Abstract: A coarse particle kaolin clay is provided having an average Stokes equivalent particle diameter of about 4.5-6.0 microns, a BET surface area of about 8-11 m.sup.2 /g, and preferably having a median Malvern particle size of about 9.0-10.5 microns as determined by laser light-scattering measurement and a high aspect ratio preferably of about 12-14 as determined by Sphericity Model calculations. The coarse particle kaolin clay provides low viscosity build, good reinforcement properties and excellent surface finish qualities as a filler in thermoset composite materials, such as polyester molding compounds, and also provides excellent pigmenting properties in paints and industrial coatings.

Abstract: A process for beneficiating crude kaolin clay under defined conditions with a sufficient amount and concentration of aluminum chlorhydrate (0.5 to about 5.0 active wt. %) to improve the clay's ability to adsorb pitch during the process of making paper. The invention also relates to the treated clay and to the use of the clay in a papermaking process to absorb pitch and/or anionic trash.

Abstract: A novel flotation aid for use in the flotation removal of contaminates or impurities from mineral slurries. The flotation aid is an alkali aluminate compound. The flotation aid may be incorporated into a flotation reagent system that includes a chemical collector.

Abstract: High performance synthetic sodium aluminosilicate compositions, and the method of making the same by the hydrothermal reaction of certain delaminated kaolin clays with select sodium silicate reagents, result in enhanced performance flatting agents for paint systems and anti-block agents for plastic film applications.

Abstract: A flotation chamber separates fine kaolin particles or the like by flotation out of a slurry. A generally cylindrical column has an inlet for injecting slurry into the column, a froth launder at an upper end of the column, and a tailings outlet at the lower end of the column. A draft tube is vertically oriented within the column and has upper and lower open ends. A sparger within the draft tube injects air into the slurry within the draft tube, and a rotary impeller immediately above the top end of the draft tube produces a fine bubble in the slurry and permits quiescent zones in the slurry above and below the position of the impeller. Aeration of the slurry supplied to the impeller lowers power draw.