Moulded insulation bodies, processes for the production thereof and use thereof consisting essentially of ceramic material comprising SiO.sub.2 fibers and Al.sub.2O.sub.3 fibers which has been produced using Al.sub.2O.sub.3 sol as a binder and kilned at a temperature of above 800 C. for insulation of the ends of cracking tubes of a tubular reactor for performing a steam reforming process for generating synthesis gas which project out of the reactor heating space.

A fibre mat, for example a monolith support mat or end cone insulator, the mat comprising inorganic fibres having a pressure retained value at 10 minutes at 900 C. of greater than 20 kPa; and preferably a binder. The inorganic fibres comprise X and Y and K.sub.2O, the sum of which is greater than 95 wt. % wherein X is the sum of SiO.sub.2 and ZrO.sub.2 and Y is the sum of Al.sub.2O.sub.3 and La.sub.2O.sub.3, wherein ZrO.sub.2 and La.sub.2O.sub.3 is each present in up to 10 wt. % of the total weight of the inorganic fibres.

A fibre mat, for example a monolith support mat or end cone insulator, the mat comprising inorganic fibres having a pressure retained value at 10 minutes at 900 C. of greater than 20 kPa; and preferably a binder. The inorganic fibres comprise X and Y and K.sub.2O, the sum of which is greater than 95 wt. % wherein X is the sum of SiO.sub.2 and ZrO.sub.2 and Y is the sum of Al.sub.2O.sub.3 and La.sub.2O.sub.3, wherein ZrO.sub.2 and La.sub.2O.sub.3 is each present in up to 10 wt. % of the total weight of the inorganic fibres.

The invention relates to a porous molded body in the form of an insulating plaster layer or an insulating panel, comprising closed-cell or open-cell or mixed-cell hollow bodies made of inorganic materials and comprising a binder, characterized in that composite particles are contained as the binder, wherein the composite particles contain at least one organic polymer and at least one inorganic solid, wherein the weight percentage of inorganic solid is 15 to 50 wt %, with respect to the total weight of organic polymer and inorganic solid in the composite particle.

The invention relates to a porous molded body in the form of an insulating plaster layer or an insulating panel, comprising closed-cell or open-cell or mixed-cell hollow bodies made of inorganic materials and comprising a binder, characterized in that composite particles are contained as the binder, wherein the composite particles contain at least one organic polymer and at least one inorganic solid, wherein the weight percentage of inorganic solid is 15 to 50 wt %, with respect to the total weight of organic polymer and inorganic solid in the composite particle.

A process for making a cement, the cement containing a naturally occurring silicate bound in an organic binder, and a metal oxide. An example process includes dissolving the organic binder at least in part, using an effective amount of a chemical activator. An example process also includes providing the silicate to react with other components of the cement. An example process also includes providing the silicate to participate in crystal growth. An example process also includes providing the silicate so that the cement is a structural load bearing cement.

A process for making a cement, the cement containing a naturally occurring silicate bound in an organic binder, and a metal oxide. An example process includes dissolving the organic binder at least in part, using an effective amount of a chemical activator. An example process also includes providing the silicate to react with other components of the cement. An example process also includes providing the silicate to participate in crystal growth. An example process also includes providing the silicate so that the cement is a structural load bearing cement.

Provided is a composite member including: an inorganic matrix part made from an inorganic substance that includes at least one of a metal oxide or a metal oxide hydroxide as a main component, contains substantially no single metal and alloy, and is a diamagnetic substance or a paramagnetic substance; and a ferromagnetic material part that is present inside the inorganic matrix part, directly bonds with the inorganic substance making up the inorganic matrix part, and is made from a ferromagnetic substance. In the inorganic matrix part, particles of the inorganic substance are continuously present, and the inorganic matrix part has a larger volume ratio than that of the ferromagnetic material part.

Provided is a composite member including: an inorganic matrix part made from an inorganic substance that includes at least one of a metal oxide or a metal oxide hydroxide as a main component, contains substantially no single metal and alloy, and is a diamagnetic substance or a paramagnetic substance; and a ferromagnetic material part that is present inside the inorganic matrix part, directly bonds with the inorganic substance making up the inorganic matrix part, and is made from a ferromagnetic substance. In the inorganic matrix part, particles of the inorganic substance are continuously present, and the inorganic matrix part has a larger volume ratio than that of the ferromagnetic material part.

Thermoset ceramic compositions and a method of preparation of such compositions. The compositions are advanced organic/inorganic hybrid composite polymer ceramic alloys. The material combines strength, hardness and high temperature performance of technical ceramics with the strength, ductility, thermal shock resistance, density, and easy processing of the polymer. Consisting of a branched backbone of silicon, alumina, and carbon, the material undergoes sintering at 7 to 300 centigrade for 2 to 94 hours from water at a pH between 0 to 14, humidity of 0 to 100%, with or without vaporous solvents.