Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of an aqueous composition comprising polysilicate coated mineral particles, wherein the process comprises subjecting an aqueous composition comprising gelled polysilicate and a mineral to shear of at least 5000 rpm for at least 30 seconds. The present invention also provides polysilicate coated mineral particles obtainable by this process as well as paper filled with these particles.

Abstract: A polymer comprising i) a synthetic polymeric component that has been formed from an ethylenically unsaturated water-soluble or potentially water-soluble monomer and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer carrying a reactive group, wherein the reactive group is directly reactive with a cellulose binding domain protein; and ii) a protein component consisting of a cellulose binding domain protein, wherein the cellulose binding domain protein. The polymer is particularly suitable as a dry strength resin in a paper making process. It can also be used as a wet strength resin, internal sizing agent or surface sizing agent.

Abstract: A process of preparing an aqueous composition comprising a polysilicate, wherein the composition is a substantially uniform liquid when measured at 25° C., comprising the steps of, i) providing an aqueous liquid having a source of silicate, ii) adjusting the pH of the liquid to between about 2 and about 10.5, thereby causing polymerisation of the silicate, iii) allowing sufficient time for the polymerisation to proceed to substantial completion and thereby forming a product comprising gelled material, iv) subjecting the gelled material to sufficient shear to form a substantially uniform liquid. The novel aqueous composition made by this process is useful in the manufacture of paper and paperboard either as a mineral filler or as a retention/drainage aid.

Abstract: A polymer comprising i) a synthetic polymeric component that has been formed from an ethylenically unsaturated water-soluble or potentially water-soluble monomer and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer carrying a reactive group, wherein the reactive group is directly reactive with a cellulose binding domain protein; and ii) a protein component consisting of a cellulose binding domain protein, wherein the cellulose binding domain protein. The polymer is particularly suitable as a dry strength resin in a paper making process. It can also be used as a wet strength resin, internal sizing agent or surface sizing agent.

Abstract: A process of preparing an aqueous composition comprising a polysilicate, wherein the composition is a substantially uniform liquid when measured at 25° C., comprising the steps of, i) providing an aqueous liquid having a source of silicate, ii) adjusting the pH of the liquid to between about 2 and about 10.5, thereby causing polymerisation of the silicate, iii) allowing sufficient time for the polymerisation to proceed to substantial completion and thereby forming a product comprising gelled material, iv) subjecting the gelled material to sufficient shear to form a substantially uniform liquid. The novel aqueous composition made by this process is useful in the manufacture of paper and paperboard either as a mineral filler or as a retention/drainage aid.

Abstract: A process of preparing an aqueous composition comprising a polysilicate, wherein the composition is a substantially uniform liquid when measured at 25° C.

Abstract: A method of sizing paper by applying a composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of polymeric particles of particle size up to 1 micron, preferably 80-200 nm, wherein the polymeric particles comprise a water insoluble polymer matrix, preferably formed from styrene and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, characterized in that an oligomer formed from a monomer blend comprising, (a) (meth)acrylamide, and (b) organic mercaptan or an organic sulphone, preferably dodecyl mercaptan or dodecyl sulphone is located at the surface of the particles. Compositions where the oligomer further comprises an ethylenically unsaturated monomer comprising either a tertiary amine group or a quaternary ammonium group, preferably dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate are novel. Advantages of the composition when applied to the surface of paper, include improved water resistance, brightness and printability properties of the treated paper.