Abstract: A method of producing calcium carbonate from a waste sludge containing calcium carbonate and at least one silicate mineral. The method comprises the steps of: (i) incinerating the sludge to an ash in which at least 60% of the calcium carbonate present in the sludge is converted to free calcium oxide which is unreacted with the silicate mineral(s), (ii) optionally slaking the ash to convert at least a portion of the free calcium oxide therein to calcium hydroxide, (iii) treating either the ash from step (i) or the slaked ash from step (ii) with an aqueous solution of a polyhydroxy compound to provide a solution of dissolved calcium hydroxide, (iv) separating insoluble material from the solution of calcium ions obtained in step (iii), (v) dispersing carbon dioxide through the solution obtained from step (iv) so as to produce calcium carbonate, and (vi) separating the calcium carbonate produced in step (v).

Abstract: A method of producing calcium carbonate from a waste sludge containing calcium carbonate and at least one silicate mineral. The method comprises the steps of: (i) incinerating the sludge to an ash in which at least 60% of the calcium carbonate present in the sludge is converted to free calcium oxide which is unreacted with the silicate mineral(s), (ii) optionally slaking the ash to convert at least a portion of the free calcium oxide therein to calcium hydroxide, (iii) treating either the ash from step (i) or the slaked ash from step (ii) with an aqueous solution of a polyhydroxy compound to provide a solution of dissolved calcium hydroxide, (iv) separating insoluble material from the solution of calcium ions obtained in step (iii), (v) dispersing carbon dioxide through the solution obtained from step (iv) so as to produce calcium carbonate, and (vi) separating the calcium carbonate produced in step (v).

Abstract: A method of preparing an inorganic particulate material suitable for incorporation in a composition comprising a hydrophobic polymeric material includes the steps of (a) processing an aqueous suspension of an inorganic particulate material in the presence of a water soluble dispersing agent; (b) adding a surfactant to the particulate material; and (c) drying the particulate material. The inorganic particulate material to which the surfactant has been added may be further treated by addition thereto of a further surface treatment agent which is a hydrophobising surface treatment agent, eg. a carboxylic acid or salt thereof. The surfactant may be a non-ionic surfactant and may be added to the particulate material whilst in the form of a dispersed aqueous suspension. The further surface treatment agent may be added to the particulate material during or after the drying step (c).