Document mmpp0gDxMEM7NekX6QRkDRdKZ

UC 143- INTERNAL. CORRESPONDENCE (aJ^OO/I mcs DIVISION ' ft RIVER R0AP, BOUND BROOK, NEW JERSEY 08805 mum Mr. J. W. Biddle ^ Dr. F. B. Brown Mr. W. T. Higgins <4) Dr. R. L. Hoaglin Dr. F. Johnston Dr. R. W. Quarles Mr. J. J. Smith Mr. ,T. Welch Dr. F. J. Welch Dr. F. E. Bailey Mr. G. G. Himmler Dr. J. W. Lynn Mr. K. V. McCullough Mr. N. H. Reinking Mr. H. B. Robinson Mr. J. K. Rose Dr. F. W. Stone Mr, P. A. Thomas Mr. R. G. Woolery Mr. F. D. Dexter (3) Dr. R. A. Hard Dr. A. E. Pufahl *. SC - SC - BB - SC SC - BB - SC - TNY - SC * - SC - BB - SC - BB - BB - BB - SC - TNY - BB NF Oaf* February 28, 196 7 OrlQinatlfiQ Dipl, R & D - Division 28 Amv/trlng ItlUr <fat Subpcf Lab Program -.-AaiiSlo - NY - NF - NY Gentlemen: Attached for your information is a summary of the 1967 laboratory program on Asbestos carried out under the supervision of Mr, R. G. Woolery at Niagara Falls. It is our intent to investigate and implement, if found advisable, consolidation of some of these laboratory programs with other laboratory programs of similar objectives elsewhere in Group I. For example, in the New Application area described herein, consolidation with some water-soluble polymer programs at South Charleston appears warranted. Your comments on other areas of potential overlap and advisability of consolidation within these areas would be appreciated. Very truly yours. NLZ/bsn Attach. UCC 001853 RECEIVED mah. 3 i967 J. W. BIDDLE LAB PROGRAM - ASBESTOS 2/28/67 R, Go Woolery UCC 001854 TABLE OF CONTENTS Project Number Page Nomenclature - King City Asbestos Products-- 1 ASBESTOS RESEARCH 6 DEVELOPMENT--------- ---------------- 2 845-95304 (816-52) Surface Properties 6 Fiber Modification---- 2 845-95305 (816-53) Consultant Services --------- -- ------- 3 845-95306 (816-54) General S Miscellaneous------------------------------- ----- 4 ASBESTOS APPLICATIONS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT 5 845-95351 (816-55) Paper Products------- --------------- 5 845-95352 (816-56) Plastic Products-------------------_______------------------ 7 845-95353 (816-57) New Applications------ -------------------- 8 845-95354 (816-58) Process Research Development--------------------------- 9 845-95355 (816-59) New Asbestos Products from Existing Plant Processes----------------------------------------- ________--------10 ASBESTOS - TECHNICAL SERVICES------------------------------ 11 845-95381 (816-60) 845-95382 (81*6-61) Paper Products---------------- ------------- 11 Plastic Products----------------- ---------- -------------------------12 845-95383 (816-62) Floor Tile Products---------- - ----- -- -- ------------------13 845-95384 (816-63) New Applications ---------- ------ -- ---------- 14 845-95383 (816-64) King City Mill Assistance----- ------ ------ 15 UCC 001855 NOMENCLATURE - KING CITY ASBESTOS PRODUCTS High Purity Pellets High Purity Open Asbestos "T" Pellets ) Asbestos "T" Open ) Standard Grade Pellets 100 Standard Grade 144 ) Standard Grade 130 ) Standard Grade 110 ) Standard Grade Pellets 200 Standard Grade 244- etc* Standard Grade 201, 202, etc. Resin Grade Pellets 100 Resin Grade 144, etc. Resin Grade Pellets 200 Resin Grade 244, etc* Resin Grade Pellets 300 Resin Grade 344, etc* Resin Grade Pellets 400 Resin Grade 444, etc* H*P* Treated with Ti09 Opened (Ground) to "% retained on 325M Screen - 44%, 30% 10%" Super-Standard Super-Standard, Open Super-Standard, Cracked Pellets H*P* - low moisture H*P* - low moisture, open Silica-Treated Silica-Treated, Open Calcined Calcined, Open 100% Hydrophobic 100% Hydrophobic, Open UCC 001856 ASBESTOS RESEARCH S DEVELOPMENT ($112,000) Surface Properties S Fiber Modification Project 95$04 1.5 - 1.75 Man-Years $87,000 The objective of this project is to understand the chemistry and physics of chrysotile so that reasoned chemical modification of its structure can lead to new products of potential value to Union Carbide Corporation. It is exploratory in nature. For example, past work on surface -modification has led to Invention Disclosures on Asbestos "T" and RG-200 (silica modified) and has shown potential for asbestos in oil-well drilling fluids. As can be seen below, once a product or phenomenon has been pointed out by work on this project, it is trans ferred to an applications area for final product definition. Some experimental and consulting time of personnel on this project is used in applications oriented projects where surface or rheological ques tions arise. In 1967, plans are to explore the reaction of silica-modified asbestos with compounds of, for example, zirconium, antimony, aluminum, and titanium. It has recently been found, and somewhat surprisingly, that aluminum ion treated-silicated asbestos scatters light as efficiently as Asbestos "T", The reasons for this phenomenon will be investigated. Absorption characteristics of UCC asbestos with model pitch components will be studied possibly to extend the usefulness of this phenomenon in papermaking. The absorption of surfactants will also be studied with the twofold purpose of preparing hydrophobic products to thicken non-aqueous solvents, and elimination of BOD from water systems. Phosphate in absorption from aqueous solution will be studied aimed at a possible method of algae elimination by removal of this nutrient. Gas absorption by asbestos will also be examined. Findings in all these areas will be coordinated not only with the applied programs at Niagara Falls but with other areas such as the paper, water treatment, thickening, and oil-well drilling fluid efforts in South Charleston, the thermosetting resin work at Bound Brook, and the water-soluble polymer effort at Tarrytown, Along with the above surface chemistry studies, and also coordinated with other programs In the same ...manner-, and for the same objectives, rheological studies are planned for 1967. Needed first as a baseline is an understanding of the rheology of dilute aqueous unmodi?fied asbestos suspensions, including salt effects. Then, the rheology of co-flocculates of, for example, BaSO^. and clays, partially as an aid to the oil-well fluid work, and the rheological effects of asbestos in combination with UCC water-soluble polymers such as HEC 6 CMC will be characterized, S. Chwastiak K, Park -2UCC 001857 Consultant Services Project 95305 $10 ,000 Areas of potential utility for asbestos, in which UCC does not have the necessary program of technical skills, are explored within this project,, The major effort currently is a screening program in conjunc tion with Professor H, Lamprey of Alfred University on the effect of asbestos in ceramicse Renewal option for this study, which currently has shown possible improvement in ceramic compressive strengths when asbestos is included in the compound, is June 1967; the renewal option for the consultant himself is September 1967, Both will be reviewed 60 days prior to their option date. In conjunction with Marketing and the leads they have pro vided, the advisability of joint technology efforts on hot top mixes and graphite suspendors in foundry sands, green strength improvers in Taconlte pelletizing, and cooperative efforts with drilling mud suppliers (perhaps an oil-well servicing company) will be explored. The remainder of consultant services are indicated and charged to projects that follow. -3 UCC 001858 General S Miscellaneous Project 95306 $15,000 At Bound Brook, Dr,, J. A. Faucher's group is exploring the general mechanism of reinforcement by UCC's asbestos and its modifi cations with polar, non-polar, and reactive polymers, following Niagara Falls leads that both tensile strength and elongation increase for rigid and flexible vinyls and ABS admixture with 5-20 phr unmodi fied UCC asbestos, A portion^of this effort will be under this project. Efforts with ASTM Committee D-30 "High-Modulus Fibers Sub committee on Naturally Occurring Fibers" are under this project. At South Charleston, F, T, Simon and J. E, Knap will explore the co-flocculation of asbestos with Fe203 during the preparation of Fe203 with the objective of determining if the positively charged asbestos will increase the efficiency of the negatively charged oxide when used as a pigment (analogous to Asbestos "T"), -4UCC 001859 ASBESTOS APPLICATIONS RESEARCH S DEVELOPMENT ($243,000) T Paper Products Project 95351 2 Man-Years $96,000 Laboratory and consulting efforts, excluding technical ser vice work, are carried out under this project. The project is highly market oriented and is aimed at developing markets and maximizing profits of asbestos and its modifications used in the paper industry. It will be coordinated with tjie Paper Chemicals Program at South Charleston. The program involvest (1) Asbestos "T" (titanated asbestos) - Initial effort is to quantify light scattering data showing the increased efficiency of Asbestos "T" when compared to TiC^ in opacifying paper. At the completion of this effort and at the request of Marketing, the results will be published and will serve to promote, further. Asbestos "T" to technical personnel in the paper industry. The University of Maine will confirm these data as part of our consulting contract with them and ensure, via testing, that the current 65/35 asbestosto-Ti02 ratio is optimum for opacification. (2) Pitch Control - A market development effort is well under way sup ported by a mill trial program (Project 95381) utilizing asbestos to control pitch in the paper mill. However, pitch control should take place, if possible, prior to the sheet-forming operation and, hence, studies in controlling pitch in the pulp mill are under way. The University of Maine is developing a depositable pitch test for UCC to aid in these efforts and to translate Niagara Falls pitch absorption data (Project 95304) to paper applications. (3) Evaluation of the Al-Si-Asbestos co-reaction product in paper opacification following an exploratory lead. Screening of other co-flocculated pigments, such as CaCOg and clay aimed at imparting opacity to paper while not interfer ing with the performance of optical brighteners and alkaline sizing agents as might be the case with Asbestos "T", (4) The synergistic effects of unmodified asbestos with polymeric retention aids, drainage aids, grease-proofing agents, and wet strength additives for paper will be explored. If leads are found, confirmation will take place at the University of Maine, prior to mill trials, A specific project at Maine is to explore the applicability of asbestos in alkaline finishes. -5- UCC 001860 (5) Study the applicability of.on-wire coatings using asbestos as part of the coating formulation in the secondary headbox of the Fourdrinier and for possible application in cylinder machines, (6) Screening study of the use of asbestos and its modifications (ego Sb2C>3) as flame retardants for paper. Go L, Dickson Bo Lo Ingalls F, Ho Thompson Wo Ho Blackwell -6UCC 001861 Plastic Products Project 95352 1,25 Man-Years $73,000 This also is a highly market oriented project aimed at capitalizing on leads both internal and external to develop uses for asbestos and its modifications in plastics. The program is: (1) Continue studies of asbestos and its modifications as reinforcing agents in epoxies, flexible and rigid vinyls, and ABS, Expand sales of RG-100 in 1967, This effort will be highly coordinated with Bound Brook Applications R S D areas and will, in part, follow leads developed by the Exploratory effort at Bound Brook described under 95306, (2) In conjunction with surface chemistry studies (Project 95304) attempt to pinpoint the catalytic degradative effect of asbestos on polypropylene, so that if properly modified this catalytic activity will be minimized and asbestos-reinforced polypropylene will be a practical possibility, (3) Coordinate the process development work (Project 95354) optimiz ing the production of SG-244 so that sales of this product for polyester thickening can begin in 1967, (4) Synthesize and evaluate modified hydrophobic asbestos, follow ing the leads developed in Project 95304, as hydrocarbon thicken ing agents for potential use in high use temperature greases, (5) Evaluation of asbestos and its modifications in various systems where thixotropy could be required; e,g,, plastisol coating, cycloaliphatic epoxies (where RG-144 seems ineffective). R, E, Byrne M, S, Kisiel UCC 001862 New Applications Project 95353 0,75 Man-Years $34,000 As can be seen below in most potential applications under this project, asbestos and its modifications compete with conven tional water-soluble polymers* Hence, this effort must be closely coordinated with the analogous programs using water-soluble polymers at South Charleston and Tarrytown* The program is; * (1) Continue development of components of oil-well drilling fluidsi promise has been shown for asbestos as a carrier for barite in muds; a thixotrope to replace bentonite in fresh water and attapulgite in salt water muds; and as a thickener to help carry Linde's oil-well cracking heads (UCAR PROPS) in suspen sion* Some effort will be spent in evaluating asbestos as a thickener in oil-well completion fluids to keep holes clear while they are dormant. Field discussions of asbestos' utility are under way through Linde's Oil Well Products Department Patent Memoranda on the above uses are in the process of being written, (2) Continue joint efforts with Monsanto and Arizona Agricultural Chemical Company on thickeners for ammonium phosphate fire fighting solution to replace or synergize CMC, Continue joint contact with Ansul on the use of asbestos as a foam stabilizer, (3) Continue exploration of the potential of asbestos as a sewage sludge coagulant; as a surfactant absorbent for BOD removal (see 953U4); and as an aeration aid (both aerobic and anaerobic) to increase the surface, via absorption, of organic components of water to improve bacterial efficiency, (4) The use of asbestos as an absorbent aimed at air pollution control will be briefly explored, (5) If time permits, a cursory study may be made for.use as a binding agent in Taconite pelletizing. It has been observed that it may serve to reduce the criticality-of moisture content and particle size, thereby enabling automation of the pelletiz ing operation. Union Carbide Corporation patents on the use of asbestos in thickening and foam stabilization and in waste water treatment issued. J, E, Skvarla E, J, Markiewicz -8- UCC 001863 Process Research Development Project 95354 05 Man-Year $19,000 This effort is closely coordinated between the Niagara Falls pilot plant and the mill at King City, The program is: (1) Optimumization of the process for preparation of Asbestos "T". Where in the process is the best point of addition of Ti02 to ensure maximum control of product composition? (2) Optimumization of the prbcess to prepare RG-244 (SiOj treated). How and where should the sodium silicate be added, at what pH, concentration, etc,? (3) Investigate the possibilities of preparing more easily redis persed products, (4) Investigate direct drying of filter cake to obviate need for extrusion and pelletizing. Explore alternate drying and pill and pelletizing procedures to aid in plant expansion design. An objective is a 50 ft,3/ton product to minimize shipping costs. Ensure that any product produced is capable of being used with conventional bulk handling techniques, (5) Recommend new product specifications in conjunction with Produc tion and Marketing, (6) Keep competitive product information up-to-date. J, E, Skvarla E, J, Markiewicz -9UCC 001864 New Asbestos Products from Existing Plant Processes Project 95355 0 a 5 Man-Year $19,000 Due to the unique wet process by which Union Carbide Corpora tion asbestos is produced, there exists opportunity to tap various process streams and remove commercial quantities of asbestos at various stages of refinement (and cost). It is the objective of this project to ensure that the least refined and lowest cost product is made to fit specific end uses. For example; (1) Aid in optimizing product economics for SG-200, which is a semirefined product tapped prior to the final purification of High Purity Asbestos, It appears that it is sufficient in properties low enough in cost to supply to manufacturers of dry-joint cements. (2) Based on feedback from current market development projects carry out similar analyses for the stage of purification needed for asbestos to serve in uses such as sound deadeners, drilling fluids, and caulking compounds. J, E, Skvarla E, J, Markiewicz -10UCC 001865 ASBESTOS - TECHNICAL SERVICE ($180,000) Paper Products 95381 2 ,,0 Man-Years $107,000 This project includes work in support of marketing asbestos to the paper industry and is companion to Asbestos Applications R 6 D Project 95351 - Paper Products,, Efforts charged to this project include: * Conducting of Mill T^als, Evaluation of Mill Trial results, both domestic and foreign,, Travel at request of Sales * Preparation of Advance Technical Information Bulletins for Marketing support -- in 1966 these included Bulletins on the use of UCC asbestos in glassine, saturating paper, rosin sizing, and surface sizing,, Assist at trade shows such as those sponsored by TAPPI0 Handling inquiries from Sales (substantial time required hereK Preparation of a monthly letter to foreign salesmen,, G0 L,, Dickson B0 Lc Ingalls Fa Ho Thompson W Ho Blackwell -11UCC 001866 Plastic Products - Technical Service Project 95382 0,5 Man-Year $24,000 This project currently involves mostly customer contact work in those areas described in Project 95352 advanced enough to require Market Development work. Currently, Market Development Programs using asbestos for polyester thickeners, mastic thickeners, and filled, calendered rigid vinyls (prepared at Wayne) are most active, Plans are now being made to transfer on a mutual develop mental agreement the F-100 pipe technology to Pacific Clay Products, All technical assistance required for an orderly transistion will be supplied to the Marketing Group involved. R, E, Byrne -12 UCC 001867 Floor Tile Products - Technical Service Project 95383 $10,000 Project presently inactive,, Personnel will be available to assist the Calendering, Flooring and Record Products Department when necessary* It is anticipated that some technical service work with Armstrong Cork Company will be required in 1967 as they have expressed interest in purchasing SG-200 (semi-refined material) crushed pellets* -13UCC 001868 New Applications - Technical Service Project 95384 $24,000 This project involves mostly customer contact work at the request of Marketing in support of market development programs indicated in Project 95353 -14UCC 001869 King City Mill Assistance Project 95385 $15,000 This project is separate and distinct from Project 95355 in that it involves plant technical service work initiated by requests for assistance from King City personnel. -15UCC 001870