Abstract: A method for the preparation of a cohesive non-porous perovskite layer on a substrate (104) comprising: forming a thin film of a solution containing a perovskite material dissolved in a solvent onto the substrate to form a liquid film (104) of the solution on the substrate, applying a crystallisation agent (112) to a surface of the film to precipitate perovskite crystals from the 5 solution to form the cohesive non-porous perovskite layer (116) on the substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a cellular polyurethane foam composition for forming a cellular ceramic under fire conditions, the composition comprising: at least 40% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of a polyurethane; from 10% to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of silicate mineral filler; from 5% to 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of at least one inorganic phosphate that forms a liquid phase at a temperature of no more than 800° C.; from 0.1% to 10% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of a heat expandable solid material; and wherein the total proportion of inorganic components constitutes in the range of from 20% to 60% by weight of the total composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramifying composition for forming a fire resistant ceramic under fire conditions the composition comprising: (i) at least 10% by weight of mineral silicate; (ii) from 8% to 40% by weight of at least one inorganic phosphate that forms a liquid phase at a temperature of no more than 800° C.; and (iii) at least 15% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of a polymer base composition comprising at least 50% by weight of an organic polymer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a dye sensitised solar cell or other mesoscopic solar cell, including the steps of coating at least a portion of a surface of a substrate with an electrode film or other functional layer, and applying an isostatic pressure over the coated substrate to thereby compact the electrode film or functional layer on the substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a cellular polyurethane foam composition for forming a cellular ceramic under fire conditions, the composition comprising: at least 40% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of a polyurethane; from 10% to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of silicate mineral filler; from 5% to 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of at least one inorganic phosphate that forms a liquid phase at a temperature of no more than 800° C.; from 0.1% to 10% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of a heat expandable solid material; and wherein the total proportion of inorganic components constitutes in the range of from 20% to 60% by weight of the total composition.

Abstract: A fire resistant composition comprising: a silicone polymer; mica in an amount of from 5% to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the composition; and a limited amount of glass additive sufficient to enable the formation of a self supporting ceramic material at temperatures above the decomposition temperature of the silicone polymer and below the fire rating temperature of the composition. The glass additive addition required to produce the self supporting ceramic material has been found to be preferably from 0.3% to 8% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. The composition is applicable to products formed for fire wall linings, fire partitions, screens, ceilings or linings, structural fire protection, fire door inserts, window or door seals, intumescent seals, in electrical switchboard cabinets or cables. In one cable application, the composition may be used as the extruded intermediate material (2) between the conductor (3) and extruded sheath (4).

Abstract: A cable (1) comprises a conductor (3), an insulating layer (2) which forms a self-supporting ceramic layer when exposed to elevated temperatures experienced in a fire, and an additional heat transformable layer (4). The additional layer (4) can be another layer which forms a self-supporting ceramic layer when exposed to fire, or it can act as a sacrificial layer which decomposes at or below the temperature that the insulating layer forms a ceramic. The addition layer can enhance the strength of the layers before, during or after the fire, the structural integrity of the insulting layer (2) after the fire, the resistance of the layers to the ingress of water after the fire, or the electrical or thermal resistance of the layers during and after the fire.

Abstract: A cable (1) having a conductor (3), an insulating layer (2) which forms a self-supporting ceramic layer when exposed to elevated temperatures experienced in a fire, and an additional heat transformable layer (4). The additional layer (4) can be another layer which forms a self-supporting ceramic layer when exposed to fire, or it can act as a sacrificial layer which decomposes at or below the temperature that the insulating layer forms a ceramic. The addition layer can enhance the strength of the layers before, during or after the fire, the structural integrity of the insulating layer (2) after the fire, the resistance of the layers to the ingress of water after the fire, or the electrical or thermal resistance of the layers during and after the fire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramifying composition for forming a fire resistant ceramic under fire conditions the composition comprising: (i) at least 10% by weight of mineral silicate; (ii) from 8% to 40% by weight of at least one inorganic phosphate that forms a liquid phase at a temperature of no more than 800° C.; and (iii) at least 15% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of a polymer base composition comprising at least 50% by weight of an organic polymer.

Abstract: A cable (1) comprises a conductor (3), an insulating layer (2) which forms a self-supporting ceramic layer when exposed to elevated temperatures experienced in a fire, and an additional heat transformable layer (4). The additional layer (4) can be another layer which forms a self-supporting ceramic layer when exposed to fire, or it can act as a sacrificial layer which decomposes at or below the temperature that the insulating layer forms a ceramic. The addition layer can enhance the strength of the layers before, during or after the fire, the structural integrity of the insulting layer (2) after the fire, the resistance of the layers to the ingress of water after the fire, or the electrical or thermal resistance of the layers during and after the fire.

Abstract: A fire resistant composition comprising: a silicone polymer; mica in an amount of from 5% to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the composition; and a limited amount of glass additive sufficient to enable the formation of a self supporting ceramic material at temperatures above the decomposition temperature of the silicone polymer and below the fire rating temperature of the composition. The glass additive addition required to produce the self supporting ceramic material has been found to be preferably from 0.3% to 8% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. The composition is applicable to products formed for fire wall linings, fire partitions, screens, ceilings or linings, structural fire protection, fire door inserts, window or door seals, intumescent seals, in electrical switchboard cabinets or cables. In one cable application, the composition may be used as the extruded intermediate material (2) between the conductor (3) and extruded sheath (4).

Abstract: A fire resistant composition for forming a fire resistant ceramic at elevated temperatures, the composition comprising: at least 15% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of a polymer base composition comprising at least 50% by weight of an organic polymer; and at least 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of a silicate mineral filler; wherein upon exposure to an elevated temperature (experienced under fire conditions), the fire resistant composition is useful for passive fire protection applications, particularly cables, the fluxing oxide is present in an amount of from 1 to 15% by weight of the residue.