Abstract: The invention relates to polymer ceramic composite materials with a virtually zero shrinkage compared to the original model after concluding partial pyrolysis and with a comparable thermal expansion behavior (preferably in an application range of 400° C. or less) to metal construction materials, in particular gray cast iron or steel, which are obtainable by methods described below; corresponding composite constructions and molded parts; and methods for producing and using these materials, composite constructions and molded parts. The polymer ceramic composite materials can for instance be used instead of or in contact with steel or gray cast iron temperature-proof molded parts, predominantly in mechanical engineering, without postmachining after the creative forming.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a polyceramic composite-material body, wherein a mixture of one or more polymer materials (i), one or more fillers (ii), and a further reactive component (iii), defined below, are subjected to a first temperature treatment to produce a green body and then to a further temperature treatment, at elevated temperatures that for a mixture without component (iii) lead only to partial pyrolysis; wherein the reactive component (iii) is added, in order to react with the structure-forming components of the polymer materials used and/or the reactive gases present, and by that means extensive dimensional constancy at various durations of pyrolysis and various material thicknesses is attained at an instant at which, without the addition of component (iii), dimensional constancy is not yet attained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distributor for distributing a liquid in an exchange column. The distributor comprises at least one predistributor means positioned to receive a liquid feed and a plurality of distributor means having substantially straight longitudinal side walls and open top portions. The interior and exterior of the longitudinal side walls of the predistributor means are covered with a wettable, open-pore material. In operation the liquid feed flows from the predistributor means into the interior of the distributor means, through the open-pore material, exiting this open-pore material on the exterior of the distributor means. In this manner an improved, even distribution of the liquid feed within the exchange column is obtained.

Abstract: Column packing for gas-liquid contact comprises a saddle with a net-like matrix structure formed from a plurality of intersecting ribs provide substantially improved material transfer, gas permeability and reduced pressure losses.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an annular filling member, used in a gas/liquid contact apparatus such as a gas/liquid contact tower, and comprises one or more annular ribs having arranged thereon inwardly projecting, sharp-edge configured, alternately terminating drain plates which extend over a third to four fifths of the axial dimension of the member with the remainder of the axial dimension comprising a drain web.