Abstract: In the process disclosed herein, siliceous plant matter is steeped in water, soaked in an aqueous solution containing a solute which solubilizes inorganic oxides, soaked in an aqueous solution containing an oxidizing solute, rinsed, dried and thermally pyrolyzed to produce amorphous silica with of low carbon content, low water content, low inorganic impurity content and is of high porosity. Practice of the invention yields usable energy, does not produce carbonization of the atmosphere and is of lower nitrogen oxide and sulphur emission than currently used processes. Lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose derived sugars may be recovered from the steep or soak water. By varying steps of the process herein disclosed, the carbon content, inorganic impurities and porosity of the resulting amorphous silica may be selectively controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pressurized material is comprised of a container, a polymeric matrix having a network of macropores located within the container, and a propellant that may be reversibly sorbed with the network of macropores so as to desorb as the partial pressure of the propellant within the container decreases. The network of pores is substantially non-swellable upon sorption and desorption of the propellant during filling and use of the dispensing apparatus. The polymeric matrix may comprise aggregates of macroporous polymeric particles in which the particles define a substantially non-collapsible pore network and the aggregates define interstitial spaces between the particles, and the interstitial spaces are substantially larger than the pore network.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pressurized material is comprised of a container, a polymeric matrix having a network of macropores located within the container, and a propellant that may be reversibly sorbed with the network of macropores so as to desorb as the partial pressure of the propellant within the container decreases. The network of pores is substantially non-swellable upon sorption and desorption of the propellant during filling and use of the dispensing apparatus. The polymeric matrix may comprise aggregates of macroporous polymeric particles in which the particles define a substantially non-collapsible pore network and the aggregates define interstitial spaces between the particles, and the interstitial spaces are substantially larger than the pore network.