Abstract: The present invention produces a silicone polymer-filler mixture by passing prescribed quantities of silicone oligomer, filler and polymerization catalyst through a continuous kneader extruder with kneading and polymerization of the silicone oligomer into silicone polymer. A homogeneous silicone polymer-filler mixture is rapidly produced in a single process with low energy consumption.The silicone polymer-filler mixture produced by the present method is useful as a base for diverse silicone rubber compositions, silicone compounds and silicone greases, etc.

Abstract: A silicone crumb in a fine particulate form has an extrusion rate of at least 50 grams per minute through an orifice of 0.5 inch diameter under a pressure of 345 kilopascals and compression points of less than 1035 kilopascals. This crumb is made from a vinyl-containing polyorganosiloxane, a silicon-bonded hydrogen containing polysiloxane, and a platinum catalyst. The crumb is useful in hydraulic applications.

Abstract: A composition for artificial marble which comprises a polymer composition in which an inorganic substance and an organic polymer are firmly bound in one body and a vinyl compound, said polymer composition being obtained by polymerizing a polymerizable vinyl monomer, in the presence of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid monomer, sulfonic acid monomer, and sulfonate monomer, in an aqueous polymerization system containing an inorganic substance dispersed therein; and a processs for producing artificial marble from said composition by cast polymerization with the addition of a polymerization initiator.

Abstract: Method and composition are provided for repair of bumpers and like auto body components formed of synthetic organic polymers, by the use of a urethane polymer having a crystalline polymer phase distributed in a noncrystalline polymer phase by virtue of differential reactivity of the urethane forming reagents.

Abstract: A process whereby a smectite clay having a cationic exchange capacity of at least 50 meq./100 gm of clay is reacted with a quaternary ammonium compound to yield a cationic structure suitable as a thickener for aqueous suspensions, particularly latex paints and caulks. The general structure of the quaternary ammonium compound is typically a nitrogen atom bonded to four separated carbon chains where one chain can be a methyl or alkyl group containing 10 to 22 carbons, and the second chain an alkyl group containing from 10 to 22 carbons or a polyoxyethylene chain. The third and fourth chains are polyoxyethylene chains where the total munber of ethylene oxide units is from 5 to 200 moles.

Abstract: Mixing under low shear vinyl-containing polyorganosiloxane, a silicon-bonded hydrogen polysiloxane and a platinum catalyst, and continue mixing produces a crumb which has an extrusion rate of at least 50 grams per minute through an orifice of 0.5 inch diameter under a pressure of 345 kilopascals and compression points of less than 1035 kilopascals. The crumb is useful in hydraulic applications.

Abstract: Improved resistance to abrasion, high transparency and a high quality appearance, are obtained by incorporating a filler of an amorphous hydrated silicate having an average particle size of 1 .mu.m or less and by a difference of the refractive index between the filler and a resin matrix in a range of 0.00 to 0.05, preferably 0.01 to 0.03.

Abstract: The room temperature-curable organopolysiloxane composition of the invention is characteristic in the remarkably increased adhesive bonding strength of the rubber of the composition to the surface of a substrate of metals, plastics and others on which the composition has been cured. The composition is also advantageous in the improved thixotropy despite the admixture of an adhesion improver mentioned below. Thus, the composition comprises, in addition to conventional components in a deacidification type room temperature curable organopolysiloxane composition, a specific organic silicon compound represented by the general formula(R.sup.3 O).sub.b (MeCOO).sub.3-b Si--O--R.sup.4 --O--Si(OCOMe).sub.3-b (OR.sup.3).sub.b,in which R.sup.3 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group, R.sup.4 is a divalent hydrocarbon group or a polyoxyalkylene group of the formula --C.sub.x H.sub.2x --O).sub.n C.sub.x H.sub.2x --, x being 2 to 4 and n being a positive integer, and b is 1 or 2.

Abstract: A high modulus polyurethane elastomer having improved combustion resistance and satisfactory physical properties comprising the reaction product of a polyol or polymer polyol, a low molecular weight chain extender, a liquid organic polymeric isocyanate having an average functionality of at least about 2.4 and a defined concentration of flame retardant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of suspensions of finely-divided polyisocyanates which are obtainable by the surface reaction with from 0.1 to 25 equivalent percent of reactive group per NCO of stabilizers in relatively high molecular weight polyols and/or relatively high molecular weight polyamines having molecular weights from 400 to 6,000 optionally with addition of lower molecular weight polyols and/or aromatic amines having molecular weights of from 60 to 399, which are characterized in that unreacted quantities of stabilizers in the suspension are subsequently partially or completely deactivated by addition of substances having an acylating and/or neutralizing and/or alkylating effect and/or adsorbing effect as "deactivators". In particular, mono- and/or polyisocyanates are used as "deactivators".

Abstract: The room temperature-curable (RTV) organopolysiloxane composition of the invention comprises, in addition to the conventional components of a diorganopolysiloxane terminated at both molecular chain ends each with a silanolic hydroxy group, a hydrolyzable organosilicon compound having two or more hydrolyzable groups in a molecule and a filler, an organosilicon-modified polyoxyalkylene compound, of which the organosilicon-containing terminal groups have at least one hydrolyzable group so as to pertain to the crosslinking reaction in its part. By virtue of this unique additive component, the composition is quite free from the disadvantage of sagging when the composition is applied to building works and the like and still retains excellent adhesive properties to the substrate surface in contrast to the difficulty in the conventional RTV compositions in which reducing of the phenomenon of sagging and retention of the strong adhesive strength are hardly compatible.

Abstract: Siloxane fluid blends containing a thiofunctional polysiloxane fluid and an organopolysiloxane fluid are stabilized against degradation in the presence of kaolin clays at elevated temperatures by adding an amine containing compound to blends of siloxane fluids.

Abstract: A molding composition is provided comprising aromatic vinyl ether and maleimide. The cured composition exhibits high heat distortion temperatures and is easily processed into finished products with or without a catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of polyurethane(urea) compositions which contain lignite and/or peat bound in an abrasion-proof manner, which are preferably modified cationically and which have a very high water absorbability. The compositions are produced by reacting isocyanate-terminated prepolymers, which are preferably cationically modified, and which preferably have a functionality of more than 2.1, with more than the stoichiometric quantity of water in the presence of lignite and/or peat and optionally in the presence of organic and/or inorganic fillers and biomasses (living cells, living bacteria or enzymes). The corresponding polyurethane(urea) compositions contain up to 95% by weight of lignite and/or peat in the filler-containing polyurethane(urea) composition and are already swollen from production. The water absorbability (WAF) value thereof when suspended in water is from 33 to 97% by weight of water.

Abstract: An adsorbing agent and a method of preparation thereof is disclosed, which agent is capable of selectively adsorbing mercury from various mercury-containing gaseous or aqueous media at high rate of efficiency. The agent essentially comprises a porous material having a specific surface area in excess of 10 m.sup.2 /g. and a conjugated diolefin lower polymer deposited in a predetermined amount on the porous material.

Abstract: This invention describes a method of producing a silicone elastomer from an emulsion. When the ingredients are mixed together, the resulting latex can be used immediately. Removing the water from the latex results in a silicone elastomer. The method combines (A) an anionically stabilized, hydroxyl endblocked polydiorganosiloxane, present as an emulsion of dispersed particles in water, the emulsion having a pH of greater than 9, (B) dialkyltindicarboxylate, (C) alkylorthosilicate, (D) colloidal silica, and optionally (E) water, admixing (A) and (B) only in the presence of (C) to produce a dispersion of the ingredients in water. The ingredients can be distributed into a two-part system for storage. One embodiment includes fibers, lauryl alcohol, or a mixture of both in the emulsion; then forms an open-cell, elastomeric foam by forming a froth from the emulsion and removing the water from the froth.

Abstract: A silicone composition useful as a caulking material consists essentially of an aqueous emulsion of a hydroxyl endblocked polydiorganosiloxane, dialkyltindicarboxylate, phenyltrimethoxysilane, and inert non-siliceous filler. The composition is of a paste-type viscosity while an emulsion, then becomes a soft, putty-type material having a plasticity number of from 125 to 300 when the water is removed from the emulsion. The dried composition remains a soft, putty-like material upon aging.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermally conductive room temperature vulcanizable organopolysiloxane compositions containing hydroxyl-terminated organopolysiloxanes, a crosslinking agent selected from polyalkoxysilanes and polyalkoxysiloxanes, a condensation catalyst and from 30 to 95 percent by weight of filler based on the weight of the composition, of which at least 10 percent by weight of the filler is silicon nitride particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermally conductive one-component room temperature vulcanizable organopolysiloxane compositions containing from 30 to 95 percent by weight of filler based on the weight of the composition, of which at least 10 percent by weight of the filler is silicon nitride particles.

Abstract: The use of high vinyl-containing vinylmethylsiloxane polymers as high temature insulating materials.

Abstract: The propylene-ethylene block copolymer composition of the invention is excellent in transparency as well as in stiffness and low temperature impact strength.The copolymer composition of the present invention comprises (a) from 0.01 to 1.0 part by weight of a nucleating agent and (b) from 0.01 to 3.0 parts by weight of talc having an average particle size of not more than 10 microns, admixed in 100 parts by weight of propylene-ethylene block copolymer. Said propylene-ethylene block copolymer was formed in a multi-stage polymerization process wherein the ethylene content of the copolymer formed at the propylene-ethylene copolymerization stage is from 5 to 40% by weight based on the total polymerization amount of the copolymer formed at said propylene-ethylene copolymerization stage.

Abstract: A room temperature vulcanizable silicone composition free of plasticizing fluid and curable to a low modulus silicone rubber upon exposure to moisture, comprising:(A) 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane wherein the silicon atoms at the polymer chain ends are terminated with at least two alkoxy radicals, said organopolysiloxane having a viscosity ranging from about 20,000 centipoise to about 500,000 centipoise at 25.degree. C.;(B) up to 100 parts by weight filler per 100 parts by weight of organopolysiloxane, there being present at least 5 parts by weight of reinforcing filler, or 20 parts by weight of extending filler, or mixture thereof;(C) from 0.05 to 5 parts by weight of an adhesion promoter per 100 parts by weight of organopolysiloxane; and(D) an effective amount of condensation catalyst.

Abstract: A polymerizable composition is formed from (a) a polymerizable olefinically unsaturated substance, (b) a phosphorus oxyacid and an organic amine, at least one of which bears a polymerizable olefinically unsaturated group and optionally (c) a particulate inorganic material. Such compositions are useful in dental applications.

Abstract: A polymer composition wherein an inorganic substance and an organic polymer are firmly consolidated, which is characterized by being produced by polymerizing a vinyl monomer susceptible to radical polymerization in a polymerization system containing a dispersed inorganic substance in the presence of at least one monomer selected from sulfonic acid monomers, sulfonate monomers, or carboxylic acid monomers represented by the general formula [I] ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a hydrogen atom, alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, phenyl group, derivative of phenyl group, or halogen atom, X is CONH, ##STR2## COO(CH.sub.2).sub.m or (CH.sub.2).sub.n (wherein R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each a hydrogen atom or alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, R.sub.4 is an alkylene group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, m is an integer of 1 to 20, and n is an integer of 0 to 20), and Y is a hydrogen atom, ammonium radical, or an alkali metal atom, or by the general formula [II] ##STR3## wherein R.sub.

Abstract: Silicone elastomers having thermally conductive properties which comprise an organopolysiloxane having Si-bonded aliphatically unsaturated groups, an organohydrogenpolysiloxane having Si-bonded hydrogen atoms, a catalyst capable of promoting the addition of Si-bonded hydrogen to Si-bonded aliphatically unsaturated groups and from about 30 to 95 percent by weight of filler, based on the weight of the composition, of which at least 10 percent by weight of the filler is silicon nitride particles.

Abstract: A method for producing solventless liquid organopolysiloxanes is disclosed. The method involves hydrolyzing an organo silicon composition comprising at least one compound having the general formulaY.sub.(4-n) Si(OR).sub.nwhere Y is phenyl or a primary or secondary alkyl group having from one to four carbon atoms, R is an alkyl group having from one to three carbon atoms, and n is an integer from one to four, and wherein the ratio of OR groups to silicon atoms in the composition is from 2.3:1 to 3.1:1. The products of hydrolysis are then heated to cause substantial siloxane formation by condensation and to distill water and alcohol by-products. Heating is continued until the water content of the resulting siloxane composition is less than 1 percent. The purity of the organo silicon composition, the amount of water used for hydrolysis, the amount of acid present during hydrolysis, and the heating of the organopolysiloxane are so controlled that the solventless organopolysiloxane has a viscosity at 25.degree. C.

Abstract: Silicone compositions are disclosed which comprise a liquid silicone resin, a vinyl-containing silicone resin, a siloxane polymer, and a hydrosilylation catalyst. The compositions cure to give unusually strong, fuel resistant coatings and elastomers.

Abstract: A stable, one-package, silicone RTV composition convertible to a tack-free elastomer comprising:(1) a polydiorganosiloxane base polymer,(2) an effective amount of condensation catalyst,(3) a stabilizing amount of a silicon-nitrogen compound for scavenging hydroxy radicals which releases ammonia as a by-product of the scavenging reaction, and(4) an effective amount of scavenger for said ammonia by-product selected from the group consisting of molecular sieves, acids and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A U.V. curable coating composition useful for electronics manufacture comprising an acrylated or methacrylated oligomer and a mixture of a multifunctional and monofunctional monomer. When further combined with an elongated filler, the U.V. curable composition is suitable for use as a permanent solder mask that adheres to metals conventionally used in electronics manufacture following wave soldering.

Abstract: A polymer-coated particulate inorganic material, e.g. graphite, graphite fluoride or molybdenum disulfide, is obtained by preparing a reaction system containing a liquid medium, fine particles of the inorganic material, at least one vinylic monomer which undergoes radical polymerization or copolymerization and a polymerization initiator and allowing the vinylic monomer(s) in the reaction system to undergo polymerization and to bond to the surfaces of the inorganic material particles by graft polymerization. To enhance the efficiency of graft polymerization to thereby realize uniform coating even when the inorganic material is very low in surface energy as typified by graphite fluoride, the pH of the reaction system is adjusted to a value ranging from 5 to 9 by adding alkali to the reaction system soon after the addition of the polymerization initiator or alternatively by treating the inorganic material with alkali in advance of preparation of the reaction system.

Abstract: Stable, substantially acid-free, one package, moisture curable RTV compositions are provided having a scavenger for chemically combined hydroxy groups of the formula ##STR1## where x equals 1 or 2 and y equals 0 to 3 inclusive. A method for providing the aforesaid moisture curable RTV compositions is also provided. Novel compounds of the formula ##STR2## where x equals 1 or 2 and y equals 0 to 2 inclusive are provided as are methods for making such novel compounds.

Abstract: The room temperature curable organopolysiloxane composition of the invention comprises a dimethylpolysiloxane terminated at both molecular chain ends with silanolic hydroxy groups, an organocyclopolysiloxane, typically a cyclotetrasiloxane, having 2 or more alkenyloxy groups such as isopropenyloxy groups in a molecule as a crosslinking agent for the dimethylpolysiloxane and a guanidyl-containing organosilane or polysiloxane compound as a curing catalyst. The composition is capable of giving a cured rubbery elastomer when kept in a moisture-containing atmosphere at room temperature without the problems in the prior art compositions such as noxious condensation products or poor adhesion to the surface of the substrate on which the composition has been cured.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel organopolysiloxane-containing aqueous emulsion composition which, upon removal of water by drying at room temperature, can give a cured rubbery elastomer having excellent mechanical properties and exhibiting strong adhesion to the substrate on which it has been cured. The inventive composition is prepared by blending (A) an aqueous emulsion of an organopolysiloxane having silicon-bonded hydroxy groups and emulsified in water by use of an anionic surface active agent, (B) a mixture of a reaction product of a carboxylic acid anhydride with an amino-functional organosilane and a colloidal silica in the form of an aqueous suspension and (C) a curing catalyst in limited proportions.

Abstract: Stable, substantially acid free, one package organopolysiloxane compositions are provided which have a base polymer, a condensation catalyst, a silane scavenger for hydroxy functional groups having cycloaliphatic enoxy functionality, and a curing accelerator, said compositions being curable upon exposure to atmospheric moisture to translucent and colorless tack-free elastomers.

Abstract: There is provided a one package RTV composition which is convertible to a tack-free elastomer comprising:(A) a polydiorganosiloxane base polymer,(B) an effective amount of a condensation catalyst, and(C) a stabilizing amount of organic scavenger for hydroxy groups which has the formula:R--N.dbd.C.dbd.O).sub.xwhere R is a linear or cyclic aliphatic compound or an aromatic compound, and x equals at least 1.

Abstract: Crystalline, synthetic calcium silicate, which can be in diverse stages of hydration and has a high length/width ratio and a width dimension of less than 1 .mu.m, is outstandingly suitable as a sedimentation inhibitor for finely divided fillers in liquid substances.

Abstract: This specification is directed to a method of reducing the green density of an article cast from a casting slip containing silicon metal particles. The method is characterized by the step of adding to the casting slip ingredients a cationic polymer having a molecular weight in a range from 1,000 to 50,000. The cationic polymer is effective in the casting of the slip to form bridges between the silicon metal particles which keeps the particles from packing so closely together, whereby the green density of the cast article is lower and the article is more easily nitrided completely in thick section articles.

Abstract: Stable, substantially acid-free, one package moisture curable alkoxy-terminated organopolysiloxane compositions are provided having a condensation catalyst such as a tin compound, a silicon containing or silicon free organic scavenger for materials having chemically combined hydroxy radicals and certain organo nitrogen accelerators to effect a substantial enhancement in cure rate.

Abstract: A polymer composite is produced by polymerizing an olefine monomer in the presence of a catalyst system obtained by treating a filler material with (a) an organic magnesium compound which contains halogen or (b) an organic magnesium compound and thereafter with a halogen-containing compound; and then with a transition metal compound, which is preferably titanium tetrachloride, adding an organic metal activator compound and continuing the polymerization to obtain a composite containing desired proportions of polymer and filler. The filler may be carbon, an aluminosilicate such as mica or talc, or glass-fibre. Homogeneous composites, in respect of the distribution of filler in various size fractions, can be obtained. Composites having good flow characteristics may be obtained. The composites may be formed directly into shaped articles by suitable shaping techniques. Alternatively, the composite may be blended with a polymeric material.

Abstract: A novel polymer is provided as the condensation reaction product of a non-aqueous mixture of a phenol and an aldehyde in a molar ratio of about 0.5 to 1 phenol to aldehyde, containing refractory fibers, such as carbon, graphite, silica, having an aspect and metal oxides and silicates, which fibers have an aspect ratio of about 10. The phenol is selected from metacresol, orthocresol, 3,5-dimethylphenol, resorcinol and substituted resorcinols, the preferred material being mostly resorcinol. The aldehyde is selected from furfural and mixtures of furfural and paraformaldehyde. The condensation polymerization reaction can be effected by adding an acid catalyst to the mixture or by employing a curing agent which provided a polyfunctional amine reactive with either or both the aldehyde and the phenol.

Abstract: The adhesion of self-bonding, low modulus, one package, room temperature vulcanizable silicone compositions to a variety of substrates is effectively promoted by incorporation in the silicone composition, before curing, a small effective amount of an adhesion promoting composition comprising predominantly at least one diorganocyclopolysiloxane compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 may be C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 gamma-trihaloalkyl or phenyl; R.sup.2 is alkylene of from 2 to 6 carbon atoms; R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are, independently, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkanoyl; and n is either 3 or 4.

Abstract: The adhesion of self-bonding, low modulus, one package, room temperature vulcanizable silicone compositions to a variety of substrates is effectively promoted by incorporation in the silicon composition, before curing, of a small effective amount of an adhesion promoting composition comprising at least one maleamidylalkyltrialkoxysilane or maleamidylalkyltriacyloxysilane compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein A is divalent alkylene of from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are, independently, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkanoyl.

Abstract: Polymerizable liquid synthetic resins, liquid reactive constituents of synthetic resins or liquid additives for plastics, in each case containing mineral fillers, are converted to dry, pourable mixtures by mixing with 0.25-5% by weight of a crystalline synthetic calcium silicate, which can be in diverse stages of hydration and has a high length/width ratio and width dimensions of less than 1 .mu.m, it being possible, by this means, to employ the resins not only as casting resins but also as compression moulding resins and adhesives. In addition, handling and processability are improved.

Abstract: Paintable, cured polyorganosiloxane sealants are prepared at room temperature from room temperature curable compositions containing a hydroxyl-terminated polyorganosiloxane, an organosilicon compound containing at least two amido groups, aminoxy groups or combinations thereof, per molecule and a substituted alcohol where the substituent is acyloxy, alkoxycarbonyl, cyano, ##STR1## mercapto, or the combination of a carbon-to-carbon triple bond and an ether-type oxygen atom, where each Y and Z are individually selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydrocarbyl and halohydrocarbyl.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heat curing process and to a solventless screen printable, heat curable conductive ink composition comprising(1) an ethylenically unsaturated member of the group consisting of(a) a liquid, ethylenically, unsaturated monomer, oligomer or prepolymer of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is H or CH.sub.3, R.sub.1 is an organic moiety and n is at least 2,(b) a polythiol in combination with (a) supra,(c) a polythiol in combination with a liquid ethylenically unsaturated monomer, oligomer or prepolymer of the formula: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.2 is H or CH.sub.3, R.sub.3 is an organic moiety and n is at least 2, and(d) mixtures of (a), (b) and (c),(2) a thermal initiator, and(3) an electrically conductive material.Heating of the composition in a desired pattern on a substrate results in a printed electric circuit.

Abstract: Phosphate derivatives represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R represents a group containing at least one reactive double bond and A represents a group which may optionally contain reactive double bonds are disclosed. The phosphate derivatives of the present invention have at least two reactive double bonds, and polymers prepared from these phosphate derivatives in the presence or absence of other polymerizable monomers are useful as fillers for human hard tissues such as bones and teeth.

Abstract: A polymer composition wherein an inorganic substance and an organic polymer are firmly consolidated, which is characterized by being produced by polymerizing a vinyl monomer susceptible to radical polymerization in a polymerization system containing a dispersed inorganic substance in the presence of at least one monomer selected from sulfonic acid monomers, sulfonate monomers, or carboxylic acid monomers represented by the general formula [I] ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a hydrogen atom, alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, phenyl group, derivative of phenyl group, or halogen atom, X is CONH, ##STR2## COO(CH.sub.2).sub.m or (CH.sub.2).sub.n (wherein R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each a hydrogen atom or alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, R.sub.4 is an alkylene group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, m is an integer of 1 to 20, and n is an integer of 0 to 20), and Y is a hydrogen atom, ammonium radical, or an alkali metal atom, or by the general formula [II] ##STR3## wherein R.sub.

Abstract: Composition and method of manufacturing same, wherein a vinyl chloride resin has talc therein in direct contact with vinyl chloride based polymer particles without any intervening material therebetween.

Abstract: Colloidal size particles of an inorganic solid such as magnetic iron oxide or titanium dioxide are encapsulated in a hydrophobic addition polymer such as a polymer of styrene by a polymerization process wherein a water-immiscible (hydrophobic) monomer is dispersed in an aqueous colloidal dispersion of the inorganic particles and subjected to conditions of emulsion polymerization. The resulting encapsulated particles are usefully employed as catalysts, toners, pigments and diagnostic latexes that have magnetic characteristics.

Abstract: A novel polymer is provided as the condensation reaction product of a non-aqueous mixture of a phenol and an aldehyde in a molar ratio of about 0.5 to 1 phenol to aldehyde, containing refractory fibers, such as carbon, graphite, silica, having an aspect and metal oxides and silicates, which fibers have an aspect ratio of about 10. The phenol is selected from metacresol, orthocresol, 3,5-dimethylphenol, resorcinol and substituted resorcinols, the preferred material being mostly resorcinol. The aldehyde is selected from furfural and mixtures of furfural and paraformaldehyde. The condensation polymerization reaction can be effected by adding an acid catalyst to the mixture or by employing a curing agent which provided a polyfunctional amine reactive with either or both the aldehyde and the phenol.