A method is provided for preserving cooking oil in a food fryer which comprises contacting the oil in situ with at least one oil-permeable cement body which is a stand-alone block and which has been hydraulically hardened from a paste comprising (i) white OPC clinker, (ii) white OPC or (iii) a mixture of white OPC clinker and white OPC, wherein the porosity of the cement body, estimable from the difference between its water-saturated and dry weights, is 30-55%, pores in the body being oil receptive by virtue of low un-bound water content.

A method is described for improving water retention in soil, which involves mixing a super absorbing resin (SAR) composite with the soil. The SAR composite comprises a natural pozzolan and at least one polymer or copolymer. The SAR composite may be in the form of granules having an average longest dimension of 0.2-10 mm, though the SAR composite may be pelletized or formed in other sizes. The SAR composite may release water at a faster rate in a soil when exposed to drought conditions.

A composition comprising a physical blend of discrete particulates such that the liquid absorbency is greater than the individual components and is greater than the expected absorbency based on the rule of mixtures. A composition comprising diatomaceous earth which may have a clump strength greater than 75% and in which the thy density may be less than 880 kg/m.sup.3(55 lb/ft.sup.3). The compositions exhibit synergistic absorbance, light density, high clump strength, low dustiness, and are suitable for industrial and household absorption and solidification, animal litter, and soil amendment.

A shower filter includes a water treatment gel composition containing 100 parts by weight of vitamin C or a vitamin C derivative, 100 parts by weight of salt, and 3 to 13 parts by weight of xanthan gum so that there are advantages of removing chlorine dissolved in service water and simultaneously providing natural minerals to skin to help skin care.

The invention relates to a sachet that absorbs ethylene or other gases for containers of fresh produce intended for the retail market which is formed by two sheets welded together at the edges (4), at least one of the sheets, for example, the bottom sheet (2), being made with a porous, water-repellent, breathable material and optionally combined with another sheet (3) of waterproof material, and ethylene-absorbing granules (5) contained therein to absorb gases or other volatile substances produced by fresh produce incorporated in small packages (6), said granules (5) consisting of a substrate impregnated with potassium permanganate or sodium permanganate at a high concentration of between 0.25% and 2%, optionally mixed with activated carbon, such that when the sachet (1) is in contact with moisture generated by the produce, the risk of spotting and contamination by the active ingredient is minimal and absorption efficiency is maintained.

A composition of matter is described characterized by its qualities to adsorb scents present in gas, liquid and solid matter phases, while simultaneously serving as a carrier for an active ingredient or combination of active ingredients. The composition may also include an additive. The active ingredients are simultaneously and/or independently released gradually by the carrier, or a combination of carriers.

The invention provides for method for forming an artificial turf infill material. The method comprises selecting from a zeolite ore a microporous zeolite mineral using a selection criterion on specific surface area of the mineral, thereby providing the artificial turf infill material.

A method is described for improving water retention in soil, which involves mixing a super absorbing resin (SAR) composite with the soil. The SAR composite comprises a natural pozzolan and at least one polymer or copolymer. The SAR composite may be in the form of granules having an average longest dimension of 0.2-10 mm, though the SAR composite may be pelletized or formed in other sizes. The SAR composite may release water at a faster rate in a soil when exposed to drought conditions.

To provide a heavy metal adsorbent in which elution of aluminum from a zeolite is suppressed. A compound, which is a hydrous oxide or a hydroxide of Si, Ti, Zr, Ce or La, is mixed with the zeolite.

Carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) capture materials comprising one or more 3D-printed zeolite monoliths for the capture and or removal of CO.sub.2 from air or gases in enclosed compartments, including gases or mixtures of gases having less than about 5% CO.sub.2. Methods for preparing 3D-printed zeolite monoliths useful as CO.sub.2 capture materials and filters, as well as methods of removing CO.sub.2 from a gas or mixture of gases in an enclosed compartment using 3D-printed zeolite monoliths are provided.