Abstract: A composition and method of improving the fuel economy of hydrocarbon fuel-powdered internal combustion engines. The composition contains a propoxylated and/or butoxylated reaction product of (a) at least one fatty acid, fatty acid ester, or mixture thereof and (b) a dialkanolamime. The composition is added to a hydrocarbon fuel in an amount of about 5 to about 2,000 ppm, based on the weight of the hydrocarbon fuel, to reduce friction within the engine and achieve an enhanced fuel economy.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, the present provides a heat transfer medium that includes, but is not limited to a base fluid, a plurality of single-walled carbon nanotubes, and a gelling formulation formed of an amine surfactant, an intercalating agent, and an oxygen-bearing solvent. The heat transfer medium is adapted for improved thermal conductivity with respect to the base fluid.

Abstract: Method for reducing emission of pollutants from an internal combustion engine including at least one combustion chamber. A fuel emulsion is injected into a combustion chamber; the fuel emulsion is ignited in the combustion chamber in the presence of air; and the internal combustion engine is operated so as to reduce peak combustion temperature in the combustion chamber. The fuel emulsion has a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, water, at least one emulsifier and at least one oxygen-containing water soluble organic compound. A considerable reduction of particulate emissions is obtained by using this fuel emulsion while maintaining or even further reducing the NOx level which is already reduced by the engine itself.

Abstract: A fuel mixture for fuel cells, comprising a gelled product containing at least a fuel and a gelling agent, in which reliquefaction for the fuel of the gelled product is brought about in the coexistence with a reliquefying agent; and a method of extracting a fuel for fuel cells, including: providing a gel structure in which a fuel is incorporated into a network structure of a gelling agent, with a reliquefying agent dispersed therein; adding a reliquefaction inducing agent to the gel structure to make the reliquefying agent break the network structure of the gelling agent, and thereby reliquefying and extracting the fuel.

Abstract: Thermoreversible organogelator compositions comprising compounds of the formula: where X is C6 to C12 alkylene and R is C9 to C12 alkyl, and their methods of use, including forming a gel to immobilize a solvent using the compound. The method can be used to form gels that can be used for the transportation of volatile organic solvents like gasoline, cooking oil, and contaminated organic liquids to be incinerated.

Abstract: Improved methods and compositions for treating subterranean formations penetrated by well bores are provided. A method for breaking a gelled hydrocarbon fluid comprised of a hydrocarbon liquid, a ferric iron or aluminum polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester or dialkylphosphinic acid is provided.

Abstract: Liquid hydrocarbons are gelled by the introduction of a phosphate ester and a crosslinking agent. Gelling times and viscosities are improved through the use of an enhancer which is, preferably, an oxyalkylated amine or a blend of an oxyalkylated amine with another amine or a non-nitrogen-containing component. Preferred phosphate esters are ether phosphate esters.

Abstract: Liquid hydrocarbons are gelled by the introduction of a phosphate ester and a crosslinking agent. Gelling times and viscosities are improved through the use of an enhancer which is, preferably, an oxyalkylated amine or a blend of an oxyalkylated amine with another amine or a non-nitrogen-containing component. Preferred phosphate esters are ether phosphate esters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sensitizer provided as a foam that may be used individually and/or added to explosives, propellants, and/or pyrotechnics.

Abstract: An improvement is disclosed for use in the process wherein an organophilic clay is manufactured by reacting a smectite-type clay with a higher alkyl-containing quaternary ammonium compound. According to the improvement of the invention, the gelling properties of the resulting organoclay are enhanced, by subjecting the clay as a pumpable slurry, to high-speed fluid shear, prior to the reaction thereof with the ammonium compound.

Abstract: In the process for preparing an organoclay by reacting a smectite-type clay with a higher alkyl-containing quaternary ammonium compound, the gelling properties of the organoclay are enhanced by reducing the average particle size of the clay prior to the reaction thereof with the quaternary ammonium compound.