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:

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: Polymer coating composition for a plastics substrate including a polymeric binder and an inert filler. The composition also includes polyamide epichlorohydrin and an ionic insolubilizing agent that is capable of reacting with the binder to render the binder insoluble in water.

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: There is provided a composite pigment comprising a clay mineral and an aluminum hydroxide that adheres to the surface of said clay mineral, wherein said aluminum hydroxide contains an aluminum hydroxide in the form of a cup with cover, the basal plane of which adheres to the surface of said clay mineral, and preferably contains such specified aluminum hydroxide as much as possible, which shows excellent transparency, makes both the troubled morphology of the skin such as, wrinkles, pore openings, hard texture of the skin less noticeable, and the trouble color tone of the skin such as, blemishes, freckles, and acne traces less noticeable, when included in cosmetics, as well as having a smoother feel and lesser color drabness, and makes the skin look brighter, when compared to conventional products.

Abstract: A coating composition for paper or paperboard products comprising a structured pigment. The structured pigment includes a plurality of chemically treated mineral particles. The mineral particles have a Malvern median particle size of about 0.3 microns to about 3.5 microns. The Malvern median particle size of the treated particles is less than 20% greater than the Malvern median particle size of the mineral particles prior to treatment.

Abstract: A kaolin clay pigment comprises a coarse kaolin clay or a blend of a coarse kaolin clay with a fine kaolin clay. The coarse kaolin clay is a delaminated and defined pigment product with an overall shape factor greater than about 12. If the coarse kaolin clay is fluid at about 65% to about 75% solids, then it is used by itself as the kaolin pigment. If it is not fluid, it is blended with a fine kaolin clay in amounts ranging from about 0.1% to about 30.0% by weight of the blend. The coarse kaolin clay fraction has a Hinckley Crystallinity Index greater than about 0.6 and the fine kaolin clay has a Hinckley Crystallinity Index less than about 0.5. The pigment has a G.E. brightness of about 90.5 and a particle size distribution such that at least about 90% by weight of the particles has an e.s.d. less than about 2 &mgr;m and about 30% by weight of the particles has an e.s.d. less than about 0.25 microns.

Abstract: A multi-layered coating for use preferably on paperboard or paper is disclosed wherein the coating contains at least two layers. The first layer contains at least one dark colorant, at least one white or near white pigment, and at least one binder, and the second layer contains at least one pigment other than a dark colorant, such as a white or near white pigment, and at least one binder. Slurries and dry mixtures containing these ingredients are also disclosed. A multi-layered coated paperboard or paper comprising paperboard or paper and the multi-layered coating is also disclosed. A method to reduce the amount of a white or near white pigment like titania is also disclosed which involves using one or more of the above-described multi-layered coatings on paperboard or paper.

Abstract: An improved aqueous-based extraction method for the separation and recovery of ultra-fine mineral particles. The process operates within the pseudophase region of the conventional aqueous biphasic extraction system where a low-molecular-weight, water soluble polymer alone is used in combination with a salt and operates within the pseudo-biphase regime of the conventional aqueous biphasic extraction system. A combination of low molecular weight, mutually immiscible polymers are used with or without a salt. This method is especially suited for the purification of clays that are useful as rheological control agents and for the preparation of nanocomposites.

Abstract: Calcined kaolin clay pigments having improved color are manufactured by adding a blue agent to the kaolin clay pigment prior to calcination, and then calcining the pigment and blue agent mixture.

Abstract: An improved method for purifying titania contaminated kaolin clay by froth flotation which features the use an hydroxamate flotation collector at a neutral or mildly alkaline pH wherein a slurry of the impure clay is conditioned for the flotation step in a baffled conditioning apparatus provided with mean for imparting sufficient mechanical energy to heat a dispersed slurry of the impure clay before flotation.

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:

Abstract: A process for preparing a flowable slurry comprising mixing 25-70 wt. % water; an alkaline material selected from the group consisting of chlorosilicon manufacturing byproducts, direct process residue gels, cement kiln dust, and mixtures thereof; and a process aid selected from the group consisting of sucrose, raffinose, lignin, methylglucopyranoside, lactose, fructose, sodium polyphosphate, trehalose and mixtures thereof to form a flowable slurry. This slurry is especially useful in the manufacture of cement.

Abstract: Porous calcined clay sports field conditioners exhibit excellent playability while also displaying excellent drainage, freedom from compaction, and moisture retention under hot, dry conditions. The conditioners are non-hydrating granulates of narrow particle size distribution and are preferably of a red to brown coloration.

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 method of heat treating kaolin particles which includes the steps of establishing in a furnace a heating zone suitable to calcine the particles and passing the particles rapidly through the heating zone whereby the particles are flash calcined in the heating zone, wherein the furnace is of the kind in which a toroidal fluid flow heating zone is established and the particles are heated in the said heating zone to a temperature of at least 800° C. but not greater than 1100° C. by application to the particles of a temperature increase rate greater than 103 Celsius degrees per second to give a rapid blistering of the particles caused by rapid dehydroxylation of the kaolin and wherein the particles have a residence time of less than 1 second in the said toroidal fluid flow heating zones.

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: There is provided a composite pigment comprising a clay mineral and an aluminum hydroxide that adheres to the surface of said clay mineral, wherein said aluminum hydroxide contains an aluminum hydroxide in the form of a cup with cover, the basal plane of which adheres to the surface of said clay mineral, and preferably contains such specified aluminum hydroxide as much as possible, which shows excellent transparency, makes both the troubled morphology of the skin such as, wrinkles, pore openings, hard texture of the skin less noticeable, and the trouble color tone of the skin such as, blemishes, freckles, and acne traces less noticeable, when included in cosmetics, as well as having a smoother feel and lesser color drabness, and makes the skin look brighter, when compared to conventional products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated additive composition which contains anti-blocking agents and at least one organic component and is characterized in that the organic component(s) is (are) localized in a concentration of 5 to 65 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the composition, in the pores of the anti-blocking agent, the volume of the organic component(s) not being greater, however, than the pore volume of the anti-blocking agent. The invention also describes processes for the preparation of this integrated additive composition and its use in polyolefin films and in injection molding.

Abstract: Sizing dispersions of liquid reactive size are made by dispersing the reactive size as a neat liquid into a dispersion of bentonite or other anionic microparticulate material in water. These dispersions can be used for internal sizing, for instance wherein the dispersion is used as the anionic microparticulate stage in a microparticulate retention paper-making process, or they can be used for external sizing.

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: Kaolin clay agglomerates having improved bulk density, improved rheological properties and good optical properties are provided by mixing calcined kaolin clay, hydrous kaolin clay and water and then subjecting the mixture to high pressure in a compaction system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of making a highly reactive pozzolan, involving the steps of forming a slurry comprising metakaolin and a liquid; wet milling the slurry; and separating the metakaolin from the liquid to provide the highly reactive pozzolan. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of making a cement-based composition involving the steps of providing a highly reactive pozzolan by forming a slurry comprising metakaolin and a liquid, wet milling the slurry, and separating the metakaolin from the liquid; and combining the highly reactive pozzolan with at least one cementitious material.

Abstract: An aqueous aluminium silicate suspension having a content of aluminium silicate of at least 30 wt. % is prepared by liquefaction of the aluminium silicate filter cake or by dispersion of aluminium silicate powder in water with the addition of aluminium silicate powder, surfactant and aluminium sulfate. It can be employed in papermaking.

Abstract: An improved process for the beneficiation of mixtures of mineral particles (such as kaolin clays) containing minerals which chelate with hydroxamates. The use of a silicon-containing compound in combination with a hydroxamate results in a more effective separation of minerals which chelate with the hydroxamate.

Abstract: A improved process for beneficiating kaolin clays to remove discoloring impurities is disclosed. The beneficiation of kaolin clay is improved by fractionating a kaolin clay starting material into a lower brightness first fraction having a majority of the discoloring impurities and a higher brightness second fraction with less impurities. The first fraction is then beneficiated (such as by flotation, selection flocculation, high intensity magnetic separation and/or leaching) to produce a kaolin clay product with improved optical properties. The first and second fractions may be combined to produce a product with improved optical properties.

Abstract: A composition of clay, water and an additive chosen from the group consisting of tannin, modified tannin and mixtures thereof. A clay brick made from a composition of clay, water and an additive chosen from the group consisting of tannin, modified tannin and mixtures thereof. A method for producing clay bricks in which a composition comprising clay, water and an additive chosen from the group consisting of tannin, modified tannin and mixtures thereof is prepared. A clay brick made by a method in which a composition comprising clay, water and an additive chosen from the group consisting of tannin, modified tannin and mixtures thereof is prepared. A method for producing brick in which the water content necessary to facilitate the extrusion of a plastic mixture of clay and water is reduced by incorporating an additive chosen from the group consisting of tannin, modified tannin and mixtures thereof into the plastic mixture of clay and water.

Abstract: A method of preparing a polymer structured pigment slurry which comprises providing an anionic, aqueous slurry including a plurality of solid mineral particles, adding a low molecular weight, cationic polymer in an amount of less than about 0.20% by weight to the slurry and then adding a small amount of an inorganic dispersant to the polymer treated pigment slurry. The Malvern median particle size of the mineral particles treated with the polycationic polymer is less than about 20% larger than the Malvern median particle size of the untreated mineral particles.

Abstract: Matte grade coated ink jet paper comprises a cellulosic substrate coated with a coating composition comprising a calcined kaolin clay particulate pigment comprising porous aggregates with a total pore volume of 0.60 cm.sup.3 /g to 2.00 cm.sup.3 /g, a narrow particle size distribution where about 90 weight % has an E.S.D. less than 2 microns a mean pore size less than 0.8 microns in diameter, and a cationic polymer with an average molecular weight in the range of 1,000 to 5 million daltons which polymer acts as a dispersant in a precursor slurry and produces a net positive charge on the calcined clay pigment. This chemically treated clay pigment is used in a final coating formulation for the substrate to provide high printing ink density, printed and coating gloss, water fastness resistance, low wicking, and low bleeding on most ink jet papers.

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 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: This invention relates to a pigment particle product and a method for its preparation. According to the invention pigment particles, such as kaolin, natural calcium carbonate or titanium dioxide, and precipitated calcium carbonate are mixed together in an aqueous phase at pH 6-11, which causes the pigment particles to become coated with particles of precipitated calcium carbonate. The brightness of the product is excellent, and it is quite inexpensive to produce.

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 method of producing a porous inorganic particulate material which comprises treating a particulate aluminosilicate material with a leaching agent which chemically reacts with or solubilizes aluminum and thereby leaches aluminum from the aluminosilicate material, wherein the particulate aluminosilicate material is a particulate hydrous aluminosilicate material which has been flash calcined.

Abstract: The present invention provides an activated clay for refining aromatic hydrocarbons such as BTX (benzene, toluene, xylene), etc., satisfying the requirements of both excellent life and excellent side-reaction-preventing property. The activated clay for treating aromatic hydrocarbons is obtained by treating dioctahedral smectite clay minerals with an acid so as to possess a BET specific surface area of not smaller than 250 m.sup.2 /g and to contain iron in an amount of not smaller than 2.5% by weight calculated as Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, and method for making same, comprising large particle size, calcined kaolin clays that, when used in paint formulations, provide paints having low sheen and good weathering resistance. Compositions of the invention include a composition comprising the pigment produced by a process comprising calcining a feed comprising kaolin having a median equivalent spherical diameter (e.s.d.) as measured on a Sedigraph 5100 of greater than about 2.0 microns and having .ltoreq. about 15% less than 0.5 micron.

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: The invention relates to an aggregated silica gel which has been produced from silica gel particles having a particle size of 1 to 20.mu., a surface of 200 to 1000 m.sup.2 /g and a specific pore volume of 0.4 to 2.5 ml/g and a binding agent selected from synthetic or natural phyllosilicate, pyrogenic silicon dioxide and organic polymers soluble in water or dispersible in water. Aggregation takes place by spray-drying a suspension having 1 to 25% solids. The product is suitable as a matting agent for coatings, as an antiblocking agent for polymer films and as a beer clarifying agent.

Abstract: A process for making a bleaching clay composition useful for purification of oil is disclosed. The process involves controlled acidification of a palygorskite and smectite clay mineral with sulfuric acid. The clay mineral starting material exhibits, in an aqueous slurry, an electrical conductivity of at least about 50 microSiemens per centimeter.

Abstract: A hydrothermal reaction which dissolves the amorphous silica and the crystalline silica impurities contained in a recovered, naturally occurring montmorillonite clay, and subsequently converts the dissolved silicas into a dioctahedral and/or trioctahedil smectite clay. The dissolution of silica is accomplished by adjusting the pH of an aqueous slurry of the recovered clay to a value of about 8.5 to about 10.0, preferably about 9.0 to about 9.5, at a temperature of at least about 150.degree. C., preferably about 180.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C., more preferably about 190.degree. C. to about 235.degree. C. Dissolved silica reacts with stoichiometric amounts of aluminum and/or magnesium and/or sodium added to the slurry, while at a temperature of at least about 150.degree. C., preferably about 185.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C.

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: A method for modifying the surface of kaolinite or a kindred mineral comprises the step of subjecting the mineral to a water vapor plasma. The modification involves the generation of reactive hydroxyl sites on the surface of the kaolinite. The plasma treatment may be followed by treatment with an appropriate chemical reagent to further modify the surface properties of the mineral.

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: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a cement-based composition containing at least one cementitious material and at least one highly reactive pozzolan, wherein the highly reactive pozzolan comprises spray-dried metakaolin. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a cement-based composition containing at least one cementitious material and at least one highly reactive pozzolan, wherein the highly reactive pozzolan is characterized as comprised of agglomerated beads of microparticles, the agglomerated beads having a median diameter of at least about 10 microns and the microparticles having a median diameter of about 5 microns or less.

Abstract: Alkaline earth bentonite can be activated by the use of sodium citrate or other organic sequestering agent as activator. Dry blends of the activator and the bentonite can be provided.

Abstract: A process for preparing a molding sand for a green sand mold is provided. The process comprises the step of drying under a reduced pressure of 0 to 0.3 atm for 0.5 to 30 seconds a green molding sand obtained by kneading silica sand, clay, and water, to dry the clay superficial part and to retain in a moist state the clay deeper part on the silica sand core part in each particle of the molding sand. The molding sand prepared by this process has enhanced flowability. Furthermore, the sand mold prepared from the molding sand has sufficient strength.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system of natural colours consisting of thousands of coloured powders of mineral origin and of materials in or on which pigments have been applied and, afterwards, submitted to at least one thermal treatment and/or irradiation. These natural colours cover the totality of the visible spectrum and offer a great variety of tones, tints and reflections from white to black, including all the rainbow colours. The powders of this system are obtained by mechanical, chemical, thermal and/or physical processes and are used alone or in combination. They are particularly useful to colour materials and, more especially those used in the construction and architectural fields.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system of natural colors consisting of thousands of colored powders of mineral origin and of materials in or on which pigments have been applied and, afterwards, submitted to at least one thermal treatment and/or irradiation. These natural colors cover the totality of the visible spectrum and offer a great variety of tones, tints and reflections from white to black, including all the rainbow colors. The powders of this system are obtained by a combination of three mechanical, chemical, thermal and/or irradiation processes. They are particularly useful to color materials and, more especially those used in the construction and architectural fields.

Abstract: Provided is a method of making improved brightness kaolin clay from an aqueous kaolin clay slurry in which the primary active dispersant is a weak dispersant, at least including the steps of adding to the kaolin clay an effective magnet enhancer reagent wherein the magnet enhancer reagent comprises an aqueous solution of one or more magnetic oxides and one or more surface active agents; conditioning the kaolin clay; and performing high gradient magnetic separation on the conditioned kaolin clay to produce an improved brightness kaolin clay. The method is also applied to decreasing iron- and/or titania-containing impurities in a clay.

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.