Abstract: Non-asbestos alternatives to starch-bound asbestos papers comprise a matrix of unfired ball clay which is reinforced by vitreous fibres derived from wool-form materials and by organic web-forming fibres, the whole being bound together by hydrolysed starch.

Abstract: Flexible sheet material suitable for use in the manufacture of gaskets has a basis (85-95% by weight) of fine particles of a non-fibrous charged-layer-silicate mineral such as chlorite and includes a minor proportion (at least 2% but not more than 15% by weight of the material) of organic web-forming fibers, preferably cellulose fibers. The fine particles of the silicate mineral and the web-forming fibers are bound together with a synthetic rubber.

Abstract: Glass scoring apparatus comprises a cutting tool, means for applying a cutting load to the cutting tool when the tool engages a glass surface to be scored, and a damping member arranged to absorb energy developed by reaction forces opposing the cutting load when the tool is moved into contact with the glass. The damping member has a loss factor tan .delta. which is high enough to prevent any substantial transient reduction in the cutting load.

Abstract: Crystal polystyrene is satisfactorily protected against oxidative degradation in foam extrusion processes and thermoforming of articles from the expanded product so formed, by incorporation therein of a combined stabilizer system, comprising from about 0.01 to about 0.5 parts by weight of a hindered phenol compound such as 1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-tert.butyl phenyl) butane, and from about 0.02 to about 1.0 parts by weight of a tris (substituted phenyl) phosphite such as tris (mixed mono- and dinonylphenyl phosphite), based upon 100 parts by weight of polystyrene. Such stabilized foamed crystal polystyrene may be used for the production of formed articles.