Alcan Research and Development Limited

Stanton E Jack

John H O'Dette

Robert O Dark

Wray G McNeely

An improved water dispersible aluminum powder composition containing from 0.1% to less than 5% of a polyvinylpyrrolidone resin, and processes for its preparation are disclosed. This composition has the advantages that, in comparison to known compositions containing higher levels of polyvinylpyrrolidone, it can be more completely separated from hydrocarbons, and, when used as a water based slurry blasting agent sensitizer is effective in smaller diameter bore holes.

Aluminum powder blasting slurry sensitizer

The specification relates to retro-reflectors of the type used for road signs and markers and vehicle license plates to make these objects more noticeable to road users after dark. In the invention, the surface of a metal substrate is made retro-reflective by applying a layer of an organic polymeric material and adhering glass beads thereto, and then passing the substrate through a roller mill or the like with the glass beads covered by a platen so that the beads form indentations in the metal surface. The presence of the platen allows the pressing (indentation) step to take place without damage to the glass beads or to the layer between the beads and the metal surface. By this means, a hard metal article can be made directly retro-reflective.

Retro-reflecting sheet material

Aluminum powder compositions, and methods for their preparation, comprising fine particle size aluminum powder, a polyvinylpyrrolidone resin in an amount of 5% to 20%, based on the aluminum, and either a hydrocarbon or a polar liquid medium in an amount of 30% to 50%, based on the aluminum, are described. These compositions find use as sensitizers in slurry-type blasting agents. Compared to known compositions, they are both dust free and substantially non-reactive, on storage, toward the aqueous milieu of such a slurry.

Retro-reflecting sheet material and method of making same

A new aluminum grain, together with a process for its preparation, suitable for use in blasting agents is described. The grain, obtained by shearing sheet material of various types with a modified cutter comprises largely flat particles with jagged edges, and contains minimal quantities both of oversize and undersize particles.

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Kingston, Canada

Stanton E Jack