Abstract: A process for the preparation of vermiculite particles having enhanced properties which comprises exfoliating crude vermiculite without substantially changing its structural strength, pulverizing the exfoliated particles and subjecting them to a heat treatment so as to cause at least partial calcination.

Abstract: A colloidal clay is prepared by initially slurrying a clay material with water, heating the slurry, and commingling the slurry with steam to pressurize the slurry and hydrate the clay. Thereafter the pressurized slurry is rapidly expanded, as by jetting to an area of lesser pressure, to cause at least some colloidal particles to be formed of the clay. Next, and preferably, the clay is held in a holding zone for a time and at a temperature and pressure sufficient to optimize the formation of colloidal particles of the clay material. Thereafter, the colloidal particles are separated from the non-colloidal particles. The colloidal particles of clay so formed may be reacted with an "onium" base material to form a colloidal organophilic clay material useful as a gelling and/or suspension agent.

Abstract: A rotary inclined tubular drier for puffing or expanding borax and a process for the production of puffed or expanded borax beads of desired physical characteristics. A rotatable tube is mounted on bearing wheels and surrounded by a fixed, close-fitting, insulated tube having electrical heating elements running lengthwise attached to its inside wall. The rotatable tube is fed continuously with granular borax feedstock by a vibratory feeder from its higher end and the puffed borax is discharged into a discharge chute from the lower end of the tube. A counter current of dry air is maintained by a suction hood at the high end of the tube, and borax is prevented from adhering to the interior of the tube by an adjustable, spring-loaded, internal scraper. The temperature of the drier is controlled by means of a pyrometer incorporated into a scraper support rod on the interior of the tube.