Abstract: A method of treating a kaolinitic clay which is intended for use as an ingredient in a ceramic composition which method comprises the steps of: (a) mixing with the kaolinitic clay from 0.1% to 15.0% by weight, based on the dry weight of the kaolinitic clay, of a smectite clay; and (b) subjecting a mass in a moist plastic state of the clay mixture formed in step (a) to mechanical working under conditions such that there is dissipated in the moist plastic mass at least 5 kJ of energy per kilogram of clay mixture on a dry weight basis.

Abstract: Novel nanosized kaolin clay particles are prepared by agitating a fine particle size fraction of kaolin clay in a Netzsch mill until the particle size is reduced, aspect ratio is decreased and surface area is increased. The ultrafine kaolin particles are especially useful as a pigment to provide high surface gloss to ink jet printing papers.

Abstract: A modified filler used in the making of paper or the like, preparation of the filler and its use. The modified filler comprises a filler known as such, e.g. calcium carbonate, kaolin, talc, titanium dioxide, sodium silicate and aluminiumtrihydrate or their mixture, and a hydrophobic polymer made of polymerisable monomers, which is added to the filler as a polymer dispersion or a polymer solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrous kaolin product having improved optical properties, for example, when used in the production of paper products. The present invention comprises an improved barrier coating for paper and a method of making the coated paper. The present invention also comprises an improved method from making filled and coated paper products. The present invention uses a composition comprising kaolin having a shape factor of at least about 70:1, such as at least about 80:1 or at least about 100:1.

Abstract: Aggregated mineral pigments (such as kaolin clay pigments) having a high surface area and useful in coating and filling compositions for ink jet printing media are manufactured by dry grinding an unground mineral composition starting material and then optionally acid treating the ground material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous slurry or dispersion of pigment particles comprising as dispersant an amphiphilic polymer at least partly adsorbed to the pigment particles, wherein the slurry or dispersion exhibits a temperature dependent viscosity in such way that the viscosity increases at least with a factor of about 2 when the temperature is raised from about 20 up to about 100° C. The invention further relates to a the preparation of the slurry or dispersion, a coating color composition, a process for its preparation, and a process for preparing coated paper or board.

Abstract: A method of forming bricks, tiles, and the like by treating clay, shale or other clay ceramic raw materials containing pyrite is disclosed. Such clay ceramic raw materials may be ground, and then mixed with an oxidizer in a pre-oxidation step to disperse the oxidizer within the clay to expose the maximum amount of clay surface to the oxidizer. One oxidizer that may be used is an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. Clay is shaped into clay products and then heated to elevated temperatures. Pyrite within the clay is oxidized, thereby removing sulfur-containing compounds such as sulfur dioxide from the clay. The application of the invention may assist in preventing efflorescense by ensuring complete or nearly complete removal of pyrite from products oxidation treatment and subsequent firing at elevated temperatures. Similarly, by enhancing the oxidation of pyrite, faster firing cycles may be possible which facilitates reduced fuel consumption and faster process time.

Abstract: Aggregated mineral pigments (such as kaolin clay pigments) having a high surface area and useful in coating compositions for ink jet printing media are manufactured by dry grinding an unground mineral composition starting material and then optionally acid treating the ground material.

Abstract: Composite pigments comprising particles of silicate or oxide minerals having deposited thereon a multiplicity of particles of a metal carbonate as a result of in-situ precipitation.

Abstract: Flux calcined kaolin clay especially useful as a pigment for low sheen paints is obtained by mixing hydrous kaolin with an aqueous solution of alkaline flux, spray drying, pulverizing, calcining and repulverizing.

Abstract: Described are fillers, e.g., inorganic oxides, that have been modified to have a carbon content of greater than 1 weight percent, a sulfur content of greater than 0.1 weight percent, a Silane Conversion Index of at least 0.3 and a Standard Tensile Stress @ 300% elongation of 7 or more. Polymeric compositions that contain such modified fillers are also described.

Abstract: A clay-containing mixture of dry solids to be used in forming a moisture-resistant gel, and a method for directly forming a moisture-resistant gel on a surface to be treated, using such a mixture. The present invention furthermore relates to the use of such a mixture.

Abstract: There is provided a granular absorbent based on calcium sulfate that may be used for absorbing oil and water-based liquids. The absorbent includes calcium sulfate obtained from gypsum, waste gypsum from wallboard, waste gypsum separated from wallboard, synthetic gypsum and mixtures thereof. The granular absorbent is ground and screened to a particle size between 4 mesh and about 100 mesh. In another aspect of the invention, an effective amount of a binder such as a clay, lignin or starch is added to the calcium sulfate to assist the calcium sulfate to pelletize and form granules. The granules are sized and dried. The granular absorbents are effective in absorbing oil or water and are easily disposed of. There is also disclosed processes for making the granular absorbents.

Abstract: High brightness kaolin pigments and methods of making high brightness kaolin pigments are provided. Both delaminated and nondelaminated clays are provided having typical brightness of 87 or higher. The pigments have high brightness and good opacity, providing an optimum pigment for paper coating and paper filler. Also provided are blended high brightness kaolins having increased opacity properties.

Abstract: A pigment material for use in a coating composition suitable for coating a sheet material to be printed by an electrophotographic printer which pigment material comprises a blend of Components A and B as follows: Component A: a fine pigment material suitable for gloss coating of a sheet material the pigment material comprising particles at least 80% by weight of which have an equivalent spherical diameter (“esd”) of less than 2 &mgr;m and having a particle size distribution (“psd”) such that its d50 value, namely the particle esd value less than which 50% of the particles have an esd, is less than 1 &mgr;m; and Component B: a coarse pigment material having a psd such that its d50 value is from 2 &mgr;m to 10 &mgr;m, desirably 2 &mgr;m to 5 &mgr;m and such that not more than 2% by weight of the particles of the coarse pigment material have an esd greater than 15 &mgr;m, desirably not more than 2% have an esd greater than 10 &mgr;m; wherein the weight ratio of Component A to Component

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the bleaching of a mineral pigment or a synthetic pigment, in which process the pigment to be bleached is contacted with a solution which contains peracetic acid in order to obtain a pigment with a raised degree of brightness.

Abstract: An effective production method for silane-treated clays having exceptional reinforcing effects with respect to rubber, and compositions using these silane-treated clays are offered. With the silane-treated clay production method, a functional silane is predispersed or emulsified in water by means of a surfactant in order to mix the functional silane with kaolin clay and thereby uniformly surface-treat the kaolin clay with the functional silane. The surfactant should preferably be a non-ionic surfactant with an HLB value in the range of 8-18. The silane-treated clay formed by surface-treating kaolin clay by means of these functional silanes characteristically contains low residual levels of the non-ionic surfactants. The functional silanes can be either vinyl or sulfur functional silanes. The silane treated clays are useful as fillers or extenders in rubber compositions, particularly those employing silicas and/or carbon blacks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filler for use in paper manufacture, said filler containing pigment and noil produced from cellulose fibre and/or mechanical pulp fibre by refining. According to the invention, the pigment has been mixed with noil fibrils, to be used as filler in paper manufacture.The invention also relates to a method for producing a filler for use in paper manufacture, said filler containing pigment and noil produced from cellulose fibre and/or mechanical pulp fibre by refining. According to the invention, the pigment is mixed with noil fibrils, to be used as filler in paper manufacture.

Abstract: Flux calcined kaolin clay especially useful as a pigment for low sheen paints is obtained by mixing hydrous kaolin with an aqueous solution of alkaline flux, spray drying, pulverizing, calcining and repulverizing.

Abstract: A ceiling board coating composition includes water, a binder and a filler, said filler having large particles with an average particle size of a minimum of about 50 microns, medium particles with an average particle size in the range of from about 1.2 to about 30 microns, and small particles which have an average particle size in the range of from about 0.1 to about 1.0 microns.

Abstract: A multi-component pigment slurry which comprises at least 50% solids. The slurry is formulated to be admixed into paint and coating compositions to promote TiO.sub.2 extension. The slurry includes a structured pigment, a coarse particle size pigment, and a fine particle size pigment. The structured pigment comprises about 20% to about 55% of the slurry by dry weight and has a median particle size diameter of about 0.7.mu. to about 6.0.mu.. The coarse particle size pigment preferably comprises about 20% to about 60% by weight of the slurry and has a median particle size diameter of about 3.0.mu. to about 10.0.mu.. The fine particle size pigment preferably comprises up to about 50% by dry weight of the slurry and has a median particle size diameter of about 0.2.mu. to about 1.0.mu..

Abstract: The present invention provides a high solids slurry and a method for producing the same. Specifically, the present invention provides a talc slurry having a solids content of at least about 58% and a viscosity of less than about 500 centipoise. The talc slurry of the present invention comprises talc, a salt and a base.

Abstract: An organoclay composition comprising a mineral clay mixture which has been treated with an alkyl quaternary ammonium salt said mixture comprising: mineral clay (a) comprising 50 to 95 wt. %, based on the weight of the mineral clay mixture, of a mineral clay selected from the group consisting of sepiolite, palygorskite and mixtures of sepiolite and palygorskite; and mineral clay (b) comprising the balance by weight of the mineral clay mixture, of a smectite.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pigment ink which can be produced through a simplified procedure and enables coloring as good as a dye ink. The pigment ink mainly consists of an intercalation compound such as a mineral of the montmorrilonite group and the hydrotalcite group, wherein at least a part of interstitial ions in the intercalation compound is substituted by dye ions having a polarity opposite to that of the interstitial ions. The pigment is dispersed in water together with a dispersion agent and a wetting agent so as to obtain the pigment ink. Remaining interstitial ions not substituted by the dye ions are substituted by hydrophilic ions.

Abstract: A method for reducing the abrasion of a silica-containing calcined kaolin pigment by the controlled leaching of silica from the pigment, preferably by the use of a caustic solution to dissolve the silica out of the calcined kaolin. In another aspect of the invention, the brightness, opacity, or both of a calcined kaolin is increased by increasing the fineness of the kaolin feed supplied to the calciner. The combination of these methods results in the production of a calcined kaolin with low abrasion and high brightness and opacity. Another aspect of the invention concerns an improved method of filtration of dilatent materials such as the leached calcined clay.

Abstract: A coating pigment composition comprising a hydrous clay, a caustic leached calcined clay, and a porous mineral provides a coating having excellent balance of color intensity and color definition characteristics when printed on by multicolored inks. The pigments of this invention offer a low cost alternative to conventional silica-based coatings in addition to affording other desirable benefits such as improved rheology, less required coat weights, and higher coating solids compared to conventional silica coatings.

Abstract: A stable aqueous pigment slurry and a process for preparing same. The slurry contains about 50 to 90 wt. %, based on the weight of the slurry, of a pigment such as titanium dioxide and about 0.2 to 3.0 wt. %, based on the weight of the slurry, of a smectite clay such as bentonite, hectorite or montmorillonite. Preferably, the pigment slurry also contains about 0.1 to 2.0 wt. %, based on the weight of the slurry, of a dispersant. The process involves admixing a pigment slurry and a smectite clay slurry and preferably also the dispersant by milling the three components together under high shear conditions.

Abstract: An inorganic particulate material suitable for use as a pigment material in a paper coating composition has a particle size distribution which when represented as a graph of percentage of weight of particles having an equivalent spherical diameter (esd) of given size versus particle esd expressed in microns and plotted on a logarithmic base 10 scale has the following features: (a) a first peak at the coarse particle size and a second peak at a finer particle size and a dip or trough between the first and second peaks; (b) the mean particle size x.sub.1 of the particles making up the first peak being 2 to 4 microns; (c) the relationship between the first and second peaks being such that the value of the mean particle size x.sub.2 of the particles making up the second peak is separated in the particle size distribution graph from the value of x.sub.1 by at least 0.5; and (d) the minimum of the dip or trough is at a given particle esd dimension of between 0.5 and 5 microns.

Abstract: An effective production method for silane-treated clays having exceptional reinforcing effects with respect to rubber, and compositions using these silane-treated clays are offered. With the silane-treated clay production method, a functional silane is predispersed or emulsified in water by means of a surfactant in order to mix the functional silane with kaolin clay and thereby uniformly surface-treat the kaolin clay with the functional silane. The surfactant should preferably be a non-ionic surfactant with an HLB value in the range of 8-18. The silane-treated clay formed by surface-treating kaolin clay by means of these functional silanes characteristically contains low residual levels of the non-ionic surfactants. The functional silanes can be either vinyl or sulfur functional silanes. The silane treated clays are useful as fillers or extenders in rubber compositions, particularly those employing silicas and/or carbon blacks.

Abstract: A coarse particle kaolin clay is provided having an average Stokes equivalent particle diameter of about 4.5-6.0 microns, a BET surface area of about 8-11 m.sup.2 /g, and preferably having a median Malvern particle size of about 9.0-10.5 microns as determined by laser light-scattering measurement and a high aspect ratio preferably of about 12-14 as determined by Sphericity Model calculations. The coarse particle kaolin clay provides low viscosity build, good reinforcement properties and excellent surface finish qualities as a filler in thermoset composite materials, such as polyester molding compounds, and also provides excellent pigmenting properties in paints and industrial coatings.

Abstract: A treated inorganic solid comprises particulate inorganic material the particles of which are coated with an alkylphosphonic acid or ester thereof, the alkylphosphonic acid containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms. The particulate material is usually a pigment, extender or filler which is treated by mixing with the alkylphosphonic acid or ester for example in an aqueous dispersion or during a process step such as milling. The treated inorganic solid is particularly useful for preparing polymer compositions such as masterbatches.

Abstract: Organoclay compositions which comprise the reaction product of a smectite-type clay having an ion exchange capacity of at least 50 meq. wt. per 100 g. clay (active basis), and mixture of a quaternary ammonium compound and a chain transfer agent which is a thiol, .alpha.-methylketone, .alpha.-methylalcohol or a halogen compound are useful agents for use in the processes for the preparation of thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compacted mineral filler pellet and a method of making the same. The present invention also relates to a method of making a polymeric compound which includes a compacted mineral filler pellet.

Abstract: A method of coating paper with a paper coating composition having a solids concentration of at least 45% by weight, consisting essentially of an aqueous cationic dispersion of a particulate calcium carbonate pigment and a nonionic or cationic adhesive, wherein the pigment has a particle size distribution such that no more than 1% by weight of the particles have an equivalent spherical diameter larger than 10 microns, at least 65% by weight of the particles have an equivalent spherical diameter smaller than 2 microns and not more than 10% by weight of the particles have an equivalent spherical diameter smaller than 0.25 micron, and wherein said pigment is dispersed with a combination of a cationic polyelectrolyte and an anionic polyelectrolyte, with the amount of cationic polyelectrolyte being in the range of about 0.01% to about 1.5% by weight, based on the weight of the dry pigment, and with the amount of anionic polyelectrolyte being in the range of about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight.

Abstract: Organoclay compositions which comprise the reaction product of a smectite-type clay having an ion exchange capacity of at least 50 meq. wt. per 100 g. clay (active basis), and an alkoxylated quaternary ammonium compound having one or two alkoxylated chains containing 0-10 moles ethylene oxide and 3-15 moles of propylene or butylene oxide residues are useful thixotropic materials, especially for the preparation of aqueous systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-dusting, homogeneous pigment preparation containingat least 70% by weight of one or more flaky pigments,1-30% by weight of water,0.1-20% by weight of a humectant, andless than 1.00% by weight of one or more preservatives.

Abstract: Sodium alumino-silicates are produced by silicate/clay reactions under hydrothermal conditions with increased solids during processing while still producing structural materials characterized by low oil absorption values, high total pore volume and increased differential pore volumes. The products are useful as coating pigments for paper and paperboard, paper fillers, paint pigments and as reinforcing pigments for rubber.

Abstract: An opacifying kaolin clay pigment with improved rheological properties and good opacifying characteristics is manufactured by a process which comprises reacting a mixture of water, kaolin clay and calcium carbonate with a hydroxide component at a temperature of at least 60.degree. C.

Abstract: Pigments for use in paper are comprised of structured aggregate clays which are reaction products of kaolin clays and colloidal silicas. Silica modified clays of low treatment level can under certain high-shear mixing conditions be attritioned back to their starting clay particle size consequently yielding silica coated clay particles that provide unique properties. Also provided are structured aggregate clay products produced by the reaction of kaolin clay, colloidal silicas and spacer particles such as titanium dioxide, which products have improved porosity and light scattering characteristics. Also provided are clay slurry products which comprise mixtures of the reaction product of kaolin clay and colloidal silica, and optionally titanium dioxide, blended with other clay products.

Abstract: A pigment composition includes a pigment extender which optionally contains a pigment, and further includes a non-hydrogenated phospholipid material, such as non-hydrogenated lecithin, and a surface modifying agent. Suitable modifying agents are selected from fatty acids, fatty acid esters or fatty acid triglycerides, silicones and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An improved polyurethane-based water-in-water multicolor paint composition is provided having a disperse phase and a continuous phase which is characterized by disperse phase bodies of improved durability. The disperse phase preferably is comprised of a water dispersible, inert film-forming, crosslinkable polymer system; hydroxy (lower alkyl) cellulose; alkali metal carboxy (lower alkyl) cellulose; quaternized water soluble cellulose ether; peptized clay; inorganic salt of heavy or trivalent metal; and water. The continuous phase preferably is comprised of such a crosslinkable polymer system, a peptized clay and water. Methods for preparing the paint are also provided.

Abstract: A detergent additive for commercial detergents (softener agents) that contain fabric softeners is described. This additive is based on agglomerates of a smectic laminar silicate coated with divided particles. This detergent additive is characterized in that the agglomerates are at least partially coated with particles of a cation exchanger that will pass through a screen with a mesh of about 45 .mu.m and have an average particle size of less than about 10 .mu.m, where the amount of cation exchanger particles is about 2 to 30 wt % (based on the dry weight of the uncoated agglomerates). This detergent additive may be used in the conventional detergent formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surface-modified pigments based on platelet-like substrates which, for improving the settling and redispersion behavior, have been recoated with a mixture comprising two metal oxides selected from the group consisting of silica, alumina and zirconium dioxide.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a aggregated composite pigment having desired physical and optical characteristics when used as a coating, filler or pigment in paper. The aggregated pigment is produced by contacting a substantially dry fine particle size mixture of kaolin and one or more additional feed minerals with a previously hydrolyzed organic silicon compound, such as hydrolyzed tetraethoxysilane, and then recovering the aggregated composite pigment.

Abstract: An improved polyurethane-based water-in-water multicolor paint composition is provided having a disperse phase and a continuous phase which is characterized by an accelerated capacity to transfer from an applicator surface to a substrate surface during paint application. The disperse phase preferably is comprised of a water dispersible, inert film-forming, crosslinkable, polyurethane polymer system; hydroxy (lower alkyl) cellulose; quaternized water soluble cellulose ether; peptized clay and water. The continuous phase preferably is comprised of such a polyurethane polymer system, a water soluble, film-forming, crosslinkable, pressure-responsive contact adhesive, a peptized clay and water. Methods for preparing the paint are also provided.

Abstract: A coating pigment for coating printing media, especially paper and cardboard, is made with at least one swellable layer silicate which can be fixed on the printing medium essentially without binders, where the amount of swellable layer silicate is at least 30 weight percent and the swelling volume of the coating pigment is 5 to 30 ml, based on suspension of 2 g coating pigment in 100 ml water. A water-based coating which contains such a coating pigment and a printing medium that is coated on one or both sides with the coating pigment or coating are also described. The deinkability of printed printing media coated with the coating pigment is improved.

Abstract: A melanin-coated pigment obtained by coating a carrier with a readily alkali-soluble natural melanin, and a cosmetic containing the pigment are provided. The melanin-coated pigment is highly safe and has high coloring and high saturation tone, and a cosmetic which contains it is also expected to have ultraviolet-ray-absorbing and anti-oxidizing effects.

Abstract: Solid form additive systems which are dispersible in aqueous media are disclosed, as are methods for preparing such additive systems. The additive systems are dry, free-flowing particulate materials that contain at least one additive component, at least one tackifying agent, and at least one surfactant.

Abstract: A silicone rubber binder composition is provided which includes silicone rubber, silicone dioxide and an aggregate such as sand, gravel, cinders and the like. The silicone rubber is preferably an RTV silicone rubber which is solubilized using a solvent and mixed with the silicone dioxide and aggregate. The mixture may be spray applied to form a roofing coating or may be molded to form another building element such as a beam, post, block, shingle, wallboard or the like.

Abstract: The present invention resides broadly in a dispersion of particles in a fluid medium which contains a polymeric dispersing agent. The particles are hydrophilic particles. The fluid medium has less than 0.5% by weight electrolyte based on the weight of the fluid medium. The polymeric dispersing agent is associative in nature, comprising hydrophilic moieties capable of adsorbing onto the particles, and hydrophobic moieties capable of interaction between themselves in the dispersion, or in a coating comprising the dispersion. The polymeric dispersing agent has a molecular weight in the range of 1,000 to 20,000, preferably in the range of 1,500 to 5,000, and is present in the dispersion in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 2.5 weight percent based on the weight of the particles which are dispersed.