A curable casting compound, including a polymeric binder and at least one particulate filler incorporated therein, wherein the filler is ground fruit kernels and/or fruit shells, wherein either only the at least one filler composed of ground fruit kernels and/or fruit shells or additionally at least one further particulate inorganic filler is present.

A method for manufacturing a sintered body, the method including heating a mixture that contains a plurality of particles of a metal oxide having a spinel-type structure, and a metal acetylacetonate under pressure at a temperature of from a melting point or higher of the metal acetylacetonate to 600° C. or lower, to form a sintered body that contains the metal oxide having the spinel-type structure.

A method for manufacturing a sintered body, the method including heating a mixture that contains a plurality of particles of a metal oxide having a spinel-type structure, and a metal acetylacetonate under pressure at a temperature of from a melting point or higher of the metal acetylacetonate to 600° C. or lower, to form a sintered body that contains the metal oxide having the spinel-type structure.

The invention is directed to compositions and methods for the manufacture of pigmented solids structures for which can be used for construction and/or decoration. Manufacturing comprises fixing one or more pigments to an aggregate material such as crushed rock, stone or sand. The pigmented aggregate is incubated with urease or urease producing microorganisms, an amount of a nitrogen source such as urea, and an amount of calcium source such as calcium chloride forming calcite bridges between particles of aggregate. The resulting solid has a hardness and colorfastness for most any construction material. Using selected aggregate and pigment, the process also provides for the manufacture of simulated-stone materials such as clay or granite bricks or blocks, marble counter-tops, and more. The invention is also directed to composition containing microorganisms and pigment as kits that can be added to most any aggregate materials.

The invention is directed to compositions and methods for the manufacture of pigmented solids structures for which can be used for construction and/or decoration. Manufacturing comprises fixing one or more pigments to an aggregate material such as crushed rock, stone or sand. The pigmented aggregate is incubated with urease or urease producing microorganisms, an amount of a nitrogen source such as urea, and an amount of calcium source such as calcium chloride forming calcite bridges between particles of aggregate. The resulting solid has a hardness and colorfastness for most any construction material. Using selected aggregate and pigment, the process also provides for the manufacture of simulated-stone materials such as clay or granite bricks or blocks, marble counter-tops, and more. The invention is also directed to composition containing microorganisms and pigment as kits that can be added to most any aggregate materials.

The present invention provides a bidirectional energy-transfer system comprising: a thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete, disposed in a structural object; a location of energy supply or demand that is physically isolated from, but in thermodynamic and/or electromagnetic communication with, the thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete; and a means of transferring energy between the structural object and the location of energy supply or demand. The system can be a single node in a neural network. The thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete includes a conductive, shock-absorbing material, such as graphite. Preferred compositions are disclosed for the thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete. The bidirectional energy-transfer system may be present in a solar-energy collection system, a grade beam, an indoor radiant flooring system, a structural wall or ceiling, a bridge, a roadway, a driveway, a parking lot, a commercial aviation runway, a military runway, a grain silo, or pavers, for example.

The present invention provides a bidirectional energy-transfer system comprising: a thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete, disposed in a structural object; a location of energy supply or demand that is physically isolated from, but in thermodynamic and/or electromagnetic communication with, the thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete; and a means of transferring energy between the structural object and the location of energy supply or demand. The system can be a single node in a neural network. The thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete includes a conductive, shock-absorbing material, such as graphite. Preferred compositions are disclosed for the thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete. The bidirectional energy-transfer system may be present in a solar-energy collection system, a grade beam, an indoor radiant flooring system, a structural wall or ceiling, a bridge, a roadway, a driveway, a parking lot, a commercial aviation runway, a military runway, a grain silo, or pavers, for example.

The invention provides a high temperature resistant Portland cement slurry and a production method thereof. The high temperature resistant Portland cement slurry comprises the following components by weight: 100 parts of an oil well Portland cement, 60-85 parts of a high temperature reinforcing material, 68-80 parts of fresh water, 1-200 parts of a density adjuster, 0.1-1.5 parts of a suspension stabilizer, 0.8-1.5 parts of a dispersant, 3-4 parts of a fluid loss agent, 0-3 parts of a retarder and 0.2-0.8 part of a defoamer. The high temperature resistant Portland cement slurry has a good sedimentation stability at normal temperature, and develops strength rapidly at a low temperature. The compressive strength is up to 40 MPa or more at a high temperature of 350° C., and the long-term high-temperature compressive strength develops stably without degradation. Therefore, it can meet the requirements for field application in heavy oil thermal recovery wells, reaching the level of Grade G Portland cement for cementing oil and gas wells.

The invention provides a high temperature resistant Portland cement slurry and a production method thereof. The high temperature resistant Portland cement slurry comprises the following components by weight: 100 parts of an oil well Portland cement, 60-85 parts of a high temperature reinforcing material, 68-80 parts of fresh water, 1-200 parts of a density adjuster, 0.1-1.5 parts of a suspension stabilizer, 0.8-1.5 parts of a dispersant, 3-4 parts of a fluid loss agent, 0-3 parts of a retarder and 0.2-0.8 part of a defoamer. The high temperature resistant Portland cement slurry has a good sedimentation stability at normal temperature, and develops strength rapidly at a low temperature. The compressive strength is up to 40 MPa or more at a high temperature of 350° C., and the long-term high-temperature compressive strength develops stably without degradation. Therefore, it can meet the requirements for field application in heavy oil thermal recovery wells, reaching the level of Grade G Portland cement for cementing oil and gas wells.

A radiation shield unit, which shields against neutron rays, X-rays, and γ-rays, contains 10 vol % or more and 90 vol % or less of gadolinium.