Abstract: An amorphous silicate pigment having a pore volume of at least about 4.0 ml/g as measured by mercury intrusion, a BET surface area of at least about 300 m2/g, and an Al2O3 content of about 2.0-10.0 wt % is provided. The invention can be successfully used in recording media coatings, particularly coatings for recording media used in ink jet printing systems.

Abstract: A rod guide is provided for centering a sucker rod within a tubular string that powers the pump within a well bore. The rod guide comprises a spool securable to the rod and having upper and lower end members thereon, and a plastic material sleeve extending between the upper and lower end members. The sleeve may be mounted to the rod during a molding operation. The rod guide further includes a guide body which may be machined from an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material which has desired abrasive and wear characteristics. In one embodiment, the body is rotatable about the spool. A slot within the guide body and scalloped-shaped cut-outs at both ends of the guide body provide fluid communication between an annulus formed between the O.D. of the sleeve portion of the spool and the I.D. of the guide body.