Abstract: An electrically controlled polymer composite which, when acted upon by an electric current, contracts or relaxes. It can also serve as a smart drug delivery device. The polymer composite is a series of hydrogel layers, each of which serve a particular purpose. A nonionic layer serves as a reservoir for an ionic salt while layers on either side can be anionic hydrogels and cationic gel. The invention can include an imbedded strain gauge by which the contractions or relaxations are monitored and controlled. The device is capable of being controlled by a computer with data acquisition and control capabilities.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a cellulose ether by reacting in a heterogenous reaction mixture an alkaline solution and an etherifying agent with a fibrous cellulose. The total of the required stoichiometric amount of the alkaline solution and at least a portion of the etherifying agent required in producing the cellulose ether are admixed (e.g. in a mixing nozzle) at sufficiently low temperature to suppress reaction between the alkaline solution and the etherifying agent. The admixture is then contacted with the cellulose fibers, preferably by spraying the admixture thereupon. Additional of the etherifying agent if required is then added to the reaction mixture, and the heterogenous reaction mixture is agitated and reacted at an initial temperature below 40.degree. C. sufficient to produce alkalization of the cellulose. Thereafter the temperature is increased above 40.degree. C., preferably incrementally or gradually up to about 100.degree. C., preferably to 80.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-soluble dispersant for aqueous slurries of coal, lignite, cement, gypsum, and fillers. The dispersant comprises a sulfonated mixture of polynuclear fused-ring aromatic hydrocarbon compounds. The mixture, prior to sulfonation, (a) is liquid at a temperature of 100.degree. Centigrade, (b) has an aromatic content of more than about sixty percent, (c) a molecular weight distribution of from about 150 to about 10,000, and (d) a weight average molecular weight of less than about five hundred.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling the reaction between cellulose and an etherifying agent which comprises the steps of (a) combining cellulose with an alkylene oxide and alkyl halide in a reactor wherein an etherification reaction is initiated which includes a vapor phase, (b) periodically measuring the quantity of at least one of the reactants or products in the vapor phase of the reactor and therewith determining the rate of the etherification reaction taking place, and (c) regulating the reaction temperature continuously while the reaction is taking place by using the rate of reaction determined in step (b) to determine the amount of heating or cooling needed for the reactor.