Abstract: A process for the production of a molecular sieve adsorbent blend product with improved performance characteristics produced by preparing a zeolite powder, preparing a highly dispersed attapulgite fiber binder, mixing the zeolite powder with the highly dispersed attapulgite binder to form a mixture, forming molecular sieve adsorbent products into a shaped material and calcining the shaped material, wherein the tapped bulk density of the highly dispersed attapulgite fibers measured according to DIN/ISO 787 is more than about 550 g/ml.

Abstract: A chromium containing catalyst wherein the chromium atom is in one of its higher valence states and is immobilized to a support-agglomerate composed of at least one inorganic oxide component and at least one ion-containing layered component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material for treating gaseous media containing volatile organic components. According to the invention, the material is porous and exhibits an absorption capacity of approximately 20-30% in relation to the dry weight thereof, containing approximately 47-52% by weight of a composite carbon and silicon structure, approximately 12-20 wt. % carbon, approximately 5-7 wt % hydroxyl, and approximately 1-2 wt % oxygen. The invention can be used in atmospheric treatment for the preservation of living matter.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a carrier composition comprising (a) at least 30 wt % of a synthetic cracking component, based on the total weight of the carrier composition, which comprises oxidic compounds of one or more trivalent metallic elements, tetravalent metallic elements, and divalent metallic elements, said cracking component comprising elemental clay platelets with an average diameter of 1 &mgr;m or less and an average degree of stacking of 20 platelets per stack or less, and/or comprising a cogel with a saponite content CA of less than 60%, in which the total of sodium and potassium amounts to less than 1 wt %, based on the total weight of the cogel, and (b) 1-25 wt % of a zeolite Y, based on the total weight of the carrier composition, with a unit cell size below 24.35 Å. The invention further pertains to a catalyst comprising said carrier composition and at least a hydrogenation metal, and a process for converting heavy feedstock into middle distillates using said catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the in-situ preparation of a composite comprising a cationic clay and binder/matrix material from sources comprising an aluminum containing source, a silicon containing source and a di-valent metal containing source comprising the steps of: a. preparing a precursor mixture by mixing the aluminum containing source, the silicon containing source and the di-valent metal containing source with seeding material, b. homogenizing the precursor mixture, and c. aging the precursor mixture to obtain the composite. One or two of the aluminum containing source, silicon containing source or di-valent metal containing source is to be in excess of the amount required for stoichiometry of the three sources with respect to the formation of the cationic clay. The excess source or sources will form the binder/matrix material of the composite. The invention also includes a body comprising a composite obtained by this process having binding/matrix material present in a discontinuous phase.

Abstract: This invention relates to filterable composite adsorbents comprising one or more adsorbent components and one or more filtration components, and methods for preparing and using same. More particularly, this invention pertains to filterable composite adsorbents and filterable composite adsorbent products which are suitable for use in filtration applications, and which comprise one or more microparticulate or colloidal adsorbent components selected from the group consisting of silica gel, fumed silica, neutral clay, alkaline clay, zeolite, solid catalyst, alumina, adsorbent polymer, alkaline earth silicate hydrate, and combinations thereof, which bear the property of adsorption, which are intimately bound to one or more functional filtration components selected from the group consisting of biogenic silica (e.g., diatomite, rice hull ash, sponge spicules), natural glass (e.g.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of anionic clay and boehmite-containing compositions. These compositions may also contain unreacted trivalent metal source and/or divalent metal source. The process involves subjecting a precursor mixture comprising a divalent metal source and a trivalent metal source to at least two aging steps, wherein at least once between two aging steps an aluminum source is added. An advantage of the invention is that the crystallinity of the boehmite in the composition can be tuned.

Abstract: The invention concerns a microporous crystalline material, with a characteristic X-ray diffractogram, made up by oxygen tetrahedra and one metal (T+4 and T+3) with the possibility of introducing surface acidity produced by the substitution in the network of some T+4 cations (normally Si+4) by T+3 cations (normally Al+3), which gives rise to a structural charge deficiency which can be offset by protons, Brönsted acidity, and/or cations with a high charge-radium ratio, Lewis acidity. The method of preparation is based on the modification of the laminar structure of a mixed oxide (normally SiO2, Al2O3) synthesized from a gel treated under controlled hydrothermal conditions, intercalating organic molecules with a proton-acceptor group and a long hydrocarbonic chain between its laminae. The intercalated material has laminae with a significant separation between them due to the presence between them of the organic chains.

Abstract: A dealuminized catalyst carrier, a method for producing a catalyst carrier having a lower aluminum content on the basis of naturally occurring sheet silicates, such as montmorilonite, and to a method for hydrating C2 or C3 olefins which uses the catalyst carrier having a lower aluminum content. For the acid-catalyzed hydration reaction the carrier is saturated with phosphoric acid. The improvement the invention provides for in comparison with known hydration methods is characterized in that the carrier is no longer subject to aluminum leaching in the presence of phosphoric acid. As a result, there is no further risk of aluminum phosphate blockages occurring in the apparatus positioned downstream of the reaction.

Abstract: A catalyst component for olefin polymerization, which comprises an ion-exchange layered silicate having the following features 1 and 2: feature 1: in a pore size distribution curve calculated from desorption isotherm by nitrogen adsorption-desorption method, a pore diameter Dm showing a maximum peak intensity DVM is from 60 to 200 Å; and feature 2: in a pore size distribution curve calculated from desorption isotherm by nitrogen adsorption-desorption method, a pore diameter Dm1/2 (Å) on the smaller pore size side corresponding to a ½ peak intensity of the maximum peak intensity DVM has a relation of Dm1/2/Dm of at least 0.65 and less than 1, provided that the largest value is employed when there are a plurality of Dm1/2 values.

Abstract: This patent describes economical and environment-friendly processes for the synthesis of Mg-containing non-Al anionic clays. It involves a one-step process wherein a suspension comprising a trivalent metal source and at least a magnesium containing source as a divalent metal source is reacted to obtain a magnesium-containing non-Al anionic clay. The anionic clay has interlayers containing anions comprising hydroxycarbonate, carbonate, bicarbonate, acetate, hydroxyacetate, oxalate, nitrate, hydroxyl, and/or formate or mixtures thereof. There is no necessity to wash or filter the product. It can be spray dried directly to form microspheres or can be extruded to form shaped bodies. The product can be combined with other ingredients in the manufacture of catalysts, absorbents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, and other commodity products that contain anionic clays.

Abstract: A description is given of agglomerates of faujasite X with an Si/Al ratio of 1, the inert binder of which, on the one hand, has been converted to active zeolite by conversion to zeolite in an alkaline liquor, and which have been subjected, on the other hand, to an exhaustive lithium exchange. These adsorbents develop a nitrogen adsorption capacity (1 bar/25° C.) of at least 26 cm3/g, which makes them excellent adsorbents for the non-cryogenic separation of gases from air and for the purification of hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparation of polyolefin/inorganic component nanocomposite by in-situ polymerization, in which, a clay is first organically modified and then silica or titanium dioxide nanometer particles are incorporated into the layers of crystal sheets of the clay by sol-gel method. And a metallocene catalyst is then loaded on the above-mentioned material and a finished catalyst is obtained. The said catalyst is used for in-situ polymerization of ethylene or propylene, and polyolefin/clay nanocomposite is finally obtained. The process for preparation of the catalyst according to the present invention is simple, and the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite are high. For example, the Young's modulus and the tensile strength thereof are in the ranges of 700-2600 Mpa, and 20-55 MPa respectively.

Abstract: An improved animal litter with granules having high hardness coupled with high absorbency, thereby rendering the animal litter long lasting and durable, dust and odor free, easy to clean and maintain, and inexpensive in contrast to conventional animal litters. The improved animal litter is a composition comprising granules having calcium bentonite clay, illite clay, and/or kaolinite clay. A method of fabricating the improved animal litter includes the step of providing a composition comprising granules having calcium bentonite clay, illite clay, and/or kaolinite clay. Additional steps may also be included, namely: crushing the composition; screening the composition; kilning the composition; and washing the composition.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of syngas by contact of syngas under conversion conditions with catalyst having as components zinc oxide, copper oxide, aluminum oxide, Y zeolite and clay in which (A) in a one step process for conversion of syngas to dimethyl ether, the catalyst has as components an extruded mixture of zinc oxide, copper oxide, gamma aluminum oxide, Y zeolite and clay; (B) in a two step process for conversion of syngas to light olefins, a catalyst system is employed that has in the first step a catalyst mixture of zinc oxide, copper oxide, aluminum oxide, Y zeolite and clay and the catalyst employed in the second step is SAPO-34; SAPO-34 modified with lanthanum(III) nitrate hexahydrate; SAPO-34 modified with magnesium nitrate hexahydrate; SAPO-34 modified with tributyl borate or SAPO-34 modified with triethyl phosphate or (C) in a two step process for conversion of syngas to light olefins, the pressure on the effluent from the contact of syngas with a mixture of zinc oxide, copper oxide, aluminum

Abstract: The current invention describes organoclay compositions and methods of using them for removing impurities from contaminated liquids. The compositions are formed by contacting an attapulgite, sepiolite, or zeolite clay mineral with an alkylamine base. The method of use involves contacting the organoclay composition with a contaminated liquid, such as oil in water, allowing the organoclay to absorb the contaminants. The organoclay can be in the form of a granular solid for inline filter applications, or it can be a finely divided powder for other applications.

Abstract: A process for the production of a molecular sieve adsorbent blend product with improved performance characteristics produced by preparing a zeolite powder, preparing a highly dispersed attapulgite fiber binder, mixing the zeolite powder with the highly dispersed attapulgite binder to form a mixture, forming molecular sieve adsorbent products into a shaped material and calcining the shaped material, wherein the tapped bulk density of the highly dispersed attapulgite fibers measured according to DIN/ISO 787 is more than about 550 g/ml.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clay-titanium tetrachloride catalyst used for the preparation of polyolefine/clay composite materials, comprising: 1) a phyllosilicate; 2) a magnesium compound selected from the group consisting of MgCl2, Mg(OR)2 and MgR2, wherein R is an alkyl group having 1-8 carbon atoms; 3) an aliphatic alcohol which is capable of dissolving the magnesium compound; 4) titanium tetrachloride TiCl4; and optionally 5) an electron-donor reagent selected from the group consisting of an aromatic ester and an aromatic group substituted or cycloalkyl group substituted alkoxy silane. The present invention also provide a method for the prepare of the catalyst. The nanocomposite materials obtained by using the catalyst have tensile strength of 32-50 MPa and Vicat temperature of 131-220° C.

Abstract: A method for producing chlorine dioxide by activating zeolite crystals (which have been impregnated with metal chlorite such as sodium chlorite, and optionally also a water-retaining substance such as magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium hydroxide, or calcium chloride) with excess protons, or activating an aqueous solution of metal chlorite and such a water-retaining substance with excess protons. Proton generating species useful for the activation are acids such as acetic, phosphoric, and citric acid, and metal salts such as ferric chloride, ferric sulfate, ZnSO4, ZnCl2, CoSO4, CoCl2, MnSO4, MnCl2, CuSO4, CuCl2, and MgSO4. The activation can be performed by causing fluid to flow through a bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with calcium chloride (or other water-retaining substance) and sodium chlorite, and a bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with a proton generating species. The two beds can be physically mixed together or the fluid can flow sequentially through separate beds.

Abstract: Activated regular-shaped clay particles forming macropores therein, preserving fine structure of the dioctahedral smectite clay minerals, and having particle diameters controlled to lie within a range in which they exhibit excellent filtering property. The invention further provides method of producing activated regular-shaped clay particles comprising the steps of adjusting the particle size of the dioctahedral smectite clay minerals to possess a volume-based median diameter (D50) of from 1 to 10 &mgr;m as found by a laser diffraction method, mixing an acid-soluble or acid-decomposing inorganic compound to the milled product thereof, granulating the mixture into regular particles having a volume-based median diameter (D50) of from 10 to 60 &mgr;m as found by a laser diffraction method, and treating the regular-shaped particles with an acid while maintaining the particle shapes.

Abstract: A catalyst which is able to express a high oligomerizing activity of ethylene and a method for the production of &agr;-olefin where ethylene is oligomerized using said catalyst are provided.

Abstract: A process for preparing a 3R1-type crystalline anionic clay comprising the steps of: a) preparing an aqueous precursor mixture comprising aluminum trihydrate or a thermally treated form thereof and a magnesium source, the magnesium source is milled before use or when present in the precursor mixture, b) aging the precursor mixture at temperatures in the range 30°-100° C. to obtain the crystalline clay product, and c) optionally shaping the product of step b). Milling of the magnesium source, either alone or in combination with the (thermally treated) aluminum trihydrate, results in a faster reaction and higher conversion to anionic clay. The resulting anionic clay can be obtained by simply drying the slurry retrieved from the reactor. There is no need for washing or filtering, and a wide range of ratios of Mg/Al in the reaction product is possible.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of crystalline anionic clay-containing bodies from sources comprising an aluminum source and a magnesium source comprising the steps of: a) preparing a precursor mixture, b) shaping the precursor mixture to obtain shaped- bodies, c) optionally thermally treating the shaped bodies, and d) aging to obtain crystalline anionic clay-containing bodies. The quintessence of the present invention is that the bodies are shaped prior to the forming of the crystalline anionic clay in said bodies. This results in very attrition resistant bodies, without the need to add a binder material.

Abstract: Catalyst for steam cracking reactions consisting of pure mayenite having the general formula:

Abstract: A process for the production of a bleaching clay product which includes the steps of selecting a naturally occurring, acidic hormite clay product, cleaning and crushing the hormite clay products to form clay clumps, selecting a naturally occurring less acidic, clay product which contains a higher level of montmorillonite than does the acidic hormite clay, aging the crushed hormite clay, blending the aged hormite clay with the less acidic clay product either before or after aging and activating the clay with small quantities of acid. An acceptable bleaching clay product can be produced without activation with acid.

Abstract: Anionic clay compounds such as hydrotalcite-like compounds can be made by a process wherein a non-hydrotalcite-like compound (or a hydrotalcite-like compound) are heat treated and then hydrated to form hydrotalcite-like compounds having properties (e.g., increased hardness and/or density) that differ from those of hydrotalcite-like compounds made by prior art methods wherein non-hydrotalcite-like compounds (or hydrotalcite-like compounds) are not similarly heat treated and hydrated to form such hydrotalcite-like compounds.

Abstract: Selected smectites may be synthesized from a wide variety of components. Morphology, purity, size, and/or shape of the selected smectite may be controlled by mixing the clay smectite formatives, and selectively controlling the pH during mixing. The selected smectites may be used in any applications in which naturally occurring smectite may be used. The selected smectite may also be formulated into an organoclay.

Abstract: A catalyst which is able to express a high oligomerizing activity of ethylene and a method for the production of &agr;-olefin where ethylene is oligomerized using said catalyst are provided. The present invention relates to a catalyst for the production of &agr;-olefin obtained by contacting (a) clay, clay mineral or ion-exchange layer compound with (b-1) a transition metal complex of Groups 4 to 6 of the Periodic Table and also relates to a method for the production of &agr;-olefin by oligomerization of ethylene using said catalyst. The present invention further relates to a catalyst for the production of &agr;-olefin obtained by contacting (a) clay, clay mineral or ion-exchange layer compound with (b-2) a transition metal complex of Groups 8 to 10 of the Periodic Table and also relates to a method of the production of &agr;-olefin by oligomerization of ethylene using said catalyst.

Abstract: Maghnia or Mostaganem bentonites, are activated by contacting the Maghnia or Mostaganem bentonite with an acid solution of selected concentration and then drying the Maghnia or Mostaganem bentonite to form an activated bentonite catalyst. This activated bentonite catalyst may be used to polymerize a vinyl, acrylic, cyclic ether, aldehyde, lactone or olefin monomer. In a further embodiment, a perflourinated amine or diamine is synthesized by contacting a Maghnia or Mostaganem bentonite with an acid solution of selected concentration, drying the Maghnia or Mostaganem bentonite, and absorbing a secondary amine with the Maghnia or Mostaganem bentonite to form a perflouroamide iodide salt. The perflouramide idodide salt can then be extracted with a polar solvent and neutralized by the use of a basic solution.

Abstract: An economical and environment-friendly processes for the synthesis of anionic clays and the products made therefrom. It involves reacting a slurry comprising non-peptized boehmite with a magnesium source. There is no necessity to wash or filter the product. It can be spray dried directly to form microspheres or can be extruded to form shaped bodies. The product can be combined with other ingredients in the manufacture of catalysts, absorbents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, and other commodity products that contain anionic clays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stevensite or kerolite type trioctahedral phyllosilicates 2:1 containing fluorine, fluorinated in synthesis in an acid medium and modified post-synthesis to bring about Si/Al and/or Mg/Al substitutions which impart acid properties to the solid. These phyllosilicates may be incorporated in the composition of catalysts used to convert hydrocarbons, in particular for hydrocracking.

Abstract: An olefin polymerization catalyst comprising the following components (A) and (B): Component (A): an ion-exchange layered silicate having an acid site of at most −8.2 pKa, the amount of the acid site is equivalent to at least 0.05 mmol/g of 2,6-dimethylpyridine consumed for neutralization; and Component (B): a compound of a transition metal belonging to Group 3 to Group 12 of the Periodic Table.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clay-titanium tetrachloride catalyst used for the preparation of polyolefine/clay composite materials, comprising: 1) a phyllosilicate; 2) a magnesium compound selected from the group consisting of MgCl2, Mg(OR)2 and MgR2, wherein R is an alkyl group having 1-8 carbon atoms; 3) an aliphatic alcohol which is capable of dissolving the magnesium compound; 4) titanium tetrachloride TiCl4; and optionally 5) an electron-donor reagent selected from the group consisting of an aromatic ester and an aromatic group substituted or cycloalkyl group substituted alkoxy silane. The present invention also provide a method for the prepare of the catalyst. The nanocomposite materials obtained by using the catalyst have tensile strength of 32-50 MPa and Vicat temperature of 131-220° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a catalyst which comprises combining catalyst components or precursors thereof in an aqueous medium to form a catalyst precursor mixture, feeding the mixture to a shaping apparatus, and shaping the mixture to form particles wherein just before the shaping step the mixture is destabilized. It was found that with this process catalysts can be prepared which have both a good attrition resistance and a high accessibility. The invention further relates to catalysts obtainable by this process.

Abstract: The catalyst for polymerizing vinyl compounds according to the present invention comprises (A) a complex of Group 4 to 10 transition metal of the Periodic Table, (B) a clay, clay mineral or ion-exchangeable layered compound, and (C) at least one aluminoxy compound represented by Formula (1): 1

Abstract: A process for producing a solid acid catalyst, which comprises: adding a pseudoboehmite as a binder to a sulfated zirconium hydroxide, followed by kneading with an aqueous solution containing at least one metal of the Group VIII, or loading at least one metal of the Group VIII on a sulfated zirconium hydroxide, and then adding a pseudoboehmite as a binder thereto, followed by kneading with water, further followed by molding and calcining at a temperature of from 550 to 800° C.; a solid acid catalyst produced by the production process; and a method for hydrodesulfurizing and isomerizing a light hydrocarbon oil using the catalyst.

Abstract: A process for treating a bentonite having a montmorillonite content of at least 85% which, when activated with sodium ions dried and ground, does not swell more than about 2.5-fold when gradually added to deionised water at room temperature and when crushed dried and calcined to an LoI of less than 4% at 190° C. absorbs 16 to 22% by weight of water in a controlled environment at 25° C. and a relative humidity of 40% by weight, which process comprises the following steps in the following order: i) drying to a moisture content from 25 to 35% by weight; ii) conditioning by crushing, mixing and/or extruding; iii) addition of water to form an extrudable paste having a moisture content of 25 to 40% by weight; iv) extrusion through a die preferably from 4 to 10 mm in diameter; v) drying to a moisture content from 10 to 14% by weight; vi) calcining at 120 to 250° C. to an LoI of less than 4% at 190° C.; and vii) reduction to particles.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a carrier composition comprising (a) at least 30 wt % of a synthetic cracking component, based on the total weight of the carrier composition, which comprises oxidic compounds of one or more trivalent metallic elements, tetravalent metallic elements, and divalent metallic elements, said cracking component comprising elemental clay platelets with an average diameter of 1 &mgr;m or less and an average degree of stacking of 20 platelets per stack or less, and/or comprising a cogel with a saponite content CA of less than 60 %, in which the total of sodium and potassium amounts to less than 1 wt %, based on the total weight of the cogel, and (b) 1 −25 wt % of a zeolite Y, based on the total weight of the carrier composition, with a unit cell size below 24.35 å. The invention further pertains to a catalyst comprising said carrier composition and at least a hydrogenation metal, and a process for converting heavy feedstock into middle distillates using said catalyst.

Abstract: A process for preparing a silicate porous product, which comprises a step of forming a clay mineral into a dispersion by means of a dispersant, a step of removing gases dissolved in the dispersion, a step of freezing the dispersion and drying it in its frozen state under reduced pressure, and a step of firing the dried product obtained by the drying.

Abstract: A process for the production of a bleaching clay product which includes the steps of selecting a naturally occurring hormite clay product, cleaning and crushing the clay product to form clay clumps less than 6 in. in diameter, aging the crushed hormite clay and activating the clay with extremely small amounts of acid, in the range of less than 1 percent, by weight. Also, an acceptable bleaching clay product can be produced without the addition of any acid to the aged hormite clay.

Abstract: A process for treating a bentonite having a montmorillonite content of at least 85% which, when activated with sodium ions dried and ground, does not swell more than about 2.5-fold when gradually added to deionised water at room temperature and when crushed dried and calcined to an LoI of less than 4% at 190° C. absorbs 16 to 22% by weight of water in a controlled environment at 25° C. and a relative humidity of 40% by weight, which process comprises the following steps in the following order: i) drying to a moisture content from 25 to 35% by weight; ii) conditioning by crushing, mixing and/or extruding; iii) addition of water to form an extrudable paste having a moisture content of 25 to 40% by weight; iv) extrusion through a die preferably from 4 to 10 mm in diameter; v) drying to a moisture content from 10 to 14% by weight; vi) calcining at 120 to 250° C. to an LoI of less than 4% at 190° C.; and vii) reduction to particles.

Abstract: Anionic clay compounds such as hydrotalcite-like compounds can be made by a process wherein a non-hydrotalcite-like compound (or a hydrotalcite-like compound) are heat treated and then hydrated to form hydrotalcite-like compounds having properties (e.g.., increased hardness and/or density) that differ from those of hydrotalcite-like compounds made by prior art methods wherein non-hydrotalcite-like compounds (or hydrotalcite-like compounds) are not similarly heat treated and hydrated to form such hydrotalcite-like compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functionalized catalyst supports that are useful in the formation of supported polymerization catalysts, supported catalysts derived from such functionalized catalyst supports, methods for preparing such functionalized catalyst supports and supported catalysts, and polymerization processes utilizing such supported catalysts. The functionalized catalyst support comprises a particulated support material having chemically bonded thereto a plurality of aluminum-containing groups derived from a non-ionic Lewis acid, said aluminum-containing groups: containing at least one fluoro-substituted hydrocarbyl ligand containing from 1 to 20 carbons, said hydrocarbyl ligand being bonded to aluminum, and being bonded to said support material, optionally through a bridging moiety, said composition being capable of activating a Group 3-10 metal complex for the addition polymerization of one or more addition polymerizable monomers.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to Mg—Al anionic clay having 3R2 stacking. This new polytype of anionic clay has a three-layer repeat, but it has a different interlayer arrangement than the conventional 3R1 hydrotalcite. Said new polytype can be applied in all applications described before for the conventional 3R1 polytype anionic clay such as in catalyst compositions, catalyst additive compositions, catalyst supports, absorbent compositions, stabilizer compositions and in medicaments.

Abstract: A method for producing an Attapulgite clay (Fuller's Earth) that significantly removes other types of clays and minerals, resulting in improved performance. A unique dispersant is used that will fully disperse the individual Attapulgite particles in water such that the particles remain in suspension, and allow the non-Attapulgite clay particles to be liberated, which then can be easily separated through various techniques. The Attapulgite clay may be recovered from the dispersion and dried in such a manner to produce a finely sized powder from ore, without the need for any grinding or milling operation. The dried Attapulgite clay has a free moisture content of 2-3%. The dried Attapulgite clay with adsorbed dispersant is redispersed in water and retains thixotropic properties.

Abstract: This patent describes economical and environment-friendly processes for the synthesis of Mg-containing non-Al anionic clays. It involves (hydro)thermally reacting a slurry comprising a Mg metals source with a trivalent metals source to directly obtain Mg-containing non-Al anionic clay, the Mg sources being an oxide, hydroxide or a carbonate. There is no necessity to wash or filter the product. It can be spray dried directly to form microspheres or can be extruded to form shaped bodies. The product can be combined with other ingredients in the manufacture of catalysts, absorbents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, and other commodity products that contain anionic clays.

Abstract: A process for preparing pillared chromium phyllosilicate clay &agr;-olefin catalysts is disclosed This process utilizes palygorskite and sepiolite clays. The pillaring of said clays comprise the steps of: (a) preparing a hydrolyzed first solution by dissolving a chromium salt and a base in water, heating said first solution to a temperature in the range of about 20° C. to about 100° C. while stirring continuously until the solution reaches a pH in the range of about 1.5 to about 2.

Abstract: A continuous process for the synthesis of anionic clays with carbonate and/or hydroxide anions as the charge-balancing interlayer species is disclosed. The process involves reacting a slurry comprising aluminum trihydrate and/or its calcined form, with a magnesium source. There is no necessity to wash or filter the product. It can be spray dried directly to form microspheres or it can be extruded to form shaped bodies. The product can be combined with other ingredients in the manufacture of catalysts, absorbents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, and other commodity products.

Abstract: This patent describes economical and environment-friendly processes for the synthesis of Al-containing non-Mg anionic clays. It involves hydrothermally reacting a slurry comprising a divalent metals source with a trivalent metals source to directly obtain Al-containing non-Mg anionic clay, at least one of the metal sources being an oxide, hydroxide or a carbonate. There is no necessity to wash or filter the product. It can be spray dried directly to form microspheres or can be extruded to form shaped bodies. The product can be combined with other ingredients in the manufacture of catalysts, absorbents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, and other commodity products that contain anionic clays.

Abstract: The present invention is an air purifying matrix to remove, reduce or detoxify organic pollutants. The matrix has an inert substrate, a photoreactive semiconductor material, and aqueous particles. The inert substrate is water absorbent, transparent to ultraviolet light, able to withstand extended periods of exposure to all wavelengths of ultraviolet light side of the spectrum without decomposing or altering the structure thereof, able to withstand high concentrations of hydroxyl radicals without decomposing or altering the structure thereof, and in the form of an expanded granular type with spaces therein. The photoreactive semiconductor material is crystallized within the spaces. And the aqueous particles are within the spaces to form photoreactive metal semiconductor material nano-reactors within the matrix. These nano-reactors generate high concentrations of hydroxyl radicals which surround and diffuse through the matrix, and remove, reduce or detoxify organic pollutants within and surrounding the matrix.