Abstract: Disclosed is calcium metasilicate having an aspect ratio (average major axial diameter/average minor axial diameter) of from about 1:1 to about 2.5:1, and an oil absorption of from about 20 ml/100 g to about 220 ml/100.

Abstract: A process and a composite for removing toxic cations and anions from blood or dialysate is disclosed. The process involves contacting blood or dialysate with a shaped ion exchange composite to remove ammonium and phosphate ions. The composite is a mixture of an anion exchange composition such as zirconia and a microporous cation exchange composition formed into a shaped article and optionally containing a binder such as hydrous zirconium oxide. The microporous cation exchangers are represented by the following empirical formula.

Abstract: In cycles of charging and discharging, an excellent capacity maintenance rate is obtained. The charging and discharging cycle characteristic of battery is enhanced. Further, an excellent initial discharging capacity is obtained. A negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte are contained. The negative electrode includes an alloy of Si, a first element and a second element. The first element includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of the second group element except Mg in the periodic table, transition elements, twelfth group element, thirteenth group element except B, and fourteenth group element except Si. The second element includes at least one element of B and Mg.

Abstract: A synthetic layered silicate material may be produced which exhibits tolerance to high levels of electrolytes and surfactants as measured by viscosity, hydration rate and clarity. The synthetic layered silicate material may produce similar or improved rheological properties when compared to natural hectorite at comparable or lower addition rates in select aqueous systems.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a composite powder comprising (A) an alkali metal silicate particle having an average particle size of from 1 to 500 &mgr;m; and (B) a water-soluble salt particle having an average particle size of from 0.01 to 50 &mgr;m, of which solubility to water at 20° C. is 1 g/100 g or more, wherein the alkali metal silicate particle has a composition formula in an anhydride form represented by: xM2O.ySiO2.zMeO (I) wherein M stands for Na and/or K; Me stands for Ca and/or Mg; y/x is from 0.5 to 4.0; z/x is from 0 to 1.0; and Mg/Ca in MeO is from 0 to 10, and wherein the composite powder has a (A)/(B) weight ratio of from 1/9 to 99/1; and a detergent composition comprising the composite powder. The composite powder is a composite powder having a remarkably enhanced storage stability of the alkali metal silicate without impairing the ion exchange capacity owned by the alkali metal silicate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of calcium carbonate and calcium silicate in common superatmospheric reactors. Multiple reactors can be provided for switching production between reactors, and advantageously utilizing process waste heat. On site production of both PCC and Calcium Silicate Hydrates is thus achieved in a paper mill.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stevensite or kerolite type trioctahedral phyllosilicates 2:1 containing fluorine, fluorinated in synthesis in an acid medium and modified post-synthesis to bring about Si/Al and/or Mg/Al substitutions which impart acid properties to the solid. These phyllosilicates may be incorporated in the composition of catalysts used to convert hydrocarbons, in particular for hydrocracking.

Abstract: Mesoporous materials containing a Group IIA metal are prepared by a sol-gel type techniques.

Abstract: There is disclosed calcium silicates formed by reacting a silicic acid substance comprising an amorphous silicic acid gel obtained from clay minerals with a calcium compound. There also is disclosed a process for producing the same, and an inorganic antibacterial material using the same. The calcium silicates of the present invention have a high cationic exchange capacity and are excellent in the adsorbability of heavy metals. The inorganic antibacterial material according to the present invention can carry a sufficient amount of silver ions or silver complex ions and can be dispersed stably, for example, in a synthetic resin or the like. The production process according to the present invention can produce inorganic antibacterial material which are highly white and can be used suitably for various uses, and have sufficient antibacterial power.

Abstract: Nascent hydrogen and nascent oxygen are used to convert calcium sulfate and silicon dioxide to calcium silicate and sulfur dioxide.

Abstract: Crystalline microporous rare earth silicates are provided. These microporous compositions have a three dimensional framework structure of at least silicon tetrahedral oxide units and at least one M oxide unit. M is a rare earth element. Optionally, the microporous compositions may contain as part of the framework an M′ element having a valence of +2, +3, +4 or +5 such as zinc (+2), iron (+3), zirconium (+4) and tantalum (+5). The composition is represented by the empirical formula: An(M1−zM′z)wSi1−yGeyOx where A is a cation such as sodium and “n”, “z”, “w”, “y” and “x” are the mole fractions of the various elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for easily and efficiently producing silica particles having a narrow particle size distribution and a high porosity from inexpensive starting materials such as sodium silicate. The silica particles of the present invention can be obtained in the form of a slurry containing them by (1) forming a slurry by mixing first particles difficultly soluble in an alkali and soluble in an acid, with an aqueous alkali silicate solution to form a first slurry containing the first particles, (2) neutralizing the first slurry with a mineral acid to prepare a second slurry containing second particles wherein silica is deposited on the first particles, and (3) adding a mineral acid to the second slurry to dissolve the first particles from the second particles, to prepare a third slurry containing silica particles.

Abstract: A method for applying a barrier layer which comprises a barium-strontium aluminosilicate to a silicon containing substrate which inhibits the formation of cracks.

Abstract: Aqueous composition, including a water-soluble metal silicate complex which includes at least one divalent metal. A process for preparing an aqueous composition including water-soluble metal silicate complex includes combining monovalent cation silicate and divalent metal ions in an aqueous environment to form the water-soluble metal silicate complex. A process of modifying cellulose slurry includes adding an aqueous composition having water-soluble metal silicate complex which includes divalent metal to cellulose slurry. A process for preparing cellulose slurry includes adding monovalent cation silicate to cellulose slurry comprising a sufficient amount of divalent metal ions to combine with the monovalent cation silicate to form water-soluble metal silicate complex. A process of making cellulose product includes: adding an aqueous composition having water-soluble metal silicate complex including divalent metal to cellulose slurry; and forming cellulose product from the cellulose slurry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to trioctahedral phyllosilicates 2:1 of a stevensite or kerolite type containing fluorine, fluorinated in synthesis in an acid medium in the presence of hydrofluoric acid and/or another source of fluoride anions. The invention also relates to a method of preparation to obtain said phyllosilicate. The existence of gaps enables adjustable quantities of cations to be incorporated in the gaps and hence the exchange capacity of said solids to be modulated. These phyllosilicates, raw from synthesis or after post-synthesis modification, may be incorporated in the composition of catalysts used to convert hydrocarbons, in particular for hydrocracking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a synthetic magnesium silicate having a layered crystalline structure, to a process for its preparation and to its use.

Abstract: A method of making polycrystalline magnesium orthosilicate including the steps of contacting a silica based clay material with magnesium oxide; and sintering the magnesium oxide contacting the silica based clay material to cause a solid state diffusion of the magnesium oxide into the silica based clay material to thereby produce polycrystalline magnesium orthosilicate. Single crystalline magnesium orthosilicate can be made by melting under controlled conditions, the polycrystalline magnesium orthosilicate.

Abstract: The composition of the subject invention comprises a mixture of calcium silicate and citric acid and is utilized in a method for extending the useful life of the cooking oil by blending the calcium silicate with the citric acid, introducing the mixture to the cooking oil and allowing the mixture to mix in the oil through convection currents in the oil. The oil is filtered and the composition of the subject invention is added on a daily or other basis, dependent on use.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to improved methods for the selective separation of organic components from biological fluids. More particularly, the present invention pertains to methods for the selective separation of organic components from biological fluids which comprise the step of contacting the biological fluid with a synthetic hydrated alkaline earth silicate (i.e., SHAES), such as synthetic hydrated calcium silicate (i.e., SHCS) or synthetic hydrated magnesium silicate (i.e., SHMS). In a preferred embodiment, the present invention pertains to such methods where the biological fluid is a mammalian blood fluid (e.g., whole blood, blood plasma, blood serum, blood fraction, plasma fraction, serum fraction).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the forming mineralized coatings on metal surfaces and to methods of forming such coatings. The coating can include a wide range of compounds and normally at least a portion of the coating corresponds to an amorphous phase. The coating and method are particularly useful in providing a corrosion resistant coating or film upon a metallic surface. This aspect of the disclosure involves the formation of a corrosion resistant “mineralized” layer of tailored composition upon a metal substrate.

Abstract: Incorporation of neutral water soluble inorganic salts into a precipitated silica improves the filler dispersion in a compounded rubber, reduces rolling resistance (hysteresis), and improves processability. These properties are achieved without loss of the expected reinforcement effect due to the substitution of inorganic salt for SiO2 in the silica. The properties are seen when a variety of silanes and processing aids are added to the silica.

Abstract: A method for producing a crystalline inorganic builder having the following composition in its anhydrous form: xM.sub.2 O.ySiO.sub.2.zMeO, wherein x, y and z are numerical values satisfying the following relationships: y/x is 1.0 to 4.0, z/y is not more than 1.0, M stands for Na and K, K/Na is 0.01 to 2.0, and Me stands for Ca and/or Mg, the method comprising the steps of (a) adding water, a Na-containing compound, a K-containing compound, and at least one member of Ca-containing compounds and Mg-containing compounds to silica sand, to give a mixture; (b) subjecting the resulting mixture to a hydrothermal treatment; and (c) baking the resulting treated mixture. Also, a method for producing a crystalline inorganic builder having the following composition in its anhydrous form: xM.sub.2 O.ySiO.sub.2, wherein x and y are numerical values satisfying the following relationships: y/x is 1.0 to 4.0, M stands for Na and K, K/Na is 0.01 to 2.

Abstract: A hydrothermal reaction which dissolves the amorphous silica and the crystalline silica impurities contained in a recovered, naturally occurring montmorillonite clay, and subsequently converts the dissolved silicas into a dioctahedral and/or trioctahedil smectite clay. The dissolution of silica is accomplished by adjusting the pH of an aqueous slurry of the recovered clay to a value of about 8.5 to about 10.0, preferably about 9.0 to about 9.5, at a temperature of at least about 150.degree. C., preferably about 180.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C., more preferably about 190.degree. C. to about 235.degree. C. Dissolved silica reacts with stoichiometric amounts of aluminum and/or magnesium and/or sodium added to the slurry, while at a temperature of at least about 150.degree. C., preferably about 185.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C.

Abstract: Novel gas separation agents with precisely and predictably controlled pore sizes within the range of 3-4 Angstrom units and their preparation from ETS-4 by exchange with cations, particularly multivalent cations such as strontium followed by drying and calcination to effect controlled pore shrinkage is disclosed. These novel materials have utility in gas separation processes particularly the separation of nitrogen from a mixture of the same with methane.

Abstract: This invention relates to aggregates comprised of particles which contain silicon dioxide and to elastomers reinforced therewith. The invention also relates to tires having treads composed of such reinforced elastomers.

Abstract: Novel magnesiosilicate compounds for use in detergent compositions and as water softeners have a calcium binding capacity of at least 10 mg CaO per gram, a magnesium binding capacity of at least 10 mg MgO per gram and a calcium binding rate of no more than 300 seconds, all at room temperature. The compounds have a stuffed silica polymorph-related structure or a layered structure with a broad X-ray powder diffraction peak at a d-spacing of between 11 and 17 .ANG.. The compounds have an anhydrous composition M.sub.a Mg.sub.b Al.sub.c Si.sub.1-(b+c) O.sub.d, where M--alkali, 0.0<a<2.0, 0.0<b<0.7, 0.0.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.0.3, 1.15<d<3.0, c<b, and partial substitution of M, Mg, Al and Si is permitted.

Abstract: A process for producing monoclinic celsian comprising the steps of forming a mixture of an alkoxide of silica, an alkoxide of aluminum, and a salt of barium; adding a catalyst of a fluorine containing compound to the mixture; calcining the catalyzed mixture; and, heat treating the calcined mixture. This process uses a sol-gel process to progressively increase the amount of monoclinic phase in relation to the hexagonal celsian. Additionally, a process for producing monoclinic strontium aluminosilicate is disclosed.

Abstract: Homostructured, cation exchanged, layered compositions containing mixed onium and alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, protonated hydronium ions and mixtures thereof are described. Particulate concentrates formed by intercalation of a polymer component into the galleries of the layered inorganic and organic homostructured layered cation exchange composition and to the use of the particulate concentrates for the preparation of cured polymer-inorganic nanolayer hybrid composite compositions are described. In the most preferred embodiment of the invention the layered inorganic composition is selected from the family of 2:1 layered silicate clays.

Abstract: Barium-exchanged ETS-4 shows particular utility in gas separation processes involving the separation of nitrogen from a mixture of the same with methane.

Abstract: A silicon dioxide tetrahedron sheet having a specific morphology with the pseudomorphs of the starting raw material of clay minerals for the sheet is prepared, and this is reacted with an alkylonium salt whereby a desired number of the silicon dioxide tetrahedrons are removed from the sheet by the action of the micelles of the alkylonium salt formed on the surface of the sheet to thereby form mesopores in the sheet. The mesopore material of the sheet has phyllo-structured 6-membered skeletons as connected to each other, in which each one phyllo-structured 6-membered skeleton is formed by connecting 6 silicon dioxide tetrahedrons together, and its mesopores are formed by removing a desired number of the silicon dioxide tetrahedrons from the sheet.

Abstract: A method for producing a crystalline, inorganic ion exchange material having the following composition: x.sub.1 K.sub.2 O.x.sub.2 Na.sub.2 O.ySiO.sub.2. zMeO, wherein x.sub.1, x.sub.2, y and z are numerical values satisfying the following relationships: y/(x.sub.1 +x.sub.2)=1.0 to 2.1, z/y=0 to 1.0, x.sub.1 /x.sub.2 =0.01 to 2.0, and Me stands for Ca and/or Mg, the method including the steps of adding and blending one or more alkali metal compounds, or one or more alkali metal compounds and one or more alkaline earth metal compounds in cullets having a composition of SiO.sub.2 /Na.sub.2 O=1.5 to 4.2, and baking the resulting mixture.

Abstract: A new family of crystalline molecular sieves have been synthesized. These compositions have a microporous structure of ZrO.sub.3 octahedral units, and at least one of SiO.sub.2 tetrahedral units and GeO.sub.2 tetrahedral units. Optionally, the molecular sieves contain M metals such as titanium, niobium, or tin. These novel molecular sieves are prepared hydrothermally from a reaction mixture composed of reactive sources of the components. Additionally, these molecular sieves are useful for the selective adsorption of ammonium ions.

Abstract: A new family of crystalline molecular sieves have been synthesized. These compositions have a microporous structure of at least ZrO.sub.3 octahedral units and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedral units. Optionally, the molecular sieves contain M metals such as titanium or tin. These novel molecular sieves are prepared hydrothermally from a reaction mixture composed of reactive sources of the components. Additionally, these molecular sieves are useful for the selective adsorption of ammonium ions.

Abstract: A method of preparing particles of an exfoliated vermiculite for the manufacture of a finished product, such as a particle board, includes the steps of, if necessary, chemically modifying the vermiculite by impregnating the vermiculite with a suitable anhydride in a non-aqueous solvent; if necessary, applying to the particles of vermiculite an adhesion promoter to promote the adherence of a resin to the surfaces of the particles of vermiculite; and resinating the particles of vermiculite either with a thermoplastic resin which has been surface modified by irradiation or by fluorination, or by an isocyanate thermosetting resin, or by a dry powder novolac thermosetting resin; and if necessary removing any solvent present.

Abstract: Incorporation of neutral water soluble inorganic salts into a precipitated silica improves the filler dispersion in a compounded rubber, reduces rolling resistance (hysteresis), and improves processability. These properties are achieved without loss of the expected reinforcement effect due to the substitution of inorganic salt for SiO.sub.2 in the silica. The properties are seen when a variety of silanes and processing aids are added to the silica.

Abstract: A crystalline zeolite X adsorbent comprising a crystalline zeolite X having an SiO.sub.2 /A.sub.2 O.sub.3 molar ratio of not larger than 3.0, where lithium cations associated with an AlO.sub.2 tetrahedron unit are 80 to less than 88 mol % of the total cations and the content of alkaline earth metal cations is from 0.5 to less than 4.6 mo % is produced by ion-exchanging with lithium cations at least 90 mol % of the cations associated with an Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 tetrahedron unit of a crystalline zeolite X having an SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 molar ratio of not larger than 3.0, ion-exchanging the crystalline zeolite X again with an aqueous solution of mixed salts of an alkali metal salt and an alkaline earth metal salt to decrease the lithium cations associated with the AlO.sub.2 tetrahedron unit to 80 to less than 88 mol %, followed by washing and drying, and activating the crystalline zeolite X.

Abstract: A process for preparing ultrafine aluminum silicate salt particles, said process comprising the steps of admixing a solution of aluminum chloride with water glass to form an aluminum silicate gel, adding a suspension of calcium and magnesium hydroxides into said aluminum silicate gel to form a calcium and magnesium salt of aluminum silicate, aging said calcium and magnesium salt of aluminum silicate by heating and agitating, neutralizing a mixture of a solution of sodium aluminate and water glass by adding hydrochloric acid to form another aluminum silicate gel, and admixing said another aluminum silicate gel into with aged calcium and magnesium salt of aluminum silicate, and simultaneously heating and agitating the resulting mixture.

Abstract: This invention relates to new crystalline organic compositions having unique combinations of framework-confined uniform mesopores and textural mesopores and to a method for their preparation. The compositions typically possess a framework wall thickness of at least about 17 .ANG., small elementary particle size of less than about 400 .ANG., and ratio of textural to framework-confined mesoporosity of greater than about 0.2. The formation of the mesoporous structure is accomplished by a novel self-assembly mechanism involving hydrogen bonding between neutral amine surfactant (S.degree.) and neutral inorganic oxide precursor (I.degree.). This S.degree.I.degree. templating approach allows for facile and environmentally benign recycling of the cost-intensive template by simple solvent extraction methods.

Abstract: A novel method is proposed for the preparation of a calcium silicate powder particularly useful as a filter aid in the filtration of an acidic aqueous liquid by virtue of the extremely high acid resistance of the calcium silicate powder. The inventive method comprises a hydrothermal reaction of a blend of a silica-containing material and calcium oxide or hydroxide in a specified molar ratio under specified reaction conditions to form calcium silicate, which is then subjected to a heat treatment at 800.degree.-1200.degree. C. for 0.5-2 hours. An improvement can be obtained in the clarity of the filtrate obtained by the filtration using the calcium silicate powder prepared by the inventive method as a filter aid when the hydrothermal reaction for the preparation thereof is conducted in an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide in a specified concentration.

Abstract: Amorphous sodium silicate-metal sulfate composite powder having water softening power and having small hygroscopicity, and useful as a detergent builder is provided. This amorphous sodium silicate-metal sulfate composite powder is characterized in that it contains a metal sulfate, for example, sodium sulfate, as solid solution, and when the SiO.sub.2 /Na.sub.2 O molar ratio is expressed by n and the specific surface area thereof is expressed by S (m.sup.2 /g), n and S satisfy the following expressions:1.60.ltoreq.n.ltoreq.2.800.10.ltoreq.S.ltoreq.2.00, provided that it is assumed that the molar number of Na.sub.2 O is the molar number of Na.sub.2 O based on sodium silicate, and does not contain the molar number of Na.sub.2 O based on sodium sulfate in the case where the metal sulfate is sodium sulfate. This powder is prepared by grinding sodium silicate cullet containing the metal sulfate as solid solution.

Abstract: Monoclinic celsian (BaO.Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.2SiO.sub.2) is produced by heating a stoichiometric, powder mixture of BaCO.sub.3 (or BaC.sub.2 O.sub.4), Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and SiO.sub.2 (preferably SiO.sub.2 gel) with monoclinic celsian seeds at from 1250.degree. C. to 1500.degree. C.

Abstract: A process is described for producing neutral to alkaline color developer pigments for use in carbon-free transfer papers from an acid-activated smectic phyllosilicate and basically reacting chemicals. The process is characterized in that the acid-activated phyllosilicate with a layer structure which is essentially still intact is reactive without intermediate drying with the basically-reacting chemicals up to partial or complete decomposition of the amorphous silicic acid formed on the corners and edges of the phyllosilicate crystallites without significant re-exchange of the hydronium ions inserted between the layers of the phyllosilicate by alkali or earth alkali ions.The color developer pigments can be used in suspensions with concentrations from 30 to 50% by weight, preferably from roughly 38 to 48% by weight.

Abstract: The synthesized inorganic crystalline ion exchange material has a composition represented by the following general formula in an anhydride form:aX.sub.2 O.bSiO.sub.2.cX'O,wherein X represents Na and K; X' represents Ca, or Ca and Mg; b/a is 1.4 to 2.1; c/a is 0.001 to 0.35; K/Na in X.sub.2 O is 0.09 to 1.11; Mg/Ca in X'O is 0 to 100; and K.sub.2 O/SiO.sub.2 is 0.06 to 0.25. The synthesized inorganic crystalline ion exchange material exhibits main shift peaks at least at 1080.+-.6 cm.sup.-1 in Raman scattering spectra in the range of from 900 to 1200 cm.sup.-1. The inorganic ion exchange material of the present invention is excellent in cationic exchange capacity, cationic exchange speed, and anti-solubility, making it useful to be used for a water softener and an alkalinity adjusting agent in detergents.

Abstract: A novel synthetic mixed-layer silicate consisting of the layers of serpentine and layers of saponite each having a specified chemical composition is proposed, which has excellent dispersibility in water to form a colloidal dispersion capable of being converted into a gel by standing to be useful as a gelating agent exhibiting thixotropy along with unique porosity characteristics which enable the use thereof as an adsorbent.

Abstract: Compositions for refractory materials and methods for providing the compositions are described. A synthetic forsterite-rich refractory sand composition includes a mixture. The mixture includes: a) a carbon bridging agent, the carbon bridging agent being present in the mixture in a proportion of from approximately 5 to approximately 15 percent by weight of the mixture; and b) a synthetic forsterite-rich sand, the synthetic forsterite-rich sand being free-flowing, having a MgO:SiO.sub.2 weight ratio of at least approximately 1.2, a specific gravity of approximately 3 g/cm.sup.3, a void volume of less than approximately 50 percent by volume of the synthetic forsterite-rich sand, and a fusion point of at least approximately 1610.degree. C., wherein i) at least approximately 50 percent by weight of the synthetic forsterite-rich sand is forsterite, and ii) from approximately 3 to approximately 27 percent by weight of the synthetic forsterite-rich sand is maghemite.

Abstract: A multi-part article of furniture, such as a chair or table, capable of being assembled without tools or glue is disclosed. The legs of the table or chair can be rigidly, but removably, attached to the table top or chair seat by slideably engaging an elongated dowel protruding from an upper side surface of the leg into a mating slot formed in the end wall of an apron attached to the underside of the table top or chair seat. Alternatively, the elongated dowel may protrude from the apron and the upper side surface of the leg may contain a mating slot. Fastening clips may provide additional attachment between the legs and aprons and a separate dowel protruding from the upper end surface of the leg may mate with a bore in the underside of the seat or table top. In one embodiment, the length of the legs is varied either by replacement with longer-length legs or by the addition of leg-extension members.

Abstract: A layered inorganic-organic polymer having the features of both inorganic and organic materials and a coating material produced therefrom. The former is produced, for example, by reacting an organoalkoxysilane having alkoxyl groups and organic groups with a metal salt or alkoxide in an alkaline solution. This reaction yields a layered inorganic-organic polymer composed of one or two sheets of tetrahedrons with a central atom of Si or a metal and a sheet of octahedrons with a central atom of a metal, part or all of the central atoms of the tetrahedrons being covalently bonded to organic groups. If the organic group is one which contains a functional group capable of polymerization, the resulting layered inorganic-organic polymer may be polymerized with a functional group to give a firm coating material. The functional group of the organic group may be bonded to an organic compound.

Abstract: An antireflective film, comprising a film composed of an inorganic chemical compound consisting of Mg, Si, O and F and a film composed of an inorganic chemical compound consisting of Zr, Si and O. The film shows antireflective property over a wide spectral range even with a limited number of layers. An optical element comprising a transparent body is provided with, a film formed thereon, composed of an inorganic chemical compound consisting of Zr, Si and O and a film formed as an outermost layer facing the air, composed of an inorganic chemical compound consisting of Mg, Si, O and F.

Abstract: A process for producing a manganese and lead activated calcium metasilicate phosphor having the nominal formula CaSiO.sub.3 :MN:Pb. The process involves preparing a uniform aqueous dispersion of fumed silica having an ultrafine average particle size of less than 50 nm, a calcium precursor, a manganese precursor, and a lead precursor. Preferably, the calcium, manganese, and lead precursors are added as powders to an aqueous dispersion of said ultrafine fumed silica. The ultrafine fumed silica aqueous dispersion is heated to a temperature of about 50.degree.-90.degree. C. and the powders are mechanically dispersed in the fumed silica aqueous dispersion to form the uniform aqueous dispersion. The molar ratio of calcium:silicon in the mixture is approximately stoichiometric to 1.3:1; and the molar ratios of manganese and lead in the dispersion are sufficient to activate the phosphor. The precipitate from the dispersion is calcined at a temperature of about 1050.degree.-1135.degree. C.

Abstract: A synthetic forsterite-rich refractory sand composition for use as a taphole nozzle refractory sand for a sliding gate system of a steel ladle, the synthetic forsterite-rich sand composition including a mixture, the mixture including: a) a carbon bridging agent, the carbon bridging agent being present in the mixture in a proportion of from 5 to 15 percent by weight of the mixture; and b) a synthetic forsterite-rich sand, the synthetic forsterite-rich sand being free-flowing, having a MgO:SiO.sub.2 weight ratio of at least 1.2, a specific gravity of approximately 3 g/cm.sup.3, a void volume of less than approximately 50 percent by volume of the synthetic forsterite-rich refractory sand, and a fusion point of at least 1610.degree. C. At least 50 percent by weight of the synthetic forsterite-rich sand is forsterite; and from 8 to 27 percent by weight of the synthetic forsterite-rich sand is maghemite.