Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
344 words
A process for the preparation of a molded tile product, said process comprising the steps of: (a) (i) preparing a first composition suitable to provide a first foamed phosphate ceramic material when permitted to foam, said first composition comprising calcium silicate, phosphoric acid, a metal oxide and a carbonate foaming agent; (ii) diposing a layer of said first composition on a releasable support surface, said support surface comprising regions which are suitable to selectively provide an open-celled character to a first foamed layer as said first composition is permitted to foam; (iii) providing an edge frame suitable to engage with said support surface to create a mold cavity suitable for the preparation of a molded tile, the surface of said edge frame being composed of a material which will provide a closed-celled character to the edges of a molded tile prepared within said frame, said edge frame selectively providing edge detail to said tile; (iv) permitting said first composition to foam and cure in said cavity to form a first foamed layer; (b) (i) preparing a second composition suitable to provide a second foamed phosphate ceramic material, said second composition comprising calcium silicate, phosphoric acid, a metal oxide and a carbonate foaming agent, the components of said second composition being selected such that the second foamed ceramic material will be more dense than said first foamed ceramic material; (ii) disposing a layer of said second composition over said first foamed layer in said cavity; (iii) providing a cover for said cavity, said cover comprising a release coating material which is suitable to provide a closed-celled character to a second foamed layer when said second layer is permitted to foam in contact with said cover; (iv) permitting said second composition to foam and cure under self-induced pressure in said cavity so as to be in substantial contact with said cover and said frame, to form a second foamed layer, whereby said second foamed layer is provided with a closed-celled character and a higher density tnan said first foamed layer; and, (c) demolding the cured tile.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
344 words
A process for the preparation of a molded tile product, said process comprising the steps of: (a) (i) preparing a first composition suitable to provide a first foamed phosphate ceramic material when permitted to foam, said first composition comprising calcium silicate, phosphoric acid, a metal oxide and a carbonate foaming agent; (ii) diposing a layer of said first composition on a releasable support surface, said support surface comprising regions which are suitable to selectively provide an open-celled character to a first foamed layer as said first composition is permitted to foam; (iii) providing an edge frame suitable to engage with said support surface to create a mold cavity suitable for the preparation of a molded tile, the surface of said edge frame being composed of a material which will provide a closed-celled character to the edges of a molded tile prepared within said frame, said edge frame selectively providing edge detail to said tile; (iv) permitting said first composition to foam and cure in said cavity to form a first foamed layer; (b) (i) preparing a second composition suitable to provide a second foamed phosphate ceramic material, said second composition comprising calcium silicate, phosphoric acid, a metal oxide and a carbonate foaming agent, the components of said second composition being selected such that the second foamed ceramic material will be more dense than said first foamed ceramic material; (ii) disposing a layer of said second composition over said first foamed layer in said cavity; (iii) providing a cover for said cavity, said cover comprising a release coating material which is suitable to provide a closed-celled character to a second foamed layer when said second layer is permitted to foam in contact with said cover; (iv) permitting said second composition to foam and cure under self-induced pressure in said cavity so as to be in substantial contact with said cover and said frame, to form a second foamed layer, whereby said second foamed layer is provided with a closed-celled character and a higher density tnan said first foamed layer; and, (c) demolding the cured tile.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The process as set forth in claim 1 hereof comprising the additional step of post-heating the cured tile.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process as set forth in claim 2 hereof wherein said post-heating is achieved within one hour after curing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process as set forth in claim 2 hereof wherein said post-heating is achieved within not more than three hours after curing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process as set forth in claim 2 hereof wherein said post-heating is achieved at not less than about 150° C.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process as set forth in claim 1 hereof wherein said first and second layer have substantially the same chemical composition.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process as set forth in claim 1 hereof wherein said first and second foamed layer have different chemical compositions.