Abstract: A proppant mixture with an extended particle size distribution exhibits improved properties, such as crush strength and conductivity, as compared with a conventional product with a narrow size distribution.

Abstract: A ceramic material suitable for use in production of paving tiles, construction tiles, flooring in offices, flooring in machinery plants and so forth is obtained by a method comprising steps of mixing defatted bran derived from rice bran with a thermosetting resin before kneading, subjecting a kneaded mixture thus obtained to a primary firing in an inert gas at a temperature in a range of 700 to 1000° C., pulverizing the kneaded mixture after the primary firing into carbonized powders, kneading the carbonized powders with which ceramic powders, a solvent, and a binder as desired are mixed into a plastic workpiece (kneaded mass), pressure-forming the plastic workpiece at pressure in a range of 10 to 100 MPa, and subjecting a formed plastic workpiece thus obtained again to firing in an inert gas atmosphere at a temperature in a range of 100 to 1400° C.

Abstract: A proppant mixture with an extended particle size distribution exhibits improved properties, such as crush strength and conductivity, as compared with a conventional product with a narrow size distribution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, in part, polymer clay nanocomposites having an acid containing monomer and clay. In one embodiment, there is provided a process for preparing an aqueous polymer clay nanocomposite dispersion, wherein the process comprises: providing an aqueous dispersion comprising at least one clay, optionally at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and optionally at least one surfactant; providing a monomer mixture comprising at least 10% by weight of an acid containing monomer within the monomer mixture and optionally a surfactant; mixing the aqueous dispersion and the monomer mixture; and polymerizing the monomer to form the nanocomposite dispersion wherein the clay is at least partially exfoliated within the nanocomposite dispersion. The present invention also relates to the use of these compositions such as thickeners, dispersants, plastics additives, adhesives, coatings, flexographic inks, overprint varnishes, and dry cement powder modifiers.

Abstract: A method of method of making a formed ceramic body, comprising casting or jiggering a composition comprising a mullite-rich calcined kaolin obtained from a hydrous kaolin. Also provided is a method of modifying/increasing the casting rate of a formed body formulation comprising hydrous kaolin, the method comprising substituting at least 10% of the hydrous kaolin in the formulation with a mullite-rich calcined kaolin. Also provided is a ceramic body filter cake comprising a mullite-rich calcined kaolin, wherein the mullite-rich calcined kaolin is obtained from a hydrous kaolin and a method of modifying/increasing the filtration rate of a ceramic body filter cake comprising hydrous kaolin, the method comprising substituting at least 10% of the hydrous kaolin in the ceramic body filter cake with a mullite-rich partially calcined kaolin.

Abstract: A brick additive and methods for using the brick additive are disclosed. The additive may include an internal porosity. The internal porosity may display an intra-granular internal porosity in which at least some of the pores are interconnected via an open network of pore spaces. In some embodiments, the additive is capable of maintaining its internal porosity after undergoing thermal modification via calcination, for example. In addition, brick additives of the present invention may display a large surface area.

Abstract: Ceramic media made using ceramic components comprising from 5 to 60% by weight of spodumene and 95 to 40 wt % of other ceramic-forming components comprising clay and feldspar have a reduced tendency to shrink upon firing to form the media and improved physical properties.

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: This invention provides methods for making ceramic articles with improved density, compression strength and efflorescence properties, in which a pre-ceramic article containing direct process residue gel is heated at an elevated temperature.

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: This patent describes economical and environment-friendly processes for the synthesis of Mg-containing non-Al anionic clays. It involves a one-step process wherein a suspension comprising a trivalent metal source and at least a magnesium containing source as a divalent metal source is reacted to obtain a magnesium-containing non-Al anionic clay. The anionic clay has interlayers containing anions comprising hydroxycarbonate, carbonate, bicarbonate, acetate, hydroxyacetate, oxalate, nitrate, hydroxyl, and/or formate or mixtures thereof. There is no necessity to wash or filter the product. It can be spray dried directly to form microspheres or can be extruded to form shaped bodies. The product can be combined with other ingredients in the manufacture of catalysts, absorbents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, and other commodity products that contain anionic clays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low temperature fired porcelain comprising crystalline phases including sanbornite, celsian and &bgr;-cristobalite phases when measured by a high power X-ray diffractometer. The ratio of the peak intensity of (101) plane of &agr;-cristobalite phase to the peak intensity of (101) plane of sanbornite phase is not higher than 5%. The porcelain is of a low temperature fired porcelain of silica-alumina-barium oxide system with cristobalite phase precipitated, in which the incidence of cracks in the porcelain may be reduced.

Abstract: Ceramic mass transfer media suitable for use in thermal regenerative oxidizers made using a mixture of a clay, talc and optionally a dolomitic limestone have enhanced resistance to environments containing halogens and hydrogen halides.

Abstract: A method of treating a kaolinitic clay which is intended for use as an ingredient in a ceramic composition which method comprises the steps of: (a) mixing with the kaolinitic clay from 0.1% to 15.0% by weight, based on the dry weight of the kaolinitic clay, of a smectite clay; and (b) subjecting a mass in a moist plastic state of the clay mixture formed in step (a) to mechanical working under conditions such that there is dissipated in the moist plastic mass at least 5 kJ of energy per kilogram of clay mixture on a dry weight basis.

Abstract: A process for preparing a 3R1-type crystalline anionic clay comprising the steps of: a) preparing an aqueous precursor mixture comprising aluminum trihydrate or a thermally treated form thereof and a magnesium source, the magnesium source is milled before use or when present in the precursor mixture, b) aging the precursor mixture at temperatures in the range 30°-100° C. to obtain the crystalline clay product, and c) optionally shaping the product of step b). Milling of the magnesium source, either alone or in combination with the (thermally treated) aluminum trihydrate, results in a faster reaction and higher conversion to anionic clay. The resulting anionic clay can be obtained by simply drying the slurry retrieved from the reactor. There is no need for washing or filtering, and a wide range of ratios of Mg/Al in the reaction product is possible.

Abstract: This patent describes economical and environment-friendly processes for the synthesis of anionic clays. It involves reacting a slurry comprising boehmite, which has been peptized with acid with a divalent metal source followed by addition of source of base. The slurry is then hydrothermally aged. There is no necessity to wash or filter the product and it can be spray dried directly to form microspheres, or can be extruded to form shaped bodies. The product can be combined with other ingredients in the manufacture of catalysts, absorbents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, polymeric nanocomposites and other commodity products that contain anionic clays.

Abstract: A method of forming bricks, tiles, and the like by treating clay, shale or other clay ceramic raw materials containing pyrite is disclosed. Such clay, ceramic raw materials may be ground, and then mixed with an oxidizer in a pre-oxidation step to disperse the oxidizer within the clay to expose the maximum amount of clay surface to the oxidizer. One oxidizer that may be used is an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. Clay is shaped into clay products and then heated to elevated temperatures. Pyrite within the clay is oxidized, thereby removing sulfur-containing compounds such as sulfur dioxide from the clay. The application of the invention may assist in preventing efflorescense by ensuring complete or nearly complete removal of pyrite from products oxidation treatment and subsequent firing at elevated temperatures. Similarly, by enhancing the oxidation of pyrite, faster firing cycles may be possible which facilitates reduced fuel consumption and faster process time.

Abstract: An economical and environment-friendly processes for the synthesis of anionic clays and the products made therefrom. It involves reacting a slurry comprising non-peptized boehmite with a magnesium source. There is no necessity to wash or filter the product. It can be spray dried directly to form microspheres or can be extruded to form shaped bodies. The product can be combined with other ingredients in the manufacture of catalysts, absorbents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, and other commodity products that contain anionic clays.

Abstract: A porous grog with a body composition of water, clay and combustible material. Further, an earthenware water purification filter utilizing the porous grog in the body composition of the filter. A water purification system incorporating said filter, said water purification system capable of removing about 99% of all particles not less than 1.0 micron is size.

Abstract: The present invention provides a large-scale thin board of sintered body (ceramic tile) with low water absorption and high frost-resistance. The manufacturing method comprises the steps: to prepare vitrifying ingredients such as talc, feldspar and porcelain stone, low wollastonite which is a needle crystal mineral, and plastic clay as main components, then mix fine particles of those materials, to compact it into a thin board with its needle crystals oriented uniformly in one preferred direction, and to burn it at temperature lower than that of crystal inversion of low wollastonite, in order to manufacture a highly frost-resistant large-scale thin ceramic board with water absorption of 3% or less in an excellent product condition. It is further preferable to utilize low wollastonite which has undergone grading of grains by mixing short-fiber type and long-fiber type.

Abstract: A method of exploring for a primary kaolin and producing products therefrom.

Abstract: A method of forming bricks, tiles, and the like by treating clay, shale or other clay ceramic raw materials containing pyrite is disclosed. Such clay ceramic raw materials may be ground, and then mixed with an oxidizer in a pre-oxidation step to disperse the oxidizer within the clay to expose the maximum amount of clay surface to the oxidizer. One oxidizer that may be used is an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. Clay is shaped into clay products and then heated to elevated temperatures. Pyrite within the clay is oxidized, thereby removing sulfur-containing compounds such as sulfur dioxide from the clay. The application of the invention may assist in preventing efflorescense by ensuring complete or nearly complete removal of pyrite from products oxidation treatment and subsequent firing at elevated temperatures. Similarly, by enhancing the oxidation of pyrite, faster firing cycles may be possible which facilitates reduced fuel consumption and faster process time.

Abstract: Ceramic media made using ceramic components comprising from 5 to 60% by weight of spodumene and 95 to 40 wt % of other ceramic-forming components comprising clay and feldspar have a reduced tendency to shrink upon firing to form the media and improved physical properties.

Abstract: A porous grog with a body composition of water, clay and combustible material. Further, an earthenware water purification filter utilizing the porous grog in the body composition of the filter. A water purification system incorporating said filter, said water purification system capable of removing about 99% of all particles not less than 1.0 micron is size.

Abstract: Ceramic mass transfer media suitable for use in thermal regenerative oxidizers made using a mixture of a clay, talc and optionally a dolomitic limestone have enhanced resistance to environments containing halogens and hydrogen halides.

Abstract: A process is described for producing porcelain, in particular high-strength porcelain and a ceramic insulator. To produce the porcelain, calcined bauxite is used instead of alumina. The simultaneous addition of clay and kaolin, in each case containing more than 5% by weight of foreign metal oxide inclusions, results in a porcelain which, compared to an alumina porcelain of the same mechanical strength, can be produced at significantly lower cost. The porcelain is suitable in particular for applications for highly mechanically loaded components used in electrical insulation.

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: A method for manufacturing an artificial reef based on industrial waste is disclosed. Industrial wastes, including red mud, blast furnace slag, the sludges from the factories of refining raw ore, broken pieces of glass, the stone powders from the anti-pollution facilities equipped in stone- or aggregate-extracting spots, the slurries from the terminal treatment plants of water and sewage, the ashes from the incinerators for household wastes, the pulp sludges and slurries from paper mills, the coal ashes from thermoelectric power plants, and the side-products produced upon coal mining, are utilized, alone or in combination with a plasticizer and a mineralizer, in constructing artificial fishing reeves through pug-milling, molding and thermal treatment processes. The artificial fishing reef, through which the industrial wastes are converted into environment-affinitive resources, have advantages of being economically favorable and producing no pollution of the environment.

Abstract: This invention discloses novel water-responsive compositions with improved stability to aqueous liquids and an improved method of making the compositions. The addition of organically modified clay to poly(ethylene oxide) significant improves the liquid stability and melt processability of the PEO. The PEO compositions can be produced using an economical one step process comprising blending a dry mixture of PEO and organically modified clay particles and melt processing the dry mixture. The melt processing of a mixture of PEO and organically modified clay particles facilitates the melt processing of PEO over a broad range of molecular weights, most notably high molecular weights. Advantageously, the process described herein eliminates expensive and complex processing steps and is useful for manufacturing flushable articles such as disposable diapers, feminine pads, pantiliners, etc.

Abstract: This patent describes economical and environment-friendly processes for the synthesis of Mg-containing non-Al anionic clays. It involves (hydro)thermally reacting a slurry comprising a Mg metals source with a trivalent metals source to directly obtain Mg-containing non-Al anionic clay, the Mg sources being an oxide, hydroxide or a carbonate. There is no necessity to wash or filter the product. It can be spray dried directly to form microspheres or can be extruded to form shaped bodies. The product can be combined with other ingredients in the manufacture of catalysts, absorbents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, and other commodity products that contain anionic clays.

Abstract: A continuous process for the synthesis of anionic clays with carbonate and/or hydroxide anions as the charge-balancing interlayer species is disclosed. The process involves reacting a slurry comprising aluminum trihydrate and/or its calcined form, with a magnesium source. There is no necessity to wash or filter the product. It can be spray dried directly to form microspheres or it can be extruded to form shaped bodies. The product can be combined with other ingredients in the manufacture of catalysts, absorbents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, and other commodity products.

Abstract: Building bricks and tiles are made by mixing 60% to 75% clay, 20% to 40% sludge and 1% to 10% sand, all percentages being by weight of the total composition. This process utilizes industrial waste products to provide building materials which are lighter and stronger than conventional materials.

Abstract: This patent describes economical and environment-friendly processes for the synthesis of Al-containing non-Mg anionic clays. It involves hydrothermally reacting a slurry comprising a divalent metals source with a trivalent metals source to directly obtain Al-containing non-Mg anionic clay, at least one of the metal sources being an oxide, hydroxide or a carbonate. There is no necessity to wash or filter the product. It can be spray dried directly to form microspheres or can be extruded to form shaped bodies. The product can be combined with other ingredients in the manufacture of catalysts, absorbents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, and other commodity products that contain anionic clays.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for treating various kinds of drain water and waste liquid which treatment now becomes a problem, for example, drain water and waste liquid containing hardly removable phosphorus and nitrogen, waste liquid containing organochlorine compounds such as tetrachloroethylene, etc., excretive drain water from a piggery containing organonitrogen compounds at a high level, waste liquid containing heavy metals such as lead, hexavalent chromium, cadmium and the like, drain water from dairy product plants, fishery processing plants, slaughterhouses, etc. which contains water soluble protein at a high level, drain water from pulp plants, photo developing waste liquid, car wash drain water containing a mixture of car polishing wax and detergent and the like by the use of porous ceramics provided with amorphous pore surfaces.

Abstract: A method of making a cristobalite-free, mullite grain capable of withstanding reaction with molten aluminum, comprising the steps of: producing a clay slurry comprised of water and kaolin clay of a specific particle size; mixing a water insoluble barium or strontium containing compound into the clay slurry in an amount wherein the barium or strontium containing compound content of the slurry is equal to about 8% by weight of the kaolin clay in the slurry; removing sufficient water from the slurry to form a material having an pelletizable consistency; forming the material into pellets; heating the pellets by continuously moving them through a furnace having a zone, wherein the material is exposed to temperatures of at least 2,650° F. (1,455° C.) for at least 30 minutes.

Abstract: An economical and environment-friendly process for the synthesis of anionic clays with carbonate and/or hydroxide anions as the charge-balancing interlayer species is disclosed. The process involves reacting a slurry including an aluminum source and a magnesium source, the aluminum source including two types of aluminum-containing compounds, preferably aluminum trihydrate and/or thermally treated calcined aluminum trihydrate. There is no necessity to wash or filter the product. It can be spray dried directly to form microspheres or it can be extruded to form shaped bodies. The product can be combined with other ingredients in the manufacture of catalysts, absorbents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, and other commodity products.

Abstract: Porous calcined clay sports field conditioners exhibit excellent playability while also displaying excellent drainage, freedom from compaction, and moisture retention under hot, dry conditions. The conditioners are non-hydrating granulates of narrow particle size distribution and are preferably of a red to brown coloration.

Abstract: In the preparation of aqueous cement compositions containing a plasticizer, such as an EO/PO polymer-containing plasticizer, or EO/PO comb polymer-containing plasticizer, and further containing clay, such as a smectite clay, which expands when in contact with water, the step of providing an agent operative to modify the clay whereby the plasticizer absorbing capability of the clay is reduced. In exemplary methods of the invention, the plasticizer is an EO/PO (e.g., oxyalkylene) plasticizer and preferably an EO/PO comb polymer, and the clay-activity-modifying agent may comprise an inorganic cation, an organic cation, a polar organic molecule capable of being absorbed by the clay, a clay dispersant (such as a polyphosphate), or a mixture thereof. For clay-activity-modifying agents which comprise a cation or a polar organic molecule, the agent is preferably added to the clay before water is introduced to the clay.

Abstract: A ceramic composition made from waste materials and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The ceramic composition comprises between 5 and 75 by weight part of a solid stated waste material including heavy metals, between 15 and 45 by weight part of a fly ash and between 5 and 55 by weight part of a clay. The ceramic composition is manufactured by compositely stabilizing various waste materials and is available for a building material or an engineering material. Therefore, the waste materials are effectively recycled without causing environmental pollution.

Abstract: An absorbing composition containing alumino silicate containing schistose particles having at least partially a layered structure with substantially parallel layers, whereby at least for 30 percent by weight of the alumino silicate containing schistose particles the distance between two structurally adjacent layers is greater than 5 &mgr;m, but less than 100 &mgr;m, wherein at least 25 percent by weight of the alumino silicate containing schistose particles consist of aluminum containing di-octahedric layers, wherein the particles are provided with metallic flakes, whereby these metallic flakes are at least partially bound onto and between two structurally adjacent layers of the alumino silicate containing schistose particles, and in which at least 50 percent by weight of these metallic flakes have a thickness of 2 to 5 &mgr;m, a maximum length or diameter between 6 and 60 &mgr;m, and a specific surface area greater than 100 m2/g.

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: Composition whereby ceramic manufactured articles, obtained by moulding a conventional ceramic mixture without added TiO2., are colored from yellow to orange, said composition consisting of an aqueous solution of inorganic compounds or organic complexes of titanium and chromium combined with antimony or tungsten or mixtures thereof, in quantities corresponding to 2 to 6% by wt. Ti, 3 to 12% Sb (or 4 to 14% tungsten) and 0.2 to 2.5% chromium.

Abstract: A high temperature cookware is made with material to render it heat more uniformly, at a lower temperature to avoid over-burning, more resistant to cracking due to sudden change in temperature, and less fragile. The material includes cordierite to possess small expansion coefficient, mullite to store more heat, talc to lower the firing temperature, and refractory clay for high heat conductivity. Other ingredients are added to enhance far-infrared radiation with certain kinds of metallic oxide. After the body is fired, the cookware is glazed to be impervious to water and coated with Teflon to make the cookware non-sticking.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming a polymer nanocomposite, which comprises (a) modifying a clay material comprising layered silicate particles by ion exchange with a surfactant to form an organoclay; (b) dispersing the organoclay in a vinyl monomer and bulk polymerizing said monomer in the presence of a catalyst; and (c) adding a liquid suspension to the above mixture to effect suspension polymerization when the conversion rate of the polymerization is about 10% to 50%, thereby forming a composite having the particles uniformly dispersed in a vinyl polymer matrix.

Abstract: This invention provides a light-weight pottery article with lower specific gravity than that of general pottery as well as a process for producing the same. The light-weight pottery article of the invention is produced by adding a lightening agent to clay based on silica and alumina, forming the resulting kneaded material into a desired form and calcinating the formed material, wherein the lightening agent is microspherical hollow ceramic powder having a hollow structure based on silica and alumina, the surface of said hollow ceramic powder is coated with an inorganic coating layer based on a silicate compound (e.g. sodium silicate, potassium silicate etc.), said hollow ceramic powder is contained in such a state as to be uniformly dispersed at a proportion of 20 to 80% by weight in the base materials, and in said base materials there is a structure in which the neighboring hollow ceramic powders have been integrated with one another via said inorganic coating layer.

Abstract: Ceramics with a glaze applied to the surface of ceramic blank, the bending strength of which ceramic blank is 100 Mpa or higher or the firing shrinkage rate is 7% or higher and the porosity is 7.5% or higher.

Abstract: A method of determining a quantity of amorphous SiC2-containing impurities in a montmorillonite clay sample comprising the steps of: (a) analyzing the clay sample to determine the weight percent of SiO2 contained in the clay sample; (b) analyzing the clay sample for non-montmorillonite SiO2-containing crystalline components; (c) calculating the weight percent of SiO2 from step (a) that is derived from the montmorillonite and amorphous SiQ2-containing impurities by lowering the weight percent of SiO2 in step (a) based on the non-montmorillonite SiO2-containing crystalline impurities found in step (b); and (d) determining the amorphous SiO2-containing impurity portion of the SiO2 calculated in step (c) by further lowering the amount of SiO2 from step (c) until the amount of montmorillonite-derived SiO2 is consistent with one or more properties of the clay sample, the amount of further lowering being proportional to an amount of amorphous SiO2-containing impurities contained in the clay sample.

Abstract: A porous body of polysaccharide or polysaccharide-clay composite having fine pores, consisting essentially of a freeze-dried product of (a) an aqueous solution of at least one polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of starch, sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose, or its derivative, or (b) a composite sol comprising such an aqueous solution and a clay sol.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an amorphous alumino-silicate derivative which involves reacting a solid corresponding starting material with MOH where M is alkali metal or ammonium cation. The solid corresponding starting material may be selected from montmorillonite, kaolin, natural zeolite (e.g., clinoliptolite/heulandite) as well as illite, palygorskite and saponite and additional reactant MX wherein X is halide may be utilized in conjunction with MOH. The invention also includes alumino-silicate derivatives of the general formula MpAlqSi2Or(OH)sXt.uH2O as well as alumino-silicate derivatives of the general formula MpAlqSi2Or(OH)s.uH2O.

Abstract: The formation of new materials in the form of alumino-silicate derivatives from 2:1 layer clay materials which are obtained by the chemical modification of 2:1 layer clay minerals by reaction with a salt having the formula MX wherein M is ammonium ion or alkali metal cation and X is a halide. The new materials have the following characteristics: (a) an amorphous x-ray diffraction signal manifest as a broad hump using x-ray powder diffraction between 22° and 32° 2&thgr; using CuK&agr; radiation; and (b) the presence of primarily tetrahedrally coordinated aluminum.