Abstract: A method of modifying an inorganic material which evolves gases and/or vapors at a temperature which is detrimental to the processing temperature of polymer or paper systems so that the modified material can be used as a fire retardant additive with that polymer or paper system. The method comprises the steps of: (1) providing a first material; (2) treating the first material to remove the portion which evolves gas which is detrimental to the processing of the polymer or paper system; and (3) combining a second material with the first material to create a modified material which does not evolve gas at a temperature which is detrimental to the processing of the paper or polymer system.

Abstract: A filler material for use in a polymer or paper system. The filler material is formed by heating hydrotalcite to less than approximately 600.degree. C. to remove most of the carbonate and water of hydration; submersing the hydrotalcite in a NaBr solution for 1-24 hours in a nitrogen atmosphere to form a bromide intercalated hydrotalcite; and adding the bromide intercalated hydrotalcite as a 25-65 wt % filler in a polymer system selected from the group of polypropylene, polybutylene terephtalate, nylon, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene.

Abstract: Mineral particles are surface treated with an alkali metal silicate, hydrogen peroxide, an acid, or an organophosphorus compound. A preferred surface treating method utilizes sodium silicate in aqueous solution at pH greater than 9, followed by neutralization with acid to precipitate a silica coating onto surface portions of the particles. The mineral particles are preferably alumina particles. The surface-treated alumina particles may be incorporated into fluoride dentifrices or compounded with halogenated hydrocarbons and polymeric resins to form flame-retardant polymer compounds.

Abstract: A filler composition containing at least two surface modifiers and comprising a powdered inorganic filler, a carboxylic acid or mixture of carboxylic acids and an organosilane. A preferred filler composition comprises alumina trihydrate, isostearic acid and vinyl-tris (2-methoxyethoxy) silane. When filler compositions containing both the carboxylic acid and organosilane surface modifiers are blended with thermoplastic resins to form thermoplastic compounds, the resulting filled compounds display improved physical properties compared with controls.

Abstract: A single row tapered roller bearing capable of taking radial loading as well as thrust loading in both axial directions has a cone provided with an integral thrust rib at the small diameter end of its raceway, a cup surrounding the cone, tapered rollers between the raceways of the cup and cone, a separate rib ring at the large diameter end of the cup raceway, and a cage for maintaining correct spacing between the rollers in the circumferential direction. The cage at one end has an outwardly directed lip which is too large to fit through the rib ring and at its other end has outwardly directed tabs which are too large to fit through the cup without deflecting. In effect, the cup and rib ring are captured between the lip and tabs on the cage, and since the rib ring and cup cannot separate, the rollers and cone remain in place, providing a bearing which is unitized sufficiently for normal handling.