Abstract: A crystalline hydrated layered sodium and potassium silicate/amorphous sodium and potassium silicate composite material with predetermined hardness ion sequestration properties is achieved by controlling the process for forming the material. The process for producing the crystalline hydrated layered sodium and potassium silicate/amorphous is sodium and potassium silicate composite comprises hydrolyzing DB-1 crystalline sodium and potassium silicate glasses as a precursor material to produce the composite material known as DB-2. Hydrolysis of the DB-1 precursor material is achieved by adding typically up to 100.0 milliequivalents per gram of H.sub.3 O.sup.+ ions or up to 50 milliequivalents per gram of OH.sup.- ions. The resulting DB-2 material can sequester CA.sup.2+ ions, Mg.sup.+ ions, or both, depending on the results desired, processing conditions, and starting materials used.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a crystalline hydrated layered sodium silicate/amorphous sodium silicate composite material with predetermined hardness ion sequestration properties achieved by control of the process for forming the material, and a process for making the material. The process for producing the crystalline hydrated layered sodium silicate/amorphous sodium silicate composite consists of producing a crystalline sodium disilicate by heating a sodium silicate at a specified time and temperature. The resulting material may include amorphous material, and the crystalline sodium disilicate can be either alpha-phase or delta-phase disilicate. This crystalline sodium disilicate is then hydrolyzed with up to 50.0 milliequivalents per gram of either H.sub.3 O.sup.+0 ions or OH.sup.- ions. The resulting material can sequester Ca.sup.2+ ions, Mg.sup.2+ ions, or both, depending on the results desired, processing conditions, and starting materials used.

Abstract: A crystalline silicate material containing both sodium and potassium cations within the crystalline matrix. Wherein the material is SiO.sub.2 /(xNa.sub.2 O+yK.sub.2 O)=Z where x+y=1, 0.75<x<1.0 (and therefore 0.0<y<0.25), and 1.3.ltoreq.Z.ltoreq.3.22. The material possesses predetermined superior hardness ion sequestration properties determined by the composition and processing of the material. The material can be made by any one of several processes which are also set forth.

Abstract: A particulate amorphous alkali metal silicate is prepared by heating a mixture of silicate glass and water or aqueous solution to a temperature of about 300.degree.-400.degree. C. to provide a foamed material that is easily formed into particles of less than 20 microns. After careful hydration, a product having 1-15% water based on loss of ignition (LOI) of product at 800.degree. C. is produced that controls the activity of magnesium in solutions and is, therefore, a useful detergent ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a crystalline hydrated layered sodium and potassium silicate/amorphous sodium and potassium silicate composite material with predetermined hardness ion sequestration properties achieved by controlling the process for forming the material. The process for producing the crystalline hydrated layered sodium and potassium silicate/amorphous sodium and potassium silicate composite comprises hydrolyzing DB-1 crystalline sodium and potassium silicate glasses as a precursor material to produce the composite material known as DB-2. Hydrolysis of the DB-1 precursor material is achieved by adding typically up to 100.0 milliequivalents per gram of H.sub.3 O.sup.+ ions or up to 50 milliequivalents per gram of OH.sup.- ions. The resulting DB-2 material can sequester CA.sup.2+ ions, Mg.sup.+ ions, or both, depending on the results desired, processing conditions, and starting materials used.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a crystalline hydrated layered sodium silicate/amorphous sodium silicate composite material with predetermined hardness ion sequestration properties achieved by control of the process for forming the material, and a process for making the material. The process for producing the crystalline hydrated layered sodium silicate/amorphous sodium silicate composite consists of producing a crystalline sodium disilicate by heating a sodium silicate at a specified time and temperature. The resulting material may include amorphous material, and the crystalline sodium disilicate can be either alpha-phase or delta-phase disilicate. This crystalline sodium disilicate is then hydrolyzed with up to 50.0 milliequivalents per gram of either H.sub.3 O.sup.+ ions or OH.sup.- ions. The resulting material can sequester Ca.sup.2+ ions, Mg.sup.2+ ions, or both, depending on the results desired, processing conditions, and starting materials used.