Abstract: A process for manufacturing containers for holding heated materials includes the steps of depositing a dispersion of fibers in a liquid onto the interior of a liquid permeable female mold, removing liquid from the deposited dispersion by applying a pressure differential across the mold, with the higher pressure being in the interior of the mold, moving a liquid permeable male mold into the female mold, terminating the pressure differential across the female mold, applying a pressure differential across the male mold, with the higher pressure being on the exterior thereof, to press the container onto the male mold exterior, withdrawing the male mold from the female mold, with the container being held to the male mold, and releasing the container from the male mold.

Abstract: A method of making a hollow-shaped green ceramic article by pressure slip casting in a slip casting mold having a porous mold part with porosity channels opening at the surface of the mold cavity. A slip composition is formed having solid phase components with an average particle size distribution less than the cross-sectional dimension of mold porosity channels, and also having a flocculating agent to cause agglomeration of the solid phase particles into floccules larger than the porosity channel dimension.The molding cavity is filled with the slip composition, and the same is then hydrostatically pressurized while withdrawing slip filtrate from the mold cavity via the mold porosity channels for a time sufficient to deposit to a desired thickness a layer of solids. Excess slip is then removed from the molding cavity to provide an exposed interior surface on the deposit layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method for molding a high density and homogeneous silicon nitride ceramics within a short time and an apparatus used for the method. A gel-like slurry mixture which is a mixture of ceramic powders consisting mainly of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 and a liquid and has a powder content of from 45 vol % to 60 vol % is fluidized by imparting thereto a strain by vibration, and the mixture under the fluidized state is filled into, and molded by, a mold. Preferably, the entire part or a part of the mold is made of a liquid permeable material. The vibration preferably has an acceleration of from 0.1 G to 150 G and an amplitude of 1 .mu.m to 1 cm. Furthermore, the viscosity of the slurry filled into the mold is preferably from 2,000 to 20,000 cps.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shaped fibrous material for use in the manufacture of fiber-reinforced metals comprising a uniform mixture of ceramic fibers and aluminum borate whiskers. The invention also relates to a method for producing the shaped fibrous material comprising the steps of dispersing ceramic fibers and aluminum borate whiskers in a suitable solvent containing a binder to form a slurry, transferring the slurry into a suction molding, aspirating and dehydrating the slurry to form a shaped dehydrated fibrous material, and drying and firing the shaped dehydrated fibrous material to obtain the shaped fibrous material. The shaped fibrous material can be cast efficiently into a fiber-reinforced metal with a high yield. The thus produced fiber-reinforced metal has a high wear resistance combined with a very mild nature of attacking the mating member.

Abstract: A method of producing a patterned shaped article includes the steps of disposing at a prescribed position within a main form for molding the shaped article a cell form having a plurality of cells arranged in a contiguous manner, charging a prescribed amount of dry pattern-course material for forming the pattern course of the shaped article into prescribed cells of the cell form, charging a base-course material for forming the base course of the shaped article into the remaining space of the main form not filled with the pattern-course material, removing the cell form, causing the charged pattern-course material and base-course material to set into a shaped article, removing the shaped article from the main form and, optionally, sintering the shaped article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydraulically bonded cement compositions and methods of manufacture. Hydraulically bonded cement compositions and methods of manufacture include materials prepared by manipulating under pressure powdered hydraulic cement compositions using known or novel powder packing, casting, or expanding techniques, such that air within the powdered hydraulic cement is successfully removed while the cement is formed into a self-supporting near net final position. Thereafter, the formed hydraulic cement article is hydrated without mechanical mixing of the cement and water.

Abstract: Method for forming polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) into surgical elements include forming a mixture of PVA and water into a film by vacuum pressing with a first force, heating, applying a second force two to two hundred times the firs force, drying the film to remove water to a content of less than about 10% by weight based on the weight of the film, and molding the film into a desired shape.

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: A process for producing a preform having a buffer layer for use in compositing a metal matrix composite where the buffer layer is provided at a boundary between a composited portion and a non-composited portion of a metallic material in the metal matrix composite. The process includes subjecting a first dispersion including a liquid medium and a ceramic whisker homogeneously dispersed in the liquid medium to filtration under pressure to form a primary processed preform having a volume fraction of 12 to 30%, depositing on the primary processed preform a second dispersion including a liquid medium and, homogeneously dispersed therein, a binder and at least one member selected from the group consisting of a short fiber and a ceramic whisker, and drying the primary processed preform to form a buffer layer having a volume fraction lower than the volume fraction of the primary processed preform and in a range from 2 to 10%.

Abstract: A powder molding is manufactured from various powdery materials including an inorganic material, an organic material, a metallic material, etc., according to a wet forming process. A powdery material and a solvent are mixed into a mixture so that the mixture exhibits a dilatant flow. The mixture is molded into a molding of desired shape, and then the molding is dried.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating the outer surface of an elongated body (10), such as a rod or tube, with a layer of concrete (30) includes a frame structure (21). Pipe or tube sections (10) may be supplied to a tilting device (27) in a horizontal position on a carriage (12) and tilted to a vertical position within the tower-like frame structure (21). The apparatus comprises means (24, 27) for retaining the elongated body (10) in the upright position within the frame structure and an annular mould (26) for surrounding the upright elongated body so as to define an annular space between the elongated body and the annular mould, and concrete may be fed to the annular mould space by feeding means (28, 29). The mould may include an upper funnel-like part, which is rotatable about the axis of the annular mould relative to the remaining part of the mould so as to distribute the concrete mixture peripherally in the annular mould space.

Abstract: Molded articles of high-purity alumina fibers, which are porous materials in which heat resistance is high, and in particular, deformation and linear shrinkage in heat cycles at a temperature more than 1700.degree. C. are small. The production method comprising spinning a spinning solution containing an alumina fiber precursor as the main component to obtain precursor fibers, prefiring these precursor fibers at 400.degree. to 1000.degree. C. to form prefired fibers, and then molding and calcining these prefired fibers. Sintering between the fibers can be achieved at a relatively low temperature. In particular, even when no inorganic binder component is added, the molded articles of high-purity alumina fibers can be obtained by a simple process.

Abstract: A mold for forming a molded body from a slurry including an impermeable mold part having a cavity for retaining the slurry and a permeable mold provided on a side of a molding surface with a membrane filter. A method of forming a molded body from a slurry includes steps of introducing the slurry into a cavity of a mold including an impermeable mold part and a permeable mold part provided on a side of a molding surface with a membrane filter, and removing a solvent medium of the slurry through the permeable mold part. A pressure casting molding method of forming a high dense ceramic molded body by pouring a ceramic slurry into a mold through a pouring portion thereof and pressurizing the ceramic slurry on a side of the pouring portion while removing a solvent medium of the slurry on the other side of the mold through a permeable mold part of the mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process and partible mold for forming a light-weight synthetic ceramic log for use in natural gas, propane and wood-burning fireplaces and stoves which are both fully-vented and non-vented depending upon the particular design of the heat generating equipment. In the subject process, a flexible porous patterned screen is formed simulating the exterior bark portion of a tree or log having a reverse image. Such screen is designed with both porous and non-porous surface characteristics for mounting as a separate element within the partible mold. The flexible porous patterned screen is mounted within the partible mold having major interior surface areas which are capable of connection to a vacuum source for withdrawing water from a liquid composition containing ceramic fibers to rapidly form the ceramic log within the mold during short periods of vacuum molding.

Abstract: The method of making refractory ceramic products in which a slurry is formed of water, powdered alumina, and amorphous fibers containing AL.sub.2 O.sub.3 and SiO.sub.2, the volume of water in the slurry being sufficient to permit the slurry to flow under vibration but insufficient to permit the slurry to flow without vibration, the fibers having a molecular ratio of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 to SiO.sub.2 substantially less than 3 to 2 and the molecular ratio of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 to SiO.sub.2 in the combined slurry being at least 3 to 2, thereater placing the slurry in a liquid absorbing mold and vibrating the slurry to fill the mold, then permitting the mold to absorb a portion of the water from the slurry to form a body, then removing the body from the mold and drying the body, and thereafter heating the body to combine silica and alumina from the fibers and powdered alumina to recrystalize the fibers in the from of mullite.

Abstract: A light weight formed body used for building materials, heat-insulating materials, furnitures, backing materials and the like, and a method for producing the same. In the light weight formed body and in the manufacturing method thereof, the principal material is a surface-reformed slag of which the reforming involves reforming through the dissolution reaction and the hydration reaction of glass and the reforming through dehydration of the surface-reformed slag above mentioned under heating, and one or more of a polymer dispersion, a reinforcing fiber, a coagulant, a light weight aggregate, a thickener, a dispersing agent, a pigment, a synthetic pulp, a needle- to fiber-shaped calcium silicate hydrate and a hydraulic gypsum are further used together with the above principal material.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing containers that are suitable for containing materials that are to be heated by microwave radiation or other heating means includes making a dilute liquid dispersion of quartz and/or glass fibers (very preferably microfibers), depositing them on the interior of a permeable female mold or form, from the dispersion by means of a pressure differential across the female mold, with the liquid passing through the mold, moving a male mold or form which matches the female mold, into and against the container in the female mold, terminating the pressure differential across the female mold, applying a pressure differential across the male mold to release the container from the female mold and press it against the male mold exterior, withdrawing the male mold, with the container held to it, releasing the container from the male mold and sintering the container, to make it form retaining.

Abstract: Ceramic binder for forming and processing ceramic ware, comprising a sol-gel of a mixture of highly charged metal hydroxy cations and one or more low charged metal hydroxy cations, which are able to form an aqueous sol.

Abstract: Particulate bearing precursor components are formed into intricate shapes yet possess controlled porosity by injection molding a mixture of particulate materials, thermosetting condensation resins, and low temperature catalysts. The mixture, when flowed into a mold cavity of an appropriate shape and heated, initiates a curing reaction which binds particulates together with a film that leaves the space between the particulates open. A positive volume change occurs during cure, providing for a more uniform pressure profile in the part. Also, a condensate is produced during the curing step which, when vented from the mold in strategic locations, allows manipulation of the curing reaction. This provides the ability to affect local density in the vicinity of the vent. Thus, one can correct for artificially, or incorrectly induced density or porosity gradients, and improve dimensional accuracy and other attributes of the subsequent processing steps.

Abstract: A roller vacuum apparatus removes cement slurry from a freshly laid exposed aggregate surface. In one embodiment, the exposed aggregate surface is applied to a cement substrate which is worked to compact the aggregate and draw the portland cement in the mixture to the surface of the coating. Subsequently, the surface coating is washed to remove excess portland cement. The roller vacuum removes the cement slurry without disturbing the freshly laid exposed aggregate surface by wicking the slurry into a transfer medium of the vacuum roller. A vacuum is applied to the transfer medium to remove the cement slurry from the roller.

Abstract: A hydrated calcium silicate slurry composition is made up of 100 parts by weight of hydrated calcium silicate, 5 to 40 parts by weight of a powdered resin and water and molded articles are produced therefrom. In addition to the above components, 1 to 30 parts by weight of a reinforcing fiber and/or 20 to 35 parts by weight (as solids) of a latex or emulsion may be used. When the latex or emulsion is used, the powdered resin is reduced to an amount of 5 to 20 parts by weight. Since the molded calcium silicate articles have a superior workability and a good thermal dimensional stability, they are very useful especially in the preparation of molds or models where high levels of processing precision and thermal stability are required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing gas separation membranes or modules. Membrane forming material is cast into a wet membrane which is wound into a spiral module. The spiral module is arranged in a closed circulating apparatus. Exchanging solvents or treating solutions are circulated through the circulating apparatus and the spiral module for an appropriate period of time. The module and circulating apparatus are purged until the membrane is dry, thus producing a gas separation membrane or module.

Abstract: A brake lining is made from a preform which has been formed by a compression step parallel to that surface of the brake lining preform which is to be the braking surface of the lining in use and has subsequently been compressed in a direction substantially normal to said surface to form the lining. The preform can be made by dewatering an aqueous slurry of the brake lining ingredients prior to the first compression step.

Abstract: Disclosed are a process for laminating a functionally gradient material and a laminating apparatus for the same. The process therefor includes a suspending step and a functionally gradient material laminating step. In the functionally gradient material laminating step, solid-liquid separation is carried out to a suspension while varying the mixing rates of the suspension particles contained therein continuously or in a multi-staged stepwise manner. Therefore, the functionally gradient material layer thus laminated offers a composition gradient varying continuously or in a multi-staged stepwise manner in the thicknesswise direction thereof in a superior continuity, and the composition fluctuates less in the planewise direction thereof. In addition, the process and the laminating apparatus have obviated the atomizing and the spraying which adversely affect a working environment.

Abstract: A method of making fully dense, crack-free silicon nitride articles using polysilanes as a binder. Polysilane is dissolved in a solvent and a silicon nitride composition including a densification aid is added to form a homogeneous mixture. The mixture is dried to form a powder, and molded at a temperature less than 100.degree. C. to form a molded article. Alternatively, the slurry is poured into a mold and vacuum filtered to form a cake, then isostatically pressed at a temperature of approximately 90.degree. C. The molded article or pressed cake is heated at a rate of approximately 5.degree. C./min to about 900.degree. C. in a nonoxidizing atmosphere and held at about 900.degree. C. for a time sufficient to decompose the polysilane. The article is sintered in a nonoxidizing atmosphere at a temperature of about 1685.degree.-1900.degree. C. to form a silicon nitride article free of cracks and having a density greater than 3.5 g/cc.

Abstract: A mold for forming a molded body from a slurry including an impermeable mold part having a cavity for retaining the slurry and a permeable mold provided on a side of a molding surface with a membrane filter. A method of forming a molded body from a slurry includes steps of introducing the slurry into a cavity of a mold including an impermeable mold part and a permeable mold part provided on a side of a molding surface with a membrane filter, and removing a solvent medium of the slurry through the permeable mold part. A pressure casting molding method of forming a high dense ceramic molded body by pouring a ceramic slurry into a mold through a pouring portion thereof and pressurizing the ceramic slurry on a side of the pouring portion while removing a solvent medium of the slurry on the other side of the mold through a permeable mold part of the mold.

Abstract: Shaped articles are produced from a finely particulate material as aggregate and an aqueous binder preparation containing an acrylate polymer by moistening the aggregate with the binder preparation, making it into the desired shape and then drying it, using a binder preparation whose binder is an acrylate polymer whose glass transition range is relatively high and which is formed from (A) a predominant amount of methyl methacrylate, (B) a minor amount of (meth) acrylic acid, (C) a minor amount of an optional alkyl acrylate and (D) a small optional amount of another specific polymerizable compound.

Abstract: A process for producing a cylindrical reinforcing fibrous molding by sealing openings at opposite ends of a porous cylindrical disintegratable mold, immersing the mold into an aqueous solution of a molding material containing reinforcing fibers and an inorganic binder, and depositing the molding material onto the outer peripheral surface of the mold by applying suction within the mold to form a molding blank; pressing the molding blank against the mold to adjust the shape of the molding blank; disintegrating the mold to remove it from the blank; and heating the molding blank to partially bond the reinforcing fibers with the inorganic binder.

Abstract: A process for producing a printed circuit board includes steps, sequentially conducted of dispersing in water or organic solvent:(A) 95 to 20% by weight of a styrene polymer having a syndiotactic structure, (B) 5 to 80% by weight of a fibrous filler having a fiber length of 1 to 50 mm, and (C) 0.1 to 30 parts by weight of at least one of a binder and a binding fiber in proportion to 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the components (A) and (B), to make a slurry having a concentration of 0.5 to 100 g/l; separating the solids from the slurry and drying and molding them. Thereafter the solids are either subjected to melting with heating and pressure forming into the molded article, or they are impregnated with a thermoplastic resin which is then cured. Finally, a metal layer is provided on the molded article.

Abstract: A light-weight fiber brick is formed from a water-fiber suspension including ceramic fibers. A molding device is introduced into the suspension and has plurality walls including at least three walls each of which extends perpendicular to the other two of the three walls. Water is withdrawn simultaneously from the interior of the molding device through at least the three walls, thus causing the fibers of the suspension to tend to align longitudinally within the interior of the molding device in three spatial coordinate directions (X, Y, Z). Thereby there is formed a brick having fibers thereof aligned with longitudinal directions thereof having directional components in three spatial coordinate directions.

Abstract: A process of forming a curved sheet rock panel that can later be used in curved ceiling constructions within buildings. Initially a flat sheet rock panel is soaked with water, and then squeezed to remove excess water. The pliable panel is transferred to an arcuate form, where it quickly remolds itself to the arcuate surface contour on the form. The arcuate panel is dried to a stiff, but still pliable, condition in which it can be fastened to an arcuate ceiling framework.

Abstract: A refractory fiber module retainer system and a method of forming such retainer system is disclosed; the system includes a unitary refractory fiber module possessing substantial rigidity; the module being formed, such as by molding to have a perforated support means embedded within the module, and with a suitable bore for enabling the required fastening of the module to a furnace shell or the like. The system further includes a stud as part of the fastening means, said stud being passed through the bore and through an opening in the support means such that the stud can be readily welded to the furnace shell after the module has been placed against the shell. A locking means is locked into place on the free end of the stud, which end is located deep within the bore. A plug is fitted into the bore at the inner or "hot" face of the module, thereby to prevent corrosion of the fastening means; likewise, to preclude heat transfer from the interior of the furnace to the furnace shell.

Abstract: A divisible slip-casting mold has filter layers which incorporate a combination of different types of fluid-flow conduits to achieve improved fluid-flow properties. The conduits include major portions of porous ropes arranged in curved lines and minor portions of blind holes installed in straight lines. The porous ropes are essentially installed in those portions of the filter layer where the ropes are readily or uniformly arranged, and the blind holes are essentially installed in those portions of the filter layer which exhibit poor fluid-flow properties and in which installation of porous ropes is difficult. Thus, substantially uniform fluid-flow properties are provided in the filter layers of the mold to enhance mold casting performance.

Abstract: A pressurized slurry casting machine is provided which includes a feed tank with an agitator, a vertical conduit extending from the feed tank to a mold. The machine operates by creating pressure in the feed tank with the agitator propeller whereby the ceramic slurry will be forced to move up the straight conduit into the mold so as to be formed into the desired article. The respective connections of the conduit to the mold and the feed tank are each air-tight connections such that no air bubble-like contamination will result in the finished ceramic product. There is also provided a vacuum system capable of producing a negative pressure in the feed tank.

Abstract: A divisible slip-casting mold has filter layers which incorporate a combination of different types of fluid-flow conduits to improve the mechanical strength of the mold while providing the filter layers with substantially uniform fluid-flow properties. The conduits include major portions of blind holes installed in straight lines and minor portions of porous ropes arranged in curved lines. The porous ropes are essentially installed in those portions of the filter layer having a mechanical strength which is inferior to the predominant portions of the filter layer, and the blind holes are essentially installed in the predominant portions of the filter layer. Thus, improved mechanical strength and substantially uniform fluid-flow properties are provided substantially throughout the filter layers of the mold.

Abstract: A method of making a tape suitable for impregnation into a porous metal matrix which generally includes the steps of mixing a liquid dispersion of PTFE with a coagulant to form a paste, placing the paste between a layer of supporting material and a layer of filter paper to form a sandwich, compressing the sandwich, transferring the sandwich to a gauze-like material so that the filter paper layer of the sandwich is adjacent the gauze-like material, applying a vacuum to the gauze-like material and adjacent filter paper layer to remove some excess liquid from the paste, and removing the layer of filter paper from the sandwich to leave a tape comprising PTFE and liquid and a layer of supporting material adjacent the tape. The method of the present invention may be used to apply, by impregnation, a PTFE based composition, which may include various fillers therein to a porous metal matrix or interlayer.

Abstract: In the process for making gypsum fiberboard the boards are formed or molded rom a mash containing calcium sulfate dihydrate and fiberous material. By heating and subsequently cooling the boards the dihydrate is first converted into the hemihydrate and subsequently recrystallized again to the dihydrate. Known processes require day line setting times which are economically disadvantageous. According to the present invention these times are shortened by pulling or drawing water, an aqueous solution or a water containing mixture through the boards after the cooling step. Advantageously a setting accelerating agent can be dissolved in the water. By these features the setting time can be shortened to less than two hours. By addition of a binding agent, e.g. starch, to the fluid drawn through the boards the strength of the boards is increased.

Abstract: The method of molding a ceramic product by forming a mixture of ceramic fibers with lengths less than one-fourth inch, water and a deflouculent, the mixture having a consistency which will not flow, placing the mixture in a water-absorbing mold, vibrating the mold to cause the mixture to flow into contact with the mold and eliminate voids in the mixture, allowing a portion of the water of the mixture to be absorbed by the mold leaving a hardened remnant in the mold, removing the hardened remnant from the mold, and heating the hardened remnant to sinter the fibers therein to each other. In one example, granular alumina is mixed with the mass of fibers, water and the deflouculent to form the mixture.

Abstract: An acrylic multifilamentary material possessing an internal structure which is particularly suited for thermal conversion to high strength carbon fibers is formed via a specifically defined combination of processing conditions. The acrylic polymer while in substantially homogeneous admixture with appropriate concentrations (as defined) of acetonitrile and water is melt extruded and is drawn at a relatively low draw ratio which is substantially less than the maximum draw ratio achievable. This fibrous material which is capable of readily undergoing drawing is passed through a heat treatment zone wherein the evolution of residual acetonitrile and water takes place. The resulting fibrous material following such heat treatment is subjected to additional drawing to accomplish further orientation and internal structure modification and to produce a fibrous material of the appropriate denier for carbon fiber production.

Abstract: An acrylic multifilamentary material possessing an internal structure which is well suited for thermal conversion to high strength carbon fibers is formed via a specifically defined combination of processing conditions. The acrylic polymer while in substantially homogeneous admixture with appropriate concentrations (as defined) of C.sub.1 to C.sub.2 nitroalkane and water is melt extruded and is drawn at a relatively low draw ratio which is substantially less than the maximum draw ratio achievable. During the melt extrusion a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 monohydroxy alkanol preferably also is present in the substantially homogenous admixture. The fibrous material which is capable of readily undergoing drawing next is passed through a heat treatment zone wherein the evolution of residual nitroalkane, monohydroxy alkanol and water takes place.

Abstract: A method of forming from a sintering material slurry a shaped-body to be sintered having a complicated configuration. A mold is prepared using frames, a shielding member swollen with a solvent, and a filler including a substance formed of particles, and utilizing the action of vacuum. A sintering material slurry is poured into the thus prepared mold to form a shaped-body to be sintered.

Abstract: A process for producing a green composite structure by isostatic compression and filtration. A suspension of colloidal size matrix powders is established in a carrier liquid. The suspension is incorporated into a die chamber having a filter opening containing a filter which is permeable to filtrate from the suspension under applied pressure but substantially impermeable to the matrix powders. An elevated pressure is isostatically imposed on the colloidal suspension within the die chamber. The pressure is maintained for a period of time to expel at least 20% of the liquid originally in the colloidal suspension through the filter opening. A specific die chamber comprises a rigid cage structure and an expandable bladder within the cage structure into which the colloidal suspension is introduced. The cage structure is disposed within a pressure vessel which can be initially evacuated to cause the bladder to conform to the cage structure and then pressurized with fluid for the isostatic compression procedure.

Abstract: An acrylic multifilamentary material possessing an internal structure which is particularly suited for thermal conversion to high strength carbon fibers is formed via a specifically defined combination of processing conditions. The acrylic polymer while in substantially homogeneous admixture with appropriate concentrations (as defined) of acetonitrile, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 monohydroxy alkanol, and water is melt extruded and is drawn at a relatively low draw ratio which is substantially less than the maximum draw ratio achievable. This fibrous material which is capable of readily undergoing drawing is passed through a heat treatment zone wherein the evolution of residual acetonitrile, the monohydroxy alkanol and water takes place. The resulting fibrous material following such heat treatment is subjected to additional drawing to accomplish further orientation and internal structure modification and to produce a fibrous material of the appropriate denier for carbon fiber production.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the production of building units from an afterhardening mixture containing cement and/or lime as binding material. The raw mixture is continuously fed and pressed by stamping into a die with CO.sub.2 gas at a pressure higher than atmospheric being passed through the raw mixture in the die space. Through an instantaneous reaction of carbonation, the material is hardened to a formed body. The CO.sub.2 gas is prevented from escaping by a gastight seal in the vicinity of the inlet port of the die. Further towards the outlet port, the pressure of the CO.sub.2 gas is decreased. In the vicinity of the outlet port only as much CO.sub.2 gas is fed as is necessary for the completing of the chemical reaction. Thus, any loss of gas will be minimized. The continuously discharged body is cut to size by using a saw.

Abstract: Device for the continuous manufacture of manufactured articles reinforced with mixtures of hydraulic binders and consisting of:a conveyor belt;a plurality `A` of process stations for the formation of superimposed thin and uniform layers of a net of a hydraulic binder mix, each station consisting of:a feeder of the reinforced net 4;a wetting and degassing device 5 of the net 4;a means 2 for metering the binders mix;a section 7 for feeding and laying the net 4 on the conveyor belt 1;compacting elements 16;a means 6 for the extraction of water during the compacting state; anda second metering device 2' for the hydraulic binders mix;a levelling and sizing station 23;a final water-extracting station 26;a pressing station 27;a longutudinal and cross-cutting station 35, anda gathering station 36 for the produced plates.

Abstract: A casting process for the preparation of whiteware ceramic articles employs a polyalkylene polyamine, such as tetraethylene pentamine, as an additive to increase the casting rate. The additive can be employed, e.g., in slip casting, vacuum casting and pressure casting. Optionally, the addtive includes a binder such as a styrene butadiene latex in an amount effective to maintain the green strength of the articles prepared in the casting process.

Abstract: A porous, open pore, hardened, plastic composition suitable as a replacement for plaster for use as a mold in shaping a ceramic article by any of various ceramic shaping methods prepared by subjecting a water-in-oil emulsion to hardening, without breaking the emulsion, and then drying the hardened product, the emulsion having a viscosity of 1600-5000cP and/or containing 2-12% by weight of an alkali-reactive, water-binding material, the water phase/oil phase ratio providing an open pore volume in the composition equivalent to 10-60% of the total volume of the composition.

Abstract: A method for drain-casting a slip to obtain a substantially hollow molded article 42 is provided, by the use of an apparatus including a divisible mold 21 including an upper mold portion 22, a lower mold portion 23, and at least two side mold portions 24, 25 to form a mold cavity 38, each mold portion containing a filter member and a water-drainage means, and the lower portion having a slip supply duct 40.

Abstract: A mold (1) for cast-molding a slip is provided, which comprises a divsible casting mold including a plurality of mold portions to form a mold cavity (4) when mated together; each mold portion including an air-tight housing (2), an intermediate layer (5) of coarsely porous structure adjacent to the air-tight housing (2), and a solid synthetic resin filter layer (3) of fine open-cell structure; a slip supply duct (8) being connected with said mold cavity (4) and communicated with the outside of the air-tight housing (2); a fluid-flowing duct (9) being connected with said coarse intermediate layer (5) and communicated with the outside of the air-tight housing (2); said filter layer (3) being permeably joined to the coarse intermediate layer (5), and having substantially precise shape and dimension of substantially uniform fine open-cell structure.

Abstract: A process for the production of reinforced refractory composite structures which may be of high density and shaped in desired three dimensional configurations. The shaped composite structures are produced by forming a suspension of particulate materials including a colloidal refractory power, colloidal sintering aid, and refractory reinforcement whiskers in a carrier liquid. The colloidal suspension is conformed to a desired configuration and brought into contact with a semipermeable membrane. A pressure is imposed on the suspension in the desired configuration to expel liquid from the suspension through the membrane to arrive at a green composite having a density of at least 40% of theoretical density. After drying, the green composite is then sintered under conditions to form an intergranular liquid phase in the composite providing further densification. A specific composite is a silicon carbide reinforced silicon nitride composite.