Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device and a method for sintering. The device for sintering comprises an electrically conductive first component, an electrically conductive second component and at least one electrically conductive surface element for heating a green body to be sintered. The first component and the second component are movable relative to each other and/or relative to the surface element such that an electrical circuit comprising the first component, the surface element and the second component can be closed by the relative movement. In this way, a rapid sintering process is enabled on an industrial scale. The device can be integrated in a particularly simple manner into existing sintering plants, for example, a FAST/SPS sintering plant.

Abstract: A method for producing a transparent polycrystalline ceramic includes forming at least one planar transparent region near a surface within the ceramic, wherein the at least one planar transparent region has a lower thermal expansion coefficient than other regions of the ceramic. The method further includes generating compressive stresses in the at least one planar transparent region near the surface after a thermal treatment and cooling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a metal or ceramic component having regions of differing porosities. The method includes subjecting powder or a presintered precursor to a pressure-assisted pressing and sintering step, using at least one punch for the pressing step. The at least one punch has a contact surface that is intended for making contact with the powder or the presintered precursor and that has a flat outer region and an inner region having a concave recess. After the sintering step, a component is obtained that has a flat outer compacted region having a first porosity and an inner porous region having a second porosity. The component has, on at least one side, a defined transition region between the outer region and the inner region.

Abstract: A method for producing a transparent polycrystalline ceramic includes forming at least one planar transparent region near a surface within the ceramic, wherein the at least one planar transparent region has a lower thermal expansion coefficient than other regions of the ceramic. The method further includes generating compressive stresses in the at least one planar transparent region near the surface after a thermal treatment and cooling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a metal or ceramic component, wherein powder or a pre-sintered component is used, and the component is produced via a pressure-supported compacting and sintering step by means of at least one ram. According to the invention, a ram is used, the contact surface of which has an outer flat region and at least one inner region with a concave recess, whereby a component with regions of different porosities is produced during the compacting and sintering step at a maximum temperature (T1) and a predetermined force. With said method, it is possible to produce a metal or ceramic component in two method steps or preferably in only one method step, in such a way that the component has an outer flat region and at least one inner region with a convex elevation, and wherein the porosity of the outer flat region is significantly lower than the porosity of the inner region.

Abstract: Storage material, for storing electrical energy by reduction or oxidation of an active component, comprises the active component in at least a reduced and/or oxidized form and a reactive framework structure that is capable of chemically integrating at least one form of the active component in the form of a mixed oxide or an alloy into the reactive framework structure during the charging or discharging process. In the case of an oxidic framework structure, said integration can occur by formation of at least one stable mixed oxide of the active component and an oxide from the framework structure. In the case of the metallic framework structure, said integration can occur by forming an alloy of active component and at least one metal of the framework structure.

Abstract: A storage material for storing electrical energy by reduction or oxidation of an active component, wherein the storage material, in addition to the active component, additionally has a reactive framework structure in at least a reduced and/or oxidized form, which is capable of chemically integrating at least one form of the active component in the form of a mixed oxide or an alloy into the framework structure during the charging or discharging process. This integration can occur in the case of an oxidic framework structure, in particular, in the formation of at least one stable mixed oxide of the active component and an oxide from the framework structure. In the ease of the metallic framework structure, the integration occurs by forming an alloy of active components and at least one metal of the framework structure. The capability of the framework structure to integrate the active component is dependent on the general conditions of temperature and oxygen partial pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing semi-finished products from a shape memory alloy, particularly an NiTi shape memory alloy, wherein a powder is first produced from a shape memory alloy, and subsequently the powder is divided into a coarse fraction and a fine fraction in a separating cut T. While the fine fraction is required, in particular, for the production of a first semi-finished product, employing the metal injection molding (MIM) method, the coarse fraction can be used for the production of a second semi-finished product, employing the hot isostatic pressing (HIP) method. The advantages of the invention can be summarized as follows. The MIM method for producing semi-finished products from a shape memory alloy is qualitatively improved and more cost-effective to implement if the coarse fraction that is typically obtained during powder production, but not used for the MIM process, can advantageously be supplied to a further process, in this case the HIP process.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide is separated from a flue gas produced in a combustion plant. Flue gas is supplied to a membrane unit having at least one membrane module provided with a membrane that is selective for CO2. A portion of the CO2 is separated from the flue gas in the module, producing a CO2-enriched permeate. CO2-depleted flue gas remaining on the retentate side of the module is supplied to at least one additional CO2 separating unit and a portion of the CO2 in the retentate is separated by an absorbent. The result is a reduction in energy consumption.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating carbon dioxide from a flue gas from energy conversion, wherein the flue gas is first supplied to a membrane unit, comprising at least one membrane module having a CO2-selective membrane, with a portion of the CO2 being separated in the module from the flue gas as an enriched CO2 permeate. The flue gas thus depleted (retentate) is subsequently supplied to at least one additional CO2 separating unit, in which a portion of the CO2 is separated from the flue gas by an adsorbent or absorbent. Also disclosed is a device that is suitable for carrying out the aforementioned methods for separating CO2 from a flue gas using a membrane unit, comprising at least one membrane module having a CO2-selective membrane and having an additional CO2 separating unit, comprising an adsorbent or absorbent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing semi-finished products from a shape memory alloy, particularly an NiTi shape memory alloy, wherein a powder is first produced from a shape memory alloy, and subsequently the powder is divided into a coarse fraction and a fine fraction in a separating cut T. While the fine fraction is required, in particular, for the production of a first semi-finished product, employing the metal injection molding (MIM) method, the coarse fraction can be used for the production of a second semi-finished product, employing the hot isostatic pressing (HIP) method. The advantages of the invention can be summarized as follows. The MIM method for producing semi-finished products from a shape memory alloy is qualitatively improved and more cost-effective to implement if the coarse fraction that is typically obtained during powder production, but not used for the MIM process, can advantageously be supplied to a further process, in this case the HIP process.

Abstract: A method for separating carbon dioxide from a flue gas using a membrane (membrane module) is characterized in that the flue gas is at temperatures above the condensation point of the water vapor before entering the membrane separation stage. In this way, condensation of any potentially entrained water vapor out of the flue gas is avoided, so as to consistently prevent clogging of the membrane pores. The high temperatures can be achieved in different ways. The temperature of the flue gas can easily be increased to the necessary temperatures by way of an upstream heat exchanger or a burner. A compressor, which is connected upstream of the membrane module and also advantageously increases the CO2 partial pressure, brings about the necessary temperature increase at the same time. As a further alternative for the invention, the CO2 separation is performed even before desulfurizing the flue gas.

Abstract: Provided are implants having a porous coating, comprising an implant core made of solid material and a sleeve fitted thereon, wherein the sleeve comprises an outer porous region in addition to an inner non-porous region. The invention further provides a method for joining the solid implant core and a sleeve comprising an outer porous region as well as an inner non-porous region.

Abstract: A high-temperature fuel cell having a metallic support structure, which has through openings for a gas, for the solid oxide functional layers, a fine-pored intermediate structure made of nickel or a nickel alloy being provided between the coarse-pored support structure and the functional layer facing toward it. The fine-pored intermediate structure is preferably formed by a mesh having a mesh width of a magnitude less than 80 ?m, while the support structure is a perforated sheet or a perforated foil. A fuel cell may be produced where the fine-pored intermediate structure is welded to the coarse-pored support structure, and catalytically active anode material is then introduced into the pores of intermediate structure.

Abstract: A porous near-net-shape metallic parts with an open porosity of at least 10% by volume is made by first forming an injectable mass of a metallic powder of stainless steel, Ti, NiTi, or a titanium alloy, at least one thermoplastic binder, and at least one place holder. The mass then injection molded into the shape of the part to be produced, cooled, set in a capillary-active material, and subjected to a first-stage binder removal to produce an open porosity. The place holder is then removed at least partially from the part with a fluid, and the part is subjected to a thermal binder-removing process. Finally the part is sintered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-temperature resistant seal, particularly a seal for use in a high-temperature fuel cell. The inventive seal comprises a structured metallic layer having at least one area on whose surface a filler is placed. The filler is comprised, in particular, of clay minerals or ceramic materials. The seal thus advantageously combines the sealing properties of a metallic layer, for example, of an undulated metal foil with the elastic properties of the filler. The seal is particularly suited for use at high temperatures and thus, for example, in high-temperature fuel cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing highly porous, metallic molded bodies. The inventive method consists of the following steps: a metallic powder used as a starting material is mixed with a dummy; a green body is pressed out of the mixture; the green body is subjected to conventional mechanical machining, the dummy advantageously increasing the stability of the green body; the dummy material is thermally separated from the green body by means of air, a vacuum or an inert gas; and the green body is sintered to form the molded body and is then advantageously finished. Suitable materials for the dummy are, for example, ammonium bicarbonate or carbamide. The mechanical machining carried out before the sintering advantageously enables a simple production close to the desired final contours, even for complicated geometries of the molded body to be produced, without impairing the porosity, and without high wear of the tools.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modified powder injection molding method which is advantageously used for producing highly porous, near net-shaped parts having complex geometries from initial metallic and/or ceramic powders. The placeholders that are used are non-toxic and can be quickly and almost entirely removed from the parts. Said placeholders make it possible to specifically adjust the pore sizes of the parts within a range of 20 ?m to 2 mm and the porosities thereof within a range of 10 to 85 percent by volume, the distribution of pores being very homogeneous. The duration of the entire process is determined to a considerable degree by the removal of the binder and the placeholders. The total time required from the step of preliminary surface-active binder removal is no more than 14 to 20 hours, even if preliminary thermal binder removal is added (for metal powders and ceramic powders <20 ?m).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing highly porous, metallic moulded bodies. The inventive method consists of the following steps: a metallic powder used as a starting material is mixed with a dummy; a green body is pressed out of the mixture; the green body is subjected to conventional mechanical machining, the dummy advantageously increasing the stability of the green body; the dummy material is thermally separated from the green body by means of air, a vacuum or an inert gas; and the green body is sintered to form the moulded body and is then advantageously finished. Suitable materials for the dummy are, for example, ammonium bicarbonate or carbamide. The mechanical machining carried out before the sintering advantageously enables a simple production close to the desired final contours, even for complicated geometries of the moulded body to be produced, without impairing the porosity, and without high wear of the tools.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-temperature resistant seal, particularly a seal for use in a high-temperature fuel cell. The inventive seal comprises a structured metallic layer having at least one area on whose surface a filler is placed. The filler is comprised, in particular, of clay minerals or ceramic materials. The seal thus advantageously combines the sealing properties of a metallic layer, for example, of an undulated metal foil with the elastic properties of the filler. The seal is particularly suited for use at high temperatures and thus, for example, in high-temperature fuel cells.