Provided is a kaolin having a finer particle size and a narrower particle size distribution, in combination with suitable morphology. Also provided are a method of preparing the kaolin product and methods of use.

Aqueous dispersion containing a hydrophilic metal oxide powder comprising a metal oxide and a surface modification of the metal oxide, wherein a) the metal oxide is selected from the group consisting of TiO.sub.2, ZrO.sub.2, SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2O.sub.3, Fe.sub.2O.sub.3, Fe.sub.3O.sub.4, Sb.sub.2O.sub.3, WO.sub.3, CeO.sub.2 and mixed oxides thereof and b) the surface modification b1) comprises silicon atoms and aluminum atoms and b2) the silicon atoms are at least partly bonded to a hydrocarbon radical via a C atom and b3) the Al/Si molar ratio of the surface modification is 1:2-1:20.

The embodiments herein provide a solvent borne pigment paste comprising an alkyd, where the alkyd is obtainable by a process including the steps of a. producing an OH-functional alkyd from a non-drying oil or fatty acid, one or more polyols, and a first anhydride; where the non-drying oil or fatty acid has an iodine number 115; b. esterification of the OH-functional alkyd with trimellitic anhydride (TMA), where at least 80% of the esterified TMA residues has two free carboxylic groups. In some embodiments, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 98% of the esterified TMA residues has two free carboxylic groups.

The invention relates to aqueous binder-free pigment dispersions containing (A) at least one organic and/or inorganic pigment, (B) one or more dispersing agents and/or surfactants, (C) at least one base of formula (I), where R.sup.1 is H, C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH or CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)OH, (D) optionally, one or more polyalkylene glycols, (E) optionally, other additives commonly used for making aqueous pigment dispersions, and (F) water. ##STR00001##

Provided is an aqueous ink composition for a writing instrument with excellent stability of ink flow and the like, in which aggregation of a microcapsule pigment and clogging due to such aggregation are suppressed. The aqueous ink composition for a writing instrument includes a microcapsule pigment which includes inside, at least, a pigment and a medium of a fatty acid polyol ester. A melting point of the fatty acid polyol ester is preferably 40 C. or higher, and is preferably 70 C. or lower.

Provided is a flaky titanate that exhibits a high weathering resistance while at the same time having the ability to endow a coating film with a silky feeling having a shading feeling and a strong luster feeling, and a method for the production thereof suitable at least for inexpensive industrial production. The flaky titanate contains a basic organic compound wherein the content of basic functional groups thereof is not more than 2.4%, and provides a coating film having a goniospectrophotometric color measured value L* of at least 150. The method for producing a flaky titanate contains a step of classifying a flaking titanate having a basic organic compound at the surface and/or in interlayer position, to bring (D90D10)/D50 in the volume based particle size distribution to 1.5 or less.

A multicolor dispersion comprising a protective composition and two or more colorant dispersions, wherein the protective composition comprises (1) an aqueous dispersion of polymer particles comprising from 89% to 99.45% by weight, based on the total dry weight of the protective composition, of polymer particles, wherein said aqueous dispersion of polymer particles further comprises from 0.33% to 2% by weight, based on the total dry weight of the polymer, of an anionic stabilizer monomer represented by the following Formula I,

##STR00001## wherein R.sub.1 is a linkage group between R.sub.2 and a vinyl group, R.sub.2 is ethylene or propene or butylene, n is from 0 to 50, M is a counter salt of potassium, sodium, ammonium or lithium; wherein said aqueous dispersion of polymer particles further comprises from 0.33% to 5% by weight, based on the total dry weight of the polymer, of a non-reactive anionic surfactant having an ethylene oxide chain length of less than 11; and (2) from 0.5% to 10% by weight, based on the total dry weight of the protective composition, of a clay.

A method for increasing a detection distance of a surface of an object illuminated by near-IR electromagnetic radiation, including: (a) directing near-IR electromagnetic radiation from a near-IR electromagnetic radiation source towards an object at least partially coated with a near-IR reflective coating that increases a near-IR electromagnetic radiation detection distance by at least 15% as measured at a wavelength in a near-IR range as compared to the same object coated with a color matched coating which absorbs more of the same near-IR radiation, where the color matched coating has a E color matched value of 1.5 or less when compared to the near-IR reflective coating; and (b) detecting reflected near-IR electromagnetic radiation reflected from the near-IR reflective coating. A system for detecting proximity of vehicles is also disclosed.

The use of an effect pigment (a) comprising an aluminum-based substrate and an iron oxide coating having a red 1.sup.st order interference color in combination with a colored absorption pigment (b) for producing a coating having enhanced coloristic properties, in particular enhanced chroma, lightness and hiding power, is provided. The pigment combination of (a) and (b) is suitable for coloring plastics, a fiber, a film and a coating composition such as a paint, a printing ink, a varnish or a powder coating, preferably an automotive, an architectural or an industrial coating composition.

A method of making a liquid coating, the method comprising the steps of a) sorting and grouping compatible solvents and resins based on at least one of the following: sheen, color, density and gloss level to form an intermediate pulp; b) mixing alkyds and solvents with intermediate pulp to form a mixture; c) blending the mixture at an approximate speed of 1600 rpm; d) adding one or more of the following: pigment, solvent or alkyds to the mixture; and e) blending and filtering the mixture to form the homogenous liquid coating. The liquid coating includes a gloss alkyd enamel, an alkyd stain, a matte alkyd enamel, an anti-corrosive red oxide matte primer, an alkyd enamel having a semi-gloss/satin/egg-shell finish, a bitumen primer, a bitumen emulsion, an extra durable bitumen emulsion SBR, and a bitumen mastics (putty).