Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wax formulation for use in lignocellulosic products, which impart improved properties such as dimensional stability when the products are exposed to moisture. The wax formulations include a wax and a surface tension/interfacial tension reducing agent comprising one or more of a fluorinated compound having two to six carbon atoms, an alkylphenol alkoxylate or an ethoxylated acetylenic diol.

Abstract: A method is provided which uses an improved emulsion to imparting water-resistance to gypsum products. In one embodiment, gypsum products comprise calcium sulfate dihydrate and an emulsion which comprises a saponified wax, a nonsaponifiable wax, an alkyl phenol, a surfactant/dispersant salt of polynaphthalenesulfonic acid, and carboxymethylcellulose. Optionally, the emulsions may contain a preservative, e.g., a biocide (mildewcide, fungicide, etc.). These gypsum products resist the uptake of water and therefore resist biological infestation without addition of a preservative.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively predicting and consequently minimizing the amount of critical phases such as eutectic Al2Cu formed during solidification of Al—Si—Cu alloys used in a vehicle engine component comprises developing a micromodel to simulate microstructure evolution in cast Al—Si or Al—Cu alloys. The micromodel is calibrated using experimental thermal analysis cooling curves and an optimization process. Microstructure evolution and cooling curves are simulated for a casting using the calibrated micromodel. Precipitation of critical phases such as Al2Cu in the casting is predicted as a function of solidification conditions. The model allows casting process variables to be varied with predictable results so that the casting process can be controlled via the micromodel.

Abstract: A scoring form for tests having a series of questions with multi-choice answers.The form provides an answer group for each question. An answer group is a matrix of rows and columns. The number of columns (or matrix elements in a row) is typically equal to the number of answer choices in the questions, with the elements in each row identified the same as the answer choices. The number of rows in the matrix is equal to the position number of the question in the ordered series of test questions. Each line in the matrix is identified by the question number and one of a series of hyphenated identifiers.Each element in each matrix contains a latent image address which is invisible to the testee until he activates the latent image, as by rubbing the spot which he associates with the correct answer.