Composite absorbent particles

Abstract

Composite particles and methods for making the same. An absorbent material is formed into a particle. An optional performance-enhancing active is coupled to the absorbent material before, during, or after the particle-forming process, homogeneously and/or in layers. Additionally, the composite absorbent particle may include a core material. Preferred methods for creating the absorbent particles include a pan agglomeration process, a high shear agglomeration process, a low shear agglomeration process, a high pressure agglomeration process, a low pressure agglomeration process, a rotary drum agglomeration process, a mix muller process, a roll press compaction process, a pin mixer process, a batch tumble blending mixer process, an extrusion process, and a fluid bed process.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A process for forming an animal litter containing a plurality of porous composite particles and a plurality particles of a liquid-absorbing material, said process comprising the steps of:
 a) forming composite particles; and   b) combining the composite particles with a plurality of particles of a liquid-absorbing material of a predetermined particle size range suitable for use as an animal litter, to form an animal litter.