Abstract: A sports surface comprises a pile fabric (11) and a layer of coated grains (13) in which the pile is partly submerged. The grains are of sand coated with a rubber.

Abstract: A phenolic moulding composition in solid form, such as a dough moulding composition or sheet moulding composition, comprises a phenol formaldehyde novolak resin; a phenol formaldehyde resole resin as cross linking agent for the novolak resin; fibrous reinforcement; and non-fibrous particulate filler in an amount greater than the combined amount of the novolak and resole resins; the weight proportions of the ingredients being in the ranges______________________________________ phenolic resins 20-40% fibrous reinforcement 20-50% non-fibrous particulate filler 25-50% ______________________________________Articles moulded from the compositions under heat and pressure have the flexural strength and impact strength required in certain precision parts for the automotive and engineering industries.

Abstract: A foundry binder comprising an aqueous solution of sodium polyacrylate and calcium hydroxide is cured by the addition of a liquid ester.

Abstract: Foundry molds and cores are prepared by using as a binder a phenolic resin in solution in aqueous sodium hydroxide and using an ester to cure the binder. The ester may be incorporated in the mixture prior to shaping, or the ester in gaseous form may be passed through the shaped mixture.