Abstract: The compositions described include micronized zinc oxide UV blocking agents with at least one organic UV protective compound. Premix compositions are provided for imparting improved UV resistance to paints, coatings, finishes and plastic articles comprising both micronized inorganic zinc oxide and organic UV protective compounds suitable for easy later inclusion into paint, coating, finish and plastic articles formulations.

Abstract: Improved organophilic clay gellants for highly viscous systems such as asphalt and creosote can be prepared by a process wherein the smectite-type clay is gently dried and/or subjected to minimum or no grinding. The organophilic clay agent may be used to thicken a variety of organic compositions including pitch and heavy resins. In a preferred aspect, the organophilic clay gellant can be directly added to asphalt systems in order to efficiently and effectively modify the viscosity thereof without the use of either a polar activator as a dispersion agent or a preactivation agent.