one burner to the next. Not only can a single igniter be used, but a single flame sensor as well, while at the same time reducing nitrogen oxide emissions.

Abstract: An ignition system for a multi-burner heat exchanger assembly, a furnace, and a method using same are disclosed. The assembly may include a plurality of adjacent heat exchanger tubes, with a burner associated with each tube. All the burners may be lit with a single igniter and no source of secondary air. To do so, each of the burners may be provided so as to generate a swirling exit flow of combustion gases. One or more carryover tubes may also be connected between adjacent pairs of heat exchanger tubes or adjacent pairs of burners. The swirling flow generated by the burners causes hot combustion gases to move through the carryover tubes to thus carry the flame from one burner to the next. Not only can a single igniter be used, but a single flame sensor as well, while at the same time reducing nitrogen oxide emissions.