Abstract: The present application provides a method for manufacturing a metal alloy foam. The present application can provide a method for manufacturing a metal alloy foam, which is capable of forming a metal alloy foam comprising uniformly formed pores and having excellent mechanical properties as well as the desired porosity, and a metal alloy foam having the above characteristics. In addition, the present application can provide a method capable of forming a metal alloy foam in which the above-mentioned physical properties are ensured, while being in the form of a thin film or sheet, within a fast process time, and such a metal alloy foam.

Abstract: Ceramic and ceramic composite components suitable for high temperature applications and methods of manufacturing such components. The components are formed by a displacive compensation of porosity (DCP) process and are suitable for use at operating temperatures above 600° C., and preferably above 1400° C., and possess superior mechanical properties.

Abstract: Provided is anisotropic graphite for producing an anisotropic graphite composite having excellent thermal conduction property and excellent long-term reliability as a heat dissipating member. Given an X axis, a Y axis orthogonal to the X axis, and a Z axis perpendicular to a plane defined by the X axis and the Y axis, and a crystal orientation plane of the anisotropic graphite is parallel to an X-Z plane, and a specific number of holes each having a specific size are formed in at least one surface out of surfaces of the anisotropic graphite which are parallel to an X-Y plane.

Abstract: Lensed antennas are provided that include a plurality of radiating elements and a lens positioned to receive electromagnetic radiation from at least one of the radiating elements, the lens comprising a composite dielectric material. The composite dielectric material comprises expandable gas-filled microspheres that are mixed with an inert binder, dielectric support materials such as foamed microspheres and particles of conductive material that are mixed together.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component and method of fabrication including a plurality of counterflow elongated functional features. The CMC component includes a plurality of longitudinally extending ceramic matrix composite plies forming a densified body and a plurality of elongated functional features formed therein the densified body. Each of the plurality of functional features is configured longitudinally extending and in alignment with the plurality of ceramic matrix composite plies. Each of the plurality of elongated functional features includes an inlet configured in cross-ply configuration. The plurality of elongated functional features are configured to provide a flow of fluid from a fluid source to an exterior of the ceramic matrix composite component. The plurality of functional features are configured in alternating flow configuration.

Abstract: A slurry or slip composed of a dispersion medium and a dispersoid including sinterable raw material powder containing a complex oxide powder represented by the following formula (1): (Tb1-x-yRxScy)3(Al1-zScz)5O12??(1) wherein R is yttrium and/or lutetium, 0.05?x<0.45, 0<y<0.1, 0.5<1-x-y<0.95, and 0.004<z<0.2 is prepared; the slurry or slip is subsequently enclosed in a mold container to be subjected to solid-liquid separation by centrifugal casting to mold a cast compact; the cast compact is dried thereafter; a dried compact is degreased; a degreased compact is sintered thereafter; and a sintered body is further subjected to a hot isostatic pressing treatment to obtain the transparent ceramic material composed of the sintered body of garnet-type rare earth complex oxide represented by the formula (1).

Abstract: A three-dimensional, additive manufacturing system is disclosed. The first and second printer modules form sequences of first patterned single-layer objects and second patterned single-layer objects on the first and second carrier substrates, respectively. The patterned single-layer objects are assembled into a three-dimensional object on the assembly plate of the assembly station. A controller controls the sequences and patterns of the patterned single-layer objects formed at the printer modules, and a sequence of assembly of the first patterned single-layer objects and the second patterned single-layer objects into the three-dimensional object on the assembly plate. The first transfer module transfers the first patterned single-layer objects from the first carrier substrate to the assembly apparatus in a first transfer zone and the second transfer module transfers the second patterned single-layer objects from the second carrier substrate to the assembly apparatus in a second transfer zone.

Abstract: A process for assembling a device including first and second parts made of first and second materials, respectively, and a third part made of a third material that acts as an intermediate part enabling the assembling, the process including: providing a preform made from an at least partially amorphous metal material capable of increasing its volume under temperature and pressure conditions; placing the first and second parts with the preform between two cavity plates having, the negative shape of the device; heating the assembly to a temperature between the glass transition temperature and the crystallization temperature of the preform to enable, at latest during the heating, the preform to be in a form of a foam and enable expansion of the preform to fill the negative shape of the device and form the third part; cooling the assembly to solidify the preform and separate the device from the cavity plates.

Abstract: Disclosed are a micrometer/nanometer silver-loaded barium titanate foam ceramic and a preparation method therefor. An organic additive is used as an auxiliary; deionized water is used as a solvent; nanometer barium titanate is used as a ceramic raw material; and same are mixed and ground so as to form a slurry. A pre-treated polymer sponge is impregnated in the slurry for slurry coating treatment and a barium titanate foam ceramic blank is obtained after drying; and then a barium titanate foam ceramic is obtained through sintering. Through dopamine modification, micrometer/nanometer silver is in-situ deposited on a skeleton surface so as to obtain a modified micrometer/nanometer silver-loaded barium titanate foam ceramic. The modified micrometer/nanometer silver-loaded barium titanate foam ceramic is then put into a newly prepared Tollens' reagent for further reduction so as to obtain a micrometer/nanometer silver-loaded barium titanate foam ceramic with a three-dimensional network skeleton structure.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of a carbon foam material, the process comprising devolatization of coal-derived pitches or extracts at atmospheric pressure near green coke temperatures, thereby forming a solid coke-like material. In a further aspect, the process can further comprise grinding the solid coke-like material to a powder, providing the ground powder to a mold, and then reheating above green coking temperature (e.g., >600° C.) to further devolatize the material and form a porous solid foam material. The process further provides carbon materials such as carbon composite materials and sp2-hybridized carbon in the form of graphene oxide or graphene. In various aspects, the disclosure relates to the carbon foam and other materials prepared using the disclosed processes. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for fabricating a flexible colloidal crystal heterostructure. The method may include applying cold plasma treatment on a top surface of a flexible polymer substrate, horizontally depositing monodispersed polystyrene colloidal particles onto the top surface of the flexible polymer substrate, and creating a vertical temperature gradient in layers of monodispersed polystyrene colloidal particles. The vertical temperature gradient may be perpendicular to the top surface and may be created by heating an opposing bottom surface of the flexible polymer substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are a barium titanate foam ceramic/thermosetting resin composite material and a preparation method therefor. An organic additive is used as an auxiliary; deionized water is used as a solvent; nanometer barium titanate is used as a ceramic raw material; and all of same are mixed and ground so as to form a slurry with a certain solid content. A pre-treated polymer sponge is impregnated into the slurry for slurry coating treatment, and then redundant slurry is removed and the polymer sponge is dried so as to obtain a barium titanate foam ceramic blank, and same is then sintered so as to obtain a barium titanate foam ceramic. A resin, being in a molten state and thermosettable, submerges the pores of the barium titanate foam ceramic, and a barium titanate foam ceramic/thermosetting resin composite material is obtained after a thermosetting treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant material for filling bone defects, for bone regeneration, and for bone tissue engineering, to an implant comprising said material, and to methods for manufacturing such an implant. The hybrid implant material according to the invention comprises: a biodegradable polymer P soluble in at least one solvent S1 and insoluble in at least one solvent S, different from the solvent S1; and a bioactive glass made of SiO2 and CaO and optionally containing P2O5 and/or optionally doped with strontium, characterized in that said implant includes a layering of a porous part having more than 90% by number of pores whose largest dimension is greater than or equal to 100 ?m, and a dense part (2, 20, 200, 2000, 20000) having more than 80% by number of pores whose largest dimension is less than 50 ?m. The invention is useful in the field of bone regeneration, particularly in the field of bone tissue engineering.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ordered cellular structure including a series of interconnected unit cells. Each unit cell includes at least one straight wall segment. The method includes irradiating a volume of photo-monomer in a reservoir with at least one light beam from at least one light source to form the ordered cellular structure. Irradiating the volume of photo-monomer includes directing the at least one light beam though a series of interconnected apertures defined in a photo-mask covering the reservoir.

Abstract: A preparation method of a three-dimensional nanosized porous metal oxide electrode material of lithium ion battery, which soaks a dried polymer colloidal crystal microsphere template in a metal salt solution as a precursor solution for a period of time, and obtains a precursor template complex after filtration and drying; heats the precursor template complex to a certain temperature at a low heating rate and keeps the temperature, and then obtains the three-dimensional nanosized porous metal oxide electrode material of lithium ion battery after cooling to room temperature. A metal oxide electrode material is manufactured, with the three-dimensional nanosized porous metal oxide electrode material thereby improving the ionic conductivity of the negative electrode material of lithium ion battery, and shortens the diffusion path of the lithium ions during an electrochemical reaction process, and improves the rate discharge performance of lithium ion battery greatly.

Abstract: A method of pressure forming a brown part from metal and/or ceramic particle feedstocks includes: introducing into a mold cavity or extruder a first feedstock and one or more additional feedstocks or a green or brown state insert made from a feedstock, wherein the different feedstocks correspond to the different portions of the part; pressurizing the mold cavity or extruder to produce a preform having a plurality of portions corresponding to the first and one or more additional feedstocks, and debinding the preform. Micro voids and interstitial paths from the interior of the preform part to the exterior allow the escape of decomposing or subliming backbone component substantially without creating macro voids due to internal pressure. The large brown preform may then be sintered and subsequently thermomechanically processed to produce a net wrought microstructure and properties that are substantially free the interstitial spaces.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a catalyst supported for the selective oxidation of sulphur compounds of the tail gas from the Claus process or streams with an equivalent composition to elemental sulphur or sulphur dioxide (SO2). It is also the object of the present invention, a process for the preparation of a catalyst of this type, as well as the process of selective oxidation of sulphur compounds to elemental sulphur using the catalyst of the invention, as well as the process of catalytic incineration of the tail gas from the Claus process using the catalyst of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for producing ceramic materials, in particular refractory materials having a reduced relative density. In particular, the invention relates to a process for producing light, refractory materials having non-contiguous pores based on shaped and unshaped materials. These materials can be used as working lining in high-temperature applications. The process is based on the production of spherical, closed and isolated pores in the microstructure of the material. The pores having a pore diameter which can be set in a targeted manner are generated by use of polymer particles, in particular polymethacrylates, in particular polymers or copolymers prepared by means of suspension polymerization, as pore formers which can be burnt out. The polymers or copolymers are present in the form of small spheres having a defined diameter.

Abstract: A hard magnetic material formed of material powders made of a R—Fe—N compound containing a light rare earth element as R, or material powders made of a Fe—N compound is used as material powders. There is formed a compact in which a density of the hard magnetic material powders differs between an outer face side portion and an inside portion of the compact such that a rate of progress of powder bonding due to microwave heating is higher in the inside portion of the compact than in the outer face side portion of the compact when an outer face of the compact is irradiated with microwaves. Then, the outer face of the compact is irradiated with the microwaves to cause the microwave heating, thereby bonding the hard magnetic material powders by oxide films which are formed on the hard magnetic material powders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating transpiration cooling using an oxidized porous HTA layer metallurgically bonded to a substrate having micro-channel architectures. The method and apparatus generates a porous HTA layer by spreading generally spherical HTA powder particles on a substrate, partially sintering under O2 vacuum until the porous HTA layer exhibits a porosity between 20% and 50% and a neck size ratio between 0.1 and 0.5, followed by a controlled oxidation generating an oxidation layer of alumina, chromia, or silica at a thickness of about 20 to about 500 nm. In particular embodiments, the oxidized porous HTA layer and the substrate comprise Ni as a majority element. In other embodiments, the oxidized porous HTA layer and the substrate further comprise Al, and in additional embodiments, the oxidized porous HTA layer and the substrate comprise ?-Ni+??-Ni3Al.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the connectivity of a colloidal template includes providing a lattice of microparticles, where the microparticles are in contact with adjacent microparticles at contact regions therebetween, and exposing the lattice to a solution comprising a solvent and a precursor material. The solvent is removed from the solution, and the precursor material moves to the contact regions. A ring is formed from the precursor material around each of the contact regions, thereby creating interconnects between adjacent microparticles and enhancing the connectivity of the lattice.

Abstract: Ceramic orthopedic implants may have one or more dense inner layers and one or more porous outer layers. Methods for manufacturing the implants may include one or more stages during which the dense inner layer(s) are partially compressed. At least one porous outer layer may include coating particles that are present at a surface of one or more inner layer(s) while pressure is applied to attach the coating particles to the inner layer(s) and to further compress one or more of the inner layer(s). Various layers may be formed until an implant, or other device, is formed having the desired density gradient and/or other properties, as disclosed herein.

Abstract: There is disclosed a silicon carbide porous material having a high thermal shock resistance. The silicon carbide porous material of the present invention includes silicon carbide particles, metal silicon and an oxide phase, and the silicon carbide particles are bonded to one another via at least one of the metal silicon and the oxide phase. Furthermore, the oxide phase includes a parent phase, and a dispersion phase dispersed in the parent phase and having a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the parent phase. Here, a lower limit value of a content ratio of the dispersion phase in the oxide phase is preferably 1 mass %, and upper limit value of the content ratio of the dispersion phase in the oxide phase is 40 mass %. Furthermore, it is preferable that the parent phase is cordierite and that the dispersion phase is mullite.

Abstract: Disclosed are a porous membrane having improved water permeability and elongation at break as well as high mechanical strength and impurity rejection rate and a method for manufacturing the same. The porous membrane of the present invention comprises a symmetric bead structure comprising a plurality of spherical crystallites. Each of the plurality of spherical crystallites comprises a plurality of sub-spherical crystallites.

Abstract: A gas-reforming catalyst is modified to obtain stability in high temperature. The catalyst uses ?-Al2O3 as a carrier and is nano-porous. Hence, reaction surface is greatly broadened; and platinum contained inside does not become bigger after times of use. The catalyst does not deposit carbon and has long life. The stability of the catalyst can be still remained even at a temperature higher than 800° C.

Abstract: A quaternary oxide foam, comprises an open-cell foam containing (a) a dopant metal, (b) a dopant nonmetal, (c) titanium, and (d) oxygen. The foam has the advantages of a high surface area and a low back pressure during dynamic flow applications. The inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) was demonstrated in a simple photoreactor.

Abstract: A hybrid porous structure may include a base template and an ionic polymer coating layer within the base template. The structural framework of the base template itself is non-porous. The base template fills the gaps among a plurality of imaginary spherical bodies stacked in three-dimensions as an imaginary stack. The ionic polymer coating layer is laminated on an inner surface of the base template inside the imaginary spherical bodies. The imaginary spherical bodies may have a pore in the center which is not occupied by the ionic polymer coating layer. The hybrid porous structure may include a plurality of necks, which are openings formed in a contact part where adjacent imaginary spherical bodies contact each other. The necks may be interconnected to the pores located in the center part of the imaginary spherical bodies.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention may be a method of making a porous biocompatible metal article by combining a metal powder with a homogenizing aid to form metal granules, including blending the metal granules and an extractable particulate to form a composite, forming the composite into a green article, removing the extractable particulate from the green article to form a metal matrix and pore structure, and sintering the metal matrix and pore structure. Furthermore the present invention may include a second homogenizing aid combined with the extractable particulate. The present invention also includes shaping the metal matrix and pore structure with or without the use of a binder.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a bioactive porous tissue scaffold is herein provided. Bioactive materials having a composition of biologically active materials that define a group of surface reactive glass, glass-ceramic, and ceramic materials that most commonly include a range of silicate, borate, and phosphate-based glass systems. These materials typically exhibit a narrow working range that require heating methods that use pore former combustion to control thermal variations during processing.

Abstract: A ceramic foam filter and method of making the filter is described. The filter comprises: a sintered reaction product of: 35-75 wt % aluminosilicate; 10-30 wt % colloidal silica; 0-2 wt % bentonite; and 0-35 wt % fused silica; wherein the ceramic foam filter has less than 0.15 wt % alkali metals measured as the oxide and a flexural strength of at least 60 psi measured at 4 minutes at 1428° C.

Abstract: A porous ceramic matrix contains a plurality of ceramic particles adhered to each other, and a plurality of channels defined by surfaces of neighboring ceramic particles, the channels each having an average diameter of 0.5-2.5 ?m. Preferred ceramics also have a porosity of 25.0-40.0%, a Darcy's Permeability of 1.57-34.8×10?14 m2, and a mechanical strength of 25-64 MPa. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such a porous ceramic matrix, comprising providing a pellet containing ceramic particles that are coated with a monomer, a catalyst, and a binder; polymerizing the monomer in the solid state by heating, then carbonizing and sintering the pellet.

Abstract: Methods, processes, and systems for producing bulk ceramics from agglomerations of partially cured gelatinous polymer ceramic precursor resin droplets, without using sponge materials to form gas pathways in the polymer bodies. Ceramics can be formed in hours. Resin droplets can be produced with a sprayer where liquid polymer precursors, mixed with a curing agent, are sprayed forming droplets which are partially cured, collected, and compressed into shapes. Ceramic porosity can be varied, droplet particle sizes can be controlled by adjusting liquid and gas pressure, orifice size, during spraying. Partially cured droplets can be formed via an emulsion process and size controlled by emulsion liquid and surfactant selection parameters.

Abstract: A method for forming a porous ceramic includes forming a mixture having at least one ceramic precursor and at least one pore-forming material and heating the mixture to oxidize the ceramic precursor and vaporize the pore-forming material.

Abstract: The process comprises the steps of: mixing a load of oxide ceramic material particles (10) with a load of space holder particles (20), defined by graphite and/or amorphous carbon; compacting the mixture formed by ceramic material particles (10) and space holder particles (20), to form a compact body (E); and sintering said compact body (E), so that the ceramic material particles (10) form sintering contacts with each other, whereas the carbon of the space holder particles (20) is removed by the reaction with the oxygen in the sintering medium, to form open secondary pores (II), by eliminating the space holder particles (20). The metallurgic composition comprises the mixture of the ceramic material particles (10) with the space holder particles (20).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous manganese oxide-based lithium absorbent and a method for preparing the same. The method includes the steps of preparing a mixture by mixing a reactant for the synthesis of a lithium-manganese oxide precursor powder with an inorganic binder, molding the mixture, preparing a porous lithium-manganese oxide precursor molded body by heat-treating the molded mixture, and acid-treating the porous lithium-manganese oxide precursor molded body such that lithium ions of the porous lithium-manganese oxide precursor are exchanged with hydrogen ions, wherein pores are formed in the lithium-manganese oxide precursor molded body by gas generated in the heat treatment. The porous manganese oxide-based lithium adsorbent according to the present invention is easy to handle and has many more adsorption reaction sites compared to existing molded adsorbents, thus providing high lithium adsorption efficiency.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing foamed material an expansion agent, a ceramic base material and water are blended together. The blend is heated and pressurized to homogenize and liquefy or plasticize it. The blend is then extruded through a die where, in the course of the extrusion, superheated water in the blend vaporizes to foam the blend. To make articles of manufacture, extrudate is cut to length, machined and fired, or is injection moulded while still malleable and then fired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a luminescent ceramic converter comprising a sintered, monolithic ceramic material that converts a light of a first wavelength to a light of a second wavelength, the ceramic material having substantially spherically shaped pores. The present invention also relates to methods for the manufacture of the luminescent ceramic converter that comprises the ceramic material having substantially spherically shaped pores.

Abstract: A ceramic electronic component includes a ceramic sintered body and an electrode provided on a surface of the ceramic sintered body. The electrode contains Ag. The ceramic sintered body contain glass material made of borosilicate glass. The glass material has closed pores and open pores therein. The closed pores and the open pores have diameters decreasing as being located away from the surface of the ceramic sintered body. This ceramic electronic component can prevent delamination of the electrode from the ceramic sintered body during a process of firing a green sheet.

Abstract: There is disclosed a honeycomb structure onto which a large amount of catalyst can be carried while suppressing an increase in pressure drop. In a honeycomb structure comprising porous partition walls by which a plurality of cells that become through channels of a fluid are partitioned and in which a plurality of pores are formed. In each of the partition walls, pores having pore diameters larger than a thickness of the partition wall in a section thereof which is perpendicular to an extending direction of the cells are formed so as to occupy 4 to 11% of the total volume of the pores formed in the partition walls.

Abstract: A composite hollow ceramic fiber includes a porous hollow core supporting a thin, dense sheath. The non-gas-tight core comprises a first ceramic material and an interconnecting network of pores. The gas-tight sheath comprises a second ceramic material. The fiber is made by extruding core and sheath suspensions from a spinnerette. The core suspension includes particles of the first ceramic material, a polymeric binder, a solvent, and a pore former material insoluble in the solvent. The sheath suspension includes particles of the second ceramic material, a polymeric binder and a solvent. The nascent hollow fiber is coagulated in a coagulant bath to effect phase inversion of the polymeric binders. The resultant green fiber is sintered in a two step process. First, the binders and pore former material are burned off. Second, the sheath is densified and the second ceramic material is sintered without fully sintering the core.

Abstract: A porous cellular body comprising primarily a porous sintered glass material is disclosed. The porous sintered glass material primarily includes a first phase and a second phase, the first phase primarily comprising amorphous fused silica and the second phase comprising amorphous fused silica and a sintering aid.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a porous material, wherein porosity can be controlled to 50% or higher by means of a freezing method, pore size can be controlled to 10 ?m to 300 ?m, and pore diameter distribution is uniform. The method is a method for producing a porous material, comprising freezing a mixture of water and a raw material comprising at least any of a ceramic material, a resin, a metal, and precursors thereof from a specific portion of the mixture to use ice crystals produced at the time as a pore source and then heat-treating a dry material obtained by removing the ice from the frozen material, wherein the mixture of a raw material and water or the frozen material comprises an antifreeze protein.

Abstract: A porous ceramic honeycomb article comprising a honeycomb body formed from cordierite ceramic, wherein the honeycomb body has a porosity P %?55% and a cell channel density CD?150 cpsi. The porous channel walls have a wall thickness T, wherein (11+(300?CD)*0.03)?T?(8+(300?CD)*0.02), a median pore size?20 microns, and a pore size distribution with a d-factor of ?0.35. The honeycomb body has a specific pore volume of VP?0.22. The porous ceramic honeycomb article exhibits a coated pressure drop increase of ?8 kPa at a flow rate of 26.5 cubic feet per minute when coated with 100 g/L of a washcoat catalyst and loaded with 5 g/L of soot.

Abstract: A resorbable tissue scaffold fabricated from bioactive glass fiber forms a rigid three-dimensional porous matrix having a bioactive composition. Porosity in the form of interconnected pore space is provided by the space between the bioactive glass fiber in the porous matrix. Strength of the bioresorbable matrix is provided by bioactive glass that fuses and bonds the bioactive glass fiber into the rigid three-dimensional matrix. The resorbable tissue scaffold supports tissue in-growth to provide osteoconductivity as a resorbable tissue scaffold, used for the repair of damaged and/or diseased bone tissue.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing an air electrode based on Pr2-xNiO4 with 0?x<2, comprising a step consisting in sintering a ceramic ink comprising Pr2-xNiO4 and a pore-forming agent at a temperature above 1000° C. and below or equal to 1150° C. This invention also relates to the air electrode thus obtained and its uses.

Abstract: A ceramic filter comprising: (a) from about 75% to about 95% by weight of diatomaceous earth; (b) from about 10% to about 20% by weight of a flux; and (c) from about 0.03% to about 0.4% by weight of a metallic compound; the percentages by weight being percentages by weight of the ceramic filter.

Abstract: Provided are a silicon melt contact member which is markedly improved in liquid repellency to a silicon melt, which can retain the liquid repellency permanently, and which is suitable for production of crystalline silicon; and a process for efficient production of crystalline silicon, particularly, spherical crystalline silicon having high crystallinity, by use of the silicon melt contact member. A silicon melt contact member having a porous sintered body layer present on its surface, preferably the sintered body layer being present on a substrate of a ceramic material such as aluminum nitride, wherein the porous sintered body layer consists essentially of silicon nitride, has a thickness of 10 to 500 ?m, and has, dispersed therein, many pores preferably having an average equivalent circle diameter of 1 to 25 ?m at a pore-occupying area ratio of 30 to 80%, the pores connecting to each other to form communicating holes having a depth of 5 ?m or more.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforcement material for forming reinforced members. The reinforcement material includes a strengthening material which is preferably a fabric disposed at least partially between portions of matrix material.

Abstract: The invention provides mesostructured materials and methods of preparing mesostructured materials including metal-rich mesostructured nanoparticle-block copolymer hybrids, porous metal-nonmetal nanocomposite mesostructures, and ordered metal mesostructures with uniform pores. The nanoparticles can be metal, metal alloy, metal mixture, intermetallic, metal-carbon, metal-ceramic, semiconductor-carbon, semiconductor-ceramic, insulator-carbon or insulator-ceramic nanoparticles, or combinations thereof. A block copolymer/ligand-stabilized nanoparticle solution is cast, resulting in the formation of a metal-rich (or semiconductor-rich or insulator-rich) mesostructured nanoparticle-block copolymer hybrid. The hybrid is heated to an elevated temperature, resulting in the formation of an ordered porous nanocomposite mesostructure. A nonmetal component (e.g., carbon or ceramic) is then removed to produce an ordered mesostructure with ordered and large uniform pores.

Abstract: A hearth for a metallurgical furnace, in particular for a blast furnace, the hearth including a wall lining and a bottom lining of refractory material for containing a molten metal bath, the bottom lining including a lower region and an upper region that is arranged to cover the top of the lower region and that is built of ceramic elements, the ceramic elements of the upper region being made of microporous ceramic material including a granular phase made of a silico-aluminous high alumina content granular material and a binding phase for binding grains of said granular material, said microporous ceramic material having thus an maintaining permanently a thermal conductivity lower than 7 W/m.° K.