Abstract: A composite or tape comprising a thin, flexible, compliant, strong, stressable substrate, a layer of flexible, resilient intumescent material adhered to the substrate and adhesive means for closing the substrate on itself. The composite or tape can be applied to a rigid body, the adhesive means applied and the intumescent material exfoliated to provide insulation enclosed by the substrate which becomes a stressed skin.

Abstract: Gasketing material is produced by combining a tubular casing of braided or woven from continuous inorganic filaments, such as alumina-boria-silica fibers, with a core composition comprising a major proportions of intumescent material, suitably unexpanded vermiculite. Heating the gasket in situ results in expansion to give a resilient gasket stable to temperatures of about 1000.degree. to 1200.degree. C.

Abstract: A process is provided for applying refractory wear-resistant interlocking tile to the inner surface of a circular to elliptical tubular casing and securing them in position by exertion of centripetal force from intumescence of an insulative sheet material between the tile and the casing exerting substantially uniform centrifugal and centripetal forces.

Abstract: Refractory catalyst supports are secured in metallic containers having different coefficients of thermal expansion by providing at least one layer of a resilient thermally resistant inorganic sheet material or paper between the support and casing and securing the paper and catalyst support in the container by foaming an inorganic material in the space between the sheet material or paper and catalyst support. A further layer of sheet material or paper may be provided adjacent the support with the foam between the separate layers of sheet material.

Abstract: Refractory catalyst supports are secured in metallic containers having different coefficients of thermal expansion by providing at least one layer of a resilient thermally resistant inorganic sheet material or paper between the support and casing and securing the paper and catalyst support in the container by foaming an inorganic material in the space between the sheet material or paper and catalyst support. A further layer of sheet material or paper may be provided adjacent the support with the foam between the separate layers of sheet material.