Abstract: Sandwich panels and methods of making them, i.e., laminates which comprise two metal sheets with a filled resin core between a bonded metal sheets, which are useful for structural and other uses wherein the laminates utilize combinations of metal skins, metal surface preparation, resins, fillers, and reinforcement bonded together in the sandwich structure to provide a laminate having a flexural modulus of at least 1.7 million psi, a rigidity index of at least about 2,000 and other unique properties which enable the laminates to be particularly useful for thin wall trailer body construction, as well as other structural and non-structural uses. A rigidity index property for sandwich structures and panels and a falling ball impact test are disclosed and used to characterize the properties of sandwich laminates.

Abstract: Sandwich panels, i.e., laminates which comprise two metal sheets with a filled, reinforced resin core between and bonded to the metal sheets, are useful for structural and other uses. Combinations of metal sheets, resins, fillers, and reinforcement bonded together in the sandwich structure provided a laminate having a flexural modulus of at least 2.5 million psi, a rigidity index of at least about 2,000 and other unique properties which enable the laminates to be particularly useful for thin wall truck trailer body construction, as well as other uses. A rigidity index and a falling ball impact test for sandwich structures and panels are used to characterize the properties of these sandwich laminates. Methods of making the above sandwich laminates and means for joining the sandwich laminates and panels are disclosed, which provide for their particular usefulness in truck trailer body construction, as well as other structural and non-structural uses.

Abstract: A novel catalyst is prepared by codepositing hexavalent chromium oxide and a transition metal compound, preferably titanium trichloride, on alumina, followed by fluorinating the resulting combination. The catalyst is useful in the fluorination of a haloethylene of the formula CX.sub.2 .dbd.CHX (where the X's are chlorine or bromine or a combination of the two) in the vapor phase to form 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane.

Abstract: A novel catalyst is prepared by codepositing hexavalent chromium oxide and a transition metal compound, preferably titanium trichloride, on alumina, followed by fluorinating the resulting combination. The catalyst is useful in the fluorination of a haloethylene of the formula CX.sub.2 .dbd.CHX (where the X's are chlorine or bromine or a combination of the two) in the vapor phase to form 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane.

Abstract: Synergistically performing flame retarding compositions are provided for cellulosic boards, such as hardboards, particleboards and fiberboards. The synergistically performing compositions consist of three components, namely, an aluminous material, a naturally occurring borate-containing mineral and a phosphate or sulfate salt. Incorporation of these compositions in the boards allows consistent production of flame-retarded products with a Class I or better fire rating.

Abstract: Cellulosic boards, such as hardboards, fiberboards and particle-boards, are flame retarded by incorporation of a synergistically acting alumina trihydrate-ulexite composition in the boards. The alumina trihydrate-ulexite flame-retarding agent provides a board of satisfactory strength properties with a flame spread at least equivalent to that of a commercial Class I-rated hardboard when the loading of the flame-retarding agent in the board is kept at 50% or below of the total weight of the flame-retarded board.

Abstract: Flame-retardant cellulosic hardboards and particle boards are made by incorporating in the boards a synergistically acting flame-retarding composition containing at least about 30% by weight (calculated on the weight of the flame-retarded board) alumina hydrate in combination with one of the following compositions: melamine-formaldehyde-phosphate, urea-formaldehyde-phosphate or dicyandiamide-formaldehyde-phosphate.