The invention provides novel paving stones and construction block composite materials and methods for preparation thereof. The paving stones and construction block composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost precursor materials by a production process that involves compacting in a mold that is suitable for large-scale production. The precursor materials include calcium silicate, for example, wollastonite, and particulate filler materials which can comprise silicon dioxide-rich materials. Additives can include calcium carbonate-rich and magnesium carbonate-rich materials. Various additives can be used to fine-tune the physical appearance and mechanical properties of the composite material, such as colorants such as particles of colored materials, such as, and pigments (e.g., black iron oxide, cobalt oxide and chromium oxide). These paving stones and construction block composite materials exhibit visual patterns similar to stone as well as display compressive strength and water absorption equal to or better than that of stone.

The present disclosure relates to a porous ceramic media that may include a chemical composition, a phase composition, a total open porosity content of at least about 10 vol. % and not greater than about 70 vol. % as a percentage of the total volume of the ceramic media, and a nitric acid resistance parameter of not greater than about 500 ppm. The chemical composition for the porous ceramic media may include SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2O.sub.3, an alkali component and a secondary metal oxide component selected from the group consisting of an Fe oxide, a Ti oxide, a Ca oxide, a Mg oxide and combinations thereof. The phase composition may include an amorphous silicate, quartz and mullite.

The present disclosure relates to a porous ceramic media that may include a chemical composition, a phase composition, a total open porosity content of at least about 10 vol. % and not greater than about 70 vol. % as a percentage of the total volume of the ceramic media, and a nitric acid resistance parameter of not greater than about 500 ppm. The chemical composition for the porous ceramic media may include SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2O.sub.3, an alkali component and a secondary metal oxide component selected from the group consisting of an Fe oxide, a Ti oxide, a Ca oxide, a Mg oxide and combinations thereof. The phase composition may include an amorphous silicate, quartz and mullite.

A method of making a refractory article is provided. The method includes: a) mixing a binder system, a refractory charge, and a second colloidal binder to form an aqueous slurry; b) casting the aqueous slurry into a mold; c) subjecting the mold containing the aqueous slurry to a temperature that is lower than a slurry casting temperature for a time sufficient to form a green strength article; and d) firing the green strength article at a temperature of at least 450° C. for a time sufficient to achieve thermal homogeneity, thereby forming a refractory article. Refractory articles made in accordance with the method have a unique combination of pore structure and mechanical properties.

A method of making a refractory article is provided. The method includes: a) mixing a binder system, a refractory charge, and a second colloidal binder to form an aqueous slurry; b) casting the aqueous slurry into a mold; c) subjecting the mold containing the aqueous slurry to a temperature that is lower than a slurry casting temperature for a time sufficient to form a green strength article; and d) firing the green strength article at a temperature of at least 450° C. for a time sufficient to achieve thermal homogeneity, thereby forming a refractory article. Refractory articles made in accordance with the method have a unique combination of pore structure and mechanical properties.

A method of making a refractory article is provided. The method includes: a) mixing a binder system, a refractory charge, and a second colloidal binder to form an aqueous slurry; b) casting the aqueous slurry into a mold; c) subjecting the mold containing the aqueous slurry to a temperature that is lower than a slurry casting temperature for a time sufficient to form a green strength article; and d) firing the green strength article at a temperature of at least 450° C. for a time sufficient to achieve thermal homogeneity, thereby forming a refractory article. Refractory articles made in accordance with the method have a unique combination of pore structure and mechanical properties.

A preparation method and use of a green fluorescent transparent ceramic are disclosed. The preparation method includes: weighing, according to a stoichiometric ratio, elements present in Ca.sub.3-x-yCe.sub.xA.sub.ySc.sub.2-xB.sub.zSi.sub.3-mC.sub.mO.sub.12, in forms of oxides, carbonates or nitrates as raw materials; mixing the raw materials, annealing, melting at a high temperature, cooling and annealing at a low temperature; putting the glass into a high-temperature furnace, holding, raising the temperature, and performing crystallization and densification sintering; finally cutting, reducing and surface-polishing, where A is at least one from the group consisting of Lu, Y, Gd, La and Na; B is at least one from the group consisting of Zr, Hf and Mg; C is at least one from the group consisting of Al and P; x, y, z and m satisfy 0.001≤x≤0.06, 0≤y≤0.06, 0≤z≤0.06 and 0≤m≤0.3, respectively.

A preparation method and use of a green fluorescent transparent ceramic are disclosed. The preparation method includes: weighing, according to a stoichiometric ratio, elements present in Ca.sub.3-x-yCe.sub.xA.sub.ySc.sub.2-xB.sub.zSi.sub.3-mC.sub.mO.sub.12, in forms of oxides, carbonates or nitrates as raw materials; mixing the raw materials, annealing, melting at a high temperature, cooling and annealing at a low temperature; putting the glass into a high-temperature furnace, holding, raising the temperature, and performing crystallization and densification sintering; finally cutting, reducing and surface-polishing, where A is at least one from the group consisting of Lu, Y, Gd, La and Na; B is at least one from the group consisting of Zr, Hf and Mg; C is at least one from the group consisting of Al and P; x, y, z and m satisfy 0.001≤x≤0.06, 0≤y≤0.06, 0≤z≤0.06 and 0≤m≤0.3, respectively.

The present application relates to fire resistant compositions, particularly fire resistant compositions comprising an inorganic filler. In particular, the disclosure relates to cladding compositions and composite panels comprising the fire resistant cladding compositions. The disclosure also relates to the preparation of such compositions, composite panels and to their use.

The present application relates to fire resistant compositions, particularly fire resistant compositions comprising an inorganic filler. In particular, the disclosure relates to cladding compositions and composite panels comprising the fire resistant cladding compositions. The disclosure also relates to the preparation of such compositions, composite panels and to their use.