Abstract: A fire-resistant construction panel (10) includes a structural panel (12) as the web component of an I-joist (24) having an exposed surface (14) and a magnesium oxide board (18) covering the exposed surface (14). Alternately, the fire-resistant construction panel (10?) includes a load-resistant magnesium oxide board (30) being a structural element as the web of an I-joist (24?).

Abstract: An acoustic insulating panel includes at least one magnesium oxide board affixed to at least one low emissivity insulating sheet. The low emissivity insulating sheet is composed of two bubble-pack layers, each composed of two thermoplastic films forming there between a plurality of closed cavities, and a central film interposed between and bonded to the two bubble-pack layers. The central film is a thin foil of metal or a metallized thermoplastic film.

Abstract: Oil is removed from the surface of water by contacting the oil with a non-toxic, biodegradable oil-absorbing material selected from the group consisting of pre-cooked and puffed cereals, in an amount sufficient to cause agglomeration of the oil-loaded material and formation of a buoyant semi-solid mass, and removing the buoyant semi-solid mass from the surface of the water. The method according to the invention is particularly useful for collecting and removing oil accidently discharged into open waters by oil tanker ships and enables substantially total recovery of the oil spills.