Patents Assigned to Tronox, LLC
  • Patent number: 12110634
    Abstract: Process for the surface treatment of a titanium dioxide pigment, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: an aqueous suspension of titanium dioxide pigments is formed, in a first step, a layer of alumina phosphate is precipitated on the surface of the pigment, in a second step, a layer of alumina is precipitated over the first layer of alumina phosphate, and in an optional third step, a layer of magnesium oxide is precipitated on the layer of alumina. Titanium dioxide pigments made by the disclosed process and method using said pigments in paper manufacturing are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: Tronox LLC
    Inventors: Robert McIntyre, Julie Elizabeth Kerrod, Ben Webber, Neil Burniston
  • Patent number: 12091556
    Abstract: A titanium dioxide pigment composition for use in a waterborne latex paint formulation is provided. The pigment composition comprises a plurality of titanium dioxide particles, and a dispersant package deposited on the surfaces of said titanium dioxide particles in an amount of no greater than about 5% by weight based on the combined weight of the titanium dioxide particles and the dispersant package. A titanium dioxide pigment composition slurry, a method of forming a titanium dioxide pigment composition, and a method of forming a titanium dioxide pigment composition slurry, all for use in a waterborne latex paint formulation, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Tronox LLC
    Inventors: Quan Su, Venkata Rama Rao Goparaju
  • Patent number: 11371190
    Abstract: Process for the surface treatment of a titanium dioxide pigment, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: an aqueous suspension of titanium dioxide pigments is formed, in a first step, a layer of alumina phosphate is precipitated on the surface of the pigment, in a second step, a layer of alumina is precipitated over the first layer of alumina phosphate, and in a third step, a layer of magnesium oxide and alumina is precipitated on the layer of alumina. Also included are titanium dioxide pigments made by the disclosed process and method using said pigments in paper manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: TRONOX LLC
    Inventors: Robert McIntyre, Julie Elizabeth Kerrod, Ben Webber, Neil Burniston
  • Patent number: 11223042
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing lithium-containing particles suitable for use in an electrode of a battery, the method including forming a mixture comprising titanium dioxide precursor particles and an aqueous solution of a lithium compound; and heating the mixture at elevated temperature in a sealed pressure vessel in order to form lithium-inserted titanium dioxide particles, wherein at least one particle size characteristic selected from average primary particle size, particle size distribution, average intra-particle pore size, average inter-particle pore size, pore size distribution, and particle shape of the titanium dioxide particles is substantially unchanged by said heating step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: TRONOX LLC
    Inventor: Guoyi Fu
  • Patent number: 10995012
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of preparing sols of titanium dioxide nanoparticles that are photoactive, neutral, and in a substantially concentrated form. The methods particularly provide for concentrated sols in light of washing and dewatering under low cation concentrations and utilizing rapid peptizing through addition of the filter case to the peptizing agent. Concentrated acid may be utilized to maintain high TiO2 concentration while still avoiding precipitation of the colloidal TiO2. Concentrated photoactive, neutral titanium dioxide sols are also provided as well as compositions thereof and photoactive coatings formed therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Tronox LLC
    Inventor: Julie Kerrod
  • Patent number: 10639614
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to constructs and methods of use thereof for improving NOx reduction in air. In particular, it has been found that improvements in NOx reduction are achieved when a photocatalytic, transparent or translucent titanium dioxide sol formulation is provided as a layer over a white surface or like surface that provides high reflection of incident light. The surface may be the surface of an underlying base structure or an applied layer, such as a paint. The base to which the layer(s) is applied can be a structure that is located where NOx concentration in the atmosphere is particularly high, such as near a roadway or other areas subject to significant vehicular traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Tronox LLC
    Inventors: Julie Kerrod, Kim Winn
  • Patent number: 10407544
    Abstract: A titanium dioxide pigment composition comprising a plurality of titanium dioxide particles and a polymer that is associated with the titanium dioxide particles and becomes associated with latex particles in an aqueous based coating formulation to inhibit agglomeration of the titanium dioxide particles while the coating formulation dries is provided. The polymer comprises a water soluble polymer backbone, at least one functional group that is attached to the polymer backbone and has an affinity for titanium dioxide, and at least one hydrophobic functional group that is attached to the polymer backbone and has an affinity for latex. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a titanium dioxide pigment composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Tronox LLC
    Inventors: Quan Su, Venkata Rama Rao Goparaju
  • Patent number: 10370540
    Abstract: A treated, particulate inorganic pigment is provided. The treated, particulate inorganic pigment comprises a plurality of pigment particles, and a polyol ester deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles. A method of forming a treated, particulate inorganic pigment and a polymer composition are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Tronox LLC
    Inventors: Venkata Rama Rao Goparaju, Vahid Kazerooni
  • Patent number: 10246342
    Abstract: A metal chloride generator is provided. The metal chloride generator is a metal chloride centrifugal reactor that can be operated under conditions sufficient to cause metal particles and chlorine in the generator to be brought into contact with one another and react using centrifugal force to form metal chloride. A process for manufacturing titanium dioxide that utilizes the metal chloride generator is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Tronox LLC
    Inventor: Harry E Flynn
  • Patent number: 10125219
    Abstract: A novel polymer comprising a water soluble polymer backbone, at least one functional group attached to the polymer backbone and having an affinity for titanium dioxide, and at least one hydrophobic functional group attached to the polymer backbone and having an affinity for latex is provided. A titanium dioxide pigment composition including the novel polymer is also provided. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a titanium dioxide pigment composition that includes the novel polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Tronox LLC
    Inventors: Quan Su, Venkata Rama Rao Goparaju
  • Patent number: 10109858
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved cathode material prepared from high purity electrolytic manganese dioxide. Also disclosed is a method for preparing high purity MnO2 and converting MnO2 particles to Mn2O3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Tronox LLC
    Inventors: Laurie I. Jegaden, Phllip M. Story
  • Patent number: 9902800
    Abstract: A new polymer that is capable of forming a composite with titanium dioxide particles and latex particles when admixed therewith is provided. The new polymer includes a water soluble polymer backbone, a first functional group attached to the polymer backbone and having an affinity for latex, and a second functional group attached to the polymer backbone and capable of forming a bond with titanium dioxide. A polymer modified titanium dioxide pigment and a method of forming a pigmented paint formulation are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Tronox LLC
    Inventors: Quan Su, Venkata Rama Rao Goparaju
  • Patent number: 9745405
    Abstract: A new polymer that is capable of forming a composite with titanium dioxide particles and latex particles when admixed therewith is provided. The new polymer includes a water soluble polymer backbone, a first functional group attached to the polymer backbone and having an affinity for latex, and a second functional group attached to the polymer backbone and capable of forming a bond with titanium dioxide. A polymer modified titanium dioxide pigment and a method of forming a pigmented paint formulation are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Tronox LLC
    Inventors: Quan Su, Venkata Rama Rao Goparaju
  • Patent number: 9422177
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the hydrostatic testing of pipelines and to purification of waste water from such testing. More specifically, there is provided a method of hydrostatically pressure testing a natural gas pipeline using water. The waste water, which is contaminated with hydrocarbons, is subsequently treated by contacting it with manganese dioxide so that the hydrocarbons are broken down into carbon dioxide and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Tronox LLC
    Inventors: Phillip M Story, Laurie I. Jegaden
  • Patent number: 9353266
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing titanium dioxide pigment is provided. The process comprises preparing an aqueous slurry of titanium dioxide particles. The process further includes deagglomerating the aqueous slurry of titanium dioxide particles using ultrasonication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Tronox LLC
    Inventors: Venkata Rama Rao Goparaju, David F. Marshall, Vahid Kazerooni
  • Patent number: 9315615
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a titanium dioxide pigment. The titanium dioxide pigment comprises a plurality of titanium dioxide particles, and a polymer deposited on the titanium dioxide particles for inhibiting agglomeration of the titanium dioxide particles in an aqueous based coating formulation. The titanium dioxide particles have anchoring moieties associated therewith for facilitating anchoring of the polymer to the particles. The polymer is a copolymer having anchoring groups for attaching to the anchoring moieties associated with the titanium dioxide particles and hydrophobic end groups for attaching to the resin of the coating formulation. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a titanium dioxide pigment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Tronox LLC
    Inventors: Venkata Rama Rao Goparaju, David Frank Marshall
  • Patent number: 8951607
    Abstract: Simplified and improved processes are provided for manufacturing titanium dioxide pigments including a surface treatment whereby a plurality of inorganic oxides or a combination of one or more inorganic oxides with one or more inorganic phosphates are applied to a titanium dioxide base pigment. Aqueous acid-soluble sources of the desired inorganic oxides and/or phosphates are predissolved in an aqueous acid, and these can be added on a batch wise or more preferably on a continuous basis to an alkaline slurry containing the titanium dioxide base pigment and to which aqueous alkaline-soluble sources of the desired inorganic oxides are being or have been added previously. Co-precipitation of the oxides and/or oxides and phosphates is then accomplished by an adjustment of the pH, to provide a surface treated pigment with excellent homogeneity of the deposited mixed oxides and/or oxides and phosphates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Tronox, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel H. Craig, Venkata Rama Rao Goparaju
  • Patent number: 8840719
    Abstract: The invention provides a coated inorganic oxide pigment. The inventive coated inorganic oxide pigment comprises an inorganic oxide base pigment, a porous inorganic coating formed on the base pigment, and a dense inorganic coating formed on the base pigment. The porous inorganic coating and dense inorganic coating each consist essentially of a material selected from the group consisting of silica and alumina. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a coated inorganic oxide pigment. In yet another aspect, the invention provides a polymer composition comprising a base polymer, and a coated inorganic oxide pigment admixed with the base polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Tronox LLC
    Inventors: Venkata Rama Rao Goparaju, Michael L. Ashley
  • Publication number: 20140275442
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a titanium dioxide pigment. The titanium dioxide pigment comprises a plurality of titanium dioxide particles, and a polymer deposited on the titanium dioxide particles for inhibiting agglomeration of the titanium dioxide particles in an aqueous based coating formulation. The titanium dioxide particles have anchoring moieties associated therewith for facilitating anchoring of the polymer to the particles. The polymer is a copolymer having anchoring groups for attaching to the anchoring moieties associated with the titanium dioxide particles and hydrophobic end groups for attaching to the resin of the coating formulation. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a titanium dioxide pigment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Tronox LLC
    Inventors: Venkata Rama Rao Goparaju, David Frank Marshall
  • Publication number: 20140261086
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing titanium dioxide pigment is provided. The process comprises preparing an aqueous slurry of titanium dioxide particles. The process further includes deagglomerating the aqueous slurry of titanium dioxide particles using ultrasonication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Tronox LLC
    Inventors: Venkata Rama Rao Goparaju, David F. Marshall, Vahid Kazerooni