Abstract: A non-water dispersible water-softening bead is disclosed having from 80 to 90% sodium alumino silicate and from 10 to 20% low density polyethylene. The bead has a diameter of between 200 and 1000 microns and a calcium capacity of at least 200 mg calcium carbonate/g. The sodium alumino silicate has a silica to aluminum oxide molar ratio of between 2:1 and 4:1 and a sodium oxide to aluminum oxide molar ratio of between 0.8:1 and 1.2:1.

Abstract: An inorganic water-softening bead is disclosed having a density of from 36 to 46 lbs/cu ft consisting of at least 66% of sodium alumino silicate on an anhydrous basis; from 1 to 20% of sodium silicate; from 1 to 20% of a solubilizing agent, such as sodium sulfate; and the remainder being water. The sodium alumino silicate has a silica to aluminum oxide ratio of between 2:1 and 4:1 and a sodium oxide to aluminum oxide ratio of between 0.8:1 and 1:1. The sodium silicate has a silica to sodium oxide ratio of between 1:1 and 3.3:1.

Abstract: A non-water dispersible water-softening bead is disclosed having from 80 to 90% sodium alumino silicate and from 10 to 20% low density polyethylene. The bead has a diameter of between 200 and 1000 microns and a calcium capacity of at least 200 mg calcium carbonate/g. The sodium alumino silicate has a silica to aluminum oxide molar ratio of between 2:1 and 4:1 and a sodium oxide to aluminum oxide molar ratio of between 0.8:1 and 1.2:1.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing inorganic crystalline base exchange materials having high total exchange capacities and specific initial exchange rates which yield well-defined residual concentrations for the elements of Group II of the Periodic Table. The method of the invention includes the concept of controlling the rate of the addition of the reactants and other reaction variables to prevent gel structure formation and to provide a precipitate of discrete particles with a preoriented array of the elements that is predisposed to the final crystalline structure. Recycle of the mother liquor to provide a totally closed system is further disclosed. By preventing the formation of the gel structure it is possible to eliminate cumbersome and costly processing steps and equipment. By varying the precipitation and crystallation conditions, it is possible to control the ultimate crystal size. Recycle allows recovery of the chemical values of the mother liquor and reduces manufacturing cost.