Abstract: Coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture comprising a nanoparticle system employing same to impart surface modifying benefits for all types of soft surfaces, and in some cases, hard surfaces, are disclosed. In some embodiments, dispersement of nanoparticles in a suitable carrier medium allows for the creation of coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture that create multi-use benefits to the modified surfaces. These surface modifications can produce long lasting or semi-permanent multi-use benefits that, in some embodiments, may include at least one of the following improved surface properties: cleaning, wettability, liquid strike-through, comfort, stain resistance, soil removal, malodor control, modification of surface friction, reduced damage to abrasion and color enhancement, relative to the surfaces unmodified with such nanoparticle systems.

Abstract: A method of removing cooked-, baked-, or burnt-on food soil from cookware and tableware comprising washing the cookware/tableware in an automatic dishwashing machine in the presence of an organic solvent system having a volatile organic content of less than about 50% by weight and a wash liquor concentration of from about 100 ppm to about 10000 ppm. The method includes the storage and delivery of organic solvent compositions and dishwashing detergent composition from multi-compartment containers. The method provides excellent removal of stubborn soils which are very difficult to remove in a conventional automatic dishwashing process.

Abstract: Compositions including ether-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol wetting agents. The wetting agents are low-foaming and have good biodegradability, and can be used in a variety of applications, for example in polymer, anti-foaming, biocidal, coating, fertilizer, pharmaceutical, and drilling fluid compositions.

Abstract: Materials for coating, coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture comprising a nanoparticle system or employing the same to impart surface modifying benefits for all types of inanimate hard surfaces are disclosed. In some embodiments, dispersement of nanoparticles in a suitable carrier medium allows for the creation of coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture that create multi-use benefits to modified hard surfaces. These surface modifications can produce long lasting or semi-permanent multi-use benefits that include at least one of the following improved surface properties: wetting and sheeting, quick drying, uniform drying, soil removal, self-cleaning, anti-spotting, anti-soil deposition, cleaner appearance, enhanced gloss, enhanced color, minor surface defect repair, smoothness, anti-hazing, modification of surface friction, release of actives and transparency, relative to hard surfaces unmodified with such nanoparticle systems.

Abstract: A process for preparing an ether-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactant is provided.