HIGH ABSORPTION MINERALS
Minerals (e.g. silica- or silicate-based minerals) having good oil- and/or water-absorption capacities and/or good flowability, mineral composites comprising first and second mineral components having good oil- and/or water-absorption capacities and/or good flowability, methods of making said minerals and mineral composites and the uses of said minerals and mineral composites, for example in animal feed or fertilizer compositions.
1 - 34 . (canceled)
35 . A spray-dried silica-based mineral or silicate-based mineral that:
a) has an organic acid and/or oil absorption capacity equal to or greater than about 140 g/100 g of the mineral; and/or
b) is in the form of a free-flowing granulate.
36 . The mineral of claim 35 , having an organic acid and/or oil absorption capacity equal to or greater than about 100 g/100 g of the.
37 . The mineral of claim 35 , having a base flow energy (BFE) equal to or less than about 1200 mJ at an organic acid content of 185 g/100 g of the mineral.
38 . The mineral of claim 35 , having a BFE equal to or less than about 1000 mJ at an organic acid content of 185 g/100 g of the mineral.
39 . The mineral of claim 35 , having a water absorption capacity equal to or greater than about 50 g/100 g of the mineral.
40 . The mineral of claim 35 , having a BFE equal to or less than about 1200 mJ at a water content of 150 g/100 g of the mineral.
41 . The mineral of claim 35 , wherein the mineral is a naturally-derived silica or silicate-based mineral.
42 . The mineral of claim 35 , wherein the mineral is perlite.
43 . The mineral of claim 35 , wherein the mineral is diatomaceous earth.
44 . The mineral of claim 35 , wherein the mineral is calcium silicate that is derived from a natural mineral.
45 . The mineral of claim 35 , further comprising a binder.
46 . The mineral of claim 35 , comprising substantially spherical granules.
47 . The mineral of claim 35 , comprising substantially spherical granules each having a mineral shell surrounded by a hollow core.
48 - 52 . (canceled)
53 . A functional composition comprising a spray-dried silica-based mineral or silicate-based mineral that:
c) has an organic acid and/or oil absorption capacity equal to or greater than about 140 g/100 g of the mineral; and/or
d) in the form of a free-flowing granulate.
54 . The functional composition of claim 53 , wherein the functional composition is an animal feed composition or a fertilizer composition.
55 . The functional composition of claim 53 , wherein the functional composition is a personal care composition.
56 . The functional composition of claim 55 , wherein the functional composition is a deodorant composition.
57 - 94 . (canceled)
95 . The functional composition of claim 53 , wherein the mineral is perlite.
96 . The functional composition of claim 53 , wherein the mineral is diatomaceous earth.
97 . The functional composition of claim 53 , wherein the mineral is calcium silicate that is derived from a natural mineral.