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: The present invention relates to Aluminum trihydrate slurries comprising aluminum trihydrate particles, an acrylic dispersant, citric acid, synthetic hectorite clay, optionally a compound to adjust pH, a biocide and water. These slurries may be mixed with titanium dioxide slurries to produce a stable slurry blends useful in paper and paper-board applications.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a clay/amine complex which is an excellent surfactant and a good reinforcing agent of polymers. The complex of the present invention can be produced by modifying layered inorganic silicate clay such as montomorillonite, with an intercalating agent, AMO (amine terminal-mannich oligomer). The AMO can be obtained by polymerizing polyoxyalkylene amine having molecular weight over 1000, p-cresol and formaldehyde. The present invention further discloses a nanosilica plate, which can be obtained by extracting the above complex with a hydroxide or a chloride of alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal, and consequently, the AMO intercalating agent can be recycled for reusing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an exfoliative clay and a derivative thereof and a method for producing the same. The exfoliative clay is formed by emulsion exfoliating an inorganic layered silicate clay with an amphibious intercalating agent by powerfully stirring at 60-180° C. and not less than 14.7 psig. The amphibious intercalating agent is obtained by copolymerizing polyoxyalkylene amine having molecular weight over 1,800 and polypropylene-grafting-maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA). Before emulsion exfoliation, the intercalating agent is acidified with an inorganic acid. The acidification is the key step for obtaining nanoscale of emulsifying particles less than 100 nm for the exfoliation. The exfoliative clay can be further extracted with a hydroxide or a chloride of alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal to obtain a derivative in the form of nanosilica plates which is free of organic portions.

Abstract: A method includes steps for forming an intermediate composition. The intermediate composition is to be added to a polymer, or to a polymer precursor, in a process of manufacturing a low permeability container formed of the polymer or polymer precursor. The method includes forming an intermediate composition which, if added to the polymer or polymer precursor, will inhibit the permeability of the low permeability container subsequently formed of the polymer or polymer precursor. The forming step includes mixing a solid dispersant with clay to form the intermediate composition as a solid.

Abstract: A process for preparing a ball clay slurry with a casting rate of at least about 50, a modulus of rupture of at least 500 pounds per square inch, and from about 0.1 to about 1.0 weight percent of organic polyelectrolyte. In this process, a digested lignite material is mixed with a lignitic coarse clay, a nonlignitic coarse clay, a lignitic fine clay, and a polyelectrolyte dispersing agent.

Abstract: A clay slurry is described using smectite clay, water, and a defined phosphonate additive that is hydrolytically stable over time. The viscosity of the clay slurry remains pourable and relatively unchanged over time compared to prior art slurries. The slurry is useful to provide rheological control to paints and coatings and is particularly useful as an anti-bleed additive for concrete.

Abstract: The present invention includes a paint or coating composition comprising an organic pigment or dye complexed to the surface of a layered or fibrous inorganic clay. A wide variety of paint colors can be obtained by varying the pH during the preparation as well as by varying the synthesis conditions and changing particle size of the clay. The paint has unprecedented stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight clay which can be easily molded into a given shape, exhibits proper lightweight characteristics and storing characteristics, and can be manufactured at a low cost, and a manufacturing method thereof. In such a lightweight clay and the manufacturing method thereof, an average particle size of the organic hollow micro spheres is set to a value which falls within a range of 15 to 150 &mgr;m and, an addition quantity of the organic hollow micro spheres is set to a value which falls within a range of 0.1 to 6 weight % with respect to a total quantity of the lightweight clay, and whiteness degree (WL) measured in accordance with JIS L 0803 is set to not less than 50.

Abstract: A black colorant for ink-jet printing ink, has an average particle diameter of 0.001 to 0.15 &mgr;m, and comprises: extender pigments as core particles; a gluing agent-coating layer formed on at least a part or the surface of said core particles; and a black pigment coat uniformly formed on at least a part of said gluing agent-coating layer. The black colorant for ink-jet printing ink exhibits not only a high blackness and an excellent tinting strength, but also excellent dispersibility and light resistance in spite of fine particles.

Abstract: A high performance kaolin pigment, a paper coating color containing high performance kaolin pigment, and a method for making high performance kaolin pigment, the kaolin pigment being provided with improved optical and rheological properties attained by strict control of size and shape of the particles, as well as size and shape distribution of the particles. The kaolin pigment has ISO brightness characteristics higher than 88.5, a particle size distribution of at least 94% by mass lower than 2 &mgr;m and at most 25% by mass lower than 0.2 &mgr;m and a Hercules viscosity at 1,100 RPM lower than 18 dynes in slurries with a solid content of 70%-75% solids.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing a coloring pigment, wherein an anionic or cationic clay, which clay contains substantially no agglomerates of clay sheets, is subjected to an ion exchange with an organic dye. The invention further relates to a coloring pigment and the use thereof for coloring substrates.

Abstract: An organoclay composition for gelling unsaturated polyester resin/monomer systems comprising a mineral clay mixture which has been treated with an alkyl quaternary ammonium compound. The mineral clay mixture comprises two components: mineral clay (a) comprising greater than 50 wt. %, based on the weight of the mineral clay mixture, of a mineral clay selected from the group consisting of sepiolite, palygorskite and mixtures of sepiolite and palygorskite; and mineral clay (b) comprising less than 50 wt. %, based on the weight of the mineral clay mixture, of a smectite.

Abstract: A heat resisting organoclay which, when incorporated to plastic compounds at high processing temperature in excess of 150° C., does not discolor the plastics, as well as a method of manufacture thereof, is provided. Antioxidant is intercalated between interlayers of the clay flakes to make a heat resistant organoclay. More specifically, antioxidant dissolved in a water-soluble organic solvent is added to a raw filter cake of organoclay for mixing. Alternatively, an aqueous solution of organic cations and antioxidants is added to a clay-water suspension. Then, they are mixed, filtered, dried and pulverized to produce a heat resistant organoclay.

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

Abstract: A colorant for ink-jet printing ink of the present invention, has an average particle diameter of 0.001 to 0.15 &mgr;m, and comprises: extender pigments as core particles; a gluing agent coating layer formed on at least a part of surface of said core particle; and an organic pigment coat uniformly formed on at least a part of said gluing agent coating layer. The colorant for ink-jet printing ink exhibits not only a high tinting strength and a clear hue, but also excellent dispersibility and light resistance in spite of fine particles.

Abstract: Aggregated mineral pigments (such as kaolin clay pigments) having a high surface area and useful in coating and filling compositions for ink jet printing media are manufactured by dry grinding an unground mineral composition starting material and then optionally acid treating the ground material.

Abstract: A composition for improving grip between the hands and a tool or implement is provided, which comprises a chlorinated paraffin, a dispersing agent, and a solvent in an amount up to and including about 3.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. A method of making the composition in the form of a dry powder, as well as a method of using the dry powder to improve friction or grip on the hands, are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods of making and using fine particle materials in pigment blends and for using the aforementioned pigment blends in paint, coating, or coloring compositions are provided. This invention further provides systems and methods of enhancing the visual appearance of a variety of substrates by introducing a paint, coating, or coloring composition to the substrate. The fine particle materials of the present invention have a substantially random geometric shape, a particle size less than about 100 microns, and help provide both functional and visual enhancing properties to compositions and substrates containing these fine particle materials.

Abstract: Provided is a polyamide resin composition comprising a melt blend of (A) a polyamide resin, (B) a phyllosilicate, and (C) an olefin compound having a carboxylic acid anhydride group in the molecule or a polymer of the olefin compound, in which the phyllosilicate (B) has a reactive functional group bonded thereto and is such that the exchangeable metal ions existing in the inter layers are ion-exchanged with organic onium ions. The composition has a reduced inorganic ash content and has both high stiffness and high ductility. Optionally, the composition contains an inorganic filler apart from the phyllosilicate, an impact modifier, and a flame retardant, still having high stiffness and high ductility.

Abstract: This invention describes the use of organoclays as additives to plasticizers to provide a plasticizer composition, to allow the mixing of the plasticizers with thermoplastic resins in the same process used to convert the resin formulation to finished product. The use of this invention eliminates the need for a preliminary compounding step to incorporate plasticizers into thermoplastics prior to extrusion or molding.

Abstract: Organic and inorganic composite pigments having an average particle diameter of 0.01 to 10.0 &mgr;m composed of a white inorganic particle, an organosilane compound obtained from alkoxysilanes, or polysiloxanes coating on the white inorganic particle, and an organic pigment coat formed on said coating. An ultraviolet light-absorbing agent is present in any portion from the surface of the white inorganic particle to surface of the organic pigment coat. These composite pigments have reduced amounts of organic pigments desorbed from their surface and exhibit excellent light resistance due to their ultraviolet absorbing property.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid pigment composition comprising a) at least one pigment, b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of b0) a phenol-styrene-polyglycol ether or an ionically modified phenol-styrene-polyglycol ether, b1) a condensation product prepared from b1A) sulphonated aromatics b1B) aldehydes and/or ketones and b1C) optionally one or more compounds selected from the group of unsulphonated aromatics, urea and urea derivatives, and b2) phosphoric acid, phosphonic acid and derivatives thereof, and c) at least one organic thickener.

Abstract: A black colorant for ink-jet printing ink, has an average particle diameter of 0.001 to 0.

Abstract: Novel nanosized kaolin clay particles are prepared by agitating a fine particle size fraction of kaolin clay in a Netzsch mill until the particle size is reduced, aspect ratio is decreased and surface area is increased. The ultrafine kaolin particles are especially useful as a pigment to provide high surface gloss to ink jet printing papers.

Abstract: A pigment dispersion suitable for use in the manufacture of pigmented coating compositions is provided. The pigment dispersion comprises a) pigment, b) carrier, and c) an acrylic/polyether comb-branched copolymer dispersant wherein the polyether portion of the copolymer is free of any acidic groups. A method of making a present dispersion is also provided. The method comprises mixing together, in any combination: a) pigment, b) carrier, and c) an acrylic/polyether comb-branched copolymer dispersant wherein the polyether portion of the copolymer is free of any acidic groups. A pigmented coating composition is also provided comprising a pigment dispersion made in accordance with present invention.

Abstract: Pyrogenically produced aluminum-silicon mixed oxides with a BET surface of more than 300 m2/g and a composition of 0.01 to 99.99% by wt. Al2O3, remainder SiO2 are produced in accordance with the method of flame pyrolysis or preferably flame hydrolysis by a joint combustion of the gaseous raw substances. They can be used to produce coating colors, especially for inkjet papers or inkjet foils or other inkjet materials.

Abstract: A paper coating pigment manufactured from kaolin crude containing minor amounts of minerals is used in lightweight coated and ultra-lightweight coated applications. The pigments comprise a phyllosilicate assemblage of minerals that yield a final pigment MgO content ranging between 0.04 to 0.3 weight percent and a K2O content ranging between 0.12 and 0.8 weight percent based on the dry weight of the kaolin crude. The mica in the pigment product is 1.0% to 6.7% by weight, and smectite is 1.2% to 9.1% by weight of the kaolin. The presence of these weight percentages can be identified by a shape factor of 15 or greater. The viscous clay content of the feed to produce the pigment product is between 70 and 100 weight percent based on the dry weight of the kaolin clay. The pigment has a shape factor ranging between 35 and 60 or greater, and greater than 80% by weight of the particle are less than 2 microns, and greater than 12% are less than 0.25 microns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-dusting, homogeneous pigment preparation, comprising ≧40% by weight of one or more effect pigments, 0.5-60% by weight of a polyalkylene glycol and/or one or more polyalkylene glycol derivatives, 0-10% by weight of a redispersing auxiliary, 0-40% by weight of water or an organic solvent or solvent mixture, 0-40% by weight of at least one further hydroxyl-rich resin, and to its use as a precursor for printing inks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-dusting homogeneous pigment preparation which is notable in that it comprises at least 40% by weight of one or more effect pigments, from 0.5 to 60% by weight of an aldehyde resin and/or ketonic resin and from 0.1 to 10% by weight of a redispersant.

Abstract: A colorant for ink-jet printing ink of the present invention, has an average particle diameter of 0.001 to 0.15 &mgr;m, and comprises: extender pigments as core particles; a gluing agent coating layer formed on at least a part of surface of said core particle; and an organic pigment coat uniformly formed on at least a part of said gluing agent coating layer. The colorant for ink-jet printing ink exhibits not only a high tinting strength and a clear hue, but also excellent dispersibility and light resistance in spite of fine particles.

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 produced from a naturally platy kaolin clay having a particle size distribution such that about 50% to 60% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 2 &mgr;m and less than 25% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 0.25 &mgr;m and a shape factor of at least 15. This platy clay can be blended with b-fraction clay component. In processing, the crude kaolin is ground to a shape factor greater than 50 to produce even greater “platy” clay. The pigment product has a particle size distribution such that at least 80% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 2 &mgr;m and greater than 12% and less than 35% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 0.25 &mgr;m and whose surface area is greater than 12 m2/g when measured by the BET method.

Abstract: An organoclay composition for gelling unsaturated polyester resin/monomer systems comprising a mineral clay mixture which has been treated with an alkyl quaternary ammonium compound. The mineral clay mixture comprises two components; mineral clay (a) comprising greater than 50 wt. %, based on the weight of the mineral clay mixture, of a mineral clay selected from the group consisting of sepiolite, palygorskite and mixtures of sepiolite and palygorskite; and mineral clay (b) comprising less than 50 wt. %, based on the weight of the mineral clay mixture, of a smectite.

Abstract: A clay slurry is described using smectite clay, water, and a defined phosphonate additive that is hydrolytically stable over time. The viscosity of the clay slurry remains pourable and relatively unchanged over time compared to prior art slurries. The slurry is useful to provide Theological control to paints and coatings and is particularly useful as an anti-bleed additive for concrete.

Abstract: A near-infrared reflecting composite pigment comprises a near-infrared non-absorbing colorant and a white pigment coated with the near-infrared non-absorbing pigment. The near-infrared reflecting composite pigment can be produced by mixing a colorant dispersion, in which the near-infrared non-absorbing colorant is dispersed in a liquid medium, with the white pigment in a form selected from powder or a dispersion and then drying the resultant mixture. A near-infrared reflecting coating agent comprises as a coloring agent the near-infrared reflecting composite pigment. A near-infrared reflecting material comprises a base material coated on a surface thereof with the near-infrared reflecting coating agent.

Abstract: Aggregated mineral pigments (such as kaolin clay pigments) having a high surface area and useful in coating and filling compositions for ink jet printing media are manufactured by dry grinding an unground mineral composition starting material and then optionally acid treating the ground material.

Abstract: The inkjet recording sheet substrate of the present invention comprises a cellulosic sheet support, e.g., paper, having on at least one surface thereof a base coating comprising pigment and binder. The preferred pigment component is a 50/50 mixture of kaolin clay and calcined clay, and the preferred binder component is polyvinyl acetate. This combination of binder and pigment has been found to possess a high absorption capacity for the vehicle of an inkjet ink and good compatibility with ink receptive top coatings applied over the base coat.

Abstract: Intercalates formed by contacting a layered material, e.g., a phyllosilicate, with an intercalant monomer having a hydroxyl and/or an aromatic ring functionality 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 Å (as measured after water removal to a maximum of 5% by weight water), up to about 100 Å and preferably in the range of about 10-45 Å, 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: Systems and methods of making and using fine particle materials in pigment blends and for using the aforementioned pigment blends in paint, coating, or coloring compositions are provided. This invention further provides systems and methods of enhancing the visual appearance of a variety of substrates by introducing a paint, coating, or coloring composition to the substrate. The fine particle materials of the present invention have a substantially random geometric shape, a particle size less than about 100 microns, and help provide both functional and visual enhancing properties to compositions and substrates containing these fine particle materials.

Abstract: A coating composition for paper or paperboard products comprising a structured pigment. The structured pigment includes a plurality of chemically treated mineral particles. The mineral particles have a Malvern median particle size of about 0.3 microns to about 3.5 microns. The Malvern median particle size of the treated particles is less than 20% greater than the Malvern median particle size of the mineral particles prior to treatment.

Abstract: Pumpable and flowable bentonite clay slurries having a bentonite solids content of about 50% or greater have been prepared for the first time through the use of a non-aqueous fluidizing agent, characterized by being a highly-saturated hydrocarbon oil with low affinity for reactivity with bentonite or other hydrophilic swelling agents such as starches, guars and xanthans. The slurries are useful in the economical transport of bentonite without impairing its swellability in aqueous media in applications such as mining, papermaking and oil drilling.

Abstract: An improved aqueous-based extraction method for the separation and recovery of ultra-fine mineral particles. The process operates within the pseudophase region of the conventional aqueous biphasic extraction system where a low-molecular-weight, water soluble polymer alone is used in combination with a salt and operates within the pseudo-biphase regime of the conventional aqueous biphasic extraction system. A combination of low molecular weight, mutually immiscible polymers are used with or without a salt. This method is especially suited for the purification of clays that are useful as rheological control agents and for the preparation of nanocomposites.

Abstract: A clay-containing mixture of dry solids to be used in forming a moisture-resistant gel, and a method for directly forming a moisture-resistant gel on a surface to be treated, using such a mixture. The present invention furthermore relates to the use of such a mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel low molecular weight, structured polymer compositions. The invention also relates to methods for inhibiting scale formation, precipitation or deposition; increasing dispersion of insoluble precipitates in process waters; treating cooling and boiler water; and reducing the viscosity of mineral slurries using the aforementioned polymer compositions.

Abstract: High brightness kaolin pigments and methods of making high brightness kaolin pigments are provided. Both delaminated and nondelaminated clays are provided having typical brightness of 87 or higher. The pigments have high brightness and good opacity, providing an optimum pigment for paper coating and paper filler. Also provided are blended high brightness kaolins having increased opacity properties.

Abstract: Intercalates formed by contacting a layered material, e.g., a phyllosilicate, with an intercalant monomer ether and/or ester 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 Å (as measured after water removal to a maximum of 5% by weight water), up to about 100 Å and preferably in the range of about 10-45 Å, 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. Alternatively, the intercalated complex can be exfoliated prior to combination with the organic liquid or the matrix polymer.

Abstract: A pigment material for use in a coating composition suitable for coating a sheet material to be printed by an electrophotographic printer which pigment material comprises a blend of Components A and B as follows: Component A: a fine pigment material suitable for gloss coating of a sheet material the pigment material comprising particles at least 80% by weight of which have an equivalent spherical diameter (“esd”) of less than 2 &mgr;m and having a particle size distribution (“psd”) such that its d50 value, namely the particle esd value less than which 50% of the particles have an esd, is less than 1 &mgr;m; and Component B: a coarse pigment material having a psd such that its d50 value is from 2 &mgr;m to 10 &mgr;m, desirably 2 &mgr;m to 5 &mgr;m and such that not more than 2% by weight of the particles of the coarse pigment material have an esd greater than 15 &mgr;m, desirably not more than 2% have an esd greater than 10 &mgr;m; wherein the weight ratio of Component A to Component

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous dispersion of pigment(s) and/or filler(s) containing, as an additive, a saccharide composition containing at least 30% of hydrogentated monosaccharide(s) and/or disaccharide(s). The saccharide composition contains at least 75% of such saccharides, in particular sorbitol, mannitol and/or maltitol. The optimum introduction rate is somewhere between 1 and 3%, in dry weight in relation to the dry weight of pigment(s) and filler(s) of the dispersion. The dispersion according to the invention presents a Brookfield viscosity (20° C., 20 rpm) of between 100 and 4000 mPa.s and a viscosity instability index lower than 35%. The dispersion according to the invention can present a very high level of solid matter, for example from 72 to 80% and be used advantageously in numerous industries such as those connected with paper, paint and varnishes, inks, adhesives, detergents, textile materials and leathers, etc.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a kaolin clay crude to separate by selective flocculation impurity particles contained in the crude from finely divided kaolinite particle contained in the crude, comprising: (a) forming said crude into a dispersed aqueous slurry b adding water and at least one dispersant to said crude; (b) conditioning said dispersed aqueous slurry by adding conditioning chemical thereto, the conditioning chemical providing addition of monovalent cations to the slurry without adding multivalent cations thereto; (c) selectively flocculating said conditioned slurry by adding to said conditioned slurry a composition comprising (i) a high molecular weight component comprising an organic anionic polymer having a molecular weight of at least 1 million; and (ii) a low molecular weight component comprising an inorganic anionic polyphosphate; said composition causing impurity particles in said slurry to flocculate and settle as a dense lower layer and kaolinite particles in said slurry to be defloccul

Abstract: An improved process for the beneficiation of mixtures of mineral particles (such as kaolin clays) containing minerals which chelate with hydroxamates. The use of a silicon-containing compound in combination with a hydroxamate results in a more effective separation of minerals which chelate with the hydroxamate.