Abstract: A method of improving the crop yield of transplanted crops and of extending the useful life of freshly cut plants utilizing an aqueous gel including a highly absorbent, crosslinked, mixed salt of homopolymerized or copolymerized acrylic acid. The aqueous gels utilized in the present invention not only show improved crop yield and extended plant life in the absence of plant nutrients, but also exhibit sufficient gel strength and rigidity to support the plants in the absence of inert solid aggregates.

Abstract: A dewatering composition for use in dewatering coal and other ores, comprising a sulfosuccinate, a non-ionic surfactant and a defoaming agent.

Abstract: A dermal substance collection device (DSCD) is described which provides ms for the non-invasive, instantaneous and continuous monitoring of chemical substances which are present in a detectable amount in either or both interstitial fluid or sweat or which are on or in the skin. The transdermal substance collection device of this invention is comprised of three essential components: (1) a substance binding reservoir, wettable by (2) a liquid transfer medium which allows for liquid bridge transfer of a soluble substance from the skin surface to the binding reservoir by virtue of its wettability by the liquid, and (3) an occlusive cover.

Abstract: A new superabsorber which gels and cross-links as hydrated has been developed. The superabsorber contains a branched-chain polyanionic carbohydrate such as carboxymethylcellulose, a cross-linking agent, and a hydrophobic carboxylic acid. The superabsorber is biodegradable and non-toxic.

Abstract: The present invention features methods of making absorbent material which exhibit excellent absorption for saline and other liquids as well as being biodegradable. The methods of the invention form a particulate which can be stored in dry form and rehydrated at any time. The particulate can be used to replace the presently utilized polyacrylate superabsorbers. The base material used in the methods of the invention is a carboxylated cellulosic material such as carboxymethylcellulose, preferably, a carboxymethylcellulose having a DS, or Degree of Substitution, of 0.5 or greater. The carboxylated cellulose material is reacted with two distinct agents; a cross-linking agent and a hydrophobicity agent to make the final absorbent.

Abstract: A scavenger for purifying inert gas mixtures to remove Lewis acid and oxidant impurities therefrom, comprising (i) an inert inorganic support, and (ii) an active scavenging species on the support, formed by deposition thereon of an organometallic precursor and pyrolysis thereof at a selected elevated temperature. The organometallic precursor is an alkyl metal compound comprising a metal of Group IA, IIA, and/or IIIA, wherein the pyrolysis temperature may range from about 150.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C., depending on the specific alkyl metal compound employed as the precursor. Also disclosed are: a corresponding method of making the scavenger; a process for purifying inert gases by contacting same with the scavenger; and a vessel containing a bed of the scavenger, useful as an apparatus for purifying inert gases.

Abstract: A new humectant for animal care product use having a moisturizer encapsulated in a lipid vesicle has been developed. The humectant is particularly useful as an additive to shampoos or cream rinses.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of joining two or more surfaces together by applying to at least one of the surfaces a water-based adhesive or an adhesive which liberates water during curing, and generating salt during the course of the joining operation, which salt will bind water that is present during the joining as water of crystallization.

Abstract: A process for improving the bonding of hotmelt materials which post crosslink in the presence of moisture, to water vapor impermeable substrates by applying an activator material, which release bound water at the hotmelt application temperature, to at least one of the water vapor impermeable substrates.

Abstract: A composition for promoting dewatering of granulated slag which comprises the combination of an anionic polyether sulfate surfactant with a cationic nitrogen-containing surfactant and optionally a defoaming agent, and a process for promoting dewatering of granulated slag using such composition, which are useful for preparing granulated slag having a moisture content of 4% or less as a material for cement.

Abstract: A process for drying a gaseous hydrogen halide of the formula HX, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of bromine, chlorine, fluorine, and iodine, to remove water impurity therefrom, comprising:contacting the water impurity-containing gaseous hydrogen halide with a scavenger including a support having associated therewith one or more members of the group consisting of:(a) an active scavenging moiety selected from one or more members of the group consisting of:(i) metal halide compounds dispersed in the support, of the formula MX.sub.y ; and(ii) metal halide pendant functional groups of the formula -MX.sub.

Abstract: A new absorbent for water vapor is disclosed which is non-oxidizing and is suitable for use as the absorption working pair in combination with H.sub.2 O in absorption heat pumps, and also as a liquid drying agent. The absorbent is comprised of a mixture of at least two alkali metal thiocyanates, preferably KCNS and NaCNS. The preferred weight ratio is between 3 and 4, which remains liquid at all water vapor pressures above 1/16 ATA (curve "30 Na" on the Figure). Further advantages are obtainable by incorporating at least one of lithium cations, cesium cations, and hydroxide anions in the absorbent mixture.

Abstract: A scavenger, having utility for purifying a mixture comprising:(i) a primary component selected from one or more members of the group consisting of hydrogen selenide and hydrogen telluride, and(ii) impurities selected from one or more members of the group consisting of moisture and oxidants, comprising:(a) a support; and(b) associated with said support, one or more members of the group consisting of:(I) precursor compounds of the formula R.sub.3-x AlH.sub.x, wherein x is 0 or 1, and R is a hydrocarbon radical containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms; and(II) aluminum chalconides of the formula Al.sub.2 M.sub.3, wherein M is selenium or tellurium.Illustrative supports useful in such scavenger include aluminosilicates, alumina, silica, carbon, and macroreticulate polymers. A process and apparatus are disclosed for purifying hydrogen selenide and/or hydrogen telluride, to remove moisture and/or oxidant impurities therefrom, in which a bed of the scavenger is employed.

Abstract: A composition comprising a matrix of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer having dispersed therein a granular drying agent in a particulate state, wherein the volume-area average diameter of the grains of drying agent having a long dia meter of not less than 10.mu. is not greater than 30.mu.. A multi-layer structure comprising layers of such a composition. The gas barrier property of the multi-layer structure is not substantially reduced after a retort treatment and thus, the multi-layer structure is extremely useful for packaging of food, especially packaging of retorted food.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dehydrating reagent which, in the production of frozen ground fish meat, enables the dehydration of fish meat after washing with water and improves the quality of frozen ground fish meat obtained. Such effects are achieved by the combination of magnesium and/or calcium ions and sodium ions.

Abstract: Process wherein air is continuously sucked and returned in a closed cycle, the moisture of the air being reduced down to a value lower than the saturation limit value. The treatment is carried out by means of a metal carbide, preferably calcium carbide and/or a substance capable of binding water by hydrolysis or hydration, for example sodium hydrophosphate or anhydrous sodium sulfate which may be contained when mixing both substances into a quantity up to 85% by weight, preferably 35 and 65% by weight, in the substance reacting with the condensed moisture. The plant is comprised of a system of conduits (1-5) containing suction nozzles and connected to a container (7, 8) intended to receive the material reacting with the air moisture and connected to the suction nozzle of a fan (6) to which is coupled a pressure line (1-5) surrounding the limited area and comprising discharge openings.

Abstract: Improved article drying compositions which effectively remove water from the surface of non-absorbent articles to be dried, are provided. The solvents used to formulate the additive modified compositions are azeotropic binary mixtures, comprised of isobutanol and trichlorotrifluoroethane; and n-butanol and trichlorotrifluoroethane. The non-volatile additive, dissolved in the binary systems comprises a phosphate ester free acid type. These additives characterized as complex phosphate ester-free acid surfactants of the ethylene oxide type, which are commercially available, are preferred.

Abstract: Legumes and other plants can be dried quickly by contacting them with an aqueous solution of a mixture of carbonates consisting essentially of at least about 20% by weight of sodium sesquicarbonate, at least about 20% by weight of sodium carbonate and at least about 5% by weight of potassium carbonate, all based upon the total dry carbonate weight. The solution desirably is free of undissolved materials.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed comprising a low additive-water removal mixture consisting of a solution of about 0.15 to 0.01 weight percent phosphate ester free acid surfactant n an azeotropic composition of about 99.0 to 99.5 weight percent trichlorotrifluoroethane or trichloromonofluoromethane and about 1.0 to 0.5 weight percent t-amyl alcohol. A phosphate ester free acid surfactant that is commercially available and contains mixtures of both mono and diesters is incorporated. This mixture exhibits high solubility in the binary, azeotropic mixture and effectiveness even at low concentration. The concentration of said surfactant is about 100 ppm or 0.010 percent. The preferred binary system comprised of 99.25 to 99.50 weight percent of trichlorotrifluoroethane and 0.75 to 0.50 weight percent of t-amyl alcohol has a boiling point of about 47.2.degree. C. at barometric pressure of about 751.6 mm Hg.

Abstract: Novel bicyclic amide acetals having substituents in the 2, 5 and 7 positions and a process for their preparation are described.

Abstract: Water absorbing, cross-linked acrylate resin copolymers are prepared by aqueous polymerization of (A) acrylic acid neutralized 70 to 100 mole percent for example with ammonia, and/or caustic alkali and/or an amine; with (B) styrene and/or methyl methacrylate in an amount of 1% to 25% based on the weight of acrylic acid or acrylate, and (C) acrylamide in a mole ratio of 70 to 100 mole percent (A) to 30:0 mole percent (C); and (D) a water miscible or a water soluble polyvinyl monomer in an amount of 0.001 to 0.3 weight percent based on the total weight of (A), (B), (C) and (D).

Abstract: Aryl nitrones, of the type used in contrast enhancement photolithography techniques, are stabilized by adding thereto a drying agent such as molecular sieve, silica gel or an alkylalkoxysilane. The resulting compositions are substantially storage stable.

Abstract: A multilamp photoflash array responsive to either a relatively high or relatively low pulse potential includes normally open (N/O) switches formed from an admixture including silver carbonate and/or silver oxide, titanium dioxide, a blended binder and a sulfur compound in the range of about 0.001 to 5.0 percent by weight and selected from the group consisting of elemental sulfur and low solubility sulfides.

Abstract: An azeotropic like composition comprising 95 to 93% by weight of Flon-112 and 5 to 7% by weight of isooctane. The composition has a lower freezing point than that of Flon-112 while maintaining excellent properties of Flon-112. The composition is useful as various solvents and dispersing media such as a cleaning solvent, an extraction solvent, a dispersing medium.

Abstract: Liquid-water displacement compositions containing a normally liquid chlorofluorocarbon compound with a surfactant comprising a tetraalkyl ammonium compound derived from an aryl acid phosphate are described. They are useful in aiding in the substantially complete removal of water from the surface of metals.

Abstract: An impulse rocket propellant is comprised of highly hydrated mineral salts such as boric acid hydrate HBO.sub.2.H.sub.2 O and a plaster forming agent comprising calcium oxide hydrate CaO.H.sub.2 O and sodium sulfate hydrate Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4.10H.sub.2 O, all of which are compounded and intimately commingled with a heat conducting inorganic fiber such as glass wool. When these compounds are allowed to dry, loaded into suitable rocket devices, and instantaneously heated, the water of hydration of the hydrated mineral salts instantaneously vaporizes into steam which can be used to propel the rocket. The resulting unhydrated mineral salts are entrained within the steam. Upon coming into contact with the atmosphere, the steam condenses into fine water droplets into which the entrained salts dissolve and ionize.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for absorbing moisture when moisture constraints are present. The moisture absorbing compositions include a curable epoxy resin, a curing agent, and an anhydride of a carboxylic acid. In one embodiment, the anhydride component is present in an amount sufficient both to cure the resin and to absorb the moisture. In other embodiments, a separate curing agent is included. Methods employing such compositions as adhesives or coatings, particularly in electronic device packaging, also are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for removing water from its mixture with hydroxyl containing compounds by adding a bicyclic amide acetal to such mixture and allowing the water to react with the bicyclic amide acetal is disclosed.

Abstract: Water-insoluble, water swellable polymer compositions are disclosed. In one embodiment, the polymer composition comprises a copolymer of styrene and maleic anhydride and a multi arm block copolymer of styrene and ethylene oxide. In a preferred embodiment, the maleic anhydride groups of the anhydride-containing copolymer are treated with a strong base to further enhance absorption capacity.

Abstract: A desiccating agent comprising a mixture of(A) a deliquescent salt(B) a hydrolyzed copolymer of 50 to 99.8% by mole of vinyl acetate and 50 to 0.2% by mole of an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid in which a degree of hydrolysis of the vinyl acetate component is not less than 70% by mole, and(C) a short cut fibrous materialas main components. The desiccating agent can be reused at least 10 times and has a high hygroscopic power and capacity.

Abstract: Surface treating compositions, e.g., for the removal of water therefrom, are comprised of (1) a solvent comprising at least 50% by weight of 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane and (2) a water-solubilizing additive therefor, said additive (2) comprising (i) at least one phosphoric acid ester of the general formula: ##STR1## in which Y is a radical of the formula --O--T--OC.sub.m H.sub.2m).sub.r OH, and Z is a radical Y or a hydroxyl group, (ii) at least one ester of the above formula (I), in which at least one phosphoric acid moiety has been neutralized with at least one amine salt of the general formula: ##STR2## and (iii) at least one carboxylic acid of the general formula:R'--COOH (III).

Abstract: Demoisturizing composition used for the displacement of liquid water, comprising a chlorofluorocarbon that is liquid at room temperature, containing a surface-active agent responding to the formula: ##STR1## in which R is an alkyl group in C.sub.6 -C.sub.18R' is an alkyl group in C.sub.1 to C.sub.2R" is an alkyl group in C.sub.1 to C.sub.18p is a value ranging between 1 and 2characterized in that the surface-active composition is prepared by mixing the following three constituents: ##STR2## where R.sub.F represents a straight or branched perfluorinated alkyl chain of formula C.sub.q F.sub.2q+1 in which q is a whole number ranging between 2 and 20 and where X is a divalent bond group that may be partially halogenated and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical or a hydroxyalkyl radical, containing less than 6 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Microbial polysaccharides can be quantitatively precipitated from their aqueous solutions, in particular directly from the fermentation solutions, in an acidic medium in the form of an adduct with a tertiary amine which has a long-chain alkyl radical. It is advantageous to add the amine to the polysaccharide solution and then to carry out the precipitation, in particular by adding the dispersion obtained to an acidic coagulation bath. The adducts are suitable for use as thickeners and for preparing the free polysaccharides.

Abstract: A solid, pulverulent composition for destroying pathogen activity and absorbing liquid when placed in contact with blood spills consists essentially of a chlorine source capable of yielding hypochlorous acid in contact with water, such as calcium hypochlorite, and diatomaceous earth. The composition includes sufficient of the chlorine source to provide an available chlorine level in the composition of at least 5,000 ppm and, preferably, 5,000 to 65,000 ppm.

Abstract: An improved dewatering agent for aqueous slurries of mineral concentrates comprising branched dodecylbenzene sulphonic acid used alone or in combination with sodium xylene sulphonate.

Abstract: Drying agents for cut plants provide a basic pH in a solution between approximately 12.4 and 13.2 when the drying is to be provided primarily on the stems of the cut plants. The drying agents include a first material which provides a pH of at least 12.4 in the solution. The first drying agent may constitute an alkaline metasilicate such as sodium metasilicate. The drying agents may also include a second material such as an alkaline carbonate. Sodium or potassium carbonate are preferable. The second drying agent constitutes a buffer to limit the pH in the solution to a value of approximately 13.2.The metasilicate is in the form of a colloid of silicon dioxide and this colloid tends to act primarily on the waxes on the stems to saponify the waxes on the surfaces of the stems. The drying agents form a chemical complex which serves as a protective coating to prevent water from entering into the stems of the plants.

Abstract: A drying agent for cut plants provides a basic pH of at least 11 in a solution and has properties of becoming at least partially insoluble at a pH no greater than approximately 13.4 in the solution. A mold-inhibiting agent is mixed with the drying agent and is provided with properties of remaining inactive until the occurrence of conditions inducing molding of the plant. The mold-inhibiting agent has properties of reacting with moisture under such conditions inducing molding to inhibit such molding.A waterproofing agent is mixed with the drying and mold-inhibiting agents and is provided with properties, at the pH of the drying agent in the solution, for providing for a passage of moisture from the plants while preventing drops or droplets of water from being reabsorbed on the plants. The waterproofing agent may be sodium methyl siliconate.A surface active agent may also be included.

Abstract: The invention comprises of an anionic polyelectrolyte hydrogel reversibly cross-linked with a polyvalent metal cation having a valence of at least two. This hydrogel may be combined with a removal agent for imparting delayed swelling characteristics when contacted with a water-containing fluid. The delayed swelling allows the water-containing fluid to penetrate or permeate the system before swelling is initiated, thereby providing enhanced wetting prior to the onset of swelling and alleviating gel blockage.

Abstract: A process for absorbing water containing relatively large amount of acid comprises contacting an aqueous medium with a rapidly water-swellable polymer comprising an alkali metal sulfonic acid salt containing polyelectrolyte. For example, a crosslinked polymer containing polymerized acrylamide and sodium 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonate can be used to remove acidic water from fuels, battery casings, etc.

Abstract: Refrigeration fluid compositions for refrigeration and air-conditioning circuits include a usual refrigerant fluid together with a liquid, hydrolyzable organosilane which exists as a liquid in the liquid phase of the air conditioning or refrigeration circuit, and which is capable of removing moisture from the interior of the circuit without forming a solid upon hydrolyzation.

Abstract: A humidity sensitive device, including opposing electrodes formed on an insulating substrate, and a humidity sensitive film formed on the surface of the insulating substrate and at least between the opposing electrodes. The humidity sensitive film is obtained by coating on the surface of the insulating substrate a mixture including a conductive or semiconductive powder, a solid electrolyte powder and an organic polymer cross-linked by a zirconium compound and heating the same.

Abstract: A water-absorbent excellent in water-holding capacity under pressure, which comprises a cotton-like material A manufactured by a pulping treatment of bagasse containing pith and having a lignin content of at least 5% by weight and a cotton-like fibers B having a lignin content of not greater than 5% by weight. This water-absorbent is suitable as a sanitary material for manufacturing diapers, hygienic napkins or tampons.

Abstract: A process for spray drying aqueous suspensions of microcapsules having walls of polyurea which have been formed in known manner from polyisocyanate and polyamine by interface polyaddition, in which from 1 to 10 parts by weight, based on the microcapsules, of a water-soluble silicate and/or a water-soluble alkaline earth metal salt or hydroxide are added to the aqueous reaction mixture of polyisocyanate and polyamine.

Abstract: In a multi-layer polymeric structure having an interior oxygen barrier layer of a moisture sensitive polymeric material such as ethylene-vinyl alcohol, drying agents are incorporated in the structure, particularly in a layer or layers proximate to the barrier layer, to limit the moisture content of the barrier layer to maintain barrier properties.

Abstract: The water content of a material, which tends to either absorb water or to release water, is changed with the aid of a film, which at least partially separates the material from the adjacent space and is impermeable to liquid water but permeable to gaseous water. Polyvinyl alcohol with a particular degree of polymerization and degree of hydrolysis is used as the film material. The film can be mechanically or chemically after-treated. The moistening or de-moistening of the material, which is solid, liquid or gaseous, is effected, utilizing a water vapor pressure gradient, under very mild conditions.

Abstract: A dry, solid, water-swellable absorbent composition of matter is prepared by blending together (a) a water-insoluble absorbent polymer and (b) from 1 to 75%, by weight of the blend, of an extender material selected from uncrosslinked cellulose derivatives, starch, certain clays and minerals, or mixtures thereof. The composition is characterized by having an absorbency exceeding the sum of the absorbencies, calculated proportionately, of the individual components. In one preferred embodiment, the absorbent polymer is a water-swellable ionic complex of a water-soluble anionic polyelectrolyte and a polyvalent metal cation having a valence of at least three.

Abstract: Material is provided for drying cut plants. The material includes a drying agent providing a basic pH in a solution of at least 11 and having properties of becoming at least partially insoluble at a pH no greater than approximately 13.4. The drying agent has properties of saponifying the wax on the stems as the plant dries and as the pH of the drying agent accordingly increases. The drying agent is selected from a group consisting of the carbonates, phosphates and silicates of at least one of sodium and potassium and a combination of the hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates of at least one of sodium and potassium. The drying agent may have a concentration of about 3 to 6 pounds per ton of dried cut plants.

Abstract: Water-displacing compositions based on fluorocarbon solvent FC-113 (1,1,2-trifluoro-1,2,2-trichloroethane) and certain surfactants are provided. These solutions serve to displace water from a broad range of substrates, including metals such as stainless-steel, aluminum alloys and brass, as well as from glass and ceramic surfaces such as lime glasses, borosilicate glass, unglazed alumina and fired alumina. In addition, these compositions do not form emulsions with the displaced water. This latter property is important to efficient water removal by decantation when the drying solvent is used in commercial drying processes and apparatus.The surfactants are chosen from a combination of: (a) the isopropyl amine salt of a dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid; (b) 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyn-4,7-diol combined with an aliphatic primary alcohol in the range of hexanol to dodecanol; and (c) certain aliphatic esters of polyphosphoric acid, in the free-acid form.

Abstract: A desiccant for semiconductor packaging which may be applied in liquid form consists essentially of approximately 60% by weight absolute ethyl alcohol, 25% by weight ethyl acetate, 5% by weight water, 5% by weight a source of boron, aluminum or phosphorus and 5% by weight of an organic silane having the structural formula: ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is a radical selected from the group consisting of H.sup.-, CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH.sup.-, CH.sub.3 O.sup.-, C.sub.2 H.sub.5 O.sup.-, CH.sub.3 CO.sub.2 .sup.-, C.sub.2 H.sub.5 CO.sup.-, and C.sub.3 H.sub.7 O.sup.-, and R is a radical selected from the group consisting of CH.sub.3 O.sup.-, C.sub.2 H.sub.5 O.sup.-, C.sub.3 H.sub.7 O.sup.-, CH.sub.3 CO.sub.2.sup.-, C.sub.2 H.sub.5 CO.sub.2.sup.-, Si.sup.+, OH.sup.-, and O.sup.-. The sources of boron, aluminum, and phosphorus may be halides, oxides or nitrates. Also a process for incorporating the foregoing into semiconductor package and process for formulating the above solution.

Abstract: In a multi-layer polymeric structure having an interior oxygen barrier layer of a moisture sensitive polymeric material such as ethylene-vinyl alcohol, drying agents are incorporated in the structure, particularly in a layer or layers proximate to the barrier layer, to limit the moisture content of the barrier layer to maintain barrier properties.