A solution is prepared that contains (A) a polymer compound that includes at least one of a hydrolyzable polymer compound or a thermally-decomposable polymer compound, (B) an oxoacid-based compound that includes at least one of a phosphate-based compound, a sulfate-based compound, a sulfonate-based compound, or a perchlorate-based compound, and (C) a laminate of layered substances, and the solution is irradiated with at least one of sonic waves or radio waves, or the solution is heated.

Provided is a method of producing a slurry that enables simple production of a slurry in which fibrous carbon nanostructures are favorably dispersed. The method of producing a slurry includes: a mixing step of mixing resin particles having an average particle diameter of at least 1 m and not more than 700 m, fibrous carbon nanostructures, and a dispersion medium to obtain a mixed liquid; and a dispersing step of subjecting the mixed liquid to dispersion treatment using a wet medialess disperser under conditions in which pressure acting on the mixed liquid (gauge pressure) is 5 MPa or less to obtain a slurry. The fibrous carbon nanostructures preferably include carbon nanotubes.

A drag reducing composition comprising at least one non-polyalphaolefin polymer having an average particle size in the range of from about 5 to about 800 micrometers. The non-polyalphaolefin polymer can initially be formed via emulsion polymerization. The initial polymer particles can then be at least partially consolidated and then reduced in size and suspended in a carrier fluid. The resulting drag reducing composition can be added to a hydrocarbon-containing fluid to decrease the pressure drop associated with the turbulent flow of the hydrocarbon-containing fluid through a conduit.

A drag reducing composition comprising at least one non-polyalphaolefin polymer having an average particle size in the range of from about 5 to about 800 micrometers. The non-polyalphaolefin polymer can initially be formed via emulsion polymerization. The initial polymer particles can then be at least partially consolidated and then reduced in size and suspended in a carrier fluid. The resulting drag reducing composition can be added to a hydrocarbon-containing fluid to decrease the pressure drop associated with the turbulent flow of the hydrocarbon-containing fluid through a conduit.

A hydroxy functional alkyl carbamate is disclosed having the formula:

##STR00001##

wherein R comprises a substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1 to C.sub.36 alkyl group, an aromatic group, and/or a polymeric moiety; wherein each R.sub.1 is independently a hydrogen, alkyl having at least 1 carbon, or a hydroxy functional alkyl having 2 or more carbons and at least one R.sub.1 is a hydroxy functional alkyl having 2 or more carbons; and n is 2-6.

The present invention is also directed to a composition, and substrates coated therewith, comprising a film-forming resin; and a hydroxy functional alkyl carbamate crosslinker having the formula shown above.

Other hydroxy functional alkyl carbamate compounds, polymers made with the same, and compositions comprising the same are also disclosed as are substrates coated at least in part with or formed with any of the compositions described herein.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrafine cellulose fiber-containing material having favorable re-dispersibility, which can exhibit excellent thickening properties after it has been re-dispersed, even after long-term storage. The present invention relates to a cellulose fiber-containing material comprising cellulose fibers having a fiber width of 1000 nm or less and a di- or more-valent metal component, wherein the content of the cellulose fibers is 5% by mass or more with respect to the total mass of the cellulose fiber-containing material, the content of the metal component is 0.5% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the cellulose fiber-containing material, and when the cellulose fiber-containing material is processed into a slurry having a solid concentration of 0.5% by mass, the pH of the slurry is 4 or more.

Color changeable indicator particles having a meltable, particulate organic core, and at least one color changeable indicator coated on the particulate organic core. Color changeable indicator particles can be incorporated into composite polymer materials while maintaining the efficacy and stability of the indicator. The indicators provide simple, reliable, and cost effective detection means for detecting ammonia and carbon dioxide, and may find use in applications such as food packaging and medical applications.

Color changeable indicator particles having a meltable, particulate organic core, and at least one color changeable indicator coated on the particulate organic core. Color changeable indicator particles can be incorporated into composite polymer materials while maintaining the efficacy and stability of the indicator. The indicators provide simple, reliable, and cost effective detection means for detecting ammonia and carbon dioxide, and may find use in applications such as food packaging and medical applications.

In an aspect, provided herein are low density materials, including shell-based materials, with three-dimensional architectures formed, in part, via self-assembly processes. Shell-based materials of some embodiments exhibit a combination of ultralow density (e.g., ?100 mg cm.sup.?3 and optionally ?10 100 mg cm.sup.?3) and non-periodic architectures characterized by low defect densities and geometries avoiding stress concentrations. Low density shell based materials of some embodiments have architectures characterized by small curvatures and lack of straight edges providing enhance mechanical response. In some embodiments, for example, the present low density materials, including shell-based materials, providing a combination target mechanical properties including high stiffness-to-density ratios, mechanical resilience and tolerance for deformation.

In an aspect, provided herein are low density materials, including shell-based materials, with three-dimensional architectures formed, in part, via self-assembly processes. Shell-based materials of some embodiments exhibit a combination of ultralow density (e.g., ?100 mg cm.sup.?3 and optionally ?10 100 mg cm.sup.?3) and non-periodic architectures characterized by low defect densities and geometries avoiding stress concentrations. Low density shell based materials of some embodiments have architectures characterized by small curvatures and lack of straight edges providing enhance mechanical response. In some embodiments, for example, the present low density materials, including shell-based materials, providing a combination target mechanical properties including high stiffness-to-density ratios, mechanical resilience and tolerance for deformation.