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.

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.

This document describes systems and processes for forming synthetic molded slabs, which may be suitable for use in living or working spaces (e.g., along a countertop, table, floor, or the like).

This document describes systems and processes for forming synthetic molded slabs, which may be suitable for use in living or working spaces (e.g., along a countertop, table, floor, or the like).

Provided is an inorganic structure including a plurality of inorganic particles; and a binding part that covers a surface of each of the inorganic particles and binds the inorganic particles together, wherein the binding part contains: an amorphous compound containing silicon, oxygen, and one or more metallic elements; and fine particles having an average particle size of 100 nm or less. Also provided is a method for producing an inorganic structure including: a step for obtaining a mixture by mixing a plurality of inorganic particles, a plurality of amorphous silicon dioxide particles, and an aqueous solution containing a metallic element; and a step for pressurizing and heating the mixture under conditions of a pressure of 10 to 600 MPa and a temperature of 50 to 300° C.

Provided is an inorganic structure including a plurality of inorganic particles; and a binding part that covers a surface of each of the inorganic particles and binds the inorganic particles together, wherein the binding part contains: an amorphous compound containing silicon, oxygen, and one or more metallic elements; and fine particles having an average particle size of 100 nm or less. Also provided is a method for producing an inorganic structure including: a step for obtaining a mixture by mixing a plurality of inorganic particles, a plurality of amorphous silicon dioxide particles, and an aqueous solution containing a metallic element; and a step for pressurizing and heating the mixture under conditions of a pressure of 10 to 600 MPa and a temperature of 50 to 300° C.

A high temperature composite includes a binder, cement or geopolymer and ceramic filler, negative coefficient of thermal expansion materials of AM.sub.2O.sub.8 or A.sub.2(MO.sub.4).sub.3 family or ZrV.sub.2O.sub.7. The material is compatible with concrete, any ceramics or metals or metal alloy. The material is heat shock resistant and stable in harsh chemical environments and is impermeable to most solvents. The new sealant materials can be used as sealants, heat shock resistant structural materials and coatings.

A high temperature composite includes a binder, cement or geopolymer and ceramic filler, negative coefficient of thermal expansion materials of AM.sub.2O.sub.8 or A.sub.2(MO.sub.4).sub.3 family or ZrV.sub.2O.sub.7. The material is compatible with concrete, any ceramics or metals or metal alloy. The material is heat shock resistant and stable in harsh chemical environments and is impermeable to most solvents. The new sealant materials can be used as sealants, heat shock resistant structural materials and coatings.

A high temperature composite includes a binder, cement or geopolymer and ceramic filler, negative coefficient of thermal expansion materials of AM.sub.2O.sub.8 or A.sub.2(MO.sub.4).sub.3 family or ZrV.sub.2O.sub.7. The material is compatible with concrete, any ceramics or metals or metal alloy. The material is heat shock resistant and stable in harsh chemical environments and is impermeable to most solvents. The new sealant materials can be used as sealants, heat shock resistant structural materials and coatings.