Abstract: Backerboards comprising a shaped cut or groove the allows bending of the backerboard into an L-shaped corner with a rounded outer surface and sharp inner surface are useful for supporting bullnose tile pieces.

Abstract: Backerboards comprising a shaped cut or groove the allows bending of the backerboard into an L-shaped corner with a rounded outer surface and sharp inner surface are useful for supporting bullnose tile pieces.

Abstract: A fabricated article made from two or more discrete sections of a single composite board. The composite board has a planar core with opposing first and second flat sides and a coating of solidified, cement-like mortar disposed on at least one side of the core. The coating has a reinforcement layer disposed therein. Form one or more shapes or cuts in the board that extend through one first side of the core and any coating thereon (with embedded reinforcement layer) and through the second side of the core, but not through the coating and reinforcement layer of the second side. Fabricate the article by bending the two or more discrete sections at the shape or cut and joining them in a fixed position by applying an adhesive to the shape or cut. Alternately, pieces of core, or pieces of core with coating, and, optionally, reinforcement, can be adhesively joined. One can also apply a coating of cement—like mortar, optionally, with an embedded reinforcement to the joined pieces.

Abstract: The invention is a complex-shaped article, comprising an article prepared by joining at least one multi-phase ceramic-metal part and at least one shaped part of another material, wherein the theoretical density of the at least one ceramic-metal part is greater than 80 percent.In another aspect, the invention is a process for preparing complex-shaped articles, comprising:(a) forming at least one ceramic-metal part;(b) forming at least one shaped part of another material; and(c) joining the at least one shaped ceramic-metal part with the at least one shaped part of another material such that a complex-shaped article is formed.The invention is a less costly and time-consuming process for preparing complex-shaped composite articles wherein the articles are formed of two or more selected materials wherein one of the materials is a ceramic-metal composite.

Abstract: Hard disk drive components, such as, sliders, load beams, support arms, actuators, actuator bearings, spacers, clamps, spindles, ball bearings, thrust bearings, journal bearings, base plates, housings, and covers, formed of a multi-phase ceramic-based material. One method of making the hard disk drive components includes (a) forming a porous body of ceramic; (b) infiltrating a liquid into the pores of the ceramic body; (c) solidifying the infiltrated liquid; and (d) machining the metal-infiltrated ceramic body to form the hard disk drive component.