Abstract: A thickened, shear thinnable composition comprising a water-miscible organic liquid, alumina, water and an effective amount of a gelling agent that will flocculate or gel the alumina to the desired degree but permit the gelled composition to be rendered less viscous or pourable upon the application of a shear force.

Abstract: A latex composition comprising, as a rheology modifier, an effective amount of a boehmite alumina having a crystal size (020 plane) of less than about 60 Angstroms and a surface area, when calcined to gamma phase, of greater than approximately 200 m.sup.2 /g, the boehmite alumina being present in an amount effective to obtain the desired rheological properties of the composition.

Abstract: A process for producing mixed oxides containing an alumina species in which a mixture of a hydrated alumina having a specified surface area (average crystal size), a fluid medium and a compound having the formula M.sub.x A.sub.y wherein M is selected from the group consisting of metals, silicon, boron, arsenic and tellurium, A is selected from the group consisting of oxygen and anions, x is from 1 to 4 and y has a value satisfying said formula depending on the valence of M, is formed into a uniform sol, the sol is recovered from the liquid medium and dehydrated, and the dehydrated product is de-agglomerated to produce a mixed oxide having an average particle size of about 1 micron or less.