Abstract: A mold for molding an industrial product from a powder by slip casting, which has good water-absorptivity, long life, high strength and excellent mold-releasability and is constituted from a composite base material of boron nitride and other ceramic constituents. With this mold, molding of ceramic products and the like can be performed with high efficiency without causing clogging.

Abstract: Incorporation of solid removable aggregates into powdered cement which later completely dissolve, evaporate, volatilize, or melt leaving voids in the cement composition is discussed. Cementitious articles are prepared by manipulating powdered hydraulic cement or cement paste compositions into mechanically self-supporting structures of a predetermined configuration and thereafter hydrating the hydraulic cement compositions without mechanical mixing of the cement and water.

Abstract: Cementitious compositions useful as lightweight aggregates are formed from a blend of spent bed material from fluidized bed combustion and fly ash. The proportions of the blend are chosen so that ensuing reactions eliminate undesirable constituents. The blend is then mixed with water and formed into a shaped article. The shaped article is preferably either a pellet or a "brick" shape that is later crushed. The shaped articles are cured at ambient temperature while saturated with water. It has been found that if used sufficiently, the resulting aggregate will exhibit minimal dimensional change over time. The aggregate can be certified by also forming standardized test shapes, e.g., cylinders while forming the shaped articles and measuring the properties of the test shapes using standardized techniques including X-ray diffraction.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of salt granulates particularly useful as carrier media for liquid washing agent raw materials in detergent compositions of high bulk density. The process includes granulation under pressure of salt powder having a content of water of crystallization of at least 10% and an average particle size of 1 to 500 .mu.m, and subsequent extraction of the water of crystallization in a fluidized bed at a temperature of the bed which is below the melting point of the granulate. In the granulation process use is preferably made of a mixture of water of crystallization-holding salts and anhydrous salts.

Abstract: A method and composition for the preparation of calcium silicate bounded shaped articles comprising mixing SiO.sub.2 containing powder, unslaked or slaked lime, calcium hydroxide, with a waste paper pulper slurry containing cellulosic particle of less than 1.1 mm in length is described. Additionally, Portland cement, alumina cement, calcium sulfate anhydride, plaster of Paris, a foam, and a thermally activated accelerator may also be added to the mixture which is then shaped into blanks, and autoclaved.

Abstract: Glass fibre reinforced plasterboard including a gypsum matrix of high density with embedded staple glass fibres therewith forming a pressure resistant solid body frame in which are embedded a plurality of very small hollow spaces of 5-350 microns in diameter, produced by a fine-pore foam or at least partially by small particles of non-porous and non-water absorbing fillers. During the manufacturing process of such glass fibre reinforced gypsum board, the gypsum and the fibre pieces are given only so much water that the water/gypsum ratio does not exceed 0.6, whereafter a foam and/or pourable or free-flowing fillers are added in such quantities that the apparent density of the entire board is at least 20% smaller than the density of the bonding means component of the matrix, and the paste is subjected while being formed to a vibration.

Abstract: Ceramic foams in which the open cells are connected by a three-dimensional, substantially continuous ceramic matrix formed of interconnected hollow ligaments, are made from an open-cell, reticulated precursor metal, i.e. a metal foam. The precursor metal first is treated so as to allow a support coating to form thereon, and thereafter the coated precursor is heated above the melting point of the metal in the presence of an oxidant to form an oxidation reaction product.

Abstract: A method is proposed for the preparation of porous calcium carbonate particles of which each of the particles is not an aggregate but has ink bottle-shaped pores each not communicating with the others. The method comprises: (a) blending particles of heavy calcium carbonate having a specific particle size distribution with from 0.1 to 0.3% by weight of a porosity-forming agent, e.g., sodium chloride; (b) calcining the powder blend at a temperature in the range from 800.degree. C. to 1000.degree. C. to decarbonate the calcium carbonate particles into particles of calcium oxide having pores developed therein; (c) slaking the particles of calcium oxide with steam to convert the calcium oxide particles into particles of calcium hydroxide; (d) drying the particles of calcium hydroxide at a temperature in the range from 100.degree. C. to 350.degree. C.; and (e) carbonating the dried particles of calcium hydroxide with carbon dioxide gas at a temperature in the range from 600.degree. C. to 750.degree.C.

Abstract: A method of environmental cleanup by producing an autoclaved aerated cement building material (termed AAC) by a process that uses the available silica sand and other raw materials in mine tailings, in particular copper mine tailings from porphyry copper mines. The process minimizes the need for processed silica sand and other raw materials, normally used in the production of the AAC building material. The lightweight AAC building material produced from the mine tailings has excellent thermal insulation properties, sound absorption and other desirable construction qualities comparable to AAC building material produced using processed silica sand, i.e. from non-mine tailings raw material sources.

Abstract: A gas injection stone is manufactured by embedding in a refractory compound a plurality of adjacent and abutting nets. Thereby, when the refractory compound is solidified and when the nets subsequently are removed by burning or melting, the result will be the formation within the stone of plural interconnected layers of interlinked gas channels.

Abstract: A process for making a silicon carbide foam structural material utilizing continuous and non-continuous processes where bead members are mixed with silicon powder-carbon powder and molded into a shape. The bead members are then removed by melting. The remaining silicon powder-carbon powder structure, having been formed with a plurality of apertures therein from where the beads have been removed, is further heated to a point sufficient to form a silicon carbide structure retaining such plurality of apertures to create a silicon carbide foam.

Abstract: A method for forming a porous carbonaceous preform comprises, forming a mixture comprised of up to about 50 volume percent of furfuryl alcohol or tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, about 1 to 10 volume percent of a nonionic polyethylene oxide polymer ranging in molecular weight from about 100,000 to 5,000,000, about 30 to 80 volume percent of a carbonaceous material, and the balance water. The mixture is cast to form a body, and heated to decompose the polymer and form the porous preform. A molding composition for carbonaceous material comprises, up to about 50 volume percent of furfuryl alcohol or tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, about 1 to 10 volume percent of a nonionic polyethylene oxide polymer ranging in molecular weight from about 100,000 to 5,000,000, about 30 to 80 volume percent of the carbonaceous material, and the balance water.

Abstract: A method of producing dense, free-flowing alkali metal silicate-based particles which, when sufficiently heated, will form lightweight particles of a spumiform nature which may be employed as thermal or acoustical insulation or as a lightweight filler for gypsum or cement or for numerous other purposes. The method comprises premixing a liquid alkali metal silicate with selected fillers and/or insolubilizers, adjusting the temperature and solids content of the mixture until it passes into a dilatant gel state which will fracture when extended at a rate of between about 3 and 95 cm/minute, and subsequently extruding or pelletizing the gel at this temperature to form particles which are conditioned in an air stream for at least one second and then dried to a moisture level of between about 5 and 30%. These particles or pellets serve as a stable intermediate which can be expanded to form lightweight spumiform particles by further heating at a later time or at a remote location.

Abstract: A method for forming a porous carbonaceous preform includes forming a mixture comprised of up to about 50 volume percent of furfuryl alcohol or tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, about 1 to 10 volume percent of a nonionic polyethylene oxide polymer ranging in molecular weight from about 100,000 to 5,000,000, about 30 to 80 volume percent of a carbonaceous material, and the balance water. The mixture is cast to form a body, and heated to decompose the polymer and form the porous preform. A molding composition for carbonaceous material includes, up to about 50 volume percent of furfuryl alcohol or tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, about 1 to 10 volume percent of a nonionic polyethylene oxide polymer ranging in molecular weight from about 100,000 to 5,000,000, about 30 to 80 volume percent of the carbonaceous material, and the balance water.

Abstract: Silica particles having an average particle size of 5 to 100 .mu.m, a BET specific surface area of not more than 20 m.sup.2 /g and a pore volume of not more than 0.1 ml/g, each of which has on its surface a plurality of protuberances with a smooth configuration , a diameter at half the protuberance height of the said protuberance being 0.2 to 5.0 .mu.m and a height of the said protuberance being 0.2 to 4.0 .mu.m, and a process for producing the silica particles, which comprises (A) reacting hydrosilicofluoric acid, ammonium silicofluoride or a mixture thereof with ammonia in an aqueous medium to form a silica slurry, (B) separating a silica from the silica slurry, and (C) calcining, after optionally drying, the separated silica at a temperature of not less than 500.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for producing lightweight, panel or block-shaped gypsum building materials with a pore structure, in particular wall panels, wherein calcium sulphate alpha-hemihydrate, water in a slightly more than stoichiometric quantity, setting retarders and/or accelerators and additives are mixed to form a pourable suspension and subjected to suitable forming. The ground calcium sulphate alpha-hemihydrate, having a Blaine specific surface area greater than 2000 cm.sup.2 /g, is combined if appropriate, with calcium sulphate beta-hemihydrate in a quantity of up to about 30% by weight relative to the calcium sulphate alpha-hemihydrate, and mixed before forming with a surfactant foam of a defined apparent density in the range from 40 to 80 kg/m.sup.3 and a uniform defined pore size, in a quantity for adjusting the apparent density of the gypsum building material to a defined value in the range from 300 to 1200 kg/m.sup.3.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for converting metal nitrate or mixed metal nitrate solutions into the corresponding metal oxides in a microwave field. The invention consists in heating, while the feed stream is being metered in, in such a manner that the solvent always evaporates within seconds and the decomposition product is obtained as a porous, sponge-like, purely oxidic material, which can be ground easily to give a powder having particle sizes of 0.5 to about 10 .mu.m. The controlled metering in of the nitrate solution simultaneously makes it possible to control the reaction temperature below the sintering temperature of the powder. The reaction of the nitrate starting solution can take place continuously/batchwise in a reaction flask or continuously in a rotating reaction pipe, which is preferably charged with grinding balls, which possibly exert a reaction-activating effect similar to that exerted very particularly by the metal oxide sponge formed during the reaction.

Abstract: An improved refractory support (kiln furniture) and a method of manufacture. The composition of the refractory support reduces the likelihood that it will adhere to the article which it is supporting during manufacturing. The kiln furniture is formed from bound ceramic fibers of aluminosilicate and alumina with a ground particulate filler of aluminosilicate and alumina, and refractory reactive binder of alumina and silica in a colloidal form.

Abstract: A process for producing a sintered apatite article having a porous surface by contacting a dense sintered apatite article with an acidic buffer solution, provided that the acidic buffer solution does not contain phosphoric acid.

Abstract: Moulded articles are produced by heating expandable graphite, in which the expandable graphite is first pre-expanded at 140.degree. to 450.degree. C. until a bulk density of 30 to 500 g/l has been reached, at least 50% by volume of a mould is then filled with the graphite thus pre-expanded, and the expansion of the graphite is then completed in the mould by heating to temperatures in the range from 300.degree. to 700.degree. C.

Abstract: Lamellar-structured highly microporous silicate compositions are provided which can be used as insulative articles and insulation material. The silicate is in the form of lamellae selected from the group consisting of mica and vermiculite. The silicate lamellae form the microporous structure, by forming the pore walls with the lamellae. Processes are described which prepare these compositions by removing the water from flocculated or unflocculated aqueous dispersions of chemically delaminated silicates while the arrangement of the lamellae in the dispersion is largely preserved, resulting in the highly microporous lamellar structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved precast concrete slab comprising a slab body formed of a composite of expandable sintered stones, glass fibers, and foam concrete; at least a layer of non-metallic material having pores for filling in the slab body is provided in the middle portion of the slab body; the concrete slab may be molded singly or cut from a pre-molded concrete block formed of the above-mentioned composite materials and having arranged therein a multiplicity of layers of non-metallic material.

Abstract: In order to manufacture large-size porous shaped bodies of low density by swelling clay masses by supplying heat thereto, a plate-like, self-supporting clay mass is used, it is given an all-round support by direct acting, multiple linear solid body contact and at the same time maintained in constant motion relative to the support, and the surface of the swelling clay mass is subjected to constant oxidation by the supply of oxidizing hot gases to the surfaces of the plate-like moving clay mass.

Abstract: A SiO.sub.2 /oxide powder composite made by preparing a sol containing SiO.sub.2 and optionally Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, Li.sub.2 O, Na.sub.2 O, TiO.sub.2, B.sub.2 O.sub.3 and mixtures thereof with oxide powder consisting of SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, ZrO.sub.2, TiO.sub.2, Li.sub.2 O-TiO.sub.2, Li.sub.2 O-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 -TiO.sub.2, .beta. spodumene crystals, .beta. eucryptite crystals, aluminum titanate, 68 SiO.sub.2 -21.4 Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 -5.7 TiO.sub.2 -3.8 Li.sub.2 O (mole %) and mixtures thereof having a size from about 10 microns to about 0.001 micron dispersed therein, gelling the sol to produce a monolithic SiO.sub.2 gel matrix having homogeneously distributed therein the oxide powder, and drying the monolithic SiO.sub.2 gel/oxide powder composite.

Abstract: A highly sinterable powder consisting essentially of LaCrO.sub.3, containing from 5 weight % to 20 weight % of a chromite of dopant Ca, Sr, Co, Ba, or Mg and a coating of a chromate of dopant Ca, Sr, Co, Ba, or Mg; is made by (1) forming a solution of La, Cr, and dopant; (2) heating their solutions; (3) forming a combined solution having a desired ratio of La, Cr, and dopant and heating to reduce solvent; (4) forming a foamed mass under vacuum; (5) burning off organic components and forming a charred material; (6) grinding the charred material; (7) heating the char at from 590.degree. C. to 950 C. in inert gas containing up to 50,000 ppm O.sub.

Abstract: A method is provided for the preparation of a synthetic, non-composited microporous membrane comprising a continuous array of crystalline molecular sieve material. A non-porous forming surface is contacted, under crystallization conditions, with a chemical mixture capable of forming the molecular sieve material. After a layer of the molecular sieve material is crystallized on the forming surface, the layer and the forming surface are recovered from the chemical mixture and the layer is separated from the forming surface.

Abstract: Decorative interior molding is molded from a slurry of gypsum, water, perlite, and a foaming agent. The slurry is surrounded by paper, cured, and dried.

Abstract: Small hollow glass spheres are prepared by adding a surfactant to a liquid glass precursor mixture. The surfactant-containing solution or dispersion can be formed into droplets which are directed into a heated zone and the product collected in a cooler zone. Alternately, the solution or dispersion may be spray-dried, and the spray-dried product is fed into the heated zone and collected in the cooler zone. Nonionic fluorocarbon surfactants are the preferred surfactants.

Abstract: There is disclosed a porous inorganic material, suitable for use as a support material for biological macromolecules, comprising substantially spherical particles of an aluminosilicate ceramic material, any internal cavities present in a particle occupying no more than 10% of the volume of the particle, each particle having a diameter in the range of from 5 micrometers to 5 millimeters and consisting predominantly of an open three-dimensional matrix of needles of the ceramic material each of which needles has a length in the range of from 2 to 20 micrometers and a width in the range of from about 0.2 to 2 micrometers, the ceramic needles defining between them interconnecting pores of width of from 0.1 to 5 micrometers. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such a porous inorganic material.

Abstract: A ceramic body of controlled porosity is formed by coating unidirectional fiber carriers with a hardenable liquid resin bearing powdered ceramic material, which resin is subsequently cured, hardened, or cooled to provide a green body which may be assembled with similar layers, in a desired shape, and subsequently sintered, to form a ceramic body having continuous pores corresponding to the position of the fibers.

Abstract: A method for producing shaped heat-insulating bodies based on water-insoluble oxidic metal compounds particularly of the elements silicon and aluminum, clouding agents and other additives, whereby the bodies are thermally hardened and have a heat conductivity of 0.02 to 0.1 W/K.m at temperatures of approximately 300.degree. to 500.degree. C. and are comprised of (a) 100 parts by weight of water-insoluble oxidic metal compounds having a BET-surface of 10 to 700 m.sup.2 /g, with the provision that at least 5% by weight of these compounds have a BET-surface of at least 50m.sup.2 /g; (b) 0 to 100 parts by weight of mineral clouding agents having at least one absorption maximum in the wave length range of 1.5 to 10 .mu.m; and (c) 0.1 to 30 parts by weight of elements capable of forming a solid oxide having a standard formation enthalpy of less than minus 900 kJ/Mol. In addition, 0-100 parts by weight of mineral fibers can be added.

Abstract: Hydrogel-bound aggregate lightweight building materials, such as blocks for use in replacement of lightweight concrete or extruded clay blocks, prepared by expanding and drying a foamable composition containing precursors for an alkali metal aluminosilicate hydrogel, fine grain particulate aggregates, and a viscosity-reducing agent sufficient to result in a starting slurry composition viscosity of less than 40,000 cps at a solids content of 70% by weight or greater.

Abstract: A porous sintered cathode for a molten carbonate fuel cell and method of making same, the cathode including a skeletal structure of a first electronically conductive material slightly soluble in the electrolyte present in the molten carbonate fuel cell covered by fine particles of a second material of possibly lesser electronic conductivity insoluble in the electrolyte present in the molten carbonate fuel cell, the cathode having a porosity in the range of from about 60% to about 70% at steady-state cell operating conditions consisting of both macro-pores and micro-pores.

Abstract: A process for producing an acoustic diaphragm of carbonaceous material including the steps of impregnating nonwoven fabric or woven fabric of carbon fiber having a high degree of elasticity with a thermosetting resin, thermally molding it into a diaphragm shape, calcining the shaped fabric in an inert gas atmosphere to obtain a porous carbon molding, heating the porous molding to a uniform temperature, and depositing vapor phase, thermally decomposed carbon upon a surface of the porous molding. The deposited carbon is generated by thermal decomposition of a hydrocarbon-containing material introduced together with a carrier gas. The process produces an acoustic diaphragm having a dense surface layer of carbonized fiber-carbonized thermosetting resin-thermally decomposed carbon, and a porous interior of carbonized fiber bonded together by carbonized resin and the thermally decomposed carbon.

Abstract: A method of producing a filter for separating solid particles, whose diameters are generally smaller than 5 .mu.m, from flowing gases or liquids. A covering layer with columnar and/or platelet-shaped oxides is formed on a body consisting of porous steel foil at least in and around the pores.

Abstract: A method for the production of ceramic oxide lakes, comprising the steps of: (i) preparing a colloidal foam by blowing a gas into an aqueous solution comprising a precursor salt of said ceramic oxide flake and a surfactant; (ii) precipitating flakes of said precursor salt in said colloidal foam; and (iii) dry and calcining said precipitated flakes to produce said ceramic oxide flakes.

Abstract: A foamable composition for preparing inorganic light weight foam includes an inorganic powder and vinyl chloride-based resin as main components, and an organic solvent and a foaming agent. The vinyl chloride-based resin is a higher molecular weight resin made by suspension-polymerization or mass-polymerization, and has an average degree of polymerization (p) of 1300 to 10000 as defined by JIS K-6721-1959. The ratio by weight of the inorganic powder to the vinyl chloride-based resin ranges from 50:50 to 85:15. The organic solvent has a solubility parameter (.delta.) of 7 to 10, and a boiling point of 80.degree. C. to 140.degree. C. The ratio by weight of the organic solvent to the total amount of the inorganic powder and the vinyl chloride-based resin ranges from 60:40 to 40:60. The inorganic powder and vinyl chloride-based resin components are kneaded at between 140 and 200 degrees Celsius, while applying a shearing force on the kneaded composition.

Abstract: A prereaction mixture which is useful in the preparation of porous silica compositions with uniform pore sizes. The porous silica composition comprises a substituted nitrogen-containing siliconate, a colloidal silica and a soluble alkali silicate. By the addition of the substituted nitrogen containing siliconate to either the colloidal silica or soluble silicate, or by combining all three ingredients, a stable solution results, thereby avoiding the premature polymerization of the colloidal silica upon the addition of the soluble silicate. The soluble alkali silicate can have a metal cation which is selected from the group consisting of potassium and sodium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing permeable mineral membranes.The method of the invention is characterized in that a thin layer of gel of peptised hydroxide of at least aluminum is deposited on a permeable perous substrate and the resulting membrane is dried and fired at a temperature between 500.degree. and 1100.degree. C.The resulting membranes can be used for isotopic separation of gases or for filtration and ultrafiltration.

Abstract: Three dimensional hydrophobic substantially inorganic porous structure comprises a myriad of cavities interconnected by holes in which the diameters of the cavities are in the range of from 0.5 to 100 .mu.m and the diameters of the holes are in the range of from 0.1 to 20 .mu.m the porosity of the structure having a narrow pore size distribution with the cavities having a pore volume of at least 2 cc/g for a predetermined 10 .mu.m range of sizes. The structure is preferably an inorganic oxide selected from the group comprising alumina, silica, titania, zirconia and mixtures thereof. The structure is preferably made from an oil-in-water emulsion with a silylating agent in the internal phase so as to render the structure hydrophobic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foamed glass plate which has a dense glass surface layer on a foamed glass layer and which is useful as a building interior material or a furniture material. The interface between the two layers is made wavy, and the dense glass surface layer is made transparent or translucent so that a wavy pattern can be seen through the dense glass layer. For example, the interface is corrugated or rippled. The foamed glass plate can be produced by the steps of layering a granular material of foam glass on a conveyor belt made of a heat resistant material, desirably waving the upper surface of the layered material, overlaying the waved surface with a layer of a granular or powdery material of dense glass and firing the materials in layers on the belt in a furnace.

Abstract: The invention provides a new method for solidifying and disposing of waste. The waste is combined and mixed with an alkali-activated silico-aluminate geopolymer binder. The resulting mixture is bound together with a geopolymeric matrix. When allowed to set, it forms a hard, monolithic solid. The mixture is subjected to a suitable engineering process, such as casting or pressing, to produce a waste disposal product having superior long term stability.

Abstract: A composite made by preparing a SiO.sub.2 sol, mixing 20-90% by volume of SiC particulate with the SiO.sub.2 sol to form a slurry, casting the slurry into a mold optionally containing SiC weaves or mats, gelling and aging the cast slurry and drying to obtain a green body composite.

Abstract: Sol-gel monoliths containing SiO.sub.2 and optionally B.sub.2 O.sub.3, Na.sub.2 O, Li.sub.2 O, TiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and mixtures thereof, and a transition metal having an atomic number from 21-28 made by mixing water, a SiO.sub.2 precursor, a non-precipitating salt of a transition metal and mellitic acid to form a sol, gelling the sol, aging the gelled sol, drying the aged gelled sol and densifying by heating to from about 500.degree. C. to about 1350.degree. C.

Abstract: Large sol-gel derived silicon-containing monoliths are prepared with the use of drying control chemical additives selected from the group consisting of glycerol, formamide, oxalic acid and acids of the formula C.sub.n H.sub.2(n-1) O.sub.2 N to control the ultrastructure of the gel solid and pore phases. Gelation, aging, drying, and densification of the sol-gel derived monoliths may be performed rapidly in tens of hours instead of tens of days without cracking, final densification at temperature of 800.degree. C. to 1200.degree. C. or less being possible. The silicon-containing monolith comprises a ternary SiO.sub.2 --B.sub.2 O.sub.3 --Na.sub.2 O system.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an ultraporous SiO.sub.2 containing gel monoliths having a predetermined mean pore size with narrow distribution of the size of the pores around the mean. A SiO.sub.2 containing sol is prepared while simultaneously controlling and preselecting the temperature, time and nature of aging solution, and drying the resultant gel to obtain an ultraporous SiO.sub.2 containing monolith having a predetermined mean pore size from about 10 .ANG. to about 400 .ANG. with narrow distribution of the size of pores around the mean and the resultant article.

Abstract: A method for molding a cementitious composition into an article having a desired shape or configuration by preparing a mold in a predetermined shape or configuration corresponding to the desired shape or configuration of the article, substantially filling the mold with water to provide a substantial excess of that needed for hydration of the cementitious composition which will be used to make the article, introducing into the water in the mold a dry cementitious composition in the form of finely divided particles of at least one cement binder in an amount of greater than 20 percent by weight of the composition, the major proportion of the particles having approximately the same drop rate, by pouring the composition into the water without any type of physical mixing of the cementitious composition and the water other than the mixing which occurs when the composition becomes completely hydrated by combining with a portion of the water and displacing excess water, if any, from the mold, and allowing the hydrated

Abstract: Inorganic raw materials are heated and pressed in a kiln to produce a porous ceramic panel. The foaming body is first-pressed in a foaming step, and after the foaming step the first-pressed foamed body is second-pressed, in order to obtain superior dimensional accuracy and surface smoothness. The panels are applicable, for instance, to interior or exterior materials of various kinds of buildings such as prefabricated houses and shops.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foamable, self-setting ceramic composition which can be poured into molds or injection-molded or extruded to achieve desired shapes, and thereafter fired to produce shaped, porous ceramic articles useful as filter elements, insulation, kiln furniture, molds furnace linings or other like articles, the composition containing agents capable of developing an aluminosilicate hydrogel and capable of generating gas to produce porosity within the hydrogel bound molded shape.

Abstract: Low mass kiln furniture for supporting ceramic ware during the firing thereof is provided having excellent thermal shock resistance and high temperature stability, the kiln furniture being comprised of a porous refractory ceramic body of low density prepared by the firing of a porous aluminosilicate-bound aggregate of refractory ceramic compounds, and wherein the ceramic body has on one or more of its surfaces a smooth skin in the form of an integral thin porous ceramic membrane layer.