Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reducing the total organic carbon (TOC) in an aqueous mixture M1 obtained as wastewater from a process for the preparation of an olefin oxide, the process for reducing the TOC comprising: (a) contacting the mixture M1 which contains at least one oxygenate having from 1 to 16 carbon atoms with an adsorbing agent and adsorbing at least a portion of an oxygenate at the adsorbing agent; (b) separating an aqueous mixture M2 from the adsorbing agent, the mixture M2 being depleted of the oxygenate adsorbed in (a); and (c) separating an oxygenate from the mixture M2 obtained in (b) by subjecting the mixture M2 to reverse osmosis in at least one reverse osmosis unit containing a reverse osmosis membrane obtaining an aqueous mixture M3 being depleted of this oxygenate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a salt from a source solution is provided. The apparatus comprises a feed vessel, a collection vessel, and an ion transport channel in ionic communication with the feed vessel and the collection vessel. A plurality of electrodes is arranged along the ion transport channel. The method comprises receiving the source solution in a feed vessel, receiving the sink solution in a collection vessel, and applying periodic voltage signals to a plurality of electrodes arranged along an ion transport channel which is in ionic communication with the feed vessel and the collection vessel. The periodic voltage signals applied to at least some of the respective electrodes are phase offset to induce the ions to move through the ion transport channel from the source solution to the sink solution.

Abstract: A water treatment device using high voltage impulse is disclosed, the device including a high voltage impulse generator configured to generate a high voltage impulse by receiving an outside electric power source and operating in response to an outside control based on the applied outside electric power source, and a reactor configured to generate a reaction water by receiving the high voltage impulse from the high voltage impulse generator to process a source water.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for the preparation of a solution of calcium hydrogen carbonate and the use of such an installation for the continuous preparation of a solution of calcium hydrogen carbonate as well as the use of such an installation for the remineralization of water.

Abstract: A system and method of treating wastewater having at least one undesirable biological species is provided. In accordance with embodiments, a wastewater treatment system is provided comprising a main biological treatment train including at least one first unit operation configured to perform an anaerobic ammonium oxidation process, and at least one subsystem configured to increase a concentration of anammox bacteria in the at least one first unit operation, the treatment system arranged to reduce the concentration of total nitrogen in the wastewater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ballast water treatment system.

Abstract: A portable renewable energy microgeneration system is disclosed. The system comprises one or more holding tanks that are configured to perform anaerobic digestion on waste in a multi-phase process using bacteria, an odor management system that is configured to remove odors from gas generated during anaerobic digestion, and a controller configured to automatically control the multi-phase process and to re-use the bacteria. The controller re-uses the bacteria by removing at least a portion of the liquid from the waste after anaerobic digestion is performed on the waste and using the at least a portion of the liquid to wet other waste and repeat the multi-phase process.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating slurries, in particular biogenic or industrial slurries, can include at least one treatment rotor which is arranged or can be arranged in the slurry and which rotates or is rotatable about an axis of rotation (R), with treatment elements which project outward, as seen from the axis of rotation (R), and between which interspaces are formed, at least some of the treatment elements having, at—at least one, preferably each—adjacent interspace, in each case at least one treatment edge, preferably at least two treatment edges spaced apart from one another, each of these treatment edges running from the inside outward, as seen from the axis of rotation. Methods for treating slurries are also disclosed, including methods using the apparatus for treating slurries.

Abstract: A submerged combustion melter and burner therefor. The burner may include a first tube having a scaled distal end and a second tube concentric to the first tube, the second tube having a partially sealed distal end with an opening for receiving the first tube, where an annular space is defined between the first and second tubes. The burner further includes a first gas port in the sealed distal end of the first tube, the first gas port supplying a first gas, a second gas port in a distal end of the second tube, the second gas port supplying a second gas to the annular space, and a nozzle on the proximate ends of the first and second tubes.

Abstract: A glass or glass-ceramic sheet includes peaks and valleys, where a cross-sectional profile in one direction along the sheet contains a first plurality of peaks, and a cross-sectional profile along the sheet in a perpendicular direction to that direction contains a second plurality of peaks. The first plurality is different from the second plurality of peaks.

Abstract: A method for producing glass vials, in particular pharmaceutical vials or pharmaceutical ampoules, from a glass tube is provided, the method including the following steps: (a) rotating the glass tube about a longitudinal axis thereof; (b) locally heating the glass tube from one side by means of at least one burner to at least the softening temperature of the glass; (c) reducing the diameter by pressing at least one forming body laterally against the heated region; and (d) separating the glass tube by means of a burner. A glass vial produced in such a way releases a reduced amount of alkali in accordance with ISO 4802 and has a decreased delamination tendency. Furthermore, in the hot-formed peripheral region, the alkali content is only slightly reduced when compared with the alkali content in the glass interior.

Abstract: A lithium-containing, transparent glass-ceramic material is provided. The material has low thermal expansion and has an amorphous, lithium-depleted, vitreous surface zone. The zone is at least 50 nm thick on all sides and encloses a crystalline interior, which has high transmission. The material includes a transition region connecting the zone and the interior.

Abstract: Provided is a method of scribing a tempered glass sheet, which involves forming a scribe line (S) for cutting a tempered glass sheet (G) with a scribing wheel (H) moving along a preset cutting line (CL) while pressing a front surface (Ga) of the tempered glass sheet (G), the method including: starting the forming of the scribe line (S) by causing the scribing wheel (H) to climb onto an edge portion (Ea), which is one of edge portions of the tempered glass sheet (G) positioned on one end side of the preset cutting line (CL); and finishing the forming of the scribe line (S) by moving the scribing wheel (H) to a position where a vicinity of an edge portion (Eb), which is another of the edge portions of the tempered glass sheet (G) positioned on another end side of the preset cutting line (CL), remains as an unscribed portion.

Abstract: Provided is an optical fiber glass base material manufacturing apparatus, including a furnace core tube that houses a porous glass base material; a movement mechanism that moves the porous glass base material in a longitudinal direction thereof in the furnace core tube; a first heating section that heats and dehydrates the porous glass base material in the furnace core tube; and a second heating section that is arranged downstream from the first heating section in a movement direction of the porous glass base material, and sinters the porous glass base material by heating a portion of the porous glass base material in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An enamel powder for manufacturing a coating is present as a mixture which contains 100 parts of a glass powder, 0.1-7.5 parts of ceramic fibres, glass fibres or carbon fibres, and alternatively to one another or in combination with one another 10-21 parts of a powdery oxidic compound of a light metal or 1-5 parts of a powder of a heavy metal. A metal component provided with the enamel powder withstands a flow of hot gas against it. The invention specifies a method, by means of which such metal components can be provided with an enamel coating.

Abstract: A highly crystalline transparent, translucent or opaque lithium aluminium silicate (LAS) glass-ceramic which has a proportion of residual glass phase of less than 20% by weight and also the use thereof is described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radio wave penetration-type multilayer optical coating. The coating includes: a transparent first resin layer; an optical coating with a multilayer structure formed by alternately forming TiO2 and SiO2 on the first resin layer; and an opaque second resin layer formed on the optical coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a glass composition containing, in mass %: 59.0 to 63.0% SiO2; 4.0 to 10.0% TiO2; 8.0 to 12.0% Al2O3; 1.0 to 5.0% MgO; 0 to 4.0% CaO; 4.0 to 14.0% SrO; 4.0 to 11.0% Na2O; and 0 to 1.0% K2O. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a glass composition having excellent heat resistance, being suitable for production by the float process, and being suitable for chemical strengthening.

Abstract: A chemically strengthened glass having a compressive stress layer formed in a surface layer thereof according to an ion exchange method, in which a surface of the glass has polishing flaws, the glass has a texture direction index (Stdi) of 0.30 or more, a hydrogen concentration Y in a region to a depth X from an outermost surface of the glass satisfies the following relational equation (I) at X=from 0.1 to 0.4 (?m), and a surface strength F (N) measured by a ball-on-ring test is (F?1400×t2) relative to a sheet thickness t (mm) of the glass: Y=aX+b??(I) in which meanings of respective symbols in the equation (I) are as follows: Y: hydrogen concentration (as H2O, mol/L), X: depth from the outermost surface of the glass (?m), a: ?0.300 or more, and b: 0.220 or less.

Abstract: A chemically strengthened glass having a compressive stress layer formed in a surface layer thereof according to an ion exchange method, in which the glass has a surface roughness (Ra) of 0.20 nm or higher, a hydrogen concentration Y in a region to a depth X from an outermost surface of the glass satisfies the following relational equation (I) at X=from 0.1 to 0.4 (?m), a surface strength F (N) measured by a ball-on-ring test under the following conditions is (F?1500×t2) relative to a sheet thickness t (mm) of the glass, and a surface of the glass has no polishing flaw: Y=aX+b??(I) in which meanings of respective symbols in the equation (I) are as follows: Y: hydrogen concentration (as H2O, mol/L); X: depth from the outermost surface of the glass (?m); a: ?0.270 to ?0.005; and b: 0.020 to 0.220.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an optical fibre unit for air-blown installations includes: providing a deposition chamber for applying particulate material, the deposition chamber having an inlet end and an outlet end and a longitudinal axis; passing through the deposition chamber an optical fibre assembly including at least one optical fibre embedded in an inner layer of cured resin material, and having an outer layer around the inner layer, the outer layer including uncured resin material; injecting a flow of fluid and particle material in the chamber in a direction substantially parallel to the chamber longitudinal axis, at an injection speed of 5 m/s at most; perturbing the flow when in the chamber, thus causing the particle material to impact and partially embed into the outer layer of the optical fibre assembly; and curing the outer layer.

Abstract: A composite material includes a cementitious composition and a plurality of fibers disposed in the cementitious composition. Each of the plurality of fibers includes a plastic component. Each of the plurality of fibers further includes a surfactant and a metal oxide, each independently heterogeneously dispersed throughout each of the plurality of fibers. A method of forming the composite material includes the step of combining the plastic component, the surfactant, and the metal oxide, to form the plurality of fibers. The method further includes the step of disposing the plurality of fibers in the cementitious composition to form the composite material.

Abstract: A copolymer, in particular a dispersing agent for hydraulically setting systems, includes at least three structural units S1, S2, S3 and optionally a further structural unit S4.

Abstract: A composite cement material is prepared from cement material and carbon nanotubes, wherein the carbon nanotubes are present from about 0.02 wt % to about 0.10 wt % based on weight of cement material. The process for preparing such cement compositions includes sonicating a mixture of a surfactant, water, and carbon nanotubes; and blending the dispersion and the cement material to form a cementitious paste. The process may also include curing the cementitious paste. The composite cement materials are useful in a variety of cement applications where a reduction in nanoscale flaws and fractures is desired.

Abstract: A sintered ceramic component can have a final composition including at least 50 wt. % MgO and at least one desired dopant, wherein each dopant of the at least one desired dopant has a desired dopant content of at least 0.1 wt. %. All impurities (not including the desired dopant(s)) are present at a combined impurity content of less than 0.7 wt. %. A remainder can include Al2O3. The selection of dopants can allow for better control over the visual appearance of the sintered ceramic component, reduces the presence of undesired impurities that may adversely affect another part of an apparatus, or both. The addition of the dopant(s) can help to improve the sintering characteristics and density as compared to a sintered ceramic component that includes the material with no dopant and a relatively low impurity content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a batch for producing a carbon-bonded or resin-bonded shaped fire-resistant product, a method for producing such a product, a product of said type, and a use of magnesia spinel zirconium oxide.

Abstract: A ceramic block consisting essentially of substantially homogeneous (Y2O3)x.P2O5, where 0.95?x?1.05, having length LL, a width WW and a height HH, and a volume VV of at least 8×10?3 m3 essentially free of cracks throughout the volume, a density of at least 85% of the theoretical maximal density of Y2O3.P2O5 under standard conditions, and a creep rate at 1250° C. and 6.89 MPa of CR, where CR?8.0×10?6 hour?1, and method for making the same. The method utilizes a dry process where the starting YPO4-based ceramic material is synthesized by reacting anhydrous P2O5 with dry Y2O3 powder.

Abstract: A resin-impregnated boron nitride sintered body having superior thermal conductivity and superior strength, and a resin-impregnated boron nitride sintered body having superior conductivity and small anisotropy of thermal conductivity are provided. A resin-impregnated boron nitride sintered body, including: 30 to 90 volume % of a boron nitride sintered body having boron nitride particles bonded three-dimensionally; and 10 to 70 volume % of a resin; wherein the boron nitride sintered body has a porosity of 10 to 70%; the boron nitride particles of the boron nitride sintered body has an average long diameter of 10 ?m or more; the boron nitride sintered body has a graphitization index by powder X-ray diffractometry is 4.0 or less; and an orientation degree of the boron nitride particles of the boron nitride sintered body by I.O.P is 0.01 to 0.

Abstract: A part including a substrate in which at least a portion adjacent to a surface of the substrate is made of a refractory material containing silicon, is protected by an environmental barrier formed on the surface of the substrate and having at least a self-healing layer containing a rare earth silicate. The self-healing layer is formed: for at least 90 mol %, by a system constituted by 30 mol % to at most 80 mol % of at least one rare earth silicate RE2Si2O7, RE being a rare earth, and at least 20 mol % to 70 mol % of manganese oxide MnO; and for at most 10 mol %, by one or more oxides other than MnO, having a eutectic point with SiO2 less than or equal to 1595° C.; the self-healing layer presenting a liquid phase having a self-healing function at least throughout the temperature range 1200° C. to 1400° C., while conserving a majority solid phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product for coating fertilizer in “place of use”, i.e. in the field at the time of application. The product comprises of two or more of the following constituents: facilitator; neutral acid slurry; bentonite clay and resin. The product is mixed in place of use with conventional fertilizer. The facilitator is a starter Heterocyclic compound comprising of Heterocyclic Nitrogen (N-18%) in amounts of 187 gm to 375 gm with Phosphorus (P-6%) and Potassium (K-9%) per acre. Advantageously, the product for coating fertilizer prevents runoff seepage, wastage, dead zones in sea/water bodies, saves fertilizer usage and allows plants to consume raw materials.

Abstract: A titanium-containing formulation contains complexes of titanium salts with an ascorbic acid and a citric acid, a preservative agent, and water-soluble sulfates of metals absorbable by plants, and optionally additional plant nutrients, in particular nitrogen and potassium. The titanium-containing formulation is a product of titanium complexation reaction of titanyl sulfate with a mixture of ascorbic acid and citric acid in aqueous environment alkalized with magnesium hydroxide in presence of acetic acid, at a mass ratio of magnesium, calculated as MgO, to titanium amounting from 1:1 to 20:1. Furthermore, in the titanium-containing formulation a mass ratio of the ascorbic acid to the citric acid amounts from 5:1 to 3:5, a mass ratio of the ascorbic acid to titanium amounts from 7:2 to 10:1, and a mass ratio of the magnesium hydroxide, calculated as MgO, to the acetic acid, calculated as 100% of the acetic acid, amounts from 8:1 to 3:5.

Abstract: A homogeneous fertilizer granule comprises slow-release (e.g. struvite) and fast release sources of phosphorus (P). The homogeneous fertilizer granule may further contain other essential nutrients and micronutrients required by plants. A number of methods may be used to make such granules. One method includes introducing a struvite slurry or fines and a liquid supply of water soluble P into a granulator. Alternatively, dry raw materials can be mixed with water/steam and/or another binder prior to being fed into a granulator. In another embodiment, pre-mixed dry raw materials are mechanically compacted and crushed to yield homogeneous fertilizer particles.

Abstract: A cross-linked, water absorbent polymer is mixed with desirable additives and coated to prevent water absorption to create a blend that is added to water injection systems for turf and soil maintenance. The coating is rinsed off the water absorbent polymer resulting in expansion of the polymer into a gel-like substance. The water absorbent polymer has the ability to retain water and nutrients in the soil preventing nutrient runoff and reducing watering frequency. Injection of the water absorbent polymer directly into soil reduces waste and reduces hazard caused by slippery material left on soil surfaces. The method and system for mixing and injection into soil is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for stereoselectively producing an optically active alcohol compound. The optically active alcohol compound of Formula (8) can be produced in high yield and high selectivity from the compound of Formula (3), and the production method that is useful industrially and the intermediates therefor can be provided. In formulae, R1 is a hydrogen atom, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with R3, or the like, R2 is cyano or —CH2N(R5)R4, and R3 is C3-8 cycloalkyl.

Abstract: There is provided a method for deuterating an aromatic compound having aromatic hydrogens. The method includes the steps: (a) providing a liquid composition including deuterium oxide having dissolved or dispersed therein the aromatic compound and a transition metal catalyst; and (b) heating the liquid composition at a temperature of 120° C. or greater, and a pressure of 50 psi or greater, for a period of 24 hours or less, to form a deuterated aromatic compound.

Abstract: A catalyst composite may include a molecular sieve having pores of 10- or more-membered rings and a metal silicate different from the molecular sieve. The metal silicate may include at least one alkaline earth metal and one or more of the following metals: Ga, Al, Ce, In, Cs, Sc, Sn, Li, Zn, Co, Mo, Mn, Ni, Fe, Cu, Cr, Ti and V. The catalyst composite may include at least 0.1 wt % of silicate. The catalyst composite may be used in an XTO reactor or for catalytic cracking.

Abstract: A method for alkylation of a feedstock is described. The method includes contacting the feedstock comprising at least one alkylatable aromatic compound and an alkylating agent with a first alkylating catalyst composition under alkylating conditions, the first alkylating catalyst composition comprising UZM-8 zeolite and a binder, the first alkylating catalyst composition having 20-30 wt % UZM-8 zeolite and the catalyst having a nitrogen to zeolite aluminum molar ratio of between about 0.01 to about 0.040; wherein a total alkylated selectivity at a temperature and a molar ratio of alkylatable aromatic compound to alkylating agent is greater than 99.0%.

Abstract: A novel process and a novel catalyst for the production of light olefins. 1-butene is cracked in the presence of an acid- or base-modified silicalite-1 catalyst bed, wherein the modified silicalite-1 has a Si/Al ratio of greater than 1000. The modification procedures described herein increase the selectivity of the silicalite-1 catalyst toward light olefins such as ethylene and propylene. The catalytic cracking of 1-butene may be carried out in a fixed bed reactor or a fluidized bed reactor.

Abstract: Disclosed are adsorption complexes that include 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and a metal coordination polymer network (MCPN), wherein the MCPN is a porous material, and the 1-MCP is adsorbed into the MCPN. Also disclosed are kits for containing 1-MCP that include the adsorption complex in a 1-MCP-impermeable package. Also disclosed are methods of releasing 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) from the kit that include the application of aqueous fluids, heat, and/or pressure.

Abstract: A method for forming a hybrid zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) comprises the formation steps of: preparing a first solution comprising: a 2-methylimidazolate or a functionalized derivative thereof; and a carboxaldehyde-2-imidazolate or a functionalized derivative thereof; preparing a second solution comprising a metal ion; and combining the first solution and the second solution to form the hybrid ZIF, wherein a first fraction of 2-methylimidazolate or a functionalized derivative thereof in the hybrid ZIF is from about 5 to about 95 or any value there between and a second fraction carboxaldehyde-2-imidazolate or a functionalized derivative thereof in the hybrid ZIF is 100—the first fraction is disclosed. A metal-organic framework (MOF) comprising the hybrid ZIF and a molecular sieve device comprising the hybrid ZIF are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating a composition containing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and hydrofluoric acid, and for recovering the thus-separated 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and hydrofluoric acid. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing and purifying 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene using a hydrofluorination reaction of the saturated or unsaturated compound having three carbon atoms and including at least one chlorine atom in the presence of a fluorination catalyst.

Abstract: A method for extracting an unsaponifiable fraction from a solid renewable raw material, includes the extraction of the fats from the solid renewable raw material, leading to the production of an oil, the concentration of the oil so as to obtain a mixture enriched in unsaponifiable fraction, and the liquid-liquid extraction of the mixture enriched in unsaponifiable fraction, in the presence of at least one polar organic solvent and at least one non-polar cosolvent immiscible with the polar organic solvent, resulting in the formation of an organic polar phase enriched in lipids functionalized with one or more function(s) chosen from hydroxyl, epoxide, ketone, thiol, aldehyde, ether and amine functions, and to the formation of a non-polar organic phase enriched in lipids containing no or few hydroxyl, epoxide, ketone, thiol, aldehyde, ether and amine function(s), then the concentration of the organic phases.

Abstract: Methods for the production and isolation of a monomer from a biopolymer are described. The method includes extracting a biopolymer from a biopolymer source and depolymerizing the biopolymer into a monomer. Methods for the production and isolation of a monomer from corn lignin are also described. The method includes extracting corn lignin from corn biomass and depolymerizing the corn lignin into a monomer.

Abstract: Phenylnaphthol derivatives represented by the following general formula (1), wherein, R1 to R3 are hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups or aryl groups, and R2 and R3 may be bonded together to form an aliphatic hydrocarbon ring or a heterocyclic ring, a and b are, respectively, integers of 0 to 4, R4 and R5 are hydroxyl groups, alkyl groups, haloalkyl groups, cycloalkyl groups, alkoxy groups, amino groups, heterocyclic groups having a nitrogen atom as a hetero atom and are bonded together via the nitrogen atom, cyano groups, nitro groups, formyl groups, hydroxycarbonyl groups, alkylcarbonyl groups, alkoxycarbonyl groups, halogen atoms, aralkyl groups, aralkoxy groups, aryloxy groups, aryl groups, heteroaryl groups bonded together via a carbon atom in the ring, alkylthio groups, cycloalkylthio groups, arylthio groups or heteroarylthio groups, and if R4 or R5 are present in a plural number, the plurality of R4 or the plurality of R5 may be the same or different, or 2 R4s or 2 R5s may be bonded together to form an al

Abstract: A process for preparing one or more reaction products, in which a first methane-rich feed stream is subjected to a partial oxidation process and/or an autothermal reforming process and a second methane-rich feed stream is subjected to a steam reforming process, in which a first synthesis gas-containing output stream is formed from the first methane-rich feed stream and a second synthesis gas-containing output stream is formed from the second methane-rich feed stream and these synthesis gas streams are used to form a collective synthesis gas stream and fluid from the collective synthesis gas stream is subjected to a molecular weight-increasing reaction in a synthesis feed stream to obtain a synthesis output stream comprising carbon dioxide and the reaction product(s). At least one carbon dioxide-rich first recycle stream is formed from fluid from the synthesis output stream and fluid from the first recycle stream is subjected to the steam reforming process.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for creating a Carbon-Carbon bond (C—C) or a Carbon-Heteroatom bond (C—HE) by reacting a compound carrying a leaving group with a nucleophilic compound carrying a carbon atom or a heteroatom (HE) that can substitute for the leaving group, creating a C—C or C—HE bond, wherein the reaction takes place in the presence of an effective quantity of a. a catalytic system comprising a ligand and at least a metal-based catalyst, such a metal catalyst being chosen among iron or copper compounds proviso that only a single metal is present.

Abstract: Processes to prepare lightly branched surfactant products comprise combining at least one olefin and a coordination-insertion catalyst under conditions such that at least one oligomer product is formed. The surfactant products comprise a main carbon chain containing an average of between 0.5 and 2.

Abstract: To provide a production method for suppressing the reduction in production rate of a carbonyl compound due to transferring a noble metal component into liquid phase. A method for producing a carbonyl compound, including: a reaction step of reacting a carbonylation raw material with CO in liquid phase including a solid catalyst having noble metal complex on a resin carrier containing quaternized nitrogen to produce a carbonyl compound; a distillation step of distilling a reaction product liquid to recover gas phase distillate including the carbonyl compound; and a circulation step of circulating a bottom product from the distillation to reaction step. After part of the bottom product contacts with an acidic cation-exchange resin to remove nitrogen compound, liquid having higher moisture concentration than the bottom product contacts with the resin to extract noble metal complex captured by oligomer adsorbing the resin, and the complex is returned to the reaction step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acids or salts thereof, comprising a step in which a metallalactone is reacted in a solvent in the presence of a halide; to a composition that comprises ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acids or salts thereof and halide ions; and to the use of said composition for the production of superabsorbent materials or as a monomer composition for producing polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for synthesising glycolic acid or one of the salts thereof, including the following step: placing glycerol and an oxidising agent in contact with one another in a reaction medium in the presence of a silver-based catalyst on a substrate, said substrate including a material selected from the group consisting of CeO2, basic Al2O3 optionally doped with a calcium or cerium oxide, an amphoteric resin, ZrO2, and a mixture of said materials. The invention also relates to the use of a silver-based catalyst on a substrate that can be used in said method.