Abstract: This invention relates to a horticulture additive comprising: (1) a wetting agent, wherein the wetting agent is a multi-branched polymer comprising at least one of an oxygen-containing and a nitrogen-containing polyfunctional base compound having at least three branches attached thereto, and (2) a humectant. The horticulture additive is advantageous for increasing plant survival of plants treated therewith when exposed to reduced watering conditions.

Abstract: A wet sanding adjuvant is comprised of a composition comprising: (1) an alkali metal or ammonium salt of an alkoxylated alkyl sulfate; (2) an alkali metal or ammonium salt of an alphaolefin sulfonate; (3) a cellulose derivative selected from the group consisting of hydroxyalkyl cellulose, a carboxyalkyl cellulose and combinations thereof. The adjuvant is used in a method of removing a coating from a surface comprising the steps of: (1) contacting a coated surface with a composition according to the invention to form a wet surface on the coating; (2) abrading the wet surface with an abrasive; (3) removing the composition from the surface.

Abstract: A surfactant for water/supercritical carbon dioxide microemulsions that can achieve high water dispersion ability, water/supercritical carbon dioxide microemulsion forming ability under a moderate condition, and high water solubilization rate and that reduces burden on the environment and ecosystem. Provided are a surfactant for stabilizing a water/supercritical carbon dioxide microemulsion including a compound of Formula (I) and a water/supercritical carbon dioxide microemulsion including the surfactant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wetting agent and to its use. The wetting agent comprises a biodegradable surfactant which is present in a solution in water, and allows foam to be formed during the electroplating application. The stability of the foam formed allows retarded release of the hydrogen that is formed during the galvanic application. This wetting agent is stable to degradation and has no effect at all on the electroplating application. The wetting agent of the invention exhibits good biodegradability. The level of consumption of the wetting agent is comparable with using PFOS-containing wetting agents. The wetting agent provides a simple, eco-friendly and time cost-effective alternative to the known PFOS-free wetting agents, with the wetting agent of the invention exerting no effect on the outcome of the electroplating application, by virtue of reduced wetting agent consumption and by virtue of the chemically-inert properties of said wetting agent.

Abstract: An aqueous delivery system is described including at least one surfactant and at least one water insoluble wetting agent. Further described are low surface energy substrates, such as microporous polytetrafluoroethylene, coated with such an aqueous solution so as to impart a change in at least one surface characteristic compared to the surface characteristics of the uncoated low surface energy substrate.

Abstract: An aqueous delivery system is described including at least one surfactant and at least one water insoluble wetting agent. Further described are low surface energy substrates, such as microporous polytetrafluoroethylene, coated with such an aqueous solution so as to impart a change in at least one surface characteristic compared to the surface characteristics of the uncoated low surface energy substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a zwitterionic surfactant in combination with an ether sulphate or ether carboxylate surfactant in a water-based system as a drag-reducing agent. The combination has besides a high drag-reducing effect also a low sensitivity to hard water.

Abstract: Pre-texturing composition for texturing silicon wafers having one or more surfactants. Methods of texturing silicon wafers having the step of wetting said wafer with a pre-texturing composition having one or more surfactants followed by a texturing step.

Abstract: A wet sanding adjuvant is comprised of a composition comprising: (1) an alkali metal or ammonium salt of an alkoxylated alkyl sulfate; (2) an alkali metal or ammonium salt of an alphaolefin sulfonate; (3) a cellulose derivative selected from the group consisting of hydroxyalkyl cellulose, a carboxyalkyl cellulose and combinations thereof. The adjuvant is used in a method of removing a coating from a surface comprising the steps of: (1) contacting a coated surface with a composition according to the invention to form a wet surface on the coating; (2) abrading the wet surface with an abrasive; (3) removing the composition from the surface.

Abstract: Novel mixtures of long-chain (C10-C20) olefins are functionalized by conversion to aldehydes using an OXO process, or to sulfates, sulfonates, sulfones, sulfides, or sulfoxides by direct sulfonation. The aldehydes may then be hydrogenated to form alcohols, or aminated to form amines or amides. The olefins starting mixture may be acquired as a byproduct of the tetramerization of ethylene in the presence of certain chromium-containing tetramerization catalysts. The functionalized mixtures, and derivatives prepared therefrom such as alkoxylates prepared from the alcohols, may be useful as surfactants that may offer improved performance in many applications, while their preparation based on a byproduct mixture reduces their cost and also reduces waste-handling issues for this non-targeted stream.

Abstract: A process for preparing an alkylaryl sulfonate comprising (a) reacting at least one meta-xylene compound with olefin or a mixture of olefins having from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms, in the presence of an acid catalyst, wherein the resulting product comprises no more than 40 weight percent of 1-alkyl-2,4 dimethylsubstituted aromatic compound and at least about 60 weight percent of 1-alkyl-3,5 dimethyl substituted aromatic compound; (b) sulfonating the product of (a); and (c) neutralizing the product of (b) with a source of alkali or alkaline earth metal or ammonia.

Abstract: An acid-in-oil emulsion having a corrosion inhibitor as the external phase has been found to prevent downhole corrosion when acidizing carbonate formations to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a zwitterionic surfactant in combination with an ether sulphate or ether carboxylate surfactant in a water-based system as a drag-reducing agent. The combination has besides a high drag-reducing effect also a low sensitivity to hard water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a zwitterionic surfactant in combination with an ether sulphate or ether carboxylate surfactant in a water-based system as a drag-reducing agent. The combination has besides a high drag-reducing effect also a low sensitivity to hard water.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymer nanocomposites with dispersed nanotubes and methods of making same. The polymer may be a polyether. For example, the present invention provides an effective method to successfully disperse single walled nanotubes (SWNTs) into both Polyethylenoxide (PEO) and its low molecular weight analog polyethylene glycol (PEG) with hydrodynamic percolation at about 0.09 wt % and an electrical percolation at about 0.03 wt % SWNTs at room temperature, and the resulting nanocomposites. The method may include providing a surfactant. Most notably the present inventors achieved a decrease in the melting point of the polymer and a retardation of polymer crystallization due to the presence of the nanotubes.

Abstract: Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, and wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymer nanocomposites with dispersed nanotubes and methods of making same. The polymer may be a polyether. For example, the present invention provides an effective method to successfully disperse single walled nanotubes (SWNTs) into both Polyethylenoxide (PEO) and its low molecular weight analog polyethylene glycol (PEG) with hydrodynamic percolation at about 0.09 wt % and an electrical percolation at about 0.03 wt % SWNTs at room temperature, and the resulting nanocomposites. The method may include providing a surfactant. Most notably the present inventors achieved a decrease in the melting point of the polymer and a retardation of polymer crystallization due to the presence of the nanotubes.

Abstract: A process for making ionic liquids containing ion actives, which provide fabric treating benefits, surface treating benefits and/or air treating benefits. The ionic liquid is made from an ion active feedstock and an ionic liquid forming counterion feedstock, which preferably comprises another ion active.

Abstract: The present invention relates to innovative nanoparticles, to a process for preparing nanoparticles by recrystallization, and to the use thereof.

Abstract: Chemical combinations known to be used for odor control are provisioned for enhancing growth of a plant. The chemical combinations preferably include a stable, aqueous solution of a surfactant and a chemical source of oxygen. There are numerous ways by which one could learn that such combinations have utility in odor control. In preferred methods a manufacturer, distributor, retailer, farmer or other entity is informed of such through reading a journal article or other publication, or by a receiving a letter, fax, or email. The combinations can be used to reduce consumption of irrigation water and to increase a crop yield, each by at least 5-25%, as a consequence of applying the solution to a soil.

Abstract: Material in web form intended in particular for use in a diagnostic strip and composed of a carrier material coated on one or both sides with an ultrathin coating varnish comprising at least one anionic surfactant based on a sulphosuccinic ester salt, the ultrathin coating varnish having, after drying, a coating distribution of from 5 to 100 mg/m2.

Abstract: The invention provides a surface active ingredient composition, which includes a base liquid including water which has dispersed therein in percentages by volume: Sodium Chloride 1 to 3% Magnesium 1 to 2% Calcium 1 to 2% Potassium 1 to 2% Sulphate 1 to 2% Carbon 0.5 to 1% Nitrate 1 to 2% and Phosphate 1 to 2% sodium chloride dissolved in the base liquid; and sodium alkyl ether sulphate dissolved in the base liquid, with the portion of the base liquid to sodium chloride and sodium alkyl ether sulphate being between 1:1:1.5 and 1:1:5. The invention further provides a process for producing same and uses thereof.

Abstract: Liquid concentrate components of a fountain solution are provided, including a liquid film-forming fountain solution concentrate and a liquid surface-tension reducing fountain solution concentrate. The concentrates and water can be combined together to form a fountain solution composition.

Abstract: Hydrophilic surfactant compositions are disclosed that include a surfactant component and a stabilizer component. The surfactant can be coated on a surface by depositing a surfactant solution on at least a portion of the surface, then drying the surfactant solution to form the dry coating. The surfactant compositions, when applied to a substrate, can provide a hydrophilic surface that retains its hydrophilic character over time, at elevated temperatures, or both.

Abstract: Liquid concentrate components of a fountain solution are provided, including a liquid film-forming fountain solution concentrate and a liquid surface-tension reducing fountain solution concentrate. The concentrates and water can be combined together to form a fountain solution composition.

Abstract: An oil-based demulsifying formulation which can be used in the treatment of drains bored in oil-based mud, non ecotoxic and optimally compatible with formation fluids, comprises at least one wetting agent chosen from anionic surfacetants and at least one demulsifier (or “emulsion breaker”) chosen from copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, alcohol or phenol derivatives with alkoxylated or polyalkoxylated chain formations, polyalkyleneglycols, polyamines, alkoxylated or polyalkoxylated derivatives of amines, quaternary ammonium salts, quaternized alkanolamine esters, alkyl esters of fatty acids or natural oils, possible alkoxylated or polyalkoxylated, and silicated derivatives such as polysiloxanes.

Abstract: A fluorocompound denoted by general formula (1) below (wherein R1 denotes a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having a total of at least six carbon atoms, with R1 not being an alkyl group substituted with a fluorine atom; Rf denotes a perfluoroalkyl group having not more than six carbon atoms; either X1 or X2 denotes a hydrogen atom and the other denotes SO3M; M denotes a cation; and n denotes an integer of not less than 1) was disclosed. A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material having at least one layer comprising a light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer on a support and comprising a compound denoted by general formula (1) above was also disclosed.

Abstract: A coating composition for use in a photographic element, the composition comprising an aqueous solution of: two or more surfactants; a hydrophilic binder; and optional matte particles; wherein one of the surfactants is represented by the following Formula (I): Rf—CH2CH2—(B)y-A??(I) where Rf is F(CF2CF2)n— and n is 3 and 4 or 3, 4, and 5, and the fraction of all Rf with n=3 is at least 40%; B is a divalent linking group; y is 0 or 1; and A is an anionic group with a counterion or an amphoteric group. A photographic element containing the coating composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention includes a sulfolane functional silane comprising a sulfolane ring, an alkoxy group, a hydrocarbon backbone, and a silyl moiety. An oxygen atom of the alkoxy group is bound to the sulfolane ring, and the hydrocarbon backbone has one to fifty carbon atoms and is bound by its first terminal carbon atom to a carbon of the alkoxy group and by its second terminal carbon atom to the silicone atom of the silyl moiety. The silyl moiety comprises at least one hydrolyzable group and/or a non-hydrolyzable group that is a substituted or unsubstituted siloxane group. A method to stabilize a silane solution is described and includes adding the sulfolane functional silane of the invention to a solution containing silane hydrosylates.

Abstract: A coating composition for use in forming an overcoat layer in a photographic element, said composition comprising an aqueous solution of: a mixture of two or more surfactants; a hydrophilic binder; matte beads; and a lubricating agent; wherein one of the surfactants is represented by the following Formula (I) and is the only fluorosurfactant in the composition: Rf—CH2CH2—S-(A)-D??(I) where Rf is —(CF2)nCF3, n represents the number of CF2 groups and is 3 or 5 in at least 60% of the Rf groups present, and in the remainder of Rf groups n is 7, 9, or 11. A is a divalent linking group that includes substituted alkylene or alkylene (N-alkylene)amide; and D is an ionic group. A photographic element with an outermost layer containing the coating composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coating composition for use in a photographic element, the composition comprising an aqueous solution of: two or more surfactants; a hydrophilic binder; and optional matte particles; wherein one of the surfactants is represented by the following Formula (I):

Abstract: This invention relates to high purity hydrogen ion buffers and in particular amino-organosulfonic acid zwitterionic compositions having low metal content. The concentration of any single metal in the composition is no greater than about 500 ppb, and ideally is less than about 20 ppb.

Abstract: A composition for reducing surface tension comprising from about 0.1% to about 0.5% by weight of a hydrocarbon surfactant and from 0.0001% to about 0.3% by weight of a fluorocarbon surfactant, provided that the hydrocarbon surfactant is present at less than or equal to 0.08% by weight when the fluorocarbon surfactant is present at greater than or equal to 0.

Abstract: Silanes of the general formula are prepared, wherein R1, R2 and R3 in the molecule are the same or different and represent aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon groups, R4 is a divalent hydrocarbon group with 4 to 12 carbon atoms and a lateral hydroxyl group, wherein the hydrocarbon group can be interrupted by an ether oxygen, R5 is a hydrophilic, ionic group. A method for synthesizing these compounds is described. The silanes greatly lower the surface tension of aqueous solutions, the surface tension being reduced to values of about 23 mN/m. The silanes are biologically degradable and have pronounced surfactant properties.

Abstract: A fatty acid and/or an alkyl ester of a fatty acid and isethionic acid are allowed to react at a temperature of not more than 130° C. The present invention provides a process for preparing a fatty ester of isethionic acid or a salt thereof exhibiting an ameliorated hue and smell and in which few by-products are produced.

Abstract: A method of producing fatty acid polyglycol ester sulfates of the general formula (I): R1COO(AO)nSO3M  (I) is disclosed, wherein R1CO represents a linear or branched, aliphatic, saturated and/or unsaturated acyl radical with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, AO represents CH2CH2O, CHCH3CH2O and/or CH2CHCH3, n represents a number from about 0.5 to about 5 and M represents a cation. The disclosed process comprises the sulfation of fatty acid polyglycol esters followed by neutralization, wherein the neutralization is carried out at a pH of from about 5 to about 9.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wood-impregnating agent, which is an emulsion, dispersion or solution of a cationic, quaternary, amphoteric and/or special non-ionic surfactant, the surfactant or surfactants being poorly soluble in water and the dispersion or emulsion having a mean particle size diameter or a mean droplet size diameter smaller than 1 .mu.m. Preferable surfactants include cationic and/or quaternary surfactants or compounds from the group of imidazolines, benzyls, alkyls, dialkyls, monoalkyl-trimethyl, dialkyl-dimethyl, methyl-dialkoxy-alkyl, dialkylmethylbenzyl, diamidoamine and/or cationic and/or quaternary surfactants or compounds from the group of complex diquaternary compounds and/or the group of compounds which assume a cationic character in acid medium and/or non-ionic compounds from the group of fatty amine oxides, amine ethoxylate, and/or adducts of an ethylene oxide, which can be protonated on an heteroatom and/or amphoteric compounds from the group of betaines and/or ampholytes.

Abstract: A treatment for inhibiting the microbial adhesion on surfaces in contact with an aqueous system is disclosed, which comprises adding to the system the combination of a dioctylsulfosuccinate surfactant and a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer.

Abstract: Dispersing agents for solid plant-protection agrochemicals, for example pesticidal dispersible granules, comprise (a) at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal or ammonium lignosulfonate, intimately admixed with (b) at least one optionally sulfated, ethoxylated or ethoxylated-propoxylated di- or tri(1-phenylethyl)phenol.

Abstract: Flowable herbicidal compositions which contain an active component combination of at least one triazine and at least one chloroacetanilide with a surfactant component. This surfactant component, which consists of an anionic compound based on a monosulfuric acid ester of alkyl or alkyphenol polyglycol ethers as well as at least one nonionic alkyl or alkylphenol polyglycol ether, gives stable dispersions of the concentrated composition and forms stable dispersions of dilutions of the compositions suitable for direct use.