Abstract: Disclosed is a heat-accumulating material comprising a thermally inert max which is an open-porosity substance, and a thermosensitive working substance which is a hygroscopic substance capable of reversible dehydration-hydration processes. A heat-accumulating material according to the present invention is intended for the use as a cooling and heating agent for a gas/air atmosphere, a thermostating agent, and as protection against heating of articles and building constructions, for example radio-electronic devices, as well as as a means for fire extinguishing.

Abstract: A catalyst for dealkylating alkyl benzenes and fractions of aromatized benzines by means of steam conversion is disclosed. The catalyst comprises rhodium or rhodium in a mixture with another noble metal from Group VIII of the Periodic System in an amount of 0.1 to 2 wt. % on a carrier of aluminum oxide and also at least one of the elements selected from the group consisting of sulfur, selenium or lead in an amount of 0.003 to 3 wt. %. To increase the yield of the final product, the catalyst also comprises at least one element selected from the group containing iron, cobalt, nickel, chrome, copper, and vanadium in an amount of 0.01 to 5 wt. %, and at least one of the elements of the alkaline or alkaline earth metals or mixtures thereof in an amount of 0.01 to 5 wt. %.The proposed catalyst features a high degree of selectivity for dealkylating alkyl benzenes in combination with a high degree of starting feed conversion.

Abstract: The method of preparing granulated activated alumina consists in that alumina trihydrate is decomposed by bringing it in contact with a bed of a solid heat carrier having the temperature of 350.degree. to 600.degree. C., the contact time being from 0.05 to 0.5 second, to obtain a product of decomposition in the form of amorphous aluminium hydroxide. Said decomposition product is mixed with water into a suspension having the concentration of 100-500 g/liter, calculating with reference to aluminium oxide, and hydrated at a temperature of 20.degree.-100.degree. C. and the pH of 5 to 12 for 0.5 to 10 hours. The hydrated decomposition product is then treated with an acid, that can form water-soluble basic salts of aluminium, at a temperature of 20.degree. to 150.degree. C., granulated, dried at a temperature of 20.degree. to 150.degree. C., and calcined at a temperature of 400.degree. to 600.degree. C.