Abstract: A method for minimizing the amount of metal crosslinked viscosifier necessary for treating a wellbore with proppant or gravel is given. The method includes using fibers to aid in transporting, suspending and placing proppant or gravel in viscous carrier fluids otherwise having insufficient viscosity to prevent particulate settling. Fibers are given that have properties optimized for proppant transport but degrade after the treatment into degradation products that do not precipitate in the presence of ions in the water such as calcium and magnesium. Crosslinked polymer carrier fluids are identified that are not damaged by contaminants present in the fibers or by degradation products released by premature degradation of the fibers.

Abstract: The invention provides colloidal dispersions of calcium phosphate platelets comprising at least one polymer which complexes the calcium and in which the length of the platelets, L, is between 5 and 500 nm and in which the thickness of the platelets is between 0.5 and 20 nm. Another subject-matter of the invention is the calcium phosphate platelets obtained by drying the colloidal dispersion according to the invention. The invention also provides a process for preparing these colloidal dispersions of calcium phosphate platelets according to the invention. Finally, another subject-matter of the invention is the use of the abovementioned colloidal dispersions of platelets as food additive, reinforcing filler, thermal insulation filler, pharmaceutical excipient, polishing agent, building materials, additive for oral formulations, in particular dentifrices, or encapsulating agent.

Abstract: Waxes prepared from hydrogenated plant oils, such as castor, palm, and soybean, are used to prepare water based emulsions. The inventive waxes, obtained from naturally derived, renewable resources, were emulsified under anionic, cationic and nonionic conditions, producing emulsions having a solids content up to about 45% solids. The emulsions are stable, and are characterized by having an average particle size less than 1000 nanometers. When used to coat fibrous cellulosic articles, such as paperboard, the emulsions' performance was similar to emulsions containing petroleum-derived waxes. The inventive waxes have a low iodine value (between 2-5), and melting points between approximately 120-200 degrees F. (49-94 degrees C.) (Mettler Drop Point). The inventive waxes are used as an alternative to petroleum-derived, or expensive naturally-occurring waxes in the manufacture of emulsions used in coatings, polishes, adhesives, paper products, paperboard and other manufacturing operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of chalcogen heterocyclic electron donating compounds as thermal decomposition reduction additives for gels used in well treatment fluids such as drilling fluids, fracturing fluids, and well completion and workover fluids.

Abstract: A defoaming agent and/or deaerator for aqueous foamable media based on oil-in-water dispersions. The oil phase contains at least one compound from fatty alcohols, fatty acid monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides, fatty acid ester of fatty acids and monovalent to trivalent alcohols, 3-thiaalkane-1-ole, 3-thiaoxide alkane-1-ole, 3-thiadioxide-alkane-ole, and thiaalkane esters in combination with (i) at least one polyglycerine that is obtained by esterification of at least 20 percent of polyglycerine with 12 to 36 C carboxylic acid, and (ii) at least one bisamide consisting of ethylene diamine and 10 to 36 C atom carboxylic acids, while the aqueous phase thereof contains at least one stabilizer, water, and an optional thickener, for aqueous media that tend to foam.

Abstract: Polyvinyl alcohol gels, particularly hydrogels, which are produced by methods and formulas and are provided with a characteristic profile that is adjustable to a large extent, e.g. outstanding mechanical properties with moduli of elasticity of 30 MPa and stiffnesses of 25 MPa at a breaking elongation of 550 percent, or full transparency in a wide range of water contents.

Abstract: Latex additives, methods for treating latex additives, drilling fluid systems, and lost circulation pills comprising the latex additives, the latex additive comprising latex particles having a particle size distribution before aging comprising an average particle diameter of about 1 micron or less; and a quantity of one or more water soluble oxygenated organic molecules comprising two or more oxygen atoms effective to maintain substantially the same particle size distribution before and after freezing the latex additive.

Abstract: A colloid solution that exhibits storage stability and pH stability, being useful as viral substitute particles for use in an integrity test for virus removal membrane. In particular, a metal colloid solution characterized in that it comprises metal particles or metal compound particles of 1 to 100 nm average diameter, a water soluble high-molecular-weight dispersant having an N group and water and/or a water soluble organic solvent, the metal colloid solution being stable for a prolonged period of time and being stable in at least pH values ranging from 4 to 11.

Abstract: Use of silica sols containing sulfonic acid groups and/or mercapto groups as microparticles in paper production, in particular for paper retention.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersion containing a metal oxide powder with a fine fraction and a coarse fraction, in which—the metal oxide powder is silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, zirconium dioxide, cerium oxide or a mixed oxide of two or more of the aforementioned metal oxides,—the fine fraction is present in aggregated form and has a mean aggregate diameter in the dispersion of less than 200 nm,—the coarse fraction consists of particles with a mean diameter of 1 to 20 ?m, —the ratio of fine fraction to coarse fraction is 2:98 to 30:70, and—the content of metal oxide powder is 50 to 85 wt. %, referred to the total amount of the dispersion. The aqueous dispersion is produced by a process comprising the steps:—production of a fine fraction dispersion by dispersing the pulverulent fine fraction in water by means of an energy input of at least 200 KJ/m3?, and—introducing the coarse fraction in the form of a powder into the fine fraction dispersion under dispersing conditions at a low energy input.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion comprises: (A) water; (B) a polymeric material of a type which includes: (a) phenyl moieties; (b) carbonyl and/or sulphone moieties; and (c) ether and/or thioether moieties; (C) a surface active agent which includes a carbonyl or sulphone moiety and a hydrophilic group. Preferred embodiments relate to polyketones in combination with surfactants which are alkyl sulphosuccinates.

Abstract: Emulsions are provided which are useful in imparting water-resistance to gypsum wood fiber products. In one embodiment, the emulsions comprise a wax or a combination of waxes, an alkyl phenol, at least one surfactant, Polynaphthalenesulfonic acid, and an alkali metal hydroxide. In another embodiment, the emulsions comprise a wax or a combination of waxes, an alkyl phenol, at least one surfactant, polynaphthalenesulfonic acid, an alkali metal hydroxide, and a complexed starch.

Abstract: Stable dispersions of phenolic resins, particularly bisphenol-A/formaldehyde resins, for use in e.g., baking enamels, coatings, adhesives, binders, etc., are disclosed. The dispersions have low levels (e.g., <0.1% by weight) of free aldehyde, thereby reducing environmental harms associated with aldehyde emissions. Low free aldehyde levels are achieved using melamine as an aldehyde scavenger during preparation. It has now been discovered that melamine, in contrast to other scavengers of aldehydes, does not adversely affect dispersion stability, interfere with later processing operations, or negatively impact the final resin product quality (e.g., after curing).

Abstract: Use for the preparation of paints for substrata coatings of aqueous dispersions of VDF-based polymers having an average particle size between 0.260 and 0.3 micrometers comprising a bifunctional surfactant of formula: A-Rf-B ??(I) wherein A=—O—CFX—COOM; B=—CFX—COOM with X=F, CF3; M=NH4, alkaline metal, H; Rf is a linear or branched perfluoroalkyl chain, or a (per)fluoropolyether chain such that the number average molecular weight of (I) is in the range 600-800.

Abstract: An all-oil reversible gelling system includes a polymer, a crosslinker, a gel accelerator, and an oxidant, wherein temperature activates the crosslinker so as to cause the system to form a gel, and the oxidant subsequently decomposes the gel. This gel is designed to seal temporarily portions of oil-producing or water or gas injecting subterranean formations.

Abstract: A monohydric-alcohol-containing emulsion that is more stable than prior art emulsions. An emulsion with tolerance to alcohol comprising a monohydric alcohol or a solution in a monohydric alcohol as a solvent; and an emulsifier; (1) the content of the monohydric alcohol or the solution thereof being 10 wt % or more, based on the total weight of the emulsion; (2) the content of the emulsifier being 0.1 to 50 wt %, based on the total weight of the emulsion; and (3) the emulsion being in the form of an O/W emulsion, W/O/W emulsion, O/W/O emulsion, or S/O/W emulsion.

Abstract: A method of shale inhibition comprises adding a two-phase polymer system of a water soluble copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide and in-situ formed water-insoluble particles of said copolymer, or, alternatively, a water-soluble copolymer of methylvinyl ether and maleic anhydride, into a drilling well fluid under aqueous, high temperature, high salinity conditions.

Abstract: A puncture sealing agent includes at least a rubber latex solution, a short fiber and a clay base viscosity improver, the viscosity of the rubber latex solution after addition of the clay base viscosity improver being 3 to 6000 mPa·s in a range of +50 to ?20° C.

Abstract: Fatty esters of oligoesters of a dicarboxylic acid and a polyol retaining at least one free hydroxyl group, particularly of the formula (I): R1—[OR2O—C(O)—R3—(O)C—]m—R4 (I), where R1 is H, a monocarboxylic acid group, or R6O—[C(O)—R3—(O)C]—; R2s are residues of polyols having at least one substituent free hydroxyl; R3s are hydrocarbylene; R4 is —OH, —OM where M is a salt forming metal, amine or ammonium, —OR6, or —OR2O—R7; R5 is C7 to C21 hydrocarbyl; R6 is C8 to C22 hydrocarbyl; R7 is H, or —C(O)R5; and m is 1 to 20; provided that at least one of R1 and R4 is or includes a C8 to C22 group, are surfactants. A range of surfactant properties can be obtained by varying the molecules within these ranges. Especially where R2 is derived from a higher polyol e.g. sorbitol, R3 is C2 to C6, and the fatty terminal group is C8 to C14, the products can be highly water soluble and effective oil in water emulsifiers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of chalcogen heterocyclic electron donating compounds as thermal decomposition reduction additives for gels used in well treatment fluids such as drilling fluids, fracturing fluids, and well completion and workover fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a composition comprising a siloxane having the formula: M1DM2 wherein M1=(R1)(R2)(R3)SiO1/2; M2=(R4)(R5)(R6)SiO1/2 and D=(R7)(Z)SiO2/2 where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are each independently selected from the group consisting of 1 to 4 carbon monovalent hydrocarbon radicals, aryl, and a hydrocarbon group of 4 to 9 carbons containing an aryl group; Z is a pendant hydrophilic ionic group selected from the group consisting of R8—RA, R9—RC, and R10—RZ; RA being an anionic substituent, RC a cationic substituent or RZ a zwitterionic substituent on the D group wherein the composition is resistant to hydrolysis under either basic or acidic conditions.

Abstract: A method and device for producing a finely divided dispersion of solids having a mean particle size of 10 nm to 10 µm, in which at least two flows of a predispersion are sprayed by means of pumps, preferably high-pressure pumps, through one nozzle each into a grinding chamber enclosed by a reactor housing onto a collision point, wherein the grinding chamber is flooded with the predispersion and the finally divided dispersion is removed from the grinding chamber by the overpressure of the predispersion continuing to flow into the grinding chamber.

Abstract: A water in oil emulsion wax composition composed of natural and synthetic waxes, surfactants, suspending agents, and aluminum oxide particles of high purity of 0.20 micrometer or less containing no magnesium oxide and being agglomerate free together with a aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent producing a wax having cleaning properties and an enhanced high gloss surface from a single application.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a non-dusting copper pyrithione dispersion comprising small solid particles of copper pyrithione dispersed in a liquid dispersant, said solid particles having a particle size within a range of from about 0.1 to about 10 microns and a median particle size of from 0.2 to less than 0.5 microns. The dispersion is suitably employed as an antifouling additive for marine paints without risking worker exposure to copper pyrithione dust. Paints containing the small particle copper pyrithione exhibit improved antifouling performance in cold water, as compared to paint containing larger particle copper pyrithione.

Abstract: The present invention provides variable density fluid compositions and methods for using such compositions in a subterranean formation. One exemplary embodiment of the variable density fluid compositions of the present invention comprises a variable density fluid comprising: a base fluid; and a portion of elastic particles, the elastic particles having an isothermal compressibility factor in the range of from about 1.5×10?3 (1/psi) to about 1.5×10?9 (1/psi).

Abstract: Modified epoxy resins comprising the reaction product of rosin and a linking molecule, further reacted with an epoxy resin, are disclosed. Aqueous dispersions and coatings comprising these resins are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a stable dispersion comprising a continuous phase comprising a continuous liquid phase and a plurality of organic nanoparticles; and a dispersed phase comprising particles dispersed in the continuous phase.

Abstract: A silicone MQ resin based composition provides the oil industry with Fluid Loss Control (FLC) additives for water based drilling muds which are non-damaging. The composition is capable of achieving zero fluid seepage through filter cake, and a short build time for the initial filter cake, while not reducing the return flow of oil from producing formations. The composition is stable in saturated salt at 120° C. and elevated pressures. The composition comprises solid particles of silicone resin with a glass transition temperature more than 70° C., and it contains solid particles of silicone resin with a particle size distribution in which ( ) at least 90 volume percent of solid particles of silicone resin have an average major axis diameter of 40 ?m or less than 40 ?m, and (ii) at least 10 volume percent of solid particles of silicone resin have an average major axis diameter of 2 ?m or less.

Abstract: Ionic colloidal crystals (ordered multicomponent colloids formed by attractive electrostatic interactions) may be produced by controlling the surface potential and relative size of multiple populations of colloidal particles in suspension. Such suspensions are dried or otherwise caused to precipitate out the particles in ordered arrays. The crystal structure of the arrays may be controlled by appropriate choices of particle materials, sizes, and charge ratios.

Abstract: Processes for forming polymer fibers, comprising: (a) providing a colloidal dispersion of at least one essentially water-insoluble polymer in an aqueous medium; and (b) electrospinning the colloidal dispersion; polymer fibers prepared by such processes; and colloidal dispersions comprising: at least one essentially water-insoluble polymer in an aqueous medium; and at least 10% by weight of a water-soluble polymer having a solubility in water of at least 0.1% by weight.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a stable dispersion comprising a continuous phase comprising a continuous liquid phase and a plurality of organic nanoparticles; and a dispersed phase comprising particles dispersed in the continuous phase.

Abstract: The invention describes a multistage process, for producing particles with an average particle size from 50 nm to 1000 nm in a very effective and gentle manner, wherein the solid substance (active substance) is dissolved in a solvent, this liquid containing the solid substance (active substance) in dissolved form is then frozen very rapidly, the solvent/solvents used are optionally removed from the frozen matrix obtained in a (freeze-)drying process (lyophilisation) or the frozen matrix is further processed directly, the solid matrix (frozen or lyophilised) is dispersed in an external phase, a liquid medium, which can be water, a mixture of water with water-miscible liquids or a non-aqueous liquid, and the resulting dispersion is then immediately exposed to high shear and/or cavitation forces, and the forces applied result in stabilisation or comminution of the resulting particles in the nanometre range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the separation of materials from heterogeneous fluids and provides a means of effecting stimulant-sensitive flocculation and consolidation of solid suspensions within a liquid medium. Specifically, the present invention provides a method of controlling the state of a suspension of solid particles in a liquid, including applying to the suspension a stimulus adapted to control inter-particle forces between the solid particles. The stimulus is reversibly operable to control attraction and/or repulsion. Means of consolidating a sediment bed and of separating the resultant liquids-rich and solids-rich phases are also within the ambit of the invention.

Abstract: A water based spray wax composition containing a microemulsion of a cationic wax nanoparticles, a quaternary silicone compound and zinc oxide nanoparticles providing long lasting protection of paint, glass, and metal, plastic, rubber, or elastomeric trim surfaces. The use of microemulsions or nanometer sized particles in the primary ingredients provides a transparent spray wax composition, which provides excellent coverage due to a significantly larger surface area, due to the nanoparticles used in the formulation. It also enables the wax particles to penetrate and fill small cracks and crevices for improved appearance, and durability of the spray wax properties.

Abstract: A wax composition for application to a wet surfaces utilizing a polymeric emulsion with a cross-linked copolymer of acrylic acid and C10-30 alkyl acrylate whereby upon application to the surface to be waxed the hydrophilic portion of the polymer instantly collapses releasing the oil phase and providing immediate coverage of the application surface forming a film upon drying, and buffing the waxed surface with an absorbent material leaves a protective coating of wax of the surface which does not easily re-emulsify or wash off when further exposed to water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid protectant composition composed of a cationic microemulsion of a natural wax (carnauba wax) nanometer sized particles and zinc oxide nanometer sized particles in combination with a quaternary siloxane compound. The protectant composition of the present invention cleans, protects preserves and enhances the appearances of leather or vinyl surfaces used for covering items in the home or in vehicles. The product is easy to apply to both smooth and textured surfaces and has a transparent appearance. The product dries quickly and does not leave an oily residue. Utilization of nano technology to select components having nano sized particles provides a uniform deposition of the product leaving a thin film having exceptional protection properties. Unlike conventional protectants, the invention of the instant composition dries quickly and leaves no oily residue behind.

Abstract: Monodisperse colored spherical particles each having two separated color regions of two hues, that is, two-colored spherical particles, useful, for example, for displays of characters, graphics, images and the like, the two hues being for reverse display in terms of electricity and magnetism from the viewpoint of good suitability for display are provided. In the production process and the apparatus for producing the colored spherical polymer particles, microchannels are utilized including a first microchannel through which a colored continuous phase comprising a color dye/pigment dispersed in a fluid dispersing medium containing a polymerizable resin component and having colored phases of different hues is transferred, and a second microchannel through which a spheroidizing disperse phase flows.

Abstract: Emulsions, useful for imparting water resistance to gypsum products are disclosed. The emulsions of the invention include at least one wax, an alkyl phenol and a hydrophyllic metallic salt, preferably magnesium sulfate. The emulsions of the invention do not require the addition of a starch compound and therefore exhibit enhanced stability even at higher solids content then compared to prior art emulsions.

Abstract: The invention is directed, in part, to stable compositions of suspended carbon nanotubes, methods of making them, and uses thereof. The invention provides methods of producing high and low concentrations of highly dispersed carbon nanotubes suspended in a liquid. The carbon nanotube suspensions are of use in generating products with improved strength, weight, strength to weight ratio, electrical and thermal versatility, radiation shielding, capacitance, dielectric properties, selective ion flow, catalytic activity and biological applications. The invention provides for industrial processing of materials comprising carbon nanotubes such as, but not limited to, fibers, films, synthetic membranes, coatings, drug delivery systems, and molecular circuitry components.

Abstract: A method of dispersing solid which is soluble to not more than 1 part by weight in 100 parts by weight of water at 20° C. and 1020 hPa, which method comprises incorporating at least one self-emulsifying organopolysiloxane (A) and then incorporating solid (B) into an aqueous composition.

Abstract: A metal nanoparticle colloid solution, metal-polymer nanocomposites, and methods for preparing the same are provided. The metal nanoparticle colloid solution and the metal-polymer nanocomposites can be prepared with a variety of polymeric stabilizers and have uniform particle diameter and shape. The metal nanoparticle colloid solution and the metal-polymer nanocomposites have wide applications, for example, as an antibacterial agent, a sterilizer, a conductive adhesiv, conductive ink or an electromagnetic wave shielder for an image display.

Abstract: Low density microspheres, methods for preparing same, and use of same as contrast agents are described. The microspheres have a void which contains a gas or the vapor of a volatile liquid selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons, tetraalkyl silanes and perfluorocarbons.

Abstract: A method and device for producing a finely divided dispersion of solids having a mean particle size of 10 nm to 10 µm, in which at least two flows of a predispersion are sprayed by means of pumps, preferably high-pressure pumps, through one nozzle each into a grinding chamber enclosed by a reactor housing onto a collision point, wherein the grinding chamber is flooded with the predispersion and the finaly divided dispersion is removed from the grinding chamber by the overpressure of the predispersion continuing to flow into the grinding chamber.

Abstract: Low molecular weight graft copolymer comprising a synthetic component formed from at least one or more olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomers or salts thereof, and a natural component formed from a hydroxyl-containing natural moiety. The number average molecular weight of the graft copolymer is about 100,000 or less, and the weight percent of the natural component in the graft copolymer is about 50 wt % or greater based on total weight of the graft copolymer. Processes for preparing such graft copolymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising anionic clay having the general formula [M2+1-xM3+x(OH)2]x+(x/n)An?·yH2O??(I) or [M1+M3+2(OH)6]1+(1/n)An?·yH2O;??(II) where M1+ is a mono-valent metal; M2+ is a divalent metal; and M3+ is a trivalent metal; A is an inorganic or organic anion, chosen such that the rule of charge neutrality is obeyed; n is an integer; x is any rational number between 0 and 1; and y is any rational number between 0 and 10; where the anionic clay is in the form of particles having a volume weighted mean particle size diameter of less than 500 nm. Stable colloidal dispersions comprise such anionic clay particles having a volume weighted mean particle size diameter of less than 500 nm dispersed in a liquid medium.

Abstract: A multifunctional reagent for erythrocytes containing an amount sufficient to produce the lysis of erythrocytes or the sphering of erythrocytes in such a way that they can be detected by a cytometer or an automatic counting device, of a carbamate or of an agent inducing the formation by the erythrocytes, from carbonate and from a nitrogenated heterocycle or ammonium ions, of a carbamate combined with the absorption of CO2 by said erythrocytes, process for lysing or sphering erythrocytes and preparation process for leucocytes.

Abstract: A method for precipitation of finely divided solid particles comprising a) Dissolving a compound C in a fluid A to provide a solution A; b) Thermostatization of said solution A to a temperature ranging between ?50°0 C. and 200° C.; c) Adding a fluid B to said solution A until a pressure P is obtained, characterized in that said fluid B at a pressure P is miscible with said solution A and acts as a co-solvent to form a solution AB; d) Adding an inert gas to solution AB so as to maintain the pressure P; and e) Reducing the pressure of said solution AB so as to produce the precipitation of said compound C, and wherein the method permits particles of average size less than 20 ?m, with a narrow distribution ranging between 1 and 100 ?m, from a solution, and not a mix, that contains the compound C precipitated.

Abstract: A suspension of biocompatible particles based on a double-block hydrophilic neutral polyminoacid/hydrophobic neutral polyaminoacid copolymer and suitable for carrying active principles. The carrier particles can combine in colloidal suspension in a non-dissolved state with an active principle and release same, particularly in vivo, in prolonged and/or delayed delivery. The carrier particles may be derived from a powdery solid, and spontaneously form stable aqueous suspensions in the absence of surfactants or organic solvents. The invention also concerns the carrier particles in dry form, the method of preparing them, and pharmaceutical compositions (in dry form or suspension) which include the carrier particles associated with an active principle.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for rapidly producing an emulsion and microcapsules in a simple manner. A dispersion phase is ejected from a dispersion phase-feeding port toward a continuous phase flowing in a microchannel such that flows of the dispersion phase and the continuous phase cross each other, thereby obtaining microdroplets, formed by the shear force of the continuous phase, having a size smaller than the width of the channel for feeding the dispersion phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to phosphoric esters of the general formula I where X is 1 or 2; n is from 2 to 18; m and o are each from 2 to 100; k is from 2 to 4; R? is H or a linear or branched alkyl radical; and R? is an alkyl, alkaryl, alkenyl, or sulfopropyl radical, and to there use as dispersants for pigments and fillers in aqueous or organic media.