Abstract: A method for manufacturing a preform having a desirably uniform distribution of structural forms (for example and without limitation, particles, flakes, and fibers) therethrough. The method according to the present invention includes using an electrical charge reaction between cationic and anionic agents (such as, without limitation, cationic and anionic polymers) to cause the structural forms to floc or clump together in a mass in which the structural forms are desirably uniformly distributed therethrough. The flocculent mass is then dewatered and/or dried to form a preform that is ready for further processing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a non-woven web of fibrous or particulate material comprising: formation of a foam slurry; deposition of that slurry onto a foraminous element having a three-dimensional mold; and formation of a web having a three-dimensional shape that is not substantially planar by removal of foam from the slurry through the foraminous element and drying the web. An apparatus therefor is also disclosed. The method may be used in production a variety of products, including automotive pleated fluid and air filters, pleated heating and/or air conditioning (HVAC) filters, shaped breathing mask filters and bacterial filters, laminated cleaning products with super-absorbent middle layers, such as a mop wipe shape to fit a cleaning mop head, and other products.

Abstract: A sol-gel process for producing dry porous gel monoliths, e.g., silica glass monoliths, in which the successive process steps of gelling, aging and drying all occur within a mold formed of a selected porous material, e.g., graphite. The mold is inert to the gel solution and it has sufficient strength to withstand the temperatures and pressures encountered during the process. The mold and gel thereby can remain within a sealed autoclave during these process steps, and mechanical handling of the mold and the gel are minimized. This substantially enhances the process' efficiency. Alternatively, the mold can have a non-porous inner skin to enhance ease of cleaning of the mold, and of removal of the gel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an SiC preform of a high volume fraction used for the manufacture of a metal matrix composite. The method involves the steps of mixing SiC particles of different particle sizes each selected from a range of 0.2 to 48 &mgr;m with an organic binder, an inorganic binder, an aggregating agent, and distilled water, thereby producing a mixture, and stirring the mixture in accordance with a ball milling process, thereby producing a slurry containing the SiC particles, pouring the slurry containing the SiC particles into a mold having upper and lower molds respectively provided with absorbent bodies, and squeezing the slurry in the mold, thereby reducing a residual moisture content of the slurry, completely drying the slurry reduced in residual moisture content, thereby producing an SiC preform, and calcinating the SiC preform. The preform is impregnated with a metal matrix while maintaining a high reinforcement volume fraction of 70 vol % or more.

Abstract: Filtration media is comprised of a mixture of glass and synthetic polymeric fibers. Binder fibers are also preferably incorporated into the mixture of glass and synthetic polymeric fibers so as to achieve a structurally coherent mass of such fibers. Most preferably, a combination of thermoplastic and at least partially water soluble binder fibers will be present in the fibrous filtration media of this invention so as to promote structural integrity during processing and end use applications. In this regard, the fibrous filtration media is preferably made by wet-laying an aqueous slurry mixture of glass fibers and synthetic fibers onto a foraminous forming member (e.g., a forming wire) using conventional Fourdrinier or foam-type fiber wet-laying processes. Thereafter, the slurry mixture is dewatered to form a fibrous dewatered sheet of the glass and synthetic fibers. If present, the binder fibers are physically dispersed in the slurry mixture when laid onto the forming member.

Abstract: Shaped bodies of particulate material produced by introducing an easily flowable slurry of water and particulate material into a mold with perforated walls and applying a sufficiently high pressure to the slurry in the mold so as to express a sufficient proportion of the liquid to allow physical contact and interengagement between the particles. The method may be carried out continuously in an extension process including: (A) introducing the slurry under high pressure, (B) conveying the slurry through a shaping section to (C) a draining and consolidation section with drain holds or slits (3), to leave the extruder through (E) an exit section in the form of a solid body (4).

Abstract: A wet molding method in which a ceramic slurry is charged into a cavity and uniaxially pressed by a punch to remove excess liquid from a portion of the slurry facing the punch to effect molding, the method being improved by maintaining at least one of the following conditions; (a) the pressing of the slurry is stopped at a time between T and 1.5 T, T being defined as the pressing time necessary to remove sufficient excess liquid from the slurry in the mold to produce a molded mass; or (b) the punch displacement position at a time at which sufficient excess liquid is removed from the slurry in the mold to produce a molded mass is less than 17% of the total mold length.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming from a fiber slurry a three-dimensional fiber truss. The forming method involves compressing a fiber slurry or a fiber pulp between a pair of rigid foraminous dies to rapidly drive out most of the carrier fluid. The fiber retained between the dies is compacted into a pre-form fiber truss. The pre-form fiber truss is subsequently dried and consolidated in a heated press to produce a finished fiber truss. In panel applications, the fiber truss can be used by itself, or combined with other fiber trusses, to form a light-weight structural core for sandwich panels. Sandwich panels have numerous uses in packaging, material handling, construction, and furniture industries. Specific products include bulk bins, heavy-duty boxes, shipping containers, wall panels, roof panels, cement forms, partitions, poster displays, reels, desks, caskets, shelves, tables, and doors.

Abstract: The present invention provides molded fireplace articles comprising a plurality of non-white inorganic fibers that are substantially uniformly coated with a colored metal oxide. The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing molded fireplace articles comprising: providing a plurality of non-white inorganic fibers; mixing the fibers with a binder and a liquid to form a slurry; pouring the slurry into a mold having a desired shape; and forming the slurry into a shaped article. A method of preparing non-white inorganic fibers is also provided, the method comprising the steps of: providing a colorant solution formed by dispersing or dissolving a metal compound into a carrier liquid, providing an inorganic fiber, applying the colorant solution to the inorganic fiber to form a colorant coated fiber, and heating the colorant coated fiber to a temperature sufficient to decompose the metal compound to a non-white metal oxide that is substantially uniformly coated on said fibers.

Abstract: A method of casting toilets and the like where the bowl and rim are separately molded and then connected together while both are in an upside down position. During the connection of the rim to the bowl, the bowl is preferably supported on two opposing sides by the mold. These procedures reduce deformation of the cast bowl while it is still in a “greenware” condition. An apparatus for carrying out this method in an automated manner is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for imparting a smooth surface to a gypsum fiber panels. The method involves imparting energy to the surface of the slurry as the slurry is dewatered just prior to rehydration. The apparatus used to impart the energy is an air lance including an air source such as a blower, a distribution manifold and a plurality of nozzles to direct the flow of air at the surface of the slurry. In operation, the air lance directs a flow of air against the surface of the slurry. The flow disrupts the slurry to a fraction of its total depth, thus dispersing clumps or flocs of crystals in the depth that would give the surface of the finished panel a rough surface if they were allowed to remain.

Abstract: Ceramic oxide pre-forms comprising substantially continuous, alpha alumina fibers, and methods for making the same. The ceramic oxide pre-forms are useful, for example, as in making metal matrix composites reinforced with substantially continuous, alpha alumina fibers.

Abstract: A pulp forming machine includes a forming head including a platen and plurality of mould carriers. The mould carriers are connected to the platen by mould carrier support means which allow the mould carrier and the platen to transmit forces perpendicular to the general plane of the platen but allow movement and expansion of each mould carrier in the general plane of the platen. Mould carrier to mould carrier locating means locate the mould carriers of opposing platens during the forming process to align moulds carried on the mould carriers with cooperating moulds of the cooperating platen.

Abstract: A method for producing shaped bodies of particulate material by introducing an easily flowable slurry of water and particulate material into a mold with perforated walls and by applying a sufficiently high pressure to the slurry in the mold so as to express a sufficient proportion of the liquid to allow physical contact and interengagement between the particles. The method may be carried out continuously in an extrusion process including introducing the slurry under high pressure into a extruder and conveying the slurry through a shaping section of the extruder to a draining and consolidation section of the extruder with drain holes and slits whereby a non-flowable, consolidated, shaped body leaves the extruder through an exit section.

Abstract: A dry pressing and slip casting process is provided for the manufacture of glass-ceramic components of the type used in sensors. Both process on starts with a powder composition of SiO2 (42-59 wt. %), Al2O3 (17-35 wt. %), MgO (2-25 wt. %) and also BaO (0-20 wt. %), TiO2 (0-12 wt. %), ZnO (0-10 wt. %), CaO (0-10 wt. %), B2O3 (0-5 wt %), P2O5 (0-5 wt. %), ZrO2 (0-5 wt. %), alkali oxides such as K2O, Na2O (0-3 wt. %) and other small amounts (0-1 wt. %) of additives such as Fe2O3, As2O3. Fe2O3, V2O5, As2O3. Some of the ingredients (e.g. Mg, Ba, Ca) can also be present in the form of fluoride, e.g., MgF2, BaF2, CaF2, to up to 10 wt. %. Additional ceramic additives up to 30 wt. %, which are as second phase (e.g., Al2O3, Y2O3 doped ZrO2, SiO2, mullite, zircon, carbides, nitrides, and a combination of the above), are not part of the glass composition, but are introduced to enhance both the mechanical strength and toughness and to further modify the coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a preform having a desirably uniform distribution of structural forms (for example and without limitation, particles, flakes, and fibers) therethrough. The method according to the present invention includes using an electrical charge reaction between cationic and anionic agents (such as, without limitation, cationic and anionic polymers) to cause the structural forms to floc or clump together in a mass in which the structural forms are desirably uniformly distributed therethrough. The flocculent mass is then dewatered and/or dried to form a preform that is ready for further processing.

Abstract: Molding compositions including low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoates are provided. The use of the low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoates as a binder in molding compositions provides improved binder removal in the finished molded product, and offers a wide range of physical properties suitable for use in a variety of processing conditions. The composition preferably includes a powdered material, such as a metal powder, ceramic powder, or blend, admixed with a low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate binder. The compositions are useful in powder processing techniques, such as injection molding, slip casting, tape casting, or extrusion. Methods of forming low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoates are also described.

Abstract: An improved pulp-forming mold-releasing machine having a turnaround table being reciprocatingly rotatable at a prearranged position within the machine body. A net mold (pulp-sucking mold) includes protruding forming members on the surface thereof while the turnaround table of the machine frame body can be fitted with a lower mold (male mold) having a heating pipe therein on the other surface thereof. A reciprocating slide frame is disposed on the top of the machine frame body and includes an upper mold driving device with an air-oil-pressure diversion cylinder adapted to drive the upper mold (female mold) with a heating pipe to lift. An elevating pulp material container is disposed under the net mold of the machine frame body. The forming members of the net mold turn over to an upward direction after sucking pulp fiber.

Abstract: A process for centrifugal slip casting a textured hollow tube. A slip made up of a carrier fluid and a suspended powder is introduced into a porous mold which is rotated at a speed sufficient to create a centrifugal force that forces the slip radially outward toward the inner surface of the mold. The suspended powder, which is formed of particles having large dimensional aspect ratios such as particles of superconductive BSCCO, settles in a textured fashion radially outward toward the mold surface. The carrier fluid of the slip passes by capillary action radially outward around the settled particles and into the absorbent mold. A layer of mold release material is preferably centrifugally slip cast to cover the mold inner surface prior to the introduction of the BSCCO slip, and the mold release layer facilitates removal of the BSCCO greenbody from the mold without fracturing.

Abstract: Cores for manufacture of molded products are fabricated from ceramic microspheres in combination with 5-20% polymer binder in water solution, the binder comprising poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: A method for preparing ceramic particle slurries having controlled rheological properties to allow further processing to ceramic green bodies with improved compaction, green strength and green density is disclosed. Polymer additives containing 0.1 to 20% of acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid monomer units are especially useful in controlling the viscosity of high solids aqueous slurries of ceramic particles and acting as binders to improve the strength of finished ceramic articles, such as sinks, spas, bathroom fixtures and sanitaryware.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus for molding an elongate annular product such as a pole, the apparatus including two outer mold sections (1) relatively movable to form in a first position a substantially enclosed upright molding cavity and in a second position opening said molding cavity, an upright core member (3) is moveable into and out of said molding cavity and when located in said molding cavity defining an annular molding zone (37) between the core member (3) and the outer mold sections (1), filling means (5) arranged to fill the annular molding zone (37) from below, and end capping means (6) arranged to close an upper end region of the zone (37), the end capping means (6) including a filter membrane adapted to allow fluids to escape through the filter membrane while fine solid particles are retained within the molding zone (37).

Abstract: A method and system for molding a tissue or substitute tissue product in a mold having an exterior surface, and an interior surface, wherein at least one portion of the interior surface is porous and whose pores are in continuous communication with the exterior surface, and wherein said mold can be fabricated using solid free-form fabrication techniques is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for molding a tissue or substitute tissue product in a mold having an exterior surface, and an interior surface, wherein at least one portion of the interior surface is porous and whose pores are in continuous communication with the exterior surface, and wherein said mold can be fabricated using solid free-form fabrication techniques is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of slip casting wherein reduced pressure is applied to the mold during casting by virtue of a network of piping extending through the mold. The mold has an impermeable outer coating. Heat may also be applied to the mold during casting, by for example a heated fluid passing through piping located in the walls of the mold.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a self-supporting porous ceramic material, which is typically used in ceramic filters as a substrate prior to coating with a thin dense membrane layer of additional ceramic material. Conventional ceramic support structures are not necessarily designed as membrane support substrates. They are typically made with monosized particles and have a uniform cross section. The present support structure is made via a polydisperse slurry method where a functionally gradient structure is achieved by a colloidal destabilization technique. The key for achieving this structure is to colloidally unstable or metastable suspensions of a controlled and broad particle size distribution, so that segregation based on particle diameter will occur during consolidation. This produces a continuously finer mean particle diameter axial profile from one major surface to the other on the cross section of the consolidated structure.

Abstract: A method of vacuum forming of aqueous, fibrous slurries and products produced thereby are disclosed. The method entails forming an aqueous slurry of ceramic fiber, cationic starch and silica sol. The silica has, based on total weight of the sol, about 50% silica having a particle size range of from about 7 nm to about 200 nm and a specific surface area of about 100 m2/gm to about 10 m2/gm. The slurry is passed through a porous screen under a vacuum pressure deposit the solids content onto the screen to produce high strength products.

Abstract: An improved porous ceramic article and a method for forming such porous ceramic article. A mixture of ceramic particles and pliable organic hollow spheres is prepared in a liquid, typically as a suspension. The article is formed by pressing, slip casting, extruding or injection molding the mixture. The article is dried to remove the liquid, and then is fired so that the ceramic particles are bonded such as by sintering, and the organic spheres are burned off, resulting in a strong porous ceramic article having uniformly spaced interconnected voids.

Abstract: An improved method for texturing gypsum fiber panels and producing surface textured panels, edge tapers, and deeper patterned wainscot-type panels, involving the use of a flexible die with a textured surface. The die is pressed onto the panel in its slurry state just after the onset of an exothermic rehydration reaction. Partial hydration and setting occur during pressing by the die to form a textured mat. The mat is removed from contact with the die at a point along the rehydration temperature curve about at or less than one-half of the rise to the greatest rehydration temperature.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a calcium silicate board having a bulk specific gravity of approximately 0.5 to 0.8, which method achieves a decrease in the bulk specific gravity and an increase in the matrix strength of the board without impairing productivity, and the calcium silicate board obtained by this method. The method is characterized in that a material slurry comprising 5 to 30 wt % of calcium silicate hydrate slurry as a solid component, 17 to 50 wt % of calcareous material, 13 to 45 wt % of silica containing material, 2 to 8 wt % of fiber material, and 5 to 40 wt % of inorganic fillers is formed through conventional processes and the obtained molded body is subjected to a hydrothermal reaction in a pressure container.

Abstract: The well known slip casting process for the production of ceramic green parts, in which hardening is achieved by water removal with porous molds, is characterized by disadvantages in terms of strength, shrinkage during drying and problems with cracking during drying. The present invention avoids these disadvantages and produces ceramic green parts by changing the surface potential of powder particles in the slip instead of by removing water. Further more the coagulation strength is increased by adding polymers or extremely fine divided colloidal particles.

Abstract: The present invention has as its object self-supporting, highly porous molded parts produced by the methods of powder metallurgy from solids, processes for their production, and the use of the molded parts obtained in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for pelletizing a feed material containing finely divided solids and water by compressing the feed material in the die cavities of a pellet mill and permitting excess water to escape from the material being compressed through at least one water escape opening in each die cavity.

Abstract: A sol-gel process for producing dry porous gel monoliths, e.g., silica glass monoliths, in which the successive process steps of gelling, aging and drying all occur within a mold formed of a porous material, e.g., graphite. The mold is inert to the gel solution and it has sufficient strength to withstand the temperatures and pressures encountered during the process, yet it has sufficient porosity to facilitate the escape of liquid from the gel pores directly through the mold, itself. The mold and gel thereby can remain within a sealed autoclave during these process steps, and mechanical handling of the mold and the gel are minimized. This substantially enhances the process' efficiency. Alternatively, the mold can have a non-porous inner skin.

Abstract: A process for making an artificial mineral or ceramic fiber log representation having areas of enhanced thermal texturing that can be used in gas fireplaces to simulate the burning of real wood logs. The process uses a screen mold having simulated wood pattern elements to impart a realistic exterior surface to the artificial log and thermal reactive textured surface areas applied to said screen mold. A slurry of mineral fibers is injected under pressure into the mold forcing excess water therethrough leaving the fibers impinged within the mold. The log thus formed is dried in an oven and processed for additional decorative coatings.

Abstract: A process of producing an asphalt-impregnated fiberboard comprises the steps of forming an aqueous slurry of a fibrous material and asphalt, the solids content of the slurry being less than about 8 weight percent, mixing the slurry to uniformly distribute its components, dewatering the slurry to form a wet mat, pressing the wet mat to consolidate it, and drying the consolidated wet mat. Fiberboards made by the process can be employed as durable resilient expansion joints between various types of structural members.

Abstract: Shaped article replicas which are proportionately accurate replicas of a shaped article and which are equal, greater or smaller in size than said shaped article are made by preparing a swellable polymer replica of said shaped article; immersing said swellable polymer replica in a swelling agent system under conditions which will enlarge said polymer replica to a predetermined extent; forming a casting mold of such enlarged polymer replica; making a powder compact in said casting mold and heating said powder compact to produced a proportionately accurate solid replica of a predetermined size.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming liquid hydrocarbons from solid coal. The coal is pulverized to provide a particulate coal feed, which is then extruded to provide a hollow tube of compressed coal supported inside of a support tube. A clay feed is extruded to provide a hollow tube of compressed clay supported inside of the coal tube and a combustible fuel is burned inside of the clay tube. The temperature of combustion is sufficient to fire the extruded clay and pyrolyze the extruded coal to produce hydrocarbon gases and coal char. The support tube has holes for releasing the hydrocarbon gases, which contain suspended particles formed during combustion. The suspended particles are removed from the hydrocarbon gases to provide clean gases, which are passed through an ionizing chamber to ionize at least a portion thereof. The ionized gases are then passed through a magnetic field to separate them from each other according to their molecular weight.

Abstract: A process for centrifugal slip casting a textured hollow tube. A slip made up of a carrier fluid and a suspended powder is introduced into a porous mold which is rotated at a speed sufficient to create a centrifugal force that forces the slip radially outward toward the inner surface of the mold. The suspended powder, which is formed of particles having large dimensional aspect ratios such as particles of superconductive BSCCO, settles in a textured fashion radially outward toward the mold surface. The carrier fluid of the slip passes by capillary action radially outward around the settled particles and into the absorbent mold. A layer of mold release material is preferably centrifugally slip cast to cover the mold inner surface prior to the introduction of the BSCCO slip, and the mold release layer facilitates removal of the BSCCO greenbody from the mold without fracturing.

Abstract: A molded body is produced on the basis of a raw material, the main content of which is material which is left after remolding pulp from paper and extraction of fibers from the pulp mass for remanufacturing of paper. This raw material which mainly consists of water, short fibers, and fine, mineral particles is drained by pressing in a first pressing stage between filter belts for production of a coherent body, is dried partially in a first drying stage is pressed and in a second pressing stage, and dried finally in a second drying stage. The invention concerns a similar method for separation of fibers and particles from waste water which results from repulping paper and reclaiming of fibers from the pulp mass for remanufacturing of paper, whereby an enviromental problem is solved in a very suitable way.

Abstract: A ceramic heater device for use in a glow plug for a diesel engine has a gradually varying cross-sectional composition which eliminates distinct interfacial junctions between a resistive layer, an insulative layer and a highly conductive layer. The heater is manufactured by slip casting where the proportions of conductive and non-conductive ceramic particles in a slip are varied as the slip is passed through an absorbent mold.

Abstract: A method of improving the strength and/or plasticity of a clay composition comprising a kandite clay and an organic additive comprising at least one water soluble compound having a plurality of basic groups wherein the organic additive is present in an amount of from about 0.05% by weight to about 0.5% by weight based on the dry weight of the kandite clay present, which method comprises treating the kandite clay by adding thereto a monovalent ion activated smectite clay or a monovalent ion activating agent for a smectite clay or both whereby the amount of monovalent ion activated non-calcined smectite clay present in the clay composition is adjusted to be in the range from about 1% by weight to about 5% by weight based upon the dry weight of the kandite clay present.

Abstract: An efficient, low cost method and apparatus for controlling fiber deposition in a fiber reinforced preform is provided. In the method, a main screen is placed in a tank filled with liquid. The main screen has a major surface, upright side walls and a plurality of openings formed therein. Reinforcing fibers are added to the liquid to create a slurry. The main screen is raised through the slurry to a level beneath the top of the slurry, thereby causing the reinforcing fibers to be deposited on the main screen. A retainer screen is inserted into the slurry so that the reinforcing fibers are sandwiched between the main screen and the retainer screen. Both the main screen and retainer screen are raised out of the tank effectively forming a preform with minimal deformation. An alternative embodiment includes a bubbler zone control device for mixing the slurry. The tank is divided into separate areas or zones whereby the supply of fluid to each bubbler zone is controlled.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molding method for powder particles, which is excellent in molding performance, and which makes it possible to obtain a preliminary molded product excellent in strength by enhancing mutual bonding between particles in the preliminary molded product. A molding apparatus for powder particles includes an outer frame die having a mold space with a lower punch and an upper punch to be slidably fitted thereto. Slight clearances exist between the outer frame die and the lower and upper punches. A mixture is prepared by mixing a powdery raw material with a liquid additive to cause an exothermic reaction therewith.

Abstract: A ceramic composite is provided comprising ceramic fibers, glass microballoons and/or diatoms, bound together with a ceramic reinforcing cloth with a sol-gel ceramic binder. The composite is particularly useful as a high strength, high temperature insulation material.

Abstract: A method of vacuum forming of aqueous, fibrous slurries and products produced thereby are disclosed. The method entails forming an aqueous slurry of ceramic fiber, cationic starch and silica sol. The silica has, based on total weight of the sol, about 50% silica having a particle size range of from about 7 nm to about 200 nm and a specific surface area of about 100 m.sup.2 /gm to about 10 m.sup.2 /gm. The slurry is passed through a porous screen under a vacuum pressure deposit the solids content onto the screen to produce high strength products.

Abstract: A method of making a perforated silicon carbide product in a shorter time and with less labor work to achieve a lower cost and high yield. Openings 13a, 13b are previously formed in a mold 11, and inserts 14 are inserted into the openings to project toward the inside of the mold. A slurry 15 composed of a mixture of a silicon carbide powder, an organic binder and water is put in the mold to conduct a slip casting molding method whereby a molded green product with perforation 16 is obtained.

Abstract: A method for forming complex-shaped sanitary fittings with a mold (10) that includes four parts (11, 12, 13, 14) made of porous resin capable of mutually self-centering by means of complementarily shaped locators (15), in which the method includes the following steps:(a) closing the mold by means of a manual or robotized handling device (23) that has a relatively low force;(b) inserting the closed mold inside a container (16) that has a relatively high force, and generating pressure on six faces of the mold (10);(c) injecting a slip inside the mold (10);(d) extracting the closed mold from the container (16);(e) opening the mold (10).

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant, thermally insulative riser elbow for a marine engine. The riser elbow has an exhaust gas conduit made of fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite (FRCMC) material formed from a polymer-derived ceramic resin in its ceramic state and fibers. Employing a FRCMC material results in a low-cost, light-weight, corrosion-resistant exhaust gas conduit not available with existing riser elbows. In addition, a FRCMC exhaust gas conduit is thermally insulative and so more of the heat of the exhaust is retained rather than being transferred to the conduit. This allows the cooling requirements for the riser elbow to be lowered, while still maintaining a touch temperature below prescribed levels. FRCMC can also be formed into practically any shape and size desired and can be very ductile thereby making the exhaust gas conduit fracture resistant and capable of withstanding thermally-induced strains typical of the environment of a marine engine's exhaust system.

Abstract: A sponge cloth of decrystallized cellulose modified by the acetyl group content, where the average degree of substitution is 0.2 to 1.5. The cloth does not contain any organic or inorganic sulfur compounds. The sponge cloth is produced by treating wood pulp with sodium hydroxide solution, then treating it with acetylating substances, drying and dissolving in an organic solvent with the addition of a pore-forming salt, fibers and optionally pigment dyes and foaming agents, spreading the mixture on a web and boiling in water with subsequent drying to form a finished cloth.