Abstract: An at least double silicate of an alkali metal and at least one other metal is prepared by interreacting (i) an aqueous solution of an alkali metal silicate and (ii) a solution of an oxide of such at least one other metal, or salt thereof, in the presence of (iii) a water-miscible polar organic liquid, whereby said at least double silicate is suspended in the organic reaction medium in insoluble and finely divided form. The separated product is an admirable glass-former.

Abstract: Quartz glass includes iron and aluminum. The total iron content ranges from 0.01 to 5% by weight, and the total aluminum content ranges from 0.01 to 10% by weight. The quartz glass exhibits infrared rays-absorbing ability and visible light-transmitting ability. Also a process for making such a quartz glass is disclosed.

Abstract: Acid and alkali oxides are smelted for an extended period of time at a first elevated temperature above their melting temperatures. The smelted mixture is then quenched in water and fritted. The fritted mixture is then disposed between a pair of members which are to be hermetically sealed relative to each other. The fritted mixture is then at least partially fused in an oxygen atmosphere at a second temperature below the first temperature for a relatively short period of time. The at least partially fused mixture is then rapidly cooled in air. In this way, the mixture is provided with a partially amorphous state and a partially crystalline state. The crystals in the mixture are disposed primarily at the borders of at least a particular one of the members to be sealed.The mixture hermetically seals the two members, is resistant to acids and alkalis and inhibits the propagation of cracks.

Abstract: A glass batch, and a fiberizable glass composition, comprising 2 percent B.sub.2 O.sub.3 is disclosed. The glass fibers have improved dry strength and water durability and have a surface boron concentration, in weight percent, of about 2.5.

Abstract: In a rotary apparatus and a process for the production of layered glass batch pellets there is provided a drying process and a dryer for final drying of the pellets prior to their being fed to a melting furnace. Relatively cool moist pellets are fed into a static bed-type dryer to form a uniformly distributed pellet bed while a heating and drying gas is directed into the dryer in such a manner that the gas flows countercurrent to the direction of travel of the pellets through the dryer to maintain a temperature differential between the gas and the surface of the solid pellets in the bed throughout the bed's entire height in the range of approximately 5.degree. F. to 120.degree. F. and, ideally, within approximately 50.degree. F.

Abstract: A method of rendering substantially seed-free glass is disclosed by incorporating into glass batch materials a carbide compound, such as silicon carbide. The compound may be present in concentrations as low as about 0.001 weight percent and as high as 0.025 weight percent of the total batch.