Abstract: A method for activating smectite clays to give swelling power and/or dispersibility in an aqueous electrolyte solution and resulting activated smectite clays are disclosed, the method comprising previously adding an adequate amount of an aprotic polar solvent having a higher relative permittivity than those of alcohols (e.g., N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate or dimethyl sulfoxide) to an aqueous electrolyte solution in which the clays (or the clays previously suspended) are to be swollen and/or dispersed, or treating the clays to be swollen and/or dispersed with the compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for whitening kaolin contaminated with chlorite/biotite micas. The process comprises the steps of contacting the kaolin contaminated with chlorite/biotite micas with an aqueous acid solution to convert the chlorite/biotite micas into kaolin and one or more dissolved metal salts, and separating the kaolin from the dissolved metal salts. The present invention also provided an overall system for whitening kaolin contaminated with chlorite/biotite micas. The process comprises blunging the kaolin contaminated with chlorite/biotite micas to provide a 20 to 70 percent solid slurry, degritting the slurry, delaminating the degritted slurry, fractionating the degritted slurry, subjecting the slurry to a magnetic field to remove iron or iron-titanium oxides, reductive leaching the slurry, contacting the slurry with an aqueous acid solution to convert the chlorite/biotite micas into kaolin or a kaolin-like clay and one or more dissolved metal salts (e.g.

Abstract: A stable high solids structured clay slurry is manufactured by a process which comprises the sequential steps of forming a high solids slurry by mixing a structured clay material with water in a first stage mixing step under conditions which promote particle to liquid contact and which substantially prevent interaction between the structured clay particles, terminating the first stage mixing and then, in a second stage mixing step, mixing the high solids slurry under conditions which are different from the first stage mixing conditions and which promote substantial interaction between the structured clay particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to new curable inorganic resins based on alkali metal boroaluminosilicates, which, before curing, include inorganic elements in the reactive state, in the following proportions, expressed as their molar ratio of oxides:2.ltoreq.SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 .ltoreq.41.3.ltoreq.X.sub.2 O/Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 .ltoreq.3.810.ltoreq.H.sub.2 O/Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 .ltoreq.280.5<B.sub.2 O.sub.3 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 .ltoreq.2.0X.sub.2 O denoting one or more alkali metal oxides chosen from Na.sub.2 O, K.sub.2 O, Li.sub.2 O, and optionally fillers.The invention also relates to the process for the preparation of these new inorganic resins.The cured resins obtained are very useful for manufacturing heat protection materials.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a aggregated composite pigment having desired physical and optical characteristics when used as a coating, filler or pigment in paper. The aggregated pigment is produced by contacting a substantially dry fine particle size mixture of kaolin and one or more additional feed minerals with a previously hydrolyzed organic silicon compound, such as hydrolyzed tetraethoxysilane, and then recovering the aggregated composite pigment.

Abstract: A method which enables economical and highly effective preparation of refined kaolin clay products having preselected particle size distributions and brightnesses, by means of separate, efficient and economical processing of at least two crude components. A fine particle size kaolin crude having a PSD such that at least 85% by weight of the particles are of less than 2 micrometers ESD is wet beneficiated to provide a first product component having a PSD of at least 95% by weight less than 2 micrometers and a brightness of at least 89 on the G.E. scale. This wet beneficiation is conducted without use of a froth flotation step. A coarse particle size kaolin crude having a PSD such that less than 85% by weight of particles are of less than 2 micrometers ESD, is separately wet beneficiated to produce a second product component having a PSD of no more than 85% by weight less than 2 micrometers and a brightness of at least 89 on the G.E. scale.

Abstract: A novel organophilic clay gellant comprising the reaction product of:(a) a smectite clay having a cation exchange capacity of at least 75 milliequivalents per 100 grams of natural clay without impurities;(b) a first organic cation in an amount of from about 75% to about 150% of the cation exchange capacity of the smectite clay;(c) a second organic cation provided by a polyalkoxylated quaternary ammonium salt; and(d) one or more organic anion(s) that is capable of reacting with said first and second organic cations, to form an organic cation-organic anion complex with said smectite clay.The organophilic clay gellant is used in a non-aqueous fluid system such as paints, inks, and coatings to provide improved theological properties.

Abstract: A high solids structured kaolin clay slurry having improved high shear rheology is manufactured by a process which comprises the sequential steps of forming an aqueous composition by mixing water and a lithium-based dispersant and then mixing structured kaolin clay particles with the aqueous composition to form the desired high solids slurry.

Abstract: A coating pigment for coating printing media, especially paper and cardboard, is made with at least one swellable layer silicate which can be fixed on the printing medium essentially without binders, where the amount of swellable layer silicate is at least 30 weight percent and the swelling volume of the coating pigment is 5 to 30 ml, based on suspension of 2 g coating pigment in 100 ml water. A water-based coating which contains such a coating pigment and a printing medium that is coated on one or both sides with the coating pigment or coating are also described. The deinkability of printed printing media coated with the coating pigment is improved.

Abstract: Paper coating pigments comprising mechanically delaminated kaolin particles. The pigments possess the opacification, smoothness and printability advantages of conventional delaminated kaolin pigments but have desirably low viscosity and gloss not characteristic of conventional delaminated kaolin pigments. Crude kaolins of specified physical characteristics for production of these pigments by controlled delamination.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry of smectite clay of elevated solids content, comprising an aqueous solution or emulsion of from about 0.5 to about 13% 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: A method for brightening kaolin contaminated with organic matter by decarboxylation treatment of an aqueous kaolin slurry. The decarboxylation is carried out by contacting the clay slurry with selected oxidizing agent in a pressurized reaction vessel at a temperature of 175.degree.-500.degree. C. without dehydroxylation (calcination) of the kaolin. Oxidizing agents include oxygen, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and hypochlorite.

Abstract: A method for preparing a time-stable, low viscosity, pumpable high solids aqueous bentonite slurry which has good application properties upon dilution and use. An aqueous solution of at least first and second salt components is prepared in which there is dispersed at least 8% by weight of the resultant slurry of a powdered bentonite. The first salt component is selected to give if used alone an acceptably low viscosity to the slurry at said high solids and at least good application properties upon the dilution and use. The second salt component is selected to act in combination with the first salt component to substantially further decrease the acceptably low viscosity at a specified high solids content or to enable increase of the solids content while maintaining the acceptably low viscosity, while not substantially impairing the application properties. The high solids pumpable slurry product is also claimed.

Abstract: A process for reacting metallic iron with sulfur dioxide (SO.sub.2) gas in the presence of water and bleachable matter, especially iron-contaminated kaolin clay, whereby the kaolin or the like is bleached in situ and the viscosity of the kaolin is less than it would be if bleached in a conventional manner.

Abstract: There are disclosed an organophilic clay which comprises a hydroxypolyoxyethylenealkyl ammonium ion represented by the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 may be the same or different, and each represent a (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H group (where n is 2 or more, preferably 2 to 20), a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, provided that one to three of R.sub.1 to R.sub.4 is/are a (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H group(s) and at least three of R.sub.1 to R.sub.4 are (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H group(s) and alkyl group(s),being introduced in interlayers of an expandable layer silicate, a method for preparing the same and a gellant for a high polar organic solvent.

Abstract: A process for increasing the brightness of Minnesota kaolin clay containing chlorite and siderite mineral impurities comprising treating the clay with a strong mineral acid preferably in combination with magnetic separation.

Abstract: Calcined kaolin clay is pelletized in a pelletizer by a process wherein the calcined clay has ammonia added to it, suitably in relatively small amounts such as less than 1% by weight. The pelletized clay is preferably coated with a binder to improve its flowability.

Abstract: An improved method for improving the brightness of clay of the type that is capable of being bleached by an oxidative reagent such as Georgia gray kaolin. Such clay, in the form of a dispersed slurry, is treated with a combination of sodium silicate, sodium hypochlorite and ozone, most preferably followed by magnetic purification and a reduction bleach. Sodium hypochlorite is added shortly before ozonation.

Abstract: An organophilic clay comprising the reaction product of:(a) a smectite-type clay;(b) a first organic cation in an amount of from about 75% to about 150% of the cation exchange capacity of the smectite-type clay; and(c) a second organic cation provided by a polyalkoxylated quaternary ammonium salt; wherein the second organic cation is present in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the total organic cation content.

Abstract: A method for beneficiating a kaolin clay which includes quantities of smectite contaminants to reduce the low and high shear viscosities of high solids aqueous slurries of the kaolin. The smectite is converted into a pillared clay by intercalating it with a polymeric cationic hydroxy metal complex wherein the metal is ferromagnetic or diamagnetic. The kaolin and pillared smectite is then subjected as an aqueous slurry to high intensity magnetic separation, to separate the pillared smectite, and the beneficiated kaolin is recovered as product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reducing the inherent low shear viscosity of kaolin clays contaminated with expandable layer minerals. A water soluble tetraalkyl ammonium compound is contacted with the clay during conventional wet processing.

Abstract: A method for incorporating diverse Varieties of intercalants or templates directly during hydrothermal synthesis of clays such as hectorite or montmorillonite-type layer-silicate clays. For a hectorite layer-silicate clay, refluxing a gel of silica sol, magnesium hydroxide sol and lithium fluoride for two days in the presence of an organic or organometallic intercalant or template results in crystalline products containing either (a) organic dye molecules such as ethyl violet and methyl green, (b) dye molecules such as alcian blue that are based on a Cu(II)-phthalocyannine complex, or (c) transition metal complexes such as Ru(II)phenanthroline and Co(III)sepulchrate or (d) water-soluble porphyrins and metalloporphyrins. Montmorillonite-type clays are made by the method taught by U.S. Pat. No. 3,887,454 issued to Hickson, Jun. 13, 1975; however, a variety of intercalants or templates may be introduced.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a aggregated kaolin pigment having desired physical and optical characteristics when used as a coating, filler or pigment in paper. The aggregated pigment is produced by contacting a substantially dry fine particle size kaolin with a previously hydrolyzed organic silicon compound, such as hydrolyzed tetraethoxysilane, and then recovering the aggregated kaolin pigment.

Abstract: There is provided a method for preparing organic-swelled layered silicate by direct crystallization from an alkaline reaction mixture containing a source of silicon oxide and organic onium compound, e.g., a cetyltrimethylammonium salt. Layered silicates containing interlayer polymeric chalcogenide are prepared by contacting the organic-swelled layered silicate with a source of polymeric chalcogenide, e.g., tetraethylorthosilicate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for selectively purifying ceramic materials for glass, paper and electronics use contaminated with iron compounds, the process using ascorbic acid or its derivatives as the iron reducing agent.

Abstract: A smectite clay is provided as an elevated solids aqueous slurry e.g. up to 50% solids, which is composed of the smectite clay slurried or dispersed in water containing an effective concentration of a monovalent salt. When such a salt is present in the clay slurry, the clay does not swell appreciably, is essentially inactive, and the slurry can be shipped and stored without creating a gelling problem. When this slurry is diluted with fresh water at the point of application to make it of the desired solids content for use, the smectite clay is activated and exhibits the desired properties, such as viscosity, retention, etc.

Abstract: A process for upgrading a crude bentonite ore such that it can be used advantageously to prepare unusually high aqueous solution viscosities. This sequence comprises initially subjecting the crude ore to a working or shearing stage, followed by a drying step to about a 5% moisture level. Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 is then dry-blended with the material, and the sequence is completed by subjecting the mix to a pulverizing step.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for whitening kaolinitic clays by adding an aqueous acid solution containing sodium bisulfite and atomized aluminum powder, thereby causing the reduction of the contaminating iron ions present in the kaolin, resulting in a considerable increase in its whiteness index as well as a reduction of the particle size of the product obtained.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a aggregated kaolin pigment having desired physical and optical characteristics when used as a coating, filler or pigment in paper. The aggregated pigment is produced by mixing an aqueous slurry of a fine particle kaolin with a previously hydrolyzed organic silicon compound, such as hydrolyzed tetraethoxysilane, and then spray drying the mixture to form a dry, chemically aggregated kaolin pigment.

Abstract: A process for producing a high solids aqueous slurry of a beneficiated kaolin. An impure crude kaolin clay is initially subjected to wet processing including a size classification step, to recover a beneficiated fine particle size kaolin fraction which is formed into a dilute aqueous slurry of deflocculated kaolin particles. The dilute slurry is filtered by flowing it generally parallel to and in contact with the surface of a microporous barrier while maintaining a pressure drop across the barrier in a direction transverse to the slurry flow. A gel permeation layer is thereby formed of kaolin overlying the surface of the microporous barrier. The gel permeation layer and underlaying surface are substantially impervious to the passage of clay solids while being pervious to the passage of water molecules, ions and dissolved salts; whereby water molecules, ions and dissolved salts are caused to pass through the barrier, thereby increasing the concentration of the solids in the kaolin slurry.

Abstract: A process for producing a high brightness, high solids kaolin clay aqueous slurry. An aqueous low solids suspension of crude kaolin clay is degritted, and subjected to a particle size classification. The aqueous suspension of the fine particle fraction is acidified to a pH of 5.0 or lower to produce an acid flocculated suspension which is treated with a bleaching agent to reduce ferric ion impurities to ferrous ion impurities. A ferrous ion chelating agent is added to the bleached acid flocculated suspension after which an alkaline agent is added to raise the pH to a level greater than 5.0 to form a dispersed aqueous suspension of the beneficiated kaolin. The dispersed suspension is then subjected to membrane filtration to partially dewater same, and additional water is thermally evaporated from the partially dewatered dispersed kaolin suspension to produce the high solids product suspension.

Abstract: A chemical process is described for removing ferric iron present in submarginal quantities in concentrates of kaolin, quartz, titanium minerals, ceramic minerals for glass, paper and electronics use and other materials of industrial interest by which ferric iron is reduced to ferrous iron using acid solutions, possibly in the presence of low concentrations of sugars containing 5 or more carbon atoms.

Abstract: Fillers and pigments, such as clay, titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, silicas, and silicoaluminates, can be rendered cationic by treating the fillers or pigments with the reaction product of a polyamine or polyamide and epichlorohydrin. The resulting water soluble cationic fillers or pigments are useful in the paper industry as fillers for paper and can also be utilized in coating paper.

Abstract: Paper coating pigments comprising mechanically delaminated kaolin particles. The pigments possess the opacification, smoothness and printability advantages of conventional delaminated kaolin pigments but have desirably low viscosity and gloss not characteristic of conventional delaminated kaolin pigments.

Abstract: A high opacity, defined kaolin clay product having a relatively narrow particle size distribution, low colloidal particle content and an average particle surface area of less than about 30 square meters per gram is prepared by defining an aqueous kaolin clay slurry via controlled centrifugation to remove a substantial portion of the colloidal particles therein. Prior to being subjected to centrifugation, the aqueous kaolin clay slurry is prepared so as to improve the defining process achieved via centrifugation by first subjecting the aqueous kaolin clay suspension to scrub grinding so as to break up agglomerates into individual kaolin clay particles without substantial delamination of the kaolin clay particles.

Abstract: Novel hydrous kaolin pigments comprising a major weight percent of a conventional hydrous kaolin pigment and a minor amount of a specific form of added discrete iron oxide, specifically magnetite, uniformly physically admixed therewith. Pigments of the invention have brightness values of about 78% to 85% and "b" values in the range of -1 to +4.

Abstract: A process for reacting metallic iron with sulfur dioxide (SO.sub.2) gas in the presence of water and bleachable matter, especially iron-contaminated kaolin clay, whereby the kaolin or the like is bleached in situ.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing high brightness kaolin from ore containing silica, other types of clays, minerals such as ilmenite micas, feldspars and various metal silicates as well as organic matter. The process consists of sizing, a double floatation step, magnetic separation, leaching and oxidative brightening steps. This is a novel combination of conventional unit operations and in particular the use of a double floatation step to remove quartz and various trace minerals that interfere with achieving high optical brightness for kaolin.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for reducing the viscosity and increasing the brightness of a kaolin clay by removal of mineral slimes having a particle size of less than about 0.2 micron. The process includes reflocculating an aqueous clay slurry by the addition of an overdose of dispersing agent. The reflocculated slurry is aged and dewatered by fractionation.

Abstract: A method and composition are disclosed for the preparation of pencil lead from clay, graphite and optionally other material, wherein the clay or the clay/graphite mixture is digested with water, pressed, dried and fired, and at least one alkali phosphate, alkali borate and/or alkali carbonate is added before or as part of the digestion of the clay or the clay/graphite mixture.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for ceramic-ceramic composite powders including the steps of; forming a suspension by mixing an inorganic powder having a cation-exchange property with a solution containing one or more metal ions to conduct ion exchange with the metal ions on the surface of the inorganic powder; adding to the suspension a precipitant-forming material which releases an anion in a solution when heated or pressurized; heating or pressurizing the suspension to release the anion which reacts with the metal ions to thereby precipitate metal hydroxides, metal basic salts or metallic salts on the surface of the inorganic powder; and thereafter heating the inorganic powder with the resultant precipitates to convert the precipitates into metal oxides. Metal-ceramic composite powders are manufactured by reducing the above metal oxides on the surface of the inorganic powder to metal. In the composite powders any arbitrary amount of metal oxides or metal is supported on the surface of the inorganic powder.

Abstract: A stabilized aqueous suspension of calcined clay and a method for preparing the same are provided. The method involves an aqueous suspension of calcined clay containing at least 10% by weight clay, and at least 0.05% by weight of a high charge density crosslinked or uncrosslinked acid containing alkali-soluble acrylic copolymer.

Abstract: A process for producing a clay mineral of chain structure such as sepiolite and attapulgite. The process comprises suspending a metal silicate gel in an aqueous solution which has a pH value of 3-11 at room temperature and contains a clay mineral of chain structure suspending therein, and then heating the resulting suspension at a temperature below 350.degree. C. According to this process, it is possible to produce a clay mineral of chain structure in a simple, stable manner.

Abstract: A novel ceramic material affording a ceramic molded bodies having a high toughness and a high tensile strength is disclosed which comprises a smectite clay mineral having at least a portion of ion-exchangeable cations thereof ion-exchanged with bismuth ions. The ceramic material is prepared by treating a smectite clay mineral with an aqueous solution containing bismuth ions to ion-exchange at least a portion of ion-exchangeable cations thereof with bismuth ions.

Abstract: Wollastonite acid treated and dried to pacify the surface processes more uniformly in subsequent reactions or remains inert when used as a filler. Phosphate cements prepared with the pacified wollastonite or similar calcium silicates exhibit improved strength and scratch resistance.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of treating phyllosilicate materials by exposing the materials to a source of hydrogen ions to hydrate hydroxyl ions on and in the phyllosilicate structure. The source of hydrogen ions may be a simple organic, or mineral, acid, preferably formic or hydrochloric acid. The hydrated phyllosilicate may then be dehydrated and delaminated by thermal treatment.

Abstract: A high bulking kaolin pigment is provided which exhibits improved opacifying efficiency as a paper filler. The kaolin pigment comprises an uncalcined clay composition consisting essentially of kaolin particles which have not only been treated with an amine, but also upon which aluminum hydroxide has been precipitated, and, of which less than about 20% by weight have a particle size less than 0.3 microns in equivalent spherical dimeter. Further, a method is provided for producing the pigment from a hydrated kaolin clay having a brightness of at least about 89. The selected starting clay is dispersed in water and subjected as a slurry to delamination, defining, surface treatment with an amine and aluminum sulfate, and leaching. The treated kaolin slurry is subsequently rinsed and filtered to a produce a filter cake which is redispersed to yield a commercial paper filler.

Abstract: A process is provided for purifying finely divided minerals contacting organic material sufficiently to make the minerals useful for coating a filling paper or for use as catalysts, catalyst supports or the like. The process comprises concomitantly contacting an aqueous slurry of the mineral with a peroxygen and a gas containing ozone at a pH from 5 to 12. Preferably, the peroxygen is incorporated into the slurry prior to contacting the slurry with a gas containing ozone. Optionally, the slurry may be pretreated with a chelating agent or subsequently bleached with a reducing agent.

Abstract: Kaolin clay treated with 0.5 to 1.5 wt. % of aluminum chlorohydrate or a double hydroxide of aluminum and magnesium are an effective pitch adsorption agent for use in paper making processes.

Abstract: A bleached, dispersed, high solids slurry is produced from unprocessed crudes at low pH and with minimum work input, using polyacrylic acid as the dispersant. The process involves making the slurry at the highest solids possible without resorting to filtration or spray drying.