Abstract: Disclosed is a playing card (12) comprising a base layer (22) of a paper stock material. The base layer (22) is coated on opposite sides with opaque paper coatings (36, 38). The coatings (36, 38) are printed with graphics (18, 20). The base layer (22) is then laminated with top and bottom clear, plastic films (24, 26) on top of the printed coatings (36, 38). The films are high or medium gloss fills and provide a Tappi gloss in the range of about 85.degree. to 105.degree.. The films are mechanically embossed with embossments (48). The embossments (48) provide a static slip in the range of about 7.degree. to about 15.degree. and a Tappi gloss in the range of 50.degree. to 85.degree.. The embossments (48) reduce gloss without significant loss in ink density, color, or image distinctness.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a layered composite pigment comprising a first pigment particle having a charge of one sign and a second pigment particle having a charge of opposite sign to said one sign. The first pigment particle is an inorganic pigment particle. The first inorganic pigment particle has adsorbed on its surface an organic polymeric dispersant. The dispersant is selected from the group consisting of (a) an anionic or cationic polyelectrolyte dispersant; (b) a cationic synthetic latex having dispersant functionality; and (c) a cationic water-soluble binder having dispersant functionality. The dispersant is adsorbed onto the surface of the inorganic pigment particle in an amount effective to disperse the inorganic particle in an aqueous medium. The second pigment particle is selected from the group consisting of (a') an anionic or cationic synthetic latex particle or swollen binder particle which said swollen binder particle has a particle size greater than 0.

Abstract: A functionally modified pigment particle is prepared by mixing a flocculated pigment of kaolin clay or calcium carbonate with a modifier having charge sites opposite in sign to the charge sites of the flocculated pigment. Preferably, the flocculated pigment is an aqueous suspension of filter cake particles. The suspension is non-dispersed, or partially dispersed by neutralization with a strong base such as sodium carbonate. The suspension has a pH in the range of 6-9. Preferred modifiers are a water insoluble or dispersible latex binder, a water or alkali soluble organic or inorganic polymeric binder, a non-film forming organic particle such as plastic pigment, an optical brightener, a fluorocarbon, or combination thereof. When mixed with the filter cake, the modifiers become electrostatically bound to the pigment particles.

Abstract: Composite pigments and processes for making the same, useful as partial or total replacement for pigments conventionally employed in paper, paper coatings, paint, ink, and in rubber, are disclosed. The composite pigments comprise one or more synthetic or natural core particles having adsorbed on the surface thereof a polymeric dispersant having a positive or negative charge, and one or more natural or synthetic co-particles having adsorbed on the surface thereof a polymeric dispersant having a positive or negative charge opposite the charge of the core particles. The composite pigments provide improved optical and other properties.

Abstract: The present invention resides broadly in a dispersion of particles in a fluid medium which contains a polymeric dispersing agent. The particles are hydrophilic particles. The fluid medium has less than 0.5% by weight electrolyte based on the weight of the fluid medium. The polymeric dispersing agent is associative in nature, comprising hydrophilic moieties capable of adsorbing onto the particles, and hydrophobic moieties capable of interaction between themselves in the dispersion, or in a coating comprising the dispersion. The polymeric dispersing agent has a molecular weight in the range of 1,000 to 20,000, preferably in the range of 1,500 to 5,000, and is present in the dispersion in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 2.5 weight percent based on the weight of the particles which are dispersed.