Abstract: Materials with exceptional shock attenuating properties are chemically bonded ceramics having densities that range from 30 to 160 lb/cubic foot (0.48 to 2.56 g/cc) and porosities of 20% to 80%. The materials are chemically bonded ceramic composites based on Portland cement, silica fume, various hollow fillers, and may include a dispersing agent, any of a variety of fibers and water.

Abstract: The temperatures at which the cementitious composite materials described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,482,385 can be used as tool or mold materials are extended by a treatment which comprises heating said composite materials to a temperature sufficient to expel free and adsorbed water from the concrete portion of the cementitious composite and thereafter refilling the resulting pores with an organic monomer or prepolymer and then crosslinking said impregnant to form an organic polymeric network in the inorganic composite material.

Abstract: Friction materials intended to be used as brake shoes, brake pads, and other brake components, comprising a composite in which one or more friction modifiers is embedded in a high strength cement matrix.The matrix material exhibits a flexural strength of at least 1,500 psi, a compressive strength of at least about 15,000 psi and a flexural modulus of about 1.times.10.sup.6 psi.

Abstract: Cementitious composite materials having high strength, vacuum integrity, good thermal properties and low coefficient of thermal expansion are prepared from a mixture of(1) a high strength cement matrix, and(2) a filler component, comprising a metal fiber.These composites are useful in the manufacture of molds and tools for forming metals and plastics. A preferred composite mixture comprising Portland cement, chemically reactive silica particles, inorganic oxide particles, a cement superplasticizer, an irregularly shaped aggregate, metal fibers, and water. The mixtures preferably contain chemically reactive silica fume particles and reactive silica particles such as crystalline silica or quartz particles or a vitreous/glassy form of silicon. The mixtures preferably comprise stainless steel fibers and stainless steel aggregate. High nickel steel and silicon carbide can be used as aggregate in applications requiring low coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: An improvement over the cementitious composite material described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,482,385 consists in replacing the stainless steel particles with graded silicon carbide particles. The resulting material has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion, a greater thermal conductivity and an increased surface abrasion resistance as compared to the material described in the patent and is a lighter weight material. These properties enhance its applicability to certain uses.

Abstract: The strength of the stainless steel containing cementitious composite material of U.S. Pat. No. 4,482,385 is improved by curing it according to a specific schedule which includes the steps of curing in a mold, steam curing after demolding, slow drying and dry thermal curing.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a black powder type pyrotechnic composit comprising potassium nitrate, sulfur and an organic crystalline compound as a fuel in place of the charcoal conventionally employed. The organic compound contains at least one hydroxyl group or carboxyl group, including salts thereof, attached to an aromatic, e.g. benzene ring, and contains 75 (.+-.20) percent carbon, 25 (.+-.20) percent oxygen, 5 (.+-.5) percent hydrogen and up to 20 percent of other elements, on a weight percent basis.