Abstract: A method of insulating a structure and providing fire retardancy, microbial and pest control to the structure is disclosed. A slurry of a dry boric acid stabilized cellulose insulation product and a borate salt solution is applied to the area to be insulated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for making absorbent structures having a layer of discrete particulate absorbent material which is divided into two or more bands separated by a substantially particulate-free zone. The method of making such absorbent structures comprises the steps of first generating an initial particle suspension comprising a two-phase fluid of particles of absorbent gelling material suspended in a gas (such as air) flowing in an inlet duct. The initial particle suspension is then divided into multiple final particle suspensions in corresponding multiple branch ducts, each of the final particle suspensions having a given percentage of particles as a function of cross-sectional area of the inlet duct. The particles in the final particle suspensions are substantially uniformly distributed as a function of cross-sectional position in the branch ducts. Finally, the suspended particles are filtered from the final particle suspensions by capturing them on a substrate such as a layer of tissue.

Abstract: An article which comprises (1) a composite comprising a polyurethane matrix including fibrous or particulate reinforcement, the polyurethane matrix being formed in situ about the reinforcement by reaction of polyurethane forming components at a temperature below the melting point of the reinforcement and (2) a polymeric film bound to at least one surface of the composite, the film being bound to the composite by adhesion to the polyurethane matrix which emerges or is enhanced as the matrix is formed in situ.

Abstract: A binder is applied to fibers to bind particles to the fibers. The fibers have hydrogen bonding functional groups. The particles have functional groups capable of forming a hydrogen bond or a coordinate covalent bond. The binder comprises binder molecules, the binder molecules having at least one functional group that is capable of forming a hydrogen bond or a coordinate covalent bond with the particles, and at least one functional group that is capable of forming a hydrogen bond with the fibers. A substantial portion of the particles that are adhered to the fibers are adhered in particulate form by hydrogen bonds or coordinate covalent bonds to the binder, and the binder is in turn adhered to the fibers by hydrogen bonds. Fibers containing particles bound by this method are easily densified.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the selective heat-induced deposition of solid material from gas-phase or super-critical fluids to produce three-dimensional parts by pyrolysis of the fluids. The apparatus involves computer/feedback control of the evolving shape by direct monitoring of the volumetric deposition rate or growth profile, and modifying light beam focal properties, the position and orientation of the deposit relative to the beam foci, and/or the pressure and flow of reactants to the growth zone. The precursor gases may be pressurized and heated to the critical point or beyond, becoming super-critical fluids, without condensation. Growth occurs by diffusion of reactants to the growth zone through a boundary layer over the deposit. One method of growth includes directing a large-area impinging jet of precursor fluid(s) onto a deposit interface, while limiting the reaction zone to a smaller area determined solely by size of the heated zone (through use of a radiant beam, e.g.).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for the in-line pre-impregnation of glass or synthetic fibers with a non-aqueous chemical treatment. The apparatus includes a first applicator for applying a curable, non-aqueous chemical treatment agent and a second applicator for applying a curing agent for the chemical treatment agent. The fibers are passed over the first and second applicators which are arranged either in parallel or in series, and are then joined by a gathering device to initiate curing of the chemical treatment agent on the fibers. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus comprises a spray gun in which a mixture of the non-aqueous chemical treatment agent and curing agent are sprayed onto an applicator roll in contact with the fibers.

Abstract: An EMI shielding member and method of making the member. The member includes a non-metallic substrate having an electrically non-conductive coating of a dielectric polymer matrix material loaded with an EMI shieldingly effective amount of electrically conductive fibers. The member can be formed by spraying the fiber loaded, dielectric polymer matrix onto a flexible fabric or tape.

Abstract: A fire resistant patch for aircraft composite cargo bay liners. The patch includes a base member consisting of at least one inner sheet of woven fiberglass with outer layers of flame resistant plastic. A scrim consisting of a fiberglass lattice netting having a periphery larger than that of the base member includes a pressure sensitive adhesive on a bottom side thereof is also provided. A layer of resin containing a flame retardant additive is applied to the bottom side of the base member, and the base member is applied to the liner to cover the damaged area thereof. The resin layer is allowed to partially cure to retard movement of the base member. Strips of flame resistant tape may be affixed over the base member to hold it in place instead of the partial curing. The scrim is then placed over the base member and tape on the liner using the pressure sensitive adhesive. The scrim is placed such that the periphery thereof extends beyond the entire periphery of the base member.

Abstract: Carbon fiber mat are embedded in a coating by first rolling on a coating of e.g. epoxy on the floor or wall, then applying sheets of fine carbon fibers, (optionally) removing the carbon fiber which is not adherent after the coating has dried, then applying one or more additional top coats of coating to additionally embed the carbon fibers. The result is an electrically conductive floor and/or wall coating system useful in antistatic rooms such as clean rooms, operating rooms, etc. Coatings can be sol vent based or waterborne urethanes, epoxies, alkyds, polyethylenes, acrylics, vinyls, vinyl acetates, esters, polyesters, sulfones, polysulfones, silicones, polysilicones and others. The preferred mats are carbon fiber "veils" or "paper" generally having a density of about 0.75 oz./square yard.

Abstract: A method of producing easily densified high bulk fibers that have adhered particulates. The high bulk fibers have hydrogen bonding or coordinate covalent bonding functionalities, and a binder is applied to the fibers to bind the particles to the fibers. The binder has a functional group that forms a hydrogen bond or a coordinate covalent bond with the particles, and a functional group that forms a hydrogen bond with the fibers. A substantial portion of the particles that are adhered to the fibers are adhered in particulate form by hydrogen bonds or coordinate covalent bonds to the binder, and the binder is in turn adhered to the fibers by hydrogen bonds. Fibers containing particles bound by this method are easily densified.

Abstract: A convergent end-effector which combines a liquid and dry flow external to a spray nozzle eliminates clogging problems common in the prior art spray coating systems. The end-effector utilizes a nozzle with an orifice and at least one atomizing hole, a conduit for directing a liquid resin through the nozzle and an outer housing disposed around said conduit to form a cavity. Reinforcing material enters the cavity on an gas stream supplied and controlled by an eductor located prior to the outer housing, in the direction of the nozzle, and at an angle of less than about 90.degree. with respect to the conduit. The end of the conduit near the nozzle is preferably angled toward the nozzle to further direct the reinforcing material into the liquid resin.

Abstract: A glass fiber reinforced polymer which excels in mechanical properties and is suitable for use in a large-sized structural members, formed from a dispersion liquid by dispersing reinforcement glass fibers and particulate thermoplastic resin in a surfactant-containing aqueous medium in which bubbles of air are dispersed, forming a sheet-like web on a porous support plate, and applying heat and pressure to form a sheet. The reinforcement glass fibers include a silane coupling agent while the matrix resin has functional groups bonded to the silane coupling agent. The concentration of said functional groups is higher in the regions adjacent the surfaces of said reinforcement glass fibers than in regions farther removed therefrom, and said concentration progressively decreases in the direction away from said reinforcement glass fibers.

Abstract: Pharmacologically inactive spherical seed cores comprising at least 50% by weight of microcrystalline cellulose having an average degree of polymerization of 60 to 375, wherein the spherical seed cores have an average particle size of 100 to 1000 .mu.m, a tapped bulk density of at least 0.65 g/ml, an aspect ratio of at least 0.7, a water absorption capacity of 0.5 to 1.5 ml/g, and a friability of no more than 1%; spherical granules comprising the spherical seed cores coated with a powdery layer comprising active ingredients and having an outer layer of coating provided on the powdery layer; and a process for the production of spherical granules, comprising the steps of coating the spherical seed cores with powder comprising active ingredients using an aqueous binding solution, spraying an aqueous solution or suspension of a coating agent thereon, and drying the resulting coated granules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously coating particulate such as rubber with liquid binder and applying the same to a substrate to form resilient athletic surfaces. Total encapsulation of the particulate with the liquid binder is accomplished prior to applying the mix to the substrate. In addition, the method of delivery of the particulate and binder maintains the ratios thereof uniform. In its method aspects, the instant invention involves separately introducing a stream of particulate and a stream of binder into a spray nozzle, where they are combined and delivered to the substrate. The apparatus includes a nozzle assembly having a central lumen and an elongated tip, the lumen being formed so as to force the particulate introduced therein to follow a circuitous or indirect path therethrough and thereby decrease its velocity prior to being ejected from the nozzle.

Abstract: A method for producing asphalt fibers includes supplying molten asphalt to a rotating asphalt spinner, centrifuging asphalt fibers from the asphalt spinner, and collecting the asphalt fibers. The molten asphalt is supplied to the asphalt spinner at a temperature within the range of from about 270.degree. to about 500.degree. F. Also disclosed is a method for integrating asphalt with reinforcement fibers including the steps of establishing a downwardly moving veil of reinforcement fibers, such as glass fibers, and centrifuging asphalt fibers from a rotating asphalt spinner positioned within the veil of reinforcement fibers to integrate the asphalt with the reinforcement fibers. A method for making an asphalt roofing shingle includes the steps of assembling together a mat of asphalt fibers with a mat of reinforcement fibers, coating the assembled mats to form an asphalt coated sheet, applying granules to the asphalt coated sheet, and cutting the asphalt coated sheet into roofing shingles.

Abstract: A system for cutting and spraying a plurality of resin strands with an emulsion. The system includes a spray gun that has a cutter assembly that cuts a single resin thread into a plurality of individual strands. The cutter assembly is constructed to cut the strands into varying lengths. The strands are blown from the gun by a housing that is connected to a source of pressurized air. The housing has a pair of openings that are adapted to blow the strands parallel with the gun, so that the resin lies flat on the working surface. The gun also has a pair of nozzles attached to the housing and coupled to a progressive cavity pump that supplies an emulsion. The nozzles are adapted to spray the emulsion into the path of the resin spray, so that the resin and emulsion are mixed onto the working surface.

Abstract: A histamine diagnostic assay device is provided in which glass microfibers treated with a polar organic polymer are deposited onto a carrier and used to selectively bind histamine in a sample. The polar organic polymer reduces the affinity of the glass microfibers for interfering components of the sample while substantially retaining the histamine-binding capacity. Preferably, the glass microfibers are provided as a conglomerate with the polar organic polymer. An agent which induces the release of histamine from cells in the sample may be included in the device.

Abstract: New and improved structures in tools subject to wear and attrition when engaging or engaged by work or material being worked on thereby. Synthetic diamond material is formed in situ on a select portion or portions of the surface of a hard substrate or tool support to define or cover the portion of the tool substrate adjacent the work operated on by the tool in a manner to provide a hard wear resistant work engaging surface or surfaces which offers substantially greater resistance to abrasion and frictional deterioration than the material of the substrate or tool base. In one form, the synthetic diamond material is formed on and welded to the surface of the substrate in a single operation involving the application of intense radiant energy beamed against particles of carbon which are converted to a solid synthetic diamond structure of defined shape directly against the solid substrate.

Abstract: A system for cutting and spraying a plurality of resin strands with an emulsion. The system includes a spray gun that has a cutter assembly that cuts a single resin thread into a plurality of individual strands. The cutter assembly is constructed to cut the strands into varying lengths. The strands are blown from the gun by a housing that is connected to a source of pressurized air. The housing has a pair of openings that are adapted to blow the strands parallel with the gun, so that the resin lies flat on the working surface. The gun also has a pair of nozzles attached to the housing and coupled to a progressive cavity pump that supplies an emulsion. The nozzles are adapted to spray the emulsion into the path of the resin spray, so that the resin and emulsion are mixed onto the working surface.

Abstract: In the manufacture of ultrafine particles of semiconductor compound, pulse laser with high output is irradiated on an evaporation source having the same or similar composition as the above semiconductor compound to evaporate the source in a moment and the ultrafine particles of the semiconductor compound are produced utilizing the nuclear growth in inert gas. A process wherein a material for ultrafine particles is heated/evaporated by laser in inert gas and the resulting vapor is rapidly cooled by a collision with the inert gas whereby the resulting ultrafine particles of said material is sticked on a base plate and another process wherein a material for matrix is heated/evaporated by laser whereby the matrix is formed on the base plate are carried out alternately so that the ultrafine particles are homogeneously dispersed in the matrix to prepare the material wherein the ultrafine particles are dispersed.

Abstract: A protectant for forage crops. The protectant is made from a mixture of water and plaintain husks, such as psyllium. A thickening and suspending agent ma be used to assist the adherence of the protectant to harvested forage. A preferred agent is carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC), an accepted additive for use in food products. The mixture when dried forms a moisture resistant hardened coating which prohibits the crops from deterioration and weather. A layer of the protectant is applied to the generally upwardly facing surfaces of a quantity of forage. A common form of accumulated forage is the round bale, and the protectant of the present invention is preferably applied to round bales with a arcuate sprayboom which applies a heavier layer of the protectant to top surfaces of the bale and a lighter layer to side surfaces.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced resin matrix composite material repair system is provided, which critically employs a resin comprising a catalyst of the formula I: ##STR1## with a multifunctional epoxy resin, the resin system being sealed in a water-proofed environment prior to being coated onto a fiber reinforcement. The coated fiber reinforcement is applied over the damaged area, the damaged portion having been removed, and the surrounding surface smoothed. An adhesive is applied to the remaining surface, prior to application of the patch. The resulting patch, which may further include thermoplastic toughening agents and an enhancer, can be directly cured at temperatures below 212.degree. F. to give physical properties similar to the original material.

Abstract: Surfaces of structural components of metal or the like are protected by depositing a wear-resistant dispersion coating of a matrix metal and hard-material particles embedded in the metal matrix. The depositing is accomplished by a sequential plasma spraying and particle blasting, whereby the hard-material particles are applied separately from the plasma stream to inject the particles into the plastically still deformable matrix metal. The coating steps are performed in an evacuated chamber or in an inert gas environment. These coatings are especially suitable on the blade tips of gas turbine engines, on the sealing fins of labyrinth seals or as "rub" coatings on circumferential rotor surfaces or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for layering powder onto particles has a vessel in which a rotor is mounted rotatable therein around a vertical axis. The rotor is a disc with a supporting surface for supporting particles. The apparatus also has a feeder with a substantially horizontal introducing member protruding slightly into the vessel above the disc. The introducing member limits a liquid outlet and an annular powder outlet encompassing the liquid outlet. During a layering operation, the introducing member protrudes into a bed of particles lying on the rotating disc and moved by the latter. There can then be sprayed liquid and powder simultaneously onto the particles passing in proximity of the outlets. This enables layering powder onto particles to produce thereby pellets having sizes lying in a narrow range.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced resin matrix composite material repair system is provided, which critically employs a resin comprising a catalyst of the formula I: ##STR1## with a multifunctional epoxy resin, the resin system being sealed in a water-proofed environment prior to being coated onto a fiber reinforcement. The coated fiber reinforcement is applied over the damaged area, the damaged portion having been removed, and the surrounding surface smoothed. An adhesive is applied to the remaining surface, prior to application of the patch. The resulting patch, which may further include thermoplastic toughening agents and an enhancer, can be directly cured at temperatures below 212.degree. F. to give physical properties similar to the original material.

Abstract: Coated abrasive product contains a conductive, doped, conjugated polymer to reduce the static charge generated during abrading operations.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for forming a plastic coating on a metal strip. A metal strip is cleaned, surface treated, coated with an electrostatically charged plastic powder in an enclosed chamber using a plurality of spray guns positioned on both sides of the strip, inductively heated to above the melting point of the powder, and maintained in an infrared heater until the fused powder is flowed into a coating having a smooth surface and a uniform thickness. Thermoplastic and thermosetting coatings, having thicknesses of at least 10 microns formed using total induction and infrared heating times of less than 60 seconds, can be fabricated without cracking.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for encapsulating and containment of asbestos covered workpieces such as power equipment material. A resin and catalyst mix is applied to the asbestos covered surface. Glass is applied with the resin or after the resin. The surface is then compacted by brushing or rolling, to provide consistent application and to remove air bubbles. In certain instances, this material is applied to a chopped roving which is then applied to the surface prior to compaction. In the preferred embodiment, a chopper gun is used to apply the resin, catalyst, and glass mixture.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy is melted and sprayed from a nozzle. Solid particles of silicon are sprayed by gas jet simultaneously with spraying of the aluminum alloy. Both the sprayed aluminum alloy and the sprayed solid particles of silicon are deposited and cooled.

Abstract: A layer or coating bonded to a substrate is encapsulated to prevent portions of the layer from becoming detached and randomly distributed. This is accomplished by applying a first layer of an adhesive to the exposed surface of the layer to be encapsulated. A second layer composed of a fibrous material is placed in contact with the first layer of adhesive and then an additional layer of adhesive is applied by a suitable technique such as brushing or coating. The additional layer of adhesive penetrates the fibrous material forming a stratified layer composed of an outer layer primarily of the adhesive, an intermediate layer composed primarily of a mixture of adhesive and fibrous material and an inner layer including the exposed surface layer and portions of the adhesive. The method is useful for encapsulating potentially hazardous materials such as lead based paints and asbestos.

Abstract: An apparatus for spraying a spacer material having a sprayer for spraying the spacer material; a charger for applying an electrical charge to the spacer material; and a device for imparting a potential to an electrode disposed in the rear of a plate for constituting a liquid crystal cell wherein the potential causes an electrical attraction to take place between the charged spacer material and the electrode.

Abstract: A stream of molten metal is atomized to form a spray and additional cooling is achieved by applying to the stream or spray relatively cold solid particles. The solid particles are preferably injected into the spray and may be formed from overspray particles recycled from the deposition process.

Abstract: A composite is produced comprised of ceramic oxide fibrous material which is coated with a noble metal and disposed in a polycrystalline ceramic oxide matrix.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a fastener, particularly a fastener with a head portion and shank portion, with a coating material is provided. The invention includes the steps of and apparatus for supporting the fasteners such that the fasteners are positioned for coating. The fasteners are conveyed such that the fasteners are moved through a plurality of operation stations and pass through a heating station where the shank portions of the fasteners are heated. Subsequently, at a material applying station, a coating material is applied to the heated shank portions. A preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention includes supporting the fasteners on their head portions with the shank portions projecting upward, conveying the fasteners with their shank portions projecting upward for processing, heating the shank portion to a temperature above the melting point of the applied material and applying the material to the heated shank portion to form a coating thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the coating of components, wherein a plastic-containing layer is sprayed onto the surface of the components. During spraying, at least one mixture component consisting of a material other than plastic is added directly to a plastic powder. The plastic powder and the mixture component are supplied separately and are separately adjustable.

Abstract: A process for applying an insulating bonded refractory fiber layer to a substrate such that the bonded refractory fiber will not delaminate form the substrate it is adhered to during thermal cycling. A pre-coat layer of refractory fiber coated with a binder containing potassium silicate, colloidal silica, kaolin clay, hydrated alumina, and optionally, Xanthan gum is applied to a substrate, preferably by spray application. Then a second insulating layer of refractory fiber coated with a binder containing either colloidal alumina, colloidal silica, colloidal zirconia, aluminum phosphates, or mixtures thereof is applied to the pre-coated substrate, preferably by spray application. Finally, the coated layers of bonded refactory fibers are cured. An article comprising a refractory layer bonded to a substrate produced by the foregoing process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying refractory fibers on a surface, comprising spraying two different binders which chemically combine on the fibers as they are being sprayed preferably spraying one binder interiorly and the other, exteriorly of the sprayed fibers. One binder is an acid and the other is a base that chemically combine, such as orthophosphate pentoxide and sodium silicate, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing plural component materials, especially rigid urethane structures, from reactive components. The system includes a source of a first component, a source of a second component, a sprayer for mixing the components and for dispensing the mixture therefrom, and a delivery system for delivering the components to the sprayer. The delivery system is designed to continuously recirculate the components from their respective sources to the sprayer and back to the sources and includes positive displacement piston pumps simultaneously driven by a single motor. The system further includes means for calibrating the rates of flow of the components in the delivery system and a chopper to direct reinforcing glass fibers into the component mixture dispensed from the sprayer.

Abstract: A refractory binder including a tackifying agent. The tackifying agent is a montmorillonite clay. The binder is a chromium alumina phosphate mixture with a fluxing agent. The binder may also be a colloidal suspension of alumina, silica or zirconia with montmorillonite clay. The binder is used with refractory fiber to produce a monolithic layer.

Abstract: A roving cutting steering mechanism for use with a plural component spray gun for producing fiberglass reinforced products. A roving cutter is mounted on a plural component spray gun with a support plate and a bracket which is easily vertically adjustable by loosening a bolt mounting the bracket on the gun body. Horizontal adjustment is provided by a cam fitting a slot in the end of a bracket which shifts a mounting plate horizontally. The roving cutter being mounted on the plate is steered to align the path of cuttings ejected from the roving cutter to the optimum position for intersecting the fluid path of material being sprayed by the spray gun. Quick easy adjustment both vertically and horizontally of a roving cutter allows optimizing the mixture of roving cuttings with a spray of plural components being applied to a surface.

Abstract: A method of forming an impact-resistant, moisture impermeable coating on the surface of an object, such as a pipe, comprises heating the object to a temperature above which a thermosetting resin applied to the heated surface will fuse, so that the resin forms a continuous layer. Before the layer of resin has gelled, a second layer consisting of a finely divided particulate mixture of the resin and a solid such as glass fiber or mica is applied over the first layer. The two layers are fused together to form a homogeneous resin covering with one layer reinforced by the above solid. The resin coating is then cured and the object allowed to cool. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite material by melt-spraying, comprising the steps of melt-spraying a metal as the main constituent of the composite material onto a base plate and injecting a reinforcing substance comprising discontinuous fibers into the metal melt spray stream upstream of the base plate to effect mixing of the reinforcing substance in the melt-sprayed stream of metal within a temperature range without producing a resultant reaction layer between said metal and said reinforcing substance.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a fiber reinforced thermosetting resin molding material, which comprises feeding a liquid thermosetting resin composition to the surface of at least one transfer roller in rotation, causing the resin composition adhering to the surface to be spread in the form of particles by a spreading roller opposed across a gap to the transfer roller and rotated in the same direction as the transfer roller, allowing the spread said resin composition to be piled up in a state mixed with reinforcing fibers separately spread, and subsequently removing the entrapped air from the resultant pile thereby enabling the resin composition to wet out the reinforcing fibers in said pile.

Abstract: There is described a method for lining the one surface from a base with a continuous granulate layer, which comprises relieving the granulates from foreign materials, raising said granulates to a higher level than said base, spreading said granulates to form said layer, coating the granulates during the fall thereof with a material causing same to adhere to said base, moving the fall location relative to said base along a direction in parallel relationship with the one base side, at a pre-determined speed, and letting said material coating the granulates laid down on the base, harden.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drawing a thick film circuit on a substrate (2) by discharging a paste from a paste discharge hole provided at one end of a drawing nozzle (1), the drawing nozzle (1) being located close to the substrate (2) and relatively moved with respect to the substrate (2). The discharge rate of the paste is controlled in accordance with the relatively moving speed between the drawing nozzle (1) and the substrate (2), thereby preventing variations of film thickness and line width caused by variations in the moving speed and making it possible to form a thick film circuit at a high speed and with high accuracy.

Abstract: A granular expanded mineral material, e.g. vermiculite, is caused to move in the form of a free flow (28) through a mist (46) produced by an atomizer (29). A waterglass solution and a hardener therefor are supplied through conduits (32,43) and (33,42) respectively, to the intrior of the atomizer (29) for co-atomization to produce said mist (46). A small amount of hydrophobizing agent non-emulsifiable in the waterglass solution is introduced into the stream of waterglass solution in the conduit (32,43). An in-line mixer (53) is built into that conduit immediately ahead of its exit (45) to the atomizer. By passing through the atomized mist (46) the grains of the expanded mineral material are individually coated with a film of waterglass solution and hardener with hydrophobizing agent finely distributed therein. The film-coated granular material is immediately thereafter pneumatically conveyed to a place of deposition on a surface, e.g.

Abstract: A method for directing a stream of bulk fibers while simultaneously spraying a solution of high temperature resistant tacky binder material into the stream of fibers. A layer of high temperature insulating fibers on a furnace, kiln, or other surface to be thermally protected may thus be formed. The layer of binder coated fibers is then cured to a monolithic layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to materials and more particularly to composite materials in which a selected substance is supported by a support material.A composite material in accordance with the present invention comprises porous hollow particles of an inorganic material in which there is supported a selected substance (such as chromagraphic organic gel, or a liquid for use in two-phase separation processes).The porous hollow particles may be formed from, for example, a material such as kieselguhr and/or an inorganic oxide.The porous hollow particles may be formed by coating a fugitive core material (e.g. organic beads) with inorganic material and heating to remove the fugitive core material.

Abstract: A method for spray applying refractory fiber to a surface. An alumina containing binder, preferably aluminum chloride, is used in a spray method to bond the fiber to itself and to a substrate surface. A refractory layer comprised of fiber and binder produced by the method of the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the production of substrates with a uniform dispersion of extremely fine granules comprising: forming extremely fine granules in a granule-formation chamber under a reduced pressure by a gas-evaporation technique, introducing said extremely fine granules into a granule-recovering chamber under high vacuum, which is adjacent to said granule-formation chamber, through a slit formed in the partition between said granule-formation chamber and said granule-recovering chamber, and allowing said extremely fine granules to be dispersed on and attached to a supporter disposed in said granule-recovering chamber.