Abstract: An effect pigment is constituted by coated laminar platelets in which the platelets are a mixture of different platelet materials, one of which is platy glass or platy aluminum oxide, and in which the pigment exhibits visual homogeneity.

Abstract: A number of stable mixtures are disclosed containing specific combinations and levels of extender pigments and thickeners. These stable mixtures may be employed, inter alia, as a mixture in a method of making paints using prepaints or as a conventional component in a coating, such as a paint, or other end-use where opacifying pigments are employed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a colloidal aqueous silicate dispersion containing silica and alumina, the molar ratio between silica and alumina being 2-12, as well as to a method for its preparation. Said method is characterized by dissolving a particulate mineral material, such as a mineral wool or fiber product containing silica and alumina in a molar ratio of 2-12 in an aqueous solution, nucleating and stabilizing the so obtained solution, and optionally adjusting the dry matter content of the dispersion so obtained. The said dispersion can also be made to gel. The invention is also directed to the use of the dispersion as a binder.

Abstract: A coloring pearlescent flake pigment capable of providing pearl-like luster caused by interference color and a vivid color caused by a tar color is provided as a new material which contributes to the diversification of cosmetics and paints thanks to its powdery smoothness and the visual effect as well as covering protection effect in an application layer. The coloring pearlescent flake pigment having a double coating layer which is formed on inorganic flake-like particles and which is composed of a high-refraction-index metal oxide (e.g.

Abstract: A pigment product suitable for use in a coating composition to provide a gloss coating on paper, the pigment product comprising a processed particulate kaolin whose particles have a particle size distribution such that at least 80% by weight of the particles have an equivalent spherical diameter less than 2 &mgr;m and not less than 8%, preferably not less than 12%, by weight of the particles have an equivalent spherical diameter less than 0.25 &mgr;m and whose particles have a shape factor of at least 45, preferably at least 50.

Abstract: In a process for preparing a white pigment mixture suitable for coating paper wherein a cationically bulked kaolin clay pigment is dispersed in water in the presence of an anionic dispersant and mixed with a calcium carbonate pigment, the improvement which comprises using an epichlorohydrin amine complex to bulk said kaolin, and employing as the dispersant the combination of at least 0.2% based on the dry weight of said cationically bulked kaolin of a condensed naphthalene sulfonate complex having a molecular weight of 2000 to 10,000 and a sodium polyacrylate salt having a molecular weight of 2000 to 5000, said dispersant being free from lignosulfonate.

Abstract: A biodegradable thermoplastic material comprising a natural polymer, a plasticizer and an exfoliated clay having a layered structure and a cation exchange capacity of from 30-250 milliequivalents per 100 grams and a process of preparing a biodegradable thermoplastic material comprising preparing a suspension of clay, combining said suspension with a natural polymer and a plasticizer and extruding the resultant composition at a temperature of 35-200° C.

Abstract: A soil amendment for use in the running surface of an animal competition arena comprises highly absorbent and durable calcined clay granules. The clay granules are porous and contain micropores and microstructures to capture and retain moisture for release over time. Additionally, because the clay granules are formed of a particularly hard calcined clay, they are sufficient to support the weight of even heavy animals even when mixed with soft soil such as sand. Methods of fabricating the soil amendment and amending soil include methods which provide the soil amendment granules and arena surface with selected hardness and porosity for the particular soil and use of the arena surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides kaolin clay pigments having at least the following characteristics: Brightness (GE): at least about 89.0; Shape Factor: at least about 30; Brookfield viscosity, measured at 20 rpm and at less than or equal to about 65% solids: about 100 to about 700 centipoise; and Hercules viscosity, measured at 18 dynes and at less than or equal to about 65% solids: about 200 rpm to about 1000 rpm. Preferred kaolin sources include Brazilian kaolins, especially Rio Capim kaolins. The kaolin pigments of the present invention possess a combination of optical and physical properties, such as brightness, printability, and transfer efficiency, not previously seen in existing commercial products. They are useful, e.g., in paper filler and coating compositions, ink compositions, and printing applications, especially rotogravure printing.

Abstract: Calcined kaolin clay having a high bulk density, improved wet out and slurry incorporation times is produced by using pressure to compact the clay. Other properties of the compacted clay are improved or equivalent to the non-compacted starting calcined clay material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and an installation for dehydroxylation treatment of aluminium silicate, in which particles containing aluminium silicate are exposed to a temperature of at least 500° C. The particles are in the form of a dry powder, and the dry powder (26) is optionally transported in a gas stream (30) at a temperature of from 600 to 850° C., for a time which is sufficient to achieve the desired degree of dehydroxylation. The powder may be obtained from a hydrated base paste by reducing the base paste into fragments (23), and by disaggregating the fragments (23) of base paste by mechanical action (at 3) in the presence of a hot gas (24) at a temperature of from 500° C. to 800° C., in order to form the dry powder (26).

Abstract: A particulate hydrous mineral suitable for use as an opacifying pigment, filler or extender has a shape factor which is greater than S, where S is defined by Equation 1 as follows: S=(d50/0.036)+20  Equation 1; where d50 is the mean particle size of the particles of the mineral measured in microns. The particulate mineral is preferably a kaolin, which is particularly suitable for use in aqueous matt paint compositions.

Abstract: Provided are a granular inorganic filler which is highly effective in improving the physical properties of resins and excellent in working efficiency, working atmosphere, productivity and economical efficiency, a process for producing the filler, and resin compositions excellent in mechanical properties, surface appearance, flame retardance and antiblock properties. The filler is produced by granulating a mixture comprising inorganic filler particles having a mean particle diameter of 0.01 to 20 &mgr;m and a binder in such a way as to give an apparent density of 0.1 to 3.0 g/ml and a breakage rate of 5 to 80 wt %. The resin compositions are prepared by adding the granular inorganic filler to resins.

Abstract: A pigment product suitable for use in a coating composition to provide a gloss coating on paper, the pigment product comprising a processed particulate kaolin whose particles have a particle size distribution such that at least 80% by weight of the particles have an equivalent spherical diameter less than 2 &mgr;m and not less than 8%, preferably not less than 12%, by weight of the particles have an equivalent spherical diameter less than 0.25 &mgr;m and whose particles have a shape factor of at least 45, preferably at least 50.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a clay/amine complex which is an excellent surfactant and a good reinforcing agent of polymers. The complex of the present invention can be produced by modifying layered inorganic silicate clay such as montomorillonite, with an intercalating agent, AMO (amine terminal-mannich oligomer). The AMO can be obtained by polymerizing polyoxyalkylene amine having molecular weight over 1000, p-cresol and formaldehyde. The present invention further discloses a nanosilica plate, which can be obtained by extracting the above complex with a hydroxide or a chloride of alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal, and consequently, the AMO intercalating agent can be recycled for reusing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an exfoliative clay and a derivative thereof and a method for producing the same. The exfoliative clay is formed by emulsion exfoliating an inorganic layered silicate clay with an amphibious intercalating agent by powerfully stirring at 60-180° C. and not less than 14.7 psig. The amphibious intercalating agent is obtained by copolymerizing polyoxyalkylene amine having molecular weight over 1,800 and polypropylene-grafting-maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA). Before emulsion exfoliation, the intercalating agent is acidified with an inorganic acid. The acidification is the key step for obtaining nanoscale of emulsifying particles less than 100 nm for the exfoliation. The exfoliative clay can be further extracted with a hydroxide or a chloride of alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal to obtain a derivative in the form of nanosilica plates which is free of organic portions.

Abstract: A method includes steps for forming an intermediate composition. The intermediate composition is to be added to a polymer, or to a polymer precursor, in a process of manufacturing a low permeability container formed of the polymer or polymer precursor. The method includes forming an intermediate composition which, if added to the polymer or polymer precursor, will inhibit the permeability of the low permeability container subsequently formed of the polymer or polymer precursor. The forming step includes mixing a solid dispersant with clay to form the intermediate composition as a solid.

Abstract: A process for preparing a ball clay slurry with a casting rate of at least about 50, a modulus of rupture of at least 500 pounds per square inch, and from about 0.1 to about 1.0 weight percent of organic polyelectrolyte. In this process, a digested lignite material is mixed with a lignitic coarse clay, a nonlignitic coarse clay, a lignitic fine clay, and a polyelectrolyte dispersing agent.

Abstract: A clay slurry is described using smectite clay, water, and a defined phosphonate additive that is hydrolytically stable over time. The viscosity of the clay slurry remains pourable and relatively unchanged over time compared to prior art slurries. The slurry is useful to provide rheological control to paints and coatings and is particularly useful as an anti-bleed additive for concrete.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight clay which can be easily molded into a given shape, exhibits proper lightweight characteristics and storing characteristics, and can be manufactured at a low cost, and a manufacturing method thereof. In such a lightweight clay and the manufacturing method thereof, an average particle size of the organic hollow micro spheres is set to a value which falls within a range of 15 to 150 &mgr;m and, an addition quantity of the organic hollow micro spheres is set to a value which falls within a range of 0.1 to 6 weight % with respect to a total quantity of the lightweight clay, and whiteness degree (WL) measured in accordance with JIS L 0803 is set to not less than 50.

Abstract: Calcined kaolin clay having a high bulk density, improved wet out and slurry incorporation times is produced by using pressure to compact the clay. Other properties of the compacted clay are improved or equivalent to the non-compacted starting calcined clay material.

Abstract: A high performance kaolin pigment, a paper coating color containing high performance kaolin pigment, and a method for making high performance kaolin pigment, the kaolin pigment being provided with improved optical and rheological properties attained by strict control of size and shape of the particles, as well as size and shape distribution of the particles. The kaolin pigment has ISO brightness characteristics higher than 88.5, a particle size distribution of at least 94% by mass lower than 2 &mgr;m and at most 25% by mass lower than 0.2 &mgr;m and a Hercules viscosity at 1,100 RPM lower than 18 dynes in slurries with a solid content of 70%-75% solids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to calcined kaolin products, their production, and use. More specifically, the invention relates to calcined kaolin-containing products having a median diameter particle size of from about 0.5 &mgr;m to about 10 &mgr;m, and a multimodal particle size distribution defined herein. The calcined kaolin products of the invention possess a combination of physical properties and applied properties not previously seen together in calcined kaolin pigments. The products according to the invention find use as flattening (or matting) agents, and as fillers or extenders in paint and coating compositions. More generally, the inventive products may be used wherever calcined kaolins are used.

Abstract: A high performance kaolin pigment, a paper coating color containing high performance kaolin pigment, and a method for making high performance kaolin pigment, the kaolin pigment being provided with improved optical and rheological properties attained by strict control of size and shape of the particles, as well as size and shape distribution of the particles. The kaolin pigment has ISO brightness characteristics higher than 88.5, a particle size distribution of at least 94% by mass lower than 2 &mgr;m and at most 25% by mass lower than 0.2 &mgr;m and a Hercules viscosity at 1,100 RPM lower than 18 dynes in slurries with a solid content of 70%-75% solids.

Abstract: A method of treating a kaolin particulate material to improve its properties by removal of impurities which includes the steps of: (a) producing a dispersed aqueous suspension of a kaolin particulate material containing at least 0.1% by weight, based on the dry weight of the kaolin particulate material, of separable impurity by adding a dispersing agent to the kaolin particulate material to deflocculate solid particles of the material in the suspension; (b) conditioning the suspension prior to adding selective flocculation polymer thereto by allowing the suspension to age for a period of at least 30 minutes and optionally by adding one or more conditioning chemicals thereto; (c) adjusting the pH of the suspension to be at least about 9.5; (d) adding to the suspension at a pH of at least about 9.

Abstract: A pigment product suitable for use in a coating composition to provide a gloss coating on paper, the pigment product comprising a processed particulate kaolin whose particles have a particle size distribution such that at least 80% by weight of the particles have an equivalent spherical diameter less than 2 &mgr;m and not less than 8%, preferably not less than 12%, by weight of the particles have an equivalent spherical diameter less than 0.25 &mgr;m and whose particles have a shape factor of at least 45, preferably at least 50.

Abstract: The present invention provides kaolin clay pigments having at least the following characteristics: Brightness (GE): at least about 89.0; Shape Factor: at least about 30; Brookfield viscosity, measured at 20 rpm and at less than or equal to about 65% solids: about 100 to about 700 centipoise; and Hercules viscosity, measured at 18 dynes and at less than or equal to about 65% solids: about 200 rpm to about 1000 rpm. Preferred kaolin sources include Brazilian kaolins, especially Rio Capim kaolins. The kaolin pigments of the present invention possess a combination of optical and physical properties, such as brightness, printability, and transfer efficiency, not previously seen in existing commercial products. They are useful, e.g., in paper filler and coating compositions, ink compositions, and printing applications, especially rotogravure printing.

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: A pigment product suitable for use in a coating composition to provide a gloss coating on paper, the pigment product comprising a processed particulate kaolin produced from a naturally platy kaolin clay having a particle size distribution such that about 50% to 60% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 2 &mgr;m and less than 25% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 0.25 &mgr;m and a shape factor of at least 15. In processing, the crude kaolin is ground to a shape factor greater than 50 to produce even greater “platy” clay. The pigment product has a particle size distribution such that at least 80% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 2 &mgr;m and greater than 12% and less than 35% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 0.25 &mgr;m and whose surface area is greater than 12 m2/g when measured by the BET method.

Abstract: A composition for improving grip between the hands and a tool or implement is provided, which comprises a chlorinated paraffin, a dispersing agent, and a solvent in an amount up to and including about 3.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. A method of making the composition in the form of a dry powder, as well as a method of using the dry powder to improve friction or grip on the hands, are also provided.

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: The present invention provides an improved method of beneficiating and dewatering kaolin clays. The product of the improved process is a brightened, dewatered kaolin, suitable for use in pigments and paper coating compositions. The improved beneficiation process provides refined kaolin for pigments and other purposes of the same or better quality as prior art processes, but with the use of fewer steps and materials, at significant cost and environmental savings.

Abstract: Inorganic anti-corrosive pigments consist of surface-coated solids having a grain size of 0.1 to 75 &mgr;m. In order to improve the resistance of the paints and coatings containing such pigments, firstly Mn3(PO4)2 and secondly aluminium oxides and/or aluminium hydroxides are precipitated onto the solids.

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 pigment product suitable for use in a coating composition to provide a gloss coating on paper, the pigment product comprising a processed particulate kaolin produced from a naturally platy kaolin clay having a particle size distribution such that about 50% to 60% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 2 &mgr;m and less than 25% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 0.25 &mgr;m and a shape factor of at least 15. In processing, the crude kaolin is ground to a shape factor greater than 50 to produce even greater “platy” clay. The pigment product has a particle size distribution such that at least 80% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 2 &mgr;m and greater than 12% and less than 35% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 0.25 &mgr;m and whose surface area is greater than 12 m2/g when measured by the BET method.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for preparing a synthetic clay mineral which comprises silicon, aluminum, and at least one octahedron ion, which clay mineral has a total content of sodium and potassium of less than 0.5 wt. %, comprising the steps of a) providing a silica-alumina with a total content of sodium and potassium of less than 2.0 wt. % b) combining the silica-alumina with an octahedron ion source in such a manner that less than 0.1 mole of the total of sodium or potassium is added per mole of octahedron ion, c) if necessary, adjusting the pH to a value of at least 7, with less than 0.1 mole of the total of sodium and potassium being added per mole of octahedron ion during the pH adjustment, d) ageing the precipitate formed in c) at a temperature of 0-350° C. in an aqueous environment; e) optionally isolating the resulting material, optionally followed by washing.

Abstract: Coarse platey, high brightness kaolin products and methods for making the same, including combining a coarse kaolin fraction and a fine kaolin fraction, where each coarse or fine kaolin fraction may be produced by processing one or more crude kaolin samples through different stages of the methods of the present invention, by blending of one or more crude kaolin samples so processed, or as a by-product of a coarse or fine kaolin product.

Abstract: A pigment product suitable for use in a coating composition to provide a gloss coating on paper, the pigment product comprising a processed particulate kaolin produced from a naturally platy kaolin clay having a particle size distribution such that about 50% to 60% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 2 &mgr;m and less than 25% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 0.25 &mgr;m and a shape factor of at least 15. This platy clay can be blended with b-fraction clay component. In processing, the crude kaolin is ground to a shape factor greater than 50 to produce even greater “platy” clay. The pigment product has a particle size distribution such that at least 80% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 2 &mgr;m and greater than 12% and less than 35% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 0.25 &mgr;m and whose surface area is greater than 12 m2/g when measured by the BET method.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of fired clay, in particular flint clay, as a filler particulate and substitute for standard polymeric particulate commonly used in solid surface products. As well, it is also a substitute for ground stone as used in engineered stone products.

Abstract: A clay slurry is described using smectite clay, water, and a defined phosphonate additive that is hydrolytically stable over time. The viscosity of the clay slurry remains pourable and relatively unchanged over time compared to prior art slurries. The slurry is useful to provide Theological control to paints and coatings and is particularly useful as an anti-bleed additive for concrete.

Abstract: A method of exploring for a primary kaolin and producing products therefrom.

Abstract: A novel clay pigment, the manufacture thereof and the use of the pigment in the coating of lightweight groundwood paper are disclosed. The kaolin clay particles initially have a shape factor between less than 10 and a particle size distribution where between 30 to 60% by weight is less than 2 microns and 20% by weight is less than 0.25 micron e.s.d. This clay is subjected to attrition grinding to produce clay particles having a shape factor between 13 and 18 and then classified to produce a particle size distribution where 80 to 90% by weight are less than 2 microns and 20% by weight are less than 0.25 micron. These pigments have a G.E. brightness ranging from 88 to 92; are deficient in ultra-fine particles; are fluid at a high solids concentration greater than 70%, and have a low shear Brookfield viscosity below 500 cps and a high shear Hercules viscosity of 18 dyne-cm above 200 rpm when using an “A” bob.

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: 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: Fine-grained Tertiary kaolin clay pigments providing improved opacity, sheet gloss and print gloss to paper coated with these pigments are produced by removing fine and coarse particles to produce pigments having a narrow particle size distribution.

Abstract: Paper coating composition comprising an engineered kaolin pigment containing stacks and platelets of unground coarse particles where greater than 96% by weight is less than 5 microns, of which some kaolinite books or stacks are concentrated in the greater than 1 micron size fraction; 88% to 95% by weight is less than 2 microns; 65% to 85% by weight is less than 1 micron; and 15% to 25% by weight is less than 0.25 micron. A first embodiment comprises particles with a shape factor Ad between 7 and 9 which represents a significant number of stacks and some platelets. A second embodiment comprises particles with a shape factor of 11 or 12 which represents the presence of some stacks with a majority of platelets. The kaolin clay pigments form clay-water slurries of 69% solids or greater. As a coating, the composition gives a G. E. brightness between 88 and 94. The engineered pigment is processed so that the desired shape factor is met, which shape factor is equated to the aspect ratio or morphology of the pigment.

Abstract: The inkjet recording sheet substrate of the present invention comprises a cellulosic sheet support, e.g., paper, having on at least one surface thereof a base coating comprising pigment and binder. The preferred pigment component is a 50/50 mixture of kaolin clay and calcined clay, and the preferred binder component is polyvinyl acetate. This combination of binder and pigment has been found to possess a high absorption capacity for the vehicle of an inkjet ink and good compatibility with ink receptive top coatings applied over the base coat.

Abstract: A clay slurry is described using smectite clay, water, and a defined phosphonate additive that is hydrolytically stable over time. The viscosity of the clay slurry remains pourable and relatively unchanged over time compared to prior art slurries. The slurry is useful to provide rheological control to paints and coatings and is particularly useful as an anti-bleed additive for concrete.

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.