Abstract: This invention relates to synthetically derived zinc phlogopite platelets, of superior aspect ratio, effect pigments comprising such synthetically derived platelets and methods of forming said platelets. More specifically the disclosure describes an improved hydrothermal synthesis of zinc phlogopite suitable as a platelets for interference pigments, barrier and flame retardant applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to a synthetically derived zinc phlogopite platelets, of superior platelet diameter, effect pigments comprising such synthetically derived platelets and methods of forming said substrates. More specifically the disclosure describes an improved hydrothermal synthesis of zinc phlogopite suitable as a platelets for interference pigments, barrier and flame retardant applications.

Abstract: An organic-inorganic composite is useful as a sheeted filler having a high aspect ratio. A positively charged organic compound is intercalated into a non-swelling layered silicate that is composed of mica and has K ions between the layers, and has primary particles of 2 ?m to 500 ?m as an average particle size. The layered silicate is represented as the formula: (KaM0.1-b)(XcYd)(Si4-eAle)O10(OHfF2-f), wherein 0.6?a?1.0, 0?b?0.1, 1.0?c?3, 0?d?2, 2?c+d?3, 0?e?4, 0?f?2; M is a cation other than K which is between layers and at least one of Li, Na, Rb, Cs, NH4, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Al; X and Y are metals enclosed in an octahedral formed in a 2:1 typed sheet; X is at least one of Mg, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn and Li; and Y is at least one of Al, Fe, Mn and Cr.

Abstract: A fining agent for reducing the concentration of seeds or bubbles in a silicate glass. The fining agent includes at least one inorganic compound, such as a hydrate or a hydroxide that acts as a source of water. In one embodiment, the fining agent further includes at least one multivalent metal oxide and, optionally, an oxidizer. A fusion formable and ion exchangeable silicate glass having a seed concentration of less than about 1 seed/cm3 is also provided. Methods of reducing the seed concentration of a silicate glass, and a method of making a silicate glass having a seed concentration of less than about 1 seed/cm3 are also described.

Abstract: Described is a process for the preparation of a crystallised lamellar solid formed by magadiite consisting of implementing in a step (i) mixing of at least one silica source, at least one salt of N,N,N?,N?-tetramethyl-N,N?-dibenzyloctanediammonium, at least one alkali and/or alkaline earth metal M and water and then implementing in a step (ii) hydrothermal treatment of said mixture until said crystallised lamellar solid constituted by magadiite is formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving vermiculite's intake of ammonium, in which method heating of the crude vermiculite is conducted to a temperature where vermiculite's third dehydration step takes place, the temperature being lower than the temperature where vermiculite's fourth dehydration/dehydroxylation step takes place. The invention relates also to use of the obtained vermiculite and to an absorption material, comprising vermiculite material and additives, where at least 50% of the vermiculite material comprises vermiculite, which has undergone the third dehydration step but not the fourth dehydration/dehydroxylation step. The invention relates also to use of thermally treated and ammonium doped vermiculite as fertilizer/soil conditioner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method of reductively bleaching a mineral slurry comprising adding in the mineral slurry an effective amount of a formamidine sulfinic acid (FAS) and an effective amount of a borohydride to reductively bleach the mineral slurry, compositions comprising a mineral slurry, a FAS, and a borohydride, and final products comprising a mineral obtained by the method disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method of controllably altering the mineral matter transformation of mineral compositions such as, for example, vermiculitic micas, to achieve metamorphosed mineral compositions having specifically desired monatomic lattice defects is provided. Compositions formed in accordance with the method are also provided that exhibit physical properties desirable in a variety of industrial applications, including, for example, control and/or reduction of NOx, SOx, COx and other gaseous chemical species from industrial effluents, atmospheric control systems, fabrication and use of chemical detectors, and solid state electronic substrates and devices.

Abstract: Pillared trioctahedral micas and/or vermiculites are prepared. The process includes a conditioning operation for the partial reduction of the layer charge through an accelerated weathering process, and also includes a pillaring operation.

Abstract: Sedimentary mica flakes are produced having a bulk density of between about five and one-half pounds per cubic feet and eight pounds per cubic feet (5.5-11 lbs/ft3), a high aspect ratio, and a G.E. brightness between about seventy-five and ninety (75-90). Operations include applying shear forces to delaminate the mica into flakes. Shear forces are applied by rotating a plurality of arcuate blades within a confined chamber containing the mica, such that the mica is forced between an outer portion of each blade and said chamber. The resulting delaminated mica flakes may be dried and classified.