Abstract: Insulative compositions are prepared by agitating an aqueous mixture of aerogel and gelatin. Insulation obtained with such methods is non-toxic, environmentally safe, fire resistant with low smoke, has good handling properties, and provides low thermal conductivities. The insulation can be made in sheets, loose fill, or can be molded into particular shapes to provide particular types of insulation such as pipe insulation.

Abstract: Insulative compositions are prepared by agitating an aqueous mixture of aerogel and gelatin. Insulation obtained with such methods is non-toxic, environmentally safe, fire resistant with low smoke, has good handling properties, and provides low thermal conductivities. The insulation can be made in sheets, loose fill, or can be molded into particular shapes to provide particular types of insulation such as pipe insulation.

Abstract: A pipe cladding composition which is a phosphate ceramic permeating a non-woven fibrous network. The overall thickness of the sheet is between about 5 and about 20 mils. The phosphate ceramic permeates the fibrous network and extends beyond the fibrous network only up to a maximum thickness of about 3 mils across each side of the sheet. The sheets are prepared using wet reaction mixtures which produce phosphate ceramics. These reaction mixtures are mixed and pressed into the non-woven fibrous network which forms a wet sheet that is then cured to provide the cladding material.

Abstract: A pipe cladding composition is described which is a phosphate ceramic permeating a non-woven fibrous network. The overall thickness of the sheet is between about 5 and about 20 mils. The phosphate ceramic permeates the fibrous network and extends beyond the fibrous network only up to a maximum thickness of about 3 mils across each side of the sheet. The sheets are prepared using wet reaction mixtures which produce phosphate ceramics. These reaction mixtures are mixed and pressed into the non-woven fibrous network which forms a wet sheet that is then cured to provide the cladding material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method by which a composition which will provide a foamed phosphate ceramic material is cast upon a support surface comprising regions having a substantially smooth character, being of relatively low surface energy, and having the ability to release from the cured phosphate material. In those regions where the smooth coating contacts the phosphate open cells will result, whereas in other regions closed cells will result. One preferred substrate against which the phosphate material can be cast is a wax material.