Abstract: The present invention relates to a concrete composite comprising concrete and a thermoelectric material, wherein the thermoelectric material comprises a complex sulphide mineral, wherein the composite comprises at least 20 wt % concrete.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a composite comprising: a. providing a particulate material, wherein the particulate material comprises minerals having a content of at least 30% m/m of calcium, magnesium, aluminium, silicon, potassium or iron, or a combination of two or more thereof. b. providing an aggregate, c. providing a primary additive, wherein the primary additive comprises a sugar or derivative thereof, a polyol or derivative thereof, an organic acid, an organic acid salt or an inorganic acid, or any combination of two or more thereof, d. mixing the particulate material, the aggregate and the primary additive with water to form a mixture, and e. carbonating the mixture in the presence of carbon dioxide, wherein the concentration of carbon dioxide is greater than about 2 vol %.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container, wherein the container comprises a wall and a valve, wherein the wall defines an interior cavity, wherein the cavity has an adjustable volume, wherein the cavity contains a composition, wherein the composition comprises a nanomaterial, and wherein the volume of the composition is less than or equal to about 50 vol % of the maximum volume of the cavity.

Abstract: A composite exhibiting a thermoelectric effect is provided. The composite comprises a metal sulphosalt, an electrically conductive polymer, and fibres. A method of making a composite material is also provided, comprising mixing the components. The three components work together to provide a low-cost thermoelectric composite that utilises readily available materials. A friction material and a thermoelectric device comprising the composite of the invention are also discussed. Preferably a copper sulphosalt is used, such as tetrahedrite. Preferably man-made vitreous fibres and a binder are used.

Abstract: A plate for a braking system of a motor vehicle includes a back plate, a friction layer and a particle damping device.