Abstract:
Disclosed are polyester-ether polyols and their use in foams, in particular rigid or flexible foams. Methods for producing such polyester-ether polyols using potassium hydroxide or double metal cyanide catalysts are disclosed, along with methods for producing urethane prepolymers. The polyester-ether polyols of the instant invention are preferably the reaction product of phthalic anhydride, diethylene glycol, and propylene oxide. These polyester-ether polyols are useful as either the primary polyol in urethane compositions or in combination with conventional auxiliary polyester- and/or polyether-based polyols. The polyester-ether polyols impart greatly improved solubility and compatibility to mixtures of either polyether and/or polyester polyols. The polyester-ether polyols of the instant invention are desirably of lower viscosity than their precursor intermediate polyester polyols and are generally soluble in either polyester- and/or polyether-based polyols.
Abstract:
A method for making alkylesters, or methylester specifically, such as biodiesel, from an oil source is described. The method involves concerting the free fatty acids of the oil source into a mixture of mono-, di-, and tri-glycerides and subsequently transesterifying the newly formed glycerides as well as the originally present glycerides into fatty acid alkyl esters.
Abstract:
A method for determining the glycerin content of a biodiesel sample is provided which utilizes the conversion of the glycerin content of the biodiesel sample into a colored compound, preferably quinoneimine dye. The concentration of the colored compound, preferably quinoneimine dye, in the biodiesel sample may then be measured and converted to a concentration of glycerin in the biodiesel sample.
Abstract:
A method of making a methyl ester based surfactants is provided. The method includes the transesterification or esterification of a methyl ester feedstock and a poly(alkyl ether) feedstock.
Abstract:
Combustible mixtures for burning applications, such as candles and liquid candles or lamps, comprising low-weight alkyl esters of fatty acids, and preferably methyl esters, as combustion enhancers are disclosed. These esters constitute a natural, renewable alternative to petroleum-derived fuels. The invention is based on the discovery that alkyl esters mixed with paraffin-based or carboxylic acid-based candle fuels yield combustible mixtures with enhanced combustion performance.
Abstract:
This invention relates new and improved processes for the preparation of arylalkylsulfonic acids derived from aromatic or substituted aromatic molecules and AOS acid (generally a mixture of alkenesulfonic acid and sultones, produced from the sulfonation of alpha olefins) and to cleaning compositions comprising said arylalkylsulfonic acids. The invention involves the use of a superacid catalyst to effectuate the conversion of AOS acid and aromatic reactants to arylalkylsulfonic acid under substantially anhydrous conditions, whereby a substantial improvement in the rate of conversion of the reactants to arylalkylsulfonic acid and/or improvement in mono-alkylation selectivity is realized, as compared to methods of preparation previously disclosed. Also useful as an alkylation promoter is the arylalkylsulfonic acid reaction product itself, produced in situ or from a previous reaction (i.e., a self-catalyst heel). The new processes generally afford arylalkylsulfonic acids with substantially improved conversion yields, highly desirable lighter color, and reduced odor, as compared to previously known methods. The acids produced by the inventive process may be neutralized to form arylalkylsulfonates (i.e., a neutralized form of the acid) which are useful in a variety of end use applications as surfactants and/or emulsifiers.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to water heater (12) construction whereby thermal insulation material is foamed in the clearance space between the tank and shell of the water heater, wherein the foamed insulation material has lesser uniformity in cell structure and density and a lesser or smaller density in the upper portion of the volume of foam which is disposed over the top of the inner water tank than in the lower portion of the volume of foam insulation material disposed around the side of the inner water tank. The present invention provides gas and electric water heaters with improved energy efficiency, utilizing a liquid, foam-in-place composite foam insulation system. The present invention further provides an improved method for insulating the annular clearance space between an inner water tank and an outer enclosure of a gas or electric water heater.
Abstract:
Disclosed are hard surface cleaning compositions comprising detergent surfactant and detergent builder and a hydrotrope in an amount sufficient to prevent filming and/or streaking after a surface is cleaned.
Abstract:
Disclosed are compositions for cleaning and conditioning of hair and/or skin comprising a mixture preparable by transesterification of a triglyceride with sucrose. These compositions typically further comprise various surfactants and optional ingredients depending on the specific composition desired.
Abstract:
Disclosed are methods and compositions for preparing polyurethane foams using emulsified polyol mixture comprising: (a) a polyol formulation comprising a polyester polyol having an OH value of from about 150 to 350; and (b) a cell opening agent.