Abstract: Disclosed are glass-ceramics having predominantly Spinel-group crystal phases and methods of making the glass-ceramics. Disclosed are glass-ceramics harder than 10 GPa (Vickers) and methods of making the glass-ceramic. Disclosed are articles of manufacture made of the glass-ceramics. Disclosed is the use of the glass-ceramics in armor and related applications.

Abstract: A method for protecting an object from kinetic threats using a glass-ceramic is disclosed. The energy of impact is dissipated as a localized pulverization of the glass-ceramic without extensive shattering of the glass-ceramic. Further, a specific Anorthite glass-ceramic is provided and demonstrated to provide effective protection from multiple kinetic threats.

Abstract: An improved weather resistant structure. The structure comprising: at least 2 outer walls; a decking for supporting a roof; a deck support structure between the top of the walls and the decking; and a plurality of glass-ceramic building tiles attached to the upper surface of the decking forming the roof. In the preferred embodiment, the building tile is a glass-ceramic substrate formed from a glass prepared at an elevated temperature and crystallized at a second lower temperature, the glass-ceramic substrate being formed in at least one predetermined color by the treatment of time, temperature, and partial pressure of oxygen. The structure may further include a moisture barrier between the plurality of glass-ceramic building tiles and the decking.

Abstract: A method for using coal ash for disposing of mineral waste, including toxic mineral waste, is disclosed including making a molten mixture of the mineral waste with the coal ash and solidifying the molten mixture to make a solid product such as a glass, a glass-ceramic or a marble-like glass.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for the preparation of poly-crystaline materials such as glass-ceramics.

Abstract: A method for protecting an object from kinetic threats using a glass-ceramic is disclosed. The energy of impact is dissipated as a localized pulverization of the glass-ceramic without extensive shattering of the glass-ceramic. Further, a specific Anorthite glass-ceramic is provided and demonstrated to provide effective protection from multiple kinetic threats.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crystalline composition, a poly-crystalline product and an article of manufacture comprising an amount of SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, Fe2O3, TiO2, K2O, P2O5, Cr2O3, ZnO, MgO, Na2O, Li2O, CeO2, ZrO2 and MnO2 and methods for preparation the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crystalline composition a poly-crystalline product and an article of manufacture comprising an amount of SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, Fe2O3, TiO2, K2O, P2O5, Cr2O3, ZnO, MgO, Na2O, Li2O, CeO2, ZrO2 and MnO2 and methods for preparation the same.