Abstract: Good optical properties can be achieved in an optical waveguide made of polycrystalline silicon. A semiconductor layer that constitutes each of a first optical signal line, a second optical signal line, a grating coupler, an optical modulator, and a p-type layer of a germanium optical receiver is formed by a polycrystalline silicon film. Crystal grains of polycrystalline silicon exposed on an upper surface of the semiconductor layer include crystal grains having flat surfaces parallel to a first main surface of a semiconductor substrate, and crystal grains of polycrystalline silicon exposed on side surfaces (including side surfaces of a protrusion of a protruding portion) of the semiconductor layer include crystal grains having flat surfaces perpendicular to the first main surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A molding is produced with a disk-shaped or plate-shaped basic body having a large number of knob-like and/or web-like elevations which merge into the basic body with inclined side surfaces. The molding is produced by pressing and sintering powdery raw materials close to the final shape. First, the boundary surfaces of the basic body are pressed to final shape as far as the transition regions of the elevations and the elevations are pressed to an oversize. The projection height of the elevations from the basic body is greater than the projection height in the finally pressed state. Their side surfaces form an angle of inclination in the range from 90°-150° with the respectively adjacent boundary surface of the basic body. Then the elevations are pressed to near final shape while the angle of inclination is enlarged to a greater value.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing of ceramic electro-insulating pipes having an external diameter between 30 mm and 100 mm, a wall thickness between 5 mm and 10 mm, a length between 15 cm and 150 cm, the method comprising molding in a mold, an element made from a ceramic powder, compacting the ceramic element in a press, glazing, firing of a glazed element in a furnace and shaping the fired element in order to produce the ceramic insulating pipe characterized in that the element is molded in a mould (102) from a ceramic powder consisting of Al2O3 from 40% to 75% by weight, SiO2 from 5 to 25%, kaolin (white clay) from 5% to 20%, and potter's clay from 5% to 20%, wherein the mold (102) comprises a rigid cylindrical lower punch (202) and a flexible cylindrical outer membrane (203) placed around the lower punch (202) so that between them a cylindrical gap (204) is formed to be filled with the ceramic powder, wherein while filling the gap (204) with the ceramic powder, the outer membrane (203) is deformed from a circular

Abstract: A sintered, generally spherical ceramic body, having an alumina content of from about 52 to about 55 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, a silica content from about 32 to about 38 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, an apparent specific gravity of about 2.61 to about 2.65, and a bulk density of about 1.45 to about 1.56 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: Methods of preparing polycrystalline aluminum nitride materials that have high density, high purity, and favorable surface morphology are disclosed. The methods generally comprises pressing aluminum nitride powders to form a slug, sintering the slug to form a sintered, polycrystalline aluminum nitride boule, and optionally shaping the boule and/or polishing at least a portion of the boule to provide a finished substrate. The sintered, polycrystalline aluminum nitride materials beneficially are prepared without the use of any sintering aid or binder, and the formed materials exhibit excellent density, AlN purity, and surface morphology.

Abstract: A method of making a body of polycrystalline superhard material comprising placing an aggregated mass of grains of superhard material into a canister, placing a ceramic layer either in direct contact with the aggregated mass of grains of superhard material or in indirect contact therewith, the ceramic layer being spaced from the grains by an interlayer of material when present, the ceramic layer having a surface with surface topology, the surface topology imprinting a pattern in the aggregated mass of grains of superhard material complementary to the surface topology, the ceramic material and the material of the interlayer being such that they do not react chemically with the superhard material and/or a sinter catalyst material for the grains of superhard material. The aggregated mass of grains of superhard material and ceramic layer are subjected to a pressure of greater than 5.

Abstract: A method for producing transparent ceramic objects having an RIT>10% in the wave length range of 300 nm to 4000 nm and a wall thickness of 2 mm. Said method consists of the following steps: producing a slip by dispersing a ceramic powder, the particle size of which is d50<5 ?m, preferably between 5 nm and 500 nm; producing a granular material, the particle size of which is d50<1 mm, preferably between 50 ?m and 500 ?m, more preferably between 80 ?m and 300 ?m, from the slip by means of fluidised bed granulation; pressing the granular material in a simple, non-cyclical manner to form a green body; sintering the green body to form a sintered body; and re-densifying the sintered body.

Abstract: When a raw material graphite film bad in flatness is laminated onto another material, creases and other defects may be caused. In particular, when a graphite film having a large area is laminated, defects such as creases may be often caused. In order to solve such defects, a flatness correction treatment step is performed wherein a raw material graphite film is subjected to heat treatment up to 2000° C. or higher while a pressure is applied thereto. This flatness correction treatment gives a graphite film good in flatness. Furthermore, when the flatness of the raw material graphite film is corrected by use of a thermal expansion of a core, a graphite film small in sagging can be obtained.

Abstract: A freeze-forging method for producing sintered three-dimensional ceramic bodies, particularly magnesium aluminate spinel domes. The method comprises forming a ceramic mix of a ready-to-sinter ceramic powder and a nonaqueous liquefied sublimable vehicle having a solidification temperature from room temperature to below 200° C.; reducing the temperature of the ceramic mix to below the vehicle's solidification temperature to freeze the mix; crushing the frozen mix into powdered form; molding the frozen powder into net shape by cold forging in a mold to form a net-shaped green body preform of the desired three-dimensional shape; and densifying the green body into a sintered three-dimensional ceramic body.

Abstract: A silicon nitride material is disclosed which has properties beneficial for efficient operation of a corona discharge igniter system in an internal combustion gas engine.

Abstract: A process for producing refractory ceramics (K) for use as heat shield in the hot gas path of gas turbine plants: introducing a casting composition into a component casing mold for the refractory ceramic (K), closing the casting mold so that the casting composition is under a defined static pressure after closure; orienting vibration of the casting mold in the direction (V) of a normal (N) to a surface of the refractory ceramic (K) to be produced, and subsequently removing the casting from the mold and firing the cast component.

Abstract: A containment element for a pressure containment assembly, comprising mullite or a polymorph of mullite.

Abstract: Methods for threading ceramic materials, such as ceramic materials used for spinal implants or other biomedical implants. In some implementations, an expected rate of shrinkage of the block upon undergoing a firing process may be determined. A scaling factor may then be applied using the expected rate of shrinkage to select a tap having a size larger than a desired thread size. A green block may then be tapped with the selected tap to form a threaded opening in the green block. The block may be machined in order to remove cracks caused by the tapping process and/or to form the block into a desired shape/size. The green block may then be fired, which may result in a reduction of a size of the block and a size of the threaded opening.

Abstract: A display window is formed by mechanically processing a transparent ceramic article. The composition of the ceramic article includes yttrium oxide and thorium oxide, the mole percentage of yttrium oxide is about 85% to about 94.99%, and the mole percentage of thorium oxide is about 4.99% to about 15%. The display window has a high light transmittance, good acid and alkali corrosion resistance, high hardness, long lifetime.

Abstract: Provided are: a readily sinterable silicon carbide powder substantially having a stoichiometric composition and from which a dense sintered body can be obtained; a silicon carbide ceramic sintered body having a low specific resistance; and a production method thereof. This readily sinterable silicon carbide powder has a carbon/silicon elemental ratio of 0.96 to 1.04, an average particle diameter of 1.0 to 100 ?m, and a ratio of 20% or less of an integrated value of an absorption intensity in a chemical shift range of 0 to 30 ppm to an integrated value of an absorption intensity in a chemical shift range of 0 to 170 ppm, in a 13C-NMR spectrum. By sintering this silicon carbide powder under pressure, there can be produced a dense sintered body having a low specific resistance and a high purity.

Abstract: An automotive ceramic friction material free from asbestos and metal and preparation method thereof are provided. The material includes the following components: organic adhesive, reinforced fiber, friction-increasing agent, antifriction agent and fillers. The material has high coefficient of friction, stable braking performance, low heat fading, low wear resistance and long service life.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanostructured composite material of ?-alumina-doped zirconia stabilised with cerium oxide and zirconia-doped ?-alumina, the process for obtaining it and the applications thereof, such as knee prostheses, hip prostheses, dental implants, mechanical components for pumps, alkaline batteries, ceramic components for stereotactic neurology, cutting tools, etc.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus that includes a molding die for producing a sintered body. The molding die is configured for cold isostatic pressing and includes a knockdown mold frame comprised of plural frame members and a bottom plate provided in contact with the knockdown mold frame. An upper punch is provided to be movable along the inner surface of the knockdown mold frame. The frame members configured to be movable relative to each other to accommodate an expansion of a green body which takes place at the time of reducing the pressure after the completion of pressing.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multipart assembly of sintered oxide ceramic material, including one first component which at least partially surrounds one second component in such a manner that detaching the first component from the second component is not possible without destroying the first and/or second component. The assembly is produced by producing a single-part first shaped part and a single-part second shaped part from an oxide ceramic blank, whereby the first shaped part and the second shaped part are enlarged to compensate for the shrinkage during sintering, and assembling the sintered shaped part as second component with the first shaped part and subsequently sintering them together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a film catalyst, including forming a catalyst layer on one side or each side of a base material to obtain a film catalyst, bending the film catalyst, and optionally cutting the film catalyst, wherein the bending step is conducted by bending the film catalyst with a bending tool composed of two gears that are oppositely arranged as meshing each other while a protective material having a compressibility of 40 to 95% is inserted between the catalyst layer of the film catalyst and the two gears.

Abstract: A method of making a near-net superhard material body includes preparing granules from a mixture of superhard powder, binders, and fluids, compacting the granules to form a soft green complex-shaped body, heating the soft green body in a furnace to form a hard green body free from residual binders, embedding one or more of the hard green bodies in a containment powder or a containment means and forming a pressure cell, sintering the cell at high pressure and high temperature, and removing the containment powder from the cell or removing the inserts from the containment means to reveal one or more near-net bodies.

Abstract: Biodegradable disposable flatware and utensils manufactured from wood-based or plant-based raw materials, including materials that may be traditionally discarded such as sawdust, plant stalks, seed or grain hulls or the like. The process includes the use of a resin made from the discarded materials to form disposable utensils and flatware.

Abstract: A ceramic implant having a rough surface texture and a method for forming the same. The method includes forming a green body of a first ceramic composition. The green body is reduced to smaller pieces thereby forming ceramic fragments. A mold is filled with a second ceramic composition to form a ceramic base. Ceramic fragments are added to the mold and an outer layer is formed over at least a portion of the ceramic base. Pressure is applied to the mold to compress the outer layer onto the ceramic base and to form a green assembly. The green assembly is sintered to form a ceramic implant having a rough surface texture.

Abstract: A fly ash composition including fly ash and a plasticizing agent and being in a powder form is disclosed. The plasticizing agent is capable of binding the fly ash particles in the fly ash composition together on pressing of the fly ash composition. Processes of forming shaped articles containing fly ash may utilize the fly ash composition and/or mixtures containing fly ash and have low water content and may exhibit sufficient green strength to be handled by industrial equipment.

Abstract: A method for producing a superconductive wire, whereby an elongated intermediate element is formed out of an initial element in a deformation step and whereby the superconductive filaments are formed by a final reaction heat treatment, is characterized in that prior to the final reaction heat treatment the filaments in the intermediate element are densified in one or more high pressure densification steps following up the deformation step, said densification steps comprising a simultaneous action of at least four hard surfaces perpendicular to the axis of the elongated intermediate element, building up high pressure P?100 MPa on a part of the intermediate element having an axial length L. This leads to a substantial increase of the critical current density Jc, whereby the anisotropy factor ? is be almost not affected thus enabling production of almost isotropic wires or tapes.

Abstract: Provided is a method for stably manufacturing high-density sintered LiCoO2. Said method uses a CIP-and-sintering method, which has a forming step using cold hydrostatic pressing and a sintering step. The pressing force is at least 1000 kg/cm2, the sintering temperature is between 1050° C. and 1120° C., and the sintering time is at least two hours. This makes it possible to stably manufacture sintered LiCoO2 with a relative density of at least 90%, a resistivity of at most 3 k?·cm, and a mean grain diameter between 20 and 50 ?m.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composite material comprising a ceramic component having a negative coefficient of thermal expansion, and oxidic ceramic particles, to its obtainment process and to its uses in microelectronics, precision optics, aeronautics and aerospace.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a molding unit having a punch and a mold cavity movable along a path between an open position in which said punch and said mold cavity are distanced apart from each other to receive a dose of plastics therebetween, and a closed position in which said punch and said mold cavity interact to form an item by pressing said dose, said punch being kept not above said cavity along said path.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process for obtaining a substrate coated with a photocatalytic film based on a mixed oxide of bismuth and at least one metal other than bismuth, comprising at least a step of depositing said oxide by a sputtering technique.

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: A method for manufacturing an annular nuclear fuel pellet is provided. In the method, an annular nuclear fuel green compact whose lateral cross-section is a trapezoid is prepared. The thickness of the annular nuclear fuel green compact reduces along one direction of the central axis, and a green density of the nuclear fuel green compact increases along one direction of the central axis. The annular nuclear fuel green compact is sintered under a reducing gas atmosphere so that the annular nuclear fuel pellet is obtained. According to this method, the annular pellet which has uniform inner and outer diameters and small diametric tolerances along the pellet height is fabricated without grinding the pellet surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Ti3SiC2 based material that exhibits excellent arc resistance, an electrode, a spark plug, and methods of manufacturing the same. A Ti3SiC2 based material according to the present invention includes Ti3SiC2 as a main phase, the Ti3SiC2 based material having a TiC content of 0.5 mass % or less and an open porosity of 0.5% or less. It may be preferable that 0 to 30 mol % of Si contained in the main phase Ti3SiC2 be substituted with Al. A spark plug according to the present invention includes an electrode formed using the Ti3SiC2 based material.

Abstract: A method for producing an ? alumina sintered body for the production of a sapphire single crystal characterized in that a relative density is 60% or more, a closed porosity is 10% or less, a purity is 99.99% by mass or more, each content of Si, Na, Ca, Fe, Cu and Mg is 10 ppm or less, and a volume is 1 cm3 or more, and the ? alumina sintered body can be obtained by mixing 100 parts by weight of an ? alumina with 1 part by weight or more and 20 parts by weight or less of an ? alumina precursor to obtain a mixture, forming a compact from the obtained mixture, and firing the obtained compact.

Abstract: Ultrafine metal carbide or metal boride particles are consolidated by a method including sintering at intermediate pressures. A green body comprising the ultrafine metal carbide or metal boride particles may be preheated under vacuum and then pressurized to the intermediate sintering pressure. After sintering, the article may be densified at an intermediate temperature below the sintering temperature, and at an elevated pressure above the intermediate sintering temperature. The resultant consolidated metal carbide or metal boride article may then be cooled and used for such applications as armor panels, abrasion resistant nozzles, and the like.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal article according to one embodiment may include: Providing a supply of a sodium/molybdenum composite metal powder; compacting the sodium/molybdenum composite metal powder under sufficient pressure to form a preformed article; placing the preformed article in a sealed container; raising the temperature of the sealed container to a temperature that is lower than a sintering temperature of molybdenum; and subjecting the sealed container to an isostatic pressure for a time sufficient to increase the density of the article to at least about 90% of theoretical density.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a molding, comprising a disk-like or plate-like basic body -5- having a large number of knob-like and/or web-like elevations -4-3- which merge into the basic body -5- with inclined side surfaces, by means of pressing and sintering powdery raw materials close to the final shape. According to the invention, the pressing is carried out in a two-stage pressing operation. In the first stage the boundary surfaces of the basic body -5- are pressed to at least the approximate final shape as far as the transition regions of the elevations -3-4- and, at the same time, the elevations -3-4- are pressed to an oversize. The projection h? of the elevations -3-4- from the basic body -5- is greater by 10%-150% as compared with the projection h from the basic body -5- in the finally pressed state. Their side surfaces form an angle of inclination ?? in the range from 90°-150° with the respectively adjacent boundary surface of the basic body -5-.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to superabrasive compacts including a diamond-silicon carbide composite table, and methods of fabricating such superabrasive compacts. In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a superabrasive compact is disclosed. An assembly comprising a mixture including diamond particles and silicon is formed. The silicon comprises amorphous silicon, crystalline silicon crystallized from amorphous silicon formed by a milling process, or combinations thereof. A substrate is positioned in proximity to the mixture. The assembly is subjected to a high-pressure/high-temperature process to form a superabrasive compact comprising a superabrasive table bonded to the substrate. The superabrasive table comprises diamond-silicon carbide composite including diamond grains dispersed through a matrix of silicon carbide grains.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a ceramic molded part from a suspension/dispersion with a solids content and a fluid content by depositing solids content at the periphery of a porous self-supporting support that is at least partially immersed in the suspension/dispersion and has the same shape as the molded part to be prepared, but with a reduced size, wherein: the solids content contains oxide-ceramic particles; the porous self-supporting support is detachably connected with a discharge in a zone that is not immersed in the suspension/dispersion; the suspension/dispersion is moved towards the porous self-supporting support by means of a positive pressure difference between a pressure prevailing in the suspension/dispersion and a pressure prevailing in the discharge; wherein the fluid content of the suspension/dispersion enters in the porous self-supporting support with depositing solids content at the periphery of the porous self-supporting support.

Abstract: A molding apparatus for making a cutting tool includes a cylindrically shaped elastic bag having an internal cavity for receiving a granulated material, such as a mixture of cobalt and carbide. The profile of the interior cavity substantially corresponds to the shape of the cutting tool being produced. The ends of the bag are open to provide access to the interior cavity of the bag. A substantially rigid tubular-shaped pressure sleeve encloses an outer circumference of the elastic bag. A pair of end caps operate to seal the open ends of the elastic bag and are engageable with the ends of the pressure sleeve. The granulated material can be formed into a solid coherent structure by placing the assembled mold containing the granulated material into a hydrostatic press for applying a substantially uniform compressive load to the outer periphery of the elastic bag.

Abstract: The invention provides a rapid and economical process for manufacturing a transparent, spinel based ceramic. A transparent body of sintered magnesium aluminate spinel having excellent optical and mechanical properties is provided in a single-stage thermal process.

Abstract: Provided are a decorative sheet which is enhanced in durability of an edge portion of a soft feel layer thereof and which is unlikely to suffer breakage, a method of manufacturing such a decorative sheet, a decorative molded body, and a decorative key sheet. A compressed portion formed by crushing a foam layer in a thickness direction is provided at a side surface of an edge portion of a decorative sheet with a soft touch feeling.

Abstract: A powder metallurgy process for the manufacture of powders of a refractory ceramic material, comprising the consecutive steps of: (i) obtaining a dry mixture of a hafnium dioxide HfO2 powder and an yttrium oxide Y2O3 powder; (ii) step of granulation by pelletization of the dry mixture under stirring in order to obtain a granulated mixture, this granulation step comprising the spraying, into the dry mixture, of an aqueous solution comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG); (iii) drying of the granulated mixture; (iv) filling of a mold with said granulated mixture; (v) isostatical or semi-isostatical pressing of the granulated mixture in order to obtain a compact mixture; (vi) sintering of the compact mixture in order to obtain a refractory ceramic material at a solidus temperature in the range between 2500° C. and 2800° C.

Abstract: An installation (100) for the manufacture of ceramic products comprises a mold (1) divided into at least two parts (2, 3) forming an internal cavity (C) where the ceramic product is formed, and mobile towards and away from each other, under the action of respective drive means (4) acting in both directions along a predetermined clamping line (S), in such a way as to join or detach the parts (2, 3) to/from each other; each part (2, 3) of the mold (1) comprises at least one rear outside surface (2p, 3p) and one lateral outside surface (2s, 3s); at least one of the parts (2, 3) is equipped with means (6) for containing and controlling a fluid and encompassing the rear (2p, 3p) and lateral (2s, 3s) outside surfaces of the mold (1) part (2, 3); the containment means (6) are associated with the part (2, 3) of the mold (1) in such a way that during the product casting cycle the forces (SF) acting on the part (2, 3) of the mold (1) are constantly compensated by correlated forces (FR).

Abstract: This process is a fused glass powder process for making ceramic billets for semiconductor dopants. The powder process uses a unique combination of steps for packing, compacting and heat treating the powders. The resulting billets may be tailored in composition to provide a variety of densities, rigidities and B2O3 evolution rates. Further, the resulting wafers have a large diameter to meet the needs of semiconductor production.

Abstract: In a method of controlling an injection molding machine M which controls specified operational processes in a molding cycle by variably controlling the rotation speed of a driving motor 3 in a hydraulic pump 2 and driving a specified hydraulic actuators 4a, 4b, . . . , in lowering the pressure Pd of the operational process to a specified pressure Pn, the pressure Pd is forcibly lowered by controlling the driving motor 3 in reverse rotation.

Abstract: Boron carbide ceramics produced by spark sintering methods have more desirable mechanical properties than conventionally produced carbides. The boron carbide ceramics include amorphous boron, amorphous carbon, and Al2O3 powder as a sintering aid. The boron carbides may also contain a carbon nano fiber in a nearly homogeneously dispersed state. The sintered compact has a relative density of a boron carbide ceramic of approximately not less than 99%. The boron carbide ceramics are prepared preferably by subjecting a mixed powder of the starting raw materials and the carbon nano fiber to simultaneous synthesis and sintering using the spark plasma sintering method.

Abstract: A method of making a cubic halide scintillator material includes pressing a powder mixture of cubic halide and at least one activator under conditions of pressure, temperature, residence time and particle size effective to provide a polycrystalline sintered cubic halide scintillator having a pulse height resolution of from about 7% to about 20%. The conditions include a temperature ranging from about ambient temperature up to about 90% of the melting point of the cubic halide, a pressure of from about 30,000 psi to about 200,000 psi, a pressing residence time of from about 5 minutes to about 120 minutes and an average cubic halide particle size of from about 60 micrometers to about 275 micrometers.

Abstract: Boron carbide ceramics produced by spark sintering methods have more desirable mechanical properties than conventionally produced carbides. The boron carbide ceramics include amorphous boron, amorphous carbon, and Al2O3 powder as a sintering aid. The boron carbides may also contain a carbon nano fiber in a nearly homogeneously dispersed state. The sintered compact has a relative density of a boron carbide ceramic of approximately not less than 99%. The boron carbide ceramics are prepared preferably by subjecting a mixed powder of the starting raw materials and the carbon nano fiber to simultaneous synthesis and sintering using the spark plasma sintering method.

Abstract: A manufacturing process that comprises placing an article within a particulate medium (4), the article being provided with a molded body (8) of small ceramic particles. On application of heat and pressure the small ceramic particles are pushed between the particulate medium (4) to permit localized deformation of the article (2).

Abstract: A resorbable, macroporous bioactive glass scaffold comprising approximately 24-45% CaO, 34-50% SiO2, 0-25% Na2O, 5-17% P2O5, 0-5% MgO and 0-1% CaF2 by mass percent, produced by mixing with pore forming agents and specified heat treatments.