Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the formation of ceramic bodies. Methods of the invention involve processing ceramic-forming compositions to form an integrally self-supporting or stabilized structure, which may then be sintered to give the full-density ceramic product. Methods of the invention may also involve densification of the ceramic body. In one set of embodiments, the volume of the integrally self-supporting structure is reduced by at least 20%. The present invention may produce ceramic bodies having greater strength and durability, since the ceramic-forming compositions may be low in viscosity and may be homogeneously blended, decreasing the possibility for defects.

Abstract: A crystalline material structure is provided. The crystalline material structure includes a semiconductor structure being annealed at temperatures above the brittle-to-ductile transition temperature of the semiconductor structure, and cooled in an approximately linear time-temperature profile down to approximately its respective transition temperature T0.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing an article use three-dimensional printing for a portion of the manufacturing. Three-dimensionally printing is conducted onto a powder bed which contains both organic-solvent-soluble, water-insoluble particles and water soluble, organic-solvent-insoluble particles. The water-soluble particles which may be selected for properties such as size and may include more than one substance. The organic-solvent-insoluble particles may further include at least one substantially insoluble substance such as a member of the calcium phosphate family. Printing may be done using an aqueous binder liquid. After removal of unbound powder, the preform may be exposed to the vapor of an organic solvent which causes the particles of organic-soluble-polymer to fuse to each other. This may further be followed by dissolving out the water-soluble particles, if such particles were present in the powder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the formation of ceramic bodies. Methods of the invention involve processing ceramic-forming compositions to form an integrally self-supporting or stabilized structure, which may then be sintered to give the full-density ceramic product. Methods of the invention may also involve densification of the ceramic body. In one set of embodiments, the volume of the integrally self-supporting structure is reduced by at least 20%. The present invention may produce ceramic bodies having greater strength and durability, since the ceramic-forming compositions may be low in viscosity and may be homogeneously blended, decreasing the possibility for defects.

Abstract: The invention includes biostructures which may be characterized as having substantially all of the organic-solvent-soluble material in the form of a network of irregularly shaped perforated films. The biostructure may further include particles of a substantially-insoluble material, which may be a member of the calcium phosphate family. The biostructure may be osteoconductive. The biostructure may further contain an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient or other bioactive substance. The API may be a substance which stimulates the production of bone morphogenetic protein, such as Lovastatin or related substances, thereby making the biostructure effectively osteoinductive. One or more of the polymers may have a resorption rate in the human body such as to control the release of the API. Methods of manufacture are also disclosed.