Abstract: There is provided a paint formulation comprising a composite pigment, said composite pigment being selected from the group consisting of metal oxide/silica, metal oxide/silicate, metal oxide/alumina, metal oxide/metal oxide and metal oxide/zirconia, wherein the size and amount of said composite pigment are selected to increase the opacity of said paint formulation.

Abstract: Described herein is a material for reversibly binding to a carotenoid comprising a support coupled to silver ions in an amount to enable reversible binding with carotenoids, and wherein with the exception of silver ions, is substantially free of transition metals. Also described herein is a process for reversibly binding a carotenoid, the process comprising the steps of: providing a support coupled to silver ions in an amount to enable reversible binding with the carotenoid, wherein with the exception of silver, the support is substantially free of transition metals, contacting the support with the carotenoid under binding conditions to bind it thereto and dissociating the carotenoidod from the support under dissociating conditions to release the carotenoid.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing clay particles comprising the step of heating a reactant solution mixture of metal salt and a metal silicate using a radiation source under conditions to form said synthetic clay particles.

Abstract: There is provided a paint formulation comprising a composite pigment, said composite pigment being selected from the group consisting of metal oxide/silica, metal oxide/silicate, metal oxide/alumina, metal oxide/metal oxide and metal oxide/zirconia, wherein the size and amount of said composite pigment are selected to increase the opacity of said paint formulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a composite particle having a metal oxide core and a metal hydroxide outer shell, said method comprising the steps of: (a) thermally treating a metal hydroxide under conditions to produce a pure phase crystalline metal oxide; (b) hydrating said pure phase crystalline metal oxide to form said composite particle. (c) hydrating said pure phase crystalline metal oxide under conditions to form a metal oxide inner core and a metal hydroxide outer shell.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing clay particles comprising the step of heating a reactant solution mixture of metal salt and a metal silicate using a radiation source under conditions to form said synthetic clay particles.