Abstract: Soundproofing materials consisting essentially of zinc oxide whisker particles having a nucleus body and needle crystal portions extending radially from the central body in different plural directions. The materials may comprise a support material for supporting the zinc oxide whisker particles. Such support materials include inorganic materials such as metals, ceramics, glasses, cements, mortars and various fillers in the form of powder, flakes, fibers and the like, and organic materials such as resins, rubbers, waxes and the like. These materials are particularly suitable for sound insulation, sound proofing, vibration damping and vibration insulation.

Abstract: A radio wave absorbing material comprising zinc oxide whiskers. In a preferred embodiment, the zinc oxide whiskers are comprised of a central part and needle crystal projections extending from said central part in plural different axial directions.

Abstract: A conductive composition containing at least zinc oxide whiskers. The conductive composition can be used to provide a conductive resing composition and a conductive coating composition, which have various uses, particularly in conductive layers, conductive supports or protective layers of electrophotographic photosensitive members.

Abstract: A conductive composition containing at least zinc oxide whiskers having a tetrapod structure. The conductive composition can be used to provide a conductive resin composition and a conductive coating composition, which have various uses, particularly in conductive layers, conductive supports or protective layers of electrophotographic photosensitive members.

Abstract: Soundproofing materials consisting essentially of zinc oxide whisker particles having a nucleus body and needle crystal portions extending radially from the central body in different plural directions. The materials may comprise a support material for supporting the zinc oxide whisker particles. Such support materials include inorganic materials such as metals, ceramics, glasses, cements, mortars and various fillers in the form of powder, flakes, fibers and the like, and organic materials such as resins, rubbers, waxes and the like. These materials are particularly suitable for sound insulation, sound proofing, vibration damping and vibration insulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing zinc oxide whiskers, whereby zinc powders composed of particles coated with an oxide film, preferably an oxide film having a superior sealing property are, heated for oxidization in an atmosphere containing oxygen.The atmosphere may contain carbon dioxide or steam.The obtained zinc oxide whiskers are formed in a single crystal comprised of a core part and an acicular part spreading in four different directions from the core part.For a baking furnace to obtain zinc oxide whiskers, is employed one that successively forms an atmosphere of a high partial pressure of zinc steam at the source side and an atmosphere of a high partial pressure of oxygen for facilitating formation of whiskers. The zinc oxide whiskers can be controlled in size by selecting the relative ratio of the partial pressure of zinc steam and oxygen.

Abstract: Whiskers of zinc oxide whose crystal structure includes a central body and four needle crystal projections radially extending from said central body are described. The whiskers are so unique a structure that they are applicable to various materials such as metals, resins, ceramics and the like as a reinforcing material. The whiskers may be in the form of a mixture of whiskers of zinc oxide having crystal structures including two, three, four and/or five needle crystal projections. A method for preparing such whiskers is also described.

Abstract: A metal composition comprising zinc oxide whiskers dispersed in a metal matrix. The whiskers comprise at least one needle crystal having a basal part whose diameter is from 0.7 to 14 micrometers and a length from the basal part to its tip of from 3 to 200 micrometers. The metal composition is isotropically reinforced with respect to mechanical strength and is significantly improved in free cuttability.