Abstract: An embodiment consistent with the present invention is a high strength proppant comprising an electrofused pellet. In another embodiment, a high strength proppant comprises a substantially solid and substantially spherical pellet produced by electrofusion of at least one metal oxide. A method of making a proppant is also provided, with that method comprising melting at least one metal oxide in an electrical arc furnace, pouring the molten metal oxide to create a pour stream, and separating the pour stream to form at least one electrofused pellet. A method of fracturing subterranean formations is also provided, with that method comprising injecting a fluid containing at least one electrofused pellet.

Abstract: A method of producing a refractory material of the non-shaped type is disclosed. Refractory aggregates and a binder are mixed ensuring cohesion by chemical bonding. The mixture is shaped and fired. A charge comprising refractory particles of a polymodal granulometric distribution is mixed with a liquid binder consisting of a mixture in an aqueous medium of polysilicate-based mineral polymers and a mineral polymer comprising sialate groups. The paste obtained is shaped and after hardening of the mixture at a temperature between ambient temperature and 200.degree. C., the hardened mixture is brought to a temperature between 200.degree. and 1300.degree. in order to obtain a refractory material having high mechanical properties, high resistance to thermal shock and resistance to chemical corrosion.