Abstract: An organoclay composition which is a mineral clay or mineral clay mixture that has been treated with at least organic quaternary ammonium compound and a synergist comprising (i) an amine salt of a trimer acid, and (ii) an amine salt of a monocarboxylic fatty acid. The monocarboxylic fatty acid may be (a) at least one saturated carboxylic acid; and/or (b) at least one unsaturated carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Stretchable elastic laminates having an improved cloth-like appearance, as well as methods of preparing the laminates, are disclosed herein. Particularly, the present disclosure is directed to methods of preparing tissue-elastic laminates with uniform tissue fractures as the laminate is stretched 50%, or even 100%, or more in at least one of the machine direction (MD) or cross direction (CD).

Abstract: Organodavs are added to semiconductive compositions to provide a reduction in the dielectric losses of layered composites in which the semiconductive layer contains species which could migrate into the insulation and result in undesirably high dielectric losses, The invention semiconductive compositions provide improved performance in power cable applications.

Abstract: When a cosmetic material is stored for several months, even in the case where hydrogen is contained in the cosmetic material at the beginning, hydrogen is gradually effervesced from the cosmetic material and after a certain time period has passed, the anti-oxidant effect cannot be maintained. Therefore, to solve this problem, a hydrogen-enriched cosmetic material container has hydrogen encapsulated in a bag formed of a hydrogen permeable sheet; then placing the hydrogen bag together with a liquid cosmetic material into a soft case formed of a flexible and hydrogen impermeable sheet, and then connecting a manually operable pump member for dispensing the liquid cosmetic material in the soft case through an opening of the soft case in an airtight manner.

Abstract: An organoclay composition where a phyllosilicate clay is exchanged with quaternary ammonium ions having a formula of [NR1R2R3R4]+ wherein at least one of R1, R2 and R3 is a mixture of branched alkyl groups.

Abstract: A method of providing a substantially constant rheological profile of an oil-based drilling fluid over a temperature range of about 120° F. to about 40° F., comprising adding drilling fluid additive to the drilling fluid, wherein the drilling fluid additive comprises an organoclay composition comprising: organoclay compositions where a phyllosilicate clay is exchanged with quaternary ammonium ions having a formula of [NR1R2R3R4]+ wherein at least one of R1, R2 and R3 is a mixture of branched alkyl groups.

Abstract: A method of purification of a solid mixture of a metal-organic framework (MOF) material and an unwanted second material by disposing the solid mixture in a liquid separation medium having a density that lies between those of the wanted MOF material and the unwanted material, whereby the solid mixture separates by density differences into a fraction of wanted MOF material and another fraction of unwanted material.

Abstract: The invention provides a ceramic green sheet having plasticity, punching property, and sinterability of satisfactory levels as well as a low percent (heat) shrinkage. In the production of a ceramic slurry serving as a raw material of the sheet, ingredients thereof are mixed under such conditions that the functional group ratio (polyol to isocyanate) is 1.5/11.5 to 11.5/11.5; the urethane resin formed from isocyanate and polyol has a repeating-unit-based molecular weight of 290 to 988; and the ratio by weight of the urethane resin to a ceramic powder falls within a range of 4.5 to 10 parts by weight of the urethane resin with respect to 100 parts by weight of the ceramic powder. A ceramic green sheet having, in well balance, all of the properties (i.e., plasticity, punching property, sinterability, and (heat) shrinkage) required for facilitating subsequent processes such as mechanical working and firing can be provided.

Abstract: An additive composition including a synergistic combination of a hectorite organoclay composition and an attapulgite organoclay composition. The hectorite organoclay composition includes (i) a first organic cation provided by an alkoxylated quaternary ammonium salt; and ii) a second organic cation wherein such second organic cation is not provided by an alkoxylated quaternary ammonium salt. The attapulgite organoclay composition includes (iii) a third organic cation provided by an alkoxylated quaternary ammonium salt; and (iv) a fourth organic cation wherein such third organic cation is not provided by an alkoxylated quaternary ammonium salt.

Abstract: A method for pacifying the spent bed material resulting from the synthesis of organohalosilanes and halosilanes by mixing clay with spent bed material. Clay compositions containing at least 10 weight % of clay and spent bed material, as well as ceramic compositions containing spent bed material, are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a silicon composition comprising at least 15 wt % of hydrolysed silicon compounds and at least 3 wt % of a binder material. The silicon composition is used in the manufacture of ceramics. The hydrolysed silicon compounds can for example be the gel produced by hydrolysing higher boiling point organohalosilanes produced in the manufacture of organohalosilanes or halosilanes by the direct process.

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 invetion is directed to a polymer-clay nanocomposite material comprising a melt-processible matrix oplymer and a layered clay material having decreased levels of extractable material, such as extractible salts of organic cations. This invention is also derected to processes for preparing polymer-clay nanocomposites, intercalates, exfoliates, and articles or products produced from nanocomposite materials.

Abstract: A process for preparing a silicate porous product, which comprises a step of forming a clay mineral into a dispersion by means of a dispersant, a step of removing gases dissolved in the dispersion, a step of freezing the dispersion and drying it in its frozen state under reduced pressure, and a step of firing the dried product obtained by the drying.

Abstract: Organoclays based on specific types of ester quats are found to be remarkably effective for use in preparing nanocomposites. These organoclays comprise the reaction product of a smectite clay and a quaternary ammonium compound (or “quat”) which comprises two esterified radicals hereinafter called a “diester quat”). The diester quat may be present in admixture with further quaternary ammonium compounds having esterified radicals, especially compounds having three esterified radicals (hereinafter “triester quats”); or compounds having a single esterified radical (hereinafter “monoester quats”). Where such a mixture of quats is used, the reaction is between the smectite clay and the quat mixture.

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: A method for pacifying the spent bed material resulting from the synthesis of organohalosilanes and halosilanes by mixing clay with spent bed material. Clay compositions containing at least 10 weight % of clay and spent bed material, as well as ceramic compositions containing spent bed material, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of beneficiating and dewatering kaolin clays. The product of the improved process is a brightened, dewatered kaolin, suitable for use in pigments and paper coating compositions. The improved beneficiation process provides refined kaolin for pigments and other purposes of the same or better quality as prior art processes, but with the use of fewer steps and materials, at significant cost and environmental savings.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a polymer-clay nanocomposite, products produced from the nanocomposite, and a process for preparing a polymer-clay nanocomposite. The polymer-clay nanocomposite comprises (a) a matrix polymer, (b) an amorphous oligomer, and (c) a layered clay material.

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: A waterproofing material free of loose particulate material comprising a waterproofing sheet formed by extrusion under vacuum from a substantially homogeneous, deformable mass consisting of a mixture of particulate smectite clay and liquid.

Abstract: Conventional organophilic clays, when used as rheological additives in oil based invert muds, display marked viscosity loses in the mud when these muds are heated much above 350° F., whereas muds prepared according to the present invention are dramatically more viscosity stable at temperatures through 500° F. The present invention relates to the discovery of oil based invert emulsion drilling fluids that provides more stable drilling fluid viscosity and anti-settling performance over varying temperatures when compared to conventional fluids containing organoclays. As a result, the inventive fluids of this invention are ideal candidates for high temperature applications. This invention in another aspect of this invention is a process for improving the rheological properties of oil well drilling fluids particularly useful for oil-based invert emulsion types of drilling fluids.

Abstract: Intercalated layered materials prepared by co-intercalation of a multi-charged onium ion spacing/coupling agent and a matrix polymer between the planar layers of a swellable layered material, such as a phyllosilicate, preferably a smectite clay. The spacing of adjacent layers of the layered materials is expanded at least about 3 Å, preferably at least about 5 Å, usually to about 15-20 Å, e.g., 18 Å with the di-charged onium ion spacing/coupling agent. The intercalation of the matrix polymer then increases the spacing between adjacent layers to at least about 15 Å, preferably to about 20 Å to about 30 Å.

Abstract: Flux calcined kaolin clay especially useful as a pigment for low sheen paints is obtained by mixing hydrous kaolin with an aqueous solution of alkaline flux, spray drying, pulverizing, calcining and repulverizing.

Abstract: An improved process for transforming clays that cannot be utilized in commercial pigment production to low-viscosity pigment for commercial application is described whereby a treated clay is produced having a reduced viscosity as compared to the initial clay when compared at equivalent solids content. The process comprises the steps of: drying the clay; mixing the dried clay with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal salt wherein the alkali metal salt is selected from the group consisting of lithium, potassium, rubidium and cesium salts; extruding the material obtained from alkali metal salt treatment; heat-treating the extruded material and high-shear blunging of the heat-treated material. Typically, a high viscosity clay that has been treated with this five-step procedure will exhibit a viscosity that is about 10% to about 20% of the viscosity of the starting clay.

Abstract: A method of producing a porous inorganic particulate material which comprises treating a particulate aluminosilicate material with a leaching agent which chemically reacts with or solubilizes aluminum and thereby leaches aluminum from the aluminosilicate material, wherein the particulate aluminosilicate material is a particulate hydrous aluminosilicate material which has been flash calcined.

Abstract: Flux calcined kaolin clay especially useful as a pigment for low sheen paints is obtained by mixing hydrous kaolin with an aqueous solution of alkaline flux, spray drying, pulverizing, calcining and repulverizing.

Abstract: A process for making a bleaching clay composition useful for purification of oil is disclosed. The process involves controlled acidification of a palygorskite and smectite clay mineral with sulfuric acid. The clay mineral starting material exhibits, in an aqueous slurry, an electrical conductivity of at least about 50 microSiemens per centimeter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high solids slurry and a method for producing the same. Specifically, the present invention provides a talc slurry having a solids content of at least about 58% and a viscosity of less than about 500 centipoise. The talc slurry of the present invention comprises talc, a salt and a base.

Abstract: The present invention provides aqueous dispersion slurry of inorganic particles which is so stable as not to increase in viscosity, gel or sediment even if stored for a long time and therefore can be used as raw materials for, for example, cosmetics, paint, coating materials and lapping slurry for semiconductor wafers, and production method of such aqueous dispersion slurry. The aqueous dispersion slurry according to the present invention has the number of particles whose a particle diameter of 1.3 .mu.m or more is 180,000 or less per mL in terms of 30 wt % in concentration, and the average particle diameter thereof is in a range of 0.05-0.9 .mu.m. The number of particles having aparticle diameter of 1.3 .mu.m or more is counted by using Particle Sensor KS-60, which is a light extinction type sensor for detecting particles, and Particle Counter KL-11, which is a particle counter, both of which made by the same manufacturer, Rion Electro Corp.

Abstract: Paper making processes, including microparticulate processes, which utilise bentonite are provided with bentonite in the form of a concentrate, or a dilute dispersion made by diluting the concentrate, wherein the concentrate is a dispersion of 15 to 40% by weight bentonite in water containing citrate and has a viscosity below 5000 cps and is a stable fluid. The concentrates are novel. They are preferably made by mixing alkaline earth bentonite with water and sodium citrate.

Abstract: Alkaline earth bentonite can be activated by the use of sodium citrate or other organic sequestering agent as activator. Dry blends of the activator and the bentonite can be provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method of making improved brightness kaolin clay from an aqueous kaolin clay slurry in which the primary active dispersant is a weak dispersant, at least including the steps of adding to the kaolin clay an effective magnet enhancer reagent wherein the magnet enhancer reagent comprises an aqueous solution of one or more magnetic oxides and one or more surface active agents; conditioning the kaolin clay; and performing high gradient magnetic separation on the conditioned kaolin clay to produce an improved brightness kaolin clay. The method is also applied to decreasing iron- and/or titania-containing impurities in a clay.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the use of a combination of polyvalent cations, clay dispersant and high molecular weight anionic polymer to preferentially remove colloidal fines (slimes) from a kaolin slurry, leaving the remainder of the kaolin in the slurry in the form of a coherent gelatinous mass.

Abstract: High performance acid activated clays suitable for bleaching oil are produced by contacting an intercalating clay mineral with a strong acid in a polar organic liquid.

Abstract: Materials, such as kaolin clays, which are discolored by the presence of goethite mineral impurities are first heated to convert the goethite to hematite and then treated to remove the hematite, whereby the color and brightness of the product are improved over the starting material.

Abstract: Substantially crystalline kaolin clays having varying morphological properties are produced by the hydrothermal treatment, in an acidic environment, of substantially amorphous calcined kaolin clay.

Abstract: An improved finely divided rubber-reinforcing clay mineral composition can be produced by employing a hydrous kaolin clay surface treated with a functional silane, a methylene donor compound such as hexamethylenetetramine, and a multifunctional methylene acceptor such as resorcinol. A novel process of preparation is provided. The improved reinforcing, treated clay filler can be combined with natural or synthetic elastomer compositions which can be cured to elastomer products which have improved physical properties, such as modulus, tensile, tear, wear resistance and/or resistance to heat build-up.

Abstract: Kaolin clay materials containing discoloring impurities can be beneficiated by microwave irradiation in the presence of water and a polyprotic acid component to produce a beneficiated kaolin clay material having improved color and brightness.

Abstract: The invention provides a range of modified organoclays comprising intercalated moieties to provide an effective mechanism for attracting organic compounds into the interlamellar spaces in close proximity to other intercalated reactants. The intercalated moieties provide three functions, namely (a) pillaring to create adequate interlamellar spacing to provide access for larger molecules, e.g. polychlorinated biphenyls and poly aromatic hydrocarbons, (b) organophilic attraction of like polarity organic compounds, and (c) a reactive environment in which the organic substrates can be permanently bonded to the clay surfaces and pillaring agents. The invention also resides in methods of treating soil or other materials with such modified organoclays in order to remove or bind hazardous organic molecules.

Abstract: A process for making a bleaching clay composition useful for purification of oil is disclosed. The process of involves controlled acidification of a palygorskite--smectite clay mineral with sulfuric acid.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry of smectite clay of elevated solids content, comprising an aqueous solution or emulsion of at least 0.2% by weight of said slurry of a salt of a low molecular weight amine salt, in which is dispersed from about 10 to 47% by weight of the slurry, of a smectite clay. The amine salt is effective to prevent the smectite from swelling appreciably, whereby the slurry can be shipped and stored without creating a gelling problem. The inhibiting or suppressing effect of the amine salt on the swelling of the clay and on gelling of the slurry is reversible upon subsequent dilution with water, thereby facilitating use of the smectite in typical applications, e.g. as a retention aid in paper making, or as a viscosifier.

Abstract: Organoclay compositions which comprise the reaction product of a smectite-type clay having an ion exchange capacity of at least 50 meq. wt. per 100 g. clay (active basis), and mixture of a quaternary ammonium compound and a chain transfer agent which is a thiol, .alpha.-methylketone, .alpha.-methylalcohol or a halogen compound are useful agents for use in the processes for the preparation of thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: High performance activated clays suitable for bleaching oil are produced by mixing a clay mineral with a metal salt that is a Lewis acid. Mixtures of such metal salts can be used as well.

Abstract: A process for improving the rheological properties of an aqueous suspension of a particulate inorganic material which comprises the steps of: (a) forming an aqueous suspension of the particulate inorganic material and an effective amount of an anionic polyelectrolyte dispersing agent; (b) diluting the suspension formed in step (a) with water while maintaining the particulate in the dispersed state of step (a) to give a solids concentration of not less than 20% by weight of the particulate inorganic material; and (c) reconcentrating the diluted suspension formed in step (b) to give a solids concentration of at least 50% by weight of the particulate inorganic material.

Abstract: A method of coating paper with a paper coating composition having a solids concentration of at least 45% by weight, consisting essentially of an aqueous cationic dispersion of a particulate calcium carbonate pigment and a nonionic or cationic adhesive, wherein the pigment has a particle size distribution such that no more than 1% by weight of the particles have an equivalent spherical diameter larger than 10 microns, at least 65% by weight of the particles have an equivalent spherical diameter smaller than 2 microns and not more than 10% by weight of the particles have an equivalent spherical diameter smaller than 0.25 micron, and wherein said pigment is dispersed with a combination of a cationic polyelectrolyte and an anionic polyelectrolyte, with the amount of cationic polyelectrolyte being in the range of about 0.01% to about 1.5% by weight, based on the weight of the dry pigment, and with the amount of anionic polyelectrolyte being in the range of about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight.

Abstract: Clay materials, such as kaolin, containing expandable layer-silicates are chemically treated with a source of magnesium cations, followed by a pH adjustment, to provide a slurry product having improved rheological properties.

Abstract: Organoclay compositions which comprise the reaction product of a smectite-type clay having an ion exchange capacity of at least 50 meq. wt. per 100 g. clay (active basis), and an alkoxylated quaternary ammonium compound having one or two alkoxylated chains containing 0-10 moles ethylene oxide and 3-15 moles of propylene or butylene oxide residues are useful thixotropic materials, especially for the preparation of aqueous systems.

Abstract: Described is a process for separating a mixture of finely divided minerals into constituents thereof. In particular, the invention relates to a procedure for effecting such separation by a novel selective flocculation technique wherein a dispersed aqueous pulp containing the mixture of minerals is preconditioned for selective flocculation with an anionic polymer by addition of both a fatty acid such as oleic acid and source of polyvalent cation such as calcium chloride. The fatty acid and cation of the salt selectively coat the component of the mixture that is subsequently flocculated with the anionic polymer. A polyacrylate salt dispersant is preferably used in the process. The invention is especially adapted to the separation of colored titaniferous impurities from kaolin clay in which case both a white purified kaolin product and a strongly flocculated dun-colored titania/kaolin mixture are recovered and then dispersed producing a material useful as a paper coating pigment.

Abstract: An opacifying kaolin pigment with improved porosity, light scattering ability (opacity), gloss, and ink receptivity over that of the starting pigment is manufactured by a process which comprises the steps of treating an aqueous solution of kaolin with a phosphate compound, using the endogenous aluminum leached from kaolin and/or adding a soluble aluminum compound and increasing the pH of the mixture.