Abstract: The invention provides a mulch protective composition, methods for reducing fading of mulch, and non-fading mulch. The mulch protective composition is provided by a mixture of water and at least one component selected from an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, an aqueous polymer dispersion, and mixtures of two or more of the foregoing. The composition is effective to reduce fading of mulch over time.

Abstract: The invention is a surfactant composition comprising about 20 weight % to about 76 weight % of a fatty alcohol ethoxylate having a degree of ethoxylation of at least 14, about 4 weight % to about 40 weight % alkylpolyglycoside, and about 20 weight % to about 60 weight % water, wherein said composition is a liquid at room temperature, free of gel or solid phase, lattices containing said surfactant composition and a process for making said lattices.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions comprised of a major amount of water and a minor amount of a polymerizable compound based on N-acryloyl-piperazine are provided. Such compounds have the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl,B is a linking group selected from the group consisting of carbonyl, sulfonyl, amide, and carboxyl;n is one or zero;R.sup.4 is a radical selected from the group consisting of a higher aliphatic group (i.e. at least four carbon atoms, preferably from about 6 to about 50 carbon atoms), a substituted higher aliphatic group, an alicyclic group, a heterocyclic group, a non-benzenoid aromatic group, and a substituted aromatic group. These compounds can be used as an emulsifier in emulsion polymerization.

Abstract: Therapeutic gels are provided which promote the healing of wounds and which have a minimum yield point of about 800 poise and a maximum apparent viscosity of about 100,000 cps, which gels comprise water, sodium chloride, and a gelling agent.

Abstract: Aqueous coating compositions comprising latices containing a copolymer of vinyl acetate in the range of about 95-99.9% by weight and maleic anhydride in the range of about 0.1-5% by weight have been found to have improved starch binder compatibility. Vinyl acetate and maleic anhydride are polymerized in an aqueous medium in the presence of a free radical initiator and a surfactant which prevents the vinyl acetate-maleic anhydride copolymer from dissolving in the aqueous medium. The resulting latex coating compositions have a high solids content (greater than about 50% by weight) and a copolymer particle size of under 0.5 microns in addition to the excellent starch compatibility.