Abstract: A method of making a shaped article comprises mixing a refractory powder with an aqueous acidic phosphate solution, subjecting the mixture thus formed to high shear to form a plastic mass, shaping the mass, and hardening the shaped mass at a temperature below the sintering temperature of the refractory powder. By this method articles of useful hot-strength can be obtained without having to employ the high temperatures required for sintering.

Abstract: Graphite gaskets with an improved release characteristic are treated with a finely powdered release agent such a graphite powder which is then pressed into the gasket surface.

Abstract: A moulding composition comprising particles of gas-exfoliated vermiculite (a category which includes thermally exfoliated vermiculite) contains as binder very fine particles (diameter below 50 .mu.m) of vermiculite from which interstitial magnesium ions have been at least partially removed and which has been swollen in water.The composition is particularly suitable for the manufacture of articles required to function in air at temperatures above 250.degree. C., such as gaskets for the exhaust systems of internal combustion engines.

Abstract: Graphite gaskets with an improved release characteristic are embossed to form a relief pattern of relatively raised areas surrounded by predominantly interconnected depressions, followed by coating with a silicone rubber.

Abstract: Flexible sheet material suitable for use in the manufacture of wear-resistant laminated articles such as bearings and rotor blades comprises particles of graphite and heat-resistant web-forming fibres, preferably of poly (aromatic amide), bound together with an organic binder, the proportions of the ingredients being:______________________________________ graphite 20-95% heat-resistant web-forming fibres 3-78% organic binder 2-15% ______________________________________To make wear-resistant articles, sheets of the material are impregnated with resin, superimposed one upon another, and subjected to high pressure and elevated temperature.

Abstract: Graphite gaskets with an improved release characteristic are pressed (to reduce their void content) and then embossed with a pattern of relatively raised areas surrounded by interconnected depressions.

Abstract: A housing for electrical or electronic equipment is made by moulding under heat a composition comprising an organic thermosetting resin which includes exfoliated graphite in an amount which is enough to impart to the moulded article an electrical resistivity not greater than 10 ohm-cm.The housing has an excellent capacity to reduce the level of electromagnetic radiation emitted by equipment within it and to shield electronic equipment from external electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Non-asbestos flexible sheet material suitable for use in the manufacture of spiral wound gaskets is made by dewatering on a water-permeable conveyor a layer of aqueous slurry and compressing and drying the dewatered layer, the aqueous slurry employed being one that contains the following ingredients in the following proportions by dry weight:china clay 20-50%mica or chlorite 20-50%graphite 10-40%cellulose fibres 2-10%vitreous fibre in wool form 2-10%synthetic organic polymer binder 2-10%.

Abstract: Non-asbestos flexible sheet material suitable for use in gaskets for the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine is made by dewatering on a water-permeable conveyor a layer of aqueous slurry and compressing and drying the dewatered layer, the aqueous slurry employed being one that contains the following ingredients in the following proportions by dry weight:______________________________________ ball clay 25-44% calcium silicate of high specific 15-40% surface area cellulose fibres 3-15% organic polymer binder 5-15% fibrillated poly (aromatic amide) 1-15% fibres ______________________________________

Abstract: Non-asbestos flexible sheet material suitable for use in gaskets for the exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine is made by dewatering on a water-permeable conveyor a layer of aqueous slurry and compressing and drying the dewatered layer, the aqueous slurry employed being one that contains the following ingredients in the following proportions by dry weight:ball clay: 25-44%non-fibrous layer silicate: 25-40%graphite: 10-30%cellulose fibres: 3-15%synthetic rubber: 1-10%starch: 1-5%.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an expanded graphite gasket comprises the steps of taking co-operating male and female mould members, the female mould member comprising a channel extending through a block from one face to a directly opposite face, the channel as seen in plan having a width and configuration corresponding to a desired gasket shape, presenting a substrate to one face of said block with said channel in register with said locations, filling the channel with a charge of expanded graphite particles, followed by pressing the charge with the male mould member onto the substrate to form a gasket thereon and thereafter removing the mould members.

Abstract: A flat gasket incorporating a metallic reinforcement layer which is enclosed within the gasket in relation to one edge thereof is formed from relatively uncompacted, i.e. loose, expanded graphite particles by a method comprising the step of pressing such particles onto the opposed faces of said reinforcement substantially simultaneously to form compacted graphite foils in situ thereon while at the same time pressing some of said particles relative to said one edge to form a single unreinforced graphite foil portion extending from and integral with the other foils to enclose said one edge.

Abstract: Process for the concentration of fibrous material in a mixture thereof with non-fibrous material, by subjecting an aqueous suspension of the mixture to centrifugal force in a hydrocylone to obtain an overflow enriched in fibre and an underflow of reduced fibre content, the aqueous suspension which is admitted to the hydrocylone being the fibre-enriched fraction which results from a preliminary classification in which an aqueous suspension of lower fibre:non-fibre ratio is submitted to flow under conditions which bring about settling out under ordinary gravitational force of material reduced in fibre content and formation of a fibre-enriched fraction above it.In the process, the underflow flow from the hydrocylone is incorporated in the aqueous suspension which is submitted to the preliminary classification.