Abstract: There is provided a method for preparing cured moulded article of a predetermined density of from 1.66 to 9.0 which comprises selecting the resin and determining it % weight loss and % porosity under the curing conditions for the selected resin, then selecting a high density filler and a low density filler and resolving the equation: ##EQU1## wherein K is the desired density of the end product and has a value of from 1.66 to 9.0; HD is the density of the selected high density substantially water-insoluble material and has a value of above 3.2; ID is the density of the selected medium density substantially water-insoluble material and has a value of from 1.5 to 3.2; R is the density of the cured binding resin and has a value between 0.8 to 1.

Abstract: A structural rod for reinforcing a mass of concrete material is formed of a non-metallic non-electrically conductive cylindrical core composed of a plurality of fibers oriented in the longitudinal axis and bound to each other by a thermosetting resin; the rod also includes embossments formed of a plurality of continuous fibers helically wound on the core and impregnated with a thermosetting resin; these embossments define a mechanical anchorage with the concrete material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a granular product suitable for use as foundry sands and obtained from asbestos tailings calcined at a temperature of from 1250.degree. to 1450.degree. C., said asbestos tailings having an MgO:SiO.sub.2 ratio greater than 1.0, the granules constituting the granular product being characterized by having a thermal expansion at 1000.degree. C. of not more than 1.0% and a particle size of between -20 to +200 mesh (Tyler), the granules being further characterized by being made up mainly of particles of enstatite bonded by gruenerite and fayalite, and substantially unreactive to basic oxides present in the cast metal.

Abstract: There is provided a sintered angular shape granular sandblasting material obtained by the calcination of asbestos tailings at a temperature of from 1300.degree. C. to 1450.degree. C., said asbestos tailings being characterized by having a MgO:SiO.sub.2 ratio lower than 1.0, the granular sandblasting material being characterized by a cold compression mechanical strength of from 10 to 160 MPa, by a granulometry of -40 to +150 mesh (Tyler), and by being substantially free of dust.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved process for phosphating asbestos fibers by reacting phosphorus chlorides with asbestos fibers in a first reaction vessel heated to a temperature within the range of the boiling temperature of the selected phosphorus chloride at atmospheric pressure and 200.degree. C. above the boiling temperature of said phosphorus chloride, then the phosphated asbestos fibers are cured in a second chamber and purged of any volatile by-product formed during the phosphating step. The products obtained possess reduced haemolytic activity.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to the manufacture of compressed fertilizer pellets for dispensing sulfur and magnesium and at least one of the essential elements selected from nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous, the pellets are formed by compressing a compound containing at least one of the essential elements with a hydrated magnesium sulfate containing at least four moles of water of hydration.

Abstract: A light colored and asbestos free granular material of the invention is suitable for use as lightweight fillers in plastics and is derived from asbestos tailings wherein the MgO:SiO.sub.2 ratio is at least 1.0, said granular material comprising particles consisting of a mixture of enstatite, forsterite and silica having a particle size of from -400 to -10 mesh, said particles being coated with a silicate bonded layer of calcium oxide or magnesium oxide or mixtures thereof, said particles being further characterized by having a density of from 17 to 25 lb/ft.sup.3 and having a degree of whiteness within the range of from 50 to 60 when measured by the ASTM Procedure No. E-97-77.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chrysotile asbestos fiber substantially coated on its exterior surface with hydrated titanium dioxide, the titanium dioxide content being from 0.5 to 35% by weight, part of the titanium dioxide being chemically bonded to the asbestos fiber and the remaining titanium dioxide being retained by electrostatic bond, said modified fiber having an Mg:Si ratio of from less than 3:2 to 2:2 when calculated on an atomic number ratio, a Ti:Si ratio of from more than 0:2 to less than 1:2 and said modified fiber being also characterized by an infrared spectrum wherein the relative peaks at 1082, 1025 and 957 cm.sup.-1 have been substantially altered in their intensity and as shown in curves C and D of FIG. 1 , said fiber resisting leaching of the Mg ions by strong acids 3 to 6 times better than natural asbestos fibers and resisting leaching of SiO.sub.2 groups in strong alkali media 1.5 to 3 times better than unmodified chrysotile fibers.

Abstract: There is disclosed chemically modified chrysotile asbestos fibers, more particularly phosphated asbestos fibers containing from 0.5 to 5% by weight of phosphate groups and heat treated phosphated asbestos fibers, both of which have an infrared spectrum which exhibits substantially no absorption within the range of 954-1080 cm.sup.-1. The novel phosphated asbestos fibers are characterized by reduced haemolytic and cytotoxic activities.

Abstract: There is provided a molded shaped structure made by molding the reaction product of an organic resin and a modified magnesium silicate obtained by calcining chrysotile asbestos tailings. The new product is characterized by the absence of any fibers.