Abstract: The invention relates to an aggregated kaolinitic pigment having improved physical and optical characteristics when incorporated as a filler or coating pigment in paper. The pigment may be produced by treating a particulate kaolin with an alkaline earth metal carbonate or hydroxide or alkali metal carbonate, and urea or an organic amine. The pigment consists of porous aggregates of kaolin particles.

Abstract: A hypergol spill, e.g., hydrazine, is safely rendered harmless by contacting it with a composition comprising cupric oxide on a porous support. Neutralization is achieved by drawing the hydrazine into the pellet pores where a reduction reaction of cupric oxide takes place. The critical consideration is to avoid flashing or spontaneous thermal decomposition of the hydrazine. Heat of reaction is quenched by the heat capacity of the pellet and water dilution.

Abstract: A method is described in which a layered lattice silicate is surface modified with an organic material by reacting said layered lattice silicate in particulate form with a reactant system comprising gaseous NH.sub.3 at temperatures below about 1000.degree. C. and contacting the aminated silicate in particulate form with an organic compound selected from the group of monomers, co-monomers, prepolymers and compounds condensable with the amine group, such as a nylon precursor, in the presence of gaseous hydrogen. The surface modified silicates are useful as fillers in a filled polymer system comprising a matrix polymer and a filler.

Abstract: A method for chlorinating a clay mineral starting composition to produce reactive chloride intermediates, comprising: reacting said composition in substantially dry particulate form with gaseous SiCl.sub.4 to activate the surface of said composition, thereby forming said reactive chloride intermediate, said reaction being conducted at temperatures below that at which volatilization or dehydration of the starting composition will occur. The resulting compounds are highly reactive intermediates, which can then be functionalized by reaction with a large group of organics, or organic derivatives.

Abstract: A method for chlorinating the surface of a layered lattice silicate to produce a reactive chloride intermediate. The layered lattice silicate is reacted in substantially dry particulate form with a reactant system capable of forming bound chloride moieties at its surface, to form the said chloride thereof, the reaction being conducted at temperatures below that which would otherwise substantially alter the starting composition.

Abstract: A method of producing a layered lattice silicate which is surface modified with an organic material wherein said silicate in substantially dry, particulate form is contacted with an organic monomer, co-monomers or a prepolymer, and surface polymerization or reaction in situ on the silicate in the presence of a gaseous hydrogen atmosphere is effected.

Abstract: A surface treated clay such as kaolin is prepared by a process in which the clay surface is preconditioned by treatment with gaseous hydrogen and then functionalized by reaction with a polymerizable organic moiety of an organic compound. The products are useful as fillers for rubber, resin, plastic, paper and the like.

Abstract: An improvement is disclosed applicable to the production of calcined, anhydrous kaolins in particulate form. A process and system are disclosed in which the calciner is integrated with a preceding spray drier by cycling the dust-laden calciner hot off-gases to the spray drier to achieve savings in energy. Waste heat from the calciner, and concomitantly dust-like clay particles carried in the off-gas, are thereby passed to the drier and their values recovered.

Abstract: A method for increasing the bulk density and decreasing the time of wetting with water of a substantially anhydrous kaolin clay powder, comprising dry milling said powder in a media mill wherein the media is at least +5 mesh, and using work inputs of from about 5 to about 40 HP-hrs/ton of dry clay. The process enables improved handling characteristics for the treated clay with respect to bulk material handling systems.

Abstract: Directly aminating the surface of a 2-dimensional layered lattice silicate comprising reacting the lattice silicate in particulate form with gaseous NH.sub.3 at temperatures below 100.degree. C. to form bound NH.sub.2 groups at the surface, the resulting modified 2-dimensional layered lattice silicate and a filled resin system employing the thusly modified silicate.

Abstract: A method for improving brightness in a calcined kaolin pigment while minimizing detrimental effects on abrasiveness. The kaolin calciner feed is intermixed with a particulate material which is oxidizable during calcining to provide a source of auxiliary thermal energy in the kaolin bed; and the mixture is calcined at a temperature in the range of about 900.degree. C., but below about 1100.degree. C., and in the presence of an oxidizing atmosphere throughout the calcining step.

Abstract: A fluidized bed apparatus is provided which comprises (a) a fluidized bed container having gaseous fluidization agent intake means and discharge means; (b) gaseous fluidization agent distributor means comprising a distributor-separator plate arranged intermediate said gaseous agent intake and discharge means that is adapted to receive a mass of solid particles and substantially separate said particles from said gaseous agent intake means and has a plurality of parts therethrough spaced over substantially the entire surface thereof which have means for controlling the velocity and dispersion of a gaseous fluidization agent passing between said intake means and said discharge means; and (c) vibrating means for vibrating said container. Preferably, said container includes filter means intermediate said distributor-separator plate and said gaseous agent discharge means.