A method for preparation of a mold (10) intended to form a slab from a mixture of agglomerate comprising the steps of depositing over the mold surfaces a sheet (15) of PVA-based plastic material so as to form with it a surface for subsequent contact with the mixture introduced into the mold for forming the slab, whereby in at least some areas a layer (14) of a fluid agent containing PVA in a solution is interposed between the sheet (15) and the mold surfaces. A plant for carrying out the method and a method for production of a slab are also described.

Insulating ceramic panels and methods of forming insulating ceramic panels are disclosed herein. The insulating ceramic panels include a plurality of hollow particles and an oxide binder. The plurality of hollow particles are formed from a hollow particle material that includes a metal oxide. The plurality of hollow particles defines an average equivalent particle diameter of at least 10 micrometers (m) and at most 500 m. In addition, the plurality of hollow particles defines an average wall thickness that is at least 3% and at most 30% of the average equivalent particle diameter. The oxide binder material attaches each hollow particle to at least one other hollow particle and differs from the hollow particle material. The insulating ceramic panels define a particle-enclosed void volume fraction, which is enclosed within the plurality of hollow particles, and an interstitial void volume fraction, which is defined within an interstitial space among the plurality of hollow particles.

Insulating ceramic panels and methods of forming insulating ceramic panels. The insulating ceramic panels include a plurality of hollow particles and an oxide binder. The plurality of hollow particles are formed from a hollow particle material that includes a metal oxide. The plurality of hollow particles defines an average equivalent particle diameter of at least 10 micrometers (.Math.m) and at most500 .Math.m. In addition, the plurality of hollow particles defines an average wall thickness that is at least 3% and at most 30% of the average equivalent particle diameter. The oxide binder material attaches each hollow particle to at least one other hollow particle and differs from the hollow particle material. The insulating ceramic panels define a particle-enclosed void volume fraction, which is enclosed within the plurality of hollow particles, and an interstitial void volume fraction, which is defined within an interstitial space among the plurality of hollow particles.