Abstract: A coating composition comprising (A) a polymer obtained by polymerizing (a1) one or more unsaturated acid anhydrides or unsaturated carboxylic acids and (a2) one or more other unsaturated monomers copolmerizable therewith, and (B) at least one compound selected from one or both of (b1) a compound group comprising amino-acids, compounds having one or more carboxyl groups in the molecule, compounds having both hydrophobic group and hydrophilic group in the molecule, chelate compounds, hydroxyl- or acetyl-substituted carboxylic acid esters, ion-exchangeable layer clay minerals and powers of inorganic materials which have been made lipophilic with an organic material, and (b2) a group of compound which is crystallizable and selected from polyether compounds, polyester compounds, polyether-polyester compounds, olefinic glycol compounds, acrylic esters, methacrylic esters and polycarbonate compounds, is useful for preparing an antifouling coating composition by mixing with a copper compound.

Abstract: Compositions of ethylene alkyl acrylate grafted onto a polyolefin such as isotactic polypropylene are provided. The composition is highly wettable by adding both a polar group material and a hydrophilic modifier to the polypropylene. The hydrophilic modifier comprises a monoglyceride and a salt of a linear alkyl. The process comprises extruding the polyolefin into a fiber which is spinnable and may be used to form woven or nonwoven materials. The composition products are particularly well suited for forming various goods, including diaper coverstock, personal hygiene pads, battery separators, filters, tea bag pouches and filter stock.

Abstract: A colorant composition consisting essentially of one or more colorants finely dispersed in an amorphous poly-.alpha.-olefin which is composed of at least two different monomers having a butene-1 content of at least 25% by weight and melts at between 70.degree. and 150.degree. C., and a free-flow agent provides the way to dust-free colorant compositions for masterbatch production, the production of compounds and the direct coloration of plastomers and elastomers.

Abstract: This invention relates to moulded, non-dusting, non-caking, free-flowing masticating agents based on 2,2'-dibenzamidodiphenyl disulphide and mixtures of saturated fatty acids having an iodine number <25, a solidification point in the range from 50.degree. to 68.degree. C. and an acid number of 179 to 215. The masticating agents according to the invention are employed for reducing the viscosity of rubbers containing double bonds, and are normally used in amounts of 0.01 to 3 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of rubber.

Abstract: Compositions of ethylene alkyl acrylate grafted onto polypropylene are dyeable with disperse or cationic dyes. A small amount of polyester may be include, along with a hydrophilic modifier comprising a monoglyceride and a salt of a liner alkyl. The hydrophilic modifier also acts as a compatibilizer to bridge the polyester and the polypropylene. A process for dyeing polypropylene fibers comprises combining the polypropylene with a thermoplastic copolymer of ethylene and alkyl acrylates having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl group into fibers, adding the polyester to the polypropylene matrix, spinning the composition into fibers, and exposing the fibers to a dye bath. The sulfonic group may be added to the polyester for exposing the fibers to a cationic dye.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compatibilized carbon black useful in melt processing of plastic material. The carbon black is coated with a compatibilizing agent which enhances the dispersibility of the carbon black in a melt of the plastic material. Further disclosed are processes for making plastic foam structures with the compatibilized carbon black.

Abstract: Corrosion inhibiting compositions for metals subjected to highly acidic environments may be produced by reacting in a condensation reaction a styrene-acrylic acid copolymer with a polyamine (or combination of polyamines) to produce a polyamidoamine inhibitor. A preferred inhibitor product may be produced by replacing up to 80% of the styrene-acrylic acid copolymer with a member selected from the group consisting of: rosin, C.sub.23 -C.sub.24 modified rosins, C.sub.8 -C.sub.20 fatty acids, C.sub.9 -C.sub.22 modified fatty acids, and combinations thereof. These inhibitors exhibit excellent film forming and film persistency characteristics.

Abstract: A polyacetal composition is provided for use in plastic-plastic wear applications, said composition containing about 85 to 99 weight percent polyacetal, about 0 to 5 weight percent polytetrafluoroethylene fibers, about 0.5 to 5 weight percent ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer, and about 0.5 to 5 weight percent of at least one lubricant. The compositions are particularly useful in forming shaped articles for use especially in conveyor chain applications and gear applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyester/plasticizer blends which are useful as heat-shrinkable films or sheet in low temperature shrink packaging applications. The plasticizer is injected into the melt of the polyester. The plasticizer lowers the glass transition temperature, on-set temperature and shrink rate of the polyester. Film or sheet produced by the polyester/plasticizer blends is clear.

Abstract: A cross-linked gel-like composition of matter. The composition is capable of being used as a modeling compound, as well as being moldable, extrudable, stretchable, and being inflated into bubbles for use as a play activity. The composition is based on a cohesive polyvinyl alcohol non-adhesive and substantially non-drying composition that is safe if accidentally ingested and can be washed from fabrics and carpets with water.

Abstract: An aqueous outside release agent for the production of tires and other rubber articles is described, which contains 5 to 35% by wt. diatomaceous earth, 0.5 to 6% by wt. pyrogenic hydrophobic silica, 0.1 to 2% by wt. nonionic surfactant, 0.2 to 3% by wt. of a binder, 0.1 to 3% by wt. dye, 0 to 5% by wt. ethyl alcohol and the remainder water. Preferred binders are styrene-maleic acid or styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers and in particular ammonium salts thereof. Said outside release agent is used in processes for molding and vulcanizing tires and other rubber articles, it being sprayed onto the blank with the aid of air-atomizing guns before molding and vulcanization are carried out. A very good release effect is thereby achieved without vulcanization being impaired. As only very small quantities of outside release agent are needed, cleaning of the press mold and hence interruption of the production process are required very much less frequently than when conventional outside release agents are used.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compatibilized carbon black useful in melt processing of plastic material. The carbon black is coated with a compatibilizing agent which enhances the dispersibility of the carbon black in a melt of the plastic material. Further disclosed are processes for making plastic foam structures with the compatibilized carbon black.

Abstract: A bow-tie tree resistant electrical insulating composition comprises 100 parts by weight of at least one polymer selected from polyolefins and ethylene copolymers, 0.005-1.0 part by weight of a metal salt of a fatty acid containing a hydroxyl group in the molecule, and 0.005-1.0 part by weight of a fatty acid or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: Optical grade polycarbonate resin compositions and methods for their preparation are disclosed. The disclosed compositions are comprised of polycarbonate resins and esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids and alcohols and exhibit good mold release and thermal stability while experiencing little discoloration during molding.

Abstract: Liquid-crystal polyesters have been found to present special concerns when molded. The composition of the present invention has been found to provide unexpectedly superior processability results for such class of polymers. The improved liquid-crystal polyester resin composition comprises:(a) 100 parts by weight of a liquid-crystal polyester resin, and(b) 0.01 to 5 parts by weight of a fatty acid ester represented by the general formula: ##STR1## wherein at least one of X.sup.1, X.sup.2, X.sup.3 and X.sup.4 is a ##STR2## group and the others are each --H, --OH, or an alkyl or aryl group, and R is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms. It surprisingly has been found through empirical research that good mold release is made possible in the liquid-crystal polyester resin composition of the present invention coupled with a good retention of mechanical properties (i.e., flexural strength and flexural modulus) in the resulting article.

Abstract: Described are water-in-oil emulsions containing an emulsion polymerizate which is soluble in or swells in water and an oil phase, consisting at least partly of monoether compounds, that is not miscible with water in all proportions. Also described are a method of preparing such emulsions and their use as agents for precipitation, sedimentation, and/or thickening.

Abstract: An aqueous release agent for the production of polyurethane moldings and more particularly of polyurethane foam moldings, is provided, which in combination with a release substance contain one or more specific polyvinyl alcohols. As such release substance the release agent preferably contains at least in part one or more unsaturated oligomeric or polymeric hydrocarbons with a molecular weight of at least 500 and iodine numbers of at least 60 optionally in the presence of foam stabilizers suitable for polyurethane systems.

Abstract: Water-in-oil emulsions of water-soluble or water-swellable polymers, in which the oil phase of the emulsion consists of not less than 50% by weight of an oil of vegetable or animal origin, contain, as water-in-oil emulsifiers, compounds which are obtainable by(A) reacting a C.sub.10 -C.sub.22 -fatty alcohol with epichlorohydrin in a molar ratio of from 1:0.5 to 1:1.5 to give a glycidyl ether,(B) reacting the glycidyl ether with (1) a saturated C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alcohol containing from 2 to 6 OH groups or (2) the monoether thereof with a C.sub.10 -C.sub.22 -fatty alcohol, in a molar ratio of glycidyl ether to (1) or (2) of from 1:0.5 to 1:6, in the presence of an acid or base and(C) alkoxylating the reaction product from (B) with one or more C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 -alkylene oxides in a molar ratio of from 1:1 to 1:6,if necessary, from 5 to 95% by weight of the stated water-in-oil emulsifier being replaced with other water-in-oil emulsifiers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of preparing a high polymer load dispersion of an innocuous adhesive polymeric resin in an oil base containing between 0.01 and about 5 wt. % of a non-toxic, food grade surfactant and to coating and affixing a denture material coated with said adhesive to the gums for increased strength and extended holding power.

Abstract: A high load ostial or odontologic adhesive composition containing a dispersion of an innocuous adhesive polymer in an oil base and between 0.01 and 5 wt. % of a hydrolyzable phospholipid, sufficient to form a paste or gel having high cohesive strength and conformity to a mucous membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rubber compounds containing alkyl (C.sub.12 -C.sub.22) esters of a mixture of fatty acids which are useful as a total or partial replacement for extender or processing oil in rubber formulations. The alkyl (C.sub.12 -C.sub.22) esters of a mixture of fatty acids are also useful as a total or partial replacement for waxes in rubber formulations. Addition of the alkyl (C.sub.12 -C.sub.22) esters of a mixture of fatty acids improve the ozone resistance of the vulcanizate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition which is suitable for the preparation of coatings, sealants and/or fillers and contains one or more binder components and as reactive thinner an octadienyl ether which may contain ester groups and which has a viscosity at 23.degree. C. of at most 5,000 mPas and a content of 1 to 80% by weight of octadienyl groups, --C.sub.8 H.sub.13, 0 to 35% by weight of hydroxyl groups and 0 to 30% by weight of carboxyl groups.

Abstract: A methacrylic resin composition for optical discs comprising 100 parts by weight of a copolymer composed of from 95 to 99.7% by weight of methyl methacrylate (A) and from 0.3 to 5% by weight of at least one monomer (B) selected from the group consisting of methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate and butyl acrylate, and having a heat distortion temperature of at least 95.degree. C., a melt flow rate of from 1.0 to 10.0 g/10 min and a tensile strength of at least 660 kg/cm.sup.2, and from 0.05 to 2.0 parts by weight of at least one releasing agent (C) selected from the group consisting of a fatty acid alkyl ester of the formula R.sub.1 COOR.sub.2 wherein each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is an alkyl group having from 5 to 20 carbon atoms, cetanol and a stearic acid glycerol ester.

Abstract: Moulding thermoplastic compositions, endowed with improved mould release characteristics, comprising:A) an impact resistant vinyl aromatic copolymer consisting of an ethylenically unsaturated nitrile, a vinyl aromatic monomer and a rubber;B) an engineering polymer; andC) an effective amount of a release agent constituted by a synergistic mixture of an ester of a C.sub.16 -C.sub.18 acid with glycerol and an ester of a saturated aliphatic C.sub.10 -C.sub.20 acid with a C.sub.4 -C.sub.6 aliphatic alcohol.The physical-mechanical properties of the compositions at high moulding temperatures can be improved by addition of an effective amount of a bis(alkyl-phenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite.The compositions can, furthermore, contain in addition a grafted polymer consisting of an elastomeric core having a Tg lower than 10.degree. C. and containing vinyl monomer chains grafted thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic compositions containing an effective internal lubricating amount of a branched guerbet alcohol derived ester having the formula ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen, --CO--alkyl or --CO--alkenyl; each R' is independently alkyl or alkenyl, said alkyl or alkenyl radicals having from 5 to 25 carbon atoms; each R" is independently hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; m and n are each integers having a value of from 0 to 150; p is an integer having a value of from 4 to 12 and s is an integer having a value of from 2 to 36. The invention also relates to the molded or extruded product of said thermoplastic composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to crystalline, thermoplastic moulding compounds of polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) and aliphatically saturated carboxylic acid esters. The moulding compounds have increased tracking resistance.

Abstract: An extrudable composition comprised of waste polyolefins and an alkali metal bicarbonate salt/solid, saturated fatty acid foaming agent system, and a method for extruding such extrudable composition wherein the fatty acid/bicarbonate foaming agent system foams the waste polyolefins during the extrusion to produce end products which have qualities closely simulating natural lumber suitable for use as construction materials.

Abstract: A polyamide resin composition which comprises: (A) an aromatic polyamide resin comprising preferably a terephthalic acid component and a diamine component comprising at least one of an aliphatic diamine component and an alicyclic diamine component; (B) a fibrous reinforcement; and (C) at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a salt of the group I, II and III metals of the periodic table of a higher fatty acid salt and an acid ester, a partially saponified ester and a metal salt of an aliphatic carboxylic acid of 26-32 carbons.The resin composition is of high fluidity and mold-releasing properties as well as of high heat resistance and rigidity, so that the composition can be molded with decomposition of the resins.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive contains thermoplastic rubber such as styrene isoprene copolymer, a copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and vinylacetate, fatty acid and, usually, tackifying resin. The composition is water soluble or water dispersible which facilitates removal of labels by washing and recycling of scrap material in label production. The composition gives better properties, especially peel strength, than other water-soluble or dispersible hot melt compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermoplastic molding compositions, particularly thermoplastic polyesters, having incorporated therein a fluorinated polyolefin to improve wear resistance. More particularly, disclosed are polyester compositions having improved wear resistant good properties comprising a polyester resin, most preferably a poly(butylene terephalate) resin; a fluorinated polyolefin compound and a hindered phenolic compound and an ester compound, the last two components serving as a migrator package that serves to push a disproportionate amount of the fluorinated polyolefin within the subsurface of the resulting composition to thereby augment the wear resistant effect of the fluorinated polyolefin.

Abstract: The processibility during fabrication of a vinyl chloride polymer is improved by reducing the melt viscosity of the polymer when heated for shaping, by the admixture therewith of a small amount up to about 5% by wt of at least one melt-compatible normally crystalline solid solvent as a processing aid. At temperatures below the melting point of the solid solvent and the glass transition temperature of the polymer, the solid solvent deposits within the solid polymer as microdispersed solid microparticles which do not significantly adversely affect the mechanical properties of the solid polymer, whereas upon heating above the melt temperature of the mixture, the molten solid solvent is compatible with the molten polymer thereby effectively reducing its melt temperatures and melt viscosity during processing. Solid solvents found suitabe for vinyl chloride polymers are saturated carboxylic acids and their low molecular weight derivatives which have a crystalline melting point of at least about 80.degree. C.

Abstract: A polymer impurity deactivator comprising a metal hydroxide, a hydrotalcite, or another metal oxide compound, or mixtures thereof, each of which compounds or mixtures(i) contain at least one zinc, magnesium, or aluminum cation; and(ii) have been surface treated, or mixed, with a hydrocarbon based or siloxane based amphiphatic compound, each amphipathic compound having one or more polar groups incorporated into its molecular structure to provide a polar group frequency factor of at least about 0.01.

Abstract: An improved nail lacquer which includes a film forming resin, a plasticizer and a solvent. The improvement relates to the utilization as the film forming resin of a graft copolymer which has a main backbone chain of acrylic ester monomer units and methacrylic ester monomer units. The main backbone chain has grafted thereto side chain units of carboxyl groups and side chain units of trialkoxysilyl groups. Nail coat compositions containing these film forming resins provide improved wear resistance.

Abstract: An addition of 1 to 10% by weight and preferably 2 to 5% by weight, based on polyurethane rubber, of a fatty acid ester of pentaerythritol or a mixture of an alkane with a fatty acid to the polyurethane rubber mix eliminates the tendency towards sticking and improves the flow properties.

Abstract: A solid film prelube composition for metals contacting food and beverages which comprises:______________________________________ Ingredients % by Weight ______________________________________ A. As a primary lubricant, 75-95 a C14-C22 fatty acid B. As a plasticizer-supplemental 5-25 lubricant, butyl stearate C. As a film former, an ethylene 0.5-2 acrylic acid copolymer D.

Abstract: Easily processable, polyolefin hot-melt adhesive conjugate fibers which are unnecessary to apply any oiling agent at the time of spinning and drawing steps, and a formed product such as non-woven fabric, filter for water treatment, etc. obtained by heat-treating the conjugate fibers are provided, which conjugate fibers comprise polyolefin hot-melt adhesive conjugate fibers composed of two different kinds of polyolefins having different melting points by 20.degree. C. or more and constituted so that the lower melting polyolefin can occupy at least one portion of the fiber surface, the lower melting polyolefin having monoglyceride of 12C or more fatty acid in 3 to 10 weight % incorporated thereinto.

Abstract: Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) injection-molding compositions exhibit improved mold-release properties and sufficient extruder screw "bite" during injection molding. The PBT compositions are a polyblend of a PBT base resin with an effective amount (preferably between about 0.01 to 10 parts by weight) of a processing aid which is a sorbitan ester of a fatty acid having at least 12 carbon atoms. The PBT injection molding compositions of the invention may be used in a variety of end-use applications (e.g., the automotive and/or electronic industries) to form stable injection-molded thin-walled and/or complex-shaped articles.

Abstract: Polyester resin molding compositions exhibiting exceptional low temperature physical properties (i.e., flexibility and toughness) and satisfactory mold-release properties include a melt-blend of a polyester base resin (preferably one which predominantly contains polybutylene terephthalate units), a polyester elastomer (preferably a copolyester having hard and soft segments), and a mold-release effective amount of a sorbitan ester (preferably an ester reaction product of a sorbitan with fatty acid having at least 12 carbon atoms). The sorbitan ester most preferably has a hydroxyl value of between 50 to 400, exclusive, so that blooming during injection molding operations (e.g., a predrying stage) is minimized (if not eliminated entirely). Molded articles formed of the compositions of this invention may be used in a variety of applications, for example, as parts for the automotive and/or electronics industries.

Abstract: A self-lubricating wear part is formed of a polyacetal resin composition that includes (A) a polyacetal base resin, (B) an inorganic powder having an average particle diameter of 50 micometers or less, and a particle diameter distribution such that at least 95 percent of the particles have a diameter of 100 micrometers or less and (C) a fatty acid ester. The wear parts are particularly useful for slidable parts such as guide roller or guide pole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polycarbonate resin composition comprising:100 parts by weight of a polycarbonate resin;(A) 00.5 to 1 part by weight of an ester of saturated fatty acid having 10 to 30 carbon atoms and monohydric or polyhydric alcohol having 2 to 30 carbon atoms;(B) 0.05 to 1 part by weight of paraffin wax, and(C) 0 to 0.001 part by weight as a phosphorus atom of at least one phosphorus compound selected from the group consisting of phosphorus acid and phosphorous acid esters, wherein the total amount of the components (A) and (B) is 0.1 to 1 part by weight.The present invention further relates to a polycarbonate resin composition comprising:100 parts by weight of a polycarbonate resin;(D) 0.05 to 1 part by weight of .beta.-long side chain alcohol/behenic acid ester or long chain aliphatic alcohol; and(E) 0 to 0.001 part by weight as a phosphorus atom of at least one phosphorus compound selected from the group consisting of phosphorous acid and phosphorus acid esters.

Abstract: A polymer concentrate contains 15-80% by weight of a liquid, pasty or waxy additive, 5-50% by weight of a particulate solid and at least 5% by weight of a polymer. The particulate solid is finely divided and typically has a particle size in the micrometer range. The concentrate is prepared by adding the additive to the particulate solid while mixing using a solids mixing device, adding the polymer while continuing to mix, preferably at the same speed, subjecting the mixture to an elevated temperature to melt the polymer, cooling and grinding the cooled mixture.

Abstract: A water base erasable ink composition which comprises:(a) water as a solvent in amounts of 50-90% by weight;(b) a coloring agent dispersed or dissolved in water in amounts of 1-30% by weight;(c) an aqueous emulsion of at least one nonvolatile or only slightly volatile compound which is liquid at room temperatures and is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic carboxylic acid esters, higher hydrocarbons and higher alcohols in dry amounts of 1-20% by weight; and(d) a water soluble resin or a water-solubilized resin which is film forming at room temperatures in amounts of 0.1-15% by weight.The water soluble resin or water-solubilized resin may be displaced by an aqueous emulsion or a hydrosol of water insoluble resins.

Abstract: Flameproofed thermoplastic molding materials contain(A) 40-99% by weight of a partly aromatic amide copolymer consisting essentially of(a.sub.1) 40-50% by weight of units derived from terephthalic acid and hexamethylenediamine,(a.sub.2) 0-50% by weight of units derived from .epsilon.-caprolactam and(a.sub.3) 0-60% by weight of units derived from adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine,components (a.sub.2) and/or (a.sub.3) accounting altogether for not less than 10% by weight of the total number of units,(B) 1-30% by weight of a flameproofing combination of(b.sub.1) 40-97% by weight of red phosphorus,(b.sub.2) 1-50% by weight of an inorganic compound of a divalent or tetravalent metal,(b.sub.3) 1-40% by weight of an organic mono- or dicarboxylic acid and(b.sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to highly crystalline, rapid-crystallizing, thermoplastic compositions of polyphenylene sulphides and carboxylic acid esters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel silicone containing block polyesters useful as soil release and antistatic agents prepared by the reaction of a silicone compound having the following structure ##STR1## as defined herein, a polyalkylene glycol and a benzene polycarboxylic acid ester or anhydride thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a modified ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyolefin composition, which comprises mixing a powder of an ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyolefin (A) having an intrinsic viscosity of at least 5 dl/g, a flowability improver (B) having a melting point lower than the melting point of the ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyolefin (A), a monomer (C) having an olefinically unsaturated bond and a radical initiator (D) with stirring at the melting point of the flowability improver (B) or a higher temperature but below the melting point of the ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyolefin (A), and then melt-kneading them at the melting point of the ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyolefin (A) or a higher temperature to react the monomer (C) with the ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyolefin (A).

Abstract: A composite useful in thermal energy storage, said composite being formed of a polyolefin matrix having a phase change material such as a crystalline alkyl hydrocarbon incorporated therein. The composite is useful in forming pellets, sheets or fibers having thermal energy storage characteristics; methods for forming the composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A binder composition for injection molding of at least one of metal powder and ceramic powder which comprises polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene condensation polyether as the main component together with from 10 to 100 parts by weight of at least one auxiliary component selected from the group consisting of natural waxes, synthetic waxes, fatty acids and esters per 100 parts of said polyoxyethyene/polyoxypropylene condensation polyether.

Abstract: An antifouling coating is described, that contains as its essential components a polymer of one or more of the monomers A represented by formula (1) and/or a copolymer composed of one or more of the monomers A and one or more monomers B that are radical-copolymerizable with said monomer A: ##STR1## wherein X is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; n is an integer of 2 to 4; and m signifies the average degree of polymerization and ranges from 0 to 70.

Abstract: Treatment of aqueous suspensions of vinyl chloride polymers containing vinyl chloride monomer so as to inhibit wet-foaming therein, by adding a glyceride of an optionally substituted saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acid containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms (e.g. glycerol monoricinoleate). Solid-foaming can also be inhibited by adding a wetting agent (such as partially hydrolysed polyvinyl acetate PVA) and a preferred formulation for effecting the treatment comprises an aqueous emulsion of the glyceride having PVA as the emulsion stabilizer.