Lightweight silicate aggregate
AssigneeDiamond Shamrock Corporation
InventorsRalph E. Temple, William T. Gooding, Jr.
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Abstract
An improved process for the preparation of an expanded, water insoluble silicate aggregate. Anhydrous alkali metal silicate is hydrated in the presence of a curing agent, then is subjected to rapid thermal expansion. The process eliminates the use of liquid silicates, and the reaction is conducted in an essentially dry state. The expanded product has extremely low bulk density. When combined with a suitable binder and applied to various substrates, the aggregate functions as an excellent thermal barrier.
Claims6
A process for the preparation of a silicate aggregate, which process comprises the steps of:
- (a) mixing anhydrous alkali metal silicate and sufficient boron-containing curing agent to provide a boron content of about 0.5-2.5 percent in the mixture,
- (b) adding water to provide at least about 17 percent, by weight, of the total mixture,
- (c) mixing until a homogeneous, free-flowing composition is obtained,
- (d) curing the composition until the silicate is hydrated, while maintaining the composition in a substantially nonliquid state.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.