Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass fiber binding composition comprising an effective binding amount of an aqueous soluble furan resin, 15 to 99 percent by weight water, and an effective amount of a catalyst for curing the furan resin. The invention further pertains to a process of binding glass fibers at junctions of the fibers comprising the steps of providing newly formed glass fibers, applying an effect binding amount of an aqueous soluble furan resin to the junctions of the glass fibers, and curing the resin at the junctions of the glass fibers. Finally, the invention also discloses a glass fiber composition comprising a plurality of glass fibers having a plurality of junctions where two or more fibers meet, and an effective binding amount of an aqueous soluble furan resin comprising 15 to 99% water applied to the junctions of the glass fibers.

Abstract: A method of forming an activated carbon or graphite structure is provided by (1) forming, such as extrusion, of a plasticized mixture of: binder selected from cellulose ether and derivative thereof, starch, and mixture thereof; furfuryl alcohol and/or polyfurfuryl alcohol; and carbon, graphite, or a carbon-containing material; and (2) subjecting the formed mixture to a carbon-forming pyrolysis step. The use of furfuryl alcohol allows extrusion at ambient temperatures and provides a "reactive" solvent that provides carbon upon pyrolysis.

Abstract: This invention relates to glass, glass-ceramic, and/or ceramic vessels which are coated with an organic polymer to reduce breakage and to protect the user from flying fragments when the vessels are broken upon impact. The invention contemplates strongly bonding the organic polymer in a small area around the mouth of the vessel only.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for extruding thin-walled ceramic bodies. The method involves mixing into a homogenized batch a granular ceramic, a binder, a soluble oxidizing agent and a matrix precursor in amounts sufficient to provide a substantially water-free extrudable mixture. The batch is extruded into an atmosphere containing SO.sub.2 which permeates the extrudate and reacts with the oxidizing agent to form SO.sub.3 in situ. The SO.sub.3 catalyzes polymerization of the furfuryl alcohol to a rigid solid which prevents deformation of the extrudate.

Abstract: The instant invention is concerned with the production of essentially transparent glass/plastic composite articles. The articles consist of glass particles having water-free surfaces and dimensions of about 0.5-100 microns dispersed within a plastic matrix, the glass particles constituting up to 50% by weight of the articles and having a refractive index appropriate to or compatible with the plastic matrix.

Abstract: The instant invention is concerned with the production of essentially transparent glass/plastic composite articles. The articles consist of glass particles having water-free surfaces and dimensions of about 0.5-100 microns dispersed within a plastic matrix, the glass particles constituting up to 50% by weight of the articles and having a refractive index appropriate to or compatible with the plastic matrix.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with the production of catalyst-coated, ceramic honeycomb structures wherein the ceramic contains microcracks and wherein a washcoat is applied to the honeycomb structures prior to the application of the catalyst. The invention contemplates depositing an organic material in the microcracks and, preferably, carbonizing said organic material prior to application of the washcoat, and which is burned out after application of the washcoat.