Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a titanium dioxide pigment comprises mixing a suspension of titanium dioxide with a reagent formed by reacting concentrated phosphoric acid with aluminium or an aluminium compound at elevated temperature and adding an alkaline compound to the suspension until a pH value of at least 3.5 is achieved. A novel pigment which can be prepared by the method of the invention comprises titanium dioxide, the particles of which have a surface coating of aluminium phosphate in which the molar ratio of aluminium to phosphorus lies in the range 1.8:1 to 1:1.4 Al:P. The pigments prepared according to the invention are useful in the preparation of paper laminates.

Abstract: A composite particulate pigmentary material is disclosed which comprises an association of at least two chemically distinct materials in which the particles of one material carry a positive surface charge and the particles of the second material carry a negative surface charge and particles are held in association as a result of these surface charges. Also disclosed is a method for preparing composite particulate pigmentary material comprising forming aqueous dispersions of two particulate materials under conditions in which the surface charges of the particles of the two materials are of different signs and mixing the dispersions. Typical materials useful for preparing the composite include inorganic pigments, fillers and extenders and organic polymeric microspheres. The product is useful as a pigment in, for example, paints, inks, paper and plastics.

Abstract: Compositions suitable for use as a camouflage material are based on vesiculated granules of polymer material which are substantially free of titanium dioxide but contain a light reflecting agent. The agent is an oxide, hydroxide or insoluble salt of magnesium or an insoluble mixed salt of calcium and magnesium and is present in an amount of at least 10 percent by weight of the polymeric material. Preferably the agent is dolomite. Paints containing the composition are useful as camouflage in snowy conditions and the aqueous paints are removable by scrubbing.

Abstract: When it has been attempted to dry wet polymeric particles in hot air at up to 100.degree. C. it has tended to produce discoloration in the product, introduce aggregates into the product, reduce the dispersibility of the product and reduce the integrity of the surface of the particles. A process of drying has now been developed which comprises heating to an elevated temperature the wet particles in an atomsphere substantially free of oxygen gas so that substantially all of the moisture is removed from association with said particles and under such conditions of time and temperature that any substantial deterioration of said particles is minimized. Preferably the atmosphere is of nitrogen.