Abstract: This invention describes the encapsulation of and self-assembly of meso (nano) porous silica particles from inorganic an inexpensive silica precursor, sodium silicate. The particles have a well defined shape, high surface area, and high uniformity of the pore size, the properties that are typically found for high quality mesoporous material synthesized from organic silica precursors. The disclosure illustrates a synthesis of hard spheres, discoids, and a mixture comprising discoids, gyroids and fibers, termed as origami.

Abstract: Agglomerated hollow particle latex is employed as a filler in the wet end of the paper-making process to provide paper with improved properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an encapsulated product in which a core substance having an electric charge on its surface is coated with a wall material comprising a polymer as a main component, the production method comprising at least the following steps (1) to (4): (1) a step of adding an ionic polymerizable surfactant A containing an ionic group having the opposite electric charge to the electric charge on the surface of the core substance, a hydrophobic group and a polymerizable group to an aqueous solvent containing the core substance, followed by mixing, thereby adsorbing the ionic polymerizable surfactant A to the surface of the core substance; (2) a step of adding, after said step (1), an ionic polymerizable surfactant B containing an ionic group having the same or opposite electric charge to the electric charge on the surface of the core substance, a hydrophobic group and a polymerizable group, followed by mixing; (3) a step of adding, after said step (2), a hydrophobic monome

Abstract: This invention relates to non-bleeding and quick color releasing colored speckles for use in granular laundry detergents and other consumer products. The speckles are comprised of a porous carrier, a releasing agent, and a coloring agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing ceramic microspheres from industrial slag. The microspheres have a particle size of about 38 microns to about 150 microns. The microspheres are used to create a cement slurry having a density of at least about 11 lbs/g. The resultant cement slurry may then be used to treat subterranean wells.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide polymer matrix nanocomposites reinforced with nano-scale materials such as nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes and methods of fabricating. The nanomaterials are provided within relatively low weight fractions, for example in the range of approximately 0.01 to about 0.4% by weight and distributed within the matrix by a magnetic mixing procedure to provide substantially uniform reinforcement of the nanocomposites. Advantageously, these nanocomposites provide significantly enhanced tensile strength, strain to failure, and fracture toughness over corresponding neat matrices.

Abstract: A composition for a slurry for manufacture of a building panel includes one or more fillers, one or more binders and water. One or more fillers is an expanded perlite at least partially covered with a film-forming, thermoplastic polymer coating Some embodiments use calcined or uncalcined gypsum as a binder or filler. One embodiment is a building panel that includes a solid matrix of calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals bound to expanded perlite. A method of making the panel includes acquiring expanded perlite and coating it with film-forming, thermoplastic polymer coating. After the expanded perlite is prepared, it is combined with water other optional fillers and one or more binders to form a slurry. The slurry is shaped into a panel and allowed to dry.

Abstract: This invention relates to inorganic microspheres having a relatively narrow particle size distribution, which may be prepared by spheridization of zeolite crystals. The microspheres are particularly useful for whitening polymer compositions and in other filler applications.

Abstract: Well treating composites are composed of an organic lightweight material and a weight modifying agent. The organic lightweight material preferably forms the continuous phase and the weight modifying agent forms the discontinuous phase. The apparent specific gravity (ASG) of the organic lightweight material is less than the ASG of the well treating composite. The composite of the invention is particularly useful in hydraulic fracturing fluids as lightweight proppants as well as in sand control methods, such as gravel packing and frac packing A subterranean formation may be treated by injecting the well treating composite into the formation in order to increase fracture conductivity, reduce the generation of fines, reduced unwanted water production and/or reduce particulate production.

Abstract: Methods and systems for expanding mineral ore, including perlite, are disclosed. Microwave energy is generated and applied to at least one gas. The energized gas then contacts particles of at least one mineral ore, wherein the transfer of energy softens the particles and boils the water contained therein, thereby at least partially expanding the particles.

Abstract: Precipitated silica specifically useful in the paper industry and in particular in paper-coating applications for inject printing, is characterized by an uptake of DOP oil lower than 260 ml/100 g, a pore volume (Vd25) of greater than 0.8 ml/g formed by pores having a diameter of less than 25 nm, a CTAB specific surface area of greater than 280 m2/g.

Abstract: A core-shell ceramic particulate is provided. The core-shell ceramic particulate comprises a core particulate structure comprising a plurality of primary particulates and a plurality of primary pores; and a shell at least partially enclosing the core particulate structure. Each of the primary particulates comprises a plurality of secondary particulates and a plurality of secondary pores; and the shell comprises a plurality of tertiary particulates and a plurality of tertiary pores. A method of making a core-shell ceramic particulate is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a core particulate structure comprising a plurality of primary particulates and a plurality of primary pores wherein each primary particulate comprises a plurality of secondary particulates and a plurality of secondary pores; and disposing a shell comprising a plurality of tertiary particulates and a plurality of tertiary pores onto the core particulate structure.

Abstract: Surface-modified silicas Surface-modified, highly structured, potassium oxide-doped silicas, characterized by BET surface area, m2/g: 25-400 average primary particle size, nm: 5-50 pH: 3-10 carbon content, % by weight: 0.1-10 potassium oxide content, % by weight: 0.000001-40 are prepared by subjecting a potassium oxide-doped silica to surface modification. It can be used as a filler in silicone rubber compositions.

Abstract: A material which is suitable as filler or coating pigment for a fibrous web and a method for manufacturing thereof. According to the method, a feed comprising organic polymer material is cooled to at least approximately ?50° C., after which it is refined in a jet refiner to a desired particle size. The present invention generates uniform pigment particles which comprise, for instance, starch esters, and which particles have a porous surface structure, in which case they are suitable for instance as coating pigments and fillers for offset and ink-jet papers.

Abstract: The invention includes methods for imparting spectral characteristics to composite materials by coating prepreg or dry reinforcement materials with pigment, then processing the prepreg or dry reinforcement materials using conventional composite processing methods. The resulting composite material products are lightweight and have durable treatments. The invention further includes composite materials with spectral characteristics imparted by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A binder mix containing a hydraulic binding agent and an admixture mixed therewith, a process for preparing a hydraulically hardened binder mass, a calcinated kaolin product and a process for preparing the same. A paste-like composition is formed from the hydraulically hardening binding agent, a pozzolanically reacting admixture and water, which, when so desired, contains stone aggregate or similar filler, the paste-like composition is worked and the worked composition is allowed to harden to form the binder mass. The admixture comprises spherical, porous metakaolin agglomerates, the size of which is 2-200 microns and which have an open pore structure. The invention can be used to improve the manufacturing methods of cast concrete products and shorten the manufacturing times, and to provide concrete with better mechanical and chemical properties, as well as improve the fire and frost resistance of concrete.

Abstract: A surface coating composition which exhibits low solar absorption and preferential emission at wavelengths corresponding to atmospheric windows in the infra-red regions is provided by the addition of microspheres to a composition containing a solar reflective pigment.

Abstract: Micronized perlite filler product, methods of producing the micronized expanded perlite products, and methods of use thereof are provided. The micronized expanded perlite product has, for example, a small median particle size (for example, less than 11 microns), a high blue light brightness (for example, higher than 84) and low oil absorption (for example, less than 70 percent in volume). The micronized expanded perlite product may be used in a variety of applications such as anti-block filler in plastic films and reinforcement filler in polymers.

Abstract: An alumina particle (1) of the present invention has an alumina body with a short axis length (b) of 1 to 10 nm, a long axis length (a) of 20 to 400 nm and an aspect ratio (a/b) of 5 to 80. The alumina body is expressed by a Formula I, and n is not less than 0. Al2O3.

Abstract: A composition for a slurry for manufacture of a building panel includes one or more fillers, one or more binders and water. One or more fillers is an expanded perlite at least partially covered with a film-forming, thermoplastic polymer coating Some embodiments use calcined or uncalcined gypsum as a binder or filler. One embodiment is a building panel that includes a solid matrix of calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals bound to expanded perlite. A method of making the panel includes acquiring expanded perlite and coating it with film-forming, thermoplastic polymer coating. After the expanded perlite is prepared, it is combined with water other optional fillers and one or more binders to form a slurry. The slurry is shaped into a panel and allowed to dry.

Abstract: The invention involves a procedure in which by the combination of certain components, a thermal, flexible and light coating paint is obtained. This paint offers insulation properties with a low film thickness. This coating paint offers better insulation properties than other insulators with a higher thickness while not requiring any additional protection. These properties are due to the internal structure of the coating paint in which internal caverns are formed by the reaction of ramified chain polymers, addition of materials, and a balance of certain elements. These characteristics are impossible to get in traditional coating paints.

Abstract: Low density additives and methods of making said additives for composite materials are provided. The low density additives have at least a partial or complete water repellant property that reduces moisture migration, absorption, and retention within a composite material in which it is incorporated into. Active sites are engineered onto the surface of the low density additives to enhance bonding of the additives within a composite matrix. Reduced water movement and enhanced bonding lead to an increased strength and durability performance for a composite material comprising such additives. Composite materials incorporating one or more engineered low density additives as also provided, such composite materials having enhanced strength and durability. Such composite materials may be made from a Hatschek process. The composite materials may be further used as interior and exterior building products.

Abstract: Silane-modified oxidic or siliceous filler with a bead fraction below 75 ?m of less than 15 wt. % and a median particle size distribution between of 150 to 500 ?m, which is produced by the reaction of at least one microbeaded or microgranular, oxidic or siliceous filler in a compressed gas with at least one silane. The silane-modified oxidic or siliceous fillers are used in rubber compounds.

Abstract: A non-pigmented ink composition suitable for use in ink jet printing is provided made up of a blend of two or more hollow micro-spheres comprising a small particle size hollow micro-sphere and a larger particle size hollow micro-sphere. The remainder of the ink composition comprises a suitable carrier vehicle, which typically contains water, alcohols, surfactants, humectants and optionally a resin component.

Abstract: A coating composition and a pigment comprising a surface-treated clay mixture used therein, and, optionally, microspheres, in which the coating composition comprises a curable or hardenable resin system into which is dispersed the pigment. High build, corrosion resistant coating compositions are provided having high pigment content, which translates into lower material costs, attributable at least in part to the particle packing benefits derived from the unique clay mixture used as a filler.

Abstract: Expanded perlite products having controlled particle size distribution, methods of producing the expanded perlite products, and methods of use thereof are provided. The expanded perlite product has, for example, a low ratio of standard deviation of particle size distribution to median particle size (for example, less than 0.63) and low median particle size (for example, less than 50 microns). The expanded perlite product may be used in a variety of applications including filter applications.

Abstract: Expanded perlite products having controlled particle size distribution, methods of producing the expanded perlite products, and methods of use thereof are provided. The expanded perlite product has, for example, a low ratio of standard deviation of particle size distribution to median particle size (for example, less than 0.63) and low median particle size (for example, less than 50 microns). The expanded perlite product may be used in a variety of applications including filter applications.

Abstract: Expanded perlite products having controlled particle size distribution, methods of producing the expanded perlite products, and methods of use thereof are provided. The expanded perlite product has, for example, a low ratio of standard deviation of particle size distribution to median particle size (for example, less than 0.63) and low median particle size (for example, less than 50 microns). The expanded perlite product may be used in a variety of applications including filter applications.

Abstract: The invention refers to a new process for preparing coated particles and hollow shells by coating colloidal particles with alternating layers of oppositely charged nanoparticles and polyelectrolytes and optionally removing the colloidal cores.

Abstract: Expanded perlite products having controlled particle size distribution, methods of producing the expanded perlite products, and methods of use thereof are provided. The expanded perlite product has, for example, a low ratio of standard deviation of particle size distribution to median particle size (for example, less than 0.63) and low median particle size (for example, less than 50 microns). The expanded perlite product may be used in a variety of applications including filter applications.

Abstract: A method for preparing hollow particles comprising a dense silica shell, by precipitating active silica from an aqueous alkaline metal silicate on a core constituted in a material other than silica and by eliminating the material without destroying the silica shell. The particles are used as insulating materials; as hollow fillers for polymers, building materials, rubber, paper, paint; as absorbing agents; as toothpaste abrasives or additives; as support for the absorption and/or graining out active matter, the liberation of the active matter being effected by the destruction of the silica core by mechanical rupture or by dissolving the silica shell in a basic medium or by diffusion; as sun screening agents or sun screening agent supports or for the formulation of liquid matter in solid form.

Abstract: A textured coating and method of applying same. The coating comprises a high-solids polyamide epoxy having a resin and a hardener, and the epoxy is mixed with a texture aggregate filler being selected from the group consisting of perlite, glass microballoons, glass bubbles, phenolic microballoons, Q cel microspheres, and extendospheres, with the filler preferably being expanded perlite of a size such that about 20% maximum by weight is retained on a U.S. Std. Sieve No. 50 and such that about 65% maximum by weight is retained on a U.S. Std. Sieve No. 100. The epoxy and the filler are mixed in about equal volume.

Abstract: A printing paper is provided having the appearance of uncoated paper and improved printability properties approaching those of coated papers. Also provided are a surface treatment formulation having a variable viscosity and a method for producing a printing paper having the appearance of uncoated paper and improved printability properties approaching those of coated papers.

Abstract: A low-density, syntactic foam material is provided according to the invention. The syntactic foam material is prepared by mixing together a plurality of microballoons and a finely divided solid thermosetting resin. Fibers are also preferably incorporated into the material during processing to impart specific properties. The mixture is heated to allow the thermosetting resin to flow and wet the microballoons in the mixture. The mixture is then cured to set and crosslink the thermosetting resin to form the syntactic foam of the invention. The syntactic foam material has highly uniform properties and can be used in aerospace applications.

Abstract: A printing paper is provided having the appearance of uncoated paper and improved printability properties approaching those of coated papers. Also provided are a surface treatment formulation having a variable viscosity and a method for producing a printing paper having the appearance of uncoated paper and improved printability properties approaching those of coated papers.

Abstract: A lightweight aggregate and a process and apparatus by which FCC, petroleum equilibrium fluid-cracking catalyst, a by-product of the oil refinery industry, can be added to the feedstock materials fed into the feed end of a rotary lightweight aggregate kiln or blown into the discharge end of the same kiln by insufflation, or by a combination of both techniques, to form the lightweight aggregate utilizing the FCC as received without further processing.

Abstract: Novel aerated fibrous slurry comprising fibrous material, foaming agent, stabilizer, water and gas, which when dried to a water content of not more than 10% by weight, forms a dry, resilient fibrous foam composition. The dry, resilient fibrous foam composition is useful as an inexpensive cushioning filler, as a heat insulating material and as an absorbent of liquids.

Abstract: A sculpting medium is provided comprising a filler of polymeric microspheres and optionally, a fibrous filler, a thixotropic hydrogel binder and water, all blended in a proportion such that the color of the medium is due primarily to the color(s) of the polymeric medium.

Abstract: A coated TiO.sub.2 pigment is disclosed with coatings of porous alumina and dense alumina, such dense alumina being formed in the presence of soluble molybdate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel high surface area powder composition in which the individual powder particles comprise hollow silica shells, e.g., amorphous hydroxylated silica, coated with finely distributed surface accessible metal oxides. The invention also discloses metallic coatings, which are obtained by converting at least a portion of the oxide coatings into the corresponding metals.

Abstract: Hollow microspheres of ceramic material are formed by a sol-gel technique involving forming and stabilizing an emulsion of an aqueous sol of the ceramic material in an organic phase, followed by dehydration of the stabilized emulsion droplets by extraction using a water-absorbing organic liquid, to form hollow gelled spheres, and finally recovery, drying and calcination of the spheres to the final product. The separation of the emulsion formation and dehydration steps into two distinct stages results in the ultimate formation of microspheres with improved uniformity and size distribution.

Abstract: A lightweight aggregate comprising free-flowing particles of a polymer foam coated with a binding agent having dispersed therein, in total, at least 10% by weight thereof of one or more transition metal ions.

Abstract: A method is shown for producing a lightweight aggregate by treating flyash and sewage sludge. The flyash and sewage sludge are mixed together and then agglomerated into pellets, with or without the use of a binder. The pellets may be coated and then are dried. The dried pellets are introduced into a rotary kiln in a direction that is co-current with the flow of fuel and air through the kiln. The pellets in the kiln will be indurated and will experience complete calcination as well as varying degrees of pyrolizing and sintering. The product of the kiln is a nodular material having a low density but with a hard and porous structure. The product of the kiln is feed to a cooler. The flyash sewage sludge mixture has a significant fuel value that is usable in the kiln. Furthermore, the fuel value available in the kiln off-gases may be used for drying the materials.

Abstract: The tendency of microporous material to discolor over a period of time when exposed to the atmosphere during normal usage can be reduced if the microporous material comprises whiteness retaining organic surface active agent.

Abstract: A cored multi-shell emulsion particle consisting of a core particle, a void layer existing in the exterior of the core particle and a shell layer, each of which has a diameter of .phi., d and D, respectively, and the ratio of .phi., d and D is in the following range..phi./D=0.1-0.6d/D=0.2-0.8 (d>.phi.)The particle exhibits excellent hiding power, brightness, gloss and thermal insulation property as an organic pigment without impairing drying ability and strength of coated layer.

Abstract: Novel rutile mixed phase pigment microgranulates are disclosed which comprise hemispherical particles indented to form toroid-shaped beads. The microgranulates are free-flowing, non-dust forming, and are stable in handling.

Abstract: Novel opalescent coatings are disclosed containing foamed metal oxides. The foamed metal oxides impart a unique opalescence to the coatings, result in more natural hues, softer colors and minimal color travel.

Abstract: An alumina-silica-sulfate of the formulaxR:Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 :ySiO.sub.2 :zSO.sub.4.pH.sub.2 Owherein R is an alkali or alkaline earth metal oxide, a transition metal capable of forming a sulfate salt or mixtures thereof, x is about 0.001 to 0.5, y is about 0.01 to 3.00, z is about 0.00 to 3.00, and p is about 0 to 100.00, and wherein the sulfate is present as a bound network. Compositions comprising the alumina-silica-sulfate of the invention and a carrier, articles of manufacture comprising the alumina-silica-sulfates of the invention in the form of a catalyst, rubber, plastics, paint and paper, among others. Hollow microspheres are formed by spray drying a gelled composition. Hollow microspheres containing a porous network are formed by calcining the spray-dried hollow microspheres to eliminate the sulfate network.

Abstract: A silica powder composition in which the individual powder particles comprise shaped hollow shells of amorphous hydroxylated silica having a shell thickness of from 10 to 50 nanometers.

Abstract: A non-porous, substantially hollow, expanded mineral product, such as expanded perlite, is produced by uniformly and indirectly heating ore for about 1 to 30 seconds in an expansion chamber maintained at about 1400.degree. F.-2100.degree. F. to produce uncoated particles which exhibit superior short term and long term density stability characterics in liquid systems, and which may subsequently be coated to provide enhanced density stability characteristics.