Abstract: Small spheres, commonly referred to as proppants, are manufactured from sol-gel ceramics, preferably aluminosilicates or phosphates, and include chemical composites termed geopolymers. In the preferred manufacturing process, the required chemical components are blended, and the proppant particles are shaped and cured at low temperatures. The proppant particles have high compressive strength, are chemically inert, and a low specific gravity, making them particularly suited for hydraulic fracturing.

Abstract: A method of treating a substrate that is exposed to the atmosphere, in which the substrate contains an oxidizable metal compound having a color and a development speed under atmospheric conditions, the method comprising the step of contacting the substrate with an oxidizer to increase the development speed of the color. The substrate may be natural, or manmade, such as a hydraulic material, for example concrete. The oxidizer is preferably free of chromates. The oxidizer is preferably applied to the substrate in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: A new roofing composition provides for the application of an acrylic polymer to a hot or cold asphaltic layer. The acrylic polymer is provided with barrier characteristics that resist the movement of mobile phases into the shield layer. The barrier characteristics are provided by ensuring that the polymer include a minor (preferably less than 5%) amount of metal complexes. The polymer should be present in an amount sufficient to ensure that it can form a continuous film on application to the base asphaltic layer. Pigment volume concentration should not be present in an amount that would interfere with the barrier characteristics, with the pigment volume concentration being less than 35%.