Abstract: More perfect, less porous hollow microspheres can be prepared by spray-drying dispersions of film-forming solids that contain certain organic solvents. The organic solvents are water-miscible and have boiling points of 100.degree. C. or more. The solvent is added just prior to spray drying and the resulting product has fewer cracks and/or holes. This improvement is especially beneficial to preparation systems involving alkali metal silicates and "polysalts.

Abstract: Non-fused hollow glass microspheres that consist primarily of silicate are rendered more water-resistant by treatment with multivalent metals. The hollow microspheres are slurried with water and then a solution of a multivalent metal salt such as Al.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3 is added to the slurry. The rate of the addition is controlled so that the pH can be regulated. Separating, washing and drying complete the preparation.

Abstract: Hollow fibers are prepared by spray drying a solution of a film-former in a volatile solvent. The viscosity of the solution must be 1.5 to 10 times the viscosity that usually results in spheres or microspheres. The preferred film-forming substance is a combination of sodium silicate and a "polysalt.

Abstract: Activated or partially activated zeolites can be included in analgesic balms or ointments as improved replacements for rubefacients. Upon hydration, the zeolite becomes warm, thereby helping to relieve pains associated with various musculoskeletal problems. An especially useful composition involves an ointment or balm that contains a combination of functional ingredients. A conventional analgesic such as a salicylate that can be absorbed through the skin supplies one form of relief that generally requires a period of time to become effective. When combined with the zeolite, which begins to hydrate at once, immediate relief is provided through the generated warmth.

Abstract: A combination of an acidic functional polymer and zeolite and/or amorphous alumino silicate provides a gel suitable as a cosmetic vehicle plus supplying functionality as well. The components combine easily to provide a creamy gel that is compounded with other ingredients to provide the complete cosmetic composition. The zeolite or amorphous alumino silicate is present in a sufficient quantity to provide functionality as well as the desired rheology. The combination can be used to compound astringent creams or lotions, make-up bases, facial masks, deodorant compositions, antiperspirants, anti-acne compositions, wrinkle smoothers or erasers, pore minimizers, and body lotions. An especially useful zeolite or amorphous alumino silicate is a material that contains aluminum as the cation.

Abstract: Hollow fibers are prepared by spray drying a solution of a film-former in a volatile solvent. The viscosity of the solution must be 1.5 to 10 times the viscosity that usually results in spheres or microspheres. The preferred film-forming substance is a combination of sodium silicate and a "polysalt.

Abstract: Crystalline alumino-silicates (zeolites) are multifunctional in dentifrice compositions thereby reducing the number of components required in such formulations. The pH-adjusted zeolites can keep the pH of the dentifrice in the range where caries formation is impossible. The pH-adjusted synthetic or natural zeolites can be prepared or obtained in a particle size range that provides both abrasive cleansing and polishing or lustering of the teeth. The fine particle size and water absorbing capabilities of the zeolite can also provide thickening. Such multifunctional performance allows considerable simplification in the formulation of dentrifice compositions.

Abstract: A method for binding particulate materials which involves mixing the particulate material with a solution containing lithiumions, blending sodium silicate into the mixture and subsequently shaping the mixture to the desired form and curing same by microwave radiation.

Abstract: Silicas that provide improved abrasive action when incorporated in dentifrice compositions can be prepared by dehydrating a silica hydrogel to a low water content and then reintroducing water to gel. The silica hydrogel is prepared by neutralizing a sodium silicate with an acid. This hydrogel is dried by any convenient method so that the gel contains about 15% water or less. This dried gel is rehydrated to about 30% or more. The rehydrated gel provides improved abrasion values over the prior art xerogels and hydrogels.

Abstract: Non-fused hollow glass microspheres that consist primarily of silicate are rendered more water-resistant by treatment with multivalent metals. The hollow microspheres are slurried with water and then a solution of a multivalent metal salt such as Al.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3 is added to the slurry. The rate of the addition is controlled so that the pH can be regulated. Separating, washing and drying complete the preparation.

Abstract: Potassium silicate solutions combined with silanes that contain a hydrophilic functionality can be spray dried effectively to provide free-flowing powdered products.

Abstract: Almost complete elimination of metal ions in aqueous effluents can be effected by treating said effluent with a base and then adding amorphous, hydrated magnesium silicate. This sequential process allows metal ion concentration to be reduced to less than 0.1 part per million while using a fairly small amount of amorphous hydrated magnesium silicate.

Abstract: Silane-Zeolite composites are incorporated into phosphate free detergents as builders. The use of such composites allows compositional improvements and results in certain process advantages when compared to detergents utilizing plain zeolites as phosphate replacements. Hydrated zeolites which have been treated with functionally hydrophilic silanes do not agglomerate during incorporation into detergents. In addition, use of the silane-zeolite composite allows use of increased amounts of both the zeolite and silicate solids as builders in detergents.

Abstract: Flaked or plate-like materials that contain silicate were found to be useful as bases for the manufacture of defoaming compositions. Hollow microspheres with largely siliceous surfaces are crushed to form flaked fragments which are rendered hydrophobic by coating with a silane or silicone. The hydrophobized fragments are then dispersed in a water insoluble organic liquid to complete preparation of the defoamer. Especially useful are hollow microsphere fragments containing sodium silicate and a polysalt.

Abstract: Aqueous organic ammonium silicate-alkali metal silicate combination vehicles for zinc-rich, corrosion-resistant paints are improved by the addition of organosilicone-silicate polymers. The improvement is manifested by increased adhesion to poorly prepared metal surfaces and harder paint films.

Abstract: Silane-Zeolite composites are incorporated into phosphate free detergents as builders. The use of such composites allows compositional improvements and results in certain process advantages when compared to detergents utilizing plain zeolites as phosphate replacements. Hydrated zeolites which have been treated with functionally hydrophilic silanes do not agglomerate during incorporation into detergents. In addition, use of the silane-zeolite composite allows use of increased amounts of both the zeolite and silicate solids as builders in detergents.

Abstract: Amorphous, hydrated magnesium silicate is effective in reducing the concentration of various metal ions in aqueous solutions or effluent streams. Both mono- and multi-valent ions can be treated in this manner thereby providing a method of preventing release of metal ions to the environment. The method is especially efficient in removal of chrome values from effluents generated in chrome tanning operations. Efficient adsorption of the chrome requires that the pH of the effluent-magnesium silicate slurry be adjusted to or maintained at a value between 5.3 and 9.8. The chrome value may be recovered from the magnesium silicate by acidification of the complex.

Abstract: The recycle stream from chrome tanning baths can be treated with magnesium silicate to reduce the amount of suspended solids. The treated stream can be recycled more times, thereby providing a considerable savings of chrome values.

Abstract: A binder system useful in formulating coatings for glass, metal, wood and especially light diffusive coatings for glass light bulb envelopes is disclosed. Excellent coatings can be formed using a binder system comprising dispersible colloidal particles of alumina and finely divided, precipitated silica. When a stable dispersion of these two materials is combined properly with a pigment and/or filler system and then dried upon a glass, metal or wood surface, a tough, continuous, tightly adhering coating is formed. By using the correct pigments, a light diffusive coating for light bulb envelopes can be formed.

Abstract: Zeolite NaA can be produced with a very short crystallization time, if an alumino-silicate gel of particular properties is prepared and heated at about 95.degree. C. The gel which is prepared by combining solutions of sodium aluminate and sodium silicate must contain a limited amount of water, be of a single phase and having a high viscosity. Gels of this nature can be heated for a fraction of an hour to yield essentially completely crystallized Zeolite NaA with no crystalline impurities.