Abstract: A composition may include a first talc having a morphology index less than or equal to about 0.6 and a second talc having a morphology index greater than or equal to about 0.6. The first talc and the second talc may form a talc composition, and the talc composition may have a content ratio of the first talc to the second talc ranging from about 30:70 by weight to about 80:20 by weight. A polymer composition may include a polymer matrix and a filler composition. The filler composition may include a first talc having a morphology index less than or equal to about 0.8 and a second talc having a morphology index greater than or equal to about 0.8. The filler composition may have a content ratio of the first talc to the second talc ranging from about 30:70 by weight to about 80:20 by weight. The first talc may be a microcrystalline talc. The second talc may be a macrocrystalline talc.

Abstract: A resin composition is provided, including a binder resin, and silver-coated particles in which a functional group is introduced to a surface. A ratio (a/b) of Young's modulus (a) of the silver-coated particles to Young's modulus (b) of the binder resin after being cured is 0.1 to 2.0, and the Young's modulus (a) of the silver-coated particles is 0.05 to 2.0 GPa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filler comprising clay and cellulose derivative having a degree of substitution of net ionic groups up to about 0.65.

Abstract: Disclosed are a ?-crystal form nucleating agent composition for polypropylene and an application thereof. The composition is prepared by proportionally mixing barium tetrahydrophthalate, calcium tetrahydrophthalate and the like with adjuvants, such as hydrotalcite or calcium carbonate. The composition has better functions than a single-component ?-nucleating agent. The impact strength of polypropylene subjected to nucleation modification by the ?-crystal form nucleating agent composition can be improved by up to 6 times, and the heat distortion temperature is improved by about 10° C. to 20° C.; in addition, while the impact strength is improved, the flexural modulus of polypropylene can be improved, namely, the rigidity of polypropylene is improved. Therefore, the mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene are improved.

Abstract: The process relates to mineral material slurries used in concrete, sealants, paper, paint or plastic applications, wherein the surface of the wet mineral matter slurry displays an increased whitening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filler composition comprising a) a filler, b) a cationic inorganic compound, c) a cationic organic compound, and d) an anionic polysaccharide, wherein the filler is present in an amount of at least about 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, the anionic polysaccharide is present in an amount of about 1 to about 100 kg/ton, based on the weight of filler, and wherein the composition is substantially free from fibers.

Abstract: A method of preparing a stable dispersion of flocculated filler particles for use in papermaking processes comprises sequential addition of a first flocculating agent to an aqueous dispersion of filler particles followed by shearing of the dispersion, followed by addition of a second flocculating agent to the dispersion and further shearing of the resultant filler flocs to the desired particle size resulting in shear resistant filler flocs with a defined and controllable size distribution. In addition, a neutralizing coagulant can be added to the dispersion to partially or completely neutralize the charge of the filler before the first flocculating agent is added.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising stamp sand granules embedded in asphalt, where the stamp sand granules comprise a silane coating. Additionally provided are methods of making a silane-coated stamp sand, the methods comprising combining stamp sand granules and a silane solution to form a mixture and drying the mixture. Additionally provided are methods of covering a surface, the methods comprising combining silane-coated particles and asphalt to provide a mixture and distributing the mixture on the surface.

Abstract: Process for preparing a thermoplastic resin composition containing an aromatic polycarbonate resin which may include a thermoplastic resin other than the aromatic polycarbonate resin, a granular talc, and optionally a rubber polymer, a flame retardant or a fluorinated polyolefin. The granular talc has a particle size in which a proportion of a 500 ?m-mesh screen residue thereof is not less than 55% by weight.

Abstract: Paper coating compositions contain specific polyethers which are obtained by reacting a diglycidyl ether with a water soluble polyol containing at least one polyoxyethylene chain acting as deflocculants, water retention agents and gloss enhancers.

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 for producing a reaction product including at least one synthetic formulation that carbonates sufficiently, said method comprising: providing a first raw material, having a first concentration of M; providing a second raw material, having a second concentration of Me; and mixing the first raw material and the second raw material to produce a reaction product that includes at least one synthetic formulation having the general formula MaMebOc, MaMeb(OH)d, MaMebOc(OH)d or MaMebO(OH)d.(H2O)e, wherein M comprises at least one metal that can react to form a carbonate and Me is at least one element that can form an oxide during the carbonation reaction, wherein the at least one synthetic formulation is capable of undergoing a carbonation reaction, and wherein the at least one synthetic formulation is capable of undergoing volume change during the carbonation reaction.

Abstract: A talc slurry and a method of producing the talc slurry. A talc product includes the talc slurry having total solids (TS) 40% or higher and a dispersant agent and/or a thickener.

Abstract: Process for preparing a thermoplastic resin composition containing an aromatic polycarbonate resin which may include a thermoplastic resin other than the aromatic polycarbonate resin, a granular talc, and optionally a rubber polymer, a flame retardant or a fluorinated polyolefin. The granular talc has a particle size in which a proportion of a 500 ?m-mesh screen residue thereof is not less than 55% by weight.

Abstract: A two step method for preparing a filler composition, the filler composition useful to prepare a nanocomposite polymer and an epoxy nanocomposite coating. First, disperse a water dispersible filler material in a liquid comprising water, but without any added intercalation agent, to form a dispersion. Second, replace at least a portion of the water of the liquid with an organic solvent so that the water concentration of the liquid is less than six percent by weight to form the filler composition, the average size of at least one dimension of the filler material being less than two hundred nanometers upon examination by transmission electron microscopy of a representative freeze dried sample of the dispersion of the first step. A nanocomposite polymer can be prepared by mixing the filler composition with one or more polymer, polymer component, monomer or prepolymer to produce a polymer containing the filler composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic resin composition which comprises 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin (component A) and 1 to 400 parts by weight of a granular inorganic filler (component B) comprising an inorganic filler having an average particle diameter of 0.01 to 100 ?m and a water-soluble polyester resin binder, and having a bulk density of 0.4 to 1.5 g/mL; and a resin molded article obtained by molding the thermoplastic resin composition. The thermoplastic resin composition is improved in various properties such as extrusion moldability, rigidity, impact resistance, thermal stability and hue, and exhibits an excellent balance between these properties.

Abstract: A composition for treating paper products comprising protein particulate, colloidal pigment, synthetic latex polymer, and preservative is described, as well as methods and an apparatus using the composition for such treatments, and products obtained thereby. The treated paper products preferably have improved strength, water holdout, and/or ink holdout, amongst other advantages and benefits.

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: A talc slurry and a method of producing the talc slurry. A talc product includes the talc slurry having total solids (TS) 40% or higher and a dispersant agent and/or a thickener.

Abstract: Methods for treating lignocellulosic material or pigment with a reductive bleaching solution generally include washing the lignocellulosic material or pigment with a reducing agent of magnesium dithionite. The method includes at least one reductive stage and at least one peroxide stage. Also disclosed are methods for preparing dithionite solution wherein magnesium bisulfite is reduced with borohydride solution to obtain dithionite. Bleached lignocellulosic material or pigment obtained with the treatment methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a joined body formed by unitarily joining two or more members to be joined by means of a bonding material layer formed of a bonding material composition. The bonding material composition contains flat particles, non-flat particles, and an inorganic adhesive as main components, and the bonding material layer has a Young's modulus of 3 GPa or more. The joined body can suppress deformation of members to be joined due to thermal distortion with the bonding material layer, hardly causes rupture of the bonding material layer due to stress, and has excellent thermal shock resistance.

Abstract: A coated particulate solid composition includes a particulate inorganic solid having deposited on its surface a treatment oil comprising lipids. The particulate inorganic solid can include a base particle of titanium dioxide, zinc sulfide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, lead oxide, aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, zirconium oxide and/or chromium oxide. The treatment oil is optionally a vegetable oil. The treatment oil containing lipids optionally contains glycerides such as triglycerides, and diglycerides, and can contain phospholipids. In one embodiment, the coated particulate solid composition includes particulate titanium dioxide, wherein the treatment oil provides increased bulk density, and enhanced dispersibility in plastic as well as improved lacing resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing modified powder, particularly to a method for dry manufacturing of modified powder comprising the steps of: a) dry mixing powder having hydroxyl group (—OH) at the end and lauroyl lysine in a reactor equipped with an agitator; and, b) agitating the reactor to coat lauroyl lysine on the surface of the powder.

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: The present invention relates to a filler composition comprising a) a filler, b) a cationic inorganic compound, c) a cationic organic compound, and d) an anionic polysaccharide, wherein the filler is present in an amount of at least about 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, the anionic polysaccharide is present in an amount of about 1 to about 100 kg/ton, based on the weight of filler, and wherein the composition is substantially free from fibers.

Abstract: In one embodiment the invention is a hydrophobic nano-talc composition that is the reaction product of nano-talc with an ammonium, pyridinium or phosponium salt. The composition is characterized by a carbon content of about 5 to about 25 wt %. The compositions are useful in preparing nano-talc/polymer composites. In another embodiment, the invention is a process for preparing a nano-talc composition of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light plaster mixture in pasty form which has improved storage stability. This is based on a composition which contains a binder, inorganic fillers, light fillers, water and also further additives. The light plaster mixture according to the invention can be used in the form of final coats on any bases.

Abstract: The invention relates to coated pearlescent pigments, whereby the coating covers the pearlescent pigments and comprises uncured, however, chemically cross-linkable and/or oligomeric and/or polymeric binding agents that can be cross-linked by heat, IR radiation, UV radiation and/or electron rays. The invention also relates to a method for producing the coated pearlescent pigments and to the use thereof. The invention additionally relates to a coating composition and to a coated article.

Abstract: A two step method for preparing a filler composition, the filler composition useful to prepare a nanocomposite polymer. The first step is to disperse a water dispersible filler material in a liquid comprising water to form a dispersion. The second step is to replace at least a portion of the water of the liquid with an organic solvent to form the filler composition, the water concentration of the liquid of the filler composition being less than six percent by weight, the average size of at least one dimension of the filler material being less than two hundred nanometers upon examination by transmission electron microscopy of a representative freeze dried sample of the dispersion of the first step.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method of reductively bleaching a mineral slurry comprising adding in the mineral slurry an effective amount of a formamidine sulfinic acid (FAS) and an effective amount of a borohydride to reductively bleach the mineral slurry, compositions comprising a mineral slurry, a FAS, and a borohydride, and final products comprising a mineral obtained by the method disclosed herein.

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: An ultra-fine powder formed from a naturally occurring mineral or rock material and having a controlled or “engineered” particle size distribution (PSD) to match the infrared spectra with a maximum particle size in the range of 14-17 microns measured as either D99, or preferably D95, and a minimum particle size D5 in the range of 4-7 microns. Preferably the maximum particle size is about 15 microns, the minimum particle size is about 5 microns and the D50 particle size is about 8-10 microns with the moisture content of the particle size “engineered” powder being less than about 0.20 percent by weight and preferably about 0.05 to 0.08 percent by weight of the powder. This specially “engineered” ultra-fine powder is used to reduce the thermicity of thermal film to a value less than about 20%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tinted optical lenses and to methods of manufacturing tinted optical lens. This invention relates to a method for tinting optical lenses using an ink receptor film. The method of the invention allows a good transfer of the color to the substrate which represents the support of lens, a good final coloration of the substrate with good color homogeneity. The invention relate also to a method of tinting optical lenses, using the said ink receptor film which is applied onto a primer layer coating the substrate of the lens. The ink receptor material comprises an inorganic filler and an water-based emulsion. Preferably the ink receptor material also comprises a water-soluble polymer, a modified cationic polymer and a carrier able to accelerate the absorption of the ink into the substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to crop protection compositions and methods for making and using the compositions. More specifically, the invention relates to crop protection compositions utilizing talc and one or more additives providing for improved aqueous suspension of the talc and methods for making such compositions. The present invention also discloses horticultural substrates coated with a crop protective composition utilizing talc and one or more additives providing for improved aqueous suspension of the talc.

Abstract: Multifunctional surface-modified cellulose-containing fibers, especially for producing paper and cardboard packagings, are provided with numerous specific advantages regarding production and the product. The invention particularly relates to cellulose compounds and microcomposites in which solid materials, liquids, and dispersed or amorphous additives, for example, are coated onto the surface of the cellulose, and methods for the production of said compounds.

Abstract: A coating for a rubber or elastomer wiper blade of a vehicle windscreen wiper, of the type comprising an additive for reducing the coefficient of friction between the blade and the window, characterised in that it comprises cavities with microscopic dimensions which open out outside the coating, which confers a hydrophilic character on it.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a pigment composition is provided comprising a base particle and a dispersing agent, the dispersing agent comprising a salt and/or ester of: (i) an amine, alcohol, and/or alkanol amine and (ii) a polyprotic acid, wherein the mole ratio of the amine, alcohol, and/or alkanol amine to the polyprotic acid is greater than 3:1. In various embodiments, the pigments have improved stability, hiding power, tint strength, and/or gloss.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high solids mineral slurry having long term stability and a method for producing the same. Specifically, the present invention provides a talc slurry having a solids content of up to 65% and a stability against sedimentation for up to 100 days. The talc slurry of the present invention comprises a phyllosilicate mineral, a chelating agent and multivalent ions, wherein the slurry has a pH of between about 10.2 and about 11.8.

Abstract: Coating composition comprising mineral pigment, for creating a matt or silk coated paper with decreased ink scuff tendency. The coating composition also comprises organic particles, which particles in an amount of 0.5-9.5 weight-% calculated on said mineral pigment, exhibit a particle size of more than 2 &mgr;m and at the most 50 &mgr;m. The invention also relates to a paper which is coated with said coating composition.

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: Methods and apparatus are provided for uniformly depositing a coating material from a vaporization source onto a powdered substrate material to form a thin coalescence film of the coating material that smoothly replicates the surface microstructure of the substrate material. The coating material is uniformly deposited on the substrate material to form optical interference pigment particles. The thin film enhances the hiding power and color gamut of the substrate material. Physical vapor deposition process are used for depositing the film on the substrate material. The apparatus and systems employed in forming the coated particles utilize vibrating bed coaters, vibrating conveyor coaters, or coating towers. These allow the powdered substrate material to be uniformly exposed to the coating material vapor during the coating process.

Abstract: Described are fillers, e.g., inorganic oxides, that have been chemically treated to have a carbon content of greater than 1 weight percent, a mercapto content of at least 0.15 weight percent, a Silane Conversion Index of at least 0.3 and a Standard Reinforcement Index of 4 or more. Polymeric compositions that contain such treated fillers are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for uniformly depositing a coating material from a vaporization source onto a powdered substrate material to form a thin coalescence film of the coating material that smoothly replicates the surface microstructure of the substrate material. The coating material is uniformly deposited on the substrate material to form optical interference pigment particles. The thin film enhances the hiding power and color gamut of the substrate material. Physical vapor deposition process are used for depositing the film on the substrate material. The apparatus and systems employed in forming the coated particles utilize vibrating bed coaters, vibrating conveyor coaters, or coating towers. These allow the powdered substrate material to be uniformly exposed to the coating material vapor during the coating process.

Abstract: A paper having an improved print quality comprises a paper substrate having a surface with a surface roughness of less than 6 microns and a surface gloss of 5-80% which surface has been coated with a light-weight, low solids content, top coat. The top coat may comprise (i) a rheology modifier/binder component and at least one pigment or (ii) at least one binder coated pigment. The top coat provides a significant improvement to the delta gloss of the so-treated paper.

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: 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: This invention discloses a talc additive for use as a filler in making paper products which is useful in preventing dusting or linting of paper. Also disclosed is a method of making the additive and using it in making paper.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for uniformly depositing a coating material from a vaporization source onto a powdered substrate material to form a thin coalescence film of the coating material that smoothly replicates the surface microstructure of the substrate material. The coating material is uniformly deposited on the substrate material to form optical interference pigment particles. The thin film enhances the hiding power and color gamut of the substrate material. Physical vapor deposition processes are used for depositing the film on the substrate material. The apparatus and systems employed in forming the coated particles utilize vibrating bed coaters, vibrating conveyor coaters, or coating towers. These allow the powdered substrate material to be uniformly exposed to the coating material vapor during the coating process.

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: 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.