Abstract: A process comprises (a) combining (1) at least one base and (2) at least one metal carboxylate salt comprising (i) a metal cation selected from metal cations that form amphoteric metal oxides or oxyhydroxides and (ii) a lactate or thiolactate anion, or metal carboxylate salt precursors comprising (i) at least one metal salt comprising the metal cation and a non-interfering anion and (ii) lactic or thiolactic acid, a lactate or thiolactate salt of a non-interfering, non-metal cation, or a mixture thereof; and (b) allowing the base and the metal carboxylate salt or metal carboxylate salt precursors to react.

Abstract: The invention provides a sunscreen formulation including conventional UVB sunscreening agents and zinc oxide having an average particle size in the order of 150 to 800 nm. Preferably the zinc oxide used is pigment grade. Most preferably, zinc oxide prepared by the French process is used, although that produced by the American process is also suitable. The average particle size of the zinc oxide is most preferably in the order of 200-400 nm. Throughout this specification, the term “pigment grade” is used to define zinc oxide that has been produced by the French or American process. A further embodiment of the invention is a method of reducing or preventing the harmful effects of solar radiation on skin by applying inventive sunscreen formulation. A further embodiment of the invention relates to a sunscreen composition having a sun protection factor greater than 30 including zinc oxide having an average particle size of 150 to 800 nm.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of lead from spent battery paste and lead containing materials. The process includes the steps of calcination of a spent paste treated with an alkali carbonate or hydroxide or any mixture thereof, and elemental sulphur at a temperature of up to 600.degree. C., followed by washing with water. The calcined and washed paste is dissolved in an alkali molten electrolyte, and lead is electrowinned from the alkali molten electrolyte. The spent electrolyte is reused in the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the recovery of metallic lead from exhausted lead-acid batteries. According to the invention, the metallic scrap obtained thereof is treated by a smelting operation which is carried out under a layer of a molten flux. The flux comprises alkali hydroxide and optionally also carbonate(s) and sulfate(s) of said alkali. The temperature which is maintained during the smelting is between 350.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. and most preferably in the range of between 450.degree. C. to 550.degree. C. The preferred weight ratio between the metallic scrap and the flux is between 15 to 45. Generally, the alkali flux is selected from sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide and mixtures thereof. The process is characterized by a very extent of lead recovery compared with the known processes and absence of exhausted gases.

Abstract: A process for the production of litharge in which molten lead is reacted with oxygen at a temperature above the melting point of litharge. According to the invention, oxygen is injected into a bath containing molten lead such that the velocity of the injected gas as it expands into the bath is at least Mach 1. In order to minimize corrosion of the reaction vessel, the walls of the vessel are preferably composed of a heat conductive material and externally cooled, whereby heat is withdrawn from the internal surface to keep the surface temperature below the melting point of litharge, and more preferably below the melting point of lead.

Abstract: A complex oxidation reaction product of two or more metals in an oxidized state is formed by positioning a suitable precursor metal adjacent to a permeable mass of a metal-containing compound in an oxidizing atmosphere and heating the assembly to form a body of molten precursor metal. The molten metal infiltrates the permeable mass and reacts therewith and with the oxidizing atmosphere to form a complex oxidation reaction product. Methods for determining the shape of the resulting article are described. The disclosed methods can be used to form superconducting perovskites.

Abstract: The method according to the invention for producing industrial litharge of more than 99.98, preferably more than 99.99, % by weight oxide content, wherein liquid lead in heated form is introduced into a reactor in an amount which is constant and uniform in time average, the reaction temperature is set to a temperature in the range from more than 500.degree. C. to 680.degree. C. and the crude oxide having an oxidation degree of about 99.7% thus obtained is further oxidized, is characterized in that in the first stage in the production of the crude oxide with an oxidation degree of about 99.7% the product discharged with the reaction air is filtered out of the latter and returned to the reactor and, when enough oxide has collected in the reactor, the lead supply and the filter oxide return are interrupted and only air is then blown in, and the charge oxidized to a residual content of metallic lead of at the most 0.01% is not completely discharged but only to an extent of about 50%.

Abstract: A complex oxidation reaction product of two or more metals in an oxidized state is formed by positioning a suitable precursor metal adjacent to a permeable mass of a metal-containing compound in an oxidizing atmosphere and heating the assembly to form a body of molten precursor metal. The molten metal infiltrates the permeable mass and reacts therewith and with the oxidizing atmosphere to form a complex oxidation reaction product. Methods for determining the shape of the resulting article are described. The disclosed methods can be used to form superconducting perovskites.

Abstract: A continuous process for making a solid solution of two or more metals or metal oxides by ionic reaction and coprecipitation during high intensity mixing.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the production of industrial lead oxide involving mixing molten lead and air in a reactor. A particularly advantageous, having a desired particle size can be obtained with a PbO content of considerably more than 99%. The lead flow is introduced at a constant and even rate and the air flow is altered very slightly in order to maintain the pre-determined reaction temperature having fluctuations of a maximum of .+-.5.degree. C.The constant and steady infeed of the lead flow is achieved by using an apparatus according to the invention. The apparatus, which is situated above the reactor, includes a supply vessel charged with molten lead from a melt container, the supply vessel having an exchangeable nozzle which is provided with a control-operated cleaning pin. The nozzle extends into a reaction space and the supply vessel is connected to the melt container via a feed line and an overflow.

Abstract: A stationary horizontal cylindrical reactor for the production of lead oxide utilizes a series of horizontal rotating blades to promote and maintain the oxidation reaction, to provide a particle size reduction and to effect centrifugal classification of the lead oxide produced in the reaction. The preheated reactor chamber is supplied with raw lead, air and water, and the use of the entire reactor chamber-blade interface as a reaction zone results in a highly energy efficient and high rate production process. The process is extremely versatile and can be used to produce low free lead (less than 1%) litharge (PbO) and high free lead or leady litharge on a consistent high volume basis.