Abstract: Provided are compositions useful as cathodes in lithium-ion electrochemical cells. The compositions include particles that include transition metal oxides that have at least two distinct phases with different compositions. Each of the distinct phases comprises a layered O3 crystal structure.

Abstract: Provided are compositions useful as cathodes in lithium-ion electrochemical cells. The compositions include particles that include transition metal oxides that have at least two distinct phases with different compositions. Each of the distinct phases comprises a layered O3 crystal structure.

Abstract: Single-phase lithium-transition metal oxide compounds containing cobalt, manganese and nickel can be prepared by wet milling cobalt-, manganese-, nickel- and lithium-containing oxides or oxide precursors to form a finely-divided slurry containing well-distributed cobalt, manganese, nickel and lithium, and heating the slurry to provide a lithium-transition metal oxide compound containing cobalt, manganese and nickel and having a substantially single-phase O3 crystal structure. Wet milling provides significantly shorter milling times than dry milling and appears to promote formation of single-phase lithium-transition metal oxide compounds. The time savings in the wet milling step more than offsets the time that may be required to dry the slurry during the heating step.

Abstract: Single-phase lithium-transition metal oxide compounds containing cobalt, manganese and nickel can be prepared by wet milling cobalt-, manganese-, nickel- and lithium-containing oxides or oxide precursors to form a finely-divided slurry containing well-distributed cobalt, manganese, nickel and lithium, and heating the slurry to provide a lithium-transition metal oxide compound containing cobalt, manganese and nickel and having a substantially single-phase O3 crystal structure. Wet milling provides significantly shorter milling times than dry milling and appears to promote formation of single-phase lithium-transition metal oxide compounds. The time savings in the wet milling step more than offsets the time that may be required to dry the slurry during the heating step.

Abstract: All-ceramic retroreflective elements which may be used in pavement markings comprising an opacified ceramic core and ceramic optical elements partially embedded into the core.

Abstract: To inhibit agglomeration of fibrous material during composite preparation and to increase transverse strength, particulates such as whiskers have been attached to the fibrous material. Whiskers can be economically grown on the fibrous material while it is transported lengthwise through a heated gaseous mixture under APCVD conditions and the presence of an agent for catalyzing the formation of whiskers. The fibrous material preferably is a roving or tow of a ceramic or carbon.

Abstract: An insulative material comprises a random network of ceramic fibers and a binder for holding the fibers together. In addition, it may include a filler material composed of hollow ceramic spheres which locate at the interstices of the fibrous network and increase the strength of the network. The insulative material can withstand extremely high temperatures and thermal shock without degradation, has an extremely low density, has excellent insulating properties, and has reasonably high compressive strength. The material is formed by making a slurry which contains the ceramic fibers, with or without the filler, and the binder; felting the slurry; subjecting the felt so formed to microwave energy for drying; and firing the dried felt at 2300.degree.-3200.degree.F. to increase its strength.