Coating Composition

Abstract

A TiO2-free coating composition and mineral blend for use in a TiO2-free coating composition.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention is directed to mineral blends for use in coating compositions, such as paints, and coating compositions that are substantially free of TiO2. [Background technology]

[0002] TiO2 is commonly used as an opacifying, mattifying, and whitening mineral filler in coating compositions such as paints or sealants. In the current context, it is desirable to produce coating compositions, such as paints, that are substantially free of TiO2. This is due to the cost and perceived environmental impact of TiO2. However, coating compositions that are substantially free of TiO2 typically have reduced opacity compared to coating compositions that contain substantial amounts of TiO2. It has also been found particularly difficult to produce substantially TiO2-free coating compositions (e.g., for matt paints) that combine high opacity with low gloss. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a coating composition comprising about 1.0 wt. % or less TiO, based on the total weight of a mineral blend and coating composition, the mineral blend including: ground calcium carbonate as a matting mineral or a whitening mineral, or as a matting mineral and a whitening mineral; and calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, as an opacifying mineral or a whitening mineral, or as an opacifying mineral and a whitening mineral. According to a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a paint that is substantially free of TiO2, the paint comprising a mineral blend and a binder, and having a viscosity of 8 m according to ISO 6504-3. 2an opacity of at least about 95.0%, e.g., at least about 97.0%, at 100 μm wet film thickness, according to ISO 2813, e.g., with at least about 60% PVC, or at least about 70% PVC; and optionally, an 85° gloss of at least about 7.0 at 100 μm wet film thickness, according to ISO 2813, with at least about 60% PVC, or at least about 70% PVC; and optionally, an L of at least about 95.0 at 1500 μm wet film thickness. * , and / or have an abrasion resistance of grade 1 or 2 according to ISO 11998 or type A or B according to BS 3900. According to a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a substrate coated with a coating composition, such as a paint, according to the first and / or second aspects of the present invention.

[0004] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a coating composition containing TiO2-free paints with a 8m solubility limit according to ISO 6504-3. 2 / L of at least about 95.0%, e.g., at least about 97.0%; and, e.g., with at least about 60% PVC, e.g., with at least about 70% PVC, an 85° gloss of about 7.0 or less at a 100 μm wet film thickness according to ISO 2813; and optionally, an L of at least about 95.0 at a 1500 μm wet film thickness. * and / or the use of a mineral blend comprising ground calcium carbonate and calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, having Grade 1 or Grade 2 according to ISO 11998 or Type A or Abrasion Resistance B according to BS 3900. According to a fifth aspect, the present invention is directed to a mineral blend for use in a TiO2-free paint, the mineral blend comprising, based on the total weight of the mineral blend: between about 10% and about 40%, e.g., between about 10% and about 35%, by weight of calcium carbonate as a matting mineral or a whitening mineral, or as a matting mineral and a whitening mineral; between about 20% and about 60%, e.g., between about 20% and about 50%, by weight of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, as an opacifying mineral or a whitening mineral, or as an opacifying mineral and a whitening mineral; and less than about 3.0% by weight of TiO2. According to a sixth aspect, the present invention is directed to a mineral blend for use in a TiO2-free paint, the mineral blend comprising, based on the total weight of the mineral blend: between about 35% and about 65%, e.g., between about 45% and about 60%, by weight, of an opacifying mineral; between about 10% and about 45%, e.g., between about 15% and about 40%, by weight, of a matting mineral; between about 10% and about 45%, e.g., between about 10% and about 35%, by weight, of a whitening mineral; and less than about 3.0% by weight of TiO2.

[0005] According to a seventh aspect, the present invention is directed to a coating composition comprising a mineral blend and a coating composition comprising about 1.0 wt. % or less of TiO2, based on the total weight of the coating composition, the mineral blend including calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, as an opacifying mineral or a whitening mineral, or as an opacifying and whitening mineral. According to an eighth aspect, the present invention is directed to a coating composition comprising a mineral blend and a coating composition comprising about 1.0 wt. % or less of TiO, based on the total weight of the coating composition, the mineral blend including: calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, as an opacifying mineral or a whitening mineral, or as an opacifying mineral and a whitening mineral; and at least one matting mineral.

[0006] According to a ninth aspect, the present invention is directed to a coating composition comprising a mineral blend and a coating composition comprising about 1.0 wt. % or less of TiO, based on the total weight of the coating composition, the mineral blend comprising: calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, as an opacifying mineral or a whitening mineral, or as an opacifying mineral and a whitening mineral; and at least one matting mineral selected from the following group: diatomaceous earth (e.g., natural diatomaceous earth or flux-calcined diatomaceous earth), talc, perlite, quartz, mica, chlorite, wollastonite. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It has surprisingly been found that a coating composition, e.g., a paint, comprising a mineral blend including calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, as either an opacifying or whitening mineral, or as both an opacifying and whitening mineral, and substantially free of TiO2, can provide high optical opacity in combination with low gloss values ​​comparable to those achievable using known coating compositions containing substantial amounts of TiO2. The mineral blend may include at least one matting mineral in addition to the calcined kaolin. The mineral blend may include ground calcium carbonate in addition to the calcined kaolin, as either a matting mineral, a whitening mineral, or both. Coating Composition The coating composition may be a paint. The paint may be a water-based paint or an oil-based paint. The coating composition may be a varnish. The coating composition may be a primer. The coating composition may be a sealant. The coating composition, e.g., paint, is substantially free of TiO. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a substantially TiO-free coating composition is not completely free of TiO but may still contain some TiO. Nevertheless, the amount of TiO present in a substantially TiO-free coating composition is typically below a threshold value. For example, the coating composition may contain less than about 1.0 wt.% TiO, or less than about 0.5 wt.% TiO, or less than about 0.1 wt.% TiO, based on the total weight of the coating composition. In some embodiments, the coating composition contains virtually 0 wt.% TiO, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

[0008] The coating composition typically includes at least a mineral blend and a binder. The coating composition may also include a liquid medium in which the mineral blend is dispersed. The liquid medium may also include water. Additionally or alternatively, the coating composition may include one or more of the following additives: rheology modifiers, thickeners, viscosity buffers, solvents, dispersants, antifoaming or anti-foaming agents, biocides, pH adjusters, anti-freeze coalescents, and opaque polymers.

[0009] The binder may also include a binder resin. Suitable binders include, for example, acrylic emulsions and copolymers (e.g., styrene-acrylic emulsions), chlorinated polymers (e.g., vinyl chloride), or polyurethane dispersions. The binder may also include one or more inorganic binders, such as silicates, phosphates, borates, etc. Suitable dispersants include polyacrylate dispersants, for example polyacrylate ammonium salts. Suitable anti-foaming and defoaming agents include, for example, blends of surfactants, tributyl phosphate, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters plus fatty alcohols, fatty acid soaps, silicone emulsions and other silicone-containing compositions, inorganic particles in waxes and mineral oils, emulsified hydrocarbons and other compounds commercially available to perform this function.

[0010] Suitable biocides include, for example, oxidizing biocides such as chlorine gas, chlorine dioxide gas, sodium hypochlorite, sodium hypobromite, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, sodium ammonium bromide / hypochlorite, and the like, or non-oxidizing biocides such as GLUT (glutaraldehyde, CAS No. 90045-36-6), ISO(CIT / MIT) (isothiazolinones, CAS Nos. 55956-84-9 & 96118-96-6), ISO(CIT / MIT) (isothiazolinones), ISO(CIT) (isothiazolinones), and the like. These include linone, CAS number 2634-33-5), DBNPA, BNPD (Bronopol), NaOPP, carbamates, THIONE (Dazomet), EDDM-dimethanol (O-formal), HT-triazine (N-formal), THPS-tetrakis (O-formal), TMAD-diurea (N-formal), metaborate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, thiocyanate, organic sulfur, sodium benzoate, and other compounds commercially available for this function.

[0011] Suitable rheology modifiers or thickeners include cellulosic rheology modifiers, such as microfibrillated cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, or mixtures thereof. Suitable non-cellulosic rheology modifiers include one or more of emulsion copolymers, dicyanamide, triols, polyoxyethylene ethers, urea, sulfated castor oil, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium alginate, xanthan gum, and sodium silicate. Suitable coalescing agents include ester alcohols.

[0012] The coating composition can also include one or more pigments (other than TiO). A pigment is a substance that provides the basic color, whiteness, or color shade of a coating composition, such as a paint. The term "pigment" includes finely divided, natural or synthetic, inorganic or organic, insoluble particles that, when dispersed in a liquid medium, i.e., a solvent, can provide color as well as some or all of the desired properties of the paint, such as opacity, hardness, durability, and corrosion resistance. Suitable pigments include, but are not limited to, carbon black, calcium sulfate, iron oxide, and copper-complexed phthalo blue. Other suitable pigments for imparting color will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Coating compositions, e.g., paints, can also contain dyes. The distinction between powders that are pigments and powders that are dyes is generally thought to be based on solubility: pigments are insoluble and dispersed in the material, while dyes are soluble or in solution when used. An example of an opaque polymer additive, such as a hollow sphere opaque polymer additive, is ROPAQUE™ available from The Dow Chemical Company.

[0013] The coating composition can comprise at least about 25% by weight, e.g., at least about 30% by weight, or at least about 40% by weight, or at least about 41% by weight, of the liquid medium (e.g., water) and additives, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise up to about 70% by weight, e.g., up to about 65% by weight, or up to about 60% by weight, or up to about 56% by weight, of the liquid medium (e.g., water) and additives, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise from about 25% to about 70% by weight, e.g., from about 30% to about 65% by weight, or from about 35% to about 60% by weight, or from about 41% to about 56% by weight, of the liquid medium (e.g., water) and additives, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

[0014] The coating composition can comprise at least about 20% by weight, e.g., at least about 25% by weight, or at least about 30% by weight, or at least about 35% by weight, of the mineral blend, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise about 75% by weight or less, e.g., about 70% by weight or less, or about 65% by weight or less, or about 60% by weight or less, or about 55% by weight or less, or about 50% by weight or less, or about 48% by weight or less of the mineral blend, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise from about 20% to about 75% by weight, e.g., from about 30% to about 65% by weight, or from about 35% to about 50% by weight, or from about 35% to about 48% by weight, of the mineral blend, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

[0015] The coating composition can comprise at least about 30% by weight, e.g., at least about 35% by weight, or at least about 40% by weight, or at least about 44% by weight, of the mineral blend and binder, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise no more than about 75% by weight, e.g., no more than about 70% by weight, or no more than about 65% by weight, or no more than about 60% by weight, or no more than about 59% by weight, of the mineral blend and binder, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise from about 30% to about 75% by weight, e.g., from about 35% to about 70% by weight, or from about 40% to about 65% by weight, or from about 40% to about 65% by weight, or from about 44% to about 60% by weight, or from about 44% to about 59% by weight, of the mineral blend and binder, based on the total weight of the coating composition. Pigment volume concentration (PVC) is the ratio of the volume of solid particles to the total volume of solid particles plus solid (ie, non-volatile) binder, expressed as a percentage. The coating composition can have a pigment volume concentration (PVC) of at least about 60%, e.g., at least about 65%, or at least about 70%, or at least about 75%, or at least about 80%, or at least about 85%, or at least about 90%. The coating composition can have a PVC of about 60% to about 90%, e.g., about 70% to about 90%, or about 70% to about 85%, or about 70% to about 80%, or about 75% to about 80%.

[0016] The coating composition can also have a PVC that is greater than the critical pigment volume concentration (CPVC). The coating composition can also have a PVC that is at least about 110% of the CPVC, e.g., at least about 120% of the CPVC, or at least about 130% of the CPVC, or at least about 140% of the CPVC, or at least about 150% of the CPVC, or at least about 160% of the CPVC. In such embodiments, the coating composition can also have a PVC that is no greater than about 200% of the CPVC, e.g., no greater than about 175% of the CPVC. The coating composition, e.g., paint, can be provided in a container such as a can, a tub, a bottle, or a pouch. The container can be formed from any material suitable for containing the coating composition, such as metal, plastic, and / or glass. Thus, the coating composition can be provided as a paint in a can.

[0017] Mineral Blend The mineral blend typically includes at least a calcined kaolin, such as a flash-calcined kaolin. The calcined kaolin, such as a flash-calcined kaolin, is typically present as an opacifying mineral, a whitening mineral, or both. The mineral blend may also include ground calcium carbonate, which is typically present as a matting mineral or a whitening mineral or both.

[0018] The minerals in the mineral blend are typically present in particulate form. Unless otherwise specified, the particle size properties referred to herein for minerals are measured in a well-known manner by sedimentation of particulate minerals in a fully dispersed state in an aqueous medium, based on the application of Stokes' law, for example, using a Sedigraph 5100 machine, herein referred to as the "Micromeritics Sedigraph 5100 unit," supplied by Micromeritics Instruments Corporation, Norcross, Georgia, USA (website: www.micromeritics.com). Such a machine provides a measurement and plot of the cumulative percentage by mass of particles having a size referred to in the art as the "equivalent spherical diameter" (esd) below a given esd value. The average particle size d 50 is the mass of particles that are 50% of the mass of the particles. 50 is the value of the ESD of particles determined to have an equivalent spherical diameter less than the value d 90 The value is the value when 90% of the particles by mass have their d 90 The particle size properties may be determined in accordance with ISO 13317-3, or any equivalent method.

[0019] Alternatively, where stated, particle size properties referred to herein for inorganic particulate materials are those measured by conventional methods of laser light scattering well known and utilized in the art, for example, using a Malvern Mastersizer S machine supplied by Malvern Instruments Ltd (or by other methods which produce essentially the same results) or a Microtrac laser diffraction machine available from Microtrac, Inc. In laser light scattering techniques, the size of particles in powders, suspensions, and emulsions can be measured using the diffraction of a laser beam based on application of Mie theory. Such machines provide a measurement and plot of the cumulative percentage by volume of particles having a size less than a given esd value, referred to in the art as the "equivalent spherical diameter" (esd). Average particle size d 50 is the volume of particles that 50% of the particles are 50 is the value of the ESD of particles determined to have an equivalent spherical diameter less than the value d 90 The value is determined by the volume percentage of the particles. 90 The particle size properties may be determined in accordance with ISO 13320-1, or any equivalent method. calcium carbonate Calcium carbonate includes ground calcium carbonate (GCC) and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC).

[0020] Ground calcium carbonate can include ground naturally occurring calcium carbonate from sources such as marble, limestone, dolomite, and chalk. Ground calcium carbonate can have an agglomerated particle morphology. The ground calcium carbonate particles can be non-porous.

[0021] Precipitated calcium carbonate may be prepared by a process in which calcium carbonate is calcined to produce calcium oxide ("quicklime"), which is then shaken with water to produce an aqueous slurry of calcium hydroxide, which is finally carbonated with a carbon dioxide-containing gas to produce precipitated calcium carbonate. Precipitated calcium carbonate may also be ground. The particles of precipitated calcium carbonate may also be porous in morphology.

[0022] The mineral blend may be one in which the ground calcium carbonate present therein has a d of at least about 1.0 μm, e.g., at least about 1.5 μm, or at least about 2.0 μm, or at least about 2.5 μm, or at least about 3.0 μm, or at least about 3.5 μm, or at least about 4.0 μm, or at least about 4.5 μm, or at least about 5.0 μm, or at least about 6.0 μm, or at least about 7.0 μm, or at least about 8.0 μm, or at least about 9.0 μm, or at least about 10.0 μm, or at least about 11.0 μm. 50 Additionally or alternatively, the ground calcium carbonate may have a d of about 30.0 μm or less, e.g., about 25.0 μm or less, or about 20.0 μm or less, or about 15.0 μm or less, or about 11.0 μm or less, or about 7.0 μm or less, or about 5.0 μm or less. 50 It can also have: The ground calcium carbonate has a diameter of about 1.0 μm to about 5.0 μm, for example, about 1.5 μm to about 4.0 μm, or about 2.0 μm to about 4.0 μm, for example, about 2.7 μm. 50 It can also have: The crushed calcium carbonate is approximately 2.0 m 2 / g~approx.8.0m 2 / g, for example, about 2.5 to about 7.0 m 2 / g, or approximately 3.0 to approximately 6.0 m 2 / g, e.g., approximately 4.4m 2 It may also have a surface area of ​​ / g. For example, ground calcium carbonate has a d of about 2.0 μm to about 4.0 μm. 50and approximately 3.0 to 6.0 m 2 / g of surface area. The surface area of ​​the mineral may be measured by BET nitrogen absorption according to DIN ISO 9277, using, for example, a TrisTar machine available from Micromeritics.

[0023] The ground calcium carbonate has a diameter of about 1.0 μm to about 10.0 μm, for example, about 2.0 μm to about 8.0 μm, or about 3.0 μm to about 7.0 μm, or about 4.0 μm to about 5.0 μm, for example, about 4.7 μm. 50 It can have: The crushed calcium carbonate is about 0.5 to about 5.0 m 2 / g, for example, about 0.5 to about 3.0 m 2 / g, or approximately 1.0 to approximately 2.5 m 2 / g, e.g., approximately 1.7m 2 / g of surface area. For example, ground calcium carbonate has a d of about 4.0 μm to about 5.0 μm. 50 and approximately 1.0 to 2.5 m 2 / g of surface area. The ground calcium carbonate has a diameter of about 1.0 μm to about 12.0 μm, for example, about 3.0 μm to about 10.0 μm, or about 4.0 μm to about 8.0 μm, or about 5.0 μm to about 7.0 μm, for example, about 6.5 μm. 50 It can have: The crushed calcium carbonate is approximately 0.3 m 2 / g ~ approx. 4.0m 2 / g, for example, about 0.5 to about 2.5 m 2 / g, or about 0.5 to about 2.0 m 2 / g, e.g., approximately 1.3m 2 / g of surface area. For example, ground calcium carbonate has a diameter of about 5.0 μm to about 7.0 μm. 50 and approximately 0.5 to 2.0 m 2 / g of surface area. The ground calcium carbonate has a diameter of about 3.0 μm to about 20.0 μm, for example, about 5.0 μm to about 18.0 μm, or about 7.0 μm to about 15.0 μm, or about 9.0 μm to about 12.0 μm, for example, about 11.0 μm. 50 It can have: The crushed calcium carbonate is approximately 0.3 m 2 / g ~ approx. 4.0m 2 / g, for example, about 0.5 to about 2.5 m 2 / g, or about 0.5 to about 2.0 m 2 / g, e.g., approximately 1.3m 2 / g of surface area. For example, ground calcium carbonate has a d of about 9.0 μm to about 12.0 μm. 50 and approximately 0.5 to 2.0 m 2 / g of surface area.

[0024] The mineral blend can comprise at least about 1% by weight, e.g., at least about 5% by weight, or at least about 10% by weight, of ground calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise no more than about 60% by weight, e.g., no more than about 50% by weight, or no more than about 40% by weight, or no more than about 35% by weight, of ground calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise between about 5% and about 60% by weight, e.g., between about 10% and about 50% by weight, or between about 10% and about 40% by weight, or between about 10% and about 35% by weight, of ground calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the mineral blend.

[0025] The coating composition can comprise at least about 1% by weight, e.g., at least about 2%, or at least about 3%, or at least about 4%, or at least about 5% by weight, of ground calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise no more than about 30% by weight, e.g., no more than about 25%, or no more than about 20%, or no more than about 15% by weight, of ground calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise from about 1% to about 30% by weight, e.g., from about 5% to about 25%, or from about 5% to about 20%, or from about 5% to about 15% by weight, of ground calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The mineral blend may also include ground calcium carbonate in two or more different forms, for example, ground calcium carbonate in two or more different particle sizes (e.g., d 50 The mineral blend may also include ground calcium carbonate in three or more different forms, for example, ground calcium carbonate having three or more different particle sizes (e.g., d 50 )

[0026] The mineral blend has a first diameter of about 1.0 μm to about 10.0 μm, for example, about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm. 50 and a second d of about 5.0 μm to about 20.0 μm, e.g., about 8.0 μm to about 15.0 μm. 50 The mineral blend may include ground calcium carbonate having a first d of about 4.7 μm. 50 and a second d of about 11.0 μm. 50 The calcium carbonate may be ground to a powder having a formula: The mineral blend has a first diameter of about 1.0 μm to about 10.0 μm, for example, about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm. 50 , and approximately 0.5 to approximately 5.0 m 2 / g; and a second d of about 5.0 μm to about 20.0 μm, e.g., about 8.0 μm to about 15.0 μm. 50 , and 0.3 to 4.0 m 2 The mineral blend may include ground calcium carbonate having a first d of about 4.7 μm / g. 50 and approximately 1.7 m 2 / g and a second d of about 11.0 μm 50 and approximately 1.3 m 2 The calcium carbonate may comprise ground calcium carbonate having a surface area of ​​1 / g.

[0027] The mineral blend has a first diameter of about 1.0 μm to about 10.0 μm, for example, about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm. 50 about 10% by weight to about 35% by weight, for example about 15% by weight to about 30% by weight, for example about 23% by weight, of ground calcium carbonate; and a second d of about 5.0 μm to about 20.0 μm, for example about 8.0 μm to about 15.0 μm. 50 The mineral blend may comprise about 1% to about 15%, for example, about 5% to about 10%, for example, about 8%, by weight of ground calcium carbonate having a first d of about 4.7 μm. 50 and about 8% by weight of a second d 50 The calcium carbonate may be ground to a powder having a formula: The coating composition is: about 1% by weight to about 20% by weight, for example about 5% by weight to about 15% by weight, for example about 11% by weight of a first d 50 and about 1% by weight to about 10% by weight, for example about 2% by weight to about 6% by weight, for example about 4% by weight of a second d 50 The coating composition may include about 11% by weight of a first d 50and about 4% by weight of a second d 50 The calcium carbonate may be ground to a powder having a formula:

[0028] Calcium carbonate can also include surface-modified calcium carbonate (MCC). MCC is typically formed by processing ground calcium carbonate (e.g., in the form of an aqueous mineral slurry treated with an aqueous acid and gaseous CO2) to induce particle shape and surface structure modifications, particularly increased surface porosity. In some embodiments, the mineral blends and coating compositions include MCC. In some embodiments, the mineral blends and coating compositions are free of MCC. That is, the mineral blends and / or coating compositions may be substantially (e.g., completely) free of MCC.

[0029] Kaolin Kaolin includes hydrous kaolin and calcined kaolin, such as flash-calcined kaolin. Kaolin is a layered silicate clay mineral with the chemical formula Al2Si2O5(OH)4. Hydrous kaolin retains bound water. Calcined kaolin can be formed by heating hydrous kaolin at or above approximately 650°C to remove the bound water. Calcination of kaolin typically takes several minutes to several hours to complete. Flash-calcined kaolin is formed by flash-calcining hydrous kaolin, typically in 2-3 seconds or even less than 1 second (in a rapid-fire furnace).

[0030] The calcined kaolin present in the mineral blend has a d of at least about 0.5 μm, e.g., at least about 0.6 μm, or at least about 0.7 μm, or at least about 0.8 μm, or at least about 0.9 μm, or at least about 1.0 μm, or at least about 1.1 μm. 50 Additionally or alternatively, the calcined kaolin may have a d of about 5.0 μm or less, e.g., about 4.0 μm or less, or about 3.0 μm or less, or about 2.0 μm or less, or about 1.6 μm or less. 50The calcined kaolin present in the mineral blend may have a diameter of about 0.5 μm to about 5.0 μm, e.g., about 0.6 μm to about 4.0 μm, or about 0.7 μm to about 3.0 μm, or about 0.7 μm to about 2.0 μm, or about 0.7 μm to about 1.1 μm. 50 It can have: For example, calcined kaolin has a d of about 1.1 μm. 50 and / or the calcined kaolin has a d of about 1.6 μm. 50 It is a flash calcined kaolin having the following structure. Calcined kaolin is approximately 6.0 m 2 / g ~ approx. 15.0m 2 / g, for example, about 8.0 to about 13.0 m 2 / g, or approximately 9.0 to approximately 12.0 m 2 / g, for example, approximately 10.5 or about 11.0 m 2 / g of surface area. For example, calcined kaolin has a d of about 0.7 μm to about 2.0 μm. 50 and approximately 9.0 to 12.0 m 2 / g of surface area. Calcined kaolin can also have a porous particle morphology. Calcined kaolin particles typically have external pores. Flash-calcined kaolin particles typically have external and internal pores.

[0031] The mineral blend can comprise at least about 10% by weight, e.g., at least about 15% by weight, or at least about 20% by weight, or at least about 23% by weight, of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise up to about 80% by weight, e.g., up to about 70% by weight, or up to about 60% by weight, or up to about 50% by weight, of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise between about 10% and about 80% by weight, e.g., between about 15% and about 70% by weight, or between about 20% and about 60% by weight, or between about 20% and about 50% by weight, or between about 23% and about 50% by weight, of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, based on the total weight of the mineral blend.

[0032] The coating composition can comprise at least about 4% by weight, e.g., at least about 6% by weight, or at least about 8% by weight, or at least about 10% by weight, or at least about 11% by weight, of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash calcined kaolin, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise no more than about 40% by weight, e.g., no more than about 35% by weight, or no more than about 30% by weight, or no more than about 25% by weight, of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash calcined kaolin, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise from about 4% to about 40% by weight, e.g., from about 6% to about 35% by weight, or from about 8% to about 30% by weight, or from about 10% to about 25% by weight, of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash calcined kaolin, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

[0033] The mineral blend can include: about 10% to about 80% by weight of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, based on the total weight of the mineral blend; and about 5% to about 60% by weight of ground calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can include: about 15% to about 70% by weight of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, based on the total weight of the mineral blend; and about 10% to about 50% by weight of ground calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can include: about 20% to about 50% by weight of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, based on the total weight of the mineral blend; and about 10% to about 40% by weight of ground calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can include: about 23% to about 50% by weight of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, based on the total weight of the mineral blend; and about 10% to about 35% by weight of ground calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the mineral blend.

[0034] The coating composition can comprise: about 4% to about 40% by weight of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, based on the total weight of the coating composition; and about 1% to about 30% by weight of ground calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise: about 6% to about 35% by weight of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, based on the total weight of the coating composition; and about 5% to about 25% by weight of ground calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise: about 8% to about 30% by weight of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, based on the total weight of the coating composition; and about 5% to about 20% by weight of ground calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise: about 10% to about 25% by weight of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, based on the total weight of the coating composition; and about 5% to about 15% by weight of ground calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

[0035] The mineral blend may comprise: about 10% to about 35% by weight, e.g., about 15% to about 30% by weight, e.g., about 23% by weight, of a d particle size of about 1.0 μm to about 10.0 μm, e.g., about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. 50 and about 10% to about 80% by weight, e.g., about 15% to about 70% by weight, or about 20% to about 60% by weight, or about 20% to about 50% by weight, or about 23% to about 50% by weight of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin. The coating composition comprises: about 1% to about 20% by weight, for example about 5% to about 15% by weight, for example about 11% by weight, of a d of about 1.0 μm to about 10.0 μm, for example about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm, based on the total weight of the coating composition. 50and about 4% to about 40% by weight, e.g., about 6% to about 35% by weight, or about 8% to about 30% by weight, or about 10% to about 25% by weight of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin. The mineral blend may comprise: about 1% to about 50% by weight, e.g., about 5% to about 40% by weight, or about 10% to about 35% by weight, of d-type silica particles having a diameter of about 0.5 μm to about 5.0 μm, e.g., about 1.0 μm to about 3.0 μm, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. 50 and about 10% to about 80% by weight, e.g., about 15% to about 70% by weight, or about 20% to about 60% by weight, or about 30% to about 60% by weight, or about 40% to about 60% by weight of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin.

[0036] The coating composition comprises: about 1% to about 20% by weight, for example, about 4% to about 18% by weight, or about 5% to about 15% by weight, of a d of about 1.0 μm to about 10.0 μm, for example, about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm, based on the total weight of the coating composition. 50 and about 5% to about 40% by weight, e.g., about 10% to about 30% by weight, or about 12% to about 25% by weight, or about 16% to about 24% by weight of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin. The mineral blend comprises: about 10% by weight to about 35% by weight, for example, about 15% by weight to about 30% by weight, for example, about 23% by weight, of a first d particle having a diameter of about 1.0 μm to about 10.0 μm, for example, about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. 50 about 1% by weight to about 15% by weight, for example about 5% by weight to about 10% by weight, for example about 8% by weight of a second d 50and about 10% to about 80% by weight, e.g., about 15% to about 70% by weight, or about 20% to about 60% by weight, or about 20% to about 50% by weight, or about 23% to about 50% by weight of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin.

[0037] The coating composition comprises: about 1% by weight to about 20% by weight, for example, about 5% by weight to about 15% by weight, for example, about 11% by weight, of a first d particle having a diameter of about 1.0 μm to about 10.0 μm, for example, about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm, based on the total weight of the coating composition. 50 about 1% by weight to about 10% by weight, for example about 2% by weight to 6% by weight, for example about 4% by weight of a second d 50 and about 4% to about 40% by weight, e.g., about 6% to about 35% by weight, or about 8% to about 30% by weight, or about 10% to about 25% by weight of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin.

[0038] Other minerals The mineral blend can also include one or more minerals other than calcined kaolin (e.g., flash-calcined kaolin) and ground calcium carbonate. For example, the mineral blend can include one or more other minerals in addition to ground calcium carbonate and calcined kaolin (e.g., flash-calcined kaolin). The mineral blend can include at least one additional mineral, e.g., at least two additional minerals, or at least three additional minerals, or at least four additional minerals, or at least five additional minerals. The at least one additional mineral, e.g., at least two additional minerals, or at least three additional minerals, or at least four additional minerals, or at least five additional minerals, can be selected from the following group: hydrous kaolin, precipitated calcium carbonate, natural diatomaceous earth, flux-calcined diatomaceous earth, talc, wollastonite, perlite, mica, quartz, and chlorite. For example, the mineral blend may also include, in addition to ground calcium carbonate and calcined kaolin, at least one mineral selected from perlite and diatomaceous earth (eg, natural diatomaceous earth or flux-calcined diatomaceous earth).

[0039] For example, the mineral blend can include, in addition to ground calcium carbonate and calcined kaolin, at least two minerals selected from hydrous kaolin, precipitated calcium carbonate, natural diatomaceous earth, flux-calcined diatomaceous earth, talc, wollastonite, perlite, mica, quartz, and chlorite. The mineral blend can include less than about 3.0% by weight TiO, e.g., less than about 2.0% by weight, or less than about 1.0% by weight TiO, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can be substantially free of TiO.

[0040] The hydrous kaolin has a d of at least about 0.2 μm, e.g., at least about 0.3 μm, or at least about 0.4 μm, or at least about 0.5 μm, or at least about 0.6 μm, or at least about 0.7 μm. 50Additionally or alternatively, the hydrous kaolin can have a d of about 5.0 μm or less, e.g., about 4.0 μm or less, or about 3.0 μm or less, or about 2.0 μm or less, or about 1.0 μm or less, or about 0.7 μm or less. 50 The hydrous kaolin may have a d of about 0.2 μm to about 5.0 μm, for example, about 0.5 μm to about 2.0 μm. 50 The hydrous kaolin can have a d of about 0.7 μm. 50 It can have: The hydrous kaolin is approximately 8.0 m 2 / g~approx.20.0m 2 / g, for example, about 10.0 to about 18.0 m 2 / g, or approximately 12.0 to approximately 16.0 m 2 / g, for example, approximately 14.0 m 2 / g of surface area. For example, hydrous kaolin has a d of about 0.5 μm to about 2.0 μm. 50 and approximately 13.0 to 15.0 m 2 / g of surface area.

[0041] The precipitated calcium carbonate has a d of at least about 0.5 μm, e.g., at least about 1.0 μm, or at least about 1.2 μm, or at least about 1.4 μm, or at least about 1.5 μm. 50 Additionally or alternatively, the precipitated calcium carbonate can have a d of about 5.0 μm or less, e.g., about 4.0 μm or less, or about 3.0 μm or less, or about 2.0 μm or less, or about 1.5 μm or less. 50 The precipitated calcium carbonate may have a d of about 0.5 μm to about 5.0 μm, for example, about 1.0 μm to about 3.0 μm. 50 The precipitated calcium carbonate can have a d of about 1.5 μm. 50 It can have: The precipitated calcium carbonate was approximately 6.0 m 2 / g ~ approx. 14.0m 2 / g, for example, about 8.0 to about 12.0 m 2 / g, or approximately 9.0 to approximately 11.0 m 2 / g, for example, approximately 10.0 m 2 / g of surface area. For example, ground calcium carbonate has a diameter of about 1.0 μm to about 3.0 μm. 50 and approximately 9.0 to 11.0 m 2 / g of surface area.

[0042] Natural diatomaceous earth has a d of at least about 0.5 μm, e.g., at least about 1.0 μm, or at least about 5.0 μm, or at least about 10.0 μm, as determined by laser light scattering. 50 Additionally or alternatively, the natural diatomaceous earth may have a d of about 25.0 μm or less, e.g., about 20.0 μm or less, or about 18.0 μm or less, or about 16.0 μm or less, or about 14.0 μm or less, as determined by laser light scattering. 50 Natural diatomaceous earth can have a d of about 5.0 μm to about 20.0 μm as determined by laser light scattering. 50 , for example, about 5.0 μm to about 15.0 μm, or about 10.0 μm to about 15.0 μm 50 Natural diatomaceous earth can have a d of about 12.0 μm as determined by laser light scattering. 50 It can have:

[0043] The flux-calcined diatomaceous earth has a d of at least about 1.0 μm, e.g., at least about 5.0 μm, or at least about 10.0 μm, or at least about 12.0 μm, or at least about 15.0 μm, as determined by laser light scattering. 50 Additionally or alternatively, the flux-calcined diatomaceous earth can have a d of about 30.0 μm or less, e.g., about 25.0 μm or less, or about 20.0 μm or less, or about 17.0 μm or less, or about 15.0 μm or less, as determined by laser light scattering. 50 The flux-calcined diatomaceous earth may have a d of about 1.0 μm to about 30.0 μm, for example, or about 10.0 μm to about 20.0 μm, as determined by laser light scattering. 50The flux-calcined diatomaceous earth may have a d of about 15.0 μm as determined by laser light scattering. 50 The flux calcined diatomaceous earth may have a thickness of about 0.3 m 2 / g ~ approx. 4.0m 2 / g, for example, about 0.5 to about 3.0 m 2 / g, or approximately 1.0 to approximately 3.0 m 2 / g, for example, approximately 2.0m 2 / g of surface area. For example, flux-calcined diatomaceous earth has a d of about 10.0 μm to about 20.0 μm, as determined by laser light scattering. 50 and approximately 0.5 to 3.0 m 2 / g of surface area.

[0044] The flux-calcined diatomaceous earth has a d of at least about 20.0 μm as determined by laser light scattering. 90 Additionally or alternatively, the flux-calcined diatomaceous earth may have a d of about 50.0 μm or less as determined by laser light scattering. 90 The flux-calcined diatomaceous earth may have a d of about 20.0 μm to about 50.0 μm as determined by laser light scattering. 90 It can have:

[0045] The talc has a d of at least about 1.0 μm, e.g., at least about 5.0 μm, or at least about 8.0 μm, or at least about 9.0 μm, or at least about 9.4 μm. 50 Additionally or alternatively, the talc can have a d of about 30.0 μm or less, e.g., about 25.0 μm or less, or about 20.0 μm or less, or about 15.0 μm or less, or about 10.0 μm or less, or about 9.4 μm or less. 50 The talc may have a d of about 1.0 μm to about 30.0 μm, for example, about 5.0 μm to about 15.0 μm. 50 Talc can have a d of about 9.4 μm. 50 It can have: Talc is approximately 1.0 m 2 / g~approx.6.0m2 / g, for example, about 1.5 to about 4.0 m 2 / g, or approximately 2.0 to 3.0 m 2 / g, e.g., approximately 2.7m 2 / g of surface area. For example, talc has a d of about 5.0 μm to about 15.0 μm. 50 and approximately 1.5 to 4.0 m 2 / g of surface area.

[0046] By "talc" is meant a mineral composed of or including hydrated magnesium silicate. Talc can also include the structurally and chemically similar mineral chlorite. In some embodiments, the talc can include at least about 1% by weight, e.g., at least about 5%, or at least about 10%, or at least about 20%, or at least about 30%, or at least about 35% by weight, of chlorite, based on the total weight of the talc. In some embodiments, the talc can include up to about 90% by weight, e.g., up to about 80% by weight, or up to about 70% by weight, or up to about 65% by weight, of chlorite, based on the total weight of the talc. In some embodiments, the talc can include from about 1% to about 90% by weight, e.g., from about 10% to about 80% by weight, or from about 35% to about 65% by weight, of chlorite, based on the total weight of the talc.

[0047] Wollastonite has a d of at least about 1.0 μm, e.g., at least about 2.0 μm, or at least about 3.0 μm, or at least about 4.0 μm, or at least about 4.5 μm, as determined by laser light scattering. 50 Additionally or alternatively, the wollastonite can have a d of about 20.0 μm or less, e.g., about 15.0 μm or less, or about 10.0 μm or less, or about 6.0 μm or less, or about 5.0 μm or less, or about 4.5 μm or less, as determined by laser light scattering. 50 The wollastonite may have a d of about 1.0 μm to about 20.0 μm, e.g., about 2.0 μm to about 6.0 μm, as determined by laser light scattering. 50Wollastonite can have a d of about 4.5 μm as determined by laser light scattering. 50 It can have: Wollastonite is approximately 1.0 m 2 / g~approx.6.0m 2 / g, for example, about 1.5 to about 5.0 m 2 / g, or approximately 2.0 to approximately 4.0 m 2 / g, for example, approximately 3.0m 2 / g of surface area. For example, wollastonite has a d of about 2.0 μm to about 6.0 μm. 50 and approximately 2.0 to 4.0 m 2 / g of surface area.

[0048] Wollastonite has a d of at least about 10.0 μm as determined by laser light scattering. 90 Additionally or alternatively, the wollastonite can have a d of about 30.0 μm or less, e.g., about 20.0 μm or less, as determined by laser light scattering. 90 The wollastonite may have a d of about 10.0 μm to about 30.0 μm, e.g., about 10.0 μm to about 20.0 μm, as determined by laser light scattering. 90 It can have:

[0049] The perlite has a d of at least about 5.0 μm, e.g., at least about 10.0 μm, or at least about 15.0 μm, or at least about 20.0 μm, or at least about 25.0 μm, as determined by laser light scattering. 50 Additionally or alternatively, the perlite can have a d of about 50.0 μm or less, e.g., about 40.0 μm or less, or about 30.0 μm or less, or about 25.0 μm or less, as determined by laser light scattering. 50 The perlite may have a d of about 5.0 μm to about 50.0 μm, for example, about 20.0 μm to about 30.0 μm, as determined by laser light scattering. 50 Perlite can have a d of about 25.0 μm as determined by laser light scattering. 50 It can have: Perlite is approximately 1.0 m 2 / g~approx.8.0m 2 / g, for example, about 3.0 to about 7.0 m 2 / g, or approximately 4.0 to 5.0 m 2 / g, for example, approximately 4.7m 2 / g of surface area. For example, perlite has a d of about 20.0 μm to about 30.0 μm as determined by laser light scattering. 50 and approximately 3.0 to 7.0 m 2 / g of surface area.

[0050] The mica has a d of at least about 5.0 μm, e.g., at least about 10.0 μm, or at least about 15.0 μm, or at least about 18.0 μm, or at least about 20.0 μm. 50 Additionally or alternatively, the mica can have a d of about 50.0 μm or less, e.g., about 40.0 μm or less, or about 30.0 μm or less, or about 25.0 μm or less, or about 22.0 μm or less, or about 20.0 μm or less. 50 The mica may have a diameter of about 5.0 μm to about 50.0 μm, for example, about 15.0 μm to about 25.0 μm. The mica may have a diameter of about 20.0 μm. 50 It can have: The mica has a d of at least about 30.0 μm. 90 Additionally or alternatively, the mica can have a d of about 40.0 μm or less. 90 The mica may have a d of about 30.0 μm to about 40.0 μm. 90 It can have: The quartz has a d of at least about 5.0 μm, e.g., at least about 10.0 μm, or at least about 15.0 μm, or at least about 18.0 μm, or at least about 20.0 μm. 50 Additionally or alternatively, the quartz may have a d of about 50.0 μm or less, e.g., about 40.0 μm or less, or about 30.0 μm or less, or about 25.0 μm or less, or about 22.0 μm or less, or about 20.0 μm or less. 50The quartz may have a d of about 5.0 μm to about 50.0 μm, for example, about 15.0 μm to about 25.0 μm. 50 Quartz can have a d of about 20.0 μm. 50 It can have: Quartz has a d of at least about 30.0 μm. 90 Additionally or alternatively, the quartz may have a d of about 40.0 μm or less. 90 The quartz can have a d of about 30.0 μm to about 40.0 μm. 90 It can have:

[0051] The chlorite has a d of at least about 5.0 μm, e.g., at least about 10.0 μm, or at least about 15.0 μm, or at least about 18.0 μm, or at least about 20.0 μm. 50 Additionally or alternatively, the chlorite can have a d of about 50.0 μm or less, e.g., about 40.0 μm or less, or about 30.0 μm or less, or about 25.0 μm or less, or about 22.0 μm or less, or about 20.0 μm or less. 50 The chlorite may have a d of about 5.0 μm to about 50.0 μm, for example, about 15.0 μm to about 25.0 μm. 50 Chlorite can have a d of about 20.0 μm. 50 It can have: The chlorite has a d of at least about 20.0 μm, e.g., at least about 30.0 μm. 90 Additionally or alternatively, the chlorite may have a d of about 40.0 μm or less. 90 The chlorite may have a d of about 20.0 μm to about 40.0 μm, for example, about 30.0 μm to about 40.0 μm. 90 It can have:

[0052] Hydrous kaolin can have a plate-like particle morphology. Precipitated calcium carbonate can have a porous particle morphology. Natural diatomaceous earth can have a porous particle morphology. Flux-calcined diatomaceous earth can have a porous and / or plate-like particle morphology. Talc can have a plate-like particle morphology. Wollastonite can have an acicular particle morphology. Perlite can have a 3D particle morphology (e.g., a curved, broken "eggshell"-like structure). Mica can have a plate-like and / or massive particle morphology. Quartz can have a plate-like and / or massive particle morphology. Chlorite can have a plate-like and / or massive particle morphology.

[0053] The mineral blend can comprise about 25% by weight or less, e.g., about 20% by weight or less, or about 18% by weight or less, of hydrous kaolin, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise at least about 5% by weight, e.g., at least about 10% by weight, of hydrous kaolin, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise between about 5% and about 25% by weight, e.g., between about 10% and about 20% by weight, or between about 10% and about 18% by weight, of hydrous kaolin, based on the total weight of the mineral blend.

[0054] The mineral blend can comprise about 30% by weight or less, e.g., about 25% by weight or less, or about 23% by weight or less, precipitated calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise at least about 4% by weight, e.g., at least about 5% by weight, or at least about 6% by weight, precipitated calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise between about 4% by weight and about 30% by weight, e.g., between about 5% by weight and about 25% by weight, or between about 6% by weight and about 23% by weight, precipitated calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise about 20% by weight or less, e.g., about 15% by weight or less, or about 11% by weight or less, of natural diatomaceous earth, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise at least about 5% by weight, e.g., at least about 10% by weight, or at least about 11% by weight, of natural diatomaceous earth, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise from about 5% to about 20% by weight, e.g., from about 10% to about 15% by weight, or from about 10% to about 15% by weight, of natural diatomaceous earth, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise about 11% by weight of natural diatomaceous earth, based on the total weight of the mineral blend.

[0055] The mineral blend can comprise about 25% by weight or less, e.g., about 20% by weight or less, or about 19% by weight or less, of flux-calcined diatomaceous earth, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise at least about 10% by weight, e.g., at least about 15% by weight, or at least about 18% by weight, or at least about 19% by weight, of flux-calcined diatomaceous earth, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise from about 10% to about 25% by weight, e.g., from about 15% to about 20% by weight, or from about 18% to about 20% by weight, of flux-calcined diatomaceous earth, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise about 19% by weight of flux-calcined diatomaceous earth, based on the total weight of the mineral blend.

[0056] The mineral blend can comprise about 40% by weight or less, e.g., about 35% by weight or less, or about 30% by weight or less, or about 27% by weight or less, of talc, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise at least about 4% by weight, e.g., at least about 5% by weight, or at least about 6% by weight, or at least about 8% by weight, of talc, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise from about 4% to about 40% by weight, e.g., from about 5% to about 35% by weight, or from about 6% to about 30% by weight, or from about 8% to about 27% by weight, of talc, based on the total weight of the mineral blend.

[0057] The mineral blend can comprise about 40% by weight or less, e.g., about 35% by weight or less, or about 30% by weight or less, or about 25% by weight or less, of wollastonite, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise at least about 10% by weight, e.g., at least about 15% by weight, or at least about 20% by weight, or at least about 25% by weight, of wollastonite, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise from about 10% to about 40% by weight, e.g., from about 15% to about 35% by weight, or from about 20% to about 30% by weight, of wollastonite, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise about 25% by weight of wollastonite, based on the total weight of the mineral blend.

[0058] The mineral blend can comprise about 15% by weight or less, e.g., about 10% by weight or less, or about 5% by weight or less, or about 4% by weight or less, perlite, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise at least about 1% by weight, e.g., at least about 2% by weight, or at least about 3% by weight, or at least about 4% by weight, perlite, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise between about 1% and about 15% by weight, e.g., between about 2% and about 10% by weight, or between about 3% and about 5% by weight, perlite, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise about 4% by weight, perlite, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can include about 35% by weight or less, e.g., about 30% by weight or less, or about 25% by weight or less, of mica, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can include at least about 5% by weight, e.g., at least about 10% by weight, or at least about 15% by weight, of mica, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can include between about 5% by weight and about 35% by weight, e.g., between about 10% by weight and about 30% by weight, or between about 15% by weight and about 25% by weight, of mica, based on the total weight of the mineral blend.

[0059] The mineral blend can include about 35% by weight or less, e.g., about 30% by weight or less, or about 25% by weight or less, of quartz, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can include at least about 5% by weight, e.g., at least about 10% by weight, or at least about 15% by weight, of quartz, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can include between about 5% by weight and about 35% by weight, e.g., between about 10% by weight and about 30% by weight, or between about 15% by weight and about 25% by weight, of quartz, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise about 45% by weight or less, e.g., about 40% by weight or less, or about 35% by weight or less, or about 30% by weight or less, or about 25% by weight or less, of chlorite, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise at least about 5% by weight, e.g., at least about 10% by weight, or at least about 15% by weight, of chlorite, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise between about 5% by weight and about 45% by weight, e.g., between about 10% by weight and about 30% by weight, e.g., between about 15% by weight and about 25% by weight, of chlorite, based on the total weight of the mineral blend.

[0060] The coating composition can contain about 20% by weight or less, e.g., about 15% by weight or less, or about 10% by weight or less, or about 8.5% by weight or less, of hydrous kaolin, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can contain at least about 1% by weight, e.g., at least about 3% by weight, or at least about 5% by weight, of hydrous kaolin, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can contain from about 1% to about 20% by weight, e.g., from about 3% to about 10% by weight, or from about 5% to about 8.5% by weight, of hydrous kaolin, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise about 20% by weight or less, e.g., about 15% by weight or less, or about 13% by weight or less, or about 11% by weight or less, of precipitated calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise at least about 1% by weight, e.g., at least about 2% by weight, or at least about 3% by weight, of precipitated calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise from about 1% to about 20% by weight, e.g., from about 2% to about 15% by weight, or from about 3% to about 11% by weight, of precipitated calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

[0061] The coating composition can comprise about 10% by weight or less, e.g., about 5% by weight or less, or about 4% by weight or less, of natural diatomaceous earth, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise at least about 1% by weight, e.g., at least about 2% by weight, or at least about 3% by weight, or at least about 4% by weight, of natural diatomaceous earth, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise from about 1% to about 10% by weight, e.g., from about 2% to about 5% by weight, or from about 3% to about 5% by weight, of natural diatomaceous earth, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise about 4% by weight of natural diatomaceous earth, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

[0062] The coating composition can comprise about 20% by weight or less, e.g., about 15% by weight or less, or about 10% by weight or less, or about 9% by weight or less, of flux-calcined diatomaceous earth, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise at least about 1% by weight, e.g., at least about 5% by weight, or at least about 8% by weight, or at least about 9% by weight, of flux-calcined diatomaceous earth, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise from about 1% to about 20% by weight, e.g., from about 5% to about 15% by weight, or from about 8% to about 10% by weight, of flux-calcined diatomaceous earth, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise about 9% by weight of flux-calcined diatomaceous earth, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

[0063] The coating composition can comprise about 20% by weight or less, e.g., about 15% by weight or less, or about 12% by weight or less, or about 11.9% by weight or less, of talc, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise at least about 1% by weight, e.g., at least about 2% by weight, or at least about 3% by weight, or at least about 4% by weight of talc, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise from about 1% to about 20% by weight, e.g., from about 2% to about 15% by weight, or from about 3% to about 12% by weight, or from about 4% to about 11.9% by weight of talc, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

[0064] The coating composition can comprise about 25% by weight or less, e.g., about 20% by weight or less, or about 15% by weight or less, or about 12% by weight or less, of wollastonite, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise at least about 1% by weight, e.g., at least about 5% by weight, or at least about 8% by weight, or at least about 10% by weight, or at least about 12% by weight, of wollastonite, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise from about 1% to about 25% by weight, e.g., from about 5% to about 20% by weight, or from about 10% to about 15% by weight, of wollastonite, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise about 12% by weight of wollastonite, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

[0065] The coating composition can include about 15% by weight or less, e.g., about 10% by weight or less, or about 5% by weight or less, or about 3% by weight or less, or about 2% by weight or less, of perlite, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can include at least about 0.5% by weight, e.g., at least about 1% by weight, or at least about 1.5% by weight, or at least about 1.8% by weight, of perlite, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can include about 0.5% to about 15% by weight, e.g., about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 5% by weight, or about 1% to about 5% by weight, or about 1.8% to about 2% by weight of perlite, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can include about 20% by weight or less, e.g., about 15% by weight or less, or about 12% by weight or less, or about 10% by weight or less, of mica, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can include at least about 3% by weight, e.g., at least about 5% by weight, or at least about 10% by weight, of mica, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can include from about 3% to about 20% by weight, e.g., from about 5% to about 15% by weight, of mica, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

[0066] The coating composition can include about 20% by weight or less, e.g., about 15% by weight or less, or about 12% by weight or less, or about 10% by weight or less, of quartz, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can include at least about 3% by weight, e.g., at least about 5% by weight, or at least about 10% by weight, of quartz, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can include from about 3% to about 20% by weight, e.g., from about 5% to about 15% by weight, of quartz, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise about 35% by weight or less, e.g., about 30% by weight or less, or about 25% by weight or less, or about 20% by weight or less, or about 15% by weight or less, or about 10% by weight or less, of chlorite, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise at least about 3% by weight, e.g., at least about 5% by weight, or at least about 10% by weight, of chlorite, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise from about 3% to about 35% by weight, e.g., from about 5% to about 25% by weight, or from about 5% to about 20% by weight, or from about 5% to about 15% by weight of chlorite, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The minerals in the mineral blend may be classified as opacifying, mattifying and / or whitening minerals depending on their optical properties when added to the coating composition.

[0067] Those skilled in the art will recognize that certain minerals possess one or more of opacifying, matting, and / or whitening properties and therefore may be classified as one or more of opacifying, matting, and / or whitening minerals (in other words, opacifying, matting, and whitening minerals are overlapping groups). For example, precipitated calcium carbonate may be classified as an opacifying mineral and as a whitening mineral; when present in a coating composition, precipitated calcium carbonate may also serve a dual purpose as both an opacifying agent and a whitening agent. To account for the presence of such dual- or triple-purpose minerals, for example, throughout this specification and the appended claims, when a coating composition or mineral blend containing X% by weight of an opacifying mineral is referenced, the value X is determined based on the weight of all opacifying minerals in the composition or blend that contain these opacifying minerals that are also matting and / or whitening minerals. Similarly, for example, when a coating composition or mineral blend containing Y% by weight of matting minerals is referenced, the value Y is determined based on the weight of all matting minerals in the composition or blend that are also opacifying and / or whitening minerals; for example, when a coating composition or mineral blend containing Z% by weight of whitening minerals is referenced, the value Z is determined based on the weight of all whitening minerals in the composition or blend that are also opacifying and / or matting minerals. Each individual mineral in the composition or blend can therefore contribute to more than one of X, Y, and Z (e.g., precipitated calcium carbonate, if present, will contribute to both X and Z). Thus, the total value of X + Y + Z can consistently be 100 or greater (i.e., without implying that the amount of any individual mineral or the total amount of all minerals in the coating composition or mineral blend exceeds 100% by weight).

[0068] Hydrous kaolin may be provided as the opacifying mineral. Precipitated calcium carbonate may be provided as the opacifying mineral and / or the whitening mineral. Natural diatomaceous earth may be provided as the matting mineral and / or the opacifying mineral. Flux-calcined diatomaceous earth may be provided as the matting mineral and / or the opacifying mineral. Talc may be provided as the matting mineral and / or the opacifying mineral. Wollastonite may be provided as the matting mineral. Perlite may be provided as the matting mineral. Mica may be provided as the matting mineral. Quartz may be provided as the matting mineral. Chlorite may be provided as the matting mineral and / or the opacifying mineral.

[0069] The mineral blend is made up of the following groups: Hydrous kaolin as an opacifying mineral, precipitated calcium carbonate as an opacifying and / or whitening mineral, natural diatomaceous earth as a matting and / or opacifying mineral, flux-calcined diatomaceous earth as a matting and / or opacifying mineral, talc as a matting and / or opacifying mineral, wollastonite as a matting mineral, perlite as a matting mineral, mica as a matting mineral, quartz as a matting mineral, chlorite as a matting and / or opacifying mineral; The mineral may include at least one mineral (e.g., at least two minerals, or at least three minerals, or at least four minerals, or at least five minerals). In addition to ground calcium carbonate and calcined kaolin, the mineral blend may comprise at least one further matting mineral selected from the group: perlite, wollastonite, talc, natural diatomaceous earth, flux-calcined diatomaceous earth, quartz, mica, chlorite. For example, the mineral blend can include at least one matting mineral selected from perlite and diatomaceous earth (eg, flux-calcined diatomaceous earth or natural diatomaceous earth) in addition to ground calcium carbonate and calcined kaolin. For example, the mineral blend may include, in addition to ground calcium carbonate and calcined kaolin, at least two matting minerals selected from perlite, wollastonite, talc, natural diatomaceous earth, flux-calcined diatomaceous earth, quartz, mica, and chlorite.

[0070] The opacifying, matting and / or whitening properties of various minerals may depend on particle size. 50 Ground calcium carbonate with a d greater than about 5.0 μm is typically white. 50 Ground calcium carbonate with a d greater than about 10.0 μm is typically both white and matte. 50 Ground calcium carbonate having a crystalline structure is typically matte.

[0071] The opacifying minerals present in the mineral blend each have a diameter of at least about 0.1 μm, e.g., or at least about 0.3 μm, or at least about 0.5 μm. 50 The opacifying minerals present in the mineral blend can each have a d of about 20.0 μm or less, e.g., about 15.0 μm or less, or about 10.0 μm or less, or about 5.0 μm or less, or about 3.0 μm or less. 50 The opacifying minerals present in the mineral blend may each have a diameter of about 0.1 μm to about 20.0 μm, e.g., about 0.1 μm to about 15.0 μm, or about 0.1 μm to about 10.0 μm, or about 0.3 μm to about 5.0 μm, or about 0.5 μm to about 3.0 μm. 50 If one of the opacifying minerals is natural or flux-calcined diatomaceous earth, then for that mineral, d 50 is determined by laser light scattering.

[0072] The matting minerals present in the mineral blend each have a diameter of at least about 1.0 μm, e.g., or at least about 2.0 μm, or at least about 3.0 μm, or at least about 4.0 μm. 50The matting minerals present in the mineral blend can each have a d of about 50.0 μm or less, for example, or about 40.0 μm or less, or about 30.0 μm or less. 50 The matting minerals present in the mineral blend can each have a diameter of about 1.0 μm to about 50.0 μm, for example, about 2.0 μm to about 40.0 μm, or about 3.0 μm to about 30.0 μm, or about 4.0 μm to about 30.0 μm. 50 If one of the opacifying minerals is natural or flux-calcined diatomaceous earth, or wollastonite, or perlite, then the d for that mineral may be 50 is determined by laser light scattering.

[0073] The whitening minerals present in the mineral blend each have a diameter of at least about 0.5 μm, e.g., or at least about 1.0 μm, or at least about 1.5 μm, or at least about 2.0 μm, or at least about 2.5 μm. 50 The bleaching minerals present in the mineral blend may each have a diameter of about 10.0 μm or less, e.g., about 9.0 μm or less, or about 8.0 μm or less, or about 7.0 μm or less, or about 6.5 μm or less, or about 6.0 μm or less, or about 5.0 μm or less, or about 2.5 μm or less. 50 The mineral blend may have a diameter of about 0.5 μm to about 10.0 μm, for example, about 1.0 μm to about 8.0 μm, or about 2.0 μm to about 7.0 μm, or about 2.5 μm to about 6.5 μm. 50 It can have: The whitening minerals present in the mineral blend typically have an ISO brightness of at least 85, such as at least 88, or at least 90. ISO brightness may be determined according to ISO 2470.

[0074] The mineral blend can comprise at least about 20% by weight, e.g., at least about 25% by weight, or at least about 30% by weight, or at least about 35% by weight, or at least about 40% by weight, or at least about 45% by weight, of opacifying minerals, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise no more than about 70% by weight, e.g., no more than about 65% by weight, or no more than about 60% by weight, of opacifying minerals, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise between about 20% and about 70% by weight, e.g., between about 35% and about 65% by weight, e.g., between about 45% and about 60% by weight, of opacifying minerals, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can include at least about 5% by weight, e.g., at least about 10% by weight, or at least about 15% by weight, of matting minerals, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can include no more than about 55% by weight, e.g., no more than about 50% by weight, or no more than about 45% by weight, or no more than about 40% by weight, of matting minerals, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can include between about 5% and about 50% by weight, e.g., between about 10% and about 45% by weight, e.g., between about 15% and about 40% by weight, of matting minerals, based on the total weight of the mineral blend.

[0075] The mineral blend can comprise at least about 5% by weight, e.g., at least about 12% by weight, or at least about 15% by weight, of whitening minerals, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise no more than about 65% by weight, e.g., no more than about 55% by weight, or no more than about 45% by weight, or no more than about 40% by weight, or no more than about 35% by weight, of whitening minerals, based on the total weight of the mineral blend. The mineral blend can comprise between about 5% and about 55% by weight, e.g., between about 10% and about 45% by weight, e.g., between about 10% and about 35% by weight, of whitening minerals, based on the total weight of the mineral blend.

[0076] Thus, the coating composition may be selected from the group consisting of: Hydrous kaolin as an opacifying mineral, precipitated calcium carbonate as an opacifying and / or whitening mineral, natural diatomaceous earth as a matting and / or opacifying mineral, flux-calcined diatomaceous earth as a matting and / or opacifying mineral, talc as a matting and / or opacifying mineral, wollastonite as a matting mineral, perlite as a matting mineral, mica as a matting mineral, quartz as a matting mineral, chlorite as a matting and / or opacifying mineral; The mineral may contain at least one mineral (for example, one mineral, or two minerals, or three minerals, or four minerals, or five minerals). The coating composition can comprise at least about 5% by weight, e.g., at least about 10% by weight, or at least about 15% by weight, of opacifying minerals, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise no more than about 45% by weight, e.g., no more than about 40% by weight, or no more than about 35% by weight, or no more than about 30% by weight, of opacifying minerals, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise from about 5% to about 45% by weight, e.g., from about 10% to about 40% by weight, or from about 10% to about 35% by weight, or from about 15% to about 30% by weight, of opacifying minerals, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

[0077] The coating composition can include at least about 1% by weight, e.g., at least about 3%, or at least about 5%, or at least about 8% by weight of matte minerals, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can include no more than about 40% by weight, e.g., no more than about 35%, or no more than about 30%, or no more than about 25%, or no more than about 20% by weight of matte minerals, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can include from about 1% to about 40% by weight, e.g., from about 3% to about 35%, or from about 5% to about 30%, or from about 5% to about 25%, or from about 8% to about 20% by weight of matte minerals, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

[0078] The coating composition can comprise at least about 1% by weight, e.g., at least about 2%, or at least about 3%, or at least about 4%, or at least about 5% by weight of the whitening mineral, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise no more than about 40% by weight, e.g., no more than about 35%, or no more than about 30%, or no more than about 25%, or no more than about 20% by weight of the whitening mineral, based on the total weight of the coating composition. The coating composition can comprise from about 1% to about 40% by weight, e.g., from about 3% to about 30%, or from about 3% to about 25%, or from about 5% to about 20% by weight of the whitening mineral, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

[0079] The mineral blend may comprise, based on the total weight of the mineral blend: about 10% to about 30% by weight, e.g., about 15% to about 25% by weight, or about 20% to about 25% by weight, of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm d). 50 about 1% by mass to about 10% by mass, for example, about 2% by mass to about 6% by mass of perlite; about 15% by mass to about 40% by mass, for example, about 20% by mass to about 35% by mass of talc; about 15% by mass to about 40% by mass, for example, about 20% by mass to about 35% by mass of calcined kaolin (for example, about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm in diameter) 50and about 10% to about 30% by weight, e.g., about 15% to about 25% by weight, hydrous kaolin; wherein the amount of each mineral in the mineral blend is selected so that the sum of the mass percentages of the minerals adds up to 100.

[0080] The mineral blend may comprise, based on the total weight of the mineral blend: about 10% to about 30% by weight, e.g., about 15% to about 25% by weight, or about 20% to about 25% by weight, of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm d). 50 about 1% by weight to about 10% by weight, for example, about 2% by weight to about 6% by weight of perlite; about 15% by weight to about 35% by weight, for example, about 20% by weight to about 30% by weight of wollastonite; about 15% by weight to about 40% by weight, for example, about 20% by weight to about 35% by weight of calcined kaolin (e.g., about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm in diameter); 50 from about 1% to about 15%, e.g., from about 2% to about 10%, by weight, of precipitated calcium carbonate; and from about 5% to about 25%, e.g., from about 10% to about 20%, by weight, of hydrous kaolin; wherein the amount of each mineral in the mineral blend is selected so that the sum of the mass percentages of the minerals adds up to 100.

[0081] The mineral blend may comprise, based on the total weight of the mineral blend: about 10% to about 50% by weight, e.g., about 20% to about 40% by weight, of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 10% to about 30% by weight, e.g., about 15% to about 25% by weight, of a d-type calcium carbonate of about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm). 50 and about 1% by weight to about 15% by weight, for example about 5% by weight to about 10% by weight, of a calcium carbonate having a d of about 5.0 μm to about 15.0 μm. 50 about 1% to about 10% by weight, for example, about 2% to about 6% by weight, of perlite; about 1% to about 15% by weight, for example, about 5% to about 10% by weight, of talc; about 10% to about 35% by weight, for example, about 20% to about 25% by weight, of calcined kaolin (e.g., about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm in diameter)50 from about 1% to about 12%, e.g., from about 4% to about 8%, by weight, of precipitated calcium carbonate; and from about 5% to about 25%, e.g., from about 10% to about 20%, by weight, of hydrous kaolin; wherein the amount of each mineral in the mineral blend is selected so that the sum of the mass percentages of the minerals adds up to 100.

[0082] The mineral blend may comprise, based on the total weight of the mineral blend: about 10% to about 50% by weight, e.g., about 20% to about 40% by weight, or about 25% to about 35% by weight of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 4.0 μm to about 9.0 μm d). 50 about 1% by weight to about 10% by weight, for example, about 2% by weight to about 6% by weight of perlite; about 5% by weight to about 30% by weight, for example, about 10% by weight to about 25% by weight of talc; and about 30% by weight to about 70% by weight, for example, about 40% by weight to about 60% by weight of calcined kaolin (e.g., about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm in diameter). 50 wherein the amount of each said mineral in the mineral blend is selected such that the sum of the mass percentages of said minerals equals 100.

[0083] The mineral blend may comprise, based on the total weight of the mineral blend: about 10% to about 50% by weight, e.g., about 20% to about 40% by weight, of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 10% to about 30% by weight, e.g., about 15% to about 25% by weight, of a d-type calcium carbonate of about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm). 50 and about 1% by weight to about 15% by weight, for example about 5% by weight to about 10% by weight, of a calcium carbonate having a d of about 5.0 μm to about 15.0 μm. 50 about 1% to about 10% by weight, for example, about 2% to about 6% by weight, of perlite; about 1% to about 15% by weight, for example, about 4% to about 10% by weight, of talc; about 10% to about 35% by weight, for example, about 15% to about 30% by weight, of calcined kaolin, for example, flash-calcined kaolin (e.g., about 1.0 μm to about 2.0 μm d 50about 10% to about 35% by weight, e.g., about 15% to about 30% by weight, of precipitated calcium carbonate; and about 5% to about 25% by weight, e.g., about 10% to about 20% by weight, of hydrous kaolin; wherein the amount of each mineral in the mineral blend is selected so that the sum of the mass percentages of the minerals adds up to 100.

[0084] The mineral blend may comprise, based on the total weight of the mineral blend: about 10% to about 50% by weight, e.g., about 20% to about 40% by weight, or about 25% to about 35% by weight of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 1.0 μm to about 3.5 μm d). 50 about 10% by weight to about 30% by weight, for example, about 15% by weight to about 25% by weight of flux-calcined diatomaceous earth; and about 20% by weight to about 70% by weight, for example, about 30% by weight to about 60% by weight, or about 40% by weight to about 60% by weight of calcined kaolin (e.g., about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm diameter). 50 wherein the amount of each said mineral in the mineral blend is selected such that the sum of the mass percentages of said minerals equals 100.

[0085] The mineral blend may comprise, based on the total weight of the mineral blend: about 5% to about 25% by weight, e.g., about 10% to about 20% by weight, of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 1.0 μm to about 3.5 μm d). 50 about 10% to about 50%, e.g., about 20% to about 40%, by weight, of one or more of mica, quartz, and chlorite, or mixtures thereof (e.g., the mineral aggregate leucophyllite); about 5% to about 20%, e.g., about 8% to about 15%, by weight, of natural diatomaceous earth; and about 30% to about 60%, e.g., about 40% to about 50%, by weight, of calcined kaolin (e.g., from about 0.3 μm to about 1.1 μm in diameter). 50 wherein the amount of each said mineral in the mineral blend is selected such that the sum of the mass percentages of said minerals equals 100. The coating composition may comprise, based on the total weight of the coating composition: about 1% to about 20%, e.g., about 5% to about 15%, or about 8% to about 14%, by weight of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm d 50 about 0.5% by mass to about 5% by mass, for example, about 1% by mass to about 3% by mass of perlite; about 5% by mass to about 20% by mass, for example, about 10% by mass to about 15% by mass of talc; about 5% by mass to about 20% by mass, for example, about 10% by mass to about 15% by mass of calcined kaolin (e.g., about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm in diameter) 50 and about 5% to about 15%, e.g., about 6% to about 10%, by weight of hydrous kaolin. The amount of each of the minerals in the coating composition is typically selected so that the sum of the weight percentages of the minerals in the coating composition is less than 100.

[0086] The coating composition may comprise, based on the total weight of the coating composition: about 1% to about 20%, e.g., about 5% to about 15%, or about 8% to about 14%, by weight of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm d 50 about 0.5% by mass to about 5% by mass, for example, about 1% by mass to about 3% by mass of perlite; about 5% by mass to about 20% by mass, for example, about 10% by mass to about 15% by mass of talc; about 5% by mass to about 20% by mass, for example, about 10% by mass to about 15% by mass of calcined kaolin (e.g., about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm in diameter) 50 and about 5% to about 15%, e.g., about 6% to about 10%, by weight of hydrous kaolin. The amount of each of the minerals in the coating composition is typically selected so that the sum of the weight percentages of the minerals in the coating composition is less than 100.

[0087] The coating composition may comprise, based on the total weight of the coating composition: about 1% to about 20%, e.g., about 5% to about 15%, or about 8% to about 14%, by weight of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm d 50about 0.5% by weight to about 5% by weight, for example, about 1% by weight to about 3% by weight of perlite; about 5% by weight to about 20% by weight, for example, about 10% by weight to about 15% by weight of wollastonite; about 5% by weight to about 20% by weight, for example, about 10% by weight to about 15% by weight of calcined kaolin (e.g., about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm in diameter) 50 and about 1% to about 15% by weight, e.g., about 5% to about 10% by weight, of hydrous kaolin. The amount of each mineral in the coating composition is typically selected so that the sum of the weight percentages of the minerals in the coating composition is less than 100.

[0088] The coating composition may comprise, based on the total weight of the coating composition: about 5% to about 30% by weight, e.g., about 10% to about 20% by weight, of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 5% to about 20% by weight, e.g., about 8% to about 15% by weight, of a d-type granular material of about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm). 50 and about 1% by weight to about 8% by weight, for example about 2% by weight to about 6% by weight, of a ground calcium carbonate having a d of about 5.0 μm to about 15.0 μm. 50 ground calcium carbonate having a d of about 0.5% by weight to about 5% by weight, for example, about 1% by weight to about 3% by weight of perlite; about 1% by weight to about 8% by weight, for example, about 2% by weight to about 6% by weight of talc; about 5% by weight to about 20% by weight, for example, about 8% by weight to about 15% by weight of calcined kaolin (e.g., about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm d 50 and about 1% to about 10%, e.g., about 3% to about 7%, by weight, of hydrous kaolin. The amount of each mineral in the coating composition is typically selected so that the sum of the weight percentages of the minerals in the coating composition is less than 100.

[0089] The coating composition may comprise, based on the total weight of the coating composition: about 5% to about 25% by weight, e.g., about 8% to about 20% by weight, or about 10% to about 18% by weight of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 4.0 μm to about 9.0 μm d 50 about 0.5% by weight to about 5% by weight, for example, about 1% by weight to about 3% by weight of perlite; about 2% by weight to about 15% by weight, for example, about 5% by weight to about 12% by weight of talc; and about 10% by weight to about 35% by weight, for example, about 18% by weight to about 30% by weight of calcined kaolin (e.g., about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm in diameter). 50 The amount of each of the minerals in the coating composition is typically selected so that the sum of the mass percentages of the minerals in the coating composition is less than 100.

[0090] The coating composition may comprise, based on the total weight of the coating composition: about 5% to about 30% by weight, e.g., about 10% to about 20% by weight, of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 5% to about 20% by weight, e.g., about 8% to about 15% by weight, of a d-type granular material of about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm). 50 and about 1% by weight to about 8% by weight, for example about 2% by weight to about 6% by weight, of a ground calcium carbonate having a d of about 5.0 μm to about 15.0 μm. 50 about 0.5% to about 5% by weight, for example, about 1% to about 3% by weight, of perlite; about 1% to about 8% by weight, for example, about 2% to about 6% by weight, of talc; about 5% to about 20% by weight, for example, about 8% to about 15% by weight, of calcined kaolin, for example, flash-calcined kaolin (e.g., about 1.0 μm to about 2.0 μm d 50 and about 1% to about 10%, e.g., about 3% to about 7%, by weight, of hydrous kaolin. The amount of each mineral in the coating composition is typically selected so that the sum of the weight percentages of the minerals in the coating composition is less than 100.

[0091] The coating composition may comprise, based on the total weight of the coating composition: about 5% to about 30%, e.g., about 10% to about 20%, or about 12% to about 18% by weight of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 1.0 μm to about 3.5 μm d). 50 about 4% by weight to about 15% by weight, for example, about 6% by weight to about 12% by weight of flux-calcined diatomaceous earth; and about 10% by weight to about 35% by weight, for example, about 15% by weight to about 30% by weight, or about 20% by weight to about 30% by weight of calcined kaolin (e.g., about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm diameter). 50 The amount of each of the minerals in the coating composition is typically selected so that the sum of the mass percentages of the minerals in the coating composition is less than 100.

[0092] The coating composition may comprise, based on the total weight of the coating composition: about 1% to about 10%, for example about 3% to about 7%, by weight of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 1.0 μm to about 3.5 μm d 50 about 5% to about 15% by weight, for example, about 8% to about 12% by weight, of one or more of mica, quartz, and chlorite, or a mixture thereof (e.g., mineral coalescence leucophyllite); about 1% to about 10% by weight, for example, about 2% to about 6% by weight, of natural diatomaceous earth; and about 5% to about 30% by weight, for example, about 10% to about 20% by weight, of calcined kaolin (e.g., about 0.3 μm to about 1.1 μm diameter). 50 The amount of each of the minerals in the coating composition is typically selected so that the sum of the mass percentages of the minerals in the coating composition is less than 100.

[0093] Properties of the Coating Composition The coating composition, e.g. paint, is resistant to 8m 2 / L of at least about 95.0%, e.g., or at least about 96.0%, or at least about 97.0%, or at least about 97.5%, or at least about 98.0% opacity. The coating composition, e.g. paint, is resistant to 8m according to ISO 6504 / 1. 2 / L of at least about 95.0%, e.g., or at least about 96.0%, or at least about 97.0%, or at least about 97.5% opacity. The coating composition, e.g., paint, may have an 85° gloss at 100 μm wet film thickness, measured according to ISO 2813, of about 7.0 or less, or about 6.0 or less, or about 5.5 or less, or about 5.0 or less, or about 4.5 or less, or about 4.0 or less, or about 3.5 or less, or about 3.0 or less.

[0094] The coating composition, e.g., paint, can have an 85° gloss at 100 μm wet film thickness, measured according to ISO 2813, of about 7.0 or less, or about 6.0 or less, or about 5.5 or less, or about 5.0 or less, or about 4.5 or less, or about 4.0 or less, or about 3.5 or less, or about 3.0 or less, with, for example, at least about 60% PVC, or at least about 65% PVC, or at least about 70% PVC, or at least about 75% PVC. The coating composition, e.g., paint, can have an 85° gloss at 100 μm wet film thickness measured according to ISO 2813 of about 7.0 or less, or about 6.0 or less, or about 5.5 or less, or about 5.0 or less, or about 4.5 or less, or about 4.0 or less, or about 3.5 or less, or about 3.0 or less, with, for example, about 95% or less, or about 90% or less, or about 85% or less, or about 80% or less PVC.

[0095] The coating composition, e.g., paint, has an L of at least about 90.0, e.g., at least about 91.0, or at least about 92.0, or at least about 93.0, or at least about 94.0, or at least about 95.0, or at least about 96.0, at a wet film thickness of 1500 μm. * It can have: The coating composition, e.g., paint, has a b of about 5.0 or less, e.g., about 4.0 or less, or about 3.0 or less, or about 2.9 or less, at a wet film thickness of 1500 μm. * In some embodiments, the coating composition, e.g., paint, can have a b of at least about 0.5, e.g., at least about 1.0, or at least about 1.5, or at least about 2.0. * It has. L * and b * is CIE L * a * b * The color component value on the color space scale. * is a measure of whiteness. * is a measure of yellowness. * and b * can be measured using a Datacolour model 600 spectrophotometer.

[0096] The coating composition, e.g., paint, can have an abrasion resistance of Grade 1 according to ISO 11998. Alternatively, the coating composition, e.g., paint, can have an abrasion resistance of Grade 2 according to ISO 11998. A coating composition with an abrasion resistance of Grade 1 according to ISO 11998 typically has an abrasion resistance of less than 5 μm at 200 cycles. A coating composition with an abrasion resistance of Grade 2 according to ISO 11998 typically has an abrasion resistance of 5 μm to 20 μm at 200 cycles. The coating composition, e.g., paint, can have an abrasion resistance of Type A according to BS 3900. The coating composition, e.g., paint, can have an abrasion resistance of Type B according to BS 3900. A coating composition with an abrasion resistance of Type A according to BS 3900 typically has an abrasion resistance of 5 mg / cm at 200 cycles. 2 Coating compositions with Type B abrasion resistance according to BS 3900 typically have an abrasion resistance of 5 mg / cm at 200 cycles. 2 It has abrasion resistance exceeding 100%.

[0097] In one embodiment, the coating composition is: 2 an opacity of at least about 95.0%, e.g., at least about 97.0%, at 100 μm wet film thickness, measured according to ISO 2813, e.g., with at least about 60% PVC; and optionally, an 85° gloss of at least about 7.0 at 1500 μm wet film thickness, measured according to ISO 2813, e.g., with at least about 60% PVC; and optionally, an 85° gloss of at least about 95.0 at 1500 μm wet film thickness, measured according to ISO 2813, * , and / or a paint having an abrasion resistance of Grade 1 or Grade 2 according to ISO 11998 or Type A or B according to BS 3900.

[0098] In some embodiments, the coating composition comprises about 1% to about 20%, e.g., about 5% to about 15%, or about 8% to about 14%, by weight of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm d), based on the total weight of the coating composition. 50 about 0.5% by mass to about 5% by mass, for example, about 1% by mass to about 3% by mass of perlite; about 5% by mass to about 20% by mass, for example, about 10% by mass to about 15% by mass of talc; about 5% by mass to about 20% by mass, for example, about 10% by mass to about 15% by mass of calcined kaolin (e.g., about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm in diameter) 50 and about 5% to about 15% by weight, for example about 6% to about 10% by weight, of hydrous kaolin; 2 / L of at least about 95.0%, e.g., at least about 97.0%, or at least about 98.0%; and an 85° gloss of about 7.0 or less, e.g., about 6.0 or less, or about 5.0 or less, at a 100 μm wet film thickness, measured according to ISO 2813, e.g., with at least about 60% PVC; and optionally an L of at least about 95.0, e.g., at least about 96.0, at a 1500 μm wet film thickness. * , and / or have an abrasion resistance of Grade 1 or Grade 2 according to ISO 11998 or Type A or B according to BS 3900.

[0099] In some embodiments, the coating composition comprises about 1% to about 20%, e.g., about 5% to about 15%, or about 8% to about 14%, by weight of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm diameter), based on the total weight of the coating composition. 50 about 0.5% by mass to about 5% by mass, for example, about 1% by mass to about 3% by mass of perlite; about 5% by mass to about 20% by mass, for example, about 10% by mass to about 15% by mass of talc; about 5% by mass to about 20% by mass, for example, about 10% by mass to about 15% by mass of calcined kaolin (e.g., about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm in diameter) 50 and about 5% to about 15% by weight, for example about 6% to about 10% by weight, of hydrous kaolin; 2 / L of at least about 95.0%, e.g., at least about 97.0%, or at least about 98.0%; and an 85° gloss of about 7.0 or less, e.g., about 6.0 or less, or about 5.0 or less, at a 100 μm wet film thickness, measured according to ISO 2813, e.g., with at least about 60% PVC; and optionally an L of at least about 95.0, e.g., at least about 96.0, at a 1500 μm wet film thickness. * , and / or have an abrasion resistance of Grade 1 or Grade 2 according to ISO 11998 or Type A or B according to BS 3900.

[0100] In some embodiments, the coating composition comprises about 1% to about 20%, e.g., about 5% to about 15%, or about 8% to about 14%, by weight of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm diameter), based on the total weight of the coating composition. 50 about 0.5% by weight to about 5% by weight, for example, about 1% by weight to about 3% by weight of perlite; about 5% by weight to about 20% by weight, for example, about 10% by weight to about 15% by weight of wollastonite; about 5% by weight to about 20% by weight, for example, about 10% by weight to about 15% by weight of calcined kaolin (e.g., about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm in diameter) 50about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, for example, about 1% to about 5% by weight, of precipitated calcium carbonate; and about 1% to about 15% by weight, for example, about 5% to about 10% by weight, of hydrous kaolin; 2 / L of at least about 95.0%, e.g., at least about 97.0%, or at least about 98.0%; and an 85° gloss of about 7.0 or less, e.g., about 6.0 or less, or about 5.0 or less, at a 100 μm wet film thickness, measured according to ISO 2813, e.g., with at least about 60% PVC; and optionally an L of at least about 95.0, e.g., at least about 96.0, at a 1500 μm wet film thickness. * , and / or have an abrasion resistance of Grade 1 or Grade 2 according to ISO 11998 or Type A or B according to BS 3900.

[0101] In one embodiment, the coating composition comprises, based on the total weight of the coating composition: about 5% to about 30%, e.g., about 10% to about 20%, by weight, of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 5% to about 20%, e.g., about 8% to about 15%, by weight, of a d-type calcium carbonate of about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm). 50 and a d of about 5.0 μm to about 15.0 μm. 50 about 1% by weight to about 8% by weight, for example, about 2% by weight to about 6% by weight of ground calcium carbonate; about 0.5% by weight to about 5% by weight, for example, about 1% by weight to about 3% by weight of perlite; about 1% by weight to about 8% by weight, for example, about 2% by weight to about 6% by weight of talc; about 5% by weight to about 20% by weight, for example, about 8% by weight to about 15% by weight of calcined kaolin (e.g., about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm diameter). 50 about 5% to about 20% by weight, for example, about 8% to about 15% by weight, of precipitated calcium carbonate; and about 1% to about 10% by weight, for example, about 3% to about 7% by weight, of hydrous kaolin; 2 / L of at least about 95.0%, e.g., at least about 97.0%, or at least about 98.0%; and an 85° gloss of about 7.0 or less, e.g., about 6.0 or less, or about 5.0 or less, at a 100 μm wet film thickness, measured according to ISO 2813, e.g., with at least about 60% PVC; and optionally an L of at least about 95.0, e.g., at least about 96.0, at a 1500 μm wet film thickness. * and / or having an abrasion resistance of Grade 1 or Grade 2 according to ISO 11998 or Type A or B according to BS 3900.

[0102] In one embodiment, the coating composition comprises about 5% to about 25%, e.g., about 8% to about 20%, or about 10% to about 18%, by weight of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 4.0 μm to about 9.0 μm diameter), based on the total weight of the coating composition. 50 about 0.5% by weight to about 5% by weight, for example, about 1% by weight to about 3% by weight of perlite; about 2% by weight to about 15% by weight, for example, about 5% by weight to about 12% by weight of talc; and about 10% by weight to about 35% by weight, for example, about 18% by weight to about 30% by weight of calcined kaolin (e.g., about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm in diameter). 50 8m according to ISO 6504-3 2 / L of at least about 95.0%, e.g., at least about 97.0%, or at least about 98.0%; and an 85° gloss of about 7.0 or less, e.g., about 6.0 or less, or about 5.0 or less, at a 100 μm wet film thickness, measured according to ISO 2813, e.g., with at least about 60% PVC; and optionally an L of at least about 95.0, e.g., at least about 96.0, at a 1500 μm wet film thickness. * and / or having an abrasion resistance of Grade 1 or Grade 2 according to ISO 11998 or Type A or B according to BS 3900.

[0103] In one embodiment, the coating composition comprises, based on the total weight of the coating composition: about 5% to about 30%, e.g., about 10% to about 20%, by weight, of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 5% to about 20%, e.g., about 8% to about 15%, by weight, of a d-type calcium carbonate of about 3.0 μm to about 6.0 μm). 50 and about 1% by weight to about 8% by weight, for example about 2% by weight to about 6% by weight, of calcium carbonate having a d of about 5.0 μm to about 15.0 μm. 50 about 0.5% to about 5% by weight, for example, about 1% to about 3% by weight, of perlite; about 1% to about 8% by weight, for example, about 2% to about 6% by weight, of talc; about 5% to about 20% by weight, for example, about 8% to about 15% by weight, of calcined kaolin, for example, flash-calcined kaolin (e.g., about 1.0 μm to about 2.0 μm d 50 about 5% to about 20% by weight, for example, about 8% to about 15% by weight, of precipitated calcium carbonate; and about 1% to about 10% by weight, for example, about 3% to about 7% by weight, of hydrous kaolin; 2 / L of at least about 95.0%, e.g., at least about 97.0%, or at least about 98.0%; and an 85° gloss of about 7.0 or less, e.g., about 6.0 or less, or about 5.0 or less, at a 100 μm wet film thickness, measured according to ISO 2813, e.g., with at least about 60% PVC; and optionally an L of at least about 95.0, e.g., at least about 96.0, at a 1500 μm wet film thickness. * and / or having an abrasion resistance of Grade 1 or Grade 2 according to ISO 11998 or Type A or B according to BS 3900.

[0104] In one embodiment, the coating composition comprises, based on the total weight of the coating composition, about 5% to about 30%, e.g., about 10% to about 20%, or about 12% to about 18%, by weight, of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 1.0 μm to about 3.5 μm). 50about 4% by weight to about 15% by weight, for example, about 6% by weight to about 12% by weight of flux-calcined diatomaceous earth; and about 10% by weight to about 35% by weight, for example, about 15% by weight to about 30% by weight, or about 20% by weight to about 30% by weight of calcined kaolin (e.g., about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm diameter). 50 ) according to ISO 6504-3, 8m 2 and an 85° gloss of about 7.0 or less, e.g., about 6.0 or less, or about 5.0 or less, at a 100 μm wet film thickness, measured according to ISO 2813, with, e.g., at least about 60% PVC; and optionally an 85° gloss of at least about 95.0, e.g., at least about 96.0, at a 1500 μm wet film thickness, measured according to ISO 2813, with, e.g., at least about 60% PVC. * and / or having an abrasion resistance of Grade 1 or Grade 2 according to ISO 11998 or Type A or B according to BS 3900.

[0105] In one embodiment, the coating composition comprises, based on the total weight of the coating composition, about 1% to about 10%, e.g., about 3% to about 7%, by weight, of ground calcium carbonate (e.g., about 1.0 μm to about 3.5 μm d). 50 about 5% to about 15% by weight, for example, about 8% to about 12% by weight, of one or more of mica, quartz, and chlorite, or mixtures thereof (e.g., mineral coalescent leucophyllite); about 1% to about 10% by weight, for example, about 2% to about 6% by weight, of natural diatomaceous earth; and about 5% to about 30% by weight, for example, about 10% to about 20% by weight, of calcined kaolin (e.g., about 0.3 μm to about 1.1 μm diameter). 50 8m according to ISO 6504-3 2 / L of at least about 95.0%, e.g., at least about 97.0%, or at least about 98.0%; and an 85° gloss of about 7.0 or less, e.g., about 6.0 or less, or about 5.0 or less, at a 100 μm wet film thickness, measured according to ISO 2813, e.g., with at least about 60% PVC; and optionally an L of at least about 95.0, e.g., at least about 96.0, at a 1500 μm wet film thickness. * and / or have an abrasion resistance of Grade 1 or Grade 2 according to ISO 11998 or Type A or B according to BS 3900.

[0106] Preparation method The minerals in the mineral blend can be prepared using techniques well known to those skilled in the art, such as techniques selected from comminution (e.g., crushing, grinding, milling), classification (e.g., hydrodynamic selection, screening, and / or sieving), and drying. Ground calcium carbonate is obtained from natural sources of calcium carbonate by grinding, possibly followed by a particle size classification step, to obtain a product with the desired particle size distribution. Kaolin can be obtained in a similar manner and then calcined. The minerals can be ground authogeneously, i.e., by attrition between the mineral particles themselves, or alternatively, in the presence of a particulate grinding medium comprising particles of a material different from the mineral particles to be ground.

[0107] Coating compositions, e.g., paints, can be prepared, for example, by combining, e.g., mixing and processing, the components of the mineral blend in appropriate amounts (depending on the desired composition) with a liquid medium (e.g., water), a binder, and any desired additives. The various components can be processed by mixing or grinding, or in a high-speed dispersion tank where premixed components are subjected to high-speed agitation by circular blades attached to a rotating shaft. Base material The substrate may be an article of manufacture. For example, the substrate may be a handcrafted item, a piece of furniture, a medium (e.g., a medium body), a sea-going vessel, or a pipe. The substrate can also be a surface. For example, the substrate can be the surface of a structural element, such as an interior or exterior wall, ceiling or floor of a residential floor plan, an exterior fence, trim, etc.

[0108] Method for coating a substrate The coating composition, e.g., paint, may be applied to the substrate by one or more coating techniques that will be apparent to those skilled in the art, such as painting or spray-coating the coating composition material onto the substrate or immersing the substrate in the coating composition.

[0109] For the avoidance of doubt, the present invention applies to the subject matter described in the following numbered paragraphs: 1. Contains about 1.0 wt. % or less TiO2, based on the total weight of the mineral blend and coating composition, wherein the mineral blend: Ground calcium carbonate as a matting mineral, a whitening mineral, or both; and Calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, as an opacifying mineral, a whitening mineral, or both 1. A coating composition comprising: 2. The ground calcium carbonate has a diameter of at least about 2.0 μm 50 10. The coating composition according to numbered paragraph 1, 3. The calcined kaolin has a d of at least about 0.5 μm 50 10. The coating composition according to numbered paragraph 1 or numbered paragraph 2, 4. A coating composition according to any preceding numbered paragraph comprising at least about 5% by weight of ground calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the coating composition. 5. The coating composition according to numbered paragraph 4, comprising about 5% to about 15% by weight of ground calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the coating composition. 6. A coating composition according to any preceding numbered paragraph comprising at least about 10% by weight of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, based on the total weight of the coating composition. 7. The coating composition according to numbered paragraph 6, comprising about 10% to about 25% by weight of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, based on the total weight of the coating composition. 8. A coating composition according to any preceding numbered paragraph comprising at least about 35% by weight of the mineral blend, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

[0110] 9. A coating composition according to any preceding numbered paragraph, wherein the mineral blend comprises at least one additional mineral selected from the following group: hydrous kaolin as an opacifying mineral, precipitated calcium carbonate as an opacifying and / or whitening mineral, natural diatomaceous earth as a matting and / or opacifying mineral, flux-calcined diatomaceous earth as a matting and / or opacifying mineral, talc as a matting and / or opacifying mineral, wollastonite as a matting mineral, perlite as a matting mineral, mica as a matting mineral, quartz as a matting mineral, chlorite as a matting mineral. 10. A coating composition according to any preceding numbered paragraph, comprising about 10% to about 35%, e.g., about 15% to about 30%, by weight of an opacifying mineral, based on the total weight of the coating composition. 11. A coating composition according to any preceding numbered paragraph, comprising about 5% to about 25% by weight, e.g., about 8% to about 20% by weight, of a matting mineral, based on the total weight of the coating composition. 12. A coating composition according to any preceding numbered paragraph, comprising about 3% to about 25% by weight, e.g., about 5% to about 20% by weight, of a whitening mineral, based on the total weight of the coating composition. 13. A coating composition according to any preceding numbered paragraph, further comprising a binder. 14. A coating composition according to numbered paragraph 13 having a PVC of (i) at least CPVC, or (ii) at least about 130.0% CPVC, or (iii) at least about 150.0% CPVC.

[0111] 15. It is a paint, According to ISO 6504-3, 8m 2 an opacity of at least about 95.0%, e.g., at least about 97.0%, at 1 / L; and For example, at least about 60% PVC and an 85° gloss of about 7.0 or less at 100 μm wet film thickness according to ISO 2813; and optionally, L* of at least about 95.0 at 1500 μm wet film thickness and / or abrasion resistance of Grade 1 or Grade 2 according to ISO 11998 or Type A or Type B according to BS 3900 13. The coating composition according to paragraph 13 or paragraph 14,

[0112] 16. A paint that is substantially free of TiO2, comprising a mineral blend and a binder; and According to ISO 6504-3, 8m 2 an opacity of at least about 95.0%, e.g., at least about 97.0%, at 1 / L; and For example, at least about 60% PVC and an 85° gloss of about 7.0 or less at 100 μm wet film thickness according to ISO 2813; and optionally, L* of at least about 95.0 at a wet film thickness of 1500 μm, and / or abrasion resistance of Grade 1 or Grade 2 according to ISO 11998 or Type A or Type B according to BS 3900 A paint having 17. A substrate coated with a coating composition, e.g., a paint, according to any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 16.

[0113] 18. 18.8m according to ISO 6504-3 2an opacity of at least about 95.0%, e.g., at least about 97.0%, at 1 / L; and For example, at least about 60% PVC and an 85° gloss of about 7.0 or less at 100 μm wet film thickness according to ISO 2813; and optionally, L* of at least about 95.0 at 1500 μm wet film thickness and / or abrasion resistance of Grade 1 or Grade 2 per ISO 11998 or Type A or Type B per BS 3900 1. Use of a mineral blend comprising ground calcium carbonate and calcined kaolin, such as flash-calcined kaolin, in a TiO2-free paint, having

[0114] 19. A mineral blend for use in a TiO2-free paint, comprising, based on the total weight of the mineral blend: between about 10% and about 40% by weight, for example between about 10% and about 35% by weight, of calcium carbonate as a matting or whitening mineral, or as a matting and whitening mineral; Between about 20% and about 60% by weight, e.g., between about 20% and about 50% by weight, of calcined kaolin, e.g., flash-calcined kaolin, as an opacifying mineral or a whitening mineral, or as an opacifying mineral and a whitening mineral; and Less than approximately 3.0% by mass of TiO2 A mineral blend containing

[0115] 20. A mineral blend for use in a TiO2-free paint, comprising, based on the total weight of the mineral blend: Between about 35% and about 65% by weight, e.g., between about 45% and about 60% by weight, of an opacifying mineral; Between about 10% and about 45% by weight, for example, between about 15% and about 40% by weight, of matting minerals; Between about 10% and about 45% by weight, e.g., between about 10% and about 35% by weight, of whitening minerals; and Less than approximately 3.0% by mass of TiO2 A mineral blend containing [Example]

[0116] In each of the following examples, reference is made to Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4, where: Table 1 provides the mineral compositions of six example mineral blends (in wt % based on the total mass of the mineral blend); Table 2 provides the compositions of seven example paints (in wt %, based on the total weight of the paint composition) made using the six example mineral blends of Table 1; Table 3 provides the measurements for each of the seven example paints in Table 2 of opacity (measured according to ISO 6504-3 and ISO 6504 / 1 standards), 85° gloss, CIELAB L* and b*, and abrasion resistance rating (measured according to BS 3900 standard); and Table 4 provides, for each of the proprietary mineral products or blends referenced in Tables 1-3, the mineral composition, average particle size (i.e., determined by laser light scattering, as determined by sedigraph, unless marked by an asterisk (*)), and the average particle size (i.e., determined by laser light scattering, as determined by sedigraph). 50 ), their BET surface area, particle morphology and mineral role.

[0117] (Paint Example 1) Paint Example 1 was prepared by combining Mineral Blend Example 1 (having the composition shown in Table 1) with water, 25% ammonia (NH3) solution, antifoam agent BYK-024, dispersant Ecodis™ P90, biocide Acticide® MBS, cellulose thickener Natrosol™ 250HR, acrylic binder resin Acronal® S790, coalescent Texanol™, and associative thickener Acrysol™ TT-935ER (provided as a 50% aqueous solution) in the proportions shown in Table 2. The opacity, 85° gloss, CIELAB L* and b*, and abrasion resistance of Paint Example 1 were measured and are shown in Table 3.

[0118] (Paint Example 2) Paint Example 2 was prepared by combining Mineral Blend Example 2 (having the composition shown in Table 1) with water, 25% ammonia (NH3) solution, antifoam agent BYK-024, dispersant Ecodis™ P90, biocide Acticide® MBS, cellulose thickener Natrosol™ 250HR, acrylic binder resin Acronal® S790, coalescent Texanol™, and associative thickener Acrysol™ TT-935ER (provided as a 50% aqueous solution) in the proportions shown in Table 2. The opacity, 85° gloss, CIELAB L* and b*, and abrasion resistance of Paint Example 2 were measured and are shown in Table 3.

[0119] (Paint Example 3A) Paint Example 3A was prepared by combining Mineral Blend Example 3 (having the composition shown in Table 1) with water, 25% ammonia (NH3) solution, antifoam agent BYK-024, dispersant Ecodis™ P90, biocide Acticide® MBS, cellulose thickener Natrosol™ 250HR, acrylic binder resin Acronal® S790, coalescent Texanol™, and associative thickener Acrysol™ TT-935ER (provided as a 50% aqueous solution) in the proportions shown in Table 2. The opacity, 85° gloss, CIELAB L* and b*, and abrasion resistance of Paint Example 3A were measured and are shown in Table 3.

[0120] (Paint Example 3B) Paint Example 3B was prepared by combining Mineral Blend Example 3 (having the composition shown in Table 1) with water, 25% ammonia (NH3) solution, antifoam agent BYK-024, dispersant Ecodis™ P90, biocide Acticide® MBS, cellulose thickener Natrosol™ 250HR, acrylic binder resin Acronal® S790, coalescent Texanol™, and associative thickener Acrysol™ TT-935ER (provided as a 50% aqueous solution) in the proportions shown in Table 2. The opacity, 85° gloss, CIELAB L* and b*, and abrasion resistance of paint Example 3B were measured and are shown in Table 3.

[0121] (Paint Example 4) Paint Example 4 was prepared by combining Mineral Blend Example 4 (having the composition shown in Table 1) with water, 25% ammonia (NH3) solution, antifoam agent BYK-024, dispersant Ecodis™ P90, biocide Acticide® MBS, cellulose thickener Natrosol™ 250HR, acrylic binder resin Acronal® S790, coalescent Texanol™, and associative thickener Acrysol™ TT-935ER (provided as a 50% aqueous solution) in the proportions shown in Table 2. The opacity, 85° gloss, CIELAB L* and b*, and abrasion resistance of Paint Example 4 were measured and are shown in Table 3.

[0122] (Paint Example 5) Paint Example 5 was prepared by combining Mineral Blend Example 5 (having the composition shown in Table 1) with water, 25% ammonia (NH3) solution, antifoam agent BYK-024, dispersant Ecodis™ P90, biocide Acticide® MBS, cellulose thickener Natrosol™ 250HR, acrylic binder resin Acronal® S790, coalescent Texanol™, and associative thickener Acrysol™ TT-935ER (provided as a 50% aqueous solution) in the proportions shown in Table 2. The opacity, 85° gloss, CIELAB L* and b*, and abrasion resistance of Paint Example 5 were measured and are shown in Table 3. (Paint Example 6) Paint Example 6 was prepared by combining Mineral Blend Example 6 (having the composition shown in Table 1) with water, 25% ammonia (NH3) solution, antifoam agent BYK-024, dispersant Ecodis™ P90, biocide Acticide® MBS, cellulose thickener Natrosol™ 250HR, acrylic binder resin Acronal® S790, coalescent Texanol™, and associative thickener Acrysol™ TT-935ER (provided as a 50% aqueous solution) in the proportions shown in Table 2. Paint Example 6 Opacity, 85° Gloss, CIELAB L * and b * The results are shown in Table 3.

[0123] [Table 1]

[0124] [Table 2]

[0125] [Table 3]

[0126] [Table 4]

Claims

1. 1.0 wt. % or less TiO based on the total weight of the mineral blend and coating composition 2 1. A coating composition comprising a mineral blend comprising: ground calcium carbonate as a matting or whitening mineral or as a matting and whitening mineral; Calcined kaolin as an opacifying or whitening mineral, or as an opacifying and whitening mineral, and Perlite as a matting mineral, Including, The ground calcium carbonate is in a lump form and has a d of 3.0 to 7.0 μm. 50 The coating composition having the following structure:

2. 2. The coating composition of claim 1, wherein the calcined kaolin is flash-calcined kaolin.

3. The calcined kaolin has a d of at least 0.5 μm. 50 3. The coating composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein

4. 4. The coating composition of claim 1, comprising at least 5% by weight of ground calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

5. 5. The coating composition of claim 1, comprising at least 10% by weight of calcined kaolin, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

6. The coating composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising at least 35 wt% of the mineral blend, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

7. 7. The coating composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, having a pigment volume concentration (PVC) of 60% to 90%.

8. 8. The coating composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mineral blend comprises at least one further mineral from the following group: hydrous kaolin as an opacifying mineral, precipitated calcium carbonate as an opacifying and / or whitening mineral, natural diatomaceous earth as a matting and / or opacifying mineral, flux-calcined diatomaceous earth as a matting and / or opacifying mineral, talc as a matting and / or opacifying mineral, wollastonite as a matting mineral, mica as a matting mineral, quartz as a matting mineral, chlorite as a matting mineral.

9. 8m according to ISO 6504-3 2 9. The coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the coating composition has an opacity of at least 95.0% at 1000 W / L and an 85° gloss of 7.0 or less at a wet film thickness of 100 μm according to ISO 2813.

10. The coating composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the ground calcium carbonate is agglomerated and non-porous.

11. A substrate coated with the coating composition of any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The substrate of claim 11 , wherein the coating composition is a paint.

13. Based on total mass of mineral blend: Between 10% and 40% by weight of calcium carbonate as a matting or whitening mineral, or as a matting and whitening mineral, wherein the calcium carbonate is in agglomerated form and has a diameter of 3.0 to 7.0 μm. 50 having between 20% and 60% by weight of calcined kaolin as an opacifying or whitening mineral or as an opacifying and whitening mineral; Perlite as a matting mineral, and Less than 3.0% by mass of TiO 2 Including TiO 2 Mineral blend for use in paints that do not contain

14. 14. The mineral blend of claim 13, wherein the calcined kaolin is flash-calcined kaolin.

15. 15. The mineral blend of claim 13 or 14, wherein the ground calcium carbonate is agglomerated and non-porous.

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