Abstract: The present development is a silica additive for use in rubbers and similar cross-linked materials having a silicon atom intercalated within an oxygenated framework. The additive may be prepared starting with crystalline, fused or amorphous silica powder, thereby reducing the cost of the additive as compared to using precipitated silica.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceramic foam material, preferably a ceramic foam filter, prepared by providing an open cell flexible foam having a plurality of interconnected voids surrounded by a web of the flexible foam, applying an adhesion promoting material to at least one surface of the flexible foam, impregnating the flexible foam after applying the adhesion promoting material with a ceramic slurry, drying and heating the impregnated material to remove the organic component therefrom, and firing at an elevated temperature to form the filter. In a preferred embodiment, a flocked coating is formed on at least on surface of the flexible foam prior to impregnation. The flocked coating may be formed either by first applying a solution containing an adhesive to the surface(s) and thereafter applying fibers to the surface or by applying a solution containing the adhesive and the fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceramic foam material, preferably a ceramic foam filter, prepared by providing an open cell flexible foam having a plurality of interconnected voids surrounded by a web of the flexible foam, applying an adhesion promoting material to at least one surface of the flexible foam, impregnating the flexible foam after applying the adhesion promoting material with a ceramic slurry, drying and heating the impregnated material to remove the organic component therefrom, and firing at an elevated temperature to form the filter. In a preferred embodiment, a flocked coating is formed on at least one surface of the flexible foam prior to impregnation. The flocked coating may be formed either by first applying a solution containing an adhesive to the surface(s) and thereafter applying fibers to the surface or by applying a solution containing the adhesive and the fibers.