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.

The present invention provides non-calcined cementitious compositions comprising micron inorganic particles, which can be used as a binder material; and provides non-calcined concrete compositions; non-calcined concretes are also provided, which exhibit similar or better physical and mechanical properties than those prepared with traditional cements do. The present invention also provides the preparation methods of the non-calcined cementitious compositions, the non-calcined concrete compositions and the non-calcined concretes.

The present invention relates to a dry refractory particulate composition comprising a zeolithic microstructure, to a green body and to a refractory lining formed therefrom, and to uses thereof.

The present invention relates to a dry refractory particulate composition comprising a zeolithic microstructure, to a green body and to a refractory lining formed therefrom, and to uses thereof.

One variation of a system includes a garment insert: configured to be worn across a dermal surface; including a textile panel defining a grid receptacle; and including a grid structure arranged within the grid receptacle and defining an array of apertures. The system further includes a cooling unit including a heatsink structure: defining a base section defining an inner surface configured to contact the dermal surface; and defining a set of heatsink columns extending from the base section, opposite the inner surface, and configured to seat extending through the array of apertures. The cooling unit: is configured to wick moisture from the dermal surface toward surfaces of the set of heatsink columns; and includes a polymer frame, bonded to the heatsink structure about the base section, configured to abut surfaces of the base section to surfaces of the grid receptacle to flexibly retain the cooling unit within the grid receptacle.

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.

An example cement includes a naturally occurring silicate bound in an organic binder, a metal oxide, and a chemical activator. The chemical activator is in an effective amount, for dissolving the binder, at least in part, so that the silicate reacts with other components of the cement, the silicate participates in crystal growth; and the cement is a structural load bearing cement.

The inventions related to a method of producing a biomineralized material comprising calcium carbonate-bonded aggregate, the method comprising: culturing a photosynthetic microorganism in a hydrogel matrix, wherein the microorganism releases extracellular carbonic anhydrase into the hydrogel matrix, and wherein the hydrogel matrix comprises: i) a hydrogel; ii) an aggregate material; iii) growth media; and iv) calcium chloride (CaCl.sub.2), wherein the extracellular carbonic anhydrase converts the calcium chloride to calcium carbonate precipitate thereby bonding the aggregate material to form the biomineralized material; and associated materials, compositions and uses.

A method of providing a chemically inert concrete includes the steps of providing and mixing an aqueous colloidal silica dispersion with a quantity of glass particles. The chemically inert concrete includes, based on dry weight, about 50% to about 95% by weight of the glass particles and about 3% to about 40% by weight of the colloidal silica particles. The chemically inert concrete is substantially or totally free of Group I and Group II metal oxides, exclusive of the glass particles, and is substantially or totally free of cement.