Abstract: A microfibrous sorbent article is provided. The microfibrous sorbent article comprises an elongate boom having a substantially oval cross-section. The boom is formed of multiple adjacent microfibers layers, the layers being bonded to each other by entanglement of fibers between adjacent layers. The boom further contains ion exchange resin, selectively absorbent particulate material, catalytic agent or selectively reactive particulate material.

Abstract: Process for making particulate ceramics having an alumina rich region near their surface, comprising the following steps:(a) mixing and pelletizing, with the aid of water, raw materials including a mineral particulate such as nepheline syenite and a binder such as bentonite;(b) drying the wet pellets from step (a);(c) mixing the dried pellets with alumina parting agent; and(d) firing the mixture of pellets and parting agent at a sufficient temperature (less than 1450.degree. C.) and for sufficient time for vitrification to occur.

Abstract: A two-phase ceramic particulate useful as a proppant in hydraulic fracturing operations is provided which comprises a vitreous matrix phase containing a crystalline alumina phase. The new ceramic particles are characterized by:(i) a concentration gradient of alumina which increases from very low in the center to relatively high near the surface of the particles;(ii) a fired density less than about 2.9 g/cc; and(iii) closed cell microporosity.Certain embodiments of the inventive ceramic particulate are also characterized by a Krumbein roundness of at least 0.8 and are chemically stable.The ceramic is made by a process comprising the steps of:a. mixing and pelletizing, with the aid of water, the dry raw materials including a mineral particulate such as nepheline syenite and a binder such as bentonite;b. drying the wet pelletizer product;c. mixing the dried pellets with a parting agent; andd.