Abstract: PU/ZnO nanocomposites are provided wherein the addition of less than 1 vol % 33 nm ZnO nanoparticles into a PU matrix effect a decrease in the Young's Modulus and storage modulus of the polymer, while simultaneously effecting an increase glass transition temperature of the polymer. Detailed experiments are described (e.g., FTIR, DMTA, FESEM and AFM) that suggest that the reaction between hydroxyl groups of the ZnO nanoparticles and isocyanate groups of the polyurethane prepolymer disrupts the self-assembly of the phase separation in PU. Phase separation is responsible for the good mechanical properties of PU. Further, detailed experiments suggest that the increase of the glass transition temperature results from the crosslinking effect of the ZnO nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an environmentally compatible, pesticidal composition and method for the control of insect pests. The composition includes two components. The first component is a chelating agent, a metal complex of a chelating agent, and mixtures thereof, and the second component is preferably a carrier material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an environmentally compatible, pesticidal composition and method for the control of insect pests. The composition includes two components. The first component is a chelating agent, a metal complex of a chelating agent, and mixtures thereof, and the second component is preferably a carrier material.

Abstract: Microbicidal formulations are described which are preferably ecologically friendly and non-toxic to mammals, and are highly effective against a broad spectrum of detrimental pathogenic microorganisms. The microbicidal formulation contains complexes having the formula R-M, wherein R is at least one organic chelating moiety and M is at least one metal ion which is microbicidal to at least one microorganism. These complexes can disrupt microorganism activities by penetrating the natural protecting bio-films of such microorganisms through the reaction of the R-group with the organic constituents of these microorganisms while releasing M into their intra-cellular media. Thus, this process exhibits its biocidal activities from the inside-out, contrary to other methods which rely on damaging the protective biofilms.

Abstract: A storage-stable biocidal aerated gel composition comprises from 30 to 97% by weight of water, from 0.2 to 5% by weight of a gelling agent selected from xanthan gum, sodium alginate and neutralised carboxyvinyl polymer from 2 to 5% by weight of a fine particulate, hydrophobic silicone-treated silica having a surface area of from 80 to 300 m2/g and from 0.004 to 20% by weight of a biocide which said composition is in the form of fine particles of an aqueous gel containing the water, gelling agent and the biocide, the surfaces of which fine particles are coated with a coating of the finely particulate hydrophobic silica. The biocidal aerated gel composition can be used to control pests using one or more appropriate biocides in the composition.

Abstract: NGF microencapsulation compositions having controlled release characteristics, preferably with increased stability, for the NGF component, particularly human recombinant NGF (“rhNGF”) are provided that yield enhanced stability of NGF for use in promoting nerve cell growth, repair, survival, differentiation, maturation or function. Methods for making and using such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Microbicidal formulations are described which are preferably ecologically friendly and non-toxic to mammals, and are highly effective against a broad spectrum of detrimental pathogenic microorganisms. The microbicidal formulation contains complexes having the formula R-M, wherein R is at least one organic chelating moiety and M is at least one metal ion which is microbicidal to at least one microorganism. These complexes can disrupt microorganism activities by penetrating the natural protecting bio-films of such microorganisms through the reaction of the R-group with the organic constituents of these microorganisms while releasing M into their intra-cellular media. Thus, this process exhibits its biocidal activities from the inside-out, contrary to other methods which rely on damaging the protective biofilms.

Abstract: An insecticide composition is enhanced from the standpoint of its ability to be absorbed by insects, such as red fire ants, particularly dithiophosphate ester pesticides by the addition of a small amount of a water soluble non-aromatic polyorganic acid or salt form thereof such as polyaspartic acid, particularly preferred with a molecular weight in the range of about 3000 to 40,000.