Laurence J Rys

US Patent:

20040238137, Dec 2, 2004

Filed:

Mar 24, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/807782

Inventors:

Simon Donnelly - Shipley, GB
Laurence Rys - Denmark WI, US
Philip Ford - Suffolk VA, US

International Classification:

D21H017/69
D21H021/10

US Classification:

162/164100, 162/181600, 162/181200, 162/181800, 162/181400

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 polymerization of the silicate, iii) allowing sufficient time for the polymerization to proceed to substantial completion and thereby forming a product comprising gelled material, and 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.