Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process to grind at least one mineral material in the presence of ceria (CeO2)-containing zirconium oxide grinding beads having a specific ceria content (of between 14 and 20% by weight relative to the total weight of said bead, preferably of between 15 and 18%, and most preferably of approximately 16%), and a specific average grain size (of less than 1 ?m, preferably of less than 0.5 ?m, and most preferably of less than 0.3 ?m), wherein such beads are more resistant to wear than conventional beads of the prior art. Another object of the present invention lies in the ground material in the form of an aqueous suspension and in the form of a dry product. Another object of the present invention lies in the uses of such products in any sector making use of mineral materials, and notably in the paper, paint and plastic industries.

Abstract: An activator composition, in particular suitable for activating latent hydraulic and/or pozzolanic materials in binder compositions, includes: a first component A, including an alkali metal salt and/or an earth alkali metal salt; a second component B, including a metal sulfate; optionally, a third component C, suitable for accelerating the hardening of a hydraulic binder material; and optionally, a filler material; with at least the components A, B and C, if present, being chemically different.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for preserving an aqueous preparation of mineral material like e.g. calcium carbonate preparations, and to the use of a composition as a preservative in an aqueous preparation of mineral materials.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for disinfection and/or conservation and/or reduction and/or control of microbial contamination of aqueous dispersions and/or aqueous suspensions of mineral matter, providing satisfactory stability in terms of Brookfield™ viscosity for the said aqueous dispersions and/or suspensions of mineral matter. It also concerns the said aqueous dispersions and/or suspensions thus obtained, together with their uses in the mineral, paper and paint industries. Finally it concerns the end products obtained.

Abstract: A method of blending a fine precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) filler with larger PCC, the resulting blend to be used alone or in conjunction with a ground carbonate, clay or other filler, resulting in improved porosity by the lowering of the porosity of supercalendered paper, thereby imparting improved and offset printability. The fine PCC can be ultrafine PCC filler which then is blended with other fillers including but not limited to pigments. These fillers which are blended with the fine PCC include commercial and experimental PCC and commercial clays. Ultrafine PCC has agglomerates of small, discrete particles. Ultrafine PCC for use in the invention has a specific surface area of about 20 m2/g as measured by BET gas adsorption. As measured by a sedigraph, the average size of these agglomerates is from 0.4 to 1.1 microns.

Abstract: A two-part epoxy-based structural adhesive composition comprising a curable epoxy resin, an amine curing agent, a toughening agent, and an oil-displacing agent. The structural adhesive may optionally include reactive liquid modifiers, fillers, secondary curatives, reactive diluents, surfactants, metal salts, pigments and combinations thereof. The structural adhesive may be used to form bonded joints between adherends having clean surfaces, as well as those having surfaces contaminated with hydrocarbon-containing materials, such as oils, processing aids and lubricating agents.

Abstract: This invention concerns the production of a multilayer fiber product. According to the method, on top of a bottom layer consisting of at least one fiber layer, a second fiber layer is fitted containing filler that forms the surface layer. According to the invention, the layers are formed by multilayer web forming technology, and the surface layer filler includes cellulose or lignocellulose fibrils, on which light-scattering material particles are deposited, having a maximum proportion of the total filler weight of 85%. By means of the invention, a base paper is achieved that is suited to thin, coated paper grades, where conventionally the intrusion of the coating color into the bottom paper and through it is a problem.

Abstract: CO2-sequestering formed building materials are provided. The building materials of the invention include a composition comprising a carbonate/bicarbonate component. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of making and using the CO2-sequestering formed building material.

Abstract: New photocatalytic product comprising compounds of titanium integrated with limestone. The product is obtained by reacting limestone with a suitable precursor of titanium dioxide in a basic solution, followed by accurately washing the solid obtained, drying it and calcining it. A composite is obtained containing limestone, titanium dioxide and calcium titanate. The composite thus obtained, used as such or in mixture with other components, has shown an unexpectedly high photocatalytic activity.

Abstract: New photocatalytic product comprising compounds of titanium integrated with limestone. The product is obtained by reacting limestone with a suitable precursor of titanium dioxide in a basic solution, recovering the product in particular conditions, drying it and calcining it. By operating in presence of sodium, a composite is obtained substantially free from titanium dioxide, containing limestone and calcium titanate. The composite thus obtained, used as such or in mixture with other components, has shown an unexpectedly high photocatalytic activity.

Abstract: A method for treating calcium carbonate includes combining calcium carbonate with an amount of stearic acid and an amount of water to form a mixture, the amount of water being at least about 0.1% by weight relative to the total weight. The method further includes blending the mixture to form a stearic acid-treated calcium carbonate composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing calcium carbonate materials having a particle surface with improved adsorption properties of dispersant, using at least one lithium ion-containing compound, the calcium carbonate material obtained by this process, the use of the calcium carbonate materials in paper, paints and plastics, as well as the use of the lithium ion-containing compounds in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: The invention consists in the use, in a process of manufacture of GCC and PCC co-ground in water, of a co-grinding agent characterized in that: a) it is constituted by a least one homopolymer and/or at least one copolymer of acrylic acid, which is partially neutralised, of which the rate of molar neutralization is less than 75% of the total acid functions, b) and in that it is introduced: during the stage of preparation of the aqueous suspensions of GCC and PCC, and/or during stage 2) of co-grinding, and possibly during the stage of co-grinding and another stage of concentration, and possibly during this other stage of concentration. The invention also lies in the resulting aqueous suspensions of GCC and PCC, in the dry pigments of GCC and PCC obtained, and in the use of these products in paper, paint, rubber and plastic.

Abstract: The invention concerns a PROCESS for the preparation of cement/mortar/concrete (for simplicity: “cement”) compositions or systems, (hereafter “cement” compositions or systems for simplicity), of a general known type, in which the filler(s) is/are comprising or consist of “calcium carbonate-based filler(s)”, comprising at least one step where the said filler(s) is/are treated with an efficient treating amount of at least one treating agent consisting of or comprising superplastifier(s). The main purpose of this invention is to build a process aimed at providing improved, “High performance”, FLUID, cement or mortars or concrete systems or compositions having an improved compacity, an improved flowability, and globally speaking a definitely improved “workability”, and “regularity” of the properties of the final systems.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for preserving an aqueous preparation of mineral material like e.g. calcium carbonate preparations, and to the use of a composition as a preservative in an aqueous preparation of mineral materials.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process to modify at least part of the surface of at least one mineral material, and to the use, as an additive in an aqueous suspension of mineral materials having a pH between 5 and 10, of at least one agent, wherein the additive allows for the formation of a low volume, high solids content filter or centrifuge cake on dewatering the suspension.

Abstract: Highly compactable granulations and methods for preparing highly compactable granulations are disclosed. More particularly, highly compactable calcium carbonate granulations are disclosed. The granulations comprise powdered materials such as calcium carbonate that have small median particle sizes. The disclosed granulations are useful in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical tableting and provide smaller tablet sizes upon compression than previously available.

Abstract: CO2-sequestering formed building materials are provided. The building materials of the invention include a composition comprising a carbonate/bicarbonate component. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of making and using the CO2-sequestering formed building material.

Abstract: There is provided a filled paper containing a coated filler obtained by coating a filler with a acrylamide copolymer (composite PAM) comprising (A) an anionic polysaccharide and (B) a cationic and/or an amphoteric acrylamide copolymer. The composite PAM is obtained, for example, by mixing the component (A) and the component (B). Since the filler is treated with a combination of the components (A) and (B) different from each other in charge properties and structure, suitable coagulation effect can be attained and the coated filler has excellent affinity for pulp slurry. Therefore, even in the case of a highly filled paper, a large paper strengthening effect can be attained by using a small amount of the chemical agent.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of recovering and recycling waste coating color from papermaking coating process for use as wet end filler. The inventive method overcomes many technical challenges inherent in using waste coating colors as wet end filler such as the coatings having fine pigments that hurts sheet strength more than regular filler, having strong anionic charge and tendency to disturb wet end chemistry, causing excessive foaming, and containing a large amount of hydrophobic binder particles that tend to agglomerate in the white water and deposit on papermaking equipment. The method involves mixing the coatings with fresh filler particles, adding de-foaming agent, adding cationic coagulant, then preflocculating the mixture. This process causes fresh filler particles, pigments and binders in waste coating color to agglomerate together and form stable flocs with defined particle size distribution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of coating dispersions for use in the paper industry by co-grinding natural calcium carbonate (GCC) and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), characterized in that powdery GCC is co-ground with a slurry containing from 5 to 70% by weight of PCC to obtain a particle size distribution of the calcium carbonate with at least 90% by weight of smaller than 5 ?m, at least 70% by weight of smaller than 2 ?m, and at least 20% by weight of smaller than 1 ?m, with a weight average particle size within a range of from 0.7 to 3 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous slurry comprising natural ground calcium carbonate which has a percentage P5 by weight of particles having a diameter of less than 5.0 ?m of from 98.5% to 90%, a percentage P2 by weight of particles having a diameter of less than 2.0 ?m of from 96% to 80%, wherein the ratio of P2/P5 is from 0.98 to 0.85, and wherein the slurry has a solids content of more than 78 wt %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the control of pitch in an aqueous medium by adding surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate or an aqueous suspension comprising surface-reacted calcium carbonate and having a pH greater than 6.0 measured at 20° C., to the medium, wherein the surface-reacted calcium carbonate is a reaction product of natural calcium carbonate with carbon dioxide and one or more acids, the use of the surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate for pitch control, as well as to a combination of a surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate and talc for pitch control, and the resulting composites.

Abstract: A method of recovering a mineral product from carpet by preparing a feed of carpet pieces; thermally separating organic components from mineral components in the carpet by heating the carpet pieces to a particle bed temperature in the range of 600° C. to 1000° C., wherein the mineral component is oxidized to form a mineral oxide; slurrying the mineral oxide with water to produce 15 to 35% solids slurry within a period of approximately 30 minutes to 24 hours, whereby the mineral oxide forms a mineral hydroxide; stabilizing the pH of the slurry in the range between 6 and 10 by carbonation, resulting in a slurry containing mineral carbonates.

Abstract: The invention consists in the use, in a process of manufacture of GCC and PCC co-ground in water, of a co-grinding agent characterised in that: a) it is constituted by a least one homopolymer and/or at least one copolymer of acrylic acid, which is partially neutralised, of which the rate of molar neutralisation is less than 75% of the total acid functions, b) and in that it is introduced: during the stage of preparation of the aqueous suspensions of GCC and PCC, and/or during stage 2) of co-grinding, and possibly during the stage of co-grinding and another stage of concentration, and possibly during this other stage of concentration. The invention also lies in the resulting aqueous suspensions of GCC and PCC, in the dry pigments of GCC and PCC obtained, and in the use of these products in paper, paint, rubber and plastic.

Abstract: Method for producing an aqueous suspension, which is based on a hydraulic binder, and a hardened binder product. According to the invention, a composition of blending agents is added in the aqueous phase into the binder, which composition comprises calcium carbonate particles having an average particle size of 2-200 nm, in order to generate an aqueous suspension and, if needed, mineral fillers are added into this suspension, in order to produce a hardening plaster or concrete mixture. Besides calcium carbonate, the composition of blending agents can comprise calcium hydrogen carbonate and meta-kaolin sinter, too.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the modification of calcium carbonate fillers to improve their acid-tolerant property and to make their effective use in papermaking of high-lignin-content deinked pulp derived from recycled newspaper. It has been found that modification of calcium carbonate fillers using the combination of a calcium salt with a weak acid can improve the acid-tolerant property of the fillers, and the optical properties of the filled paper, such as brightness, can also be effectively improved.

Abstract: The invention concerns a new synthetic mineral matter containing carbonate, the decomposition of which reduces the rate of fossil fuel carbon dioxide emission. It also concerns its manufacture in batches, or in a batch-continuous manner, or in a continuous manner, together with its uses in the pharmaceutical field, the field of human or animal foodstuffs, or again the papermaking field with, notably, manufacture of paper, filler or coating, or again every other paper surface treatment, together with the fields of water-based or non-water-based paints, together with the field of plastics, such as that of breathable polyethylene films, or again the field of printing inks.

Abstract: A filler for powder coating materials is provided, which comprises inorganic parties having a Mohs hardness of 1 to 4 and satisfying the following particle size distribution of the following relationships (1) to (5): 2?A?30??(1); Cumulative 50 vol. % diameter (median diameter) determined by Microtrac FRA [?m]; 0?B?35??(2); Cumulative undersize for one-half the cumulative 50 vol. % diameter (median diameter) determined by Microtrac FRA [vol. %]; 1?C?25??(3); Value obtained by dividing cumulative 90 vol. % diameter determined by Microtrac FRA by cumulative 10 vol. % diameter [-]; 1?D?6??(4); Value obtained by dividing cumulative 75 vol. % diameter determined by Microtrac FRA by cumulative 25 vol. % diameter [-]; and E?100??(5); Maximum particle diameter in particle-diameter fraction frequency distribution determined by Microtrac FRA [?m].

Abstract: The invention relates to novel and innovative PCC pigments, able to be used in a paper coating formulations to manufacture coated “multipurpose” papers, in particular for inkjet applications, whose print qualities would be identical or quite similar to high resolution commercial papers, while maintaining a reduced paper manufacturing and production cost. Said pigments are obtained by a carbonation process using a reduced flow rate of CO2/air, which leads to porous agglomerates of PCC of a very specific structure and unique properties, followed by an upconcentration step leading to substantially the same agglomerates but with a higher, appropriate, solids content.

Abstract: The process of the present invention produces an aqueous dispersion of mineral materials, suitable for use in pigments and other coatings, by introducing a fully neutralized dispersing agent to an aqueous dispersion of coarse mineral materials, grinding the aqueous dispersion and, during grinding, adding a partially neutralized dispersing agent to the aqueous dispersion. The process of the present invention produces aqueous dispersions of very fine particles, having a solids content of at least 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the aqueous dispersion, and wherein 95% or more of the particles are below 2 microns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing calcium carbonate materials having a particle surface with improved adsorption properties of dispersant, using at least one lithium ion-containing compound, the calcium carbonate material obtained by this process, the use of the calcium carbonate materials in paper, paints and plastics, as well as the use of the lithium ion-containing compounds in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide containing gas is blown into a calcium hydroxide slurry having a calcium hydroxide concentration of 100 to 400 g/L obtained by wet slaking calcined lime with 4 N hydrochloric acid activity (value at 3 minutes) of 150 to 400 mL to allow them to react until the carbonation rate becomes 50 to 85%, then 1 to 20% by volume of the calcium hydroxide slurry is added, and carbon dioxide containing gas is further blown in to terminate the reaction. The calcium carbonate obtained by this method is precipitated calcium carbonate aggregates having a secondary particle diameter of 1 to 10 ?m and consisting of primary particles having a long diameter of 0.5 to 3.0 ?m, a short diameter of 0.1 to 1.0 ?m and an aspect ratio of 3 or more, has superior characteristics due to a BET specific surface area in the range of 8 to 20 m2/g and a pore volume in the range of 1.5 to 3.5 cm3/g, can be uniformly dispersed in pulp fiber, and thereby can be used to manufacture high bulk paper.

Abstract: CO2-sequestering formed building materials are provided. The building materials of the invention include a composition comprising a carbonate/bicarbonate component. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of making and using the CO2-sequestering formed building material.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process to obtain a calcium carbonate material comprising GCC and PCC, presenting a fraction of particles finer than 1 ?m of greater than 80%, preferably of greater than 85%, more preferably of greater than 90%, and even more preferably of greater than 95%, and a specific surface area of less than 25 m2/g, in a cost efficient manner, wherein GCC and PCC are co-ground, possibly with at least another mineral material. An other object of the present invention lies in the co-ground calcium carbonate material in the form of an aqueous suspension and in the form of a dry product. An other object of the present invention lies in the uses of such products in any sector making use of mineral material, and notably in the paper, paint and plastic industries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mixtures of two distinct porous, stable aggregates and rather coarse PCCs (precipitated) calcium carbonate pigments (such as a composition comprising a blend or mix of one of the two Grade B or Grade C PCCs, in combination with a second, specific S-PCC (S=scalenohedral type PCC) pigment in a ratio appropriately selected between 90/10 and 10/90 percent by dry weight, namely 80/20 and 20/80, with a coarser, third component, which may be a pigment and/or a filler such as natural calcium (ground) carbonate or (most preferably) a PCC (precipitated calcium carbonate), depending on the granulometry of the two fine PCCs the third, coarser component, may be omitted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making modified fillers for use in a papermaking process, methods for making a paper using the modified fillers, and modified fillers and paper produced therewith. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for making a modified filler for use in a papermaking process, which comprises applying a starch composition comprising starch to a reaction composition comprising at least one of fatty acid, rosin acid, and ammonium sulfate to form a reaction mixture; and applying a filler composition comprising a filler to the reaction mixture, whereby forming a modified filler. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of using a modified filler in a papermaking process, which comprises applying a modified filler to a composition comprising fiber to form a mixture; and processing the mixture, whereby producing a paper.

Abstract: A method of preparing a steep particle size inorganic particulate material includes grinding an aqueous suspension of an inorganic particulate material having a solids content of less than 35% and including a sub-effective amount of a dispersant for the inorganic particulate material. The method may further include dewatering the aqueous suspension to a solids content of at least 50% and dispersing the dewatered aqueous suspension by adding an additional amount of dispersant, and wherein, after grinding, the inorganic particulate material has a steepness factor above 35.

Abstract: A method for making a white synthetic carbide lime filler composition of calcium hydroxide and calcium carbonate, wherein the calcium carbonate is in the form of surface carbonation on the calcium hydroxide. The method can include calcining calcium carbonate, hydrating the calcined material under controlled conditions which maintain a low moisture content and fracture the hydrated material into small particles of calcium hydroxide, carbonating the small calcium hydroxide particles to create the surface carbonation of calcium carbonate, and classifying the carbonated synthetic carbide lime particles to separate off oversized particles.

Abstract: Compositions comprising synthetic rock, e.g., aggregate, and methods of producing and using them are provided. The rock, e.g., aggregate, contains CO2 and/or other components of an industrial waste stream. The CO2 may be in the form of divalent cation carbonates, e.g., magnesium and calcium carbonates. Aspects of the invention include contacting a CO2 containing gaseous stream with a water to dissolve CO2, and placing the water under precipitation conditions sufficient to produce a carbonate containing precipitate product, e.g., a divalent cation carbonate.

Abstract: A simple and easily useable system for reverting an uncured colored concrete material back to a gray color, by merely determining the original pigment and loading initially used to color the concrete material. The system utilizes a collection of pigment mixtures that can be selected and combined as needed to revert virtually any colored concrete back to a gray color, thus eliminating or reducing the expulsion of non-gray or colored concrete and/or dirty rinse water. Additionally, the volume of rinse water needed to clean out gray concrete is significantly less than that needed to clean out colored concrete.

Abstract: A method for making a white synthetic carbide lime filler composition of calcium hydroxide and calcium carbonate, wherein the calcium carbonate is in the form of surface carbonation on the calcium hydroxide. The method can include calcining calcium carbonate, hydrating the calcined material under controlled conditions which maintain a low moisture content and fracture the hydrated material into small particles of calcium hydroxide, carbonating the small calcium hydroxide particles to create the surface carbonation of calcium carbonate, and classifying the carbonated synthetic carbide lime particles to separate off oversized particles. The method can use a combined classifying and carbonating process, and a modified classifying vessel can be provided to carry out the combined process.

Abstract: A pigment particle composition which comprises calcium carbonate particles and pigment particles, its method of manufacture and its use. According to the present invention, the calcium carbonate particles are carbonated so that they bind to each other, in which case calcium carbonate structures are generated, which comprise pigment particles and which form essentially opaque and stable pigment-calcium carbonate aggregates. It is possible to manufacture the composition by atomizing calcium hydroxide-bearing pigment slurry into a carbon dioxide-bearing gas, in which case the calcium hydroxide is carbonated in order to precipitate the calcium hydroxide particles to be attached to each other and the carbonation is continued until essentially all of the calcium hydroxide has been converted into calcium carbonate. The composition is suitable for use, among others, in paints, coating materials, fillers, polymers and printing inks.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for reclaiming inorganic material from waste carpeting. The method comprises providing a waste carpeting composition comprising an inorganic filler component and an organic component. The waste carpeting is heat treated under conditions effective to separate at least a portion of the organic component from the waste carpeting composition and to provide a reclaimed inorganic filler composition at least substantially free of the organic component. Also disclosed are carpets comprising the reclaimed inorganic material reclaimed by the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a pigment comprising a surface-reacted precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), the process comprising the steps of a) providing at least one precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC)-comprising pigment; b) providing H3O+ ions; c) providing at least one anion being capable of forming water-insoluble calcium salts, said anion being solubilised in an aqueous medium; d) contacting said PCC-comprising pigment, with said H3O+ ions and with said solubilised anions in an aqueous medium to form a slurry of surface-reacted PCC-comprising pigment, wherein said surface-reacted PCC comprises an insoluble, at least partially crystalline calcium salt of said anion formed on the surface of the PCC; wherein excess solubilised calcium ions are provided during step d). The present invention further relates to a slurry of surface-reacted PCC comprising pigment obtained by this process, its use as well as the surface-reacted PCC contained in the slurry.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are dry aggregated calcium carbonates, comprising calcium carbonate and at least one inorganic binder, wherein the dry aggregated calcium carbonate has a median aggregate particle size (D50) of at least 5 microns. Also disclosed are compositions comprising such calcium carbonates. Products, such as paints, and methods of making products containing such aggregated calcium carbonate are further disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing and producing compositions with negative ?13C values are provided. Aspects of the invention include characterizing source materials and process products. Aspects of the invention also include compositions that contain carbon with negative ?13C values.

Abstract: A process of repairing a plasma etched low-k dielectric material having surface-bound silanol groups includes exposing at least one surface of the dielectric material to (a) a catalyst so as to form hydrogen bonds between the catalyst and the surface-bound silanol groups obtaining a catalytic intermediary that reacts with the silane capping agent so as to form surface-bound silane compounds, or (b) a solution comprising a supercritical solvent, a catalyst, and a silane capping agent so as to form hydrogen bonds between a catalyst and the surface-bound silanol groups obtaining a catalytic intermediary that reacts with the silane capping agent so as to form surface-bound silane compounds. Horizontal networks can be formed between adjacent surface-bound silane compounds.

Abstract: A paper coating includes a combination of a primary pigment and a secondary pigment. The primary pigment includes anionic particles having a particle size distribution where at least 96% of the particles by weight have a particle size less than 2 microns. The secondary pigment is a cationic, grit-free pigment having an average particle size of 3 microns or less. The coating also includes up to 17 weight % of a hydrophilic styrene-butadiene latex based on the weight of the dry pigments and a co-binder. Another embodiment of this invention is a coated base sheet that includes a base sheet to which the above coating has been applied.

Abstract: A powdery white vulcanization promoter composition which is excellent in storage stability, the resistance of blends thereof with rubbers or the like to heat build-up, and design; and rubber compositions containing the same. Specifically, a vulcanization promoter composition which comprises a modified calcium carbonate (A) surface-treated with a fatty acid or a resin acid and a silicic acid, an inorganic filler (B) exhibiting an oil absorption of as high as 50 to 300 ml/100 g, and a vulcanization promoter component (C) liquid at ordinary temperatures, characterized in that the (A):(B) mixing ratio is within the range of 30:70 to 95:5 and the content of (C) is 30 to 80 wt % based on the whole of the promoter composition.