Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising nano-structured metal oxide particles (particularly, zirconia) and at least one stabilizing agent, a method to produce the composition, and a method to produce the thermally stable nano-structured particles. The method to produce the nano-structured particles comprises first preparing a base solution and a nanoparticle precursor solution, then combining these solutions at a final pH 7 or greater to precipitate a colloidal hydrous oxide. The colloidal hydrous oxide is then treated with at least one silicate, phosphate, or aluminum phosphate stabilizing agent and dried. These nano-structured particle products have high thermal stability and are particularly advantageous in applications as catalysts or catalyst supports that operate at high temperatures.

Abstract: In a metal oxide nanoparticle and a synthetic method thereof, and in particular to maghemite (?-Fe2O3) nanoparticles usable as a superhigh density magnetic recording substance by having good shape anisotropy and magnetic characteristics, hematite (?-Fe2O3) nanoparticles usable as a precursor to the maghemite or a catalyst, maghemite and hematite-mixed nanoparticles and a synthetic method thereof, the method for synthesizing metal oxide nanoparticles includes forming a reverse micelle solution by adding distilled water, a surfactant and a solvent to metallic salt not less than trivalent, precipitating and separating gel type amorphous metal oxide particles by adding proton scavenger to the reverse micelle solution; adjusting a molar ratio of metal oxide to the surfactant by washing the gel type amorphous metal oxide particles with a polar solvent; and crystallizing metal oxide nanoparticles through heating or reflux after dispersing the gel type amorphous metal oxide particles in a non-polar solvent having a h

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing particles, such as oxide nanoparticles, in a substantially water-free environment. The process involves mixing at least one metal compound of the formula MX(m?n) with at least one surfactant and at least one solvent, wherein M is an electropositive element of Groups 1–15; each X is independently selected from the group consisting of O1/2, F, Cl, Br, I, OR, O2CR, NR2, and R; each R is independently a hydrocarbyl group; n is equal to ½ the oxidation state of the metal M in the product particle; and m is equal to the oxidation state of the element M. The components are typically combined to form a mixture which is thermally treated for a time period sufficient to convert the metal compound into particles of the corresponding oxide, having sizes in a range between about 0.5 nanometer and about 1000 nanometers.

Abstract: A method for preparing a gel containing nanometer titanium dioxide particles for visible light photocatalysis, the method has the following acts of: obtaining titanium hydroxide; inverting titanium hydroxide into titanium dioxide by adding an oxidant, an improving agent, an optional acid, and an optional surfactant to compose a solution; and aging the solution by heating to make the solution become a gel. The gel made by the present invention has photocatalystic characteristic and self-cleaning efficiency particularly in visible light but not in ultraviolet light as conventional gel.

Abstract: The present invention is focused on a revolutionary, low-cost (highly-scaleable) approach for the mass production of three-dimensional microcomponents: the biological reproduction of naturally-derived, biocatalytically-derived, and/or genetically-tailored three-dimensional microtemplates (e.g., frustules of diatoms, microskeletons of radiolarians, shells of mollusks) with desired dimensional features, followed by reactive conversion of such microtemplates into microcomponents with desired compositions that differ from the starting microtemplate and with dimensional features that are similar to those of the starting microtemplate. Because the shapes of such microcomponents may be tailored through genetic engineering of the shapes of the microtemplates, such microcomposites are considered to be Genetically-Engineered Materials (GEMs).

Abstract: A process for the preparation of crystalline microporous titanium silicates using ethylsilicate-40 and titanium peroxide as silicon and titanium sources respectively is described. The process permits a significant decrease in the production cost of titanium silicate containing higher amount of titanium (Si/Ti=20) because of cheaper raw materials as well as reduction in the quantity of tetarpropylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) template (SiO2:TPAOH=1:0.06–0.1) required for preparation. The material obtained by the present invention is useful as an active catalyst in the reactions such as oxidation of hydrocarbons, alcohols, sulphides, and thioethers.

Abstract: A ball valve for use in the pressure acid leaching of nickel ores is disclosed. The valve has a valve body and a ball centrally positioned in the valve body, which has a central passage rotatable in the valve body between open and closed positions. At least one seat is disposed between the ball and the valve body. The ball and seat each comprise a titanium substrate and an ultrafine or nanostructured titania coating. The titania can include from 5 to 45 volume percent of a second phase material that is immiscible with the titania and exhibits corrosion resistance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating titania slag to increase the leachability of impurities from the slag consisting of the steps of sizing the titania slag to a particle size from 75 to 850 &mgr;m; oxidizing the sized slag particles at a temperature from about 700° C. to below about 900° C. causing the iron present in the slag to concentrate at the exposed surfaces of the slag particles and/or causing an anatase phase to stabilize in the slag, causing a major portion of the iron in the Fe(II) state to convert to the Fe(III) state, and causing the titanium in the Ti(III) state to be converted to the Ti(IV) state; and reducing the oxidized slag in a reducing atmosphere from about 700° C. to about 950° C. to convert a major portion of the iron in the Fe(III) state to the Fe(II) state. The invention also relates to a method of beneficiating titania slag to increase the TiO2 content thereof wherein the above treated slag is leached with acid.

Abstract: A titanium dioxide compound was isolated from a rare type of naturally occurring ore. Processes for efficiently isolating and obtaining these TiO2 compounds, as well as methods for using them have been developed. These TiO2 compounds may be used directly in applications such as paper, plastics and paints without being subjected to the chloride or sulfate processes. Also they made be used as a feedstock for the chloride or sulfate processes. In order to obtain these TiO2 compounds, one may grind or pulverize the naturally occurring ore, disperse it in a solution or suspension, and process it by selective flocculation or aqueous biphasic extraction.

Abstract: Doped, nanosize metal oxide particles have been shown to exhibit stimulated emission and continuous-wave laser action when energized appropriately, for example by electron beams. The doped particles are useful as solid state lasing devices and “laser paints”. Particles containing homogeneously distributed dopant atoms in concentrations greater than the thermodynamic solubility in the metal oxide matrix, and having in some circumstances, unusual oxidation states, have been produced.

Abstract: An industrially realistic process for upgrading of titaniferous materials is disclosed. The process comprises the following steps: (i) a pretreatment which has the effect of rendering silica amenable to leaching under the particular conditions of a subsequent leach, and (ii) an aqueous leach in the presence of an acid, the conditions of which are chosen such that silica which enters solution is not hydrolysed or precipitated as a silicate. The pretreatment step (i) may comprise alkaline leaching, roasting or smelting. The leaching step (ii) may be conducted at low solids densities.

Abstract: In order to achieve miniaturization and an increase in the capacitance of a monolithic ceramic capacitor, a conductive paste suitable for forming an internal conductor film is provided, the layer thickness of the internal conductor film being decreased with a decrease in the layer thickness of a dielectric ceramic layer. The conductive paste contains a conductive powder, such as a nickel powder, an organic vehicle, an organic acid barium salt and an organic zirconium compound. Each of the organic acid barium salt in terms of barium atom and the organic zirconium compound in terms of zirconium atom is about 0.05 to 1.00 mol per mol of the conductive powder, and the content of the organic zirconium compound in terms of zirconium atom is about 0.98 to 1.02 mol per mol of the organic acid barium salt in terms of barium atom.

Abstract: Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) precursor compositions for forming Zr/Hf doped gate dielectric, ferroelectric, or high dielectric constant (k) metal oxide thin films. The precursor composition in one embodiment comprises a metal precursor having a general formula M(&bgr;-diketonate)2(OR)2, wherein M is Zr or Hf, and R is t-butyl. The precursor composition may also comprise a solvent medium selected from the group consisting of ethers, glymes, tetraglymes, amines, polyamines, alcohols, glycols, aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents, aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, cyclic ethers, and compatible combinations of two or more of the foregoing.

Abstract: A titanium-containing finely divided particulate material, characterized by exhibiting a light transmittance of at least 85% as measured at a wavelength of 450-700 nm for a thickness of 10 mm on an aqueous liquid containing the titanium-containing material in a concentration of 0.1 to 6.5 moles per liter as titanium even when the temperature of the liquid is elevated to the boiling point. The titanium-containing material usually has an average particle diameter of 0.8-50 nm, and gives a film having high photocatalytic activity and transparency. The titanium-containing finely divided particulate material is obtained by hydrolyzing titanium tetrachloride in an aqueous solution in the presence of a carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Methods for preparing hydrous zirconium oxide spherules, hydrous zirconium oxide gels such as gel slabs, films, capillary and electrophoresis gels, zirconium monohydrogen phosphate spherules, hydrous zirconium oxide spherules having suspendable particles homogeneously embedded within to form a composite sorbent, zirconium monohydrogen phosphate spherules having suspendable particles of at least one different sorbent homogeneously embedded within to form a composite sorbent having a desired crystallinity, zirconium oxide spherules having suspendable particles homogeneously embedded within to form a composite, hydrous zirconium oxide fiber materials, zirconium oxide fiber materials, hydrous zirconium oxide fiber materials having suspendable particles homogeneously embedded within to form a composite, zirconium oxide fiber materials having suspendable particles homogeneously embedded within to form a composite and spherules of barium zirconate.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods of forming titanium-based mixed-metal materials and zirconium-based mixed-metal materials utilizing one or more of a reduction process, electrolysis process and iodide process. The invention also encompasses a sputtering target comprising zirconium and one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Al, B, Ba, Be, Ca, Ce, Co, Cs, Dy, Er, Fe, Gd, Hf, Ho, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Nb, Nd, Ni, Pr, Sc, Sm, Sr, Ta, Ti, V, W, Y, and Yb. The invention also encompasses a sputtering target comprising titanium and boron.

Abstract: The application discloses a process for upgrading a titaniferous material by removal of impurities contained in the material especially radionuclides. The process involves heating the titaniferous material to a temperature of less than 1300° C. to form a solid titaniferous phase and a liquid oxide or glassy phase in the presence of a material that promotes the formations of such phases, cooling the product at a rate that maintains the glassy phase in an amorphous state and leaching the solidified material with an acid or an alkali to remove the impurities. Materials that promote the formation of the desired phases include compounds of alkali metals and boron. Examples include borax, caustic soda, soda ash and silica.

Abstract: Rare earth-transition metal oxides are used as pigments. The rare earth-transition metal oxide pigments are preferably of the formula (RexTm)Oy, where Re is at least one rare earth element, Tm is at least one transition metal, x ranges from 0.08 to 12, and y ranges from x+1 to 2x+2. The pigments are useful as colorants, and possess good stability.

Abstract: A method of producing an electronic device including a dielectric layer includes a dielectric ceramic composition containing a main component expressed by a formula of {(Sr1−xCax)O}m.(Ti1−yZry)O2, wherein x fulfills 0≦x≦1.00 and y fulfills 0≦y≦0.20, and producing said dielectric ceramic composition by using a material expressed by a formula of {(Sr1−xCax)O}m′.(Ti1−yZry)O2 wherein the mole ratio m′ fulfills m′<m. It is possible to produce an electronic device, such as a chip capacitor, having excellent resistance to reducing during firing and excellent capacity-temperature characteristics after firing, wherein the insulation resistance is hard to be deteriorated particularly when made to be a thin layer and defect rate of the initial insulation resistance is low.

Abstract: An upgraded titania slag product is described. A TiO2 containing product which includes rutile, pseudo-brookite and ilmenite is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention concerns catalysts comprising a molybdenum compound of formula I, II, III, IV or V I VqMoAyOz II NiMoxByOz′ III VNiwMoxCy′Oz″ IV CoNiwMoxDyOz′″ V VNiwCorMoxEyOz″″ wherein: A is at least one cation selected from the group consisting of cations of: Cr, Sb, Co, Ce and Pb; B is at least one cation selected from the group consisting of cations of: Sb, Al and W; C is at least one cation selected from the group consisting of cations of: Fe, Zn, Al, Sb, Bi, W, Li, Ba, Nb and Sn; D is at least one cation selected from the group consisting of cations of: Ba, Mn, Al, Sb, Sn, and W; E is at least one cation selected from the group consisting of cations of: Fe, Ca, Mn, Sr, Eu, La, Zr, Ga, Sn and Pb; q, r, w, x and y are each independently a number from 0.1 to 10 and y′ is a number from 0 to 10, z, z′, z″, z′″, and z″″ are determined using the amounts and oxidation states of all cations present in each formula.

Abstract: A process of purifying titanium tetrachloride by first refluxing titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) with copper powder, rendering the impurities of vanadium, niobium and antimony nonvolatile, and then in a single step fractionally distilling the refluxed mixture to effectively and substantially reduce any arsenic, tin, niobium and vanadium in the titanium tetrachloride.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clathrate compound which can be used as a thermoelectric material, a hard material, or a semiconductor material. Silicon or carbon are formed into a clathrate lattice, and a clathrate compound is then formed in which specified doping atoms are encapsulated within the clathrate lattice, and a portion of the atoms of the clathrate lattice are substituted with specified substitution atoms. The clathrate lattice is, for example, a silicon clathrate 34 (Si34) mixed lattice of a Si20 cluster including a dodecahedron of Si atoms, and a Si28 cluster including a hexahedron of Si atoms. Suitable doping atoms are atoms from group 1A, group 2A, group 3A, group 1B, group 2B, group 3B, group 4A, group 5A, group 6A, and group 8, and suitable substitution atoms are atoms from group 1A, group 2A, group 3A, group 1B, group 2B, group 3B, group 5A, group 6A, group 7A, group 5B, group 6B, group 7B, and group 8 of the periodic table.

Abstract: A titanium hydroxide is provided which can be utilized for producing a photocatalyst exhibiting a superior photocatalytic activity by irradiation of visible light. The titanium hydroxide has a primary differential spectrum (of radial structure function in connection with titanium K absorption edge) having maximal intensities (U1 and U2) and minimal intensities (L1 and L2) at interatomic distances in the range of from 1.4 Å to 2.8 Å, the maximal intensities being at an interatomic distance of from 1.4 Å to 1.7 Å and of from 2.2 Å to 2.5 Å and the minimal intensities being at an interatomic distance of from 1.9 Å to 2.2 Å and of from 2.5 Å to 2.8 Å; and index X calculated by the equation X=(U2−L2)/(U1−L1) of about 0.06 or more.

Abstract: A process for the flocculation of impurities from clays in which the following steps are performed: blunging the clay with a dispersing agent or combination of dispersing agents in water to form an aqueous dispersion, treating the aqueous dispersion with at least one aliphatic or aromatic hydroxamic acid or salt conditioning agent, flocculating the conditioned dispersion with a water soluble or water dispersible organic polymer containing hydroxamic acid groups or salts thereof, and removing the flocculated impurities to form a purified clay dispersion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery. The positive active material includes at least one compound represented by formulas 1 to 4 andl a metal oxide or composite metal oxide layer formed on the compound.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inexpensive and safe titanium dioxide powder having an excellent photocatalytic ability and a high purity of anatase phase crystalline structure by utilizing meta-titanic acid as a starting material is disclosed. Meta-titanic acid is first neutralized by a basic solution, followed by adding a metal oxide. Then, the meta-titanic acid is spray dried using hot air to obtain spherical shape granules. The granules are then sintered to obtain the resulting titanium dioxide powder having small sized porous second particles and a high specific surface area. As a result, an economical and highly effective photocatalytic titanium dioxide powder can be obtained.

Abstract: An improved process for the selective flocculation of impurities from clays is disclosed. The process comprises blunging the clay in the presence of dispersing agents, conditioning the blunged clay with aliphatic or aromatic hydroxamic acids, or salts thereof, flocculating the impurities with a high molecular weight polymeric flocculant, particularly polymers containing hydroxamate groups, and removing the flocculated impurities from the unflocculated clay. The use of hydroxamic conditioning agents improves the removal of impurities from the clay, thereby providing a clay product having high brightness and low level impurities. The hydroxamic acid conditioning agents may advantageously be used in combination with other conditioning additives and with a wide variety of polymeric flocculating agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides homogeneously surface-fluorinated metal oxide particulates, characterized in that a metal oxide particulate such as Ti, Al, Si, Ag, Cu, Fe, Zr, Ce, Mn, Sn, Ge and Ta is surface reacted with fluorine gas while allowing the metal oxide particulate to flow, and also provides a process for manufacturing the metal oxide particulates. The homogeneously surface-fluorinated metal oxide particulates according to the present invention are useful as an additive for a weatherproof coating material, a weatherproof resin or a cosmetic material. Furthermore, according to the process of the present invention, the surface of a metal oxide particulate can be homogeneously fluorinated at any ratio in a very simple and efficient manner.

Abstract: The present invention is a low-temperature controlled method for producing high-quality, ultrafine monodispersed nanocrystalline microsphere powders of barium titanate and other pure or composite oxide materials having particles ranging from nanosized to micronsized particles. The method of the subject invention comprises a two-stage process. The first stage produces high quality monodispersed hydrous titania microsphere particles prepared by homogeneous precipitation via dielectric tuning in alcohol-water mixed solutions of inorganic salts. Titanium tetrachloride is used as an inorganic salt precursor material. The second stage converts the pure hydrous titania microsphere particles into crystalline barium titanate microsphere powders via low-temperature, hydrothermal reactions.

Abstract: Hafnium is recovered from irradiated tantalum by: (a) contacting the irradiated tantalum with at least one acid to obtain a solution of dissolved tantalum; (b) combining an aqueous solution of a calcium compound with the solution of dissolved tantalum to obtain a third combined solution; (c) precipitating hafnium, lanthanide, and insoluble calcium complexes from the third combined solution to obtain a first precipitate; (d) contacting the first precipitate of hafnium, lanthanide and calcium complexes with at least one fluoride ion complexing agent to form a fourth solution; (e) selectively adsorbing lanthanides and calcium from the fourth solution by cationic exchange; (f) separating fluoride ion complexing agent product from hafnium in the fourth solution by adding an aqueous solution of ferric chloride to obtain a second precipitate containing the hafnium and iron; (g) dissolving the second precipitate containing the hafnium and iron in acid to obtain an acid solution of hafnium and iron; (h) selectively ad

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.

Abstract: A process which uses selective flocculation with hydroxamates for the beneficiation of mixtures of mineral particles (such as kaolin clays). The increased selectivity of hydroxamates for certain mineral phases within kaolin clays and other mixtures of mineral particles improves the process over selective flocculation processes utilizing other activators.

Abstract: The invention concerns an inorganic aluminum-based polymer and another element chosen from amongst silicon, titanium and zirconium. The polymer material is obtained from hydrolisable salts and/or compounds such as alcoxides. Application to the production of ancillary layers in photographic products.

Abstract: A method for producing engineered materials from salt/polymer aqueous solutions in which an aqueous continuous phase having at least one metal cation salt is mixed with a hydrophilic organic polymeric disperse phase so as to form a metal cation/polymer gel. The metal cation/polymer gel is then treated to form a structural mass precursor, which structural mass precursor is heated, resulting in formation of a structural mass having predetermined characteristics based upon the intended application of the structural mass.

Abstract: Titanium oxide, comprising lamina shaped titanium oxide particles having a thickness of 10-30 nm and a width of 0.5 to 1 .mu.m, may be prepared by exfoliating a layered titanic acid powder having a formula H.sub.x Ti.sub.2-x/4 O.sub.4.nH.sub.2 O, where x=0.60-0.75, to form a titania sol; followed by drying and heating, to obtain a titanium oxide. The layered titanic acid powder may be prepared by contacting cesium titanate having an orthorhombic layered structure with an aqueous acid solution.

Abstract: A method is disclosed including: (a) sizing a titania slag to a particle size range of from 75 microns to 850 microns; (b) oxidizing the sized titania slag by contacting the sized titania slag with an oxygen containing gas at a temperature of at least about 950.degree. C. for a period of at least about 20 minutes such that a substantial portion of the iron oxide is converted to a ferric state, such that the reduced titanium oxides are converted to a tetravalent state, and such that at least a major portion of the glassy silicate phase is decomposed; (c) reducing the oxidized titania slag in a reducing atmosphere at a temperature of at least about 700.degree. C. for a period of at least about 30 minutes such that the ferric state iron oxide is converted to a ferrous state; (d) leaching the reduced titania slag with mineral acid at a temperature of at least 125.degree. C.

Abstract: A substantial part of the water contained in the spent solution is evaporated under vacuum in an evaporator (7) and is then condensed, so as to obtain slightly acidic water and a concentrated acidic solution polluted by zirconium fluoride ZrF.sub.4. The polluted concentrated acidic solution is treated by evaporation under vacuum in a crystallizer (8), so as to obtain zirconium fluoride ZrF.sub.4 crystals and a purified concentrated acidic solution. The slightly acidic water and the purified concentrated acidic solution are mixed in desired proportions in order to obtain a regenerated pickling solution.

Abstract: A process for producing ultra-fine particles of calcia-stabilized zirconia in which a precursor mixture (which contains from about 80 to about 96 mole percent of zirconium ion, from about 20 to about 4 mole percent of calcium ion, a nitrogen-containing fuel, and a solvent) is dried and then subjected to a temperature of from about 275 to about 750 degrees centigrade and an atmosphere with a relative humidity of less than about 60 percent, thereby causing the dried particles to react in a vigorous manner and to form a combusted powder.

Abstract: A process for producing nano size powders comprising the steps of mixing an aqueous continuous phase comprising at least one metal cation salt with a hydrophilic organic polymeric disperse phase, forming a metal cation salt/polymer gel, and heat treating the gel at a temperature sufficient to drive off water and organics within the gel, leaving as a residue a nanometer particle-size powder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the carbonylation of an arylene to an arylaldehyde (e.g., toluene to tolualdehyde) in the presence of a solid acid catalyst. The process for making tolualdehyde comprises carbonylating toluene in the presence of either carbon monoxide or a source of carbon monoxide and in contact with a solid acid catalyst. The reaction is carried out at a temperature ranging from -40.degree. to 200.degree. C., and at a pressure ranging from 20-4000 psig.

Abstract: A novel method for the production of titanium dioxide slurries having a high solids content comprises subjecting an aqueous slurry of titanium dioxide to cross-flow filtration to produce a slurry containing at least 50%, preferably 60 to 80% titanium dioxide by weight. The slurry can be washed during filtration to reduce the concentration of soluble ions. The process can produce concentrated slurries of titanium dioxide having remarkably low viscosities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of metallic titanium, characterized in that the process comprises reducing a titanium-fluorine compound selected from titanium tetrafluoride and any hexafluorotitanate soluble in a molten fluoroaluminate, with metallic aluminum in a molten fluoroaluminate. A process for the production of intermediates useful in the processing ilmenite and related minerals is also described.

Abstract: Hafnium dioxide contaminated with 0.1 to 1 weight percent uranium dioxide is contacted with an aqueous acid such as nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and mixtures thereof to leach the uranium dioxide from the hafnium dioxide, thereby producing a slurry of a uranium-containing leachate containing hafnium dioxide solids. The slurry is filtered to separate the uranium-containing leachate from the hafnium dioxide solids, which are then dried to produce hafnium dioxide containing less than about 0.005 wt % uranium dioxide. The hafnium dioxide may then be released for uncontrolled commercial uses.The separated uranium-containing leachate is neutralized to precipitate uranyl hydroxide, which is then separated from the leachate. The uranyl hydroxide may be processed to produce uranium-containing products or may be disposed of as radioactive wastes having a fraction of the total volume of radioactive wastes which would need to be buried if the hafnium dioxide could not be recovered for commercial uses.

Abstract: Accordingly the present invention provides a process for producing acid soluble titania which process comprises the steps of:(i) adding a manganese or magnesium compound to a titaniferous mineral if the mineral does not contain sufficient manganese and magnesium to satisfy the following relationship: ##EQU1## where a represents the percentage by weight of MgO contained in the mineral,b represents the percentage by weight of MnO contained in the mineral, andd represents the percentage by weight of TiO.sub.

Abstract: A process for producing a titanium product, which process includes: providing a titanium-containing material; and a leaching composition including: a source of ammonia or ammonium ions; a source of carbon dioxide or carbonate ions; and water; and contacting the titanium-containing material with the leaching composition to form an aqueous slurry for a time sufficient such to form a soluble titanium leach product; and isolating a leaching solution containing the titanium leach product so formed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a vanadium oxide colloidal dispersion is provided. The process includes a step of hydrolyzing vanadium oxoalkoxide with an excess of water to form a vanadium oxide colloidal dispersion containing at least a minimum effective amount of vanadium and no greater than about 3.5 wt-% vanadium, preferably containing about 0.3 wt-% to about 2 wt-% vanadium. The process can be carried out in the presence of an organic polymer or prepolymer to form a polymeric vanadium oxide colloidal dispersion.

Abstract: A process for beneficiation of titaniferous ores is disclosed in which a titanium and iron-containing ore, such as ilmenite is heated with potassium hydroxide, e.g. at temperatures of about 350.degree.-650.degree. C. and then treating the product with carbon monoxide and water. After cooling and washing the solid product can be separated by magnetic means into an iron-containing magnetic fraction and a titanium-containing fraction.

Abstract: Thermally split zirconium silicate is produced such that the crystalline zirconium dioxide embedded in an amorphous silica phase exhibits an average grain or particle size (d.sub.50 value) in a range of 0.5 .mu.m to 3.0 .mu.m and a specific surface area (BET) in a range of 3 to 15 m.sup.2 /g when the silica is removed by leaching. The zirconium dioxide produced by this method is particularly suited for the production of zirconium silicate pigments with improved color characteristics. The thermally split zirconium silicate is also particularly well suited for processes used in the obtention of zirconium dioxide. The method of producing the thermally split zirconium silicate includes melting zirconium silicate in an induction melting furnace and cooling off a free falling stream of melt by blowing on it with a gas and/or spraying it with water.

Abstract: The invention relates to dispersions of spherical inorganic particles, organic dispersing media having solidification points in the range of 20.degree.-120.degree. C. being used as dispersants.