James Hardie Technology Limited

Noel E Thompson

Hamid Hojaji

David Leslie Melmeth

Thinh Pham

Huagang Zhang

James A McFarlane

Amlan Datta

James A Mcfarlane

David L Melmeth

A synthetic microsphere having a low alkali metal oxide content and methods of forming the microsphere and its components are provided. The synthetic microsphere is substantially chemically inert and thus a suitable replacement for natural cenospheres, particularly in caustic environments such as cementitious mixtures. The synthetic microsphere can be made from an agglomerate precursor that includes an aluminosilicate material, such as fly ash, a blowing agent such as sugar, carbon black, and silicon carbide, and a binding agent. The synthetic microsphere is produced when the precursor is fired at a pre-determined temperature profile so as to form either solid or hollow synthetic microspheres depending on the processing conditions and/or components used.

Synthetic microspheres and methods of making same

Synthetic microspheres comprising aluminosilicate and methods of making same

A building product incorporating synthetic microspheres having a low alkali metal oxide content is provided. The synthetic microspheres are substantially chemically inert and thus a suitable replacement for cenospheres derived from coal combustion, particularly in caustic environments such as cementitious mixtures. The building product can have a cementitious matrix such as a fiber cement product. The synthetic microspheres can be incorporated as a low density additive and/or a filler for the building product and/or the like.

Growing community of inventors

Carlingford, Australia

Noel E Thompson