Abstract: Article comprising a monolithic ceramic layer and a polymeric composite layer and method of making is described. The article may be useful, for example, as armor.

Abstract: Filter material comprising fabric of ceramic oxide fibers and vermiculite particulate is disclosed. The presence of the vermiculite provides an improvement in the flexural endurance of the fabric.

Abstract: A cylindrical ceramic foam body that can be the sole buoyant member of an oil-containment boom is produced by firing a mixture of fine particles of ceramic precursor, a source of carbon such as silicon carbide, and a metallic oxide. In the boom, a stack of the ceramic foam bodies, each of which is a cylinder, can be held together by wire mesh to provide a buoyant log. A plurality of the buoyant logs can be inserted end-to-end into a 3-layer loop, viz., an inner layer of a ceramic textile fabric, a middle layer of knitted wire mesh, and an outer layer of polymer-coated fabric.

Abstract: A fire retardant, intumescent composition is provided which comprises a mixture of alkali metal silicate, represented by the formula M.sub.2 O:xSiO.sub.2 in which M is the alkali metal; an oxy boron compound selected from boric acid or salts of Group I and II elements; and water; in which the weight ratio x ranges from about 1.5 to about 4, the molar ratio of boron to M is between 0.2 and 0.9, and the water comprises about 5 to 15 weight percent of the total composition. These compositions are made by mixing an alkali metal silicate sol with a borate (e.g., boric acid) to form a gel which is dried in an oven. The resulting residue is crumbled to granules. A fire retardant which is relatively insoluble and has improved stability to long term exposure to water and humidity is formed. Various parameters (e.g.