A lightweight, high-strength proppant is disclosed, comprising the formation of finely dispersed
ceramic precursors and
sintering at low temperatures, causing the formation and retention of mesopores and micropores in pelletized
ceramic. A method of manufacturing such a proppant is also disclosed, comprising the steps of manufacturing finely divided
ceramic precursors and additives using
grinding, milling, and preferably
sol-gel processes, and dispersing the finely divided ceramic precursors and additives in a liquid, preferably water. The dispersion has a
viscosity profile, which permits the shaping of spheres using conventional
pelletizing techniques.
Drying of the
pellets and
sintering at temperatures below 1,400.degrees. C. forms and retains mesopores and micropores in the ceramic. Preferred total pore volumes range from 0.05 to 0.7 cm.sup.3 / g. The pelletized and porous ceramic is useful as lightweight and high-strength proppants.