Abstract: A method of making a composite fiber can include admixing a calcium hydroxide slake and carbon dioxide containing gas with an aqueous slurry containing fiber, wherein the addition of the slake is controlled to maintain the conductivity below saturation to thereby produce a composite fiber with improved bulking and stiffness properties when used as a filler in papermaking.

Abstract: A method of making a mineralized fiber having a fiber core and a calcium carbonate shell can include admixing fibers with green liquor and adding CaO to generate a causticization reaction that results in a calcium carbonate shell coating forming around the fibers.

Abstract: A solid state particle agglomerate and method for producing the solid state particle agglomerate are provided. The alkaline earth metal source material, aluminum source material and silicon source material that comprise the solid state particle agglomerate are uniformly distributed and in close proximity within the solid state particle agglomerate, enabling the solid state particle agglomerate to form glass in a more energy efficient manner when heated.