Abstract: A controlled-release solid nitride fertilizer from fly ash and a method for making are described. The fertilizer includes a nitrogen source including at least one solid nitride combined with at least one precipitation-inhibiting agent and with at least one moisture-retention agent, all compressed together to form a porous release structure that in contact with water releases ammonium ions as a nitrogen nutrient at a substantially uniform release rate over a selected release period and thereby maximizes nitrogen-use efficiency by plants.

Abstract: A controlled-release solid nitride fertilizer from fly ash and a method for making are described. The fertilizer includes a nitrogen source including at least one solid nitride combined with at least one precipitation-inhibiting agent and with at least one moisture-retention agent, all compressed together to form a porous release structure that in contact with water releases ammonium ions as a nitrogen nutrient at a substantially uniform release rate over a selected release period and thereby maximizes nitrogen-use efficiency by plants.

Abstract: A controlled-release solid nitride fertilizer from fly ash and a method for making are described. The fertilizer includes a nitrogen source including at least one solid nitride combined with at least one precipitation-inhibiting agent and with at least one moisture-retention agent, all compressed together to form a porous release structure that in contact with water releases ammonium ions as a nitrogen nutrient at a substantially uniform release rate over a selected release period and thereby maximizes nitrogen-use efficiency by plants.

Abstract: A method and composition are disclosed that provide protection of refractory materials used, e.g., in kiln and slagging coal-gasifier operations. Inert high-temperature melting crystalline compounds and glasses are used to fill defects on the surface and/or interior of the refractory material. At the operation temperatures, the inert crystalline compound mixes with slag and increases the viscosity and melting point temperature, reducing the ability of the slag to penetrate into the refractory, which minimizes breakdown of the refractory material. The same scheme can potentially be applied to sealing of geological formations, e.g., for CO2 sequestration, and repairing of engineering materials currently in service while continuing to operate in aggressive environments.