Abstract: The invention relates to a process of use for deoxidizing silicon particles comprising at least the steps consisting in: (i) having surface-oxidized silicon particles that have a mean size of less than or equal to 10 ?m, (ii) formulating said particles into the form of aggregates having a mean size ranging from 20 to 300 ?m, (iii) bringing said aggregates from step (ii) into contact with a thermal plasma conveying hydrogen radicals under conditions suitable for the deoxidation thereof and for the non-evaporation thereof, and (iv) recovering a material deoxidized according to step (iii) in a liquid silicon bath.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a silicon ingot having uniform phosphorus concentration. The method includes at least the steps of: (i) providing a quasi-uniform molten silicon bath containing at least phosphorus; and (ii) proceeding to the directional solidification of the silicon, wherein a speed (VI) for solidifying the silicon and a rate (JLV) of evaporation of the phosphorus at the liquid/vapor interface of the bath are controlled such that, at each moment of the directional solidification, the following equation is verified: VI=k?/(2?k) (E), wherein k? is the phosphorus transfer coefficient, and k is the distribution coefficient of the phosphorus in the silicon. Also relates to a silicon ingot having uniform phosphorus concentration across a height of at least 20 cm.

Abstract: The melting and solidification furnace for crystalline material includes a crucible having a bottom and side walls, and means for heating the crystalline material by magnetic induction. The furnace includes at least one lateral thermal insulation system arranged at the periphery of the crucible around the side walls. At least one lateral element of the lateral thermal insulation system moves with respect to the side walls between an insulating position and a position fostering thermal leakage. The lateral thermal insulation system has an electric conductivity of less than 1 S/m and a thermal conductivity of less than 15 W/m/K.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for assembling cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. The cartridges may be assembled by transporting carriages between various substations at which parts are added to a base. In another assembly method, the base may be moved between a plurality of robots which direct the base downwardly into contact with components to couple the components therewith. An inspection system may inspect the cartridges at various stages of completion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for applying a liquid UV-curable primer sealant to natural stone tiles and related articles followed immediately by the exposure to a requisite amount of low intensity UVA-type UV radiation to partially cure the primer sealant. The partial curing, or pre-setting, of the primer sealant enables control of the ultimate depth of penetration of the primer sealer into the natural stone tiles and natural stone articles of which many examples are quite porous. Because the low level UV irradiation is instantaneous after the primer sealant application the level of primer sealant penetration into the natural stone surface is regulated. The pre-curing of the primer sealant is conducted to intentionally solidify or immobilize the sealant that has actually penetrated into the natural stone surface. The uppermost layers of the primer sealant are left in a semi-liquid or uncured state to allow for wetting and intermingling by the top sealant once it is applied.

Abstract: Device (20) for purifying a molten material such as silicon, comprising a chamber (21) comprising a crucible (2; 15) for storing a molten material and a heating device (4) for heating the molten material contained in the crucible, the chamber being equipped with a device (22) for greatly lowering the pressure in the chamber, characterized in that it comprises at least one evaporator (10; 10, 10?) placed inside the chamber to receive part of the molten material, such that this molten material has a large interface with low-pressure vapour present in the chamber (21) to promote and accelerate the purification of the molten material.

Abstract: The crystallization system includes a crucible provided with a bottom and with side walls designed to contain the material to be solidified and a device for creating a main thermal gradient inside the crucible in a perpendicular direction to the bottom of the crucible. An additional inductive heating device is arranged at the level of the side walls of the crucible facing the liquid material and without overlapping with the solid phase. This additional inductive heating device is configured to heat a part of the crystalline material located in the vicinity of the triple contact line between the liquid material, the solidified material and the crucible so that the interface between the liquid material and the solidified material forms a convex meniscus in the vicinity of the triple contact line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for applying a liquid UV-curable primer sealant to natural stone tiles and related articles followed immediately by the exposure to a requisite amount of low intensity UVA-type UV radiation to partially cure the primer sealant. The partial curing, or pre-setting, of the primer sealant enables control of the ultimate depth of penetration of the primer sealer into the natural stone tiles and natural stone articles of which many examples are quite porous. Because the low level UV irradiation is instantaneous after the primer sealant application the level of primer sealant penetration into the natural stone surface is regulated. The pre-curing of the primer sealant is conducted to intentionally solidify or immobilize the sealant that has actually penetrated into the natural stone surface. The uppermost layers of the primer sealant are left in a semi-liquid or uncured state to allow for wetting and intermingling by the top sealant once it is applied.

Abstract: The melting and solidification furnace for crystalline material includes a crucible having a bottom and side walls, and means for heating the crystalline material by magnetic induction. The furnace includes at least one lateral thermal insulation system arranged at the periphery of the crucible around the side walls. At least one lateral element of the lateral thermal insulation system moves with respect to the side walls between an insulating position and a position fostering thermal leakage. The lateral thermal insulation system has an electric conductivity of less than 1 S/m and a thermal conductivity of less than 15 W/m/K.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for applying a liquid UV-curable primer sealant to natural stone tiles and related articles followed immediately by the exposure to a requisite amount of low intensity UVA-type UV radiation to partially cure the primer sealant. The partial curing, or pre-setting, of the primer sealant enables control of the ultimate depth of penetration of the primer sealer into the natural stone tiles and natural stone articles of which many examples are quite porous. Because the low level UV irradiation is instantaneous after the primer sealant application the level of primer sealant penetration into the natural stone surface is regulated. The pre-curing of the primer sealant is conducted to intentionally solidify or immobilize the sealant that has actually penetrated into the natural stone surface. The uppermost layers of the primer sealant are left in a semi-liquid or uncured state to allow for wetting and intermingling by the top sealant once it is applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of sealing natural stone tiles and stone articles by applying and curing by UV radiation a liquid, solventless sealant onto natural stone tiles and articles to provide permanent protection, abrasion resistance, chemical and stain resistance and resistance to mold and other biological growth stains. The UV-curable solventless sealing composition comprises an effective amount of carboxyl functional, UV-curable reagent to provide for adhesion of the cured coating to the stone article. Additionally, the method describes the application of an optional liquid primer sealant comprising a UV-curable aqueous dispersion of an acrylate-functional resin.

Abstract: Provided is a novel method for sealing natural stone. The method comprises applying a base coat comprising a synthetic polymer, drying the base coat, applying a UV-cure topcoat, volatizing organic solvents from the topcoat, and curing the UV-cure topcoat by exposure to UV light. The UV-cure topcoat used in the method comprises an acrylate oligomer, photoinitiators, and flow and wetting additives. Methods are also provided wherein the topcoat further comprises a fungal inhibitor. The described methods provide a coating with excellent adhesion, and a smoother, more uniform topcoat. Moreover, this coating system allows moisture to migrate from the back side of tile through the coatings to evaporate to the surface, a feature critical to preventing deterioration of the stone over time.

Abstract: A decorative glass ornament may be formed from glass material and then caused to crack to produce an effect similar to that exhibited by naturally-occurring quartz: the glass is cracked or veined in random patterns. Glass material is heated and molded into a desired shape, and then, prior to substantial cooling, is dipped in a liquid medium having a lower temperature, causing cracks to form. Alternatively, a pre-shaped glass crystal may be caused to crack to produce a decorative ornament displaying similar effects. Epoxy paint may be applied to the ornaments after they have cracked, to produce additional visual effects.