Abstract: A glass frit useful as starting material for the preparation of glass bubbles having an extremely low alkali elution, which has the following composition represented by weight percent.______________________________________ SiO.sub.2 58-75 B.sub.2 O.sub.3 11-25 Na.sub.2 O 3-12.5 ZnO 0-3 K.sub.2 O 0-3 Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 0-3 Li.sub.2 O 0-3 P.sub.2 O.sub.5 0-3 Total alkali metal oxides Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 0-1 3-15 As.sub.2 O.sub.3 0-1 CaO 5-15 SO.sub.3 0.05-1 MgO 0-3 B.sub.2 O.sub.3 /Na.sub.2 O 1.7-4.

Abstract: Disclosed is a granular multi-cellular glass and a method for producing the same. An ordinary multi-cellular glass grain having relatively low moisture content ratio was prepared as starting material. The glass grain is then dipped in water or alkali solution for eluting or dealkali treatment. By the dipping, soluble alkali components are mainly eluted from a surface layer and cell walls of the glass grain. Thus produced multi-cellular glass grain provides increased moisture content ratio because of the formation of micropores at the layer and cell wall portions. Disclosed also are controls of physical properties of the multi-cellular glass grain for controlling specific gravity, pore volume and pore diameter thereof. By these controls, resultant glass grain is provided with desirable physical properties available for a microcarrier for immobilizing microbe therein.

Abstract: Methods of forming by polymerization reaction a silicate gel which exhibits intumescence upon application of heat and various products formed from the resulting ceramic foam materials. Specific formulations and processing steps best suited to particular applications are set forth, together with examples of various types and configurations of the resulting products. These include structural materials, such as sheets of wall board, very low density insulation materials, articles useful as a protective barrier from heat or flame, vitreous materials useful as heat resistant tiles or as abrasive wheels or blocks for grinding or polishing, and ceramic foam materials incorporating silica gel and processed solely with microwave heat.

Abstract: A foamed glass high in mechanical strength and high in resistance to heat and thermal shocks is obtained by dispersing therein 0.2-5 wt % of 3-50 mm long pieces of a corrosion resistant steel wire whose thermal expansion coefficient is equivalent to or slightly larger than that of the glass, such as a ferritic chromium stainless wire. The glass itself is an ordinary glass such as alkali-lime glass. A similarly heat resistant foamed glass is obtained by dispersing therein less than 10 wt % and not less than 1 wt % of at least one inorganic non-metallic heat-resistant filler, which is selected from fibrous and flaky materials 0.1-3 mm in length of each particle and powdery and granular materials 0.8-1000 .mu.m in particle or grain size. Typical examples of useful nonmetallic fillers are wollastonite, shale flakes, pyrophyllite, alumina-chromium cermets and corundum.

Abstract: Hollow glass spheres having average densities of approximately 0.10 grams/cc to approximately 2.0 grams/cc are prepared by heating solid glass particles. The glass spheres consist essentially of the following ingredients in the following amounts state as weight percentages: SiO.sub.2 (50 to 57%); R.sub.2 O(2 to 15%); B.sub.2 O.sub.3 (0 to 20%); S(0.05 to 1.5%); RO(2 to 25%); RO.sub.2 (other than SiO.sub.2) (0 to 5%); R.sub.2 O.sub.3 (other than B.sub.2 O.sub.3) (0 to 10%); R.sub.2 O.sub.5 (0 to 5%); and F(0 to 5%). R represents a metal or an element like phosphorous which combines with oxygen in glass. The sizes of the hollow glass spheres are selected to produce a maximum average strength for a desired average density.

Abstract: Cellular glass structures are made by foaming select silicone resins. A foaming agent is reacted together with the silicone resin to form a foam that carries the resin as a continuous separate phase distributed throughout the foam. The foaming agent is removed by decomposition, and the remaining silicone resin is crosslinked to retain the foamed structure. The silicone resin is then heated in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature that will pyrolize the resin. During pyrolysis, the resin densifies to foam a unique glass composition comprised of silicon, oxygen and carbon, where carbon is chemically bonded to silicon, but there are essentially no chemical bonds between carbon and oxygen.

Abstract: Porous glass consisting essentially of silica, zicronia and an alkali metal compound, wherein the content of zirconia is at least 5% by weight and the content of the alkali metal compound is at least 2% by weight as calculated as M.sub.2 O wherein M is an alkali metal element, and the total pore volume (A) of pores having pore radii of from 20 to 10,000 .ANG. is at least 0.2 ml/g. and the proportion of the pore volume (B) of pores having pore radii of from 100 to 10,000 .ANG. to the total pore volume (A) of pores having pore radii of from 20 to 10,000 .ANG. is at least 80%.

Abstract: A moldable composiion comprising a mixture of magnesia, alumina, and silicon carbide powders or agglomerates thereof, the powders having an overall average size of at most 5.0 micrometers, preferably an average size in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 micrometers, optionally a polymeric binder, optionally a fluxing agent, and optionally a plasticizer or lubricant which exhibits litle or no controlled dimensional stability upon being fired to a cordierite ceramic material in a novel process. The process involves incorporation of silicon carbide powder into the moldable composition and the reaction of this silicon carbide upon firing to produce silicon dioxide. The cordierite ceramic material is useful where the dimensions of a shaped or molded part must be preserved after firing, as, for example, in the preparation of dental articles or as a mold for casting metals.

Abstract: A composite suitable for use as dental composite is provided by a glass material having a softening range of at least 10.degree. C. and having a particle size of less than 250 mesh to provide a precursor mix. The precursor mix is mixed with a fugitive pore forming material and a binder to form a pressable mix. The pressable mix is pressed at a pressure in excess of 5,000 pounds per square inch to form a sinterable mix. The sinterable mix is sintered for a period of time sufficient to remove said fugitive pore forming material and to form a sintered mass for crushing to form particles of less than 250 micrometers in size to be incorporated into a dental composite.

Abstract: Artificial pumice is produced which comprises cellular glass bodies devoid of glass crust and with rounded edges and points, and preferably having a density between about 0.2-2.0 grams per cubic centimeter and preferably having maximum size of between about 1-30 centimeters. These glass particles are relatively lightweight and are abrasive, which regular and regulatable density, mechanical strength, cell size, and an abrasivity. Particles of waste glass (e.g. of a size up to about 1 millimeter) or vitrifiable material, are mixed with a cellulating agent such as calcium carbonate. The mixture is heated, as by disposing it on an endless refractory belt which continuously passes through a kiln at a temperature of about 700.degree. C. or greater, to melt the particles, and to produce relatively small or large cellular glass bodies. The size of the large cellular glass bodies can be reduced to small bodies by sudden temperature change (e.g. quick cooling at a rate of between about 100.degree.-400.degree. C.

Abstract: Porous, silica-rich shapes have improved strength and abrasion resistance by leaching the precursor glass shape in preconditioned acid having silica ion and at least one common ion that is also present in the precursor glass shape. The precursor glass shapes have shapes such as fibers, hollow fibers, tubes, rods, beads, hollow spheres and plates and compositions having 30-75 volume percent silica and at least 10-65 volume percent nonsiliceous acid extractable components. Preconditioning of the acid solution results from a pretreatment of the acid with compounds that dissociate into the ions when added to the acid solution or with shapes, particles or fragments of glass compositions different from or similar to the glass shape to be leached so long as the glass composition has extractable material to provide the silica ion and at least one common ion.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a process for separating rare earth ions or actinide ions or mixtures thereof in solution by passing the solution through an ion exchange material to separate the rare earths or actinides or mixtures thereof. The ion exchange material has a surface area of about 5-1500 m.sup.2 /g. The ion exchange material is impregnated with a liquid containing alkali metal cations, Group Ib metal cations, ammonium cations, organic amines or mixtures thereof, at a pH range above about 9. A plurality of fractions of the solution is collected as the solution passes through the ion exchange material, preferably in a column. This process is particularly preferred for separating rare earth ions and especially lanthanum and neodymium. It is particularly preferred to purify lanthanum to contain less than 0.1 ppm, preferably less than 0.01 ppm, of neodymium.

Abstract: A material having superior that insulating qualities which may be formed in flat sheets or any other desired configuration. The material in its basic form is produced by mixing an alkali metal halide or nitrate into an alkali metal silicate solution to form a polymerized silicate gel. The gel may be heated to cause intumescence and the formation of a dry cellular ceramic, or may be used in gel form, e.g., as a fireproof barrier which will expand upon exposure to heat. Physical properties of the end product are altered by the inclusion of one or more additives prior to the polymerization reaction. These additives may be any of a number of materials that do not significantly react with the alkali metal silicate solution or otherwise inhibit the formation of the gel.

Abstract: New type porous cordierite ceramics having a new characteristic interconnecting open cellular structure and a hollow microspherical cordierite glass powder with a shell devoid of any pores or provided with a few or an abundance of open pores which is used as a starting material for the porous cordierite ceramics. The porous cordierite ceramics are produced by subjecting a starting solution containing an alkyl silicate, an aluminum salt and an magnesium salt optionally with other compounds in an organic or aqueous organic solvent to spray thermal decomposition to prepare the hollow microspherical cordierite glass powder, and then processing the cordierite glass powder to a shaped body after or before an optional heat treatment and firing the shaped body at a temperature below the melting point of cordierite. The porous cordierite ceramics are useful as a carrier for gas chromatography or various chemical reactions.

Abstract: A composition and process for producing a foamed glass molded product, the process employing a composition which is a mixture of one part by weight of a finely ground glass containing more than 25 weight % alkali metal oxide; from 21 to 400 parts by weight of a finely ground glass containing less than 16 weight % alkali metal oxide; water present in a water to solids weight ratio ranging from 1:1.4 to 1:3.0; and a foaming agent. The combined ingredients are heated to release gasses from the foaming agent and thereby foam the glass. The foamed glass moldings may be granules or cast shapes.

Abstract: A process for making a body suitable for use as an additive for incorporation in a plastic, which comprises the steps of forming a blend of glass-forming materials, converting the blend of glass-forming materials into a solidified porous form, and heating such solidified porous blended glass-forming materials to form an exterior glassy shell thereon; as well as a lightweight body made by such process, and an article of manufacture incorporating such body.

Abstract: A thermal insulating material of an expanded, shell-less silica-hydrate has a small bubble structure to enhance the thermal insulating characteristics of the material. Also described is a process for the production of the expanded, shell-less silica-hydrate through selective heating of the silica-hydrate in a moist environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel crystalline massive aluminosilicate with an expanded structure and to its process of manufacture. The particular structure is a closed cell structure containing nitrogen. It is obtained by: grinding industrial glass; adding aluminum based nitride in the proportion of 0.1 to 20% by weight with respect to the weight of the ground industrial glass; mixing the ground glass and so-added nitride; oxidizing the nitride within said mixture by heating to a temperature of 800.degree. to 1000.degree. C. for about 1 hour, and cooling and recovering the expanded crystalline aluminosilicate. The material has multiple applications in the building industry and in the construction of furnaces, in the manufacture of fireproof walls and doors, and in naval construction, with various advantages over prior art materials.

Abstract: This invention provides a sustained release composite composition which consists of an inorganic oxide glass monolith with a microporous volume that contains a volatile organic component and a nonvolatile organic component.In one embodiment the invention provides an article of jewelry which contains an invention composite with a gem-like appearance and a sustained release fragrance.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the production of self-glazing gas-ceramic articles consisting essentially of very fine-grained cubic BPO.sub.4 crystals and very small gas-containing bubbles uniformly distributed with a SiO.sub.2 -rich residual glassy matrix, the gas within the bubbles consisting predominantly of hydrogen. The inventive articles prepared in three basic steps:(1) melting a batch for a glass consisting essentially, expressed in terms of weight percent on the oxide basis, of 30-60% SiO.sub.2, 10-40% B.sub.2 O.sub.3, 15-45% P.sub.2 O.sub.5, and up to 20% total of at least one compound in the indicated proportion selected from the group consisting of 5-15% BN, 5-10% Si, 5-10% SiC, and 10-20% Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 ;(2) cooling the melt and shaping a glass body therefrom; and(3) heating the glass body between about 900.degree.-1050.degree. C.

Abstract: A chemically durable porous glass of which the skeleton mainly comprises SiO.sub.2 -ZrO.sub.2 system glass having a ZrO.sub.2 content of 2 or more wt %, and a process for the production of such glass.

Abstract: Glass microbubbles having, on a weight basis, a composition consisting essentially of 70-80% SiO.sub.2, 8-15% CaO, 3-8% Na.sub.2 O, and 2-6% B.sub.2 O.sub.3, and about 0.2-1.5% SO.sub.3 and having a CaO:Na.sub.2 O ratio of 1-3.5. These microbubbles, which are made of significantly less expensive raw materials than conventional products, can also be made with a higher percent "floaters" and a lower average density. Certain substitutions can be made for at least a portion of each of the first three oxides.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of micro inorganic foamed granules chracterized in that amorphous particles having particle size of not greater than 150 .mu.m recovered from particles of an amorphous residue produced by partial oxidation of coal is heated by introducing the same into a flame or gas at a high temperature, whereby foaming the amorphous particles.

Abstract: A foamed ceramic body comprising at least 90% by weight of a ceramic composed of 60 to 80% by weight of SiO.sub.2, 5 to 15% by weight of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 8 to 14% by weight of an alkali metal oxide, and 1 to 10% by weight of CaO; and a process for producing the said foamed ceramic body, which comprises mixing 100 parts by weight of a powdery mixture composed of 75 to 90% by weight of a volcanic material, 5 to 15% by weight of an alkali metal oxide or compound which forms an alkali metal oxide on heating and 2 to 10% by weight of CaO or a compound which forms CaO on heating, uniformly with 0.1 to 1 part by weight of a blowing agent, and heating the mixture to a temperature of 800.degree. to 1100.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the preparation of a glass based cellular mineral and also the manufacture of various articles from this material.The process is characterized in that a mixture consisting of 100 parts by weight of ground glass and 0.2 to 2 parts by weight of calcium and magnesium carbonates in a ratio of CaCO.sub.3 /MgCO.sub.3, is used, this mixture being placed into open refractory vessels, the rims of which have a minimum height of 15 cm and which are filled with said mixture to a minimum height of 6 to 12 cm and placed into a furnace with an appropriately regulated heating program.Application in the manufacture of articles based on cellular glass, the structure of which makes possible attachment to or combination with a great variety of materials.

Abstract: New type porous cordierite ceramics having a new characteristic interconnecting open cellular structure and a hollow microspherical cordierite glass powder with a shell devoid of any pores or provided with a few or an abundance of open pores which is used as a starting material for the porous cordierite ceramics. The porous cordierite ceramics are produced by subjecting a starting solution containing an alkyl silicate, an aluminum salt and an magnesium salt optionally with other compounds in an organic or aqueous organic solvent to spray thermal decomposition to prepare the hollow microspherical cordierite glass powder, and then processing the cordierite glass powder to a shaped body after or before an optional heat treatment and firing the shaped body at a temperature below the melting point of cordierite. The porous cordierite ceramics are useful as a carrier for gas chromatography or various chemical reactions.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the preparation of glass microfoams and gas-ceramics having compositions selected from the systems of SiO.sub.2 --Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --B.sub.2 O.sub.3 --RO--R.sub.2 O, SiO.sub.2 --Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 (B.sub.2 O.sub.3)--P.sub.2 O.sub.5 --Li.sub.2 O--[ZrO.sub.2 (TiO.sub.2)], and SiO.sub.2 --P.sub.2 O.sub.5 --B.sub.2 O.sub.3 --[RO], wherein RO is selected from the group of MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, and ZnO, and R.sub.2 O is selected from the group of alkali metal oxides. The foams comprise hydrogen-containing cells produced through the inclusion in the batch of a hydrogen-generating agent selected from the group of ammonium salts and/or a combination of amines and/or carbohydrates and/or hydrocarbons with phosphates.

Abstract: A process for producing a porous glass which comprises forming a shaped product of borosilicate glass having a predetermined shape, heat-treating the shaped product for phase separation to form a silica rich insoluble phase and an alkali and boric oxide rich soluble phase, leaching out the soluble phase from the insoluble phase with an acid or an alkali to obtain a porous glass, wherein said shaped product of borosilicate glass is composed essentially of from 45 to 67% by weight of SiO.sub.2, from 0.5 to 10% by weight of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, from 10 to 30% by weight of B.sub.2 O.sub.3, from 0.5 to 8% by weight of Na.sub.2 O, from 0.1 to 8% by weight of K.sub.2 O+Li.sub.2 O+Cs.sub.2 O, from 0.5 to 7% by weight of CaO, from 0.5 to 15% by weight of MgO+BaO+SrO, from 0 to 10% by weight of ZrO.sub.2 +TiO.sub.2 and from 0.03 to 3% by weight of F+SO.sub.3 +Cl+As.sub.2 O.sub.3 +Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: Porous glass product of the invention comprises about 60 to about 80% by weight of SiO.sub.2, about 7 to about 15% by weight of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, about 6 to about 12% by weight of B.sub.2 O.sub.3, about 3 to about 7% by weight of Na.sub.2 O and about 3 to 7% by weight of CaO and having pores about 200 to about 10000 nm in size and circular in cross section.

Abstract: An improved ceramic burner plate for gas combustion which is made from a composition comprising about 30-40 weight percent of a clay, about 3-8 weight percent of talc, about 25-40 weight percent of a pore-producing substance and about 14-36 weight percent of mullite. The ceramic burner plates of the invention are characterized by excellent fire resistance and long service life.

Abstract: A glass composition is disclosed which is formed from a mixture comprising one or a plurality of natural mineral zeolites and having a melting point in the range of from about 1000.degree. to about 1500.degree. C. The glass compositions of this invention can be formed into various glass articles, including flat glass, glass containers, glass fiber and glass foam.

Abstract: A process for preparing a porous ceramic thin film which comprises applying an anhydrous solution containing an organometallic compound and a multifunctional organic compound to a substrate, and thermally decomposing the compounds. The porous ceramic thin film prepared by the process has pores of not more than 10 .mu.m in pore size, and is useable as for materials of various sensors.

Abstract: Immiscible components are controllably released into aqueous systems by impregnating silica-silicate open cell foams with the immiscible components. As the silica-silicate foams are gradually dissolved, the immiscible components are released. Fragrance oils and dyes are particularly adaptable for use in the invention. In fact, silica-silicate foams impregnated with fragrance oils having polar functional groups, exhibit an unexpectedly slower rate of dissolution into aqueous environments and consequently, fragrance oils and dyes admixed therewith are released in aqueous systems over extended time periods.

Abstract: An improved clot activator system for reducing the clotting time for blood samples in serum separation tubes, and the like, as well as increasing the degree of clotting, while at the same time, reducing the cost of production. This is achieved by the addition of glass pieces to the tube which pieces are formed in a particular way by a sol-gel process. The particles are pieces of glass, and are a porous substantially rigid amorphous inorganic sponge with substantial reactive surfaces. When a blood sample is introduced into a serum separation tube containing such pieces, the blood enters the interstices of the pieces causing fragmentation thereof, which fragmentation causes sound and shock waves which, in turn, enhance the clotting of the blood.

Abstract: Hollow, spherical bodies of solidified alkali metal silicates having the general formulaM.sub.2 O:x.SiO.sub.2where M is an alkali metal and x has a value greater than 3.6 and less than 12, said hollow bodies having an external diameter of from 1 to 5 mm, shell thickness of from 0.2 to 0.6 mm, a water content of from 10% to 30% by weight and a solids content of at least 70% by weight, the M.sub.2 O content of the shell of said hollow bodies being greater internally and less toward the exterior surface, as well as the process of producing said hollow, spherical bodies of solidified alkali metal silicate. The hollow spheres are expandable resulting in the formation of foam spheres having a loose surface. The hollow spheres are useful to give a uniform filling of narrow cavities and in the covering of liquids by floatable, optionally surface-active silicate-containing materials.

Abstract: A partly hydrolyzed gelled polysiloxane mass is contacted with a solution of dopant metal compounds which diffuse therein under thermally controlled condition; alternatively, a partly hydrolyzed gelled polysiloxane mass containing distributed therein dopant metal compounds is contacted with a solvent into which said dopant metal compounds will partly diffuse under thermally controlled conditions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of producing a cellular ceramic body of high mechanical strength and exhibiting a density less than 15 lbs/ft.sup.3. A crystal-containing gel, prepared from a selected, synthetic, lithium and/or sodium, water-swelling mica, is ion exchanged with a large cation to flocculate the gel and the floc is drained and provided with a gas producing agent. The floc is then molded to desired shape and subjected to gas-producing radiation to cellulate the molded body. The cellulating agent may be retained water, one or more chemical blowing agents, a combustible substance or a vaporizable substance. The floc, in slurry form, may have a thickener added to produce a paste prior to molding. It may also have a plasticizer and/or a binder added as modifiers.

Abstract: A process is described for the formation of hollow glassy generally spherical particles ("microspheres") from natural mineral zeolites. A zeolite (or a mixture of zeolites) is rapidly heated to a temperature above its liquidus temperature to melt its surfaces, vaporize its combined water and cause it to expand to form the microspheres. The microspheres have diameters in the range of 1 to 500 millimeters and densities of about 0.1 to 2.0 g/cm.sup.3. They are useful as fillers and extenders in many materials such as plastics, and, because of their resistance to alkaline attack, are especially useful as fillers in cementitious materials.

Abstract: Cellular ceramic bodies are produced by frothing a crystal-containing, ion-exchanged gel and setting the gel. An aqueous gel is prepared from a water-swelling mica and is blended in conjunction with a large cation donor, e.g., a potassium salt or silicate glass, and a surfactant to effect frothing of the gel by a shearing action and exchange of large cations with lithium and/or sodium ions from the mica to produce an ion-exchanged gel that sets in controllable manner.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing low density, ceramic bodies in the nature of hollow or solid beads which may be used as such or bonded into a unitary mass. The bodies are composed of ion-exchanged, synthetic mica crystals wherein large cations, such as K.sup.+, have been exchanged for lithium and/or sodium ions from the mica. The method involves forming a gel by dissolution of a synthetic mica in a polar liquid, releasing droplets of the gel into a fluid to form shaped bodies, effecting the indicated ion exchange, and drying the beads thus formed.

Abstract: A method of making foam glass by impregnating diatomaceous earth, fly ash or mixtures thereof, and insoluble modifiers, if any, with at least one water soluble glass former in an amount expressed as its oxide of about 2.5 to 20 weight percent of the impregnated diatomaceous earth, fly ash or mixtures thereof; at least one water soluble flux in an amount expressed as its oxide of about 8 to 20 weight percent of the impregnated diatomaceous earth, fly ash or mixtures thereof; and at least one gas generator. The diatomaceous earth, fly ash or mixtures thereof is impregnated by mixing diatomaceous earth, fly ash or mixtures thereof and an impregnating solution comprising at least one water soluble glass former in an amount expressed as its oxide of about 3 to 14 weight percent; at least one water soluble flux in an amount expressed as its oxide of about 10 to 20 weight percent; at least one gas generator, and water in an amount of about 50 to 80 weight percent.

Abstract: Method for making shaped foam glass bodies from ground glass by hydrolysis in a hydrolysis mixture with solid alkali silicate and water, in which at least one foaming agent is added to the hydrolysis mixture, or to a resulting slip to form a foam producing mass, and in which the foam producing mass is foamed at an increased temperature. A mixture of two types of glass, namely (a) glass containing more than 16% by weight alkali oxide, and (b) glass containing less than 16% by weight alkali oxide, 95% of each having a grain size of less than 0.1 mm, at a weight ratio of a:b=1.1.5 to 1:20 is mixed with water at temperatures from 50.degree. to 100.degree. C. until the mixture thickens, the ratio of water to total solids being 1:1.4 to 2.5. The resulting mass into shaped foam glass bodies.

Abstract: A calcium aluminum fluorosilicate glass powder is disclosed which has average particle size of at least 0.5 microns, and is characterized in that the calcium in the surface of the powder's particles is depleted so that the quotient of the atomic ratio Si/Ca at the surface of the particles and the atomic ratio Si/Ca in the core region of the particles is at least 2.0, more preferably at least 3.0 and most preferably at least 4.0. The glass powder may be prepared by surface treating calcium aluminum fluorosilicate glass powder particles with an acid which forms calcium salts, washing the calcium salts off the treated particles and drying the washed particles.The glass powder has utility in self-hardening glass ionomer cements, such as dental or bone cements. Cements formed from the glass powder exhibit reduced periods of water sensitivity, while permitting sufficient time for processing.

Abstract: Phosphate glass compositions are described comprising from 8 to 35 wt % P.sub.2 O.sub.5, from 8 to 48 wt % SiO.sub.2 and GeO.sub.2, provided that the GeO content is not more than 6 wt %, from 3 to 18 wt % B.sub.2 O.sub.3, from 16 to 28 wt % Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and from 8 to 33 wt % CaO, MgO, SrO, and BaO, provided that the sum of the MgO, SrO, and BaO contents is not more than 15 wt %, andwherein the sum of the above-described oxides comprises at least 88 wt % of the total composition and the ratio of the sum of the CaO, MgO, SrO and BaO contents to the P.sub.2 O.sub.5 content ranges from 0.6/1 to 1.

Abstract: Foamable glass composition suitable for making glass foam, which starts from water glass material and consisting essentially of 100 parts by weight of anhydrous modified sodium silicate and 0.5-4 parts by weight of CaCO.sub.3 as a foaming agent. A foam in the closed-cell form, which is light is in weight, and excellent water resistance, strength and heat resistance, is obtained, wherein CO.sub.2 in a gas existing in the cell is 50% by volume or more.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing gel powder suitable for use as a starting material in the manufacture of hollow glass microspheres having a high concentration of silica. The powder is manufactured from a gel containing boron in the amount of about 1% to 20% (oxide equivalent mole percent), alkali metals, specifically potassium and sodium, in an amount exceeding 8% total, and the remainder silicon. Preferably, the ratio of potassium to sodium is greater than 1.5.

Abstract: A composition of matter for use as a vitreous fertilizer comprising a soluble vitreous constituent comprising the following ingredients: 35 to 55 moles %, P.sub.2 O.sub.5 ; less than 10 moles %, K.sub.2 O; and the balance to 100 moles %, CaO and/or MgO. The balance of the composition, if any, is constituted by optional additions of nutrient proportions of one or more micro-nutrients in plant assimilable form, and/or optional additions of one or more plant-inert filler materials. Such compositions have favorable nutrient release rates. The invention also encompasses compositions of matter adapted for use as a plant fertilizer which comprises soluble vitreous plant nutrient release material in expanded or cellular form, and to methods of plant cultivation using such compositions.

Abstract: An expanded glass aggregate has a granulometry of 0.2 to 3 mm and 10.sup.6 to 10.sup.7 cavities filled with gas per cm.sup.3. The diameter of the larger cavities is substantially smaller than 0.1 mm. All or a majority of the cavities are closed cells having a similar size. The expanded glass aggregate may contain in addition up to 85% of concrete, lava and/or tuff. For the preparation, the raw material is ground into a flour, mixed with a blowing organic and/or inorganic material appropriate to hot release gas, and a semi-finished aggregate is formed with a diameter of the granules of 0.1 to 1.5 mm. This aggregate is heated in a vibrating or suspended furnace during 5 to 180 seconds at a temperature of 600.degree. to 900.degree. C. The expanded glass aggregate is removed away from the furnace before a significant number of small cavities formed during the blowing gather to form larger cavities.

Abstract: The blown granular glass consists of fragments of a blown glass element and comprises at least 100,000, preferably 1,000,000, per cm.sup.3 of bubbles approximately of the same size. It is obtained by grinding the race material into a flour; the flour is mixed into a hot gas by a blowing means; the mixture is blown into a flat base furnace in an amount of blown glass; this amount is cooled after blowing and directly after cooling it is crushed into a granulated material.

Abstract: A microporous filler for dental composite resin restorations has been developed which gives greatly improved finishability, system non-toxicity and x-ray opacification. These fillers are prepared from frits obtained by the low temperature calcination of gelled inorganic "polymers" followed by a pulsed high-heat treatment.