Abstract: A process for making silica-based glass includes: (a) forming a glass precursor melt that includes glass network formers and glass network modifiers, the glass precursor melt having a viscosity of not more than 30 Pa·s at 1300 C., and (b) refining the glass precursor melt. Either or both steps (a) and (b) can include stirring and/or be carried out under reduced pressure to enhance refining. The refined glass precursor melt preferably is mixed with additional materials including silica (SiO2) to form a silica-based glass melt.

Abstract: A process for making silica-based glass includes: (a) forming a glass precursor melt that includes glass network formers and glass network modifiers, the glass precursor melt having a viscosity of not more than 30 Pa·s at 1300 C, and (b) refining the glass precursor melt. Either or both steps (a) and (b) can include stirring and/or be carried out under reduced pressure to enhance refining. The refined glass precursor melt preferably is mixed with additional materials including silica (SiO2) to form a silica-based glass melt.

Abstract: Rare earth manganese oxides are used as pigments. The pigments are preferably of the formula (RexMn)Oy, where Re is at least one element selected from Y, La and Lanthanide elements, x is from 0.01 to 99, and y is the number required to maintain electroneutrality. Preferred rare earth elements include Y, La, Pr and Nd. The pigments are useful as colorants, and may possess improved reflectance characteristics in the infrared region, thereby reducing IR-induced heat buildup.

Abstract: Manganese vanadium oxides are used as pigments. The mnanganese vanadium oxide pigments are of the formula Mn2V2O7. The, pigments are useful as colorants, and also possess improved reflectance characteristics in the infrared region, thereby reducing IR-induced heat buildup.

Abstract: Alkaline earth-manganese oxides are used as pigments. The alkaline earth-manganese oxide pigments are preferably of the formula MexMnOy, where Me is at least one metal selected from Ca, Sr, Ba and Mg, x is from 0.01 to 99, and y is greater than or equal to x+1 and less than or equal to x+2. The pigments are useful as colorants, and also possess improved reflectance characteristics, particularly in the IR region, and may reduce IR-induced heat buildup. These colorants can be used to form colored objects, or coat objects when they are either added into or applied onto materials such as paints, inks, plastics, glasses, ceramics and the like. The patent also covers the production of these pigments.