Abstract: The invention pertains to methods of forming monolayers on various surfaces. The surfaces can be selected from a wide array of materials, including, for example, aluminum dioxide, silicon dioxide, carbon and SiC. The substrates can be planar or porous. The monolayer is formed under enhanced pressure conditions. The monolayer contains functionalized molecules, and accordingly functionalizes a surface of the substrate. The properties of the functionalized substrate can enhance the substrate's applicability for numerous purposes including, for example, utilization in extracting contaminants, or incorporation into a polymeric matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aluminide coatings. In one embodiment coatings are used as a barrier coating to protect a metal substrate, such as a steel or a superalloy, from various chemical environments, including oxidizing, reducing and/or sulfidizing conditions. In addition, the disclosed coatings can be used, for example, to prevent the substantial diffusion of various elements, such as chromium, at elevated service temperatures. Related methods for preparing protective coatings on metal substrates are also described.

Abstract: In a process for producing a deicing/anti-icing fluid, a byproduct stream is obtained from a process that produces monoalkyl esters of long chain fatty acids. The stream includes water, glycerol, and an alkali-containing compound. The stream is converted to a deicing/anti-icing fluid by adding an acid to the stream to neutralize the alkali-containing compound to produce an alkali salt that functions as a supplemental freezing point depressant.

Abstract: A nontoxic deicing/anti-icing fluid includes a freezing point depressant selected from short chain polyols having 3 to 5 carbons atoms, and mixtures thereof, a wetting agent, an antioxidant/preservative, and water. The fluid has an LD50 greater than about 10,000 mg/L. Another deicing/anti-icing fluid includes the freezing point depressant, a vinylpyrrolidone polymer having a molecular weight between about 10,000 and about 700,000, and water. A runway deicing fluid includes glycerol, a buffer, an antioxidant/preservative, and water. Another deicing/anti-icing fluid includes a freezing point depressant having hydrophobic character, a wetting agent comprising an organophosphorus compound capable of producing an organic wettable surface, and water.