Abstract: The invention relates to microspheres with a narrow distribution of particle size and a uniform spherical shape, consisting of a partially or completely cross-linked polymer material. The invention also relates to a method for producing said microspheres and to the use thereof.

Abstract: In order to produce aluminium oxide beads, an acid aluminium oxide sol or an acid aluminium oxide suspension is converted into droplets by a vibrating nozzle plate and pre-solidified after the formation of a bead shape by laterally blowing gaseous ammonia and then coagulated in an ammonia solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating and solidifying a salt solution includes a vessel for containing the salt solution having an exposed surface, the vessel having a generally open upper portion, a cover for sealing the generally open upper portion of the vessel and having a generally hood shaped portion, the cover including at least one inlet conduit for admitting the salt solution to the vessel and a discharge conduit for vapor, and a magnetron for generating microwaves for heating the solution in the vessel. A microwave waveguide is disposed between the magnetron and the vessel and incorporates the cover, for directing microwaves from the magnetron into the vessel, the waveguide transitioning within the cover from the generally hood shaped portion into a horn having a variable cross-section and/or variable vertical spacing with respect to the vessel. This structure enables microwaves to be radiated directly onto the exposed surface of the salt solution in the vessel.

Abstract: Proposed is a process for the production of spherical alginate pellets from drops of alginate solution delivered by a nozzle, the drops being solidified by dropping them into an ionic solution and subsequently removing the pellets and rinsing them. The alginate solution is converted into drops by vibrational stimuli, and the drops subsequently allowed to remain substantially free in the ionic solution until the required degree of solidification has been reached.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing stabilized zirconium oxide powder suitable for pressing shaped elements and subsequent sintering to provide high-density ceramic materials. To this end, an aqueous solution of a zirconium salt containing an additive is converted into droplets. The droplets formed are solidified, by the action of ammonia, into gel particles which are then washed, dewatered dried and calcined.

Abstract: To manufacture spherical particles out of liquid phase with a narrow grain spectrum using melting temperatures of up to 1500.degree. C. by generating droplets by means of vibrating nozzles, the liquid phase, the nozzle and the drop distance for the droplets are maintained at a constant temperature of 1.degree. to 10.degree. C. above the melting temperature of the liquid phase until the spherical shape of the falling droplets has stabilized. The particles must then be abruptly chilled.

Abstract: Manufacture of oxidic nuclear fuel bodies with oxygen-to-metal ratio of 2.0.+-.0.02 at relatively low sintering temperature in range of 1000.degree.-1400.degree. C. Nuclear fuel powder with an arbitrary oxygen-to-metal ratio is mixed with a grain-growth promoting additive (U.sub.3 O.sub.8) and pressed into blanks. The blanks are subjected to a two-stage operation in a furnace at 1000.degree.-1400.degree. C. - an oxidative-sintering stage in a carbon dioxide atmosphere and a reducing stage in a hydrogen containing atmosphere.