Abstract: A coating pigment composition comprising a hydrous clay, a caustic leached calcined clay, and a porous mineral provides a coating having excellent balance of color intensity and color definition characteristics when printed on by multicolored inks. The pigments of this invention offer a low cost alternative to conventional silica-based coatings in addition to affording other desirable benefits such as improved rheology, less required coat weights, and higher coating solids compared to conventional silica coatings.

Abstract: A stable aqueous pigment slurry and a process for preparing same. The slurry contains about 50 to 90 wt. %, based on the weight of the slurry, of a pigment such as titanium dioxide and about 0.2 to 3.0 wt. %, based on the weight of the slurry, of a smectite clay such as bentonite, hectorite or montmorillonite. Preferably, the pigment slurry also contains about 0.1 to 2.0 wt. %, based on the weight of the slurry, of a dispersant. The process involves admixing a pigment slurry and a smectite clay slurry and preferably also the dispersant by milling the three components together under high shear conditions.

Abstract: A method of improving the strength and/or plasticity of a clay composition comprising a kandite clay and an organic additive comprising at least one water soluble compound having a plurality of basic groups wherein the organic additive is present in an amount of from about 0.05% by weight to about 0.5% by weight based on the dry weight of the kandite clay present, which method comprises treating the kandite clay by adding thereto a monovalent ion activated smectite clay or a monovalent ion activating agent for a smectite clay or both whereby the amount of monovalent ion activated non-calcined smectite clay present in the clay composition is adjusted to be in the range from about 1% by weight to about 5% by weight based upon the dry weight of the kandite clay present.

Abstract: A filler of inorganic particles, cellulose reactive size and cationic dispersing agent is provided, the use of which results in the capability to obtain the desired sizing level practically unaffected by the level of filler addition.

Abstract: Disclosed are kaolin compositions of at least one hydrous kaolin characterized by a particle size distribution where 98% of the particles are less than about 2.mu., 90% are less than about 0.5.mu. and the median particle size is less than about 0.3.mu.. Also disclosed is a process which involves the steps (i) preparing an aqueous slurry of at least one hydrous kaolin; (ii) separating the particles from said slurry so that the particle size distribution is such that 98% of the particles are less than about 2.mu., 90% are less than about 0.5.mu. and a median particle size is less than about 0.3.mu.; and (iii) drying said separated particles. Pigment pastes and electrodeposition paints containing said compositions as well as cationic electrodeposition of said paint on a substrate and the article of manufacture prepared thereby are disclosed.

Abstract: A supplementing agent for mineral binder systems is disclosed, especially for the construction industry, containing at least 1 finely divided, swellable layer silicate and possible at least 1 other additive, the proportion of the swellable layer silicate being more than 60 wt. % and the swelling volume of the layer silicate being around 5-50 ml, in terms of a suspension of 2 g layer silicate in 100 ml water.

Abstract: A method of calcining kaolin, comprising the steps of:a) producing a clay slurry comprised of water and kaolin clay of a specific particle size;b) mixing a water insoluble potassium containing glass forming compound into the clay slurry in an amount wherein the potassium content of the slurry is equal to about 1% by weight of the kaolin clay in the slurry;c) removing sufficient water from the slurry to form a material having an extrudable consistency;d) extruding the material into elongated shapes;e) heating the shapes by continuously moving them through a furnace having a zone, wherein the material is exposed to temperatures of at least 2700.degree. C. for at least 30 minutes.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the use of a combination of polyvalent cations, clay dispersant and high molecular weight anionic polymer to preferentially remove colloidal fines (slimes) from a kaolin slurry, leaving the remainder of the kaolin in the slurry in the form of a coherent gelatinous mass.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the introduction of alloying compounds into a metal substrate using a laser energy source is disclosed. The compositions comprise a viscous fluid mixture of a powdered silicate mineral composite, a powdered metallic or semi-metallic compound and a water insoluble or slightly water soluble liquid component capable of supporting a dispersion of the powdered silicate mineral composite and the powdered metallic or semi-metallic compound therein. The composition may be sprayed in bulk onto large surface areas of a metal substrate in need of repair prior to laser irradiation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system of natural colors consisting of thousands of colored powders of mineral origin and of materials in or on which pigments have been applied and, afterwards, submitted to at least one thermal treatment and/or irradiation. These natural colors cover the totality of the visible spectrum and offer a great variety of tones, tints and reflections from white to black, including all the rainbow colors. The powders of this system are obtained by mechanical, chemical, thermal and/or physical processes and are used alone or in combination. They are particularly useful to color materials and, more especially those used in the construction and architectural fields.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system of natural colors consisting of thousands of colored powders of mineral origin and of materials in or on which pigments have been applied and, afterwards, submitted to at least one thermal treatment and/or irradiation. These natural colors cover the totality of the visible spectrum and offer a great variety of tones, tints and reflections from white to black, including all the rainbow colors. The powders of this system are obtained by a combination of two mechanical, chemical, thermal and/or physical processes and are used alone or in combination. They are particularly useful to color materials and, more especially those used in the construction and architectural fields.

Abstract: High performance acid activated clays suitable for bleaching oil are produced by contacting an intercalating clay mineral with a strong acid in a polar organic liquid.

Abstract: Materials, such as kaolin clays, which are discolored by the presence of goethite mineral impurities are first heated to convert the goethite to hematite and then treated to remove the hematite, whereby the color and brightness of the product are improved over the starting material.

Abstract: Colored impurities are removed from kaolin clay by an improved flotation process in which a blend of a fatty acid compound and a hydroxamate compound is used as a collector.

Abstract: An inorganic particulate material suitable for use as a pigment material in a paper coating composition has a particle size distribution which when represented as a graph of percentage of weight of particles having an equivalent spherical diameter (esd) of given size versus particle esd expressed in microns and plotted on a logarithmic base 10 scale has the following features: (a) a first peak at the coarse particle size and a second peak at a finer particle size and a dip or trough between the first and second peaks; (b) the mean particle size x.sub.1 of the particles making up the first peak being 2 to 4 microns; (c) the relationship between the first and second peaks being such that the value of the mean particle size x.sub.2 of the particles making up the second peak is separated in the particle size distribution graph from the value of x.sub.1 by at least 0.5; and (d) the minimum of the dip or trough is at a given particle esd dimension of between 0.5 and 5 microns.

Abstract: A method of making a hydraulic material which contains metakaolinite and calcium hydroxide from a kaolin-containing compound. The method is performed in a fluidized bed installation having a freeboard under conditions such that the amount of calcium oxide formed is minimized. Preferably, the method is performed at a fluidized bed temperature of 780.degree. C. and a freeboard temperature of no more than 780.degree. C. By minimizing the amount of calcium hydroxide formed, the use of an additional installation for converting calcium oxide to calcium hydroxide is avoided. The starting material is typically waste paper and other residues from recycling of waste paper for reuse in the paper industry. The product may be used to form concrete having a high compression strength.

Abstract: Amorphous derivatives of kaolin group minerals characterized by high specific surfaces and/or high cation exchange capacities and a .sup.27 AL MAS NMR spectrum having a dominant peak at about 55 ppm relative to Al(H.sub.2 O).sub.6.sup.3+. Such derivatives are prepared by reacting a kaolin group mineral with a reagent, such as, an alkali metal halide or an ammonium halide which converts the majority of the octahedrally coordinated aluminum in the kaolin group mineral to tetrahedrally coordinated aluminum. Such derivatives show high selectivity in its cation exchange towards the metals: Pb.sup.2+, Cu.sup.2+, Cd.sup.2+, Ni.sup.2+, CO.sup.2+, Cr.sup.3+, Sr.sup.2-, Zn.sup.2+, Nd.sup.3+ and UO.sub.2.sup.+.

Abstract: A coarse particle kaolin clay is provided having an average Stokes equivalent particle diameter of about 4.5-6.0 microns, a BET surface area of about 8-11 m.sup.2 /g, and preferably having a median Malvern particle size of about 9.0-10.5 microns as determined by laser light-scattering measurement and a high aspect ratio preferably of about 12-14 as determined by Sphericity Model calculations. The coarse particle kaolin clay provides low viscosity build, good reinforcement properties and excellent surface finish qualities as a filler in thermoset composite materials, such as polyester molding compounds, and also provides excellent pigmenting properties in paints and industrial coatings.

Abstract: Substantially crystalline kaolin clays having varying morphological properties are produced by the hydrothermal treatment, in an acidic environment, of substantially amorphous calcined kaolin clay.

Abstract: An improved finely divided rubber-reinforcing clay mineral composition can be produced by employing a hydrous kaolin clay surface treated with a functional silane, a methylene donor compound such as hexamethylenetetramine, and a multifunctional methylene acceptor such as resorcinol. A novel process of preparation is provided. The improved reinforcing, treated clay filler can be combined with natural or synthetic elastomer compositions which can be cured to elastomer products which have improved physical properties, such as modulus, tensile, tear, wear resistance and/or resistance to heat build-up.

Abstract: Kaolin clay materials containing discoloring impurities can be beneficiated by microwave irradiation in the presence of water and a polyprotic acid component to produce a beneficiated kaolin clay material having improved color and brightness.

Abstract: The invention provides a range of modified organoclays comprising intercalated moieties to provide an effective mechanism for attracting organic compounds into the interlamellar spaces in close proximity to other intercalated reactants. The intercalated moieties provide three functions, namely (a) pillaring to create adequate interlamellar spacing to provide access for larger molecules, e.g. polychlorinated biphenyls and poly aromatic hydrocarbons, (b) organophilic attraction of like polarity organic compounds, and (c) a reactive environment in which the organic substrates can be permanently bonded to the clay surfaces and pillaring agents. The invention also resides in methods of treating soil or other materials with such modified organoclays in order to remove or bind hazardous organic molecules.

Abstract: Fine-grained kaolin clays having improved brightness can be produced by (a) using centrifugation to fractionate the clay starting material into finer and coarser fractions, (b) subjecting the coarser fraction to flotation to remove discoloring impurities and (c) combining the finer and floated coarser fractions to produce fine-grained kaolin clays having improved brightness.

Abstract: Intercalates formed by contacting a layered material, e.g., a phyllosilicate, with an intercalant monomer carbonyl-functional compound and/or a carboxylic acid-functional compound to sorb or intercalate the intercalant monomer between adjacent platelets of the layered material. Sufficient intercalant monomer is sorbed between adjacent platelets to expand the adjacent platelets to a spacing of at least about 5 .ANG. (as measured after water removal to a maximum of 5% by weight water), up to about 100 .ANG. and preferably in the range of about 10-45 .ANG., so that the intercalate easily can be exfoliated into individual platelets. The intercalated complex can be combined with an organic liquid into a viscous carrier material, for delivery of the carrier material, or for delivery of an active compound; or the intercalated complex can be combined with a matrix polymer to form a strong, filled polymer matrix.

Abstract: A method of forming powdered metakaolin for use as an additive in cement based materials comprising the steps of calcining kaolin so as to reduce the hydroxyl content thereof to produce a meta-stable material have an identifiable amorphousness, and pulverizing the meta-stable material into a powder having a particle size of 50 microns or less.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing an aqueous clay slurry having superior gellation properties. The process involves the bead milling of the clay in an aqueous medium for a period of about 0.5 to 20 minutes at an energy input level of about 44 to 146 kilowatt-hours per metric ton of dry clay. The milling may carried out using any suitable horizontal or vertical sand mill or ball mill such as the "Morehouse Cowles Sandmill" or the "Polymill" containing a grinding medium such as zirconium silicate or zirconium oxide. The clay is preferably a smectite clay such as montmorillonite and is present in the slurry in the range of about 3 to 30 wt. %, based on the total weight of the slurry. The aqueous clay slurry is useful as a rheological additive in water-based coating formulations.

Abstract: A process for making a bleaching clay composition useful for purification of oil is disclosed. The process of involves controlled acidification of a palygorskite--smectite clay mineral with sulfuric acid.

Abstract: A preparation for concealing crazing in antique composition dolls. The method of making a concealer from various pigments and other compounds is disclosed. A method of using the preparation for repairing crazing marks on antique dolls is also disclosed.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry of smectite clay of elevated solids content, comprising an aqueous solution or emulsion of at least 0.2% by weight of said slurry of a salt of a low molecular weight amine salt, in which is dispersed from about 10 to 47% by weight of the slurry, of a smectite clay. The amine salt is effective to prevent the smectite from swelling appreciably, whereby the slurry can be shipped and stored without creating a gelling problem. The inhibiting or suppressing effect of the amine salt on the swelling of the clay and on gelling of the slurry is reversible upon subsequent dilution with water, thereby facilitating use of the smectite in typical applications, e.g. as a retention aid in paper making, or as a viscosifier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compacted mineral filler pellet and a method of making the same. The present invention also relates to a method of making a polymeric compound which includes a compacted mineral filler pellet.

Abstract: Paper coating pigments comprising a product obtained by the controlled mechanical delamination of kaolin particles. The pigments provide improved opacification, brightness, printing properties and gloss compared to conventional delaminated kaolin pigments. The pigment of the invention is particularly useful for coating light weight printed paper and provides a unique combination of high opacity, brightness and gloss not available when using other kaolin pigments. The novel pigment is specifically designed to replace plastic pigments and (or) titanium dioxide in coating formulations while maintaining or improving desired paper properties.

Abstract: A process for improving the rheological properties of an aqueous suspension of a particulate inorganic material which comprises the steps of: (a) forming an aqueous suspension of the particulate inorganic material and an effective amount of an anionic polyelectrolyte dispersing agent; (b) diluting the suspension formed in step (a) with water while maintaining the particulate in the dispersed state of step (a) to give a solids concentration of not less than 20% by weight of the particulate inorganic material; and (c) reconcentrating the diluted suspension formed in step (b) to give a solids concentration of at least 50% by weight of the particulate inorganic material.

Abstract: A method for producing a delaminated kaolin clay having a G.E. brightness of at least 85, a solids content of at least 67 percent by weight, and a viscosity below 500 cps is disclosed. An aqueous slurry of kaolin clay is subjected to agitation in the presence of a hard grinding media. The slurry is then subjected to agitation in the presence of a soft grinding media. The result is that at least 80 percent of the delaminated kaolin has an equivalent spherical diameter of less than or equal to 2 microns.

Abstract: Structured paper coatings having good opacifying characteristics and good rheological properties are manufactured by a process which consists essentially of mixing a fine particle size kaolin clay pigment; water; at least one material selected from the group consisting of dispersing agents, thickening agents, pH adjusting agents, wetting agents, defoaming agents and mixtures thereof; and at least one cationic flocculant; and then adding a non-cationic binder material to the mixture under continued mixing conditions for a time sufficient to produce the structured paper coating.

Abstract: An improvement is disclosed applicable to the method for producing a calcined kaolin by the steps of wet beneficiating a crude kaolin to form a slurry of the beneficiated kaolin; dewatering the slurry to form a substantially dry calciner feed; and calcining the feed at a temperature of at least 1450.degree. F. by passing a stream of hot gases through a calciner in which the kaolin feed is resident, whereby an exhaust stream of hot gases is generated which entrains quantities of partially calcined and hydrous kaolin pigment fines. The improvement, enabling useful application of the kaolin pigment fines, comprises recovering the kaolin pigment fines from the exhaust stream for use in papermaking. The fines can be recovered at a wet scrubber, and after being partially dewatered, shipped directly as a product slurry to the paper maker.

Abstract: Clay materials, such as kaolin, containing expandable layer-silicates are chemically treated with a source of magnesium cations, followed by a pH adjustment, to provide a slurry product having improved rheological properties.

Abstract: Novel silicate minerals that have undergone a cation exhange with at least one heteroaromatic cation comprising a positively charged organo-substituted heteroatom and/or at least one positively charged heteroatom not part of an aromatic ring with at least one bond having a bond order greater than one and compositions comprising the same are described.

Abstract: Gold pigments of high opacity and processes for their preparation and use.

Abstract: Unusually high loading levels of smectite minerals are found to provide excellent pigment spacing in aqueous-based coatings, as will enable desired improved hiding, thereby extending the pigment. The level of smectite used in accordance with the invention is sufficiently high that the high gelling efficiency smectites previously used as thixotropes would be inappropriate, and would yield viscosities so high as to render the aqueous coating composition lacking in desired flowability properties. Thus in accordance with the present invention, there is mixed with the aqueous carrier and pigment at least 0.5% by weight of the total composition, of a particulate water swellable smectite which has a gelling efficiency such as to display a 20 rpm Brookfield viscosity of less than 900 cps when subjected to the standard gelling test herein, with the amount of the smectite in the composition not exceeding that which would raise the viscosity of the composition above 110 Krebs Units (KU).

Abstract: A structured composite pigment composed of TiO.sub.2, calcined clay and polyaluminum chloride (PAC). A novel process is disclosed for producing an aggregated composite premium pigment having superior optical, physical and dispersion characteristics for papermaking applications. The aggregated pigment is produced by chemically aggregating a mixture containing TiO.sub.2 and calcined clay with polyaluminum chloride of a basicity of 10-85% in alkaline conditions of pH 8.5-10.5.

Abstract: Described is a process for separating a mixture of finely divided minerals into constituents thereof. In particular, the invention relates to a procedure for effecting such separation by a novel selective flocculation technique wherein a dispersed aqueous pulp containing the mixture of minerals is preconditioned for selective flocculation with an anionic polymer by addition of both a fatty acid such as oleic acid and source of polyvalent cation such as calcium chloride. The fatty acid and cation of the salt selectively coat the component of the mixture that is subsequently flocculated with the anionic polymer. A polyacrylate salt dispersant is preferably used in the process. The invention is especially adapted to the separation of colored titaniferous impurities from kaolin clay in which case both a white purified kaolin product and a strongly flocculated dun-colored titania/kaolin mixture are recovered and then dispersed producing a material useful as a paper coating pigment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a freely flowable, soil conditioner consisting of a granular perlite with a coating on the externally accessible surface of the perlite grains of unfired clay. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of the soil conditioner in which a clay slurry is sprayed onto the perlite grains.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor is supplied with fuel, oxygen-containing gas, and kaolinite, which contains water of crystallization. At least 80% by weight of the kaolinite have particle sizes in the range from 0.1 to 3 mm. A fluidized bed at temperatures in the range from 850.degree. to 950.degree. C. is formed in the fluidized bed reactor. A meta-kaolin white pigment which contains water of crystallization not in excess of 2% by weight is withdrawn from the fluidized bed reactor.

Abstract: A process for preparing a structured composite pigmentary material comprises forming a dispersion of uncoated particles of titanium dioxide at a pH value at which the particles have a surface charge and subjecting the dispersion to cross-flow filtration until the dispersion contains more than 50% by weight titanium dioxide. The concentrated dispersion is mixed with a dispersion of chemically distinct particles having a surface charge of opposite sign under conditions which ensure that the sign of the surface charge on either of the particulate materials is not reversed. In the resultant composite pigmentary material the titanium dioxide particles are held in association with the chemically distinct particles as a result of said surface charges.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a waterproofing composition to be applied on any surface desired to be protected or on damaged surfaces in order to avoid moisture or water leakages to the inside of the rooms. The composition comprises or consists essentially of 30 to 40% Portland cement or Kaolin; 20 to 30% marble dust or silica sand, 25 to 35% lime and 3 to 12% ground salt, alum stone or calcium chloride. The resulting talcum texture powder is mixed with water and applied as paint.

Abstract: This invention relates to paper filling pigments comprising novel mechanically delaminated kaolin particles having controlled narrow particle size distribution and shape. The pigments provide improved opacification compared to conventional and engineered kaolin particles in fine paper making.

Abstract: An asbestos replacement is disclosed which includes water retention agents and finely divided mineral clays with high moisture retention capabilities. Combining the aforementioned ingredients in the correct proportions yields properties as those of asbestos when used in cementitious mortar compositions.

Abstract: A selected kaolin crude or crude fraction is purified by physical or physical/chemical means, such as froth flotation and/or selective flocculation, to remove discrete particles of TiO.sub.2 and in some cases, discrete iron minerals. The pure (or purified clay) must then be agitated in the presence of water with a particulate grinding media such as, for example, sand, alumina or zirconia beads, to increase the 2 micron content of the kaolin. An intermediate ground product that contains a substantial weight percentage of particles finer than 1 micron is generated as a result of grinding. The particles finer than 1 micron in the ground kaolin also include those particles in the previously pure or purified kaolin that were present in the naturally occurring clay. A pulp of the ground clay is then fractionated to remove particles larger than 2 microns, e.g., to remove at least 95%, preferably at 100% by weight, of the particles larger than 2 microns, while minimizing the removal of particles finer than 1 micron.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-dusting, homogeneous pigment preparation containingat least 70% by weight of one or more flaky pigments,1-30% by weight of water,0.1-20% by weight of a humectant, andless than 1.00% by weight of one or more preservatives.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to shorten the working time for high pressure slip casting. There is provided a composition for high pressure casting slip including a first starting powder forming a frame of a mold body and second starting powder forming the frame of the mold body and acting as a plastic agent, wherein the first and second starting powders are uniformly mixed in a dry condition. "Slip" of a minimum water content is easily prepared by the composition to effect optimal fluidity of the slip so that the water is removed from the slip in a short time during a casting process.