| abstract |
There is disclosed a method of producing a cellular ceramic body of high mechanical strength and exhibiting a density less than 15 lbs/ft3. A crystal-containing gel, prepared from a selected, synthetic, lithium and/or sodium, water-swelling mica, is ion exchanged with a large cation to flocculate the gel and the floc is drained and provided with a gas producing agent. The floc is then molded to desired shape and subjected to gas-producing radiation to cellulate the molded body. The cellulating agent may be retained water, one or more chemical blowing agents, a combustible substance or a vaporizable substance. The floc, in slurry form, may have a thickener added to produce a paste prior to molding. It may also have a plasticizer and/or a binder added as modifiers. |