Abstract: The target element (2) is formed from an inorganic compound layer (16) with a melting point above 300.degree. C. deposited on a foam or metallic felt support layer such that the layer of inorganic compound sinks to part of its depth into the support layer to define a composite layer (17). In order to form the target element, a precursor system of the inorganic compound is applied to the support layer, the assembly so formed is subjected to a pressure of between 0.1 MPa and 15 MPa, the resulting assembly is maintained at between 300.degree. C. and 1600.degree. C. and below the melting temperature of the support in order to obtain a sintered assembly. Said assembly is than cooled to an ambient temperature avoiding any sudden cooling. In order to produce the target, the element (2) is glued to a metallic substrate (4) using a conductive adhesive.

Abstract: A target element is formed by creating a precursor system which may yield an inorganic material at a temperature of 300-1600 C. which is lower than the melting point of said material. The precursor system contains an inorganic additive having a melting point no higher than. The precursor system is applied to a support other than a foam or metal felt, the resulting assembly is heated to said temperature and this temperature is maintained for a sufficient time to produce said inorganic material, whereafter the assembly formed by the inorganic material and the support is gradually cooled to room temperature. To produce the target, the target element (2) is bonded to a metal substrate (4) by means of a layer (3) of conductive adhesive.

Abstract: An electrochromic element useful in an electrochromic glass or mirror device and a process for making such element. The element is a five-layered structure including an electrolyte ion conducting layer interposed between first and second inorganic electrochromic layers which are interposed between a pair of conductive electrodes. The second inorganic electrochromic layer is amorphous. The first and second inorganic electrochromic layers are different and are capable of exhibiting color-forming properties complementary to one another upon the incorporation of at least one H, Li, Na, K, Ag, Cu or Tl ion. The electrolyte ion conducting layer may be a copolymer of ethylene oxide, butylene oxide or methyl glycidyl ether, and optionally a small amount of allyl glycidyl ether, along with an ionizable salt, or may be a polyurethane gel formed by reacting the copolymer with triisocyanate, along with an ionizable salt.