Abstract: A process for producing silicon includes forming an alloy of copper and silicon and positioning the alloy in a dried, molten salt electrolyte to form a solid anode structure therein. An electrically conductive cathode is placed in the electrolyte for plating silicon thereon. The electrolyte is then purified to remove dissolved oxides. Finally, an electrical potential is applied between the anode and cathode in an amount sufficient to form substantially pure silicon on the cathode in the form of substantially dense, coherent deposits.

Abstract: Liquid mulls having improved physical stability, consisting of a liquid phase and a dispersed solid phase. The liquid phase contains a major proportion of a nonionic surfactant and optionally contains a minor proportion of a nonaqueous solvent. The dispersed solid phase is a particulate material which is insoluble in the liquid phase of the mull. The inclusion of chain structure type clays in the composition unexpectedly aids the physical stability of the mull, so insoluble particulate materials such as builders having ordinary particle sizes may be incorporated in the compositions. Preferred compositions are substantially anhydrous to allow the optional inclusion of water sensitive detergency adjuvants, such as enzymes or bleaches, in the compositions. The compositions may optionally contain 0% to 25% of a further dispersion aid selected from anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants and hydrotropic materials. Such mulls have utility, for example, as detergent compositions.