Abstract: The production of shaped glass articles is undertaken by an injection moulding process by charging a particulate inorganic glass having a transformation temperature of not greater than 300.degree. C to an injection moulding machine; by converting the glass to a molten state in the barrel of the machine; and by injecting the molten glass into a mould on the machine.

Abstract: An optical article, for example, a lens, window or mirror, at least part of the surface of which, and preferably the whole of which, is an inorganic oxide glass having a P.sub.2 O.sub.5 content of at least 52 mole %, and preferably 55 to 68.5 mole %, an alkaline earth content of 2.7 to 20 mole %, and a transformation temperature of not greater than 300.degree. C, the glass optionally containing B.sub.2 O.sub.3 and at least one alkali metal oxide.

Abstract: Phosphate glasses containing minor amounts of the oxides of chromium, molybdenum and tungsten (Group VIb) have improved water resistance and low softening points. Suitable compositions are within the range (moles percent)P.sub.2 o.sub.5 50-75Group VIb oxides 0.1-10, comprising singly or in combination CrO.sub.3 up to 2.6, MoO.sub.3 up to 7, WO.sub.3 up to 7At least one oxide selected from alkali metal oxides and alkaline earths 15- 49.9Addition of oxidizing agents (e.g. sodium nitrate) to the melt may be used to keep the Group VIb metals in the hexavalent state.

Abstract: Inorganic oxide glasses having compositions within the range (in moles percent) B.sub.2 O.sub.3 1.2-3.5, P.sub.2 O.sub.5 50-72, PbO 0-30, transition metal oxides 0-5, the remainder being oxides selected from alkali metal oxides, alkaline earths and zinc oxide.

Abstract: The addition of a low softening point glass of Tg 300.degree.C and optionally a blowing agent, to a reinforced thermosetting composite material gives fire retardant properties to the product. Smoke emission on burning is less than for halogenated fire retardant additives. A preferred embodiment is GRP sheet containing a powdered phosphate glass and a blowing agent.

Abstract: An isocyanate-based polymeric foam material having dispersed therein a particulate low-softening point inorganic oxide glass having a transformation temperature of not greater than 300.degree.C, and optionally a blowing agent which is capable of liberating a non-flammable gas on heating above a temperature in the range 150.degree. to 400.degree.C.