The invention is directed to a method of providing a protective coating composition that protects a refractory wall or lining from chemical attack by molten aluminum and molten alkali metals. The method includes the steps of coating a refractory wall or liner with an aqueous protective composition that includes, by weight of the solids, about 20-90% Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (excluding calcined alumina), about 15-55% SiO.sub.2 and about 1-15% of a metallic non-wetting agent; and evaporating the water before contacting the protective coating with the reactive molten metal.

The present invention relates to a novel stable colloidal polysaccharide suspension containing (1.fwdarw.3)-glucan, a cost-effective method for its preparation, and possible uses of these polysaccharide suspensions.

The present invention relates to a novel stable colloidal polysaccharide suspension containing (1.fwdarw.3)-glucan, a cost-effective method for its preparation, and possible uses of these polysaccharide suspensions.

A composition for forming a bio-compatible membrane applicable to building material, such as concrete, cement, etc., to a method of applying said composition for forming a biocompatible membrane, a biocompatible membrane, use of said membrane for various purposes, and to building material comprising said membrane.

A composition for forming a bio-compatible membrane applicable to building material, such as concrete, cement, etc., to a method of applying said composition for forming a biocompatible membrane, a biocompatible membrane, use of said membrane for various purposes, and to building material comprising said membrane.

A coating having a hydrogel layer of a hydrogel of a polysaccharide and polymer brushes attached to the hydrogel layer. A process for making the coating, having the steps of: a) providing the hydrogel layer on a substrate, b) attaching an initiator having a radically transferable atom on the hydrogel layer and c) reacting monomers with the initiator to form the polymer brushes attached to the hydrogel layer.

Compositions comprising crosslinked polysaccharides, particularly levan and/or dextran, may provide advantageous benefits when admixed with concrete blends. Suitable compositions may comprise a biologically sourced surfactant, and a crosslinked polysaccharide, in which the crosslinked polysaccharide comprises at least one crosslinking group bonded via ether linkages to a first polysaccharide chain and a second polysaccharide chain. Concrete blends may comprise such compositions, a cement and water. Methods for forming and/or using the concrete blends may comprise allowing the concrete blends to form a hardened mass.

Aqueous binder compositions with reduced rates of salt precipitation are described. The compositions may include a carbohydrate and a sequestrant for sequestering one or more multivalent ions (e.g., Ca.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Ba.sup.2+, Al.sup.3+, Fe.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, etc.). The sequestrant reduces a precipitation rate for the multivalent ions from the aqueous binder composition. Methods of reducing salt precipitation from a binder composition are also described. The methods may include the steps of providing an aqueous binder solution having one or more carbohydrates. They may also include adding a sequestrant for one or more multivalent ions to the aqueous binder solution. The sequestrant reduces a precipitation rate for the multivalent ions from the binder composition.

Aqueous binder compositions with reduced rates of salt precipitation are described. The compositions may include a carbohydrate and a sequestrant for sequestering one or more multivalent ions (e.g., Ca.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Ba.sup.2+, Al.sup.3+, Fe.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, etc.). The sequestrant reduces a precipitation rate for the multivalent ions from the aqueous binder composition. Methods of reducing salt precipitation from a binder composition are also described. The methods may include the steps of providing an aqueous binder solution having one or more carbohydrates. They may also include adding a sequestrant for one or more multivalent ions to the aqueous binder solution. The sequestrant reduces a precipitation rate for the multivalent ions from the binder composition.

Loose particulate materials can be problematic in various aspects. For example, loose particulate materials may generate dust or be difficult to consolidate together. Fines in loose particulate materials may also be an issue. Coated particulates may alleviate some of the foregoing issues. Suitable coated particulates may comprise a particulate material comprising sand or a ceramic, and a polysaccharide composition coated upon the particulate material, the polysaccharide composition comprising a functionalized polysaccharide. Other particulate materials such as wood chips and animal litter particulates may be coated with functionalized polysaccharides to achieve similar advantages.