Abstract: Roofing granules comprising agglomerated inorganic material, and building materials, such as shingles, that include such roofing granules. By fabricating roofing granules from agglomerating inorganic material, in combination with a binder composition having a wetting agent, it is possible to increase the yield of the fabricated roofing granules and tailor the particle size distribution so as to provide optimal shingle surface coverage, thus reducing shingle weight and usage of raw materials. Additionally, the use of agglomeration permits the utilization of by-products from conventional granule production processes.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions containing a pigment mixture and a binder. The pigment mixture contains a non-ionic platy filler and at least a second pigment material. The non-ionic platy filler may be present in an amount of 1% by weight to 9% by weight and the at least one second pigment material may be present in an amount of at least 30% by weight based on total weight of the pigment mixture. The at least one second pigment material may have a weighted average oil absorption of 20 g linseed oil absorbed per 100 g at least one second pigment material to 100 g linseed oil absorbed per 100 g at least one second pigment material based on total weight of the pigment mixture. Also disclosed are articles comprising an adhesive comprising one of the compositions in an at least partially dried state positioned between first and second substrates.

Abstract: A reflective particulate material includes a particulate substrate having high total solar reflectance, bulk and apparent densities and toughness, and a low dust index. The reflective particulate can have a total solar reflectance of 80% to 87%, a toughness of 1% or fewer fines, an apparent density of 2.75 g/cm3 or greater, and a dust index of 1 or lower. A method of manufacturing the reflective particulate material includes preparing a slurry of the particulate substrate, spray drying the slurry to form a spray dried particulate, crushing the spray dried particulate to form a crushed particulate, and heating/calcining the crushed particulate. The heated, crushed particulate may further be coated to form a coated roofing granule.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composite fluid including an electrically insulating foundation fluid having a dielectric constant and a dielectric strength, and an additive combined with the foundation fluid that results in a composite fluid having a dielectric constant and a dielectric strength greater than the dielectric constant and the dielectric strength of the foundation fluid.

Abstract: Ceramic tiles may be prepared employing a process characterized by the addition to the ceramic raw materials of an aqueous slurry comprising a swellable clay of the smectite family, a binder and a water-soluble salt of a monovalent cation. The ceramic raw materials mixed and then subjected to wet grinding to produce a slip. The thus obtained slip is then subjected to spray drying.

Abstract: Stable mineral slurries and methods of making stable mineral slurries.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filler for a surface-treatment composition, the filler comprising particles which have a surface coating which gives the respective particle a positive surface charge, and to the use of a particle, which comprises a carrier particle and a surface coating which gives each particle a positive surface charge, for treating wood.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composite fluid including an electrically insulating foundation fluid having a dielectric constant and a dielectric strength, and an additive combined with the foundation fluid that results in a composite fluid having a dielectric constant and a dielectric strength greater than the dielectric constant and the dielectric strength of the foundation fluid.

Abstract: Methods for producing pozzolanic or latent hydraulic cement clinker substitutes may involve calcining clay with a fuel comprising a mineral substance at temperatures in the range from 500 to 1250° C., preferably from 550 to 1150° C., most preferably from 700 to 900° C. A resulting mixture of mineral substance from the fuel and the calcined clay forms a pozzolanic or latent hydraulic cement clinker substitute, in which a fraction of the mineral substance incorporated into the pozzolanic or latent hydraulic cement clinker substitute by the fuel is 1-60% by weight.

Abstract: A method of making a sintered ceramic proppant may include providing a kaolin clay. The kaolin clay may include an Al2O3 content no greater than about 46% by weight, and a K2O content no greater than 0.1% by weight. The kaolin clay may have a particle size distribution such that greater than 70% of the particles have an equivalent spherical diameter of less than 0.5 microns as measured by Sedigraph, and a shape factor less than about 18. The method may further include blunging the kaolin clay, agglomerating the kaolin clay, and sintering the agglomerated kaolin clay to produce a sintered ceramic proppant. The kaolin clay may have an A-bob Hercules viscosity of at least about 3,300 rpm at 18 kilodyne-cm and 70% solids.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for testing a tire on a tire testing surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tire testing surface arranged along a tire testing device; providing a tire having a radially outer annular side comprising a road-engaging surface; engaging forcefully the tire against the tire testing surface, whereby the forceful engagement generates a tire footprint comprising an area of contact between the road-engaging surface of the tire and the tire testing surface; rotating the tire and along the tire testing surface while engaged according to the prior step; and, applying a particulate material along the footprint, the particulate material comprising kaolinite. In other embodiments, particulate material similar to kaolin or kaolinite is employed by such methods in lieu of kaolin or kaolinite.

Abstract: TASK It is an object of the present invention to provide a hydrogel having excellent mechanical properties and capable of being produced simply by using and mixing an industrially easily obtainable polymer having high versatility and clay particles, and to provide a method of producing the hydrogel. MEANS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEM A hydrogel-forming composition is characterized by containing a polyelectrolyte (A), clay particles (B), and a dispersant (C) for the clay particles.

Abstract: In order to obtain a cold rolled steel sheet having excellent press formability, a cold rolled steel sheet has, on a surface thereof, an organic-inorganic composite film containing: an organic resin; and a crystalline layered material. The organic-inorganic composite film has an average film thickness of 0.10 to 2.0 ?m and contains 0.5 part or more by weight of the crystalline layered material as a solid with respect to 100 parts by weight of a solid of the organic resin. The crystalline layered material preferably is, for example, a layered double hydroxide represented by [M2+1-xM3+x(OH)2][An?]x/n.zH2O, where: M2+ is one or more of Mg2+, Ca2+, Fe2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+; M3+ is one or more of Al3+, Fe3+, and Cr3+; and An? is one or more of OH?, CO32?, Cl?, and (SO4)2?.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a base material for disks of disk rolls, in which the disk roll contains a rotating shaft and a plurality of the disks fitted on the rotating shaft by insertion whereby the outer peripheral surface of the disks serves as a conveying surface, in which the process contains molding a slurry raw material containing inorganic fibers, an inorganic filler having an aspect ratio of from 1 to 25 and an inorganic binder into a plate shape; and drying the molded plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure teaches improved processes to produce high-brightness kaolins at high yields from various natural sources of crude kaolin. In some embodiments, a process for treating mined kaolin comprises: blunging kaolin material with water at high shear to form a slurry; introducing the slurry to one or more beneficiation units for flocculation of titania (e.g., anatase) and titania-associated impurities (e.g., iron); introducing a sodium silicate composition, or precursors thereof, to the beneficiation units, wherein the sodium silicate composition is characterized by a Na2O/SiO2 ratio selected from about 0.25 to about 2.5; and recovering a suspension comprising at least 70% of the kaolin clay. The selected sodium silicate composition enhances flocculation of the titania while maintaining dispersion of the kaolin clay in the slurry. One or more chemical leaching reactions generate a treated kaolin that is characterized by a brightness of about 90 or higher.

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 method for producing a clinker substitute for use in cement production includes predrying clay with an iron content >1.5 wt-% in a form of iron oxides and a kaolinite content <40 wt-% to a moisture <10 wt-%. The clay is comminuted to a grain size <2 mm. The clay is calcined by thermal treatment in a furnace at a temperature of 600 to 1000° C. The clay is thermally treated under reducing conditions at a temperature of 600 to 1000° C. so as to form a reduction product. The reduction product is intermediately cooled to a temperature <300° C. and finally cooled.

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: A modified toner based additive is a mixture of a toner powder and a second material selected from a group including a gelling clay, a reactive agent, an elastomer, a functional filler, a handling and agglomerating agent, a compatibilizer and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are stabilized kaolin slurries comprising a kaolin comprising no more than about 80% by weight of particles having an equivalent spherical diameter of less than 2 microns and at least one stabilizer, wherein the stabilized kaolin slurry has a 28-day pour test result of at least about 80% poured. Also disclosed are methods of making such stabilized kaolin slurries.

Abstract: A pigment is dispersed in a solvent by mixing the pigment nanoparticles with clay in a layered or platelet form and mixing the resultant mixture with the solvent. The method is based on geometric inhomogeneity and mutually exclusive aggregation. The layered or platelet clay having a high aspect ratio is provided to hinder aggregation of the pigment nanoparticles. The pigment nanoparticles can be stably dispersed in a matrix containing an organic solvent and water without aggregation again.

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: 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: 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 new class of compounds, namely diamino alcohols, is described, along with a process for their production and their use as rheology modifiers in high solids mineral slurries, such as, kaolin clay slurries.

Abstract: A method of treating a kaolin particulate material to improve one or more of its properties by removal of impurity particles therein which includes: producing a dispersed aqueous suspension of a kaolin particulate material containing at least 0.1% by weight, based on the dry weight of the kaolin particulate material of separable particulate impurity; diluting said dispersed aqueous suspension by adding a diluent thereto; adding a selective flocculation polymer to the diluted suspension; allowing the suspension containing the polymer to separate in a selective flocculation separator into layers comprising a flocculated product layer and a deflocculated impurity layer containing the separable impurity; and extracting the separated layers from the separator, wherein at least a portion of said deflocculated impurity layer is recirculated for use as at least a portion of the aforementioned diluent.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a blended hydrous kaolin clay product comprising a platy coarse kaolin clay and a fine, hydrous kaolin clay. The blended kaolin clay product is suitable for use as a raw material component in the formation of cordierite products.

Abstract: Fiber-containing composite particles and fiber-reinforced barrier matrix compositions made from them are disclosed. The composite particles include a core, a hydratable clay mineral layer, an optional protective coating, and a reinforcing fiber. The fiber may be present in any or all of several locations: adhered to the core, dispersed in the hydratable layer or in the protective coating. Upon hydration, the hydratable clay mineral layer swells and forms a matrix that cohesively holds the fibers and the core in a fiber-reinforced barrier matrix composition.

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: Zinc clays, methods for preparation of zinc clays, and compositions containing the same are disclosed. The methods comprise mixing a clay with a zinc ammonia complex solution to prepare the zinc clays. Zinc clays according to the present invention may further comprise quaternary ammonium salts. The present clays may be used in compositions and/or as additives in rubber and plastic formulations and products, as nutrient delivery agents, and in catalyst formulations.

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: 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: Disclosed herein are granulated kaolin compositions exhibiting at least one of improved material handling properties, low dusting during transit, easy make-down into mineral-water slurries, and requiring less energy to produce than spray dried kaolin products. The granulated kaolin compositions may, in one embodiment, be characterized by a moisture content ranging from about 12% to about 23% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the granulated kaolin compositions may have an average granule size of greater than about 10 mesh. Also disclosed herein are granulated kaolin compositions having a moisture content ranging from about 12% to about 23% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, wherein the composition is friable when subjected to a shear force.

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 method of incorporating an additive into a polyamide-poly(arylene ether) composition includes the step of melt blending a polyamide, a poly(arylene ether), and a dispersion comprising a liquid carrier, an unmodified clay, and an additive. Using the dispersion rather than a polymer-based additive masterbatch saves energy. Like a polymer-based masterbatch, the dispersion provides the additive in a diluted form and therefore preserves the masterbatch's advantages of providing more uniform distribution additive in the plastic and avoiding direct handling of additives in the final compounding step.

Abstract: A blend of ball clays for use as the ball clay component of a slip to produce a ceramic sanitary ware item by a slip casting process. The clay blend including 20-50 percent of a fine-grained ball clay with a low carbon content and 45-55 percent of its particles having a size less than 0.5 microns and about 85-95 percent of the particles less than about 20 microns.

Abstract: A disk roll base material includes 25 to 50 wt % of ceramic wool, 5 to 30 wt % of kibushi clay, 2 to 20 wt % of bentonite, and 25 to 45 wt % of a filler selected from alumina, wollastonite and calcined kaolin clay.

Abstract: Minerals which can be anionically dispersed in water such as kaolin are provided with unique structure by adding small amounts of a polyphosphate structuring agent and heating the mixture to allow reaction of the structuring agent with the mineral.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel multi-functional nanocomposite additive made from rare earth element complex modified organic clay which is called MFNA and methods for making and using the same, particularly in applications of coating manufacture industry. Such MFNA-modified coatings have desired features and improved physical and mechanical properties comparing the current available coatings.

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: A method of incorporating an additive into a polymer composition includes the step of melt blending a polymer with a dispersion comprising a liquid carrier, an unmodified clay, and an additive. Using the dispersion rather than a polymer-based additive masterbatch saves energy. Like a polymer-based masterbatch, the dispersion provides the additive in a diluted form and therefore preserves the masterbatch's advantages of providing more uniform distribution additive in the plastic and avoiding direct handling of additives in the final compounding step. The dispersion is also described.

Abstract: A hybrid pigment composition is provided including a pigment or a dye and a fibrous clay. The pigment composition has higher reflectance in a near infrared region than a visible light region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The fibrous clay can be selected from palygorskite, sepiolite, and mixtures thereof. The hybrid pigment composition is tunable to provide high reflectance at a desired wavelength in the near infrared region.

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: This invention is related to processing kaolin by controlled flow cavitation (CFC), and in particular, this invention is directed to kaolin ozonation and/or bleaching processing through application of CFC.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of calcining particulate material, such as kaolin. The method comprises providing a feed mixture comprising a particulate material, such as hydrous kaolin, wherein at least a portion of the particulate feed is coated with a liquid fuel. The method further comprises heating the particulate feed mixture to calcine the particulate feed and burn the liquid fuel to form a calcined product. The liquid fuel coating can act as a secondary, indirect heat source for calcining. The overall calcining temperatures and/or times can be reduced as a result of adding the liquid fuel.

Abstract: A clay plaster formulation and application. The clay plaster is a mixture of various clays, and aggregate. This plaster is both functional and decorative and is for use on new and existing construction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are stabilized kaolin slurries comprising a kaolin comprising no more than about 80% by weight of particles having an equivalent spherical diameter of less than 2 microns and at least one stabilizer, wherein the stabilized kaolin slurry has a 28-day pour test result of at least about 80% poured. Also disclosed are methods of making such stabilized kaolin slurries.

Abstract: A composition comprising pulverized hydrous kaolins having a particle size distribution meeting the following ratio: ( cumulative ? ? mass ? ? at ? ? 0.5 ? ? ?m ) ( cumulative ? ? mass ? ? at ? ? 2 ? ? ?m ) ? 0.5 , and a median particle size (D50) less than or equal to 2.0 ?m and a composition comprising hydrous kaolins having the particle size distribution, the median particle size (D50), and certain Hegman dispersion according to the “SSM” V-T Alkyd Hegman Test are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a composition comprising inventive hydrous kaolins, as well as a method of increasing the dispersion rate of hydrous kaolins. Products, such as inks, paints, polymer products, rubber products, and coatings, using the inventive hydrous kaolins are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid pigment composition is provided including a pigment or a dye and a fibrous clay. The pigment composition has higher reflectance in a near infrared region than a visible light region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The fibrous clay can be selected from palygorskite, sepiolite, and mixtures thereof. The hybrid pigment composition is tunable to provide high reflectance at a desired wavelength in the near infrared region.