Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a novel precipitated silica, wherein: a silicate is reacted with an acidifying agent, so as to obtain a silica suspension; said silica suspension is filtered, so as to obtain a filter cake; said filter cake is subjected to a liquefaction operation, optionally in the presence of an aluminium compound; wherein at least one polycarboxylic acid is added to the filter cake, during or after the liquefaction operation. It also relates to a novel precipitated silica and to its uses.

Abstract: Use of a composition comprising A) from 55 to 90% by weight of aluminum oxide, B) from 5 to 35% by weight of a sodium compound which at a pH of 7 at 20° C. has a solubility in water of ?300 g/l and can be converted by thermal means virtually exclusively into sodium oxide as only solid, C) from 0 to 15% by weight of a magnesium compound and/or a lithium compound selected from the group consisting of: magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, magnesium nitrate, lithium oxide, lithium carbonate, lithium nitrate and D) from 0 to 30% by weight of zirconium dioxide for producing a shaped ceramic body by extrusion.

Abstract: Modified molasses are used as dispersants for mineral suspensions, the modified molasses being obtained by means of a method comprising the steps: a) inversion of molasses and/or provision of inverted molasses; b) reaction of the inverted molasses with alkalis.

Abstract: Obtaining a natural or synthetic agalmatolite containing a narrow and controlled particle distribution range, can be obtained by a high-energy million process associated to a high performance aerodynamic particle size analysis, the final use of this product being the paint industry, imparting texture, silky luster, fineness, opacity, wet scrub resistance and whiteness to the paint.

Abstract: A fully calcined kaolin pigment extender is provided which has a product Mullite Index (M.I.) of 25.0 or higher. The calcined kaolin pigment extender can be advantageously used in paints to improve scrub and burnish resistance.

Abstract: A useable particulate nepheline syenite having a grain size to provide an Einlehner Abrasive Value of less than about 100 is described. The particulate nepheline syenite is generally free from agglomeration and moisture free. At least 99% of the nepheline syenite particles have a size less than 10 microns. In practice, the nepheline syenite grain size is less than about 5 microns and the distribution profile of the particulate system is generally 4-5 microns.

Abstract: A synthetic modifier known as JSSM for hot asphaltic paving mixes is formed of refinery bitumen, of which one example is 60/70 penetration grade, and clay and/or sand that is siloxane bonded. Another component may be a UV absorber. The synthetic modifier is added to refinery bitumen to produce a paving asphalt cement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pigment paint for an exterior material and to a method for manufacturing the same. The pigment paint comprises: a flake matrix, a first metal oxide layer coated on the upper portion of the transparent matrix, an oxide layer containing MgO—SiO2 coated on the upper portion of the first metal oxide layer, and a second metal oxide layer coated on the upper portion of the oxide layer. In order to ensure humidity resistance and weather resistance required for a lustrous pigment paint for exterior materials, a cerium layer and an aluminum oxide layer are further coated. Properties such as high luminance, high chromaticity, and high gloss, which could not be achieved using conventional techniques, can be achieved and a pigment paint having a multi-colored pearl luster can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a compound that comprises a pseudolaminar silicate of natural origin, which is at least one clay of the paligorskite-sepiolite group, characterized in that said method comprises the following steps: defibrillating the microfibre bundles of the at least one clay in water; dispersing the defibrillated clay in an organic or inorganic liquid solvent until a stable gel is formed; adding to the dispersion at least one clay-surface-modifying agent; removing the solvent from the dispersion by means of a solid-liquid separation process and/or drying process; and deagglomerating the final compound until a powdered product is obtained. A further object of the present invention is the compound that can be obtained using said method, as well as the use of the compound as an additive or filler in composite polymeric materials in order to enhance the properties thereof, the composite polymeric material likewise being encompassed within the present invention.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry of amorphous silica, the amorphous silica having a particle size less than 1 ?m. The slurry contains sepiolite as a stabiliser.

Abstract: Shaped geopolymeric particles, fibers, and articles incorporating at least one geopolymer are provided; the geopolymeric particles, fibers, and articles having a structure that is solid, foamed, hollow or with one or more voids. Geopolymers are formed by alkali activation of an aluminosilicate and/or aluminophosphate material. The end-products are shaped as spheres, flakes, fibers, aggregates thereof or articles. Such products are formed at low temperatures; wherein forming includes processing using techniques such as spray drying, melt spinning, or blowing. The shaped geopolymeric particles and fibers have high chemical durability, high mechanical strength, application-targeted flowability and packing properties, and are specially suited for incorporating into composite materials, articles, and for use in cementitious, polymeric, paint, printing, adhesion and coating applications.

Abstract: Mineral pigments (such as kaolin clay) having a high surface area and particle size in the nano scale range are provided which are useful in paper coating and filling, ink jet coating formulations, paint compositions, and as a filler in rubbers, plastics and polymers. These pigments are manufactured by intensive wet milling of a mineral composition which may have undergone prior dry grinding and then optionally subjecting the wet milled mineral composition to an acid treatment.

Abstract: A silica-containing composition is disclosed. The composition comprises a compound having the following formula: (SiO2)x(OH)yMzSaF.B. M comprises at least one metal or metalloid cation S is a sulfur-based species. F optionally exists and F is at least one of the following: a functionalized organosilane, a sulfur-containing organosilane, an amine-containing organosilane, and an alkyl-containing organosilane at a surface area coverage of about 0.01 to about 100%. The molar ratio of y/x is equal to about 0.01 to about 0.5, the molar ratio of x/z is equal to about 0.5 to about 300 or from about 0.5 to about 100, and the molar ratio of a/z is about 0.5 to about 5. B is a hygroscopic solid at a water to solid molar ratio of 0.1-6 and preferably comprises at least one alkaline earth oxide or lanthanide oxide.

Abstract: A silica-containing composition is disclosed. The composition comprises a compound having the following formula: (SiO2)x(OH)yMzSaF. M comprises at least one metal or metalloid cation S is a sulfur-based species optionally exists and F is at least one of the following: a functionalized organosilane, a sulfur-containing organosilane, an amine-containing organosilane, and an alkyl-containing organosilane at a surface area coverage of about 0.01 to about 100%. The molar ratio of y/x is equal to about 0.01 to about 0.5, the molar ratio of x/z is equal to about 0.5 to about 300 or from about 0.5 to about 100, and the molar ratio of a/z is about 0.5 to about 5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pearlescent pigments based on glass flakes which are distinguished by the fact that they have the following layer structure: A) optionally a layer of SiO2, B) a high-refractive-index coating have a refractive-index n>1.8 which essentially consists of TiO2, C) a low-refractive-index layer comprising SiO2 and/or Al2O3 and optionally D) an outer protective layer, and to the use thereof in paints, coatings, automobile paints, powder coatings, printing inks, security printing inks, plastics, ceramic materials, glasses, paper, in toners for electrophotographic printing processes, in seed, in greenhouse sheeting and tarpaulins, as absorbers in the laser marking of paper and plastics, as absorbers for the laser welding of plastics, in cosmetic formulations, for the preparation of pigment pastes with water, organic and/or aqueous solvents, for the preparation of pigment compositions and dry preparations.

Abstract: Aluminum oxide powder in the form of aggregates of primary-particles, which has a BET surface area of from 10 to 90 m2/g and comprises as crystalline phases, in addition to gamma-aluminum oxide and/or theta-aluminum oxide, at least 30% of delta-aluminum oxide. It is prepared by vaporizing aluminum chloride and burning the vapor together with hydrogen and air, the ratio of primary air/secondary air being 0.01 to 2, the exit speed vB of the reaction mixture from the burner being at least 10 m/s, the lambda value being 1 to 4, the gamma value being 1 to 3 and the value of gamma*vB/lambda being greater than or equal to 55. Dispersion comprising the aluminum oxide powder. Coating composition comprising the dispersion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are kaolin compositions, such as beneficiated fine sedimentary kaolin compositions. The beneficiated fine sedimentary kaolins may be obtained from the upper bed of the Rio Capim Kaolin deposit. The compositions may have at least one property chosen from a low iron content and low Hinckley crystallinity index, such as Fe2O3 in an amount less than about 0.8% by weight relative to the total weight of the solids content and wherein the Hinckley crystallinity index of the kaolin is less than about 0.5. Also disclosed are products obtained therefrom, such as paint and paper coating compositions.

Abstract: Composition and process of a composition of additivated sodic bentonite through the addition of dextrin and sugar (saccharose), preferably refined sugar, or starch and sugar (saccharose), preferably refined sugar, in specific quantities during the process of calcic bentonite activation by means of incorporation of sodium carbonate into the in natura ore, belonging to the field of chemical industry for use in the composition of green sand for cast molding, offering a wide range of advantages in comparison with the existing formulas.

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 silica containing composition is disclosed. The composition comprises a compound having the following formula: (SiO2)x(OH)yMzSaF: wherein M is at least one of the following metal or metalloid cations: boron, magnesium, aluminum, calcium, titanium, vanadium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, zirconium, molybdenum, palladium, silver, cadmium, tin, platinum, gold, and bismuth; wherein S is a sulfur-based species selected from at least one of the following: sulfide salts, dithiocarbamates, polymer-based dithiocarbamates, and polysulfide salts; wherein F optionally exists and said F is at least one of the following: a functionalized organosilane, a sulfur-containing organosilane, an amine-containing organosilane, and an alkyl-containing organosilane at a surface area coverage of 0.01-100%; and wherein the molar ratio of y/x is equal to 0.01-0.5, the molar ratio of x/z is equal to 3-300, and the molar ratio of a/z is 1-5.

Abstract: A process of producing a kaolin product for paper coating includes mining kaolin ores by hydromechanization and then producing kaolin slurry; classifying by centrifugal sedimentation; chemical bleaching; eliminating iron ions by circular rinsing; removing water by pressure filtration; producing slurry by dispersing filter cakes, in which complex dispersants, pH adjustor and intercalator are added; delaminating; classifying by vibrating sieve; and spray drying: spray driers are restructured by adding insulating layers on packing auger, elevator scoop and bunker at first; the kaolin slurry J which has passed through vibrating sieves is dried in high speed centrifugal spray drying tower and the moisture of kaolin powder is controlled in 3 wt. %-5 wt. %, and the kaolin product for paper coating is obtained. The process characterizes in stable properties, high efficiency, and high viscosity content and fine particle size of the kaolin products produced.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of clay (palygorskite) to concurrently remove indigo dye and salts from the wastewater and subsequent conversion of recovery by-products into Maya blue, an organic-inorganic hybrid pigment with applications in the paint and coating industry. The present invention provides an attractive alternative to discharging the untreated effluent into municipal treatment plants or the environment through the production of a secondary commercial product from waste stream through a by-product synergy process.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of making calcined kaolin having a high mullite content involving heating to certain temperatures. Also disclosed are systems for making the calcined kaolin having a high mullite content and polymer composites containing the calcined kaolin having a high mullite content. The present calcined kaolin having a high mullite content is particularly useful in making polymer composites. The polymer composites may be used in electrical cable.

Abstract: An organic-inorganic hybrid pigment composition is provided comprising an organic pigment, an inorganic pigment, and a fibrous clay. The fibrous clay can be selected from palygorskite, sepiolite, or a combination thereof. The inorganic pigment is selected from rutile pigments, spinel pigments, bismuth vanadate pigments, cerium sulfide pigments, and combinations thereof. The organic pigment is selected from anthraquinone pigments, anthrathrone pigments, anthrapyrimidine pigments, azo pigments, azomethine pigments, quinacridone pigments, quinophthalone pigments, diketopyrrolopyrrol pigments, inanthrone pigments, isoindoline pigments, metal complex pigments, perinone pigments, perylene pigments, phthalocyanine pigments, pyranthrone pigments, pyrazolo-quinazolone pigments, thioindigo pigments, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A substantially white powder for use as a filler and/or extender derived from by-products of manufacturing vitreous low alkali, low iron glass fibers, and a method for producing the powder. The filler has very low alkalinity and by virtue of its being essentially free of crystalline silica is non-hazardous to health and therefore safe for consumer-based and industrial-based uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kaolin composition having improved physical properties, for example, for use in the production of paper products. The composition can comprise kaolin having a shape factor of at least about 20. The kaolin can have a particle size distribution such that at least about 94% by weight of the kaolin can have an esd of less than about 2 ?m and/or at least about 80% by weight of the kaolin can have an esd of less than 1 ?m. The amount of the kaolin having an esd of less than about 0.25 ?m can range from about 25% to about 60% by weight. The Hercules viscosity of the kaolin product is less than 4000 rpm at 18 dynes at 63% solids and less than 1500 rpm at 18 dynes at 69% solids when measured using the “A” bob. The present invention also relates to an improved method for making the kaolin product from sedimentary kaolin.

Abstract: The Rio Capim Kaolin deposit contains a lower bed of soft kaolin clay that averages 10 meters thick, and an upper bed of “hard” kaolin (“RCC hard kaolin”) that may be as thick as 6 to 8 meters. Due to their high impurity content fine particle size, cementetious nature, and high degree of particle aggregation, hard kaolins are difficult to process. Disclosed herein are compositions comprising kaolin having a particle size distribution such that at least about 90% of the kaolin has a particle size of less than 1 micron and a GE brightness of at least about 91, where the kaolin may be derived from a crude kaolin having a Fe2O3 content of at least about 1.0% by weight, and optionally comprises titania in an amount of at least about 1.5% by weight. Also disclosed herein are methods of refining the hard kaolins, such as RCC hard kaolins, by dispersing the kaolin with at least one anionic organic dispersant and at least one inorganic dispersant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising calcined kaolin having a narrow particle size distribution. The composition can have many uses, such as fillers or extenders in paint, plastics, polymers, papermaking, and coating compositions. More generally, the inventive products may be used wherever calcined kaolins are used.

Abstract: Aluminium oxide powder produced by flame hydrolysis and consisting of aggregates of primary particles, having a BET surface area of from 100 to 250 m2/g, a dibutyl phthalate absorption of from 50 to 450 g/100 g of aluminium oxide powder, which powder shows only crystalline primary particles in high-resolution TEM pictures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a kaolin composition having nanosize dimensions. At least about 75% of the kaolin particles by weight have an equivalent spherical diameter (esd) of less than about 0.25 ?m. The kaolin can also have a particle size distribution wherein at least about 99% of the particles by weight have an esd of less than about 2 ?m, and/or wherein at least about 98% of the particles by weight have an esd of less than about 1 ?m, and/or wherein at least about 97% of the particles by weight have an esd of less than about 0.5 ?m. The kaolin can have a mean diameter ranging from about 0.075 ?m to about 0.2 ?m, and a shape factor of about 30 or less.

Abstract: A fire resistive coating made Lassenite N Pozzolan and a water based paint. The Lassenite N Pozzolan is present in a range from about 20% by weight of the composition to about 80% by weight of the composition. The water-based paint present in the range from substantially 20% by weight of the composition to substantially 80% by weight of the composition.

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 present invention relates to coarse calcined kaolin slurries having a high solids content. The invention also relates to methods of making such slurries. The resulting slurries can have a solids content of at least about 58% by weight wherein at least about 40% by weight of the calcined kaolin particles has a particle size of at least about 1 ?m. The slurries can be stabilized where the solids show little settling from suspension. The slurries have many uses, including fillers or extenders in paint and coating compositions for paper or paper board. More generally, the inventive products may be used wherever calcined kaolins are used. The present invention also related to coarse calcined kaolin slurries having a multimodal particle size distribution and a high solids content.

Abstract: A pigment product for use in a coating composition to provide a gloss coating on paper, the pigment product comprising a processed particulate kaolin having a particle size distribution such that at least about 80% by weight of the particles have an equivalent spherical diameter less than about 2 p,m and in the range of from about 10% to about 20% by weight of the particles have an equivalent spherical diameter less than about 0.25 wm, the particles have a shape factor in the range of from about 20 to about 36 and the particles have a particle steepness in the range of about greater than about 35, more preferably in the range of about 35 to about 40, and wherein the kaolin is derived from a secondary kaolin source.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of processing kaolin to produce two distinct grades of kaolin in a simultaneous manner. The methods involve processing kaolin by degritting a kaolin crude; subjecting the degritted kaolin crude to flotation to provide a kaolin having reduced titania content; ozonating the kaolin having reduced titania content; centrifuging the kaolin to provide a coarse stream and fine stream; refining the coarse stream into a coarse engineered kaolin pigment; and refining the fine stream into a fine glossing kaolin pigment. Also disclosed are systems for the automated processing of kaolin to produce two distinct grades of kaolin with real time feedback.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of processing kaolin to produce ultrafine hydrous kaolin. The methods involve processing gray crude kaolin by subjecting the kaolin crude to flotation and then centrifuging the kaolin to provide a fine stream that is subject to refinement. Also disclosed are systems for the automated processing of gray crude kaolin to produce the ultrafine hydrous kaolin and paint compositions that contain the ultrafine hydrous kaolin.

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

Abstract: There is provided a method of producing a kaolin particulate material suitable for use as an improved super-calendered filler. This method includes: (a) preparing an aqueous feed suspension of kaolin; (b) treating the kaolin of the feed suspension by attrition grinding in a vessel using grinding media granules; (c) delivering an aqueous suspension of the kaolin ground in (b) to a particle size classifier and separating the kaolin of the suspension into a coarse fraction and a fine fraction; (d) returning an aqueous suspension of the coarse fraction produced in (c) to the grinding vessel to be further attrition ground; and (e) extracting an aqueous suspension of the fine fraction produced in (c) as a product suspension. Advantageously, the kaolin of the feed suspension in (a) is such that not more than 30% by weight has a particle size less than 2 ?m and not more than 30% by weight has a particle size greater than 10 ?m.

Abstract: An air-droppable wildfire retardant composition including Lassenite N pozzolan is a natural siliceous (amorphous) mineral, consisting of the layers of diatoms and volcanic tuffs of Northern California's Cascade Range. The Lassenite pozzolan is mixed with a thickener such as Bentonite clay, a measured volume of water forming a slurr-type mixture capable of suspending the particles of pozzolan in a mixture having a viscosity sufficient to avoid solids separation. The inventive fire retardant contains substantially three innocuous ingredients which have no harmful effects to the atmosphere, plant, or animal life.

Abstract: In the present invention a process for the preparation of sodium silicate from Kimberlite tailing generated as solid waste during diamond mining is disclosed. The process comprises, reacting Kimberlite tailing with mineral acid to remove acid soluble impurities followed by digesting acid treated Kimberlite tailing with alkali solution in a open or closed system to obtain sodium silicate useful for commercial applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of processing Chinese kaolin involving providing Chinese kaolin having a desired powder size, delaminating the Chinese kaolin, pulverizing the delaminated Chinese kaolin at least two times, and heating the at least twice pulverized Chinese kaolin. Also disclosed are systems for automated processing of Chinese kaolin containing a pulverizer for pulverizing Chinese kaolin, a tester for testing and generating data of at least one parameter of the Chinese kaolin or at least one parameter of the pulverizer, a controller, operatively coupled to the pulverizer and the tester, for controlling operation of the pulverizer based on data received from the tester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrous kaolin product having improved optical properties, for example, when used in the production of paper products. The present invention comprises an improved barrier coating for paper and a method of making the coated paper. The present invention also comprises an improved method from making filled and coated paper products. The present invention uses a composition comprising kaolin having a shape factor of at least about 70:1, such as at least about 80:1 or at least about 100:1.

Abstract: New methods of producing narrower particle size distribution precipitated silica and/or silicate materials are provided. Such a method permits a significant reduction in manufacturing costs through the utilization of more efficient drying/evaporation components, in essence, in one potentially preferred embodiment, production of such silica and/or silicate materials followed directly by a hydraulic chamber press filtering step combined with vacuum dewatering subsequently leading to the needed resultant particle comminution. The resultant precipitated silicas and/or silicates produced thereby exhibit greater density prior to comminution and thus greater propensity for more uniform milling than previously utilized and prevalent spray/flash drying apparatuses.

Abstract: An air-droppable wildfire retardant composition including Lassenite N pozzolan is a natural siliceous (amorphous) mineral, consisting of the layers of diatoms and volcanic tuffs of Northern California's Cascade Range. The Lassnite pozzolan is mixed with a thickener such a Bentonite clay, a measured volume of water forming a slurry-type mixture capable of suspending the particles of pozzolan in a mixture having a viscosity sufficient to avoid solids separation. The inventive fire retardant contains substantially three innocuous ingredients which have no harmful effects to the atmosphere, plant, or animal life.

Abstract: A new process is described for the preparation of free flowing hydrated amorphous silica from kimberlite tailing—a waste in diamond mining. The process comprises treating of kimberlite with acid, further reacting it with alkali solution to obtain soluble metal silicate solution, which is subsequently neutralized with mineral acid to polymerize silica as insoluble precipitates. The products is useful in rubber, paints as abrasive etc.

Abstract: An aggregate turf filler for use with the turf of athletic fields and landscaped areas which comprise crushed silica sand particles (SiO2) which are substantially round in shape and are sized to be between 12 and 40 mesh. An acrylic based sealer covering the outer surface of each of the silica sand particles. Finally, providing that the silica sand particles have a smooth outer surface, possess an angle of repose of less than 30°, repel water, resist compacting, present no damaging sharp edges when incorporated with the turf and are environmentally safe.

Abstract: A fibrous reinforcing material (1) is envisaged which is produced from glass filaments (2), advantageously consisting of fragments of glass yarns (3) or of chopped yarns, having a mean diameter of greater than five micrometers and a mean length of greater than six millimeters. The process comprises a selection step (4a, 4b) during which the glass yarns (3) consisting of filaments having a diameter greater than or equal to five micrometers and less than or equal to twenty-four micrometers are chosen, optionally a step (5) of mixing the selected yarns, and a milling step (6) during which the mixed yarns are chopped into filaments (2) having a length of greater than or equal to six millimeters. Advantageously, the fibrous material is in the form of flakes.

Abstract: A pigment product suitable for use in a coating composition to provide a gloss coating on paper, the pigment product comprising a processed particulate kaolin whose particles have a particle size distribution such that at least 80% by weight of the particles have an equivalent spherical diameter less than 2 &mgr;m and not less than 8%, preferably not less than 12%, by weight of the particles have an equivalent spherical diameter less than 0.25 &mgr;m and whose particles have a shape factor of at least 45, preferably at least 50.

Abstract: In a process for preparing a white pigment mixture suitable for coating paper wherein a cationically bulked kaolin clay pigment is dispersed in water in the presence of an anionic dispersant and mixed with a calcium carbonate pigment, the improvement which comprises using an epichlorohydrin amine complex to bulk said kaolin, and employing as the dispersant the combination of at least 0.2% based on the dry weight of said cationically bulked kaolin of a condensed naphthalene sulfonate complex having a molecular weight of 2000 to 10,000 and a sodium polyacrylate salt having a molecular weight of 2000 to 5000, said dispersant being free from lignosulfonate.

Abstract: The present invention provides kaolin clay pigments having at least the following characteristics: Brightness (GE): at least about 89.0; Shape Factor: at least about 30; Brookfield viscosity, measured at 20 rpm and at less than or equal to about 65% solids: about 100 to about 700 centipoise; and Hercules viscosity, measured at 18 dynes and at less than or equal to about 65% solids: about 200 rpm to about 1000 rpm. Preferred kaolin sources include Brazilian kaolins, especially Rio Capim kaolins. The kaolin pigments of the present invention possess a combination of optical and physical properties, such as brightness, printability, and transfer efficiency, not previously seen in existing commercial products. They are useful, e.g., in paper filler and coating compositions, ink compositions, and printing applications, especially rotogravure printing.