Abstract: Water soluble salts of a .beta.-polyaspartic acid, i.e., a polyaspartic acid having predominantly beta linkages in the amino acid residue chain thereof, are eminently well suited as dispersants for particulate matter in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: Aggregate pigment products made of low-refractive-index raw materials, in which pigmentary, subpigmentary and nonpigmentary components are cemented intrinsically with the aid of in-situ synthesized complex microgels.

Abstract: A smectite clay is provided as an elevated solids aqueous slurry e.g. up to 50% solids, which is composed of the smectite clay slurried or dispersed in water containing an effective concentration of a monovalent salt. When such a salt is present in the clay slurry, the clay does not swell appreciably, is essentially inactive, and the slurry can be shipped and stored without creating a gelling problem. When this slurry is diluted with fresh water at the point of application to make it of the desired solids content for use, the smectite clay is activated and exhibits the desired properties, such as viscosity, retention, etc.

Abstract: A composite pigment product useful as a paper filler pigment comprises a mineral nucleus coated with a substantially continuous substantially uniform coating of an active paper pigment. The active paper pigment coating is preferably formed in situ under alkaline conditions.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for producing concentrated kaolin slurries and spray dried kaolin particulates through the use of an arrangement where an evaporation system for producing concentrated slurries is coupled with a spray dryer such that off gases from the spray dryer are used to supply heat energy to the spray dryer and to the evaporation system.

Abstract: A process for upgrading a crude bentonite ore such that it can be used advantageously to prepare unusually high aqueous solution viscosities. This sequence comprises initially subjecting the crude ore to a working or shearing stage, followed by a drying step to about a 5% moisture level. Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 is then dry-blended with the material, and the sequence is completed by subjecting the mix to a pulverizing step.

Abstract: A colored ceramic glaze is prepared from a raw glaze containing glass frit, clay and one or more ceramic pigments added as an aqueous dispersion. The raw glaze is ball-milled after which it is blended with the aqueous dispersion. The dispersion contains up to 70% of a ceramic pigment, such as zirconium-vanadium yellow, preferably with 1% to 3% of a suspending agent, up to about 1.5% of a thickener, an effective amount, but no more than 1% of a dispersant, and a biocide as needed. The suspending agent preferably is attapulgite clay or a water-swellable smectite clay. The thickener is preferably a xanthan gum and the dispersant is typically an ammonium salt of a medium molecular weight polymethacrylic acid. A stronger, more intense color is achieved by adding the ceramic pigment as a dispersion as opposed to ball-milling it with the glass frit as has been the traditional approach.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a aggregated kaolin pigment having desired physical and optical characteristics when used as a coating, filler or pigment in paper. The aggregated pigment is produced by mixing an aqueous slurry of a fine particle kaolin with a previously hydrolyzed organic silicon compound, such as hydrolyzed tetraethoxysilane, and then spray drying the mixture to form a dry, chemically aggregated kaolin pigment.

Abstract: A process for producing a high solids aqueous slurry of a beneficiated kaolin. An impure crude kaolin clay is initially subjected to wet processing including a size classification step, to recover a beneficiated fine particle size kaolin fraction which is formed into a dilute aqueous slurry of deflocculated kaolin particles. The dilute slurry is filtered by flowing it generally parallel to and in contact with the surface of a microporous barrier while maintaining a pressure drop across the barrier in a direction transverse to the slurry flow. A gel permeation layer is thereby formed of kaolin overlying the surface of the microporous barrier. The gel permeation layer and underlaying surface are substantially impervious to the passage of clay solids while being pervious to the passage of water molecules, ions and dissolved salts; whereby water molecules, ions and dissolved salts are caused to pass through the barrier, thereby increasing the concentration of the solids in the kaolin slurry.

Abstract: A composite pigment product useful as a paper filler pigment comprises a substantially inert mineral nucleus coated with a substantially continuous uniform coating of an active paper pigment. The active paper pigment coating is preferably formed in situ under alkaline conditions.

Abstract: A water-base aerosol coating composition, for application to a surface to be coated from a pre-packaged pressurized spray container, which contains greater than 10 Wt. % and up to about 25 Wt. % of a water dispersible acrylic modified alkyd resin, from about 0.4 to about 0.6 Wt. % of an amine neutralizing agent, less than 0.45 Wt. % of an organophilic clay dispersing agent, and from about 0.1 to about 0.5 Wt. % of an organic rheological agent. The formulation also includes from about 11 to about 17 Wt. % of a first solvent comprising glycol ether, from about 14 to about 18.5 Wt. % of a second solvent comprising water, and from about 38 to about 42 Wt. % of a cosolvent propellant comprising dimethyl ether. From about 1.17 Wt. % to less than 2.46 Wt. % of a barium metaborate monohydrate corrosion inhibitor is included, and an antiblock function is provided by including more than 0.3 wt.

Abstract: A high opacity, high light scattering filler pigment for use in wood-containing paper manufacture, comprising by weight 25 to 50% of a fine particle size hydrous kaolin which has been defined as to have particle size distribution such that less than 20% by weight are of less than 0.3 .mu.m E.S.D. and substantially the balance being a fine particle size calcined kaolin.

Abstract: A method for forming an aggregated kaolin clay pigment, comprising: preparing an aqueous 6-30% solids slurry of a fine particle size feed kaolin; intermixing with said slurry from about 10 to 20% of alum, by weight of the dry kaolin; adding to the mix of step (b) from about 15 to 30% of sodium silicate, by weight of the dry kaolin; mixing the reactants of step (c); and filtering and drying the slurry to recover aggregates of adherent platelets.

Abstract: A chemical process is described for removing ferric iron present in submarginal quantities in concentrates of kaolin, quartz, titanium minerals, ceramic minerals for glass, paper and electronics use and other materials of industrial interest by which ferric iron is reduced to ferrous iron using acid solutions, possibly in the presence of low concentrations of sugars containing 5 or more carbon atoms.

Abstract: A low brightness pigment and method is provided from a heretofore rejected waste kaolin stream. Kaolin processing rejects are high in iron-stained TiO.sub.2. After separating the stained TiO.sub.2 from the high brightness kaolin and concentrating the resulting fraction, the material can be processed to produce a low brightness pigment suitable of many applications where lower brightness is desirable, such as coating paper board without mottling.

Abstract: Sodium Aluminosilicates (SAMS) are produced by silicate/clay reactions under hydrothermal conditions, the SAMS being characterized by low oil absorption values and high total pore volumes. The SAMS products are useful as coating pigments for paper, paper fillers and paint pigments.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing a pastel containing a fluorescent pigment therein by extrusion molding. The method comprises preparing a molding material composed of a mixture comprising a fluorescent pigment in an amount of 20-60% by weight, montmorillonite group minerals or clay mainly composed of montmorillonite group minerals as a first extender in an amount of 5-17% by weight, a second extender other than the first in an amount of 35-70% by weight, and a wetting agent in an amount of 0-6% by weight, based on the mixture, and water in an amount sufficient to render the molding material plastic and moldable, and extrusion-molding and drying the material.

Abstract: Paper coating pigments comprising mechanically delaminated kaolin particles. The pigments possess the opacification, smoothness and printability advantages of conventional delaminated kaolin pigments but have desirably low viscosity and gloss not characteristic of conventional delaminated kaolin pigments.

Abstract: High performance synthetic sodium aluminosilicate compositions, and the method of making the same by the hydrothermal reaction of certain delaminated kaolin clays with select sodium silicate reagents, result in enhanced performance flatting agents for paint systems and anti-block agents for plastic film applications.

Abstract: A high opacity, defined kaolin clay product having a relatively narrow particle size distribution, low colloidal particle content and an average particle surface area of less than about 30 square meters per gram is prepared by defining an aqueous kaolin clay slurry via controlled centrifugation to remove a substantial portion of the colloidal particles therein. Prior to being subjected to centrifugation, the aqueous kaolin clay slurry is prepared so as to improve the defining process achieved via centrifugation by first subjecting the aqueous kaolin clay suspension to scrub grinding so as to break up agglomerates into individual kaolin clay particles without substantial delamination of the kaolin clay particles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a display composition which comprises a dye and a clay mineral in which quaternary ammonium ions are bound between layers through ion exchange, said display composition undergoing reversible color development and color fading through the oxidation and reduction of said dye, the oxidation causing said dye to form a color and to be bound between the layers of said clay mineral through ion exchange with said quaternary ammonium ions, the reduction causing the dye to discolor and to be desorbed out of the interlaminar space of the clay mineral and also causing the quaternary ammonium ions to be bound again between the layers through ion exchange. Disclosed also herein are a coloring pigment and recording material which employ the display composition.

Abstract: An improved water based aerosol paint is particularly well-suited for use in site marking applications. Its high content of calcium carbonate provides a support for the pigment and resin film. A straight chain, low molecular weight hydrocarbon with between 5 and 8 carbons is used to control foaming.

Abstract: Novel hydrous kaolin pigments comprising a major weight percent of a conventional hydrous kaolin pigment and a minor amount of a specific form of added discrete iron oxide, specifically magnetite, uniformly physically admixed therewith. Pigments of the invention have brightness values of about 78% to 85% and "b" values in the range of -1 to +4.

Abstract: A low brightness pigment and method is provided from a heretofore rejected waste kaolin stream. Kaolin processing rejects are high in iron-stained TiO.sub.2. After separating the stained TiO.sub.2 from the high brightness kaolin and concentrating the resulting fraction, the material can be processed to produce a low brightness pigment suitable of many applications where lower brightness is desirable, such as coating paper board without mottling.

Abstract: A method for forming a hydrothermally aggregated kaolin clay pigment, comprising: preparing an aqueous slurry of a particulate kaolin clay, sodium silicate, and finely divided calcium carbonate, having a total solids concentration of from about 10 to 20% by weight; the non-aqueous components including 60 to 80 parts per hundred by weight of said kaolin and from 10 to 20 pph by weight each of said sodium silicate and said calcium carbonate; and hydrothermally treating said slurry in a closed system to form aggregates of adherent kaolin platelets.

Abstract: A low brightness pigment and method is provided from a heretofore rejected waste kaolin stream. Kaolin processing rejects are high in iron-stained TiO.sub.2. After separating the stained TiO.sub.2 from the high brightness kaolin and concentrating the resulting fraction, the material can be processed to produce a low brightness pigment suitable of many applications where lower brightness is desirable, such as coating paper board without mottling.

Abstract: In a method of preparing a treated clay product, clay is heated such that kalinite in the clay is converted to metakaolin, substantially no mullite being formed. The treated product may be combined with raw ball clay and/or china clay to provide compositions suitable for use in manufacturing china articles. The casting compositions enable the casting step to be accelerated and are particularly suitable for use in pressurized casting methods.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing high brightness kaolin from ore containing silica, other types of clays, minerals such as ilmenite micas, feldspars and various metal silicates as well as organic matter. The process consists of sizing, a double floatation step, magnetic separation, leaching and oxidative brightening steps. This is a novel combination of conventional unit operations and in particular the use of a double floatation step to remove quartz and various trace minerals that interfere with achieving high optical brightness for kaolin.

Abstract: Dispersibility of extender pigments in ink formulations is improved by using as the extender pigment, a quaternary ammonium treated kaolin clay.

Abstract: The bulk handling characteristics of a calcined kaolin clay powder, including the bulk density and flowability, are significantly improved by forming an aqueous slurry of the calcined kaolin clay powder and spray drying the slurry.

Abstract: A composite ferrite material is provided. The composite ferrite material obtained from a mixture of a magnetic ferrite powder with high crystallinity, prepared by firing at a prescribed temperature, and a glass powder, having a softening temperature lower than said firing temperature, by heat treatment of said mixture at a temperature which is higher than, or equal to said softening temperature of said glass powder and lower than, or equal to said firing temperature, to effect the binding of said magnetic ferrite powder by said glass material. The composite ferrite material has excellent magnetic characteristics and can be obtained in a form of the desired dimensions with high accuracy.

Abstract: Paper coatings composition containing highly deionized clay or calcium carbonate are disclosed; the compositions provide equivalent rheology at up to 4% higher solids; the compositions provide enhanced glossability; the highly deionized clay and calcium carbonate are also disclosed.

Abstract: An opacifying pigment with enhanced light scattering properties for use as a paper coating or filler material is produced by reacting kaolin in the presence of water with sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide at a temperature in excess of 60.degree. C. The kaolin is reacted with the hydroxide in a concentration to produce a molality of at least 0.1.

Abstract: A defined and delaminated kaolin composition exhibiting high opacity is produced by defining and delaminating a base kaolin clay so as to reduce its colloidal content. The defined and delaminated kaolin composition may also be treated with hexamethylenediamine and aluminum sulfate to further enhance opacity. Whether treated or untreated, the defined and delaminated kaolin composition functions superiorly in paper coating formulations, alone or blended with known coating clays, improving the opacity, print gloss, sheet gloss and printability of paper sheet coated therewith.

Abstract: The filtration rate and viscosity of a clay slurry is improved by the addition of a polyalkylene polyamine and, optionally, a latex. The additive is particularly useful in clay beneficiation.

Abstract: A stabilized aqueous suspension of calcined clay and a method for preparing the same are provided. The method involves an aqueous suspension of calcined clay containing at least 10% by weight clay, and at least 0.05% by weight of a high charge density crosslinked or uncrosslinked acid containing alkali-soluble acrylic copolymer.

Abstract: The rheology of an aqueous slurry of a calcined kaolin clay powder is significantly improved by spray drying a slurry of the calcined kaolin clay powder, recovering the spray-dried material, and forming an aqueous slurry from said spray-dried material.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the abrasiveness of calcined clay, e.g., kaolin clay. The method comprises intermixing the clay prior to calcination with a finely-divided silica, preferably in the form of colloidal or fumed silica, in an amount sufficient to reduce the abrasiveness of the calcined product.

Abstract: A low-abrasion calcined kaolin opacifying pigment composed of particles in the size range of about 70 to 84% by weight finer than 2 microns and having a color defined by Hunter Trisitimulus values of "L" within the range of 92 to 94, "a" within the range of .sup.+ 1.0 to .sup.+ 2.2 and "b" within the range of .sup.+6.4 to .sup.+ 7.5. The pigment is produced by novel wet processing including high solids degritting of a high iron, high titania content Tertiary kaolin without conventional fractionation, bleaching and dewatering to isolate a fine particle size fraction, followed by spray drying, pulverization, calcination and repulverization.

Abstract: A method for forming a hydrothermally aggregated kaolin clay pigment, comprising preparing an aqueous slurry of particulate kaolin clay and sodium aluminate, having a total solids concentration of from about 2 to 25% by weight, the weight ratio between kaolin and aluminate being greater than 1; and hydrothermally treating the slurry in a closed system to form aggregates of adherent kaolin platelets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of an agent suitable for the paper and board industry and improving the printability of paper and board, wherein an aqueous colloidal system is prepared from at least one pigment and at least one water-soluble or water-swellable hydrogel containing anionic groups, said system is subjected to coacervation by means of a quarternary organic ammonium salt and, if appropriate, the product obtained in the coacervation is concentrated by sedimentation, centrifuging and/or filter-pressing, to the agent produced and to the use thereof in the paper and board industry.

Abstract: An improvement is disclosed applicable to the production of calcined and hydrous kaolins in particulate form. A process and system are disclosed in which the calciner is integrated with a filtration process and a preceding spray dryer by passing the dust-laden calciner hot off-gases to the spray dryer to achieve savings in energy. Waste heat from the calciner, and concomitantly dustlike clay particles carried in the off-gas, are thereby passed to the dryer and subsequently treated and their values recovered.

Abstract: A high bulking kaolin pigment is provided which exhibits improved opacifying efficiency as a paper filler. The kaolin pigment comprises an uncalcined clay composition consisting essentially of kaolin particles which have not only been treated with an amine, but also upon which aluminum hydroxide has been precipitated, and, of which less than about 20% by weight have a particle size less than 0.3 microns in equivalent spherical dimeter. Further, a method is provided for producing the pigment from a hydrated kaolin clay having a brightness of at least about 89. The selected starting clay is dispersed in water and subjected as a slurry to delamination, defining, surface treatment with an amine and aluminum sulfate, and leaching. The treated kaolin slurry is subsequently rinsed and filtered to a produce a filter cake which is redispersed to yield a commercial paper filler.

Abstract: A particulate kaolin pigment which enhances gloss and printability properties when used as a coating pigment for paper and enhances light scattering and opacifying properties when incorporated as a filler in paper, is obtained by mixing a fine particle kaolin with an aggregating agent comprising an organic silicon compound such as tetramethoxy silane or tetraethoxy silane. The feed kaolin moisture content is in the range of above 2.0 to about 5.0%, preferably 2.5 to 4.0% by weight.

Abstract: Kaolin clay treated with 0.5 to 1.5 wt. % of aluminum chlorohydrate or a double hydroxide of aluminum and magnesium are an effective pitch adsorption agent for use in paper making processes.

Abstract: A surface treated clay such as kaolin is prepared by a process in which the clay surface is preconditioned by treatment with gaseous hydrogen and then functionalized by reaction with a polymerizable organic moiety of an organic compound. The products are useful as fillers for rubber, resin, plastic, paper and the like.

Abstract: A high solids kaolin clay slurry having unexpectedly improved high shear viscosity is prepared by blending a chemically dispersed fine particle size Tertiary kaolin with a coarser particle size Cretaceous kaolin to provide a resultant blend having a controlled particle size range and particle size distribution.

Abstract: A ball clay/water slurry which may be used to prepare ceramic sanitaryware articles is disclosed. This slurry contains from 58 to 68 percent of ball clay with a specificed particle size distribution, 42 to 32 percent of water, 0.001 to 1.0 of organic polyelectrolyte, and from 50 to 650 parts per million of soluble sulfate ion.The slurry possesses rheological and casting rate properties which make it especially suitable for use in casting slips. It has a settling index of at least 0.9, a flow index of from 20 to 30 seconds, a casting rate of from 30 to 60 grams after 1 hour, and a transmission of at least 60 percent.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for improving the rheological properties of a clay mineral which, when dispersed with water, either releases into solution or retains on its surface multivalent cations, which method includes the step of treating the clay mineral in aqueous suspension with an aluminosiliceous material having a cation exchange capacity of at least 50 meq/100 g, said aluminosiliceous material being employed in an amount sufficient to react with a significant proportion of the exchangeable cations in the clay mineral. Also disclosed is an aqueous suspension of a clay mineral, a method for preparing a paper coating composition and a method for improving the rheological properties of a clay mineral.

Abstract: A structured kaolinitic pigment having improved physical and optical characteristics when incorporated as a filler in paper. The pigment is also useful in paper coating applications. The pigment consists of porous aggregates of kaolin particles which are chemically bonded together. The pigment may be produced by chemically reacting a particulate kaolin with a metal chloride, such as silicon tetrachloride. The process is conducted under conditions such that the kaolinite structure is not impaired.