Monolith-holding element, process for producing the same, catalytic converter using a monolith member and process for producing the same

摘要

PCT No. PCT/JP96/01017 Sec. 371 Date Apr. 11, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Apr. 11, 1997 PCT Filed Apr. 12, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO96/32574 PCT Pub. Date Oct. 17, 1996A monolith-holding element adapted to be used in an exhaust system of internal combustion engines, a process for producing the monolith-holding element, a catalytic converter and a process for producing the catalytic converter are disclosed, in which the specific monolith-holding element is produced by uniformly dispersing an organic binder in a compressed alumina fiber mat, exhibits a thickness-restoring property when the organic binder is thermally decomposed by the contact with a high-temperature exhaust gases, and supports a monolith by exerting a surface pressure on an outer peripheral surface of the monolith and an inner peripheral surface of the metal casing. The monolith-holding element has an excellent durability and gas-sealing properties and the catalytic converter can withstand severe vibration and impact for a long period of time.