In order to specify a catalytic converter, especially SCR catalytic converter, with maximum catalytic activity, this catalytic converter has at least one catalytically active component and additionally at least one porous inorganic filler component having meso- or macroporosity. The organic porous filler component has a proportion of about 5 to 50% by weight. More particularly, a diatomaceous earth or a pillared clay material is used as the porous inorganic filler component.

The present invention relates to a composite material, particularly a composite material for ceramic tiles, stone cladding, surface tops (e.g. worktops), and the like. The composite materials are typically derived from waste products. The composite materials of the present invention are formed from a glass component and a non-glass mineral component (e.g. ceramics and/or glaze). Generally the composite materials do not require any binders (especially synthetic binders) to hold the materials together. Therefore, the composite materials and products made therefrom are typically recyclable.

The present invention relates to a composite material, particularly a composite material for ceramic tiles, stone cladding, surface tops (e.g. worktops), and the like. The composite materials are typically derived from waste products. The composite materials of the present invention are formed from a glass component and a non-glass mineral component (e.g. ceramics and/or glaze). Generally the composite materials do not require any binders (especially synthetic binders) to hold the materials together. Therefore, the composite materials and products made therefrom are typically recyclable.

A ceramsite produced by using a river/lake/sea sludge and seashell powder as raw materials and a preparation method thereof are provided. The ceramsite is made of the following raw materials in parts by weight: 15-50 parts of shell powder, 5-15 parts of kaolin, 1-5 parts of peat ash, 15-30 parts of siliceous shale, 15-40 parts of furnace slag, 10-20 parts of fly ash, 15-40 parts of zeolite, 10-30 parts of river/lake/sea sludge, and 10-25 parts of peat. The shell powder is pulverized to a particle size of 60-200 mesh in fineness. A content of silica in the siliceous shale is 87.0%-89.5%. The preparation method of the ceramsite includes the following steps: taking raw materials, pulverizing, stirring, granulating, calcining, and naturally cooling, so as to obtain the ceramsite.

A ceramic composition which can be used as a sintering aid includes 1-2 mol % of magnesium oxide (MgO), 5-15 mol % of aluminum oxide (Al.sub.2O.sub.3), 25-40 mol % of silicon dioxide (SiO.sub.2), 40-55 mol % of calcium oxide (CaO), 0.1-8 mol % of ferric oxide (Fe.sub.2O.sub.3), 0.1-2 mol % of sulfur trioxide (SO.sub.3) and 0.1-2 mol % of titanium oxide (TiO.sub.2). Alternatively, the ceramic composition includes 1-8 mol % of MgO, 5-15 mol % of Al.sub.2O.sub.3, 25-40 mol % of SiO.sub.2, 40-55 mol % of CaO, 0.1-8 mol % of Fe.sub.2O.sub.3, 0.1-2 mol % of SO.sub.3 and 0.9-2 mol % of TiO.sub.2.

A composition for a refractory material comprising a base mixture having a composition in oxide (mol %) as follows: SiO2 between 69% and 73%; Al2O3 between 22% and 28%; TiO2 between 0.4% and 1%; Fe2O3 between 0.2% and 1%; CaO between 0.1% and 1%; MgO between 0.1% and 1%; K.sub.2O between 0.5% and 2%; Na.sub.2O between 0.1% and 0.5%; and comprising a filler mixture comprising at least one from between a schamotte and a smelting agent.

A composition for a refractory material comprising a base mixture having a composition in oxide (mol %) as follows: SiO2 between 69% and 73%; Al2O3 between 22% and 28%; TiO2 between 0.4% and 1%; Fe2O3 between 0.2% and 1%; CaO between 0.1% and 1%; MgO between 0.1% and 1%; K.sub.2O between 0.5% and 2%; Na.sub.2O between 0.1% and 0.5%; and comprising a filler mixture comprising at least one from between a schamotte and a smelting agent.

Calcined kaolin comprising a narrow particle size distribution and a fluxing agent are disclosed herein. In some examples, the calcined kaolin comprises particles, wherein 90% by weight or less of the particles have a diameter of less than 10 microns; 80% by weight or less of the particles have a diameter of less than 5 microns; 40% by weight or less of the particles have a diameter of less than 2 microns; and 20% by weight or less of the particles have a diameter of less than 1 micron. The calcined kaolin exhibits improved brightness, whiteness, particle size distribution, mullite index, and +325 mesh residue level compared to conventional calcined kaolin. Methods of making and using the calcined kaolin particles are also provided herein.

Calcined kaolin comprising a narrow particle size distribution and a fluxing agent are disclosed herein. In some examples, the calcined kaolin comprises particles, wherein 90% by weight or less of the particles have a diameter of less than 10 microns; 80% by weight or less of the particles have a diameter of less than 5 microns; 40% by weight or less of the particles have a diameter of less than 2 microns; and 20% by weight or less of the particles have a diameter of less than 1 micron. The calcined kaolin exhibits improved brightness, whiteness, particle size distribution, mullite index, and +325 mesh residue level compared to conventional calcined kaolin. Methods of making and using the calcined kaolin particles are also provided herein.

The invention relates to a high-performance compacted ceramic material, comprising between 40%-85% by weight of glassy phase, having a density between 2.3 and 3.0 g/cm3, and characterized in that it has an internal porosity of less than 4% by volume. This material is highly resistant to mechanical and chemical action, sparingly permeable and prevents staining, so it is extremely suitable as a building material, particularly for kitchen countertops.