Abstract: Cellulosic boards, such as hardboards, fiberboards and particle-boards, are flame retarded by incorporation of a synergistically acting alumina trihydrate-ulexite composition in the boards. The alumina trihydrate-ulexite flame-retarding agent provides a board of satisfactory strength properties with a flame spread at least equivalent to that of a commercial Class I-rated hardboard when the loading of the flame-retarding agent in the board is kept at 50% or below of the total weight of the flame-retarded board.

Abstract: Modification of the pore volume distribution of an alumina base catalyst support is accomplished by treating an alumina precursor of chi-rho-eta structure with an aqueous ammonium carbonate or bicarbonate solution under pressure at about 100.degree.-160.degree. C for 10-24 hours, followed by drying and thermal activation at a temperature of at least about 500.degree. C. The resulting support will possess more than about 70% of its total pore volume in the 45-300 angstrom unit pore diameter range. This pore volume distribution renders it particularly suitable for use as a catalyst carrier for hydrodesulfurization purposes.