(19)

(11)

EP 1 080 173 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 07.03.2001 Bulletin 2001/10 (21) Application number: 99923187.1 (22) Date of filing: 19.05.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C11D 1/88, C11D 1/75, C11D 3/33, C11D 1/94 (86) International application number: PCT/US9910/943 (87) International publication number: WO 9960/085 (25.11.1999 Gazette 1999/47)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 20.05.1998 US 86113 P (71) Applicant: RHODIA INC. Cranbury,New Jersey 08512-7500 (US)	(72) Inventor: DAHANAYAKE, Manilal, S. Princeton Junction, NJ 08550 (US) (74) Representative: Kyle, Diana et al Elkington and FifeProspect House8 Pembroke Road Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1XR Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1XR (GB)