Abstract: A collapsible material is provided which maintains a predetermined strength and shape until it is heated and increased in temperature to a desired temperature and then can collapse, after a lapse of a predetermined time. The collapsible material of the present invention is characterized by comprising a base formed of a hydrate of a hydraulic material and unexpanded vermiculite particles dispersed in the base. In the collapsible material of the present invention, it is preferable that the hydraulic material is formed of at least one of cement and gypsum and the unexpanded vermiculite particles are contained in an amount of 0.5 to 15 wt %. Also, in the collapsible material of the present invention, it is preferable that ash balloon particles are contained in an amount of 0.5 to 20 wt %. Further, in the collapsible material of the present invention, it is preferable that a coating film formed of a hydrate of the hydraulic material and silica powder is formed on the surface of the base.

Abstract: A collapsible material is provided which maintains a predetermined strength and shape until it is heated and increased in temperature to a desired temperature and then can collapse, after a lapse of a predetermined time. The collapsible material of the present invention is characterized by comprising a base formed of a hydrate of a hydraulic material and unexpanded vermiculite particles dispersed in the base. In the collapsible material of the present invention, it is preferable that the hydraulic material is formed of at least one of cement and gypsum and the unexpanded vermiculite particles are contained in an amount of 0.5 to 15 wt %. Also, in the collapsible material of the present invention, it is preferable that ash balloon particles are contained in an amount of 0.5 to 20 wt %. Further, in the collapsible material of the present invention, it is preferable that a coating film formed of a hydrate of the hydraulic material and silica powder is formed on the surface of the base.

Abstract: A dustproof chute for a particulate material loader including an airtight elastic tubular member located below a particulate material feeding device and defining by its wall a space below the particulate material feeding device, a discharge end tubular member of small length connected to a lower end of the airtight elastic tubular member, a particulate material stream diameter controlling tubular member located in a space within an upper end portion of the airtight elastic tubular member and permitting a particulate material fed by the particulate material feeding device to flow downwardly therethrough in a stream, and a ventilating space surrounding the particulate material stream diameter controlling tubular member and communicating with the particulate material feeding device.