Abstract: A method for continuously calcinating product to form mixed metal oxide powders comprising providing a continuously operated indirectly heated rotary furnace having a heating cavity, introducing raw feedstock including product to be calcined into the heating cavity of the furnace while the heating cavity is maintained at temperature, and maintaining a controlled atmosphere in the heating cavity during the heating of the feedstock, and discharging and recovering the mixed metal oxide powders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming inorganic pigments using one or more metal alloys. Metal alloys used in the method of the invention are preferably milled to a mean particle size of less than about 10 microns, may be mixed with other metal oxides, and calcined in the presence of oxygen in a rotary kiln. Inorganic pigments formed in accordance with the method of the invention can be used in a wide variety of applications, including the coloration of glass matrixes, ceramic bodies, polymers, and paints.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of decorating a ceramic substrate. The method according to the invention includes applying a slurry that includes solid particles of at least one color-contributing metal salt dispersed in a saturated solution of at least one color-contributing metal salt having a viscosity of from about 10 to about 20,000 centipoise to a ceramic substrate, applying a solvent to the ceramic substrate in amount sufficient to at least partially dissolve the solid particles, and firing the ceramic substrate. Preferably, the solid particles in the slurry have a diameter of less than about 40 microns. The present invention also provides a porcelain tile decorated in with the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slurry for use in decorating a ceramic substrate. The slurry according to the invention includes solid particles of at least one color-contributing metal salt dispersed in a saturated solution of at least one color-contributing metal salt, and has a viscosity of from about 10 to about 20,000 centipoise. Preferably, the solid particles have a diameter of less than about 40 microns. The present invention also provides a method of decorating a surface of a ceramic substrate. The method according to the invention includes applying a slurry that includes solid particles of at least one color-contributing metal salt dispersed in a saturated solution of at least one color-contributing metal salt having a viscosity of from about 10 to about 20,000 centipoise to a ceramic substrate, applying a solvent to the ceramic substrate in amount sufficient to at least partially dissolve the solid particles, and firing the ceramic substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slurry for use in decorating a ceramic substrate. The slurry according to the invention includes solid particles of at least one color-contributing metal salt dispersed in a saturated solution of at least one color-contributing metal salt, and has a viscosity of from about 10 to about 20,000 centipoise. Preferably, the solid particles have a diameter of less than about 40 microns. The present invention also provides a method of decorating a surface of a ceramic substrate. The method according to the invention includes applying a slurry that includes solid particles of at least one color-contributing metal salt dispersed in a saturated solution of at least one color-contributing metal salt having a viscosity of from about 10 to about 20,000 centipoise to a ceramic substrate, applying a solvent to the ceramic substrate in amount sufficient to at least partially dissolve the solid particles, and firing the ceramic substrate.

Abstract: A method for continuously calcinating product to form mixed metal oxide powders comprising providing a continuously operated indirectly heated rotary furnace having a heating cavity, introducing raw feedstock including product to be calcined into the heating cavity of the furnace while the heating cavity is maintained at temperature, and maintaining a controlled atmosphere in the heating cavity during the heating of the feedstock, and discharging and recovering the mixed metal oxide powders.

Abstract: Individual inks and an ink set for use in generating intermediate colors via the combination of separate inks applied by an ink jet printer to the glazed surface of an article, such as glazed ceramic architectural tile for example, that is to be heated to a temperature of greater than 300° C. The ink set according to the present invention includes at least three separate inks that upon heating decompose to form colored oxides or colored combinations with the materials of the glazed surface upon which they are applied. A first ink of the ink set includes a soluble cobalt complex for use in forming a cyan color. A second ink of the ink set includes a soluble gold complex for use in forming a magenta color. And, a third ink of the ink set includes a soluble transition metal complex for use in forming a yellow color. The third ink preferably includes a soluble praseodymium complex.