Methods for producing a hollow spheres, optionally with a vacuum inside, are disclosed. An example method includes providing a seed with a core and a coating. The seed is heated to a temperature sufficient to transform the coating into a continuous shell having an interior and an exterior. The shell isolates the core from the exterior of the shell. The temperature is also sufficient to cause a reaction with the materials of the core, and the reaction converts the core to a gas within said shell. Controlling the rate of heating and the pressure surrounding the shell allows the shell to expand responsive to gas pressure within the shell. Cooling the shell causes the gases within the shell to revert to a solid form, thereby creating a vacuum within the shell. Products incorporating the hollow spheres are also disclosed.

An appliance cabinet includes a structural envelope having an exterior surface and an interior surface that defines an insulating cavity, wherein the insulating cavity defines an at least partial vacuum. A plurality of silica-based agglomerates are disposed within the insulating cavity, wherein each agglomerate of the plurality of silica-based agglomerates includes silica-based powder insulation material that is water-densified and is at least substantially free of a material binder. A secondary insulation material is disposed within interstitial spaces defined between the plurality of silica-based agglomerates, wherein the plurality of silica-based agglomerates defines an interior structure that resists inward compressive forces exerted as a result of the at least partial vacuum defined within the insulating cavity.

An appliance cabinet includes a structural envelope having an exterior surface and an interior surface that defines an insulating cavity, wherein the insulating cavity defines an at least partial vacuum. A plurality of silica-based agglomerates are disposed within the insulating cavity, wherein each agglomerate of the plurality of silica-based agglomerates includes silica-based powder insulation material that is water-densified and is at least substantially free of a material binder. A secondary insulation material is disposed within interstitial spaces defined between the plurality of silica-based agglomerates, wherein the plurality of silica-based agglomerates defines an interior structure that resists inward compressive forces exerted as a result of the at least partial vacuum defined within the insulating cavity.

An uncalcined geopolymer-based refractory material is provided, comprising a matrix of a geopolymer obtainable by polymerization of a mixture consisting of mineral powder, fly ash, and metakaolin; and SiC whiskers embedded in the geopolymer matrix. The material has excellent mechanical properties and high resistance to high temperatures and exhibits a ductile fracture mechanism instead of a brittle fracture mechanism.

The invention discloses a bionic laminated thermal insulation material, which imitates a multi-thin laminated and thin-layer micro-pore structure of Sequoia sempervirens bark with fire resistance, corrosion resistance and excellent thermal insulation performance. A low thermal conductivity microporous powder is used as main raw material, while reinforcing agent, plasticizer and porosity agent are added to form microporous thin-layer units, and each thin-layer unit is bonded and laminated to make a laminated thermal insulation material. The thermal conductivity of the finished products is as low as 0.02˜0.05 W/m.Math.k, with good thermal insulation and mechanical properties, which can be used in a temperature range below 1000° C., with better thermal insulation and energy-saving effect and toughness than ordinary thermal insulation materials, significantly reducing the thickness of the insulation layer, and can be widely used in industrial furnaces, thermal engineering devices, insulation pipes and other fields.

The invention discloses a bionic laminated thermal insulation material, which imitates a multi-thin laminated and thin-layer micro-pore structure of Sequoia sempervirens bark with fire resistance, corrosion resistance and excellent thermal insulation performance. A low thermal conductivity microporous powder is used as main raw material, while reinforcing agent, plasticizer and porosity agent are added to form microporous thin-layer units, and each thin-layer unit is bonded and laminated to make a laminated thermal insulation material. The thermal conductivity of the finished products is as low as 0.02˜0.05 W/m.Math.k, with good thermal insulation and mechanical properties, which can be used in a temperature range below 1000° C., with better thermal insulation and energy-saving effect and toughness than ordinary thermal insulation materials, significantly reducing the thickness of the insulation layer, and can be widely used in industrial furnaces, thermal engineering devices, insulation pipes and other fields.

A heat resistant countertop or a heat resistant three dimensional shape product comprising a composition comprising at least one aggregate, at least one cement, at least one fine material, at least one dispersant, and at least one viscosity modifier, and optionally at least one set retarder, and optionally at least one set accelerator. A heat resistant countertop or a heat resistant three dimensional shape product comprising a calcium aluminate cement hydraulic binder and matrix is provided.

A heat resistant countertop or a heat resistant three dimensional shape product comprising a composition comprising at least one aggregate, at least one cement, at least one fine material, at least one dispersant, and at least one viscosity modifier, and optionally at least one set retarder, and optionally at least one set accelerator. A heat resistant countertop or a heat resistant three dimensional shape product comprising a calcium aluminate cement hydraulic binder and matrix is provided.

Cement, concrete, stucco, and plaster that have black ceramic polymer derived pigments, and in embodiments have a uniform blackness throughout the structure. In embodiments the black pigment is a ceramic SiOC, that has a size of about 0.8 μm.

Cement, concrete, stucco, and plaster that have black ceramic polymer derived pigments, and in embodiments have a uniform blackness throughout the structure. In embodiments the black pigment is a ceramic SiOC, that has a size of about 0.8 μm.