Abstract: A method of inhibiting the precipitation and deposition of calcium oxalate scale in an aqueous system is disclosed, in which an effective amount of a combination of a high molecular weight lignosulfonate compound and a phosphate compound is added to the system.

Abstract: A biodegradable corrosion inhibitor, scale inhibitor and dispersant is provided. The inhibitor comprises one or more polymers from a family of poly(amino acid) polymers that include hydroxamic acid-containing sidechains. Methods of reducing corrosion and scale build-up and a method of dispersing solid particulates in a solution or slurry are provided by adding a polymer of the present invention to a solution or slurry.

Abstract: Biowaste treatment agents for treating biowastes in a manner which: (a) keeps noxious and toxic substances from being released from the biowaste, and (b) neutralizes such substances released during the course of stabilizing the biowaste. The treatment agents include a surfactant in an amount of from 1.0 to 99 percent of the treatment agent, a metal component in an amount from 0.5 to 85 percent of the treatment agent, the metal component including a source of zinc, or copper, or a combination of copper with aluminum or iron, and an aldehyde in an amount from 0.1 to 80 percent of the treatment agent.

Abstract: A maleic acid-based copolymer is provided which has a weight-average molecular weight of 1,000 to 100,000, a calcium ion-capturability of 300 mgCaCO.sub.3 /g or higher calculated as calcium carbonate, and a clay-dispersibility of 1.2 or higher. Another maleic acid-based copolymer is also provided which has a level of adsorption to clay within the range of 20 to 90% and a calcium ion-stabilization degree constant of 4.0 or larger.

Abstract: An improved method for treating over-sprayed, solvent-based paints which comprises adding an effective amount of a chelating agent to the circulating water of a paint spray booth, thereby improving the dispersibillty of solvent-based paints, particularly in high-hardness waters.

Abstract: A water-treating agent comprising a ternary copolymer of conjugated dienesulfonic acid/(meth)acrylic acid/2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, or a ternary copolymer of conjugated dienesulfonic acid/(meth)acrylic acid/(meth)acrylamido-2-methylalkanesulfonic acid ternary copolymer, is effective against scaling and fouling in water systems and a method for treating water with the water-treating agent. When combined with a corrosion inhibitor, the water-treating agent exhibits an excellent anti corrosion effect.

Abstract: An aqueous system containing scale forming salts including both calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate and characterized by high pH and high calcite concentrations which further contains a synergistic effective amount of a combination comprising (A) a polyether polyamino methylene phosphonate, (B) a terpolymer comprising the monomers of acrylic acid, sulfophenomethallyl ether and maleic acid, and (C) a hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid, is disclosed. A method for inhibiting the formation, deposition and adherence of such scale forming salts in the aqueous system employing the synergistic combination is also provided.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation, deposition and adherence of scale forming salts including calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate in an aqueous system having a pH of at least 8.5 and a calcite saturation level of at least 100 times the solubility limit of calcium as calcite, including adding to the aqueous system a synergistic effective amount of a combination comprising (A) a polyether polyamino methylene phosphonate, (B) a terpolymer comprising the monomers of acrylic acid, sulfophenoxymethallyl ether and maleic acid, (C) a hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid, and (D) a phosphonocarboxylic acid copolymer.

Abstract: A polymer and method of controlling corrosion and the formation and deposition of scale imparting compounds in water systems is disclosed. The polymer has the general structure: ##STR1## wherein E.sup.1 comprises the repeat unit obtained after polymerization an .alpha.,.beta. ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomers, lower alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6) ester or a hydroxylated lower alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6) ester of such carboxylic acid, or amide forms thereof; E.sup.2 comprises the repeat unit obtained after polymerization of an .alpha.,.beta. ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing a sulfonic acid functionality; R.sup.1 is a hydrogen or a lower (C.sub.1 -C.sub.3) alkyl; R.sup.2 is --CH.sub.2 --O-- or --C(.dbd.O)--O--; R.sup.3 is --?--CH.sub.2 --CH(--CH.sub.2 --OH)--O--!--.sub.n ; n is an integer greater than 1; and R.sup.

Abstract: The deposition of magnesium and calcium silicate in the bleaching of textiles with peroxides is prevented by contacting the textiles with a bleaching composition that is free from phosphorous and contains water-soluble polymers containing sulfonate and carboxylate groups, and polyhydroxymono- or dicarboxylates.

Abstract: An aqueous system containing scale forming salts including both calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate and characterized by high pH and high calcite concentrations which further contains a synergistic effective amount of a combination comprising (A) a polyether polyamino methylene phosphonate, and (B) a terpolymer comprising the monomers of acrylic acid, sulfophenomethallyl ether and maleic acid, is disclosed. A method for inhibiting the formation, deposition and adherence of such scale forming salts in the aqueous system employing the synergistic combination is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a liquid composition for the control of pitch deposition in acid pulp and paper making operations comprising a derivatized cationic guar and an alkali metal polyacrylate dispersant. The invention also relates to a process for inhibiting pitch deposition on paper making equipment.

Abstract: Water soluble polymers are prepared from an allyloxybenzenesulfonic acid monomer, a methallyl sulfonic acid monomer, a copolymerizable nonionic monomer, and a copolymerizable olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer. Aqueous compositions containing the water soluble polymers and nonionic surfactants are stable to phase separation of the polymer from the nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and process for stabilizing inorganic salts. The composition generally includes a carboxylated polymer that has been neutralized with an alphahydroxy amine. The composition can be used, for example, to disperse and suspend inorganic salts, such as silicates and sulfates, in fluids for inhibiting the insoluble inorganic matter from agglomerating and forming deposits on surfaces in contact with the fluid. The present invention is particularly suitable for use in industrial water handling systems such as boilers, coolers, and the like in other various industrial applications where inorganic salts form scale in a vessel in which an aqueous liquid is handled.

Abstract: A formaldehyde reduction composition which comprises from about 0.1% to about 0.6% by weight of a water soluble lignosulfonate salt, from about 22% to about 28% by weight of a di- or tri- alkylene amine, from 0% to about 28% by weight of di- or tri- alkanol amine, and from about 43.4 about 77.9% water. The composition is particularly useful in the treatment of aqueous media, especially calcium carbonate and kaolin mineral slurries which have been treated with a formaldehyde-releasing biocide.

Abstract: Alkaline earth metal scales, particularly barium sulfate and strontium sulfate, and silica-based scales, particularly potassium fluorosilicate, are removed from industrial processing equipment, tubular goods, and other scaled materials with a composition comprising sufficient potassium base to provide an overall system pH of between about 12.0 to about 14.0, a polyaminocarboxylic acid, preferably EDTA, a hydroxycarboxylic acid synergist, a pH buffering agent, a wetting agent, and optionally a sodium base.

Abstract: Phosphonic coletomers of the formula I: ##STR1## wherein X.sub.5 is hydrogen, an alkali metal atom, an alkaline earth metal atom, or an ammonium or amine residue; and A.sub.2 is a copolymer residue comprising two different residues ##STR2## wherein r is an integer ranging from 2 to 100, and wherein, in the first residue, W.sub.3 is --COOH, and in the second residue, W.sub.3 is --CONHC(CH.sub.3).sub.2 CH.sub.2 SO.sub.3 X.sub.5 wherein X.sub.5 is as hereinbefore defined. The cotelomers inhibit scale and corrosion in aqueous systems.

Abstract: A composition, in unit dosage form, for the batchwise purification for drinking purposes of a relatively small predetermined volume of contaminated water includes: (a) an organo-chlorine compound serving as a disinfectant-sanitizing agent; (b) a solid inorganic metal salt having a trivalent cation serving as a coagulant-precipitate agent; (c) a solid alkali which is highly soluble in water and highly effervescent in the presence of an acid serving as a dispersion-buffer agent; (d) a solid anionic polymeric hydrophilic primary colloid flocculant; (e) a solid cationic, polymeric hydrophilic secondary colloid flocculant; (f) long fiber cellulose serving as an agglomeration matrix and pre-filter for absorbing flocs and trapping visible debris and cysts; and (g) a bulk ion exchange absorbent. A water purification kit and method employing the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method to remove the build-up of water-insoluble metal salts on surfaces, and a method to lower the solids content of industrial liquids that contain water-insoluble metal salts using urea hydrochloride or its equivalent. Also disclosed is a method to use urea hydrochloride or an equivalent strong acid/weak base salt as acid replacements for a variety of purposes.

Abstract: A novel method and compositions are disclosed for the treatment of water in recirculating water systems. The method includes providing a boron level of at least 20 ppm in the water, continually eroding into the water a compressed sanitizer/algicide component including a halogen source material, a boron source material, and glycoluril, and periodically adding to the water an oxidizing clarifier comprising a chlorine source material, a non-halogen, chlorine source material, and a boron source material. The invention also provides novel water treatment chemicals including the compressed sanitizer/algicide component and the clarifier useful in the foregoing system. The system and compositions are safe and reliable, control algal and fungal growth and generally provide improved water quality for recirculating water systems.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for dispersing biofilms caused by the growth of slime-forming bacteria and other microorganisms in industrial process water. The method comprises adding an effective biofilm dispersing amount of a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to the industrial process water which contains slime-forming bacteria and other microorganisms. In addition, an alternative embodiment of the invention comprises adding a compound selected from the group consisting of peracetic acid, glutaraldehyde, isothiazolone, methylene bisthiocyanate, thiocyanomethylthio benzothiazole, 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propane diol, dibromonitrilopropane diol, tetralcishydroxy methyl phosphonium sulfate, decylthioethane amine, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention is a method for increasing the effectiveness of water-soluble polymeric additives or water-soluble phosphonates in the recirculating water of processing equipment wherein said water contains ozone and water-soluble polymeric additives or water-soluble phosphonates comprising the step of adding an effective amount of a stabilizer to said waters. The invention is also a method for increasing the effectiveness of ozone treatment in the recirculating waters of processing equipment wherein said water contains ozone and water-soluble additives comprising the step of adding an effective amount of a stabilizer to said waters.

Abstract: A contaminant precipitating composition and method are disclosed. The composition comprises a water soluble, branched, polydithiocarbamic acid salt effective for the purpose of precipitating contaminants from an aqueous solution. The method comprises adding an amount of the composition effective for the purpose to the aqueous solution so as to complex, precipitate and remove contaminants from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting the formation and deposition of silica and silicate compounds in water systems by the use an effective amount of a polymer or copolymer having the following structure: ##STR1## wherein A is the initiator radical from free radical polymerization, such as for example, alkoxy, acyloxy, hydroxyl, alkyl or sulfonate radicals from peroxide initiators, or cyanoalkyl radicals from azonitrile initiators, or n-alkythio or tetrahydrofuranyl radicals from common transfer agents, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are alkyl groups which contain a combined total of 2 to 4 carbon atoms or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together with the nitrogen atom comprise a ring containing 3 to 5 carbon atoms, R.sub.3 is either H or a C.sub.1 through C.sub.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inhibiting the formation of metal sulfate scale in an aqueous system. Metal sulfate scale formation is inhibited by adding an effective amount of one or more poly(amino acids) and one or more inorganic phosphates to the aqueous system. The poly(amino acids) are a reaction product formed from at least one compound selected from amino acids, amic acids, ammonium salts of monoethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, and ammonium salts of hydroxypolycarboxylic acids. The present invention also provides a method of inhibiting the formation of metal sulfate scale by adding an effective amount of a poly(amino acid) which contains tyrosine, tryptophan, histidine, arginine or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and method of administering same for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. The composition of the present invention includes sufficient amounts of a peracetic acid and a non-oxidizing biocide. The method of the present invention includes the step of adding sufficient amounts of the peracetic acid and the non-oxidizing biocide to industrial process waters.

Abstract: A rust-removing composition comprises alkali metal hydrogen citrates, water, optionally citric acid, and optionally a thickener. The invention further provides a method for removing rust from rusted metal surfaces, concrete surfaces, and the siliceous surfaces of natural stone by applying the composition, allowing contact until substantially all of the rust is removed, and washing away the composition and dissolved rust with water.

Abstract: An agent for treatment of paper machine press section felts is described which comprises one or more anionic polymers having a weight average molecular weight of 500 to less than 5000 selected from polycarboxylic acids and derivatives thereof, and/or 2-phosphino-1,2,4-tricarboxybutane. The novel agent, which preferably comprises a surfactant, inhibits the blinding of paper machine press section felts and provides improved felt conditioning at much lower concentration levels than known commercial products.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the inhibition of fouling in petrochemical processes. The method comprises adding from about 0.1 to about 10,000 parts per million sulfonated oils, sulfonated fatty acids, sulfated oils, sulfated fatty acids, or naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensates to a petrochemical process to disperse water insoluble foulant into an aqueous system.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for the preparation of novel alkali metal diphosphinate salts by the reaction of an acetylenic compound with an alkali metal hypophosphite in the presence of a free radical source, the use of these novel compounds in further reactions to prepare diphosphonate compounds and diphosphinate containing adducts, oligomers and polymers and utilization of these compounds, polymers and oligomers to control calcium carbonate scale and mild steel corrosion in cooling water.

Abstract: The tendency of aqueous solutions of urea and other NH-containing compositions to force instability of hardness factors has been found to be detrimental to processes and apparatus employing them. The reliability of these processes and apparatus is improved by the inclusion of hardness-suppressing compositions, which preferably include both a water-soluble polymer and a phosphonate. In particular, agricultural and NO.sub.x -reducing applications are improved, especially for solutions containing urea hydrolysis products and the salts of them.

Abstract: Water-soluble, branched, high molecular weight, cationic polymers are used in combination with low molecular weight, cationic polymers to provide the highly improved dewatering of suspended solids. Water-in-oil emulsions containing these cationic polymers in the aqueous phase are also described.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of products of the reaction of polyaspartimides and amino acids by reaction of amino acids with polyaspartimides in aqueous medium at pH values at which at least 5% of the amino groups in the amino acids are in non-protonated form in equilibrium with the protonated form, and use of the reaction products obtainable in this way and of products of the reaction of polyaspartimides with alkanolamines or aminated C.sub.1 -C.sub.30 -fatty alcohol alkoxylates which contain as copolymerized units up to 50 mol % of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide per mol of fatty alcohol, as additive to detergents and cleaners, as scale inhibitor and as dispersant.

Abstract: A polymer having the function of water treatment and labeled with a fluorescent substance having a allyl group is disclosed. A process for producing the polymer for water treatment having the function of water treatment and labeled with a fluorescent substance having allyl group comprises copolymerizing a fluorescent substance having allyl group obtained by introducing allyl group into a fluorescent substance using a Grignard reagent with a monomer having a polymerizable double bond. The polymer having the function of water treatment and labeled with a fluorescent substance having an allyl group can be obtained under atmospheric pressure. Concentration of the polymer for water treatment can be measured conveniently, accurately and quickly. Therefore, concentration of the polymer in water can be easily adjusted to the optimum value. Degradation of the labeled polymer by chlorine can be prevented when an agent for water treatment containing the labeled polymer and a hydantoin compound is used.

Abstract: This invention is directed to certain novel N-functionalized polyallylamines having recurring units represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein A, B, C and D are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, CH.sub.2 PO.sub.3 H.sub.2, (CH.sub.2).sub.n COOH, (CH.sub.2).sub.m SO.sub.3 H and water-soluble salts thereof, wherein n=1 to 4, m=1 to 4, X is 1 to 99 mol %, Y is 1 to 99 mol % and X+Y=100 and with the proviso that when A is hydrogen, B is (CH.sub.2).sub.n COOH, or (CH.sub.2).sub.m SO.sub.3 H and at least one of C and D is CH.sub.2 PO.sub.3 H.sub.2 or (CH.sub.2).sub.m SO.sub.3 H, when A is (CH.sub.2).sub.n COOH, at least one of B, C and D is CH.sub.2 PO.sub.3 H.sub.2 or (CH.sub.2).sub.m SO.sub.3 H and when A is CH.sub.2 PO.sub.3 H.sub.2, at least one of B, C or D is (CH.sub.2).sub.n COOH or (CH.sub.2).sub.m SO.sub.3 H. The compositions of this invention are useful in water treatment to inhibit or remove scale deposits.

Abstract: A starch hydrolysate composition is particularly suited for use as a sequesterer, i.e., it readily interacts noncovalently with other molecules to form stable inclusion complexes which are useful in a variety of applications. The starch molecules in the composition which act as sequesterers are in the form of single helical inclusion complexes with starch molecules having a D.P. of about 10 to 200 and a weight-average D.P. of about 10 to 50 as the host molecule holding one or more guest molecules within their internal cavities. These hydrolysates are prepared by first converting amylopectin molecules from the double helix form to the single helix form and then by cleaving chain segments from the molecules.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for treating on-site animal waste pits in order to soften the fluidized hardened solid wastes therein. The methods and compositions involve the use of Lactobacillus bacteria in effective amounts. Also preferably, a nitrogen-fixing bacteria is included in order to fix nitrogen in removed wastes to increase their fertilizer value.

Abstract: A method for controlling phosphonates which tend to precipitate with metal ions in water treatment operations comprising, adding to the water a water-soluble copolymer containing one or more of the following monomeric units: ##STR1## in which: R is hydrogen or an alkyl group, R.sub.1 is an alkyl group and X is hydrogen, NH.sub.4.sup.+, a water soluble metal ion or organic base; and[b] a monocarboxylic acid monomer; and adding the copolymer to the water to be treated in an amount sufficient to prevent precipitation of said phosphonates.

Abstract: A polymer having the function of water treatment and labeled with a fluorescent substance having a allyl group is disclosed. A process for producing the polymer for water treatment having the function of water treatment and labeled with a fluorescent substance having allyl group comprises copolymerizing a fluorescent substance having allyl group obtained by introducing allyl group into a fluorescent substance using a Grignard reagent with a monomer having a polymerizable double bond. The polymer having the function of water treatment and labeled with a fluorescent substance having an allyl group can be obtained under atmospheric pressure. Concentration of the polymer for water treatment can be measured conveniently, accurately and quickly. Therefore, concentration of the polymer in water can be easily adjusted to the optimum value. Degradation of the labeled polymer by chlorine can be prevented when an agent for water treatment containing the labeled polymer and a hydantoin compound is used.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition of matter of a silica sol/water soluble cationic polymer mixture. The colloidal silica may also be conditioned by passing over a cationic exchange resin prior to addition of cationic polymer.

Abstract: A composition for a pumpable lime slurry which is adapted for use as a replacement for caustic solutions is formed by combining a dispersing agent in lime and water to form an aqueous slurry. The amount of lime used is between 35 to 55% by weight of the slurry. The dispersing agent, which is an anionic polyelectrolyte, such as polyacrylic, polycarboxylic acids and alkali metal salts thereof, is added in the an amount between 0.1 to 3% by weight of the lime. To this is added an alkali metal hydroxide of 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of lime. The order of addition of the alkali metal hydroxide is important. The later addition of the alkali metal hydroxide results in a decreased viscosity so that a lower amount of dispersing agent is required.

Abstract: A method and compounds for inhibiting the formation of scale, e.g., barium scale, and controlling corrosion is disclosed. The method is particularly effective at inhibiting or preventing corrosion of ferrous-based metals in contact with the aqueous systems such as cooling water systems. The method comprises introducing into the aqueous system a compound of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, substituted alkyl or substituted aryl; R' and R" are each independently hydrogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl or C.sub.1-4 substituted alkyl; Z is O, S, NH or NR, where R is as described above; n is a positive integer greater than 1; f is a positive integer; and M is hydrogen, a water soluble cation (e.g., NH.sub.4.sup.+, alkali metal), or a C.sub.1-3 alkyl group.

Abstract: A polymer and method of controlling corrosion and the formation and deposition of scale imparting compounds in water systems is disclosed. The polymer has the general structure: ##STR1## wherein E.sup.1 comprises the repeat unit obtained after polymerization of one or more .alpha., .beta. ethylenically unsaturated monomers, selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic 3acid, lower alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6) ester or a hydroxylated lower alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6) ester of such carboxylic acid, and amide forms thereof; E.sup.2 comprises the repeat unit obtained after polymerization of one or more .alpha., .beta. ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing a sulfonic acid functionality; R.sup.1 is a hydrogen or a lower (C.sub.1 -C.sub.3) alkyl; R.sup.2 is --CH.sub.2 -- O--or --C(.dbd.O)--O--; R.sup.3 is --(--CH.sub.2 --CH(--CH.sub.2 --OH)--O--)--.sub.n ; n is an integer greater than 1; and R.sup.

Abstract: An aqueous system containing scale forming salts including both calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate and characterized by high pH and high calcite concentrations which further contains a synergistic effective amount of a combination comprising (A) a polyether polyamino methylene phosphonate, (B) a terpolymer comprising the monomers of acrylic acid, sulfophenomethallyl ether and maleic acid, and (C) a hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid, is disclosed. A method for inhibiting the formation, deposition and adherence of such scale forming salts in the aqueous system employing the synergistic combination is also provided.

Abstract: Biowaste treatment agents for treating biowastes in a manner which: (a) keeps noxious and toxic substances from being released from the biowaste, and (b) neutralizes such substances released during the course of stabilizing the biowaste. The treatment agents include a surfactant in an amount of from 1.0 to 99 percent of the treatment agent, a metal component in an amount from 0.5 to 85 percent of the treatment agent, the metal component including a source of zinc, or copper, or a combination of copper with aluminum or iron, and an aldehyde in an amount from 0.1 to 80 percent of the treatment agent.

Abstract: Biowaste treatment agents for treating biowastes in a manner which: (a) keeps noxious and toxic substances from being released from the biowaste, and (b) neutralizes such substances released during the course of stabilizing the biowaste. The treatment agents include a surfactant in an amount of from 1.0 to 99 percent of the treatment agent, a metal component in an amount from 0.5 to 85 percent of the treatment agent, the metal component including a source of zinc, or copper, or a combination of copper with aluminum or iron, and an aldehyde in an amount from 0.1 to 80 percent of the treatment agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a metal corrosion inhibiting composition comprising in admixture: (a) an anodic silicate salt; (b) a silicate salt stabilizer; (c) a cathodic corrosion inhibitor; and water. Preferably, the corrosion inhibiting composition also contains a polymeric scale inhibitor. The invention also relates to a process for treating an open aqueous system with the corrosion inhibiting composition.

Abstract: The scale formed by use of alkaline salt-based cleaners and which comprises one or more alkaline salts and organic scale is removed by applying an aqueous solution comprising alkali metal carbonate salts and optionally, a hydrotrope to remove the organic scale. A mixture of potassium and sodium carbonate salts has been found to effect better descaling than use of either of the salts alone.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously controlling the deposition of scale and the formation of corrosion in a cooling water system consisting of adding to the system a water soluble copolymer having the structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is H or lower (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) alkyl, F is H.sub.2 or O, M is a water soluble cation, R.sub.2 is (CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O).sub.n, ##STR2## or mixture of both, n is an integer of from 1 to about 40, R.sub.3 is H, lower (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) alkyl or an acetate.

Abstract: Polycocondensates based on aspartic acid which are obtainable by condensing aspartic acid in the presence of polymers containing carboxyl groups, which contain at least 10 mol % of a monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid in copolymerized form and have a molecular weight of at least 300, in the weight ratio from 1,000:1 to 2:1, processes for preparing the polycocondensates and use of the polycocondensates in the form of the free acid groups or in a form neutralized with ammonia, amines, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal bases as an additive to detergents and cleaners, as scale inhibitors or as dispersants for finely divided solids are described.