Inventors:
Joseph W. Malmendier - Big Flats NY
Carol F. Pride - Big Flats NY
Randy L. Rhoads - Horseheads NY
Robert J. Schlaufman - Elmira NY
Robert D. Shoup - Corning NY
Assignee:
Corning Glass Works - Corning NY
International Classification:
C03B 1910
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for producing low density, ceramic bodies in the nature of hollow or solid beads which may be used as such or bonded into a unitary mass. The bodies are composed of ion-exchanged, synthetic mica crystals wherein large cations, such as K. sup. +, have been exchanged for lithium and/or sodium ions from the mica. The method involves forming a gel by dissolution of a synthetic mica in a polar liquid, releasing droplets of the gel into a fluid to form shaped bodies, effecting the indicated ion exchange, and drying the beads thus formed.