Abstract: A method of thermal energy recovery from production of at least one solid carbon material comprises reacting at least one carbon oxide material and at least one gaseous reducing material at a temperature of greater than or equal to about 400° C., at a pressure greater than or equal to about 1×105 pascal, and in the presence of at least one catalyst material to produce at least one solid carbon material and a gaseous effluent stream comprising water vapor. Thermal energy is extracted from the gaseous effluent stream comprising water vapor. Other methods of generating recoverable thermal energy are disclosed, as is a solid carbon production system having thermal energy recovery.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a scheelite microwave dielectric ceramic material. For example, a structure expression of the scheelite microwave dielectric ceramic material can be Bi(V1-xInx/3Mo2x/3)MoO4. In this embodiment, 0.06?x?0.12 An embodiment of the present invention further provides a method for preparing a scheelite microwave dielectric ceramic material.

Abstract: A molded discrete low stress gasket is constructed of restructured filled PTFE for use in corrosive or severe chemical environments under relatively low bolt loads. The gasket has a gasket surface and includes a raised outer sealing ring and a raised inner sealing ring. The gasket may constructed from a restructured filled PTFE material, with the sealing rings deforming at lower pressures than the remaining portions of the gasket.

Abstract: To provide a zirconia-based composite ceramic sintered compact capable of being colored to white appropriate for a dental prosthesis while maintaining its mechanical and physical properties, and also provide a method for producing the same. The method for producing the zirconia-based composite ceramic sintered compact includes semi-sintering a zirconia-alumina composite ceramic containing an alumina particle and a zirconia particle comprising of tetragonal zirconia containing ceria of 8 to 12 mol %, forming the composite ceramic; dipping the formed composite ceramic in a neodymium ion solution or complex solution; drying the dipped composite ceramic; and finally sintering it.

Abstract: A riser for an archery bow is formed from a fibrous composite material, the matrix of which may be a high heat distortion thermoplastic polymer, a very high heat distortion thermoplastic polymer, or a combination thereof. The riser may incorporate a spine formed from a different polymer or composite than the rest of the riser, or from metal. A method for producing a riser for an archery bow includes the steps of introducing a polymeric composite into a mold from a first end of said mold to facilitate a particular orientation of components of said polymeric composite, molding the polymeric composite to produce a billet that approximates a net shape of the riser, and then machining the billet to the final shape of the riser.

Abstract: Prosthetic implant or component therefor of a magnesium oxide stabilized transformation toughened zirconia (Mg-TTZ) ceramic can be made by providing a bisqued initial green body by compressing powder through a cold isostatic press and heating to a bisque stage. Then, without embedding it in an embedding mass, the bisque is machined to have a shape of the same proportions as the shape of, but larger than, the ceramic portion of a fired prosthetic implant or component product. Firing can provide the fired Mg-TTZ ceramic body product.

Abstract: Disclosed are piezoelectric materials in which electrical properties are improved, and manufacturing methods of the same. In (Li, Na, K, Bi)(Nb, Ta)O3 based piezoelectric materials, the surface microstructures of sintered bodies are constituted of microscopic grains having grain diameters of less than 5 ?m, intermediate grains having grain diameters of 5 ?m or more and less than 15 ?m, and coarse grains having grain diameters of 15 ?m or more and 100 ?m or less.

Abstract: An epidural catheter has a closed, soft patient end region with a side opening. The catheter is formed from a two-layer extruded tube in which the outer layer is of a harder material than the inner layer. A heated pin is inserted in one end of the tube to expand its diameter. An annular grinding tool is then moved along the expanded region to remove the outer, hard layer in this region. The end of the tube is subsequently closed and the side opening is formed.

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: Improved silicon carbide powder is prepared by carbothermal reduction of silica by introducing ?-SiC powder simultaneously with iron in the starting composition resulting into a precursor powder which after complete reduction contains at least 90% SiC preferably rich in the ?-phase. The main advantage, among others, is cost effectiveness. Silicon carbide powder finds wide usage in the manufacture of products suitable for refractory and engineering applications.

Abstract: A combinatorial library includes a gelcast substrate defining a plurality of cavities in at least one surface thereof; and a plurality of gelcast test materials in the cavities, at least two of the test materials differing from the substrate in at least one compositional characteristic, the two test materials differing from each other in at least one compositional characteristic.

Abstract: A ceramic material containing organic binder is formed by extrusion, dried and cut off so as to make the honeycomb body 100 having the bulkheads 11 and a plurality of cells 12 partitioned by the bulkheads 11 and penetrating between both end faces of the honeycomb body 100. The tapered jig 3 having a tapered forward end portion 31 is inserted into the opening 13 of the cell 12 of the honeycomb body 100. Then, the bulkheads 11 are heated and softened and deformed by a pushing force given by the tapered jig 3 so that the opening 13 of the cell 12 is expanded to form the large opening 131, and the opening 13 of the adjoining cell 12 is reduced at the same time so as to form the small opening 132. After that, the honeycomb body 100 is fired. In this way, the exhaust gas purifying filter for collecting particulates is manufactured.

Abstract: A process for making a heat treated ground ceramic cutting tool and the resultant cutting tool. The process includes the steps of: providing an uncoated ground ceramic cutting tool having at least a portion thereof ground; and heat treating the uncoated ground ceramic cutting tool so as to form the heat treated ground ceramic cutting tool.

Abstract: A lithium-aluminosilicate glass ceramic is transformed by a suitable heat treatment into a glass ceramic comprising at least 80 vol.-% of keatite mixed crystals. This may be utilized for the preparation of optical or mechanical high-precision parts having a high temperature resistance, a good stability and compatibility with components consisting of metals having a small coefficient of thermal expansion based on nickel and iron, such as Invar®.

Abstract: A main steam relief valve for use in a nuclear power plant. The valve disc includes a cylindrical first end of uniform external and internal circumference, a conical opposite end, an external surface, and an internal surface. The cylindrical first end preferably includes a plurality of groves on the external surface to prevent rotation of the disc. The conical portion is highly polished on the external surface to prevent the formation of cracks and is adapted to receive a push-rod on the internal surface and a valve seat on the external surface. The valve disc is constructed of approximately of 90% or greater silicon carbide.

Abstract: Methods for making ceramic aggregate particles comprising forming a plurality of ceramic aggregate precursor particles from a composition by forcing the composition through at least one orifice in a substrate, at least partially curing the ceramic aggregate precursor particles, and heating the ceramic aggregate precursor particles to provide ceramic aggregate particles wherein solid particulates are bonded together by ceramic binder.

Abstract: A process for making a heat treated ground ceramic cutting tool and the resultant cutting tool. The process comprising the steps of: providing an uncoated ground ceramic cutting tool having at least a portion thereof ground; and heat treating the uncoated ground ceramic cutting tool so as to form the heat treated ground ceramic cutting tool.

Abstract: A sintered ceramic for a scintillator having a composition represented by the general formula of Gd3-xCexAlySizGa5-y-zO12, wherein 0.001≦x≦0.05, 1≦y≦4, and 0.0015≦z≦0.03, is produced by mixing gadolinium oxide, aluminum oxide, gallium oxide, a cerium salt, a silicon compound and a fluorine compound in such proportions as to provide the above composition; calcining the resultant mixture at a temperature of 1400-1600° C.; disintegrating the resultant calcined body to ceramic powder; pressing the ceramic powder to provide a green body; and sintering the green body at a temperature of 1600-1700° C. in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at 5×104 Pa or more, and optionally further by hot isostatic pressing at a temperature of 1400-1600° C. in an argon atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for making a heat treated ground ceramic cutting tool and the resultant cutting tool. The process comprising the steps of: providing an uncoated ground ceramic cutting tool having at least a portion thereof ground; and heat treating the uncoated ground ceramic cutting tool so as to form the heat treated ground ceramic cutting tool.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing ceramic boards for use as finishing construction materials is provided, which includes the steps of: blending raw materials at predetermined ratios; mixing the blended raw materials with water to prepare a mixture; kneading the mixture to remove bubbles; molding the bubble-free kneaded mixture into planar wares having a face; engraving a predetermined pattern on the face of the planar wares and then filling the patterns with a colored inlay material to form inlaid surfaces; drying the engraved and inlaid wares; polishing the inlaid surfaces to expose the patterns; primarily calcining the wares having exposed patterns at a temperature of 800° C. to 900° C. for a predetermined period to prepare primary ceramic boards; coating a glaze mixture composed of components at fixed ratios on the faces having the exposed patterns to prepare glazed wares and then drying; and secondary calcining the glazed wares at a temperature of 1250° C. to 1350° C. for a predetermined period.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing the roller carrier of a vibration balance device, the roller carrier is installed with at least one round track around a rotary axis thereof for carrying a plurality of rollers; characterized in that: the roller carrier is made of ceramic powder and made by a process of ceramic powder metallurgy. The material of the powder is A92A aluminum oxide or zirconium oxide, or other proper metal oxide. The manufacturing process of the ceramic powder metallurgy includes the steps of: feeding material, compacting, sintering, and polishing, or other manufacturing process of the ceramic powder metallurgy can be used, which includes the steps of feeding material, pelletizing, injection molding, debinding, sintering, and polishing. The roller carrier from aforementioned processes uses less materials, can be mass-produced, has a precise dimension, is light weighted, has a smooth surface and has a high surface hardness.

Abstract: A ceramic composition is provided to insulate ceramic matrix composites under high temperature, high heat flux environments. The composition comprises a plurality of hollow oxide-based spheres of various dimensions, a phosphate binder, and at least one oxide filler powder, whereby the phosphate binder partially fills gaps between the spheres and the filler powders. The spheres are situated in the phosphate binder and the filler powders such that each sphere is in contact with at least one other sphere. The spheres may be any combination of Mullite spheres, Alumina spheres, or stabilized Zirconia spheres. The filler powder may be any combination of Alumina, Mullite, Ceria, or Hafnia. Preferably, the phosphate binder is Aluminum Ortho-Phosphate. A method of manufacturing the ceramic insulating composition and its application to CMC substrates are also provided.

Abstract: A gelcasting composition has improved drying behavior, machinability and shelf life in the dried and unfired state. The composition includes an inorganic powder, solvent, monomer system soluble in the solvent, an initiator system for polymerizing the monomer system, and a plasticizer soluble in the solvent. Dispersants and other processing aides to control slurry properties can be added. The plasticizer imparts an ability to dry thick section parts, to store samples in the dried state without cracking under conditions of varying relative humidity, and to machine dry gelcast parts without cracking or chipping. A method of making gelcast parts is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for manufacturing a part made of high temperature-resistant, ceramic material based on aluminum nitride and reaction sintering. The process comprises the steps of preparing a homogeneous mixture of boron nitride powder, aluminum powder and a paste-like binder, capable of solidifying by chemical reaction and by solvent loss through drying. The mixture is formed by mold casting and then pressed and heated, to a temperature not exceeding approximately 70° C., to harden the binder and to obtain a solid and manipulable unfired part. The binder is eliminated by heating to a temperature of approximately 300° C. Pores of the unfired part are impregnated by immersing the part in a bath of molten aluminum or aluminum alloy to form an impregnated preform. Thereafter, the impregnated preform is removed from the bath, cooled, and machined to the final dimensions of the part. A ceramic is obtained by reaction sintering the machined part at a temperature of 900 to 1000° C.

Abstract: The gas filter module of the invention has: a housing which has a gas inlet port at one end and a gas outlet port at another end, and which is divided into two portions in a longitudinal direction; a filter body consisting of a porous ceramics member which is loaded into the housing and through which an inflow gas passes; and a ring-like support member consisting of dense ceramics which is fittingly coupled to a step portion formed inside the housing and which is joined to the filter body. The ring-like support member is fixed via two metal O-rings to a fixing gap of the step portion of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel ceramic materials with excellent electrostrictive property, and the present invention relates to electrostrictive ceramics consisting of solid solution ceramics which can be obtained by combining about 30 molar % of primitive perovskite-type compound PbTiO.sub.3 with a composite perovskite compound Pb(Ni.sub.1/3 Nb.sub.2/3)O.sub.3.

Abstract: A passage tube including a ceramic tube body through which plasma producing gas passes and is irradiated from outside the ceramic tube body with ultraviolet rays, and a ceramic flange member joined to an outer peripheral surface of the ceramic tube body, is manufactured by forming calcined bodies for the passage tube body and flange member, machining the calcined body for the tube body so as to form a first portion and a second portion having an outer diameter larger than that of the first portion, joining the calcined body for the flange member to a stepped region between the first portion and the second portion and sintering them.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flat, glass-like or ceramic moulding having a structured surface, in which a rotationally symmetrical, moist green body is manufactured from a suspension of a highly dispersed, powdered solid material and a dispersing agent by centrifuging in a hollow mould, whereafter said green body is removed from the hollow mould and, if necessary, rolled out subsequently, cut up and, after which it is spread out on a structure-imparting substrate, the surface is embossed by applying pressure and, subsequently, the glass-like or ceramic moulding is produced by drying and sintering.

Abstract: A shaped body of amorphous silicon dioxide, which has a chemical purity of at least 99.9% and a cristobalite content of at most 1% and which is impermeable to gas, is known. To provide shaped bodies of amorphous silicon dioxide which have a high precision, which can be small or large in size and of simple to complicated shape, which have a chemical purity of at least 99.9%, are impermeable to gas above wall thicknesses of 1 mm, which have a high cold flexural strength, low thermal conductivity and low radiation of heat, which are thermal shock resistant and can be exposed repeatedly or also long-term to temperatures in the range from 1000.degree. to 1300.degree. C. and which can be welded in a sharply delineated manner without spreading joins and which have a low spectral transmission from the ultraviolet to the middle infrared spectral region, the shaped body is opaque, contains pores, at a wall thickness of 1 mm has a direct spectral transmission which is virtually constant in the wavelength range from .

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing composite oxide ceramics which is capable of efficiently producing single-phase multi-component metal oxide ceramics having less impurity phase and excellent dielectric characteristics, by a simple process comprising sintering at a low temperature. The method has the steps of mixing a metallic hydroxide or hydrous gel with a plurality of metallic oxide powders to prepare a raw material mixture powder, activating the raw material mixture powder by mechanochemical treatment for grinding the raw material mixture powder with a degree of impact, which provides a centrifugal effect of 15 or more, to form a precursor, and synthesizing composite oxide ceramics by heat treatment of the activated raw material mixture powder (precursor).

Abstract: A ceramic body comprising at least about 80 w/o silicon nitride and having a mean tensile strength of at least about 800 MPa.

Abstract: This invention relates to synthetic granite tiles made essentially from garnite sand and a process for the production of synthetic garnite tiles essentially from garnet sand which is a by-product of beach sand from rare earths extraction, said process comprising mixing beach sand garnet, feldspar and clay thoroughly; pressing the mixture using a press at a pressure in the range of 40-80 MPa to form tiles of desired shapes and sizes; drying the tiles so formed at a temperature of 100.degree.-120.degree. C.; firing the dried tiles at a temperature in the range of 1050.degree.-1250.degree. C. with a soaking for a period ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, and polishing the resultant tiles.