Gypsum panels exhibiting improved fire-resistance properties are provided. The gypsum panels comprise a first additive package, having intumescent properties, and a second additive package, exhibiting structural integrity at high temperatures. Methods of making such gypsum panels, and compositions used to prepare such gypsum panels are also provided.

Disclosed is a multilayer sintered ceramic body comprising at least one first layer comprising polycrystalline YAG, wherein the at least one first layer has at least one surface; and at least one second layer comprising magnesium aluminate spinel, wherein the at least one surface of the at least one first layer comprises pores wherein the pores have a maximum size of from 0.1 to 5 pm as measured by SEM, and wherein each of the at least one first layer and the at least one second layer has a coefficient of thermal expansion (GTE), wherein the GTE of the at least one first layer and the GTE of the at least one second layer differ from 0 to 0.610.sup.6/ C. Methods of making are also disclosed.

Disclosed is a composite gypsum board comprising a set gypsum core disposed between face (e.g., Manila) and back (e.g., Newsline) cover sheets. The set gypsum core is formed from a core slurry comprising stucco, water, and optional additives, such as foaming agent, migrating starch, accelerator, retarder, dispersant, etc. A dense layer formed from a dense layer slurry comprising stucco, water, fiber (e.g., paper fiber), and optionally, strength-enhancing starch, is disposed between the core and the face paper. The dense layer slurry contains a greater concentration of fiber, and optionally, strength-enhancing starch, than the core slurry, but the concentration of one or more other additives (e.g., accelerator, retarder, dispersant, or combinations thereof) is lower or the same in the dense slurry as compared with the core slurry. Also disclosed is a method of making board using one board mixer. In embodiments, paper fiber is added to water to form a suspension. The suspension is introduced, while in a non-laminar state, into the dense slurry. Further disclosed is apparatus, such as an extractor and an additive injection system, which can be a part of a cementitious slurry mixing and dispensing assembly.

A method for manufacturing an item (1) comprising a through-decoration (2) forming a so-called backlit plique--jour enamel, the method including obtaining a blank (5); removing part of the blank (5) from the inner face (5b) of the blank (5) to produce a decoration (2a) that does not pass through to the outer face (5a); depositing, from the inner face (5b), one or more layers of enamel (3) within the non-through decoration (2a); depositing, from the inner face (5b), a layer of luminescent material (4) on the enamel (3); depositing a protective layer (6) on the layer of luminescent material (4); and machining the outer face (5a) to reveal the enamel. Also, the related item.

A method for manufacturing an item (1) including a through-decoration (2) filled with an enamel (3) to form a plique--jour enamel. The method includes: obtaining a blank (5) defined with an upper face (5a) and a lower face (5b) opposite the upper face (5a); removing part of the blank (5) from the upper face (5a) to produce a decoration (2a) that does not pass through to the lower face (5b) or, alternatively, in the previous step, obtaining said blank (5) directly with the non-through decoration (2a); depositing one or more layers of enamel (3) within the non-through decoration (2a) and firing the enamel (3) after each 10 layer has been deposited; machining, preferably by grinding, the lower face (5b) to reveal the enamel (3) and thus produce the item (1) with the through-decoration (2) filled with enamel (3).

A method for engraving and texturing an item (1) including a decoration (2) filled at least partially with an enamel (3), the method including a laser ablation step using a femtosecond or picosecond laser on the surface of the enamel (3) and/or within the enamel (3) to produce a structure (7).

A method and apparatus to manufacture gypsum board that directs a first portion of aqueous gypsum slurry to a front cover sheet, directs a second portion of aqueous gypsum slurry to a back cover sheet, passes the back cover sheet over a roller spaced above the front cover sheet so that a majority of the second aqueous gypsum slurry falls off the back cover sheet onto the first portion of aqueous gypsum slurry on the front cover sheet. A gypsum board made by the method or apparatus.