Abstract: This invention relates to a zirconium solution or sol comprising: (a) zirconium, (b) nitrate, acetate and/or chloride ions, and (c) one or more complexing agents being an organic compound comprising at least one of the following functional groups: an amine, an organosulphate, a sulphonate, a hydroxyl, an ether or a carboxylic acid group, wherein the molar ratio of components (a):(b) is 1:0.7 to 1:4.0, the molar ratio of components (a):(c) is 1:0.0005 to 1:0.1, and the pH of the zirconium solution or sol is less than 5.

Abstract: A passive NOX adsorbent includes: palladium, platinum or a mixture thereof and a mixed or composite oxide including the following elements in percentage by weight, expressed in terms of oxide: 10-90% by weight zirconium and 0.1-50% by weight of least one of the following: a transition metal or a lanthanide series element other than Ce. Although the passive NOX adsorbent can include Ce in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 20% by weight expressed in terms of oxide, advantages are obtained particularly in the case of low-Ce or a substantially Ce-free passive NOx adsorbent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing zirconium oxide, in its various forms, including zirconium-based mixed oxides. There is described a process for preparing a zirconium oxide in the absence of a cerium salt which comprises precipitating a zirconium hydroxide from an aqueous solution of a zirconium salt by reaction with an alkali in the presence of a controlled amount of sulphate anions at a temperature not greater than 50° C. and then calcining the hydroxide to form an oxide, wherein the oxide thus formed is essentially sulphate free. Catalysts and ceramics can be produced from the product oxides having improved thermal stability and improved sinterability, respectively. A particular use of the product oxide is as a promoter or catalyst support in automobile exhaust systems.

Abstract: A process for preparing zirconium-cerium-based mixed oxides which comprises reacting an alkali with an aqueous solution of a zirconium salt containing 0.42-0.7 mole of sulphate anion (SO42?) per mole of zirconium cation at a temperature of not greater than 50° C., in the presence of a cerium salt to form a cerium-zirconium mixed hydroxide, and then calcining the cerium—zirconium mixed hydroxide to form a mixed oxide. The mixed oxides possess good thermal stability and are essentially single phase and are suitable as promoters and catalyst supports in, particularly, automobile exhaust systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to magnesium-based alloys particularly suitable for casting applications where good mechanical properties at room and at elevated temperatures are required. The alloys contain: 2 to 4.5% by weight of neodymium; 0.2 to 7.0 of at least one rare earth metal of atomic No. 62 to 71; up to 1.3% by weight of zinc; and 0.2 to 0.7% by weight of zirconium; optionally with one or more other minor component They are resistant to corrosion, show good age-hardening behaviour, and are also suitable for extrusion and wrought alloy applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing zirconium oxide, in its various forms, including zirconium-based mixed oxides. There is described a process for preparing a zirconium oxide in the absence of a cerium salt which comprises precipitating a zirconium hydroxide from an aqueous solution of a zirconium salt by reaction with an alkali in the presence of a controlled amount of sulphate anions at a temperature not greater than 50° C. and then calcining the hydroxide to form an oxide, wherein the oxide thus formed is essentially sulphate free. Catalysts and ceramics can be produced from the product oxides having improved thermal stability and improved sinterability, respectively. A particular use of the product oxide is as a promoter or catalyst support in automobile exhaust systems.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of R zirconium carbonate in which R is selected from ammonium and potassium have a carbonate: zirconia molar ratio not greater than about 2 are used to impart thixotropic properties to aqueous dispersions of polymers and copolymers containing a water-soluble organic colloid containing a hydroxy group, such as emulsion paint. The solutions may be prepared by reacting zirconium basic carbonate with ammonium or potassium carbonate solution and have a good storage stability, especially at high concentrations.