Abstract: Plurality of granules comprising a ceramic core having an outer surface and a shell on and surrounding the core, wherein the shell comprises ceramic particles bound together with an inorganic binder, the inorganic binder comprising reaction product of at least alkali silicate and hardener, wherein the ceramic particles are present as greater than 50 percent by weight of the shell of the respective granule, based on the total weight of the shell of the respective granule, wherein the shell of each granule has a total porosity in a range from greater than 0 to 60 percent by volume, based on the total volume of the shell of the respective granule, wherein the shell of each granule has a volume of at least 40 volume percent, based on the total volume of the respective granule, and wherein the granules have a minimum Total Solar Reflectance of at least 0.7. The granules are useful, for example, as roofing granules.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing photocatalytic coated ceramic granules. The method involves providing a coatable composition containing an inorganic binder and a variety of photocatalytic particles, such as TiO2, ZnO, Ti(OH)4, doped derivatives, or combinations thereof. These photocatalytic particles have a surface area per weight of no more than 15 m2/g. The coatable composition is then applied to uncoated base ceramic granules, resulting in intermediate coated granules. Finally, the intermediate coated granules are heated at a temperature of at least 700° C., leading to the formation of photocatalytic coated ceramic granules. These granules exhibit a Total Solar Reflectance (TSR) value of at least 0.7. This method offers an efficient and effective way to produce ceramic granules with enhanced photocatalytic properties.

Abstract: A plurality of photocatalytic coated ceramic granules comprising base ceramic granules, each having an outer surface, and a photocatalytic coating disposed on the outer surface. The photocatalytic coating comprising an inorganic binder and a plurality of photocatalytic particles selected from TiO2, ZnO, Ti(OH)4, doped derivatives thereof and combinations thereof. The photocatalytic particles have a surface area per weight of tire particles of no more than 30 square meters per gram (m2/g). The coated ceramic granules have a Total Solar Reflectance of at least 0.7.

Abstract: A granule and building material including a granule having an inner zone and an outer zone that at least partially surrounds the inner zone and that comprises greater than 10% of the total volume of the granule is provided.

Abstract: Plurality of granules comprising a ceramic core having an outer surface and a shell on and surrounding the core, wherein the core comprises first ceramic particles bound together with a first inorganic binder, wherein the first inorganic binder comprises reaction product of at least alkali silicate and hardener, wherein the shell comprises at least a first concentric layer, wherein the first layer comprises a second inorganic binder and optionally second ceramic particles, wherein if present the second ceramic particles are bound together with the second inorganic binder, wherein the second inorganic binder comprises reaction product of at least alkali silicate and hardener, wherein for a given granule, the first ceramic particles are present in a first weight percent with respect to the total weight of the core and the second ceramic particles, if present in the first layer of the same granule are in a second weight percent with respect to the total weight of the first layer, wherein for a given granule, the

Abstract: Plurality of granules comprising a ceramic core having an outer surface and a shell on and surrounding the core, wherein the shell comprises ceramic particles bound together with an inorganic binder, the inorganic binder comprising reaction product of at least alkali silicate and hardener, wherein the ceramic particles are present as greater than 50 percent by weight of the shell of the respective granule, based on the total weight of the shell of the respective granule, wherein the shell of each granule has a total porosity in a range from greater than 0 to 60 percent by volume, based on the total volume of the shell of the respective granule, wherein the shell of each granule has a volume of at least 40 volume percent, based on the total volume of the respective granule, and wherein the granules have a minimum Total Solar Reflectance of at least 0.7. The granules are useful, for example, as roofing granules.

Abstract: Plurality of granules comprising a ceramic core having an outer surface and a shell on and surrounding the core, wherein the shell comprises at least first concentric layers, wherein the first layer comprises first ceramic particles bound together with a first inorganic binder, wherein the first inorganic binder comprises reaction product of at least alkali silicate and hardener, wherein the shell of each granule collectively has a volume of at least 40 volume percent, based on the total volume of the respective granule, and wherein the granules have a minimum Total Solar Reflectance of at least 0.7. The granules are useful, for example, as roofing granules.

Abstract: A granule and building material including a granule having an inner zone and an outer zone that at least partially surrounds the inner zone and that comprises greater than 10% of the total volume of the granule is provided.

Abstract: Mating halves of plastic composition form a tapping sleeve service connector for mounting a branch connection on an inservice plastic gas main. A tapping tool supported in communication with the branch outlet is provided in one of the sleeve halves. Emplaced lining the internal pipe gripping surfaces of the sleeve halves is a dual faced, open mesh, basket woven fabric containing a random distribution of particle abrasive bonded on each of the faces. The particle abrasive is of a relatively harder composition than the plastics of either the service connector or gas main to effectively penetrate or imbed in the opposed surfaces of each when the sleeve halves are assembled in place. By being imbedded in this manner the abrasive fabric acts to secure and prevent relative rotational slippage between the service connector and pipe on which it is mounted.