Abstract: An aqueous slurry of smectite clay of elevated solids content, comprising an aqueous solution or emulsion of at least 0.2% by weight of said slurry of a salt of a low molecular weight amine salt, in which is dispersed from about 10 to 47% by weight of the slurry, of a smectite clay. The amine salt is effective to prevent the smectite from swelling appreciably, whereby the slurry can be shipped and stored without creating a gelling problem. The inhibiting or suppressing effect of the amine salt on the swelling of the clay and on gelling of the slurry is reversible upon subsequent dilution with water, thereby facilitating use of the smectite in typical applications, e.g. as a retention aid in paper making, or as a viscosifier.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry of smectite clay of elevated solids content, comprising an aqueous solution or emulsion of from about 0.5 to about 13% by weight of said slurry of a salt of a low molecular weight amine salt, in which is dispersed from about 10 to 47% by weight of the slurry, of a smectite clay. The amine salt is effective to prevent the smectite from swelling appreciably, whereby the slurry can be shipped and stored without creating a gelling problem. The inhibiting or suppressing effect of the amine salt on the swelling of the clay and on gelling of the slurry is reversible upon subsequent dilution with water, thereby facilitating use of the smectite in typical applications, e.g. as a retention aid in paper making, or as a viscosifier.