Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming a structured sintered article including providing a mixture comprising a sinterable particulate material and a binder, the binder comprising, as a function of total resin content of the binder, at least 50% by weight of a thermoplastic binder material and at least 5% by weight of a radiation-curable binder material; shaping the mixture with a mold to form a structure; setting the structure by cooling the structure or by allowing the structure to cool; separating the structure from the mold; irradiating the structure so as to at least partially cure the radiation-curable binder material, and debinding and sintering the structure so as to form a structured sintered article. Shaping may include forming a structure having one or more open channels, and sintering may include sintering in together in contact with at least one additional structure so as to cover or enclose the channels.

Abstract: A ceramo-ceramic dental prosthesis is made from a patient's negative mandibular impression, including at least one working cavity having an inner surface matching the lower surface of the prosthesis to be produced and left at least by one tooth primed by the dental surgeon to be prosthetized. The method of making the prosthesis includes a step of providing a single-unit wax model used for producing by precision casting a single-unit metal model on which is mounted, by the dental technician, a ceramic, the single-unit model having previously been coated with a stripping product to avoid the adherence of the ceramic on the metal single-unit model after the ceramic is cured on the single-unit metal model.

Abstract: Inorganic materials doped with biocidal metals are useful for medical devices such as prosthetic implants, heart valves, surgical tools, endoscopes, orthodontics appliances and the like.

Abstract: An insulating magnetic metal particle includes a magnetic metal particle containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe, and Ni and having a diameter of 5 to 500 nm, a first inorganic insulating layer made of an oxide that covers the surface of the magnetic metal particle, and a second inorganic insulating layer made of an oxide that produces a eutectic crystal by reacting together with the first inorganic insulating layer at the time of heating them, the second inorganic insulating layer being coated on the first inorganic insulating layer. A thickness ratio of the second inorganic insulating layer with respect to the first inorganic insulating layer is set so that the first inorganic insulating layer remains on the surface of the magnetic metal particle after producing the eutectic crystal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a cemented carbide body comprising providing: (1) a grain refiner compound comprising a grain refiner and carbon and/or nitrogen, and, (2) a grain growth promoter, on at least one portion of the surface of a compact of a WC-based starting material comprising one or more hard-phase components and a binder, and then sintering the compact. The invention also relates to a cemented carbide body comprising a WC-based hard phase and a binder phase, wherein at least one part of an intermediate surface zone has a lower average binder content than a part further into the body, and at least one part of an upper surface zone has in average a larger average WC grain size than the intermediate surface zone. The cemented carbide body can be used as a cutting tool insert for metal machining, an insert for a mining tool, or a coldforming tool.

Abstract: In a method of forming a chalcogenide compound target, a first powder including germanium carbide or germanium is prepared, and a second powder including antimony carbide or antimony is prepared. A third powder including tellurium carbide or tellurium is prepared. A powder mixture is formed by mixing the first to the third powders. After a shaped is formed body by molding the powder mixture. The chalcogenide compound target is obtained by sintering the powder mixture. The chalcogenide compound target may include a chalcogenide compound that contains carbon and metal, or carbon, metal and nitrogen considering contents of carbon, metal and nitrogen, so that a phase-change material layer formed using the chalcogenide compound target may stable phase transition, enhanced crystallized temperature and increased resistance. A phase-change memory device including the phase-change material layer may have reduced set resistance and driving current while improving durability and sensing margin.

Abstract: Provided are a diamond sintered body having higher strength and more excellent wear resistance than a conventional diamond sintered body, and a method for producing such a diamond sintered body. The diamond sintered body includes diamond particles, a binder, and a void. The diamond particles have a content of not less than 80% by volume but less than 98% by volume. The binder includes a solid solution containing at least one element selected from a group consisting of titanium, zirconium, vanadium, niobium, and chromium, carbon, and tungsten, as well as an iron group element. Neighboring ones of the diamond particles are bonded to one another. The method provides such a diamond sintered body.

Abstract: An improved aircraft brake system and method of manufacturing the same. The system comprises a rotatable wheel axle, a heat treated stationary carbon disc secured to the wheel axle and a rotating carbon disc heat treated to a temperature substantially higher than the heat treating temperature of the stationary carbon disc and rotatably supported relative to the wheel axle and arranged parallel to the stationary carbon disc. The method comprises heat treating the rotating and stationary carbon discs to different final temperatures prior to assembly of the aircraft brake system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filling shoe device for passing and dispensing powder into a cavity of a powder compaction apparatus for subsequent compacting of the powder, the filling shoe device comprising a filling shoe, the filling shoe comprises an inlet portion for receiving powder into said filling shoe, an outlet portion forming a powder outlet flow channel having an outlet opening for dispensing powder out of said filling shoe into the cavity in said powder compaction apparatus, a meshwork arranged in the powder flow channel across the outlet opening, and wherein the meshwork is non-movably arranged in the outlet portion and wherein the outlet portion is non-movable relative to the filling shoe device.

Abstract: A hybrid ceramic structure and a method for protecting the hybrid ceramic structure from moisture attack in a high temperature combustion environment are provided. The structure includes a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) substrate (12). A thermal insulation material (14) is disposed on the substrate. A vapor resistant material (20) is applied through at least one surface of the hybrid ceramic structure while the hybrid ceramic structure is in a bisque condition that provides a degree of porosity to the hybrid ceramic structure so that the vapor resistant material is infiltrated through interstices available within a thickness of the hybrid ceramic structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing granular constituents within polycrystalline diamond composites is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including providing a mixture of diamond particles of various different sizes. This mixture is then agitated to substantially segregate the diamond particles within the mixture according to particle size. The segregated mixture may then be sintered to fuse the diamond particles together and thereby immobilize the diamond particles within the mixture. In selected embodiments, the mixture may be agitated while adjacent to a substrate material. The mixture may be fused to the substrate when the diamond particles are sintered.

Abstract: A method for producing a body of metal-ceramic composites, including the following steps of a) Producing a ceramic preform by sintering using a starting powder containing ceramic particles at an aspect ratio of 1-10, in such a way that the obtained preform has a porous structure with pore diameters of 0.5-10 ?m and an overall porosity of 15-60% (sintering step), and b) Introducing molten metal of a pure metal or an alloy into the thus produced ceramic preform having a porous structure (infiltration step).

Abstract: A method is provided for producing insulation materials and insulation for high temperature applications using novel castable and powder-based ceramics. The ceramic components produced using the proposed process offers (i) a fine porosity (from nano-to micro scale); (ii) a superior strength-to-weight ratio; and (iii) flexibility in designing multilayered features offering multifunctionality which will increase the service lifetime of insulation and refractory components used in the solid oxide fuel cell, direct carbon fuel cell, furnace, metal melting, glass, chemical, paper/pulp, automobile, industrial heating, coal, and power generation industries. Further, the ceramic components made using this method may have net-shape and/or net-size advantages with minimum post machining requirements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of producing an aluminum nitride sintered body which satisfies both high thermal conductivity and reduction in the shrinkage factor at the time of sintering. The aluminum nitride sintered body is a sintered body of a powder mixture containing an aluminum nitride powder and a sintering aid, characterized by having a thermal conductivity of at least 190 W/m·K and a shrinkage factor represented by the percentage of {(dimensions of the molded body before sintering)?(dimensions of the sintered body after sintering)}/(dimensions of the molded body before sintering) of at most 15%.

Abstract: A process for the production of at least two-colored shaped ceramic parts from a granular ceramic raw material having a first of the at least two colors, wherein the second of the at least two colors is added as a colored pigment or a colored pigment substance and the surface of the granular ceramic raw material is at least partially coated, wherein the coated granular ceramic raw material is then pressed into a solid form.

Abstract: Provision of a porous ceramic material which rapidly induces bone tissue formation and has practical strength. A porous ceramic material 11 having substantially unidirectionally oriented pores 12, a porosity of 40-90%, and an average open area of one pore of 0.05×10?3-50×10?3 mm2 both in a first sectional surface perpendicular to the pore 12 orientation direction and a second sectional surface parallel to the first sectional surface and 5 mm distant from the first sectional surface in the pore 12 Orientation direction. Using the material 11, when a cylindrical test piece (diameter 3 mm×height 5 mm, the pore 12 array direction as a height direction) made of the material is dipped in polyethylene glycol up to 1 mm from one end thereof, polyethylene glycol permeates through the whole test piece preferably within 30 seconds.

Abstract: A wafer mounting table constituted as a ceramic heater has a power feeding terminal section for a heating element and a bonding section to a supporting member as portions which are likely to be crack starting points. The wafer mounting table is constituted to permit compressive stress to be generated in the power feeding terminal section and/or the bonding section which are likely to be the crack starting points.

Abstract: A ceramic member in which the metal layers with high void ratio are sufficiently sintered to lower a residue of resin is produced. The method for manufacturing a ceramic member which comprises a step of forming a stacked compact from a plurality of metallic paste layers containing a metal component M1 that are stacked one on another via ceramic green sheets, and a step of firing the stacked compact, wherein at least one of plural metallic paste layers is formed as a second metallic paste layer that has the mass percentage X higher than that of the metallic paste layer that adjoin therewith in the stacking direction and a ceramic powder is contained in the second metallic paste layer in the step of forming the stacked compact, the mass percentage X being the proportion of the metal component M1 to the total metal content in the metallic paste layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein include a sintering aid composition that has a material useful for sintering, an amine, and optionally a carboxylic acid.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pre-sintering process for reducing non-uniformities in the density of a sintered material comprising (a) providing a mixture of (i) a first sinterable material containing a contaminant the presence of which during sintering of the first sinterable material results in a higher vapor pressure than would occur during sintering of pure first sinterable material and (ii) a second material having a higher affinity for the contaminant than does the first sinterable material; and (b) heating the mixture at a temperature and for a time sufficient to allow the second material to at least partly mitigate the propensity of the contaminant to raise the vapor pressure during the sintering of the first sinterable material. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sintered material which is based on transition metal diborides and comprises a) as main phase, 90-99% by weight of a fine-grained transition metal diboride or transition metal diboride mixed crystal comprising at least two transition metal diborides or mixtures of such diboride mixed crystals or mixtures of such diboride mixed crystals with one or more transition metal diborides, where the transition metals are selected from sub-groups IV to VI of the Periodic Table, b) as second phase, 1-5% by weight of particulate boron carbide and/or silicon carbide and c) optionally as third phase, up to 5% by weight of a non-continuous, oxygen-containing grain boundary phase.

Abstract: A method is provided for synthesizing beads using starting ceramic, metal, or mineral powders. Typical size of these round beads can range from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm based on the processing variables. In the method, a slip is obtained which contains a metal, ceramic, and/or mineral powder dispersed in a solvent and an organic binder, such as a grain flour. Droplets of the slip are contacted with heated oil for a sufficient time to form beads. The beads are separated from the oil and dried to remove entrained water. The beads are fired at a temperature sufficient to produce beads possessing desired physical or chemical characteristics. The beads have useful biomedical applications as bone filler materials for bone fixation and bone growth. The beads may be coated with chemical catalyst agents and function as catalyst supports in chemical processes.

Abstract: High-density components and products as well as processes for making high-density components and products are disclosed. One exemplary component, among others, includes a boron carbide component comprised of a homogeneous boron carbide powder. The component has at least a 93% relative density (RD) and a Vickers hardness of at least 2000 kg/mm2.

Abstract: In the production of a ceramic substrate (1) with a level difference (3), a surface of a fired substrate obtained by firing of a ceramic green sheet is honed to form the level difference (3). Alternatively, a level difference is first formed through processing of a ceramic green sheet, laminating of a ceramic green sheet, or the like, and thereafter the ceramic green sheet is fired to obtain a fired substrate (ceramic substrate) (1) with a level difference (3).

Abstract: A method for producing a noise insulation piece of mass/spring construction. The mass has, at least before a deep draw process, at least one locally defined region, with a different weight per area from the other regions. After the deep draw process, the spring layer made from an elastic light material such as two-component polyurethane foam or a mixed non-woven fiber is applied. The locally different weight per area of the mass is achieved by means of application of a granulate to a base mass layer in particular in locally differing amounts and/or thicknesses, wherein the granulate is fixed to itself and to the base mass layer by means of sintering. After deep drawing, the desired weight per area of the mass can be achieved independent of the degree of drawing. The granulate can alternatively also be applied to a thin and lightweight support layer in locally required amounts or thicknesses.

Abstract: In a method of preparing a boron carbide material, boron carbide powder is washed with essentially pure water at an elevated temperature to generate washed boron carbide powder. The washed boron carbide powder is combined with a sintering aid. The mixture of the boron carbide powder and the sintering aid is pressed to form a shaped material, and the shaped material is sintered. A sintered boron carbide material comprises a boron carbide component that includes boron carbide, elemental carbon, and not more than about 0.6 wt % of oxygen on the basis of the total weight of the boron carbide component. The sintered boron carbide material has a density of at least about 99% of the theoretical density. Another sintered boron carbide material comprises a boron carbide component that includes boron carbide, silicon carbide, elemental carbon, and not more than about 0.3 wt % oxygen on the basis of the total weight of the boron carbide component, and has a density of at least about 97% of the theoretical density.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a porous ceramic structure which comprises: mixing a ceramic material, a foamed resin and, if necessary, a forming auxiliary; forming the mixture; and then firing the thus formed body, wherein: a resin of an outer shell of the foamed resin is constituted of a copolymer containing 60 wt % or more of acrylonitrile and 40 wt % or less of methyl methacrylate.

Abstract: A cemented carbide cutting tool insert/button for mining and construction comprising hard constituents in a binder phase of Co and/or Ni and at least one surface portion and an interior portion in which surface portion the grain size is smaller than in the interior portion is disclosed. The surface portion with the smaller grain size has a lower binder phase content than the interior portion. A method to form the cemented carbide cutting tool insert/button is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ceramic base material that is reduced in distortion caused by high-temperature heat treatment. A ceramic base material having sintering agents and satisfying the following formula: a/b?1.3, where a: the larger of c1 and c2, b: the smaller of c1 and c2, c1: the ratio “k” at a main-surface side, c2: the ratio “k” at the other main-surface side, k=s/m, s: the fluorescent X-ray-detected strength of the constituent elements of the sintering agents, m: the fluorescent X-ray-detected strength of the main-constituent elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite target in the form of a bar made of ceramic powders and designed to be evaporated under an electron beam, the target comprising zirconia and at least one zirconia stabilizer. In characteristic manner, said target is wherein said zirconia stabilizer is at a molar content lying in the range 2% to 30% and wherein said zirconia is formed by more than 90% of a monoclinic phase. The invention is applicable to fabricating a ceramic thermal barrier of low thermal conductivity and high thermomechanical strength formed by evaporation under an electron beam.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is a process for making a solid part designed to form all or part of an anode for the production of aluminium by fused bath electrolysis, containing a cermet formed from at least one metallic oxide such as a mixed oxide with spinel structure, and at least one metallic phase, in which a mixed oxide is used containing a metal R in the form of a cation in its chemical structure, the said metal R being fully or partly reducible by a reduction operation during the manufacturing process, so as to form all or part of the said metallic phase. This process can provide a cermet with a uniform distribution of fine metallic particles.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment provides, for example, a system and method of integrating fluid media dispensing technology such as direct-write (DW) technologies with rapid prototyping (RP) technologies such as stereolithography (SL) to provide increased micro-fabrication and micro-stereolithography. A preferred embodiment of the present invention also provides, for example, a system and method for Rapid Prototyping High Density Circuit (RPHDC) manufacturing of solderless connectors and pilot devices with terminal geometries that are compatible with DW mechanisms and reduce contact resistance where the electrical system is encapsulated within structural members and manual electrical connections are eliminated in favor of automated DW traces. A preferred embodiment further provides, for example, a method of rapid prototyping comprising: fabricating a part layer using stereolithography and depositing thermally curable media onto the part layer using a fluid dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A plate-like polycrystalline particle is produced by forming inorganic particles into a self-supported, sheet-like shaped body with a predetermined thickness, firing the shaped body, and crushing and classifying the fired shaped body by passing through a mesh having openings with a predetermined size. The inorganic particles are composed of an oxide having a perovskite structure and grow into crystal grains with an isotropic and polyhedral shape. Since grain growth in the thickness direction is limited and grain growth in the surface direction of the sheet is promoted, it is possible to obtain crystal grains having a high aspect ratio and a high degree of orientation. Therefore, in the plate-like polycrystalline particle, in most parts, the number of crystal grains present in the thickness direction of the particle at any one point is one, and a high aspect ratio and a high degree of orientation are achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modules comprising hollow fiber or capillary membranes, a mold and embeddings made of potting compounds, which are referred to as “pottings” and which embed the hollow fiber or capillary membranes into a mold in a gas-tight and temperature-stable manner, and to methods for producing such hollow fiber or capillary membrane modules.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to obtain a PTFE molding excellent in flexing resistance without decreasing the tensile strength and tensile elongation. The present invention is a modified polytetrafluoroethylene molded article obtained by molding a modified polytetrafluoroethylene molding powder, wherein the modified polytetrafluoroethylene molding powder is not melt-moldable, the modified polytetrafluoroethylene constituting the modified polytetrafluoroethylene molding powder contains 0.01 to 1% by mass of a perfluorovinyl ether unit represented by the formula (I): (wherein X is a perfluoroalkyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a perfluoroalkoxyalkyl group containing 4 to 9 carbon atoms) and the heat of crystallization thereof is 18.0 to 25.0 J/g as measured using a differential scanning calorimeter, and the modified polytetrafluoroethylene molded article has a heat of fusion of not more than 28 J/g and a flex life of at least 200×104 cycles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of a lightweight, heat insulating, high compressive strength, water insoluble material by heat treatment at temperatures between 650-950° C., possessing a low bulk density (from 300 to 800 kg/m3) and improved heat insulating capacity (?=0.07 to 0.25 W/m·deg.) when it has been used to form an article having a compressive strength of from 0.49 to 5.59 Mpa. The starting chemical composition comprising more than 90% by weight of either perlite, pumice or pumice related group of materials or mixture of them and an additive in quantities less than 10% by weight containing Na2O and B2O3.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electrical component, e.g., brush, manufacture are provided that control grain orientation. The systems and methods utilize hot pressing techniques to enhance the properties and functionalities of the electrical components/brushes. An intermediate work product characterized by a grain orientation is initially formed through a conventional pressing technique. The conventionally-pressed intermediates are positioned within a cavity/die with the grain orientation in a predetermined orientation relative to the hot press force to be applied thereto. The hot pressed final product exhibits superior resistivity, strength and apparent density/durability. Surface features may be formed on the face(s) of the final work product during the hot pressing step that cannot be achieved in conventional processing techniques. Advantageous articles of manufacture, e.g., brushes and brush assemblies, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to porous composite materials comprised of a porous base material and a powdered nanoparticle material. The porous base material has the powdered nanoparticle material penetrating a portion of the porous base material; the powdered nanoparticle material within the porous base material may be sintered or interbonded by interfusion to form a porous sintered nanoparticle material within the pores and or on the surfaces of the porous base material. Preferably this porous composite material comprises nanometer sized pores throughout the sintered nanoparticle material. The present invention is also directed to methods of making such composite materials and using them for high surface area catalysts, sensors, in packed bed contaminant removal devices, and as contamination removal membranes for fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piece comprised in part or in full of a pigmented ceramic in which the pigment is comprised of nanoparticles based on a metal from column IB of the periodic table of the elements or of an alkaline metal, or an alloy of both, coated with a layer of silica, the silica being crystalline silica, particularly cristobalite or tridymite. The ceramic is preferably zirconia or alumina. The nanoparticle silica is crystallized, for example, by a thermal treatment in air or under inert gas at temperatures of between 900° C. and 1400° C. The piece is made by sintering a nanoparticle/ceramic mixture in air or under inert gas at temperatures of between 900° C. and 1250° C.

Abstract: The ePTFE structure includes an ePTFE structure which has a node and fibril micro-structure. The micro-structure includes specific nodes which are connected to the fibrils. One or more of the specific nodes are sintered and the fibrils are un-sintered. A method for making the ePTFE structure includes identifying and sintering one or more of the specific nodes.

Abstract: A composite construction 1 is obtained by coating the outer periphery of a core material 2 with a shell layer 3. The core material 2 is composed of a first sintered body that is obtained by bonding, with a binder metal, a first hard particle composed of one or more of carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides of metals of Groups 4a, 5a and 6a of the Periodic Table, or a first ceramics obtained by bonding, with a sintering additive, a first ceramic particle composed of at least one of oxides, carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides selected from the group consisting of metals of Groups 4a, 5a and 6a of the Periodic Table, Al, Si and Zn. The shell layer 3 is composed of a second hard sintered body or second ceramics having a different composition from the first hard sintered body. The ratio of the residual free carbon amount Cin in the core material 2 to the residual free carbon amount Cout in the shell layer 3, Cin/Cout, is 0.5 to 2.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ceramic glow pin which is formed of more than two layers arranged especially coaxially to the axis of the glow pin and symmetrically. The layers of the layer structure are manufactured by co-extrusion.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a coated article includes respective layers including diamond-like carbon (DLC) and zirconium nitride before heat treatment (HT). During HT, the hydrogenated DLC acts as a fuel which upon combustion with oxygen produces carbon dioxide and/or water. The high temperature developed during this combustion heats the zirconium nitride to a temperature(s) well above the heat treating temperature, thereby causing the zirconium nitride to be transformed into a new post-HT layer including zirconium oxide that is scratch resistant and durable.

Abstract: A process for the production of a shaped article from a lightweight-aggregate granulate and an inorganic binder has the following process steps: provision of a viscous binder that has been prepared on the basis of diatomite and caustic soda or caustic potash solution, mixing of the binder with lightweight-aggregate granulate, shaping of the lightweight-aggregate granulate binder mixture, and thermal exposure of the lightweight-aggregate granulate binder mixture under foaming and bonding of the lightweight-aggregate granulate particles in a foamed binder matrix to create the shaped article.

Abstract: A mask suitable for protecting a portion of a substrate surface against diffusion coating of the substrate with a metal, which mask comprises a ceramic material comprising silica and an inert refractory diluent and a metal or metal alloy, wherein the metal or metal alloy is one which is reactive with silicon thereby minimising or preventing siliconisation of the substrate with silicon in the ceramic material under conditions of diffusion coating, and which is reactive with the metal being applied by diffusion coating thereby preventing diffusion coating of the portion of the substrate surface it is desired to protect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a functional dental element, such as a crown. According to the invention, use is made of a three-dimensional printing technique. The major advantages of the invention are that no mold is needed anymore, which entails a considerable saving of costs, that a great accuracy is achieved, and that the element can be made of different materials.

Abstract: A cathode electroactive material for use in lithium ion secondary cells, process for producing the material, and lithium ion secondary cells using the cathode electroactive material, wherein the electroactive material predominantly comprises an Li—Mn composite oxide particles with the spinel structure and particles of the electroactive material have an average porosity of 15% or less, the porosity being calculated by employing the following equation: Porosity (%)=(A/B)×100 (wherein A represents a total cross-section area of pores included in a cross-section of one secondary particle, and B represents the cross-section area of one secondary particle), a tapping density of 1.9 g/ml or more, a size of crystallites of 400 ?-960 ?, a lattice constant of 8.240 ? or less.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide filtering candles (1) comprising a sintered filtering tube (2) and a collar (3) which is connected thereto, and having an increased shelf life and improved resistance values. To this end, the collar (3) comprises an annular collar wall (4) which oriented towards the filtering tube (2) from the neck. Said wall comprises at least one recess (8) which is arranged in a perpendicular manner and at an angle in relation to a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of the filtering tube.

Abstract: Silicon infiltration technology is used to produce ceramic bodies having utility as ballistic armor. In a first aspect of the invention, the ballistic armor includes a reaction-bonded silicon carbide body (RBSC). Good ballistic performance can be advanced by loading the permeable mass or preform to be infiltrated to a high degree with one or more hard fillers, and by limiting the size of the largest particles making up the mass. In a second aspect, the silicon infiltration technology, e.g., siliconizing or reaction-bonding, is used to bond silicon carbide fibers to at least the back surface of a ceramic armor body, thereby enhancing ballistic stopping power. A third aspect of the invention pertains to the ability to engineer RBSC bodies such that there is little dimensional change during processing, thereby permitting high dimensional reproducibility in large-scale production.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of sonic treatment to selectively reduce the void volume of a sintered polymer such as porous high density polyethylene (HDPE). The invention also provides a method and an article of manufacture for receiving a liquid sample, where a first portion of the sintered polymer (1a) overlies a solid surface (4a) and a second portion of the polymer (1b) overlies a window (4b). Sonic treatment of the sintered polymer reduces the void volume of the first portion (1a) compared to the second portion (1b). As a result, a liquid sample applied to the polymer will preferentially migrate through the second portion (1b), rather than through the first portion (1a). When the article of manufacture is used to analyze a liquid sample such as blood, less sample is required because of the preferential migration in the sonically treated sintered polymer.