Abstract: A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a prepreg and an integrally molded article, wherein the prepreg exhibits suitable flexibility and adhesiveness, excels in formability on a complicated mold face and adhesion to a mold face, causes no positional shift, and can be efficiently reinforced and stiffened at an intended position. A main object of the present invention is to provide a prepreg including (A) reinforcing fibers, (B) a thermosetting resin, and (C) a thermoplastic resin, wherein the (C) thermoplastic resin exists in at least a part of a face of the prepreg, and wherein the prepreg satisfies the condition [I], and satisfies the condition [II] or the condition [III]: [I]: the (B) thermosetting resin has a peak in the temperature range of more than 100° C. and 180° C.

Abstract: A slip casting mold includes a water absorption layer having self water absorption capability and substantial water resistance. With the water saturation percentage of the water absorption layer being controlled, a slurry layer is deposited in the slip casting mold mainly under capillary attractive forces of the slip casting mold. The water absorption layer comprises an open porous body which is manufactured by stirring a mixture of an epoxy compound having at least one epoxy ring in one molecule, a hardener for reacting with the epoxy compound to harden the epoxy compound, a filler for developing self water absorption capability and mold releasability, and water into an O/W-type emulsion slurry, and casting the emulsion slurry into a mold impermeable to water, hardening the emulsion slurry in the mold while containing water.

Abstract: A method of slip casting using a casting mold provided with a water-absorbent layer that has a self-water-absorbent ability, substantially has a water resistance, and is controlled in the saturated water content thereof, the slip casting being conducted by employing mainly a capillary sucking force as the driving force of the water-absorbent layer of cast formation. An open-cell porous body usable as the water-absorbent layer is produced by agitating a mixture comprising a compound having at least one epoxy ring in its molecule, a curing agent which cures the epoxy compound by reaction, a filler developing for a self-water-absorbent ability and a mold release property, and water to prepare an O/W emulsion slurry and curing the slurry, as such in a hydrous state.

Abstract: A mold for pressure-cast-molding a ceramic article having a filter material made of an open-cell porous material. The open-cell porous material is prepared by stirring a mixture of a resin material, a microballoon, a curing agent and water to provide an emulsion slurry, casting the slurry in a water-impermeable mold and curing the slurry in the water-containing state. The portions occupied by the water during the preparation of the porous material mainly form open pores.