Abstract: In one aspect, hair conditioning compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a hair conditioning composition comprises a polymer or oligomer comprising (A) at least one hydrophilic block comprising an alkoxylated diol or amine-terminated derivative thereof and (B) at least one hydrophobic block comprising a condensation reaction product of (i) a dicarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid equivalent and (ii) a diamine, amino alcohol, diol, or combination thereof. The hydrophilic block (A) and the hydrophobic block (B) are bonded together through an amide or ester linkage. In addition, the polymer or oligomer comprises at least one amide moiety.

Abstract: In one aspect, methods of producing cellulosic microsheets are described herein. In some embodiments, a method of producing cellulosic microsheets comprises milling or attritioning cellulose micro-fibrils for a time period sufficient to form the cellulosic microsheets. Additionally, in some cases, the cellulose micro-fibrils are derived from soy hulls. In another aspect, compositions comprising cellulosic microsheets are described herein.

Abstract: In one aspect, parachute buffer materials are described herein. In some embodiments, parachute buffer materials described herein comprise a fabric formed from a plurality of fibers and a coating disposed on at least one outer surface of the fabric. The fibers have an inner component formed from a thermoplastic material and an outer component formed from a non-thermoplastic material. In some cases, the fabric is a woven fabric. Additionally, the coating can comprise or contain a silicone along with, or without, other functional components. Moreover, materials described herein can be used to form various structures for parachute buffering applications, and the coatings of materials described herein can enhance the materials' buffering performance.

Abstract: In one aspect, hair conditioning compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a hair conditioning composition comprises a polymer or oligomer comprising (A) at least one hydrophilic block comprising an alkoxylated diol or amine-terminated derivative thereof and (B) at least one hydrophobic block comprising a condensation reaction product of (i) a dicarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid equivalent and (ii) a diamine, amino alcohol, diol, or combination thereof. The hydrophilic block (A) and the hydrophobic block (B) are bonded together through an amide or ester linkage. In addition, the polymer or oligomer comprises at least one amide moiety.

Abstract: In one aspect, compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition comprises an ester reaction product of a structurally symmetric alkoxylated polyol and a carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid equivalent. In some embodiments, the structurally symmetric alkoxylated polyol comprises an alkoxylated pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, higher oligomer of a pentaerythritol, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method for preparing hydrophobic fiber for processing, inclusive of crimping, cutting, carding, compiling and bonding, without substantial loss in hydrophobic properties in the finished staple or corresponding nonwoven product through initial application of a surface modifier component comprising one or more of a class of water soluble compounds substantially free of lipophilic end groups and of low or limited surfactant properties.

Abstract: A process for controlling the formation of undesirable by-products in an aqueous system containing residual halogenated 5,5-dialkyl hydantoins is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of treating the aqueous system with bromide ion and shocking the aqueous medium with free chlorine.