Abstract: A method of sealing a surface and structure of a refractory crucible with a ceramic, comprising the steps of: (a) heating a refractory crucible to a predetermined temperature; (b) applying a wetting agent to a surface of the crucible; (c) applying a ceramic slip along the inner surface of the crucible; (d) applying a vacuum to an outer surface of the crucible; (e) removing excess slip from the inner surface of the crucible; (f) heating the crucible to remove moisture therefrom; and (g) firing the crucible at a temperature between 1,300° C. and about 1,700° C.

Abstract: A ceramic consisting essentially of: about 51% to about 68% by weight ZrO2; about 20% to about 40% by weight Al2O3; about 9% to about 12% by weight CeO2; about 0.05% to about 0.2% by weight SiO2; about 0.01% to about 0.1% by weight MgO; about 0.1% to about 0.6% by weight MnO; and about 0.01% to about 0.8% by weight CaO.

Abstract: A fluent ceramic material is provided under pressure to a plurality of piston and cylinder devices for the purpose of dispensing drops to form balls of ceramic material. The piston and cylinder devices are each provided with a nozzle positioned above a droplet catch basin containing an aqueous gelatinizing solution. A cam mechanism controls the stroke of a piston in each cylinder so that a specific amount of the fluent ceramic material from the storage tank is dispensed in drops from the nozzles into the droplet catch basin. The use of the cam mechanism ensures the dispensing of a specific amount of material from the nozzle corresponding to a desired diameter of the resulting ceramic material ball. The desired diameter can be easily changed by appropriately changing a cam disk of the cam mechanism. The rate of production can be appropriately increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the cyclic rate of the pistons.

Abstract: A flexible member capable of withstanding a high temperature environment and/or a corrosive atmosphere or media is formed of a component in a desired shape and of a ceramic material having a modulus of elasticity of 150,000 to 200,000 MPa and a flexural strength of more than 400 MPa. The component is provided with at least one reduced thickness portion to impart to the component a desired degree of flexibility and/or elasticity.