The invention relates to a method which enables sleepers to be produced for the railway track superstructure having optimised performance characteristics, in a reliable and cost-effective manner. The method according to the invention provides the following production steps: a) providing a mixture 10-60 % mass of which consists of a granulate of a plastic, which is deformable by applying heat, and the remainder of which consists of a sand having a bulk density of 1.4-2.0 g/cm.sup.3; b) heating the mixture to a temperature of 150-200 C.; c) pouring the mixture into a press mould reproducing the sleeper; d) pressing the mixture in the mould at a pressing pressure measured in the mixture of 1-5 MPa over a pressing period of up to 60 minutes; and e) removing the sleeper from the mould.

The invention relates to a method which enables sleepers to be produced for the railway track superstructure having optimised performance characteristics, in a reliable and cost-effective manner. The method according to the invention provides the following production steps: a) providing a mixture 10-60 % mass of which consists of a granulate of a plastic, which is deformable by applying heat, and the remainder of which consists of a sand having a bulk density of 1.4-2.0 g/cm.sup.3; b) heating the mixture to a temperature of 150-200 C.; c) pouring the mixture into a press mould reproducing the sleeper; d) pressing the mixture in the mould at a pressing pressure measured in the mixture of 1-5 MPa over a pressing period of up to 60 minutes; and e) removing the sleeper from the mould.

Asphalt packets and methods of making and using asphalt packets are provided. For example, an asphalt packet can be provided that include asphalt that comprises an inner volume and a polymer film outer coating that encapsulates the inner volume of the asphalt. The polymer film outer coating can be non-tacky at ambient temperatures to permit stacking of a plurality of asphalt packets under weight without causing the packets to agglomerate.

Asphalt packets and methods of making and using asphalt packets are provided. For example, an asphalt packet can be provided that include asphalt that comprises an inner volume and a polymer film outer coating that encapsulates the inner volume of the asphalt. The polymer film outer coating can be non-tacky at ambient temperatures to permit stacking of a plurality of asphalt packets under weight without causing the packets to agglomerate.

A method of manufacturing a highly insulating three-dimensional (3D) structure is provided. The method includes depositing a first layer of hollow microspheres onto a base. The hollow microspheres have a metallic coating formed thereon. A laser beam is scanned over the hollow microspheres so as to sinter the metallic coating of the hollow microspheres at predetermined locations. At least one layer of the hollow microspheres is deposited onto the first layer. Scanning by the laser beam is repeated for each successive layer until a predetermined 3D structure is constructed. The 3D structure includes a composite thermal barrier coating (TBC), which may be applied to a surface of components within an internal combustion engine, and the like. The composite TBC is bonded to the components of the engine to provide low thermal conductivity and low heat capacity insulation that is sealed against combustion gasses.

A method of manufacturing a highly insulating three-dimensional (3D) structure is provided. The method includes depositing a first layer of hollow microspheres onto a base. The hollow microspheres have a metallic coating formed thereon. A laser beam is scanned over the hollow microspheres so as to sinter the metallic coating of the hollow microspheres at predetermined locations. At least one layer of the hollow microspheres is deposited onto the first layer. Scanning by the laser beam is repeated for each successive layer until a predetermined 3D structure is constructed. The 3D structure includes a composite thermal barrier coating (TBC), which may be applied to a surface of components within an internal combustion engine, and the like. The composite TBC is bonded to the components of the engine to provide low thermal conductivity and low heat capacity insulation that is sealed against combustion gasses.

A process to prepare a solid cement composition; includes adding a meltable compound to an aqueous slurry of cement and; mixing until a homogeneous dispersion is obtained. The dispersion is placed in a mould, where the dispersion is set by hydration. Part of the meltable compound is melted at a temperature range of which the maximum is above the melting point of the meltable compound and a minimum below the melting point of the meltable compound. A material, either still as a dispersion or an already setting cement is exposed to heat development or a temperature gradient such that the temperature is at least above the congealing point of the meltable compound to obtain a solid cement composition.

This geopolymer molding production method comprises: a mixing step (S1) for mixing a first material containing aluminum and silicon with a hydrate of an alkali stimulant containing a hydrate of an alkaline hydroxide and/or a hydrate of an alkaline silicate; a compaction step (S2) for compacting the mixture obtained in the mixing step (S1) into a compacted mixture; and a curing step (S3) for curing the compacted mixture.

This geopolymer molding production method comprises: a mixing step (S1) for mixing a first material containing aluminum and silicon with a hydrate of an alkali stimulant containing a hydrate of an alkaline hydroxide and/or a hydrate of an alkaline silicate; a compaction step (S2) for compacting the mixture obtained in the mixing step (S1) into a compacted mixture; and a curing step (S3) for curing the compacted mixture.

The invention comprises a method comprising heating a solid, naturally occurring mineral so that at least a portion of the solid naturally occurring mineral melts to form an at least partially molten naturally occurring mineral and quenching the at least partially molten naturally occurring mineral in water so that at least a portion of the quenched naturally occurring mineral is in amorphous form.