Abstract: Elastic, heat-insulating shapes of ceramic, refractory or fireproof fibers and, where needed, further refractory or fireproof substances, and temporary or inorganic binders, as well as a process for the preparation thereof. The heat-insulating shapes are characterized by the fact that they contain 5 to 40 weight % of fibrids comprised of organic polymers, as a result of which they have elastic properties and can be formed with ease at moderate temperatures. In preparing these shapes, a customary aqueous dispersion containing the fibers and binder is mixed with the fibrids of the organic polymer, and water is removed therefrom and the shapes are otherwise produced in a known manner.

Abstract: Process for the production of refractory shapes of ceramic fiber-containing mateial, wherein a slurry of refractory fibers and particulate refractory materials is produced in water, the particulate refractory materials are flocculated on the fibers by use of a flocculant, and the desired shape is produced by dewatering the slurry in a suitable mold that enables the water to be removed, and the shape is dried. At least 90% of the fibers have a maximum length of not more than 500 .mu.m; flocculant is added as an aqueous solution to the dispersion of the fibers and particulate refractory material; and pressure is applied to the shape being formed during the dewatering of the slurry to form the desired shape in order to compress the shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramic molding which is manufactured from high-temperature resistant, fire-resistant or refractory fibers and fine-grain, fire-resistant or refractory materials and, in certain cases, from other customary additives. The ceramic molding is characterized by the fact that its porosity gradually and continuously increases along an axis of the molding from less than 20% to more than 70%. The areas with low porosity comprise the fine-grain, fire-resistant or refractory materials. The areas of high porosity comprise ceramic fiber, such as, fibers of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, SiO.sub.2, ZrO.sub.2, C, SiC or mixtures thereof. The intermediate areas are constructed of mixtures of ceramic fiber and fire-resistant or refractory materials. The invention also relates to the use of such a ceramic molding method for the manufacture of compound moldings saturated or infiltrated with organic resins, pitch, tar, metals, metal alloys or glasses.