Abstract: A method for increasing the strength of concrete, including applying a coating of high- silica glaze to porcelain aggregate pieces, dispersing the glaze-coated porcelain aggregate pieces in a Portland cement matrix, bonding the high-silica glaze to the porcelain aggregate pieces, bonding the high-silica glaze to the Portland cement matrix, and curing the Portland cement matrix to yield high-strength concrete. The high-silica glaze further include silica and flux. The molar ratio of silica to flux is at least about 5 to 1 and the flux further comprises RO and R2O. The molar ratio of RO to R2O is at least about 7 to 3. RO is selected from the group including CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO, FeO, PbO and their combinations and R2O is selected from the group including Li2O, Na2O, K2O, and their combinations.

Abstract: Known fabrication apparatuses, including patterned pinch rollers, molds, etc., are adapted to create articles having a shape characterized by more than six faces of identical size and shape, and by members extending outwardly in three orthogonal dimensions, the articles each including at least a pair of faces which intersect to bound a concave region, each article including a plurality of such concave regions. In certain embodiments, vibrational energy (e.g. ultrasonic or microwave energy) is utilized to aid in article formation.

Abstract: Catalyst elements are shaped to provide large surface area per unit of volume (porosity), while providing high packing density. Generally, the elements are characterized by more than six faces of identical size and shape, and by members extending outwardly in three dimensions. Each element includes a plurality of concave regions defined by the intersection of various of their planar surfaces, yet is not simply a section of an extrusion.

Abstract: Aggregates, matrices, and composites exhibiting enhanced structural characteristics, together with methods and apparatuses for their manufacture, are disclosed. Many of these embodiments rely on three dimensional reticulation to enhance material property features, such as fracture toughness and resistance to thermal shock.