Abstract: Non-spherical silica particles having nodular morphology for use as an abrasive media in chemical mechanical polishing are disclosed. Also disclosed are aqueous slurries of monodispersed non-spherical nodular shaped particles having mean effective diameters between about 100 and 300 nanometers for chemical mechanical polishing. In addition aqueous slurries for the chemical mechanical polishing and planarization of oxide dielectric, metal, and metal/metallic compound interlayers of integrated circuits are disclosed.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for securing orthodontic appliances to a tooth and an associated fabricating method. The orthodontic bracket (10) generally comprises a body (18) fabricated of a high strength plastic material (22) filled with an oxide particulate filler (24). In certain alternate embodiments the body (18) is further strengthened by dispersing reinforcing fibers (32) in the plastic material (22). The body (18) in certain embodiments is coated with a layer of organo-functional silane (28) and/or a high strength plastic (30) so as to resist staining and/or abrasion. The method of the present invention generally comprises filling the plastic fabricating material (22) with the oxide filler (28) and/or reinforcing fibers and/or whiskers (32) and molding the composite material into the desired bracket body configuration. The body (18) can then be coated with the desired protective abrasion and stain resistant coating (30).

Abstract: A method of providing fastener holes in extremely hard ceramic armor comprises the steps of:(a) providing a billet of precompacted ceramic powder material;(b) drilling the desired holes in the billet;(c) preparing a plug of non-sintering material that is chemically compatible with and has compaction characteristics similar to the ceramic powder material;(d) pressing the plugs into the billet holes;(e) hot pressing the billet and plugs at conventional temperature and pressure for manufacture of a ceramic armor structure, and;(f) removing plugs by conventional tooling or sandblasting.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the bondability of ceramic orthodontic brackets or other dental attachments for improving the bonding strength between such attachments and the tooth engaging surface utilizing an intermediate bonding agent such as an acrylic resin. The method of the present invention results in the application of a silicious glass-like material coating of the bonding surface of the dental appliance. The silicious glass-like material provides three functions: (1) the proper surface chemistry for the use of organofunctional silanes that act as adhesion promoters or primers to enhance the bond between the adhesive and the orthodontic bracket; (2) a medium whereby second phase particulates can be adhered to the bracket to form irregular surface projections to enhance bonding; and (3) a surface that can be etched to yield macro and micro pitting to enhance the bond between the appliance and the intermediate bonding agent.