Abstract: A drilling fluid and a method of preparing the drilling fluid. The oil-based drilling fluid includes a base oil continuous phase comprising a base oil, an aqueous dispersed phase and at least one rheology modifier. The at least one rheology modifier includes a magnesium/aluminum (Mg/Al) layered-double hydroxide (LDH) diamondoid compound.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an inorganic/organic mixed component (I/O) dispersant and applications thereof, which is primarily applied to dispersing nanoparticles of metal oxides. The I/O dispersant of the present invention can be a composite of inorganic clay and an organic surfactant, a composite of inorganic clay and polyoxyalkylene-amine, or a composite of inorganic clay, polyisobutylene succinic anhydride (PIB-SA) and hydrochloric acid salt or tetraalkyl quaternary salt of polyoxyalkylene-amine, or fatty amines. By mixing with the I/O dispersant of the present invention, nanoparticles of a metal oxide can be uniformly dispersed without aggregation particularly at high solid content. The dispersion has a lower viscosity and is relatively stable in storage even at high temperature.

Abstract: An aqueous polysilicate composition comprising a polysilicate microgel based component in association with particles derived from colloidal polysilicate. The invention also concerns a process for preparing an aqueous polysilicate composition comprising mixing an aqueous colloidal polysilicate with an aqueous phase of a polysilicate microgel. The aqueous polysilicate composition is more effective than colloidal silica and is more stable than a conventional polysilicate microgel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gelling liquid propane and other liquefied gasses includes a temperature controlled churn mixer, vacuum pump, liquefied gas transfer tank, and means for measuring amount of material entering the mixer. The apparatus and method are particularly useful for the production of high quality rocket fuels and propellants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining micro- and nanodisperse systems. In particular, it relates to a method that allows said systems, such as liposomes, emulsions and suspensions, to be obtained with a size of less than 50 ?m, and preferably less than 1 ?m, and with improved stability properties over time, which includes the stages of a) Dissolving or suspending a compound C in a fluid A, to obtain a mixture AC, in the form of a solution or dispersion; b) Thermostatising said mixture AC to a temperature of between ?50° C. and 200° C.; c) Adding a fluid B to mixture AC until a pressure P is obtained; and it is characterised in that in said stage (c) formation of the solution AB occurs and because it includes, d) Reducing the pressure of solution AB to a pressure lower than or equal to 100 bars, and then e) Adding a fluid E, in which fluid A is miscible and in which compound C is partially or totally insoluble at atmospheric pressure, with said fluid E acting as a crystallisation interruption agent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a kaolin composition having nanosize dimensions. At least about 75% of the kaolin particles by weight have an equivalent spherical diameter (esd) of less than about 0.25 ?m. The kaolin can also have a particle size distribution wherein at least about 99% of the particles by weight have an esd of less than about 2 ?m, and/or wherein at least about 98% of the particles by weight have an esd of less than about 1 ?m, and/or wherein at least about 97% of the particles by weight have an esd of less than about 0.5 ?m. The kaolin can have a mean diameter ranging from about 0.075 ?m to about 0.2 ?m, and a shape factor of about 30 or less.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to polysilicate microgels. More specifically, the invention relates to a process for preparing aqueous polysilicate microgels which comprises mixing an aqueous solution of alkali metal silicate with an aqueous phase of silica-based material having a pH of 11 or less, to polysilicate microgels per se and to the use thereof as flocculating agents in paper making and water purification. The invention further relates to a process for the production of paper from a suspension of cellulosic fibers, and optional filler, which comprises adding to the suspension at least one cationic or amphoteric organic polymer and a polysilicate microgel, forming and draining the suspension on a wire.

Abstract: A carbon nanocapsule-layered silicate hybrid is provided. Layered silicates (platelet-shaped) as a dispersant are mixed with carbon nanocapsules (sphere-shaped) by a physical process. The physically mixed hybrid exhibits a homogeneous dispersion phase due to the geometric shape inhomogeneity factor. Aggregation of carbon nanocapsules is thus avoided. The hybrid can be dispersed in a polar or non-polar solvent with a solid content of about 0.01-30 wt %.

Abstract: Ultraporous sol gel monoliths and methods for preparing the same are provided, having superior flow characteristics for chromatography and analytical chemistry applications. The methods for forming an ultra porous sol-gel monolith include (a) forming a solution comprising a porogen, a matrix dissolving catalyst and a sol gel precursor; (b) allowing the solution to form a gel; and (c) drying the gel at an elevated temperature. The ultraporous sol gel monoliths are characterized by a porosity of up to about 97%, a BET surface area of at least about 50 m2/g and substantially no micropores.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for disinfection and/or conservation and/or reduction and/or control of microbial contamination of aqueous dispersions and/or aqueous suspensions of mineral matter, providing satisfactory stability in terms of Brookfield™ viscosity for the said aqueous dispersions and/or suspensions of mineral matter. It also concerns the said aqueous dispersions and/or suspensions thus obtained, together with their uses in the mineral, paper and paint industries. Finally it concerns the end products obtained.

Abstract: A method of making a release coating includes the following steps: forming a mixture that includes (a) solid components comprising (i) 20-99% silicon by weight and (ii) 1-80% silicon nitride by weight and (b) a solvent; applying the mixture to an inner portion of a crucible or graphite board adapted to form an ingot or wafer comprising silicon; and annealing the mixture in a nitrogen atmosphere at a temperature ranging from 1000 to 2000° C. The invention may also relate to release coatings and methods of making a silicon ingot or wafer including the use of a release coating.

Abstract: A process of preparing an aqueous composition comprising a polysilicate, wherein the composition is a substantially uniform liquid when measured at 25° C., comprising the steps of, i) providing an aqueous liquid having a source of silicate, ii) adjusting the pH of the liquid to between about 2 and about 10.5, thereby causing polymerisation of the silicate, iii) allowing sufficient time for the polymerisation to proceed to substantial completion and thereby forming a product comprising gelled material, iv) subjecting the gelled material to sufficient shear to form a substantially uniform liquid. The novel aqueous composition made by this process is useful in the manufacture of paper and paperboard either as a mineral filler or as a retention/drainage aid.

Abstract: A carbon nanocapsule-layered silicate hybrid is provided. Layered silicates (platelet-shaped) as a dispersant are mixed with carbon nanocapsules (sphere-shaped) by a physical process. The physically mixed hybrid exhibits a homogeneous dispersion phase due to the geometric shape inhomogeneity factor. Aggregation of carbon nanocapsules is thus avoided. The hybrid can be dispersed in a polar or non-polar solvent with a solid content of about 0.01-30 wt %.

Abstract: Ultraporous sol gel monoliths and methods for preparing the same are provided, having superior flow characteristics for chromatography and analytical chemistry applications. The methods for forming an ultra porous sol-gel monolith include (a) forming a solution comprising a porogen, a matrix dissolving catalyst and a sol gel precursor; (b) allowing the solution to form a gel; and (c) drying the gel at an elevated temperature. The ultraporous sol gel monoliths are characterized by a porosity of up to about 97%, a BET surface area of at least about 50 m2/g and substantially no micropores.

Abstract: A two-phase mixture is provided having a dissolved gas and a suspension of bubbles in a liquid. Methods for making, maintaining, and using the two-phase mixture are also provided. The gas molecules may be introduced into the liquid at a high velocity under elevated pressure to form a supersaturated solution that retains the dissolved gas concentration in solution when the solution is exposed to ambient conditions. The mixture may be used in a number of applications where high concentrations of gas must be retained in solution during prolonged exposure to ambient conditions. An example of use is the treatment of wounds to non-surgically remove dead, devitalized, contaminated and foreign matter from tissue cells. The mixture may be combined with a plastic to encapsulate the suspension of bubbles to minimize liberation of the gas bubbles from the mixture.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a paper stock for use in making paper, paperboard and similar cellulosic products, by adding, at one or more different points of the wet end of the paper-making machine, a secondary retention and drainage agent containing a liquid smectite, and a primary retention and drainage agent comprising a natural or synthetic polymer. The retention and drainage agents can be added in any order, thus improving the retention, drainage, formation and drying, without affecting the whiteness, and enhancing the physical values of the paper, paperboard, cardboard and other similar products. The smectite can be an enhanced, concentrated, liquid smectite that can avoid the need for an on-site preparation unit.

Abstract: A method of making a rheology modified aqueous composition, particularly useful for drilling, milling and mining applications, is disclosed. The method includes admixing, with a clay and water, a material or materials whose constituents substantially conform to the proportions of the empirical formula M?mM?n(OH)(2m+3n+qa+br)(Aq)a(Br)b.xH2O, where M? is a divalent metal cation, M? is a trivalent metal cation, A and B are anions, and a, b, m, n, q, r, and x are defined herein. Calcined hydrotalcite and hydrotalcite-like materials are particularly preferred as starting materials. Optionally, an aluminum oxide, a nitrogen-containing compound, or both may be added. The resulting composition is preferably an elastic solid exhibiting stress-dependent fluidity, desirable temperature resistance, lubricity, inhibition of reactivity, relatively low cost, and pressure resistance. A dry composition and method of making are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rheology modified aqueous fluid composition comprising clay, water, magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide hydroxide, sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate, and calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide. The magnesium oxide and aluminum oxide hydroxide are prepared by a specific thermal treatment protocol involving heating of appropriate precursors within a specified temperature range. The pH of the composition is at least about 10. The composition is prepared by admixing the components and, optionally, sodium oxide or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment as necessary. A substantially dry rheology modification agent comprising the enumerated components, not including the water, is also included. The resulting composition preferably exhibits shear-thinning capability including very rapid thinning upon application of shear forces and also rapid viscosification upon removal of such forces.

Abstract: Aerogels having a high density of hydroxyl groups and a more uniform pore size with fewer bottlenecks are described. The aerogel is exposed to a mixture of a supercritical fluid and water, whereupon the aerogel forms a high density of hydroxyl groups. The process also relaxes the aerogel into a more open uniform internal structure, in a process referred to as hydroetching. The hydroetching process removes bottlenecks from the aerogels, and forms the hydrogels into more standard pore sizes while preserving their high surface area.

Abstract: A gel is produced by magnetically treating and mixing two solutions and in one embodiment subsequently introducing carbon dioxide gas. The first solution is comprised of water and sodium bicarbonate, and the second solution is comprised of water and sodium silicate. The first solution is passed through a positively charged magnetic field, and the second solution is passed through a negatively charged magnetic field. The two solutions are then mixed together to form a gel. The resulting gel has excellent fire-fighting capabilities because of its high heat absorption and emissive qualities. The gel can also be used to aid in the removal of surface coatings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material with an improved structure in which is dispersed an active organic compound, and a method for treating effluents, in particular a method for treating photographic effluents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material with an improved structure in which is dispersed an active organic compound, and a method for treating effluents, in particular a method for treating photographic effluents. The composite material takes the form of a structured gel comprising an aluminosilicate polymer matrix in the form of fibers in which at least two distinct fibers are interconnected by at least two covalent bonds to form an irreversible chemical gel and, dispersed in the matrix, an active organic compound. The choice of the degree of cross-linking of the matrix makes it possible to control the diffusion of a hydrophilic active organic compound. The invention further concerns a method for preparing such a composite material.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition comprising a lipophilic clay gel and a hydrophilic clay gel. The two gels are combined or formed in situ to create a gel matrix. This matrix functions like an emulsion to deliver water and oil to the skin or other surface, but can be substantially free of surfactants, emulsifiers and waxes. A method for the preparation of a clay gel matrix is also revealed.

Abstract: A method for the rheology control of fluid phases, in which adducts which contain layered mixed metal hydroxides (MMH) and hectorite are used, and corresponding compositions for this purpose are claimed. Preferably used MMH are those which were produced by hydration of mixed metal oxides or oxyhydroxides, which in turn may be thermally activated. The use of coprecipitated MMH or of MMH produced in situ is also possible. The ratio of MMH to the hectorite component should preferably be from 0.05 to 0.2:1, it also being possible to use adducts whose clay fraction contains up to 80%. by weight of clays differing from hectorite, in particular bentonite. The method is preferably carried out using drilling fluids in the high-temperature range >300° F. (>149° C.).

Abstract: A method of making a rheology modified aqueous composition, particularly useful for drilling, milling and mining applications, is disclosed. The method includes admixing, with a clay and water, a material or materials whose constituents substantially conform to the proportions of the empirical formula M′mM″n(OH)(2m+3n+qa+br)(Aq)a(Br)b.

Abstract: An aqueous aluminium silicate suspension having a content of aluminium silicate of at least 30 wt. % is prepared by liquefaction of the aluminium silicate filter cake or by dispersion of aluminium silicate powder in water with the addition of aluminium silicate powder, surfactant and aluminium sulfate. It can be employed in papermaking.

Abstract: An agent for contact lenses, which comprises an aqueous medium and synthetic smectites particulates consisting essentially of primary particles having a particle size of at most 200 nm, dispersed in the aqueous medium.

Abstract: This invention relates to a foam control agent which comprises the reaction product prepared by reacting: (a) a hydrocarbon carrier; (b) a precipitated amorphous silicate; (c) a refractory clay; and (d) a reactive silicone in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a basic catalyst at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: Silica deposits formed during a continuous process for preparing polysilicate microgel are removed and purged form the process by elastically deforming the vessel walls, reducing plugging.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel photocatalytic composition, a photocatalytic element and a novel method for the photocatalytic treatment of effluents, comprising a gaseous or aqueous solution of the organic compounds to be destroyed.This novel photocatalytic composition consists of an inorganic gel comprising a photocatalyst and an aluminosilicate inorganic polymer binder of the Imogolite type.This composition destroys organic compounds efficaciously.