Abstract: A laminate composition useful as a roofing membrane comprising a top and a bottom layer of plastic film bonded together by a modified bitumen material, the top layer of said laminate either containing or being surface coated with an ultraviolet light resistant and absorbing agent. The inventive laminate has superior elongation and flexibility properties compared to prior art roofing membranes. Additionally, the inventive laminate is light weight and has good aesthetic qualities.Also provided are a novel embossed laminate, also useful as a roofing membrane, and a novel roofing system comprising a plurality of partially overlapping inventive roof membranes suitably attached to a roof deck.

Abstract: A process for treating a glass fiber mat comprising contacting the surface of a cured mass of glass fibers with at least one latex polymer in such a manner as to thoroughly coat the surface of said cured mass of glass fibers. Preferably, the latex polymer is elastomeric in nature. Also disclosed is a process for making a glass fiber mat as well as a glass mat product produced by the inventive process.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of a glass fiber product useful as range insulation for pyrolytic self-cleaning oven units is disclosed. An integral part of the inventive process involves a two stage curing of the insulation product. When range insulation produced by the inventive process is used in pyrolytic self-cleaning oven units, the insulation emits reduced levels of smoke and odor during the self-cleaning cycle.

Abstract: Tarpaulins (sometimes termed "tarps") are used to protect an underlying structure or material from wind, rain and the other effects of the weather. Some tarpaulins are insulating in nature. Such insulating tarpaulins in the past have comprised weatherproof membranes with a plastic foam or polyester fiberfill portion between the membranes. These prior membranes have been characterized by short useful life and marginal insulating and weatherproofing ability, either because of limitations of the insulating fill (foam or fiber) or difficulty in sealing the seams or edges between adjacent tarpaulins. The disclosed tarpaulin comprises a first and second membrane sandwiching an insulating batt of a highly resilient fibrous glass insulation. The tarpaulin includes a seam structure around all four edges of the tarpaulin which not only fastens the first and second membranes together but holds the highly resilient fibrous insulating batt in position.

Abstract: A composition which has excellent fire resistance properties, never hardens or slumps, and is reusable is provided. The composition can be extruded into a caulking or sealing compound which has a high fire resistance rating of VO as measured by UL 94 Test Procedure.The fire resistant composition of the present invention comprises:(a) 45-60 wt. % of filler;(b) 12-30 wt. % ceramic fiber;(c) 0.1-0.5 wt. % reinforcing agent;(d) 18-30 wt. % tackifying agent; and(e) 2-5 wt. % oleoresinous oil.

Abstract: A process for the production of polymeric substances from metal alkoxides is provided comprising the steps of:(a) reacting at least a monofunctional carboxylic acid and at least a monofunctional hydroxylated organic compound in the presence of a suitable esterification catalyst to yield water in situ, and thereafter;(b) adding to the reaction mixture in (a) above at least a divalent metal alkoxide in an amount sufficient to form the desired polymeric network of at least partially hydrolyzed metal alkoxide.Also provided is a process for coating a substrate comprising applying the above disclosed polymeric substance to a substrate preferably by a dipping, spraying, or spinning technique. Articles coated with the polymeric substance provided by the process of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An asbestos-free rope packing comprising at least 3 strands of a twisted, ceramic fiber-containing paper wherein:(a) each of said strands contains at least one carrier insert;(b) said twisted ceramic fiber-containing paper contains about 3-9 wt. % of a suitable bonding agent;(c) said paper has a thickness of about 0.0015 to 0.045 inches; and(d) said paper has a width of about 0.50 to 4.0 inches.Also, a process for forming the rope packing from twisted strands of a ceramic fiber-containing paper is provided.

Abstract: A process for the formation of a spherical catalyst support comprising the steps of:(a) forming a mixture comprising:(i) 30-85 wt. % diatomite;(ii) 15-40 wt. % solvent;(iii) 0-15 wt. % fluxing agent; and(iv) 0-15 wt. % organic burnout material;(b) forming said mixture into generally spherical balls;(c) calcining said balls at a temperature in the range of about 700.degree. to 2300.degree. F. for about 10-45 minutes; and(d) thereafter, depositing at least one catalytically active substance on the surface of said spherical support in any suitable manner.The spherical support produced by the above process is especially useful as a support for immobilizing enzymes and microbial cells.

Abstract: A novel economical hardboard is provided which comprises (a) about 1-40 wt % of a porous additive having a particle size in the range of about 0.1-2 mm; (b) about 65-97 wt % of cellulose fibers; (c) about 2-5 wt % binder; and (d) about 1-4 wt % wax. Also provided is an efficient economical process for the production of the above described inventive hardboard comprising the steps of formulating an aqueous mixture of the above ingredients, then dewatering the aqueous mixture, and finally heating the mixture at a temperature and time sufficient to cure the binder.

Abstract: A composition having excellent anti-smoke properties and useful as a jacketing for pipe insulation and the such is provided. The composition can be thermoformed into an insulation jacketing product having a high delayed ignition time, a smoke development rating of 50 or less, and a flame spread rating of 25 or less as measured by ASTM E84.

Abstract: A friction material suitable for use as a bearing, comprising:(a) 20-40 weight percent phenolic resin;(b) 5-15 weight percent graphite;(c) 0.5-3.5 weight percent carbon black;(d) 40-60 weight percent of a non-asbestos containing refractory fiber comprising at least 25 wt. % CaO and 35 wt. % SiO.sub.2 ; and(e) 4-10 weight percent acrylic fiber.