Abstract: Molded articles based on pyrogenically prepared silicon dioxide and having the following physical-chemical characteristic data:______________________________________ External diameter 2 to 15 mm BET surface area 50 to 400 m.sup.2 /g Total Pore volume 0.6 to 1.3 ml/g Crushing strength 40 to 120 N Pore size distribution no pores <5 nm in diameter, at least 80% in the range 5 to 40 nm in diameter Composition >95% by weight of SiO.sub.2 remainder Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. ______________________________________These products are produced by compacting pyrogenically prepared silicon dioxide with kaolin and/or graphite, sugar, starch, urea or wax with addition of water, drying the mixture at a temperature of from 80.degree. to 120.degree. C. and comminuting it to form a powder, pressing the powder to form the desired article, and tempering the articles at a temperature of from 400.degree. to 1200.degree. C. for a period of 0.5 to 6 hours. The molded bodies can be used as a catalyst support or catalyst.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for pillaring layered materials which do not swell appreciably in water. The process comprises first intercalating an amine or other neutral molecule such as an amide or dimethyl sulfoxide between the layers of the material to be pillared. This allows the subsequent incorporation of inorganic pillars which are more temperature stable than the intercalated amine.

Abstract: An amorphous substance obtained by mixing volcanic ash with or without added clay and water and, if necessary, a surfactant, kneading the mixture, and shaping and firing. Additives such as camphor or naphthalene may be included prior to firing for plasticity and to form pores. The resultant mixture possesses an ability to adsorb phosphorus selectively. When this substance is placed in contact with a phosphorus-containing liquid, it removes phosphorus from the liquid.

Abstract: A family of novel and unique synthetic alkali metal alumino-silicates (SAMS) are produced by the hydrothermal reaction between kaolin and alkali metal silicates. The integrated composition of the SAMS products is a unique entity having an overall composition ofxM.sub.2 O:Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 :ySiO.sub.2 :zH.sub.2 Owhere x is the number of moles of alkali metal oxide and is an integer from 0.01 to 2.0, M is the alkali metal, y is the number of moles of SiO.sub.2 in the unique SAMS compositions and is an integer greater than 2.0, and z is the number of moles of bound water and is an integer ranging from 1.0 to 5.0. The unique SAMS compositions are structured materials in which the structure can be controlled, and are therefore useful as functional fillers, as TiO.sub.2 extenders, as silica extenders or as reinforcing agents for paper, paint, rubber, plastics and specialty products.

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 dense pack gas adsorbent means comprising at least one particulate gas adsorbent having a particulate size distribution in which the largest small particles are less than one-third (1/3) the size of the smallest large particle and sixty percent (60%) of the adsorbent particles having a size greater than sixty (60) mesh, said adsorbent particle oriented to provide a packing density grater than one hundred and thirty percent (130%) of the particle's apparent density.

Abstract: Catalyst bed supports having improved performance characteristics are prepared from a mixture of a clay and a feldspathic sand.

Abstract: A granulated activated carbon is produced by spherically agglomerating activated carbon powder in an aqueous slurry in the presence of a bridging liquid and a binder. At least about 50% of the carbon powder has a surface area of from about 2800 to about 3500 m.sup.2 /gm, an iodine number of from about 2500 to about 3500 mg/gm, a total pore volume of from about 1.0 to about 2.8 cc/gm, and a bulk density of from about 0.27 to about 0.32 gm/cc. The granules are activated by treatment with steam to provide granules having particle diameters of from about 0.17 to about 0.71 mm, and pore size distribution and adsorptive capacity essentially unchanged from that of the carbon powder. The granules are particularly effective for the treatment of drinking water to reduce the level of undesirable contaminants.

Abstract: A process for producing a sucrose fatty acid polyester comprises reacting sucrose with fatty acid lower alcohol ester(s) in a solvent in the presence of an alkaline catalyst, wherein said fatty acid lower alcohol ester(s) are employed in an amount at least 5 times by mol as much as said sucrose. The alkaline catalyst component is removed from the reaction product thus obtained and the obtained sucrose fatty acid polyester-containing solution is catalytically treated with activated clay. This process enables the production of a sucrose fatty acid polyester containing an extremely small amount of ash components and having an extremely low color value. The alkaline catalyst used in this process may be recovered and reused, which further makes the process of the present invention advantageous.

Abstract: A solid phosphoric acid catalyst having a total X-ray intensity of at least 30 percent relative to alpha-alumina. The solid phosphoric acid catalyst is produced by crystallizing an amorphous mixture of an acid oxide of phosphorus and a siliceous material at a temperature of from 250.degree. to 450.degree. C. and in the presence of from 3 to 50 mole percent water vapor based upon the total vapor rate to the crystallizing means.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preparing a porous inorganic material. The process comprises preparing a cellular aluminosilicate material by foaming or spray drying an aqueous suspension of the material. The cellular material is calcined, leached with hydroxide to remove silica, dewatered and dried to leave a porous, cellular ceramic material.

Abstract: Mixed pillared clays having good thermal stabilities and high surface areas made by liquid phase methods in which an aluminum hydroxy polymer and at least one separate transition metal hydroxy polymer are prepared and mixed with a swelling clay in respective amounts to satisfy selected percentages of the cationic exchange capacity of the clay, are reduced to produce metallic transition metal domains.

Abstract: A novel solid phosphoric acid catalyst composition, and process for using the catalyst is disclosed. The composite comprises solid phosphoric acid and a refractory oxide binder. The composite is characterized in that 25.0 volume percent or less of the total catalyst pore volume consists of pores having a diameter of 10,000 .ANG. or greater. An improvement in catalyst stability is observed when such a catalyst is utilized in a hydrocarbon conversion process.

Abstract: Catalytic compositions which comprise alumina bound spinel and/or spinel-mullite mixtures having an alkali metal content of below about 0.50 weight percent, preferably below about 0.10. The compositions are obtained by calcining and caustic leaching preformed particulate composites of clay and alumina sol, preferably chlorhydrol. The catalysts are particularly useful for the catalytic cracking of heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks to obtain gasoline and light cycle oil. When used for cracking feedstocks high in vanadium content these compositions may contain added alkaline earth oxide in order to passivate the vanadium.

Abstract: A novel family of layered clays, called lithiated clays is disclosed. The novel layered clays are characterized by the replaceable hydrogens of the hydroxyl groups within the structure of a layered clay being replaced by lithium. A method of manufacturing the lithiated clays is disclosed together with their use as catalysts.

Abstract: A family of synthetic alkali metal aluminosilicates (SAMS) are produced by the hydrothermal reaction between kaolin clay and alkali metal silicates. The integrated composition of the SAMS products is a unique entity having an overall composition ofxM.sub.2 O:Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 :ySiO.sub.2.zH.sub.2 Owhere x is the number of moles of alkali metal oxide and is an integer from 0.01 to 2.0, M is an alkali metal, y is the number of moles of SiO.sub.2 in the unique SAMS compsoition, and z is the number of moles of bound water and is an integer ranging from 1.0 to 5.0. The composition essentially comprises altered kaolin clay platelets with an integral rim or protuberance of essentially amorphous alkali metal silicate-kaolin reaction product. The unique SAMS compositions are structured materials in which the structure can be controlled, and are therefore useful as functional fillers, as TiO.sub.2 extenders, as silica extenders or as reinforcing agents for paper, paint, rubber, plastics and specialty products.

Abstract: Mixed pillared clays having good thermal stabilities and high surface areas are prepared by liquid phase methods in which either (a) a discrete multi-metallic hydroxy polymer having a definite chemical formula is prepared prior to mixing with a swelling clay or (b) at least two separate metal hydroxy polymers are prepared and mixed with the swelling clay in respective amounts to satisfy selected percentages of the cationic exchange capacity of the clay.

Abstract: Catalytic compositions which comprise alumina bound spinel and/or spinel-mullite mixtures having an alkali metal content of below about 0.50 weight percent, preferably below about 0.10. The compositions are obtained by calcining a caustic leaching preformed particulate composites of clay and alumina sol, preferably chlorhydrol. The catalysts are particularly useful for the catalytic cracking of heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks to obtain gasoline and light cycle oil. When used for cracking feedstocks high in vanadium content these compositions may contain added alkaline earth oxide in order to passivate the vanadium.

Abstract: A silica catalyst that retains its high initial activity for a longer time is obtained by forming the catalyst from an aquasol that was obtained by mixing an alkali metal aluminate with an aqueous solution of alkali metal silicate.

Abstract: Catalysts which comprise or contain caustic leached spinel/mullite are found to possess a particularly high activity and stability for the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A particulate porous material suitable for use as a high surface area column packing material comprises particles substantially all of which are not smaller than 5 micrometers and not larger than 1 millimeter in diameter, and each particle is in the form of a substantially cellular body and consists predominantly of an open, three-dimensional matrix of crystals of mullite which define between them interconnecting pores having a width in the range of from 5 nanometers to about 2 micrometers. The particles can be coated with a reactive layer. There is also disclosed a process for producing the particulate porous material wherein a particulate product comprising particles substantially all of which are between 5 micrometers and 1 millimeter in diameter and consisting predominantly of a mixture of mullite crystals and silica is treated with a concentrated aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C.

Abstract: A hypergol spill, e.g., hydrazine, is safely rendered harmless by contacting it with a composition comprising cupric oxide on a porous support. Neutralization is achieved by drawing the hydrazine into the pellet pores where a reduction reaction of cupric oxide takes place. The critical consideration is to avoid flashing or spontaneous thermal decomposition of the hydrazine. Heat of reaction is quenched by the heat capacity of the pellet and water dilution.

Abstract: A method for chlorinating a clay mineral starting composition to produce reactive chloride intermediates, comprising: reacting said composition in substantially dry particulate form with gaseous SiCl.sub.4 to activate the surface of said composition, thereby forming said reactive chloride intermediate, said reaction being conducted at temperatures below that at which volatilization or dehydration of the starting composition will occur. The resulting compounds are highly reactive intermediates, which can then be functionalized by reaction with a large group of organics, or organic derivatives.

Abstract: Improved noncatalytic nonreactive alumina-silica solid for removing carbonaceous and metallic contaminants including nickel and vanadium from hydrocarbon feedstock by short term, high temperature contact comprises mullite and crystalline silica. In the decarbonizing and demetallizing process, impurities are deposited on the particles of the solid and the major portion of the feedstock is vaporized. After burning carbonaceous deposit from the particles, the hot particles containing nickel and vanadium are recycled into contact with incoming charges of contaminated feedstock. Periodically metals are removed from coke-depleted particles by extraction with a mineral acid at elevated temperature without dissolving or otherwise destroying the alumina-silica particles. The particles are then reintroduced into the system.

Abstract: A traction aid for snow and ice covered surfaces and method of use are disclosed. The preferred traction aid composition for highways comprises about 90% by weight of between 1/4 inch and 30 mesh hard, crushed limestone and about 10% by weight of 6/30 mesh heat treated ground clay. The preferred composition for sidewalks comprises about 80% by weight 4/30 mesh hard, crushed limestone and about 20% by weight of 6/30 mesh heat treated ground clay.

Abstract: Magnesium-aluminum, hydrotalcite-type clay compositions containing large, pillaring organic, inorganic, and mixed organic/inorganic anions have been made and shown to demonstrate catalytic properties. Heating of the mixed large organic/inorganic anion hydrotalcite-type clays can lead to substantially complete removal of the organic anions and a route to making large, inorganic-anion, hydrotalcite-type clays with more open galleries.

Abstract: A surface treated clay such as kaolin is prepared by a process in which the clay surface is preconditioned by treatment with gaseous hydrogen and then functionalized by reaction with a polymerizable organic moiety of an organic compound. The products are useful as fillers for rubber, resin, plastic, paper and the like.

Abstract: A class of pillared interlayered clay molecular sieves with large pore size were prepared by cross-linking the regularly interstratified mineral clay. Wherein the cross-linked rectorites possess an extraordinary thermal and hydrothermal stabilities. Said class of pillared interlayered clay molecular sieves are potential commercial catalysts for carbonium-ion type reactions, adsorbents and catalyst carriers.

Abstract: Catalysts which comprise or contain caustic leached spinel/mullite are found to possess a particularly high activity and stability for the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The invention concerns a therapeutic dressing comprising an elongated flexible permeable support and a mixture of mineral components comprising 16 to 24% by mass of South African bentonite, 16 to 29% by mass of Kaolinite and 47 to 68% total by mass of South African illite and/or attapulgite, which mixture has been rendered into paste-form by the addition of at least an equal part by weight of a liquid mixture comprising 6 to 10 parts by mass of water and 6 to 2 parts by mass of glycerine.

Abstract: A crystalline swellable sheet silicate of the saponite type, of the formula[Mg.sub.6 (Si.sub.8-x Al.sub.x)O.sub.20 (OH).sub.4 ].sup.x-.(x/z)M.sup.z+ n H.sub.2 Oin whichx is a number which is less than 1.5 but at least 0.2,z is an integer from 1 to 3,M denotes a cation having the valency of z andn is a number less than 20, is prepared. For this purpose, an aqueous solution or suspension containing magnesium ions, a silica source, an alumina source and a sodium oxide source are combined. The atomic ratio of Mg/Si and Mg/Al used in this procedure correspond to the composition of the desired saponite. The atomic ration (Na-Al):(Mg+Si+3/2.Al) should be between x/5 and 1, Na denoting the amount of sodium atoms present in alkaline compounds. The pH of the reaction mixture should be at least 9.0. The crystals of the resulting synthetic saponite in the sodium form are separated off from the mother liquor and, if appropriate, treated with an aqueous solution or suspension of a salt having the cation M.sup.

Abstract: A process for preparing pillared interlayered clay materials comprises the steps of contacting a smectite containing material, preferably bentonite, with a solution comprising at least one of ammonium and alkali metal carboxylates and alkali metal carbonates and bicarbonates, plus preferably also alkali metal dithionite; separating the thus-contacted material from the solution; treating the separated material with a solution comprising a polymeric cationic hydroxy metal complex, preferably of aluminum (more preferable, polymeric hydroxy aluminum chloride); separating and finally heating the thus-treated smectite material. The pillared interlayered clay material of this invention can be intimately admixed with zeolite. The pillared interlayered clay material of this invention, with or without zeolite, can be used as catalyst for cracking hydrocarbon-containing oils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to intercalated crystalline zirconium phosphate-types compositions wherein the interlayers of said composition have been intercalated with three-dimensional silicon oxide pillars whereby the pillars comprise at least two silicon atom layers parallel to the clay interlayers.

Abstract: A shaped activated wood-based carbon with essentially no pore volume in pores greater than one micron in diameter and a higher apparent density is prepared from an active granular wood-based carbon with a significant pore volume in pores greater than one micron in diameter and a lower apparent density by the invention process of grinding the active granular wood-based carbon to a fine powder, mixing the ground carbon with a liquid selected from water or other polar molecule and a bentonite clay binder, shaping the mixture, drying the shaped active carbon to remove the liquid, and heat-treating the dried product to calcine, or fix, the clay binder.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of metal oxide substrates having tantalum (V) chloride/fluoride/oxide bound to the surface thereof.

Abstract: A stabilized pillared layered clay comprising a layered clay pillared by the residue of a material which has reacted with hydroxyl groups associated with the clay structure and its preparation by reacting under substantially anhydrous conditions in an organic solvent a layered clay having hydroxyl groups associated with its structure with a material capable of reacting with the hydroxyl groups and leaving a residue of the material, for example a boron trihalide, thereby pillaring the clay.

Abstract: Absorbent material comprising clay mineral particles, the particles comprising compacted masses of relatively smaller particles is found to have high absorbency which may be further increased by the use of additives such as silicates, pyrophosphates, swelling clays, polysaccharides or polyvinyl pyrrolidone. Preferred are smectites, attapulgite or sepiolite preferably in the form of particles in below 1.4 mm, preferably below 710 microns in the size range compacted into larger particles in the 710 micron to 4 mm size range. The absorbent particles are suitable for use as pet litter.

Abstract: Clay convertible by thermal treatment into crystalline mullite and silica is formed into green coherent bodies of desired size and shape such as, for example, microspheres, pellets or honeycombs. The bodies are then calcined to convert the clay into a mixture of crystalline mullite and silica, thereby also hardening the bodies. Without destroying the form of the bodies, e.g., without grinding and without causing the bodies to decrepitate, pores in the size range of about 150 to 350 A are formed by selectively leaching silica from the bodies. The porous mullite bodies retain porosity at elevated temperatures and are useful, for example, as catalyst supports and contact materials. Pore structure in the meso- (100-600 A diameter) and macro- (600-20,000 A diameter) size ranges may be controlled.

Abstract: Imogolite-2:1 layered silicate clay complex comprising imogolite tubes intercalated between the layers of the host clay.

Abstract: Clay, preferably kaolin, is calcined through its exotherm, but without substantial mullite formation (e.g., 1 hour at 1000.degree. C.). The calcined clay is leached with an alkaline aqueous solution to remove (i.e., leach) silica. The severity of leaching, i.e., amount of silica removed, determines whether the final product will comprise mullite plus excess Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. If the molar Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 /SiO.sub.2 ratio is <3/2 the final product will contain mullite plus excess SiO.sub.2 and if the Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 /SiO.sub.2 ratio is >3/2, the final product will contain excess Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. The leached clay is washed, preferably under acid conditions at about pH 3-5, to remove excess alkali ions; and then dried. The washed clay is then calcined at conditions to produce mullite (e.g., 3 hours at 1250.degree. F.). Materials made in this manner exhibit high pore volume despite the final high temperature heat treatment.

Abstract: A method for promoting the activity and/or extending the life of a cation-exchangeable layered clay catalyst in reactions susceptible to catalysis by protons which method comprises the addition to the catalyst of water as the sole additive. The quantity of water employed is suitably up to 40%, preferably up to 10% based on weight of reactants. The layered clay catalyst can be for example montmorillonite, bentonite or vermiculite. Suitable proton catalyzed reactions include formation of esters, (e.g. by reaction of olefin and carboxylic acid), ethers, aldehydes, thioethers and alkylation and cracking reactions.

Abstract: An aluminosilicate catalyst for catalytic dehydration of alcohols into ether is prepared by the steps of (a) contacting a crystalline aluminosilicate at below 800.degree. C., preferably 320.degree.-800.degree. C., with a nitrogen-containing base, preferably ammonia or a lower alkyl amine such as n-butyl amine, to absorb as much as possible of the base; and (b) desorbing part of the absorbed base by passing a stream of an inert gas over the thus-treated aluminosilicate at a temperature of 320.degree.-800.degree. C., preferably 400.degree.-600.degree. C. In step (a) the aluminosilicate catalyst is deactivated and in step (b) it is selectively reactivated so that the catalyst catalyses the ether formation reaction almost as well as the untreated catalyst, whereas the catalytic activity for other reactions such as formation of hydrocarbons and formation of "coke" consisting of polymerizates and/or carbon is eliminated.

Abstract: Para-xylene is selectively prepared by reacting toluene and a methylating agent in the presence of a phosphorus modified catalyst comprising a silica polymorph intermixed with an inorganic refractory oxide, said catalyst having an alkali content of less than about 1.3 milliequivalents per gram as available alkali.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a formed body having activated carbon granules bondedly carried by an inorganic substance body consisting of a sintered body or fused body of inorganic substance powder. The formed body preferably is of a honeycombed structure. The formed body is not only high in strength, excellent in absorbing ability, long in service life, but also permits of molding into various shapes fit for uses. The invention also relates to a method of producing the formed body of the type described above. The method essentially follows the conventional ceramic firing art or ceramic production art.

Abstract: An interlayered pillared clay is formed by the steps of mixing a clay with a polar solvent, a soluble carbohydrate, and a soluble pillaring agent. The mixture is then heated to form the interlayered pillared clay. Useful clays are smectites such as montmorillonite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to intercalated clay compositions wherein the interlayers of said clay have been intercalated with three-dimensional silicon oxide pillars whereby the pillars comprise at least two silicon atom layers parallel to the clay interlayers. These materials have useful catalytic and adsorbent properties.

Abstract: Catalysts containing niobium or tantalum halides which have been deactivated by contact with oxygen are regenerated by being contacted with a halogenated hydrocarbon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixed bed catalyst for the oxychlorination of ethene, alpha olefins and aromatics. More specifically, this invention relates to a catalyst having an impeded center which excludes reactants, or prevents products from forming in the interior of the catalyst. The impeded center may be made inaccessible or it may be inert to reaction. Thin layers of high specific surface area carrier material cover the outer surface of the impeded center. An agent capable of catalyzing oxychlorination reactions is added to the layered catalytic carrier material.

Abstract: A particulate, water and oil sorbing composition is disclosed. The composition contains sorbent fuller's earth clay particles and sorbent synthetic particles, e.g. calcium sulfate dihydrate-containing granules, in a weight ratio of about 0.5:9.5 to about 4:6, respectively.

Abstract: Heat treated anionic clay mineral is an improved catalyst for the conversion of acetone to mesityl oxide and isophorone as well as for the aldo condensation of other carbonyl-containing compounds.