The silica fibers are mixed with water and chemicals, and the mixture is poured into molds, which are zapped in microwave ovens at 2,350 degrees to fuse the silica fibers.
After drying, the blocks were machined to their proper dimensions, coated for strength, and kiln-fired to consolidate, or “sinter.” Wilson demonstrates just how quickly the tile material dissipates heat by touching one straight out of a 2200°F oven.