Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical process for reducing metal contaminants in calcium carbonate by solubilizing the metal contaminate in an aqueous solution of calcium carbonate and then removing the solubilized metal contaminant by passing an electrical current through the aqueous calcium carbonate solution containing the solubilized metal contaminant. Calcium carbonate produced according to the process of this invention is particularly suitable for use as food or pharmaceutical additives. The calcium carbonate is also suitable for use in papermaking process as fillers, or coatings, or as additives in the production of plastics, paints and adhesive products. Other uses of high purity calcium carbonate include catalysts and catalyst supports, electrical/semiconductor applications, florescent lighting, and optical/laser applications.

Abstract: A synthetic silicate pellet is provided having component of calcium and magnesium, either together or in the alternative. Such pellet is further provided with either an aluminate silicate binder and/or an ion flow catalyst. The synthetic silicate pellet has use as a glass batch component.

Abstract: A composition comprising the product precipitated in the admixing of a soluble metal salt and one or more compounds having a component selected from silicates, phosphates and borates; and a method for controlling drainage and/or retention in the formation of a paper matrix or for treating water comprising the use of such product.

Abstract: A process for the production of a synthetically produced bentonite-type inorganic microparticle. The synthetic microparticle produced according to the process of the present invention is particularly useful in papermaking processes where retention, water drainage, sheet formation and tangible cost saving opportunities are important.

Abstract: A hydrophobic filler material for neutral, alkaline and acidic papers is disclosed. The filler material comprises finely divided particles of an inorganic material, in admixture with a water miscible, butyl acrylate-acrylonitrile copolymer. A neutral or alkaline paper is disclosed. The neutral or alkaline paper comprises a hydrophobic filler material comprising inorganic material, in admixture with a water miscible, butyl acrylate-acrylonitrile copolymer. A method for improving sizing characteristics of neutral or alkaline paper is disclosed, comprising preparing a filler material and adding the same to cellulose fiber. The filler material is prepared by selecting particles of an inorganic material and admixing with a water miscible, butyl acrylate-acrylonitrile copolymer, forming a hydrophobic system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dewatering of an aqueous slurry of calcium carbonate. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of non-ionic surfactants in dewatering aqueous slurries of an aragonitic precipitated calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate slurries dewatered using the non-ionic surfactants of the present invention have higher weight percent solids, decreased dispersant demand, and result in higher productivity.

Abstract: Novel polymers are provided having phosphonated and sulphonated substituent groups such that the polymer is multifunctional in its use. Optional amide substituent are used to reduce electrostatic charge density or for hydrogen bonding. An advantage of the polymer is the flexibility of using it for multiple purposes. A particular application is for bonding paper fillers and paper fiber together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a calcium carbonate composition having both calcite and aragonite crystalline morphology. More particularly, the present invention relates to an acicular calcite and an acicular aragonite product and a method for the production of the same and the use of such as fillers, additives and modifiers of consumer and commercial products such as toothpaste, paper, plastics and sealants. The acicular calcite/aragonite composition of the present invention provides a balance of properties such as sheet bulk, strength, stiffness, and sizing, when employed as a filler for paper. As a coating pigment, the acicular calcite/aragonite product of the present invention provides gloss characteristics suitable for dull and matte grades of low gloss coated paper. Upon further processing such as milling, grinding, or other means of comminution, the resulting product provides gloss characteristics suitable for high gloss coated paper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a calcium carbonate composition having both calcite and aragonite crystalline morphology. More particularly, the present invention relates to an acicular calcite and an acicular aragonite product and a method for the production of the same and the use of such as fillers, additives and modifiers of consumer and commercial products such as toothpaste, paper, plastics and sealants.The acicular calcite/aragonite composition of the present invention provides a balance of properties such as sheet bulk, strength, stiffness, and sizing, when employed as a filler for paper. As a coating pigment, the acicular calcite/aragonite product of the present invention provides gloss characteristics suitable for dull and matte grades of low gloss coated paper. Upon further processing such as milling, grinding, or other means of comminution, the resulting product provides gloss characteristics suitable for high gloss coated paper.

Abstract: This invention concerns a mixture of a first component selected from talcs and one or more second component(s) selected from diatomaceous earth, natural and synthetic silica, clay, ceramic spheres, volcanic ash and glass cullet wherein the ratio of the component to the second component(s) provides an enhanced abrasiveness property, an enhanced die pressure character, and a reduced melt fracture character. The invention further relates to an antiblock agent made from such mixture that significantly reduces or eliminates the need to provide polymer processing additives. This invention also relates to a masterbatch composition having an admixture such that enhanced die pressure character and/or reduced melt fracture character are obtained.

Abstract: A composition comprising the product precipitated in the admixing of a soluble metal salt and one or more compounds having a component selected from silicates, phosphates and borates; and a method for controlling drainage and/or retention in the formation of a paper matrix or for treating water comprising the use of such product.

Abstract: This invention concerns a mixture of a first component selected from talcs and a second component selected from feldspars and nepheline syenites, wherein the ratio of the first component to the second component provides an enhanced abrasiveness property. The invention further relates to an antiblock agent made from such mixture. This mixture provides favorable optical properties when used in a polyolefin film. This invention also relates to a polyolefin resin composition having the mixture therein, as well as to films made with such.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a paper coated with a coating pigment for rotogravure printing, and to a method for preparing such a paper. In addition, the invention relates to a method for the preparation of an aragonitic calcium carbonate pigment for coating paper that is useful in rotogravure printing. The present invention also relates to precipitated calcium carbonate particles having an aspect ratio of from about 3:1 to about 15:1, preferably from about 4:1 to about 7:1, and a multimodal particle size distribution, which is preferably bimodal or trimodal. Preferably, the aragonitic precipitated calcium carbonate is present in an amount from about 20 percent to about 100 percent by weight. Typically, the aragonitic precipitated calcium carbonate has a specific surface area of from about 4 m.sup.2 /g to about 15 m.sup.2 /g, preferably from about 5 m.sup.2 /g to about 7 m.sup.2 /g.

Abstract: An improved thermal ink jet recording paper, incorporating heat aged precipitated calcium carbonate ("PCC") and a binder, is disclosed. Heat aging the PCC in the presence of an organophosphonate produces discrete particles of PCC with a surface morphology and chemistry that enhances the ability of the PCC to bind to ink jet ink without binding so strongly that the color of the ink is changed. Ink jet recording papers incorporating the PCC and binders of the present invention have reduced feathering, spreading, and penetration or backside showthrough, as well as improved optical density, dry time, and water fastness.

Abstract: A method of recycling mineral pigments contained in the waste produced from the deinking of wastepaper. The deink residue is heated in an oxygen-containing atmosphere to a temperature sufficient to completely oxidize all the organic hydrocarbons present. Heat, water, and carbon dioxide also are generated and may be captured and reused in the process. Combustion causes a chemical reaction to occur, so that the original pigments contained in the deink residue are converted to new, stable mineral forms. The ash from the combustion is primarily a mixture of gehlenite (Ca.sub.2 Al.sub.2,SiO.sub.7), anorthite (CaAl.sub.2 Si.sub.2 O.sub.8) and perovskite (CaTiO.sub.3). The ash containing the mixed mineral phases is added to a reactor in which carbon dioxide gas is bubbled through an aqueous slurry of calcium hydroxide so that precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) is produced.

Abstract: A process for the precipitation of discrete prismatic calcium carbonate particles by carbonation of aqueous calcium hydroxide containing a saccharide or polysaccharide or a saccaride or polysaccharide and a metal ion at temperatures of from about 8.degree. C. to about 64.degree. C. is disclosed. The resulting product has specific surface areas between about 10 m.sup.2 /g and about 120 m.sup.2 /g and is useful in paints, plastics, paper coating, paper filling, and pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: Novel precipitated calcium carbonate particles in clustered form, which when used as fillers impart improved strength, opacity and other advantages to paper, are prepared by a process involving adding lime and carbon dioxide to a reaction mixture containing seed material having a scalenohedral morphology, the lime and carbon dioxide being added simultaneously. The flow rates of the lime and carbon dioxide are adjusted to control the solution conductivity of the reaction minute to between about 2.0 and about 4.0 mS to form the clusters of calcite particles, the clusters having an average equivalent spherical diameter of between about 1.5 and 3.5 microns and a specific surface area of between about 2.0 and 9.0 m.sup.2 /g. At least about 25% of the particles of said clusters have a prismatic form.

Abstract: A method for lowering the iron content of calcium carbonate is disclosed. The method involves addition of an iron chelating agent to an aqueous calcium carbonate slurry, reducing the pH of the aqueous calcium carbonate by employing carbon dioxide containing gas, while maintaining the aqueous calcium carbonate slurry at an elevated temperature. The slurry is stirred, filtered, washed and dried. The calcium carbonate product resulting from the process of the present invention has a reduced iron content.Calcium carbonate produced according to the method of this invention is particularly suitable for use as food or pharmaceutical additives and may also be useful as a filler in papermaking processes or as additives in plastic products.

Abstract: Novel precipitated calcium carbonate particles of varying size and shape, are prepared by adding gaseous carbon dioxide to an aqueous slurry containing basic calcium carbonate under a selectively controlled reaction environment. In its preferred embodiment precipitated calcium carbonate particles having a prismatic shape and an average equivalent spheroidal diameter of between about 1.5 and about 6.5 microns; large irregularly shaped particles having an average equivalent spherical diameter of between about 15 and about 25 microns; and multi-faceted spheroidal particles having an average equivalent spherical diameter of between 5 and about 15 microns, are provided. The reaction environment includes temperatures of between 0.degree. C. and 60.degree. C. and a surface active polyphosphate additive present in amounts of from about 0.1 and about 1.0 percent by weight.

Abstract: An improved thermal ink jet recording paper, incorporating heat aged precipitated calcium carbonate ("PCC") and a binder, is disclosed. Heat aging the PCC in the presence of an organophosphonate produces discrete particles of PCC with a surface morphology and chemistry that enhances the ability of the PCC to bind to ink jet ink without binding so strongly that the color of the ink is changed. Ink jet recording papers incorporating the PCC and binders of the present invention have reduced feathering, spreading, and penetration or backside showthrough, as well as improved optical density, dry time, and water fastness.