Abstract: A swellable layer silicate is described based on smectite or sepiolite/palygorskite for use in media containing di- or polyvalent cations that reduce swellability, characterized by a swelling volume of about 5 to 50 mL, measured by addition of 2 g layer silicate (air-dried) to 100 mL water, and by a fineness of maximum 5 wt. % >40 ?m and maximum 20% >20 ?m, as dry sieve residue.

Abstract: A swellable layer silicate is described based on smectite or sepiolite/palygorskite for use in media containing di- or polyvalent cations that reduce swellability, characterized by a swelling volume of about 5 to 50 mL, measured by addition of 2 g layer silicate (air-dried) to 100 mL water, and by a fineness of maximum 5 wt. % >40 &mgr;m and maximum 20% >20 &mgr;m, as dry sieve residue.

Abstract: A detergent in agglomerate form is described, characterized by the fact that it contains at least one swellable layer silicate and at least one optical brightener in intimate contact with each other.

Abstract: A detergent in agglomerate form is described, characterized by the fact that it contains at least one swellable layer silicate and at least one optical brightener in intimate contact with each other.

Abstract: A thickening agent which is based on at least one synthetic phyllosilicate which contains at least one additive from the group of organic phosphorus compounds comprising the following:a) phosphonic acids with formula ##STR1## b) phosphinic acids with formula ##STR2## c) thiophosphinic acids with formula ##STR3## d) diesters of phosphorous acid with formula HO--P(OR).sub.2 e) diesters of phosphoric acid with formula ##STR4## f) diphosphonic acid with formula ##STR5## in which R is an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group with 1 to 22 C atoms or an aryl or hydroxyaryl group with 6 to 12 C atoms and R' is an alkylene group with 2 to 22 C atoms.