Abstract: A process for preparing reflective pyrolytic graphite by the chemical vapor deposition of graphite on a suitable support from methane or other short chain hydrocarbons at a suitable pressure and temperature followed by annealing the pyrolytic graphite at a temperature in excess of 2600.degree. C. and pressure of 5 to 10 torr.

Abstract: An improved material particularly suited for the thermal insulation of building structures, such as residential housing, and a process for making the same, are disclosed. The thermally insulating composite comprises a low-density, cellular, fiber-containing, cementitious material and at least one structural surface element made of the cellular, fiber-containing, cementitious material, the structural surface element of which has a higher density than the low-density, cellular, fiber-containing, cementitious material from which it is formed therefrom and integral therewith. The thermally insulating composite is made by placing a foam of the low-density, cementitious material having entrapped gas therein, in an enclosure at least part of which is permeable to the gas and the liquid medium of the foam, and applying pressure to a surface of that enclosure to remove the gas and the liquid medium at the permeable enclosure.

Abstract: An improved material particularly suited for the thermal insulation of building structures such as residential housing. The material comprises an inorganic, low-density cellular thermally insulating foam comprising a gypsum matrix having minute cavities homogeneously distributed therein. The material has a dry density of less than about 6 pounds per cubic foot and a thermal coefficient of less than about 0.37. The gypsum matrix includes therein approximately 1 to 15% by weight of cement, approximately 0.5 to 7% by weight of mineral wool and at least approximately 0.25% by weight of chopped glass.

Abstract: An improved material particularly suited for the thermal insulation of building structures such as residential housing. The material comprises an inorganic, low-density cellular thermally insulating foam comprising a gypsum matrix having minute cavities homogeneously distributed therein. The material has a dry density of less than about 3 pounds per cubic foot and a thermal coefficient of less than about 0.37.

Abstract: An improved material particularly suited for the thermal insulation of building structures such as residential housing and a process for making the same. The material comprises an inorganic, low-density foam with gypsum as the major constiuent.