Abstract: The present invention relates to a filler-fiber composite, a process for its production, the use of such in the manufacture of paper or paperboard products and to paper produced therefrom. More particularly the invention relates to a filler-fiber composite in which the morphology and particle size of the mineral filler are established prior to the development of the bond to the fiber. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a PCC filler-fiber composite, wherein the desired optical and physical properties of the paper produced therefrom are realized.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising inorganic solids for use as pigments in paints, papers and plastics.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for preparing calcium carbonate pigment from calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide and carbon dioxide in the presence of water. According to the invention, the starting materials are reacted in fluid state containing at least 20 parts of volume of gas for each part by volume of suspension formed by water and solid substances, and the amount of water is essentially equivalent to the amount which is evaporated during the reaction together with the amount left in a calcium carbonate product which behaves like a powder. By means of the present invention, PCC in powder form can be prepared without the product first having to be separated from a slurry.

Abstract: The present invention is a fly ash filler or filler blend having a particle size distribution with at least three modes that when combined with asphalt produces asphalt composites such as roofing shingles with improved mechanical properties at a lower cost than asphalt shingles produced using conventional calcium carbonate fillers. The present invention also includes a method for producing an asphalt composite, comprising the steps of combining asphalt with a fly ash filler or a filler blend having a particle size distribution with at least three modes and producing an asphalt composite with the resulting filled asphalt. The present invention further includes a method of determining what fly ashes can be used as fillers for asphalt composites such as roofing shingles.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pigment, filler or mineral containing a natural calcium carbonate, treated with one of more providers of H3O+ ions and gaseous CO2, allowing a reduction in the weight of paper for a constant surface area without loss of physical properties when it is used as a pigment or coating filler for the said paper. In particular, the invention concerns a pigment, filler or mineral containing a natural calcium carbonate or dolomite or mixtures of talc and calcium carbonate, of kaolin and carbonate or carbonate alone or in combination with natural and/or synthetic fibres or similar, treated with one or more medium-strong or strong providers of H3O+ ions in the presence of gaseous CO2.

Abstract: A physical and chemical mixture of aggregative material, chemical products, mineral fillers and/or special pigments in dispersion, with metallic effect, designed to be added to aqueous-phase paint products having a monochromatic-flocculate or multichromatic-flocculate base (known among decorative paint products by the trade name of aqueous-phase Multicolor, Antiche Terre Fiorentine and/or the like), or aqueous-phase paint products without flocculate components (known among decorative paint products by the trade name of Arteacqua glazings and/or the like) in order to obtain a newly devised single-color and multicolor mural-coating decorative paint product both, with and without metallized effect, which can be applied using a spatula, paintbrush, glove and/or roller or the like, and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pigment, filler or mineral containing a natural calcium carbonate, treated with one of more providers of H3O+ ions and gaseous CO2, allowing a reduction in the weight of paper for a constant surface area without loss of physical properties when it is used as a pigment or coating filler for the said paper. In particular, the invention concerns a pigment, filler or mineral containing a natural calcium carbonate or dolomite or mixtures of talc and calcium carbonate, of kaolin and carbonate or carbonate alone or in combination with natural and/or synthetic fibers or similar, treated with one or more medium-strong or strong providers of H3O+ ions in the presence of gaseous CO2. Applications are particularly in the paper industry, obtaining in particular good sheet properties i.e. a reduction its weight for a given surface area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel form of particulate precipitated aragonite, and a novel process for producing it.

Abstract: A physical and chemical mixture of aggregative material, chemical products, mineral fillers and/or special pigments in dispersion, with metallic effect, designed to be added to aqueous-phase paint products having a monochromatic-flocculate or multichromatic-flocculate base (known among decorative paint products by the trade name of aqueous-phase Multicolor, Antiche Terre Fiorentine and/or the like), or aqueous-phase paint products without flocculate components (known among decorative paint products by the trade name of Arteacqua glazings and/or the like) in order to obtain a newly devised single-colour and multicolour mural-coating decorative paint product both, with and without metallized effect, which can be applied using a spatula, paintbrush, glove and/or roller or the like, and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: A method of making a composite pigment of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) and a silicon compound, in which the resulting composite pigment is endowed with an excellent combination of optical and mechanical properties. Among other things, a PCC/silicate composite pigment made according to this invention imparts increased bulk, light scattering power, porosity and printing properties to paper. The composite pigment material made according to this invention also is very competitive from the standpoint of its production cost. The method for making the composite pigment includes the step of introducing a soluble silicate compound into an aqueous medium containing a precipitate of calcium carbonate formed by carbonation of lime milk, and at a time when the calcium carbonate precipitation reaction has progressed to near completion.

Abstract: A method of producing a rheologically stable concentrated aqueous suspension of a particulate alkaline earth metal carbonate which method comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a dilute aqueous suspension of the carbonate having a solids content of not more than 40% by weight; (b) dewatering the dilute aqueous suspension to form a carbonate suspension having a solids content in the range of from 45% to 65% by weight; (c) optionally mixing with the dewatered suspension formed in step (b) a dispersing agent for the carbonate to form a fluid suspension; (d) further dewatering the fluid suspension formed in step (b) by thermal evaporation under reduced pressure to raise the solids content of the suspension by a further differential amount of at least 5% by weight; and (e) after at least some of the dewatering in step (c) treating the suspension by a mechanical working process in which at least 1 kW.hr per tonne of carbonate on a dry weight basis is dissipated to refluidise the suspension.

Abstract: A manufactured granular substrate composition suitable for use as a carrier for active chemical agents. The composition includes one or more mineral components having a bulk density greater than about 70 pounds per cubic foot. The composition also contains about one or more light weight additives and one or more water soluble binders. The resulting manufactured granular substrate has a bulk density of less than about 55 pounds per cubic foot with a size guide number of about 75 to about 300.

Abstract: Aggregated mineral pigments (such as kaolin clay pigments) having a high surface area and useful in coating and filling compositions for ink jet printing media are manufactured by dry grinding an unground mineral composition starting material and then optionally acid treating the ground material.

Abstract: Systems and methods of making and using fine particle materials in pigment blends and for using the aforementioned pigment blends in paint, coating, or coloring compositions are provided. This invention further provides systems and methods of enhancing the visual appearance of a variety of substrates by introducing a paint, coating, or coloring composition to the substrate. The fine particle materials of the present invention have a substantially random geometric shape, a particle size less than about 100 microns, and help provide both functional and visual enhancing properties to compositions and substrates containing these fine particle materials.

Abstract: Ground calcium carbonate compositions having narrow particle size distributions and a method for producing the compositions. The method involves forming a substantially dispersant-free calcium carbonate suspension, wet-grinding the suspension, and aging the suspension. The method does not require the use of classification equipment and the aging process does not require heating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high surface area product and its production from solid-containing material, such as waste effluent from a paper-treating plant. The high surface area product comprises calcium carbonate, and is useful as a coefficient of friction control filler for newsprint.

Abstract: A modified filler used in the making of paper or the like, preparation of the filler and its use. The modified filler comprises a filler known as such, e.g. calcium carbonate, kaolin, talc, titanium dioxide, sodium silicate and aluminiumtrihydrate or their mixture, and a hydrophobic polymer made of polymerisable monomers, which is added to the filler as a polymer dispersion or a polymer solution.

Abstract: A pigment composition for use as a substrate to produce ink, paints, and pigment compounds, the composition being made from an aqueous slurry containing about 17 to 40% calcium carbonate, based on the weight of said aqueous slurry, and an inorganic pigment from group comprising titanium dioxide, in which the amount of calcium carbonate is higher than that found in standard pigment compositions and the amount of amount of pigment is lower than that found in standard pigment compositions, yet there is not an appreciable degradation of the color, coating, and other qualities of the pigment composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilized calcium carbonate filler, a process for stabilizing calcium carbonate, the use of the stabilized filler in a paper making system, and an improved paper making process wherein calcium carbonate is used as a filler. Specifically, the invention relates to a process wherein the rate of dissolution of calcium carbonate filler is retarded as compared to the rate found in conventional paper making processes. The rate of dissolution is retarded by addition of carbon dioxide to a slurry containing the calcium carbonate filler.

Abstract: A colorant for ink-jet printing ink of the present invention, has an average particle diameter of 0.001 to 0.15 &mgr;m, and comprises: extender pigments as core particles; a gluing agent coating layer formed on at least a part of surface of said core particle; and an organic pigment coat uniformly formed on at least a part of said gluing agent coating layer. The colorant for ink-jet printing ink exhibits not only a high tinting strength and a clear hue, but also excellent dispersibility and light resistance in spite of fine particles.

Abstract: A method for preparing a surface-modified calcium carbonate useful in the synthesis of polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, etc. to improve the polymer's friction coefficient, which method comprises the step of forming a dispersion comprising calcium carbonate particles and a bi-functional reagent having two functional linking substituents consisting of a first substituent linking to the calcium carbonate particles and a second substituent which can link to the polyester, thereby bonding the calcium carbonate to the polyester through the bifunctional linking reagent; and surface-modified calcium carbonate and polyesters containing same.

Abstract: The invention is based on the idea of preparing porous calcium carbonate particles via a degradation reaction from a crystalline initial material which contains the initial components for forming calcium carbonate and additionally initial components for forming the reaction products to be removed from the initial material. In the reaction a substantial portion of the calcium carbonate forms a porous frame in the space occupied by the initial material, around the open space left by the matter leaving the initial material. The invention is also based on the use of such porous calcium carbonate particles as a pigment absorbing printing inks or their solvents on the surface of a printing substrate.

Abstract: A number of stable mixtures are disclosed containing specific combinations and levels of extender pigments and thickeners. These stable mixtures may be employed, inter alia, as a mixture in a method of making paints using prepaints or as a conventional component in a coating, such as a paint, or other end-use where opacifying pigments are employed.

Abstract: A near-infrared reflecting composite pigment comprises a near-infrared non-absorbing colorant and a white pigment coated with the near-infrared non-absorbing pigment. The near-infrared reflecting composite pigment can be produced by mixing a colorant dispersion, in which the near-infrared non-absorbing colorant is dispersed in a liquid medium, with the white pigment in a form selected from powder or a dispersion and then drying the resultant mixture. A near-infrared reflecting coating agent comprises as a coloring agent the near-infrared reflecting composite pigment. A near-infrared reflecting material comprises a base material coated on a surface thereof with the near-infrared reflecting coating agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising inorganic solids for use as pigments in paints, papers and plastics.

Abstract: Pigments of flake substrate coated with calcium carbonate wherein the surface of the flake substrate is coated with fine particles of calcium carbonate. The pigment may be manufactured by a method where calcium carbonate in fine particles is separated out and coated on the surface of the flaky substrate by the reaction of a calcium salt with a carbonate in a suspension of the flake substrate. It can be used as an extender particularly for cosmetics exhibiting appropriate adhesion to skin, low luster and excellent wrinkle-hiding effect, prevention of unpleasant feel due to perspiration, sebum absorbing property, etc.

Abstract: Aggregated mineral pigments (such as kaolin clay pigments) having a high surface area and useful in coating compositions for ink jet printing media are manufactured by dry grinding an unground mineral composition starting material and then optionally acid treating the ground material.

Abstract: Systems and methods of making and using fine particle materials in pigment blends and for using the aforementioned pigment blends in paint, coating, or coloring compositions are provided. This invention further provides systems and methods of enhancing the visual appearance of a variety of substrates by introducing a paint, coating, or coloring composition to the substrate. The fine particle materials of the present invention have a substantially random geometric shape, a particle size less than about 100 microns, and help provide both functional and visual enhancing properties to compositions and substrates containing these fine particle materials.

Abstract: Composite pigments comprising particles of silicate or oxide minerals having deposited thereon a multiplicity of particles of a metal carbonate as a result of in-situ precipitation.

Abstract: Alkaline earth-manganese oxides are used as pigments. The alkaline earth-manganese oxide pigments are preferably of the formula MexMnOy, where Me is at least one metal selected from Ca, Sr, Ba and Mg, x is from 0.01 to 99, and y is greater than or equal to x+1 and less than or equal to x+2. The pigments are useful as colorants, and also possess improved reflectance characteristics, particularly in the IR region, and may reduce IR-induced heat buildup. These colorants can be used to form colored objects, or coat objects when they are either added into or applied onto materials such as paints, inks, plastics, glasses, ceramics and the like. The patent also covers the production of these pigments.

Abstract: Concrete characterized by containing aqueous slurry of ground calcium carbonate which has a mean particle diameter of 0.5-3 micrometers produced by wet pulverization of the limestone. By adding fine powder of ground calcium carbonate, fluidity of the concrete is increased and workability thereof is improved.

Abstract: Processes for making high quality PCC compositions, and the resulting PCC products thereof. A precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) composition is prepared by a process comprising the step of wet media mill grinding an aqueous slurry of PCC made by carbonation of lime milk, with the grinding being done at a low solids content in a plurality of separate grinding stages, which can done while essentially free of the presence of organic dispersant. After the multi-stage wet grinding step, the ground PCC slurry is partially dewatered in the presence of an organic dispersant in a solid bowl centrifuge. Then, the partially dewatered PCC slurry is subjected, in the presence of an organic dispersant, to fluid shearing forces created in a rotor/stator type mixer. While these three steps are advantageously used together within a single PCC process flow for optimal effect, the individual steps also can be incorporated singly or in lesser combinations thereof into different PCC manufacturing schemes to beneficial effect.

Abstract: A multi-layered coating for use preferably on paperboard or paper is disclosed wherein the coating contains at least two layers. The first layer contains at least one dark colorant, at least one white or near white pigment, and at least one binder, and the second layer contains at least one pigment other than a dark colorant, such as a white or near white pigment, and at least one binder. Slurries and dry mixtures containing these ingredients are also disclosed. A multi-layered coated paperboard or paper comprising paperboard or paper and the multi-layered coating is also disclosed. A method to reduce the amount of a white or near white pigment like titania is also disclosed which involves using one or more of the above-described multi-layered coatings on paperboard or paper.

Abstract: A pigment composition for use as a substrate to produce ink, paints, and pigment compounds, the composition being made from an aqueous slurry containing about 17 to 40% calcium carbonate, based on the weight of said aqueous slurry, and an inorganic pigment from group comprising titanium dioxide, in which the amount of calcium carbonate is higher than that found in standard pigment compositions and the amount of amount of pigment is lower than that found in standard pigment compositions, yet there is not an appreciable degradation of the color, coating, and other qualities of the pigment composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inorganic cohesion agent for self-compacting cement pastes consisting of a co-precipitated SiO2/CaCO3 mixture.

Abstract: A pigment material for use in a coating composition suitable for coating a sheet material to be printed by an electrophotographic printer which pigment material comprises a blend of Components A and B as follows:

Abstract: A reactive agent for decomposing fluorine compounds comprising alumina and an alkaline earth metal compound; a process for decomposing fluorine compounds, comprising contacting the reactive agent with a fluorine compound at a temperature of 200° C. or more; and a process for manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising an etching or cleaning and a decomposing using the reactive agent.

Abstract: A powder comprises a mixture of up to 40 weight percent activated cokes and inert materials. In the mixture, at least one of the inert material components is matched in terms of its grain size distribution to the grain size distribution of the activated coke component so that in a gas medium at rest, the speed of vertical descent of the coarse grain of the inert material component is substantially equal to the speed of vertical descent of the coarse grain of the activated coke component.

Abstract: Bimolecular coated calcium carbonate and a process for controlled surface treatment of calcium carbonate according to which an amount of coating determined from the mean particle diameter (dp) of the calcium carbonate is contacted with the calcium carbonate particles. The way in which the amount of coating agent is determined enables purposeful control of the properties of the coated calcium carbonate particles to adapt them for use as functional filling materials in different technical applications.

Abstract: A manufactured granular substrate composition suitable for use as a carrier for active chemical agents. The composition includes one or more mineral components having a bulk density greater than about 70 pounds per cubic foot. The composition also contains about one or more light weight additives and one or more water soluble binders. The resulting manufactured granular substrate has a bulk density of less than about 55 pounds per cubic foot with a size guide number of about 75 to about 300.

Abstract: High brightness kaolin pigments and methods of making high brightness kaolin pigments are provided. Both delaminated and nondelaminated clays are provided having typical brightness of 87 or higher. The pigments have high brightness and good opacity, providing an optimum pigment for paper coating and paper filler. Also provided are blended high brightness kaolins having increased opacity properties.

Abstract: A pigment material for use in a coating composition suitable for coating a sheet material to be printed by an electrophotographic printer which pigment material comprises a blend of Components A and B as follows: Component A: a fine pigment material suitable for gloss coating of a sheet material the pigment material comprising particles at least 80% by weight of which have an equivalent spherical diameter (“esd”) of less than 2 &mgr;m and having a particle size distribution (“psd”) such that its d50 value, namely the particle esd value less than which 50% of the particles have an esd, is less than 1 &mgr;m; and Component B: a coarse pigment material having a psd such that its d50 value is from 2 &mgr;m to 10 &mgr;m, desirably 2 &mgr;m to 5 &mgr;m and such that not more than 2% by weight of the particles of the coarse pigment material have an esd greater than 15 &mgr;m, desirably not more than 2% have an esd greater than 10 &mgr;m; wherein the weight ratio of Component A to Component

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the bleaching of a mineral pigment or a synthetic pigment, in which process the pigment to be bleached is contacted with a solution which contains peracetic acid in order to obtain a pigment with a raised degree of brightness.

Abstract: A manufactured granular substrate composition suitable for use as a carrier for active chemical agents. The composition includes about 65 wt % or more of one or more mineral components having a bulk density greater than about 70 pounds per cubic foot. The composition also contains about 5 wt % to about 25 wt % of one or more light weight additives and up to 20 wt % of one or more water soluble binders. The resulting manufactured granular substrate is readily dispersable in water and has a bulk density of less than about 55 pounds per cubic foot with a size guide number of about 100 to about 230.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acid-stabilized calcium carbonate slurry having a pH of less than 7, preferably between about 6 and about 7, containing water, calcium carbonate, preferably precipitated calcium carbonate, and an acid-stabilizer of a water soluble calcium salt, a weak acid, a chelating agent, a weak acid capable of chelating calcium ion, or a mixture thereof. The acid-stabilizer is present in an amount sufficient to provide an aqueous calcium carbonate slurry having an increased calcium ion concentration and an acidic pH. In a typical acid-stabilized calcium carbonate slurry of the invention, the acid-stabilizer is present in an amount sufficient to provide a calcium ion concentration of about 1 millimolar to about 5 molar, preferably from about 1 to about 120 millimolar.

Abstract: A method of producing a precipitated calcium carbonate (pcc) product which has a coarse crystalline form which comprises the steps of: (a) preparing a suspension in an aqueous medium of calcium hydroxide particles which partially dissolve as calcium ions in the aqueous medium, the aqueous medium also incorporating an agent which promotes release into solution in the aqueous medium of calcium ions from the calcium hydroxide; (b) adding carbon dioxide to the aqueous medium to react with the calcium ions therein to produce a suspension in the aqueous medium of a precipitate of calcium carbonate crystals; (c) concentrating the suspension of the precipitate by a dewatering process; and (d) adding to the suspension of the precipitate a dispersing agent for the precipitate; wherein in step (a) the calcium hydroxide particles of the suspension of calcium hydroxide particles have a specific surface area measured by the BET nitrogen method of less than 33 m2/g and the said agent comprises a water soluble organic c

Abstract: A material for use in children's sand boxes, play sets and play areas that is not hazardous to the health of humans and comprises calcium carbonate or calcium magnesium carbonate.

Abstract: A method of significantly improving the brightness and shade properties of a high quality PCC product. The method includes providing a calcium containing feed source that contains discoloring impurities. The calcium containing feed source is formed into an aqueous slurry of calcium carbonate. Thereafter, the slurry is fine screened through a 325 mesh screen in order to yield a slurry of filler grade calcium carbonate. The filler grade calcium carbonate slurry is wet milled in order to liberate the discoloring impurities and reduce the median particle size of the calcium carbonate to less than 2 microns. The discoloring impurities are then magnetically separated from the milled calcium carbonate slurry by subjecting the slurry to a high intensity magnetic filed. After the magnetic separation step, the purified slurry may be de-watered to yield a dry powder; or alternatively, the slurry may be retained in aqueous form.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pigment particle product and a method for its preparation. According to the invention pigment particles, such as kaolin, natural calcium carbonate or titanium dioxide, and precipitated calcium carbonate are mixed together in an aqueous phase at pH 6-11, which causes the pigment particles to become coated with particles of precipitated calcium carbonate. The brightness of the product is excellent, and it is quite inexpensive to produce.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the preparation of a precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) for use as a pigment in paper coating compositions, the method comprising the steps of (a) carbonating an aqueous lime-containing medium to produce an aqueous suspension of a PCC predominantly in a selected crystal form, (b) at least partially dewatering the PCC-containing suspension; and (c) subjecting the PCC-containing suspension to comminution by high shear attrition grinding with an attrition grinding medium. Steps (b) and (c) may be applied in either order, ie. (b) followed by (c) or alternatively (c) followed by (b). The dewatering step (b) is preferably carried out using a pressure filter device operating at a pressure of at least 5 MPa, preferably at least 10 MPa. A pH reduction step may be applied after steps (b) and (c). Also disclosed are pigments produced by the method and pigment and paper coating compositions including such pigments.