Abstract: The inventors of the present disclosure recognized that, surprisingly, the antimicrobial treatments used on cellulosic sponges do not work in hydrophilic polyurethane sponges. As such, the inventors of the present disclosure discovered a need for an antimicrobial treatment for use on hydrophilic polyurethane foam sponges. The present inventors invented one antimicrobial composition for use on hydrophilic polyurethane foam sponges including an acetate salt solution humectant. The present inventors invented another antimicrobial composition for use on hydrophilic polyurethane foam sponges including a non-halogen humectant comprising a salt solution having a pH between about 3 and 10 and a water activity of less than 0.9 at 25° C.

Abstract: The inventors of the present disclosure recognized that, surprisingly, the antimicrobial treatments used on cellulosic sponges do not work in hydrophilic polyurethane sponges. As such, the inventors of the present disclosure discovered a need for an antimicrobial treatment for use on hydrophilic polyurethane foam sponges. The present inventors invented one antimicrobial composition for use on hydrophilic polyurethane foam sponges including an acetate salt solution humectant. The present inventors invented another antimicrobial composition for use on hydrophilic polyurethane foam sponges including a non-halogen humectant comprising a salt solution having a pH between about 3 and 10 and a water activity of less than 0.9 at 25° C.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are related to hydrophilic open cell foams with particulate fillers. In an embodiment, an article is provided that has an open cell foam structure including a hydrophilic polymer and about 0.1 wt. % to about 40.0 wt. % of a particulate filler dispersed within the hydrophilic polymer. The open cell foam structure can exhibit a rate of absorption of water greater than an otherwise identical foam lacking the particulate filler. Other embodiments are included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are related to hydrophilic open cell foams. In an embodiment, an article is included having an open cell foam structure. The open cell foam structure can include a hydrophilic polyurethane polymer comprising a reaction product of a polyol and/or polyamine component and an isocyanate, the polyol and/or polyamine component comprising a mixture of functionalized and non-functionalized polyols and/or polyamines in a ratio by weight of about 5:95 to about 95:5 of functionalized to non-functionalized.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the removal of bitumen-containing mud from a substrate includes coating the substrate with a composition comprising nanoparticles and water, such that the bitumen-containing mud that adheres to the coated substrate may be more easily removed from the substrate than from an uncoated substrate. In one embodiment, the composition assists an aqueous terpene-based detergent to more effectively clean bitumen-containing mud from the painted steel undercarriages of trucks used in oil sands operations.

Abstract: An abrasive hand pad includes a coaled abrasive member secured to a nonwoven abrasive member. Methods of abrading a surface of a workpiece are also disclosed.

Abstract: Water-based adhesive compositions are described that includes epoxy capsules and a polymeric amine that is water soluble or water dispersible. The epoxy capsules include an outer shell material and an epoxy resin encapsulated by the outer shell material. The polymeric amine functions as an epoxy curative and as a binder resin. The compositions are substantially free of other additional organic binders. The compositions are suitable for use as mechanical fastener adhesives.