Patent ID: 8153541

Claim:
A ceramic article comprising: ceramic particles; ceramic fibers having an aspect ratio of greater than or equal to 10:1; and an inorganic binder comprising silica; wherein greater than 90 out of 100 ceramic fibers are randomly oriented in three dimensions in said ceramic article, wherein greater than 85 out of 100 ceramic fibers are spaced at least one ceramic fiber diameter away from an adjacent ceramic fiber, wherein said ceramic article has a consistent density of from 0.9 to 1.1 g/cm 3 in x-, y-, and z-dimensions and has a uniform strength in three dimensions as measured in accordance with ASTM C1424, and wherein said ceramic particles, said ceramic fibers, and said inorganic binder are extruded through a multi-screw extruder having at least three intermeshing screws prior to firing.