Classifications

• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09C—TREATMENT OF INORGANIC MATERIALS, OTHER THAN FIBROUS FILLERS, TO ENHANCE THEIR PIGMENTING OR FILLING PROPERTIES ; PREPARATION OF CARBON BLACK  ; PREPARATION OF INORGANIC MATERIALS WHICH ARE NO SINGLE CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS AND WHICH ARE MAINLY USED AS PIGMENTS OR FILLERS
  • C09C1/00—Treatment of specific inorganic materials other than fibrous fillers; Preparation of carbon black
  • C09C1/40—Compounds of aluminium
  • C09C1/42—Clays
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D36/00—Filter circuits or combinations of filters with other separating devices
  • B01D36/04—Combinations of filters with settling tanks
  • B01D36/045—Combination of filters with centrifugal separation devices
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D37/00—Processes of filtration
  • B01D37/03—Processes of filtration using flocculating agents
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
  • B03B—SEPARATING SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS
  • B03B5/00—Washing granular, powdered or lumpy materials; Wet separating
  • B03B5/28—Washing granular, powdered or lumpy materials; Wet separating by sink-float separation
  • B03B5/30—Washing granular, powdered or lumpy materials; Wet separating by sink-float separation using heavy liquids or suspensions
  • B03B5/32—Washing granular, powdered or lumpy materials; Wet separating by sink-float separation using heavy liquids or suspensions using centrifugal force
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09C—TREATMENT OF INORGANIC MATERIALS, OTHER THAN FIBROUS FILLERS, TO ENHANCE THEIR PIGMENTING OR FILLING PROPERTIES ; PREPARATION OF CARBON BLACK  ; PREPARATION OF INORGANIC MATERIALS WHICH ARE NO SINGLE CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS AND WHICH ARE MAINLY USED AS PIGMENTS OR FILLERS
  • C09C3/00—Treatment in general of inorganic materials, other than fibrous fillers, to enhance their pigmenting or filling properties
  • C09C3/04—Physical treatment, e.g. grinding or treatment with ultrasonic vibrations
  • C09C3/043—Drying, calcination
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09D—COATING COMPOSITIONS, e.g. PAINTS, VARNISHES OR LACQUERS; FILLING PASTES; CHEMICAL PAINT OR INK REMOVERS; INKS; CORRECTING FLUIDS; WOODSTAINS; PASTES OR SOLIDS FOR COLOURING OR PRINTING; USE OF MATERIALS THEREFOR
  • C09D17/00—Pigment pastes, e.g. for mixing in paints
  • C09D17/004—Pigment pastes, e.g. for mixing in paints containing an inorganic pigment
  • C09D17/007—Metal oxide
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
  • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D21H17/00—Non-fibrous material added to the pulp, characterised by its constitution; Paper-impregnating material characterised by its constitution
  • D21H17/63—Inorganic compounds
  • D21H17/67—Water-insoluble compounds, e.g. fillers, pigments
  • D21H17/68—Water-insoluble compounds, e.g. fillers, pigments siliceous, e.g. clays
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
  • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D21H19/00—Coated paper; Coating material
  • D21H19/36—Coatings with pigments
  • D21H19/38—Coatings with pigments characterised by the pigments
  • D21H19/40—Coatings with pigments characterised by the pigments siliceous, e.g. clays
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C01P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO STRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF SOLID INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
  • C01P2004/00—Particle morphology
  • C01P2004/30—Particle morphology extending in three dimensions
  • C01P2004/32—Spheres
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C01P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO STRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF SOLID INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
  • C01P2004/00—Particle morphology
  • C01P2004/51—Particles with a specific particle size distribution
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C01P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO STRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF SOLID INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
  • C01P2004/00—Particle morphology
  • C01P2004/51—Particles with a specific particle size distribution
  • C01P2004/52—Particles with a specific particle size distribution highly monodisperse size distribution
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C01P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO STRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF SOLID INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
  • C01P2004/00—Particle morphology
  • C01P2004/60—Particles characterised by their size
  • C01P2004/61—Micrometer sized, i.e. from 1-100 micrometer
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C01P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO STRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF SOLID INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
  • C01P2004/00—Particle morphology
  • C01P2004/60—Particles characterised by their size
  • C01P2004/62—Submicrometer sized, i.e. from 0.1-1 micrometer
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C01P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO STRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF SOLID INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
  • C01P2004/00—Particle morphology
  • C01P2004/90—Other morphology not specified above
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C01P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO STRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF SOLID INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
  • C01P2006/00—Physical properties of inorganic compounds
  • C01P2006/12—Surface area
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C01P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO STRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF SOLID INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
  • C01P2006/00—Physical properties of inorganic compounds
  • C01P2006/19—Oil-absorption capacity, e.g. DBP values
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C01P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO STRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF SOLID INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
  • C01P2006/00—Physical properties of inorganic compounds
  • C01P2006/60—Optical properties, e.g. expressed in CIELAB-values
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
  • C08K—Use of inorganic or non-macromolecular organic substances as compounding ingredients
  • C08K2201/00—Specific properties of additives
  • C08K2201/002—Physical properties
  • C08K2201/003—Additives being defined by their diameter
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
  • C08K—Use of inorganic or non-macromolecular organic substances as compounding ingredients
  • C08K3/00—Use of inorganic substances as compounding ingredients
  • C08K3/34—Silicon-containing compounds

Definitions

• the present application relates to pigments for paper coatings, particularly to heat-treated kaolin pigments.
• Kaolin is a naturally-occurring hydrated aluminum silicate crystalline mineral (kaolinite), in the form of hexagonally shaped, stacked platelets of irregular orientation. Hydrous kaolin is characterized by its fine particle size, plate like or lamellar particle shape, and chemical inertness.
• a heat-treated kaolin having a GE brightness of at least about 92 and a particle size distribution of: equal to or greater than 99% of particles with an equivalent spherical diameter (e.s.d.) of less than 10 microns; equal to or greater than 93% of particles with an e.s.d. of less than 5 microns; equal to or greater than 85% of particles with an e.s.d. of less than 2 microns; equal to or greater than 77% of particles with an e.s.d. of less than 1 microns; and equal to or greater than 25% of particles with an e.s.d.
• an equivalent spherical diameter e.s.d.
• the heat-treated kaolin can have a particle size distribution of: 99% to 100% of particles with an e.s.d. of less than 10 microns; 93% to 100% of particles with an e.s.d. of less than 5 microns; 85% to 98% of particles with an e.s.d. of less than 2 microns; 77% to 92% of particles with an e.s.d. of less than 1 microns; and 25% to 46% of particles with an e.s.d.
• the heat treated kaolin can have a +325 mesh residue content of 300 ppm or less.
• the heat treated kaolin can have a +325 mesh residue content of from 5 ppm to 300 ppm (such as 90 ppm or less, 70 ppm or less, or 50 ppm or less).
• the heat-treated kaolin can have a sodium oxide content of less than or equal to 0.25% by weight (such as less than or equal to 0.1% by weight).
• the titania content of the heat-treated kaolin can be less than or equal to 1.5% by weight.
• the heat-treated kaolin can have a GE brightness of at least about 92 to about 96.
• the heat-treated kaolin can have median particle size (d50) equal to or less than about 0.65 micron.
• the heat-treated kaolin can have a median particle size (d50) of 0.50 to 0.65 micron.
• the heat-treated kaolin can have an oil absorption of equal to or greater than 100 pounds of oil per 100 pounds of clay (i.e., heat-treated kaolin) (lbs oil/100 lbs heat-treated kaolin).
• the heat-treated kaolin can have an oil absorption of from greater than 100 to 140 lbs oil/100 lbs heat-treated kaolin (such as from greater than 100 to 130 lbs, from 105 to 120 lbs, or from 105 to 115 lbs oil/100 lbs heat-treated kaolin).
• the heat-treated kaolin can have a scattering coefficient at 457 nanometers of equal to or greater than 0.300 m 2 /g.
• the heat-treated kaolin can have a scattering coefficient at 457 nanometers of about 0.305 to about 0.335 m 2 /g.
• the heat-treated kaolin can have a scattering coefficient at 577 nanometers of equal to or greater than 0.220 m 2 /g.
• the heat-treated kaolin can have a scattering coefficient at 577 nanometers of about 0.223 to about 0.230 m 2 /g.
• the heat-treated kaolin can have a surface area of equal or greater than 17.0 m 2 /g.
• the heat-treated kaolin can have a surface area of about 17.0 to about 25.0 m 2 /g, from about 17.0 to about 21.0 m 2 /g, or greater than 20.0 m 2 /g.
• the heat-treated kaolin can have an Einlehner abrasion loss equal to or less than 18 mg/10 5 rev.
• the heat-treated kaolin can have an Einlehner abrasion loss of 9 to 18 mg/10 5 rev.
• the heat-treated kaolin can have a gloss of equal to or greater than 30%.
• the heat-treated kaolin can have a gloss of about 30% to about 45%.
• the heat-treated kaolin can be fully calcined or can be metakaolin.
• an article of manufacture comprising the heat-treated kaolin of the disclosure.
• the article can be selected from the group consisting of: a paper product, a paperboard product, a paper coating composition, a ceramic composition, a paint composition, a polymer composition, a rubber composition, an engineered plastic composition, and an ink composition.
• the article of manufacture can be a paper product.
• the article of manufacture can be a thermal paper.
• the article of manufacture can be a thermal paper having a base layer that comprises the kaolin.
• the article of manufacture can be a paint composition.
• the method comprises the steps of: providing a first kaolin feedstream having at least about 88- 89%) by weight of the particles having size of 1 ⁇ or less; classifying the first kaolin feedstream by centrifugation to provide a fine particle size distribution of at least about 97-98%> by weight of the particles having size of 1 ⁇ or less; filtering the first kaolin feedstream to produce a filter cake; dispersing the filtrate in a sodium -free dispersion agent to provide a second kaolin feedstream; and drying and heat treating the second kaolin feedstream, wherein the method for preparing the heat-treated kaolin does not include a reductive bleaching step.
• the sodium -free dispersion agent can be an ammonia-based dispersion agent.
• the second kaolin feedstream can have a pH of about 10. The method can further comprise flocculating the first feedstream prior to the filtering step.
• the heat treating step of the method can comprise calcining at a temperature of from about 900°C to about 1200°C to produce a fully calcined kaolin.
• the providing step of the method can comprise processing a blunged/degritted hydrous kaolin crude feedstock by a classification step and a beneficiation step to produce the first kaolin feedstream having at least about 88-89% by weight of the particles having size of 1 ⁇ or less.
• the beneficiation step of the processing step comprises magnetic separation.
• the processing step can further comprise a flotation step and the first kaolin feedstream has at least about 70% by weight of the particles having size of 0.3 ⁇ or less.
• the method can include an ozonation step subsequent to the flotation step.
• the processing step can further comprise a selective flocculation step and the first kaolin feedstream has at least about 86% by weight of the particles having size of 0.5 ⁇ or less.
• the method can exclude delamination processes. Excluded delamination processes can include ball milling, stirred media grinding, and/or high energy media grinding.
• the method can be carried out wherein the classifying step, filtering step, dispersing step, and drying and calcining step exclude a sodium-based dispersion agent.
• the embodiments of the disclosure comprise the components and/or steps disclosed therein.
• the embodiments of the disclosure consist essentially of the components and/or steps disclosed therein.
• the embodiments of the disclosure consist of the components and/or steps disclosed therein.
• Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the method of preparing the kaolin of the disclosure.
• Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the method of preparing the kaolin of the disclosure.
• Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the method of preparing the kaolin of the disclosure.
• Figure 4 depicts particle size distribution data (obtained using a Sedigraph 5100 particle size analyzer) in graph form for Samples 1-3 according to the present disclosure
• a kaolin product such as a partially or fully calcined kaolin, with finer and steeper particle size distribution, while possessing appropriate morphology for desired properties.
• a heat treated kaolin product with finer and narrower particle size distribution compared to current calcined kaolin products.
• the kaolin product is fully calcined.
• the heat-treated kaolin of the present disclosure has an appropriate morphology to provide desired performance that is comparable to or better than current commercially available calcined kaolin products. For instance, the heat-treated kaolin does not have a loss of light scattering coefficient and/or reduced opacity, yet a finer and steeper particle size distribution is achieved.
• the kaolin of the present disclosure may have an increased light scattering coefficient, increased oil absorption, and/or increased surface area, compared to current commercially available calcined kaolin products.
• a method of producing the disclosed kaolin is provided. The method includes the use of a dispersant that is free of alkali and alkaline earth metals, and in particular, free of sodium. Products comprising the kaolin of the present disclosure and methods of use of the kaolin are also provided.
• an element means one element or more than one element.
• an improved kaolin a method of preparing the improved kaolin, and products and compositions comprising the improved calcined kaolin.
• the heat-treated kaolin of the disclosure has improved morphology and performance, compared to standard commercial calcined kaolin products.
• the morphology of the calcined kaolin includes being irregular in shape and having increased void volume.
• the inventive calcined kaolin pigment has one or more improved properties, such as finer particle size distribution, finer median particle size, increased surface area, increased brightness, reduced abrasion loss, improved oil absorption, lower residue content, lower sodium oxide content, and comparable or increased scattering coefficient.
• the oil absorption of the calcined kaolin product of the disclosure is unexpectedly increased, as compared to current commercial products with similar particle size.
• the kaolin product of the disclosure has a finer particle size distribution, while still achieving the correct morphology to provide, for instance, highly desirable scattering properties.
• the improved kaolin results from the hydrous kaolin processing method disclosed herein.
• the processing method includes utilizing a finer particle size kaolin feedstream for calcination and not using a dispersant comprising an alkali metal such as sodium.
• the method in an embodiment uses instead using an ammonia-based dispersant as the filter dispersant prior to calcination to prepare the improved calcined kaolin product.
• the processing method does not utilize bleach, which may result in coarser particles and alter properties such as residue content and/or particle size of the calcined kaolin product.
• Particle size distribution as used herein is determined with the SEDIGRAPH 5100 particle size analyzer (Micromeretics Corporation) on a calcined kaolin in a fully dispersed condition in a standard aqueous medium, such as water. The data are reported as equivalent spherical diameters (e.s.d.) on a weight percentage basis.
• the median particle size d50 is the value determined in this way of the particle e.s.d. at which there are 50% by weight of the particles that have an e.s.d. less than the d50 value.
• the calcined kaolin of the disclosure has a narrower particle size distribution and finer median particle size.
• the calcined kaolin can have a median particle size (d50) of about 0.65 micron or less.
• the calcined kaolin can have a median particle size of 0.60 micron or less, 0.59 micron or less, 0.58 micron or less, 0.57 micron or less, 0.56 micron or less, 0.55 micron or less, 0.54 micron or less, or 0.53 micron or less.
• the calcined kaolin can have a median particle size of 0.50 micron or greater, 0.51 micron or greater, 0.52 micron or greater, 0.53 micron or greater, 0.54 micron or greater, or 0.55 micron or greater.
• the calcined kaolin can have a median particle size of from 0.50 to 0.65 micron, 0.50 to less than 0.60 micron, 0.50 to 0.59 micron, 0.50 0.58 micron, 0.50 to 0.57 micron, or 0.52 to 0.58 micron.
• PSD and mean particle size for the calcined kaolin of the disclosure are provided in Table 1.
• PSD and mean particle size for representative calcined kaolins are provided in Table 2.
• the calcined kaolin of the disclosure has one or more of improved brightness, reduced abrasion loss, improved oil adsorption and increased surface area.
• brightness is determined by the TAPPI standard method T452. The data are reported as the percentage reflectance to light of a 457 nm wavelength (GEB value).
• the calcined kaolin can have a brightness of 92% or greater.
• the calcined kaolin can have a brightness of 93% or greater, 94% or greater, 95% or greater, 96% or greater, or 97% or greater.
• the calcined kaolin can have a brightness of from 92% to 97% or from 92% to 96%.
• Kaolin deposits usually contain titania minerals.
• the titania minerals can be present as polymorphs having the composition T1O2. Natural titania exhibits low brightness, the presence of which can decrease kaolin brightness.
• the calcined kaolin can have a titania content of 1.5% by weight or less.
• the calcined kaolin can have a titania content of 1.45% or less, 1.3% or less, 1.2 % or less, 1.0% or less, 0.9% or less, 0.8% or less, 0.7% or less, 0.6% or less, or 0.5% or less by weight, based on the total weight of the calcined kaolin.
• the calcined kaolin can have a titania content of 0% or greater, 0.5% or greater, or 1% or greater by weight, based on the total weight of the calcined kaolin. In some embodiments, the calcined kaolin can have a titania content of from 0% to 1.45%, from 0.5% to 1.45%, or from 0.5% to 1.2% by weight, based on the total weight of the calcined kaolin.
• Einlehner abrasion loss is determined by an Einlehner AT 1000 Abrasion tester, using 15 weight % solids and 100,000 revolutions. The Einlehner abrasion is reported in mg loss/100,000 revolutions (mg loss/10 5 rev).
• the calcined kaolin can have an Einlehner abrasion loss of 18 mg/10 5 rev or less.
• the calcined kaolin can have an Einlehner abrasion loss of 15 mg/10 5 rev or less, 12 mg/10 5 rev or less, 10 mg/10 5 rev or less, or 9 mg/10 5 rev or less.
• the calcined kaolin can have an Einlehner abrasion loss of 5 mg/10 5 rev or greater or 9 mg/10 5 rev or greater.
• the calcined kaolin can have an Einlehner abrasion loss of from 9 to 18 mg/10 5 rev, from 9 to 16 mg/10 5 rev, or from 9 to 15 mg/10 5 rev.
• oil absorption is determined using ASTM D 281 "Oil Absorption by Spatula Rub-out.” The data are reported in pounds (grams) of oil absorbed per 100 pounds (grams) of calcined kaolin (%).
• the calcined kaolin can have an oil absorption of 100% or greater (100 lbs or greater oil per 100 lbs calcined (heat treated) kaolin).
• the calcined kaolin can have an oil absorption of greater than 100%, 105% or greater, 110%) or greater, 115%) or greater, 120%) or greater, 125% or greater, 130% or greater, or 135%) or greater.
• the calcined kaolin can have an oil absorption of from 100% to 115%, from 100% to 130%, from greater than 100% to 115%, from greater 100% to 130%, from greater 100% to 140%, from
• surface area is determined by the art-recognized Brunaruer Emmett Teller (BET) method using N 2 as the adsorbate.
• BET Brunaruer Emmett Teller
• the calcined kaolin can have a surface area of 17 m 2 /g or greater.
• the calcined kaolin can have a surface area of greater than 17 m 2 /g, 18 m 2 /g or greater, 19 m 2 /g or greater, 20 m 2 /g or greater, 21 m 2 /g or greater, or 22 m 2 /g or greater.
• the calcined kaolin can have a surface area of 25 m 2 /g or less, 24 m 2 /g or less, 23 m 2 /g or less, or 22 m 2 /g or less.
• the calcined kaolin can have a surface area of from 17 m 2 /g to 25 m 2 /g, from 17 m 2 /g to 22 m 2 /g, from 19 m 2 /g to 25 m 2 /g, from greater than 20 m 2 /g to 25 m 2 /g, or from 21 m 2 /g to 25 m 2 /g.
• the calcined kaolin of the disclosure has improved gloss and/or light scattering.
• gloss is determined by applying a film of pigment onto optically smooth black glass from a 30% solids (by weight) mixture of pigment and water using a 0.25 mil Bird Bar. Gloss is measured using a Technidyne T480 gloss meter (Technidyne Corporation, New Albany, Indiana) at 75 degrees (PL Method 50C).
• the calcined kaolin can have a gloss of 30% or greater.
• the calcined kaolin can have a gloss of 32% or greater, 35% or greater, 38% or greater, 40% or greater, 42% or greater, 44% or greater, 45% or greater, 46% or greater, 48% or greater, or 50% or greater.
• the calcined kaolin can have a gloss of 50% or less, 48% or less, 47% or less, or 46% or less.
• the calcined kaolin can have a gloss of from 30% to 50%, from 30% to 45%, from 35% to 50%, or from 35% to 45%.
• light scattering is determined by applying a film of pigment onto optically smooth black glass from a 30% solids (by weight) mixture of pigment and water using a 0.25 mil Bird Bar.
• the reflectance values of the pigment films after air drying are measured at wavelengths of 457 nm and 577 nm by means of a reflectance meter having an integrated sphere geometry like an Elrepho reflectometer.
• the reflectance values are converted by the use of Kubelka-Munk equations to light scattering coefficients (m 2 /g).
• the calcined kaolin can have a scattering coefficient at 457 nanometers of 0.400 m 2 /g or less.
• the calcined kaolin can have a scattering coefficient at 457 nanometers of 0.380 m 2 /g or less, 0.350 m 2 /g or less, 0.340 m 2 /g or less, 0.335 m 2 /g or less, 0.330 m 2 /g or less, 0.325 m 2 /g or less, 0.320 m 2 /g or less, 0.315 m 2 /g or less, 0.310 m 2 /g or less, 0.305 m 2 /g or less, or 0.300 m 2 /g or less.
• the calcined kaolin can have a scattering coefficient at 457 nanometers of greater than 0.300 m 2 /g, 0.305 m 2 /g or greater, 0.310 m 2 /g or greater, or 0.320 m 2 /g or greater. In some embodiments, the calcined kaolin can have a scattering coefficient at 457 nanometers of from 0.300 m 2 /g to 0.400 m 2 /g, from 0.300 m 2 /g to 0.350 m 2 /g, from 0.300 m 2 /g to 0.335 m 2 /g, or from 0.305 m 2 /g to 0.335 m 2 /g.
• the calcined kaolin can have a scattering coefficient at 577 nanometers of 0.300 m 2 /g or less.
• the calcined kaolin can have a scattering coefficient 577 nanometers of 0.250 m 2 /g or less, 0.235 m 2 /g or less, 0.229 m 2 /g or less, 0.228 m 2 /g or less, 0.227 m 2 /g or less, 0.226 m 2 /g or less, 0.225 m 2 /g or less, 0.224 m 2 /g or less, 0.223 m 2 /g or less, 0.222 m 2 /g or less, 0.221 m 2 /g or less, or 0.220 m 2 /g or less.
• the calcined kaolin can have a scattering coefficient at 577 nanometers of greater than 0.220 m 2 /g, 0.221 m 2 /g or greater, 0.222 m 2 /g or greater, 0.223 m 2 /g or greater, 0.224 m 2 /g or greater, or 0.225 m 2 /g or greater.
• the calcined kaolin can have a scattering coefficient at 577 nanometers of from 0.220 m 2 /g to 0.300 m 2 /g, from 0.221 m 2 /g to 0.229 m 2 /g, or from 0.221 m 2 /g to 0.227 m 2 /g.
• Calcined kaolin products can include a small percentage of oversize particles (coarse residue particles) that can have undesirable effects such as blockage of the die in extrusion processes. These coarse residue particles can also cause deficiencies on the coated paper/thermal paper surface. Further, the coarse residue particles tend to be more abrasive and can therefore result in wear and tear of application equipment.
• the coarse residue particles will generally be retained on a 325 mesh screen and are referred to herein as +325 mesh residue.
• the +325 mesh residue may be measured as specified in ASTM C-325-81 (1997).
• the calcined kaolin can have a +325 mesh residue content of 300 ppm or less.
• the calcined kaolin can have a +325 mesh residue content of 280 ppm or less, 250 ppm or less, 230 ppm or less, 200 ppm or less, 180 ppm or less, 150 ppm or less, 120 ppm or less, 100 ppm or less, less than 100 ppm, 95 ppm or less, 90 ppm or less, 80 ppm or less, 70 ppm or less, 60 ppm or less, 50 ppm or less, 40 ppm or less, 30 ppm or less, 25 ppm or less, or 20 ppm or less.
• the calcined kaolin can have a +325 mesh residue content of 0 ppm or greater, 5 ppm or greater, 10 ppm or greater, 15 ppm or greater, 20 ppm or greater, 30 ppm or greater, 40 ppm or greater, 50 ppm or greater, 55 ppm or greater, 60 ppm or greater, 65 ppm or greater, or 70 ppm or greater.
• the calcined kaolin can have a +325 mesh residue content of from 5 ppm to 300 ppm, from 5 ppm to 250 ppm, from 5 ppm to 200 ppm, from 5 ppm to 150 ppm, from 5 ppm to 100 ppm, from 10 ppm to 300 ppm, from 10 ppm to 200 ppm, from 10 ppm to 100 ppm, from 10 ppm to 80 ppm, from 15 ppm to 300 ppm, from 15 ppm to 200 ppm, from 15 ppm to 100 ppm, or from 15 ppm to 75 ppm.
• Calcined kaolin products can include a low alkali content, including sodium oxide and potassium oxide. Sodium oxide and potassium oxide are known to have high thermal expansion values and are thus undesirable in some applications.
• the calcined kaolin can have an alkali content of 0.25% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the calcined kaolin.
• the calcined kaolin can have a sodium oxide content of 0.20% by weight or less, 0.18%) by weight or less, 0.15% by weight or less, 0.13% by weight or less, 0.10% by weight or less, 0.08%) by weight or less, or 0.05%> by weight or less, based on the total weight of the calcined kaolin.
• the calcined kaolin can have a sodium oxide content of from 0.05% to 0.20% by weight, 0.05% to 0.15% by weight, or from 0.05% to 0.10% by weight, based on the total weight of the calcined kaolin.
• the heat-treated kaolin of the disclosure can comprise any combination of the herein described properties.
• the disclosure encompasses a heat-treated kaolin having a PSD as disclosed in Table 1 in combination with a median particle size as disclosed in Table 1 and/or any one or more of the properties disclosed in Tables 3 and 5.
• the disclosure encompasses a heat-treated kaolin having a PSD as disclosed in Table 1 and having the light scattering values disclosed in Table 5.
• the disclosure encompasses a heat-treated kaolin having a PSD as disclosed in Table 1 and having the oil absorption values disclosed in Table 3.
• a method for preparing the kaolin product is provided.
• the method is depicted in schematic form in Figure 1.
• the method comprises providing a first kaolin feedstream 6 having at least about 88-89% by weight of the particles of size of 1 ⁇ or less; a filtering step 8 of the first feedstream to produce a filter cake 10; a dispersing step 12 of the filter cake in a sodium- free dispersion agent to provide a second kaolin feedstream 14; and a drying and heat treating step 16 of the second kaolin feedstream to produce a heat treated kaolin 18.
• FIG. 2 An embodiment of the method is depicted in schematic form in Figure 2 in which prior to filtering step 8, the first kaolin feedstream is subject to a step of classifying 20 to produce a finer particle size feedstream having at least 97-98% by weight of particles have size of 1 ⁇ or less.
• the finer particle size feedstream is subject to a step of flocculating 22, followed by filtering step 8 to produce filter cake 10.
• Filter cake 10 is subject to the dispersing step 12 to provide second kaolin feedstream 14.
• Drying and heating step 16 comprises a step of first spray drying 24 the second kaolin feedstream 14 and then subjecting feedstream 14 to a step of pulverizing 26, followed by a step heat treating 28 the pulverized kaolin material to produce heat treated kaolin 18.
• heat treated kaolin 18 is subject to further step of pulverizing 30 to produce a pulverized heat treated kaolin 32.
• the method may further comprise producing the first kaolin feedstream 6 by a processing step 4 comprising processing a blunged/degritted hydrous kaolin crude feedstock 2 by a classification step and a beneficiation step to produce the first kaolin feedstream 6. See Figure 3.
• the blunged/degritted hydrous kaolin crude feedstock can be prepared from a kaolin crude using conventional techniques. Any hydrous kaolin crude can be used. Kaolin crudes can be pre-dominantly grey, white, creamy, pink or red/brown in color so the present disclosure provides versatility of using a wide variety of crudes to obtain the final calcined kaolin product.
• the kaolin crude is crushed and made down into a slurry form (blunged in water) with the aid of one or more anionic dispersants through the use of a high-energy mixer known as a blunger.
• the pH of the dispersed slurry is usually about 7 to 10.
• the slurry has a pH of about 10 (e.g., 9 to 10 or 9.5 to 10).
• the dispersant may be an organic dispersant or inorganic dispersant.
• Inorganic dispersant typically include phosphate salts and sodium silicate dispersants.
• phosphate salts include inorganic polyphosphates and pyrophosphates (which are actually a type of polyphosphate), such as sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP).
• Organic dispersants typically include ammonia-based dispersants, sulfonate dispersants, carboxylic acid dispersants, and polymeric dispersants, such as polyacrylate dispersants, as well as other organic dispersants conventionally employed in kaolin pigment processing.
• Dispersant blends may be used, such as a blend of sodium carbonate, sodium polyacrylate, sodium silicate, and sodium hydroxide, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
• Oversized particles consisting largely of sand particles are then removed from the blunged crude by any conventional manner using one or more of sieves, sandboxes, gravity settling, or hydrocycl ones.
• Either wet or dry degritting may be employed.
• degritting may be performed by combining the crude kaolin with water and passing the slurried mixture through a sieve, such as a 325 mesh sieve or a 200 mesh sieve.
• the resulting blunged/degritted hydrous kaolin crude feedstock is then processed by a classification step and a beneficiation step to produce a first feedstream.
• Classification also known as fractionation
• beneficiation also known as refining
• Methods of classification include:
• centrifugation and sedimentation are suitable methods.
• suitable centrifuges include Bird solid bowl centrifuge, disc-nozzle high speed centrifuges, horizontal three-phase centrifuges, and the like.
• High-speed centrifugation serves to separate the blunged/degritted crude kaolin into two streams.
• centrifugation separates the kaolin into a coarse stream (at least about 80% by weight of the particles have a size of 2 microns or coarser) and a fine stream (at least about 85% by weight of the particles have a size of 1 micron or less).
• centrifugation is such that the first feedstream, after beneficiation, has at least about 88-89% by weight of the particles have size of 1 ⁇ or less.
• Methods of beneficiation include magnetic separation, selective flocculation, reductive bleaching, filtering, flotation, and ozonation/oxidative bleaching. The methods may be carried out in any suitable manner.
• the beneficiation step is magnetic separation.
• the beneficiation is ozonation/oxi dative bleaching.
• Magnetic separation can be effected using a high gradient magnetic separator (HGMS), to magnetically remove colored discrete paramagnetic impurities (principally iron-bearing titania), thus improving brightness.
• HGMS high gradient magnetic separator
• These separators are also known as HTMS units (high intensity magnetic separators).
• HTMS units high intensity magnetic separators
• Conventional or improved HGMS separators can be employed for the magnetic separation step.
• Suitable magnetic separators include any commercial or proprietary "high intensity" magnetic separator.
• Flocculation involves separating minerals of one species from minerals of the same species, e.g., the separation of ultrafine kaolin particles from fine or coarse kaolin particles.
• Flocculation is effected using an ionic material, such as an acid ("acid flocculation").
• Sulfuric acid is an inexpensive and widely available acid.
• Flocculation may be carried in any suitable manner.
• Selective flocculation involves separation of ultrafine kaolin particles from discolored titania-ferrous impurities by the aid of conditioning chemicals (such as oleic acid and divalent cation salts) and high molecular weight/highly anionic acrylamide polymer in a settling vessel such as classifier or thickener.
• conditioning chemicals such as oleic acid and divalent cation salts
• high molecular weight/highly anionic acrylamide polymer in a settling vessel such as classifier or thickener.
• Flotation is performed in any conventional manner including wet flotation, ultraflotation, froth flotation, TREP flotation (titania removal and extraction process), and the like.
• General methods of flotation are described in Mathur, S., "Kaolin Flotation", Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 256, pp. 153-158, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference in this regard. See also U.S. Pat. No. 8,557,037.
• bleaching involves increasing the brightness of the kaolin.
• Reductive bleaching involves contacting the coarse kaolin stream with a suitable amount of one or more of hydrosulfite (dithionite) salts, potassium permanganate, alkali bichromates, ammonium persulfate, and the like. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,353,668.
• the method for preparing the kaolin product does not include reductive bleaching.
• the kaolin stream can be free or substantially free of soluble salts from the bleaching process. The presence of soluble salts such as potassium permanganate and zinc hydrosulfite can affect the kaolin product.
• a high concentration of soluble salts can cause a higher +325 mesh residue content, coarser particle size, or undesirably large increases in oil absorption.
• the presence of soluble salts can also flocculate the kaolin which may affect processing the kaolin.
• a high concentration of soluble salts can cause high viscosity of the kaolin product in paper use, or lower the temperature of vitrification in ceramic utilization.
• Ozonation/oxi dative bleaching involves oxidative bleaching, using ozone, in order to bleach components, such as organic discolorants, that may be present.
• the ozone acts not only to destroy substantial portions of discoloring organics, but also destroys by oxidation the organic dispersant, if such a compound is present. However, the ozone does not destroy inorganic dispersants.
• Ozonation is performed in any suitable manner. In a non-limiting example, ozonation may be performed at a dosage level from about 0.1 to about 20 pounds of ozone per ton of kaolin. In another embodiment, ozonation is performed at a dosage level from about 0.5 to about 10 pounds of ozone per ton of kaolin.
• the ozone may be applied as a stream of bubbles which can be passed upwardly through the slurry.
• This can be a batch process or a continuous process in which the ozone bubbles pass counter current to a flow of the slurry in a pipe or other conduit, such as mixed and packed column.
• the result is a first feedstream having at least about 88-89% by weight of the particles have size of 1 ⁇ or less.
• the blunged/degritted hydrous kaolin crude feedstock is subject to two classification steps, e.g., a coarse size classification, and finer size classification.
• the first feedstream produces has at least 70% by weight of the particles have size of ⁇ 0.3 microns.
• the first feedstream produces has at least 86% by weight of the particles have size of ⁇ 0.5 microns.
• the method includes a further beneficiation step on the blunged/degritted hydrous kaolin crude feedstock.
• the blunged/degritted hydrous kaolin crude feedstock is subject to ozonation and flotation beneficiation steps.
• the blunged/degritted hydrous kaolin crude feedstock is subject to magnetic separation and acid flocculation beneficiation steps.
• the first feedstream is then subjected to a second beneficiation step of filtering to produce a filter cake.
• Filtering serves to remove solubilized impurities along with by-products salts by dewatering, typically following by rinsing with clean water.
• the method further comprises a second classification step prior to the filtering step. Specifically, the first feedstream is classified by centrifugation to provide a fines fraction having a fine particle size distribution of at least about 97-98% by weight of the particles have size of 1 ⁇ or less. The fines fraction of the first feedstream is then filtered to produce a filter cake product. The fine fraction optionally may be flocculated prior to filtration. See Figure 2.
• Centrifugation can be done in a single or multiple steps by using solid bowl or disc nozzle centrifuges to provide the desired particle fineness.
• the centrifuge may operate at "g" forces from above about 1,000 to about 10,000.
• the high-speed centrifugation treatment the centrifuge may operate at "g” forces from about 2,000 to about 7,500.
• the high-speed centrifugation treatment may operate at "g" forces from about 2,000 to about 7,500.
• centrifugation treatment the centrifuge may operate at "g" forces from above about 2,500 to about 5,000.
• the filter cake produced by the filtering step is then dispersed in a sodium-free dispersion agent to provide a second feedstream.
• exemplary sodium-free dispersants include ammonia- based dispersants.
• exemplary ammonia-based dispersants include ammonia, ammonium polyacrylate, ammonium polyphosphate, AMP-95 (2-amino-2-methyl-l-propanol) or
• the second feedstream is then dried and heat treated. Drying can be carried by any conventional method in the art. Examples suitable for drying kaolin include spray drying, flash drying, rotary drying, or other conglomeration techniques.
• the dried kaolin is typically pulverized prior to the heat treatment. Pulverization may be conducted in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, the kaolin is pulverized at least once. In another embodiment, the kaolin is pulverized in at least two separate acts (twice pulverized). The pulverization may break up any agglomerates that may be present. Such agglomerates may form during drying, changing the particle size achieved by high-speed centrifugation and other method steps.
• Heat treatment may be employed to form one or more of metakaolin, partially calcined kaolin, and fully calcined kaolin, depending on the temperature/duration of the heat treatment. In an embodiment, the heat treatment employed results in fully calcined kaolin.
• "fully calcined kaolin” refers to kaolin that has been heat treated at a temperature from 900°C to about 1200°C. In an embodiment, the heat treatment employed results in metakaolin.
• Heat treatment is performed under one of an inert atmosphere, an oxidizing atmosphere, and a reducing atmosphere. Calcining destroys the crystallinity of hydrous kaolin and renders the kaolin substantially amorphous. Calcination occurs after heating at temperatures in the range from about 700 to about 1200° C. for a sufficient period of time.
• Commercial vertical and horizontal rotary calciners can be used to produce metakaolin, partially calcined kaolin, and/or calcined kaolin. Operation is controlled to avoid calcining at sufficiently high temperatures to form unwanted mullite (3Al 2 0 3 .Si0 2 ).
• the heat treated kaolin may be subject to addition wet centrifugation or air classification steps, to produce an even finer size distribution production.
• a fully calcined kaolin may be slurried at 20 wt.% in water, and subjected to centrifugation to produce an even finer size fraction.
• a delamination step is carried out during the refining of kaolin, for instance after classification. Delamination processes include ball milling, media grinding (including stirred media grinding and/or high energy media grinding). In an
• the method excludes any delamination process.
• the method for preparing the heat-treated kaolin product can include providing a first kaolin feedstream having at least about 88-89% by weight of the particles having size of 1 ⁇ or less; classifying the first kaolin feedstream by centrifugation to provide a fine particle size distribution of at least about 97-98% by weight of the particles having size of 1 ⁇ or less; filtering the first kaolin feedstream to produce a filter cake; dispersing the filtrate in a sodium-free dispersion agent to provide a second kaolin feedstream; and drying and heat treating the second kaolin feedstream, wherein the method for preparing the heat-treated kaolin does not include a bleaching step.
• the method can provide a heat-treated kaolin product as described herein.
• the improved optical (gloss and light scattering) properties with finer and narrow particle size distribution of the kaolin of the disclosure should be highly advantageous for applications such as thermal paper, industrial and architectural coatings, and the like.
• calcined kaolin pigment should improve coverage, and optical properties, thus resulting in use of less calcined pigment as compared to the prior art or reduction of T1O2 for achieving similar optical properties.
• the kaolin disclosed herein is used in thermal paper.
• the inventive pigments should improve the insulation capacity, coverage, smoothness and wax absorption of the pre-coating used in direct thermal paper.
• Thermal paper typically has at least three layers: a substrate layer, an active layer for forming an image, and a base layer between the substrate layer and active layer.
• the base layer contains a binder and a calcined kaolin as a porosity improver, and may further and optionally contain a dispersant, wetting agent, and other additives.
• the porosity improver contributes to the desirable thermal effusivity properties of the base layer.
• the base layer contains a sufficient amount of a porosity improver to contribute to providing insulating properties, such as a beneficial thermal effusivity, that facilitate high quality image formation in the active layer.
• the base layer contains about 5% by weight or more and about 95% by weight or less of a porosity improver.
• the base layer contains about 15% by weight or more and about 90% by weight or less of a porosity improver.
• the base layer contains about 15% by weight or more and about 40% by weight or less of a porosity improver. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,902,117.
• the calcined kaolin material can be used in paper, and in particular, pigment for thermal paper base coating, coatings, wire and cable, plastics, tire and rubber, construction.
• Exemplary monomers for use in preparing paper coating or binding formulations comprising calcined kaolin are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,642, 182.
• the calcined kaolin of the disclosure can also be used in paper coating and filling.
• the calcined kaolin of the disclosure can also be surface treated using silanes for wire and cable and other engineered plastics applications.
• the heat-treated kaolin of the disclosure can be used in an industrial or architectural coating.
• the kaolin of the disclosure provides a higher contrast ratio which indicates improved higher power, improved whiteness and brightness, and/or higher tinting strength in such a coating, compared to commercial kaolins currently available.
• the kaolin disclosed herein can be used for a variety of applications.
• Non- limiting uses for the calcined kaolin disclosed herein include the manufacture of paper and paperboard products, paper coatings, ceramic products, paints, polymers, rubbers, engineered plastics, and inks.
• the kaolin process described herein can also be used to process any type of crude kaolin clay: soft and hard, different colors (grey, white, cream, yellow, brown, red, and pink), and mixtures thereof.
• Particle size distribution was measured by sedimentation of the particle material in a fully dispersed condition in a standard aqueous medium, such as water, using a SEDIGRAPH 5100 particle size analyzer (Micromeretics Corporation). The data are reported as equivalent spherical diameters (e.s.d.) on a weight percentage basis.
• the mean particle size dso is the value determined in this way of the particle e.s.d. at which there are 50% by weight of the particles that have an e.s.d. less than the dso value.
• Brightness was determined by the TAPPI standard method T452. The data are reported as the percentage reflectance to light of a 457 nm wavelength (GEB value).
• Einlehner abrasion loss was determined by an Einlehner AT 1000 Abrasion tester, using 15%) by weight solids and 100,000 revolutions. The Einlehner abrasion is reported in mg loss/100,000 revolutions (mg loss/10 5 rev).
• Oil absorption was determined using ASTM D 281 "Oil Absorption by Spatula Rub-out.” The data are reported in pounds of oil absorbed per 100 pounds of calcined kaolin (%).
• Examples 1 and 2 were prepared from exclusively grey kaolin crude of the tertiary crude type.
• This example provides data for a calcined kaolin prepared according to the present disclosure and a comparative commercially available calcined kaolin.
• the commercially available calcined kaolin (also referred to herein as "control kaolin”) is produced from a chemically dispersed blunged/degritted hydrous kaolin crude feedstock that is subject to a classification step and a beneficiation step to produce a feedstream for calcination.
• the control kaolin feedstream has 88-89%> ⁇ 1 micron particle size, as measured by SEDIGRAPH 5100 particle size analyzer (Micromeritics Corporation, USA).
• Comparative Sample 1 The comparative calcined kaolin in this example, Comparative Sample 1 was prepared by obtaining a sample of the control kaolin feedstream, and spray drying it in the laboratory. The dried material was then pulverized using a Micro pulverizer equipped with a 0.020" screen and then calcined in a laboratory muffle furnace at 1,079°C (i.e., 1,975 °F) for a 60 minute soak time. The resulting calcined kaolin product was then pulverized using the Micro pulverizer equipped with 0.020" screen.
• Sample 1 is an embodiment of the inventive calcined kaolin. Sample 1 was made by diluting kaolin from the control kaolin feedstream to about 30%> solids, followed by
• the resulting filter cake contained about 55% solids.
• the filter cake was then re- dispersed with ammonium hydroxide at pH about 10.0.
• the dispersed filter slip was then spray dried, pulverized and calcined in a laboratory muffle furnace at 1,079 °C (i.e., 1,975 °F) for 60 minutes soak time, as described for Comparative Sample 1.
• the resulting calcined kaolin was then pulverized using the Micro pulverizer, as described for Comparative Sample 1.
• Comparative Sample 1 and Sample 1 Physical and optical properties of Comparative Sample 1 and Sample 1 were measured. Table 7 below shows the properties of Comparative Sample 1 (commercially available calcined kaolin), and Sample 1 (the inventive calcined kaolin).
• Sample 1 has significantly higher GE brightness and lower Einlehner abrasion value than the Comparative Sample 1. Further, Sample 1 has a much finer and narrower particle size distribution both at the coarse end (>5 microns) and the fine end ( ⁇ 2 microns) of distribution, as well as a finer median particle size, compared to the Comparative Sample 1. In addition, oil absorption value for Sample 1 is markedly increased, which is a desirable property for certain applications such as architectural and industrial coatings and thermal paper applications (wax absorption etc.).
• the inventive calcined kaolin product had a lower +325 mesh residue content of 0.0016% (16 ppm) compared to 0.0095% (95 ppm) for the
• Comparative Sample 1 The data also show that surface area of Sample 1 is increased from 16.9 m 2 /g for Comparative Sample 1 to 19.9 m 2 /g for the inventive calcined kaolin. This is another indication of finer particle size distribution of inventive calcined kaolin product.
• the additional processing steps used to prepare Sample 1 advantageously result in a calcined kaolin that has improved optical properties, improved oil absorption, improved surface area, and reduced abrasion, compared to Comparative Sample 1.
• Sample 2 was prepared without additional centrifugation step used to prepare Sample 1.
• the resulting flocked clay was then subjected to filtration using the lab vacuum filtration system to dewater and remove soluble salts.
• the resulting filter cake contained about 55% solids.
• the filter cake was then re-dispersed with ammonium hydroxide at pH about 10.0.
• the dispersed filter slip was then spray dried, pulverized and calcined in a laboratory muffle furnace at 1,079°C (i.e., 1,975°F) for 60 minutes soak time, as described in Example 2.
• the resulting calcined kaolin was then pulverized using the lab Micro pulverizer, and physical and optical properties of Sample 2 were measured. The data are presented in Table 8.
• Sample 2 As shown in Table 8, the brightness of Sample 2 is similar to Comparative Sample 1. However, Sample 2 (the inventive calcined kaolin) has a finer and narrower particle size distribution both at the coarse end (>5 microns) and the fine end ( ⁇ 2 microns) of distribution, as well as a finer median particle size in comparison to Comparative Sample 1.
• the data also show that surface area of the inventive calcined kaolin is increased slightly from 16.9 m 2 /g for regular ANSILEX® 93 to 17.8 m 2 /g for inventive calcined kaolin.
• the inventive calcined kaolin product had a lower +325 mesh residue content of 0.0072% (72 ppm) compared to 0.0095% (95 ppm) for the Comparative Sample 1. There is also an increase in oil absorption value for the inventive kaolin as compared to Comparative Sample 1.
• Examples 1 and 2 demonstrate the significance of an additional centrifugation step for obtaining a finer calciner feedstream that results in the calcined kaolin product with much finer and narrower particle size distribution, as well as other improved properties (e.g., higher GE brightness, lower Einlehner abrasion, higher surface area, higher oil absorption), compared to Comparative Sample 1.
• the data in Examples 1 and 2 also clearly illustrate the additional benefits of filtration combined with using an ammonia-based filter dispersant that results in a finer and narrower particle size distribution inventive calcined product as well.
• the additional processing steps used to prepare inventive Samples 1 and 2 advantageously result in a calcined kaolin that has both a finer and a narrower particle size distribution as compared to the prior art.
• the inventive calcined kaolin embodiment, Sample 3, in this example was produced from an ultra-fine hydrous kaolin feedstream, obtained from BASF's kaolin manufacturing operations.
• the kaolin in this feedstream contains about 50% grey crudes, the balance being the other types of crudes including white, cream, brown, reddish, pink colored crudes.
• the ultra-fine hydrous kaolin feedstream is prepared from a chemically dispersed hydrous kaolin crude feedstock subjected to coarse size classification, flotation, ozonation, and ultra-fine size classification steps at BASF's manufacturing operations.
• a disc-nozzle centrifuge (Alpha Laval) is utilized to obtain the ultra-fine size with at least 70% by weight of the particles less than 0.3 microns.
• the fines fraction from the plant AlphaLaval centrifuge with 73% ⁇ 0.3 microns particle size was flocked, filtered and re-dispersed using ammonia as the dispersant at pH about 10.0, as described in Example 1.
• the re-dispersed filter product was then spray dried followed by pulverization with a Micro pulverizer.
• the prepared feed material was then calcined in a lab muffle furnace at 1,079°C (1975°F) temperature for 60 min soak time.
• the resulting calcined product was then pulverized using a Micro pulverizer, and physical and optical properties of Sample 3 were measured.
• Comparative 2 was prepared in the same way as Sample 3, except that the filter cake was re-dispersed using a sodium based dispersant (instead of using ammonia). Specifically, a blend of sodium polyacryl ate/soda ash/sodium hexametaphosphate (SAP) was used for re-dispersing filter product at pH about 7. The other process parameters such as spray drying, pulverizing and calcining were kept the same. The particle size distribution of Comparative Sample 2 was measured.
• SAP sodium polyacryl ate/soda ash/sodium hexametaphosphate
• the inventive calcined kaolin which is dispersed using ammonia at the filter step has a finer and narrower particle size distribution both at the coarse end (>5 microns) and the fine end ( ⁇ 2 microns) of distribution, as well as finer median particle size, compared to Comparative Sample 1.
• Comparative Sample 2 the filter product dispersed using sodium based dispersants results in a much coarser particle size calcined product. From this example, one can appreciate the advantages of using ammonia as the secondary dispersant at the filtration step for obtaining finer and narrow particle size inventive calcined product.
• Sample 3 (the inventive calcined kaolin) has significantly higher GE brightness and lower Einlehner abrasion value compared to Comparative Sample 1.
• the inventive calcined kaolin product had a lower +325 mesh residue content of 0.0051% (51 ppm) compared to 0.0095% (95 ppm) for the Comparative Sample 1.
• surface area of the inventive calcined kaolin is increased remarkably from 16.9 m 2 /g for Comparative Sample 1 to 20.8 m 2 /g for inventive calcined kaolin.
• oil absorption value for inventive kaolin compared to Comparative Sample 1.
• Light scattering data for Comparative Sample 1 and Samples 1-3 are shown in Table 10.
• Light scattering was determined by applying a film of pigment onto optically smooth black glass from a 30% solids (by weight) mixture of pigment and water using a 0.25 mil Bird Bar.
• the reflectance values of the pigment films after air drying are measured at wavelengths of 457 nm and 577 nm by means of a reflectance meter having an integrated sphere geometry like an Elrepho reflectometer.
• the reflectance values are converted by the use of Kubelka-Munk equations to light scattering coefficients (m 2 /g).
• gloss is determined by applying a film of pigment onto optically smooth black glass from a 30% solids (by weight) mixture of pigment and water using a 0.25 mil Bird Bar. Gloss is measured using a Technidyne T480 gloss meter (Technidyne Corporation, New Albany, Indiana) at 75 degrees (PL Method 50C).
• Samples 1-3 was obtained by determination of the bulk elemental composition using a
• XRF Panalytical X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
• each sample is first dried in an oven to ensure the surface moisture is removed, followed by firing samples in a muffle furnace at 1,000°C for 60 minutes to determine loss-on-ignition (LOI) value.
• LOI loss-on-ignition
• the sample is cooled down in a desiccator and pressed into a pellet using cellulose as the binder (note that cellulose is inert for XRF analysis performed on kaolin samples).
• Table 11 contains XRF data for the three inventive calcined products as well as
• Comparative Sample 1 Comparative Sample 1.
• the XRF produces a list of the percentages of nine chemical elements (Si, Al, Na, K, Ti, Fe, Ca, Mg and P) expressed as oxides: Si0 2 , A1 2 0 3 , Na 2 0, K 2 0, Ti0 2 , Fe 2 0 3 , CaO, MgO, and P2O5. The results are reported on volatile free basis. Also presented in the table are the LOI values for each product.
• Samples 1 through 3 contain only about a quarter of the sodium contained by Comparative Sample 1.
• the processing steps used to prepare Samples 1 through 3 advantageously result in a large reduction in sodium content.
• sodium for instance from a sodium dispersant used in preparing a chemically dispersed blunged/degritted hydrous kaolin crude feedstock, fills pores in the kaolin particles during calcination thus reducing surface area and pore volume of final calcined product.
• the reduction in sodium content is therefore believed to contribute to the improved oil absorption and surface area properties of the kaolin prepared according to the method of this disclosure.
• sample 3 also has a reduced amount of T1O2, indicating that the method used to prepare Sample 3 reduces titanium contamination in the kaolin feedstream.
• the processing steps used to prepare Sample 1 and 3 advantageously result in a favorable reduction in titania content, which in turn results in better calcination response and higher brightness product (see Sample 1 in Table 7 and Sample 3 in Table 9).
• Example 3 Chemical composition was also determined for the kaolin samples dispersed using ammonia (Sample 3) or sodium-based dispersant (Comparative Sample 2), described in Example 3. Sample 3 and Comparative Sample 2 are prepared identically except for the dispersants used during the filtration step prior to calcination. The data are presented in Table 12.
• Example 3 Chemical composition was also determined for the kaolin samples dispersed using ammonia (Sample 3) or sodium-based dispersant (Comparative Sample 2), described in Example 3. Sample 3 and Comparative Sample 2 are prepared identically except for the dispersants used during the filtration step prior to calcination. The data are presented in Table 12.
• Sample 3 contains only about 20% of the sodium present in
• Comparative Sample 2 in which the calciner feed was dispersed using a sodium-based dispersant was dispersed using a sodium-based dispersant. It is also notable that there is about 32% reduction in P2O5 value for the inventive kaolin product as well. This result suggests that the phosphate (likely as a result of using sodium hexa metaphosphate in sodium based dispersant) is also removed from the kaolin surface during the filtration step (removed with the filtrate). The presence of excessive amount of alkalis, such as sodium, in calciner feed materials can lead to fluxing during calcination, which causes aggregation of particles.
• alkalis such as sodium
• any reduction in sodium obtained by the method of the disclosure is also believed to reduce the incidence and/or the extent of fluxing during calcination, and thereby contribute to the improved narrow particle size distribution and improve morphology of the final calcined kaolin product obtained by the method of the disclosure.
• a paint was prepared comprising either a commercially available fine calcined kaolin (Comparative Sample 4) or a calcined kaolin of this disclosure (Sample 4).
• the paint formulation is shown in Table 13.
• the properties of the two paint formulations were characterized by: viscosity, contrast ratio, brightness, whiteness, yellowness, Hunter L, a, and b values, gloss at 20 degrees and at 60 degrees, sheen at 85 degrees, and tint strength.
• Viscosity is a measure of resistance to flow. Viscosity was measured using a Stormer viscometer and is expressed as Krebs Units (KU).
• Contrast ratio was determined by measuring reflectance over a black substrate and over a white substrate using a Hunter Spectrophotometer.
• the contrast ratio is the ratio of reflectance of black/reflectance of white.
• Whiteness, Yellowness, and Hunter L, a, b values were measured using a Hunter Spectrophotometer.
• Gloss and sheen were measured using a gloss meter at three angles of incidence (20, 60 and 85).
• Tinting Strength was assessed using a white base containing the kaolin that was tinted (black colorant added) and reflectance of the corresponding gray was measured. Comparative Sample 4 was measured against Sample 4 and the lightness of the gray shade is given a numerical value based on the reflectance. The higher the tinting strength, the lighter is the shade.
• compositions and methods of the appended claims are not limited in scope by the specific compositions and methods described herein, which are intended as illustrations of a few aspects of the claims and any compositions and methods that are functionally equivalent are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.
• Various modifications of the compositions and methods in addition to those shown and described herein are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Landscapes

• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Organic Chemistry (AREA)
• Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
• Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Materials Engineering (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
• Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
• Paper (AREA)
• Pigments, Carbon Blacks, Or Wood Stains (AREA)
• Silicates, Zeolites, And Molecular Sieves (AREA)
• Paints Or Removers (AREA)

Priority Applications (10)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=58348034

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (10)

Cited By (2)

Families Citing this family (1)

Citations (10)

Family Cites Families (30)

• 2017
  • 2017-03-08 WO PCT/US2017/021306 patent/WO2017156088A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2017-03-08 EP EP17711545.8A patent/EP3426730B1/en not_active Not-in-force
  • 2017-03-08 JP JP2018547471A patent/JP7086849B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2017-03-08 MX MX2018010859A patent/MX2018010859A/es unknown
  • 2017-03-08 KR KR1020227019695A patent/KR20220085843A/ko not_active Ceased
  • 2017-03-08 AU AU2017229605A patent/AU2017229605B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2017-03-08 US US15/453,192 patent/US10253186B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2017-03-08 CA CA3016636A patent/CA3016636A1/en active Pending
  • 2017-03-08 BR BR112018067948-8A patent/BR112018067948B1/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2017-03-08 CN CN201780028195.2A patent/CN109247020B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2017-03-08 KR KR1020187029005A patent/KR102410413B1/ko not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2019
  • 2019-04-08 US US16/378,130 patent/US10988621B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2022
  • 2022-06-08 JP JP2022092921A patent/JP2022120052A/ja active Pending

Patent Citations (10)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events