Abstract: A colorant-containing solid material (1) of the present invention includes a colorant (10) and a matrix (20). The matrix (20) is formed of a silica and a polysilsesquioxane and covers the colorant (10). An absorption intensity derived from a hydrocarbon group that is not directly bonded to a silicon atom, an absorption intensity derived from a bond between a silicon atom and a non-reactive functional group, and an absorption intensity derived from a bond between a silicon atom and a hydroxy group, determined by an infrared spectroscopic analysis based on a KBr pellet method using a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, are denoted as Ia, Ib and Ic, respectively. The colorant-containing solid material (1) satisfies at least one of conditions Ib/Ia?1.1 and Ib/Ic?0.6.

Abstract: A colorant-containing solid material (1) of the present invention includes a colorant (10) and a matrix (20). The matrix (20) is formed of a silica and a polysilsesquioxane and covers the colorant (10). An absorption intensity derived from a hydrocarbon group that is not directly bonded to a silicon atom, an absorption intensity derived from a bond between a silicon atom and a non-reactive functional group, and an absorption intensity derived from a bond between a silicon atom and a hydroxy group, determined by an infrared spectroscopic analysis based on a KBr pellet method using a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, are denoted as Ia, Ib and Ic, respectively. The colorant-containing solid material (1) satisfies at least one of conditions Ib/Ia?1.1 and Ib/Ic?0.6.

Abstract: Zinc oxide-containing composite particles of the present invention each include: a dense matrix formed of silica and a polysilsesquioxane; and zinc oxide particles dispersed within the matrix. The content of the polysilsesquioxane in the matrix is 30 mass % to 70 mass %. The zinc oxide-containing composite particles of the present invention have high acid resistance and are capable of maintaining acid resistance even upon contact with water.

Abstract: A reinforcement means for molded and extruded articles such as tires has a metal structure with a layer of silica gel bonded thereto. The silica gel bonds the reinforcement means to the rubber compound during the molding/vulcanization of the rubber compound without the need for a slow curing stage. The silica gel may be applied to the metal structure by a sol-gel process with the gel formed by drying the sol at a temperature up to 150° C. The reinforcement means is preferably a cable formed from steel wires coated with the silica gel. To further improve bonding of the silica gel to the rubber compound, an organosilane bonding agent may be included in the rubber compound or the reinforcing means provided with a second layer comprising an organosilane as a bonding agent. The reinforcement means are particularly useful for strengthening and providing geometric stability to tires.

Abstract: The titanium dioxide fine particle-dispersed composite particles (1) of the present invention include silica particles (10) and fine titanium dioxide particles (20). The fine titanium dioxide particles (20) are dispersed inside the silica particles (10). The fine titanium dioxide particles (20) are of the rutile type and have an average primary particle diameter of 2 nm to 8 nm. The titanium dioxide fine particle-dispersed composite particles (1) of the present invention have high transparency to visible light.

Abstract: Carbon black-containing composite particles of the present invention each include a silicon oxide and carbon black particles dispersed inside the silicon oxide. When a coating film containing the carbon black-containing composite particles dispersed in a transparent matrix, having a concentration of the carbon black particles of 1 mass %, and having a thickness of 25 ?m to 40 ?m is formed on a hiding-chart specified in JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) K 5600-4-1: 1999, a difference LW*?LB* obtained by subtracting lightness LB* of the coating film formed on a black part of the hiding-chart from lightness LW* of the coating film formed on a white part of the hiding-chart is 30 or less. Thus carbon black-containing composite particles advantageous in exhibiting a good hiding property and reducing an undertone can be provided.

Abstract: A zinc oxide-containing composite particle (1) according to the present invention includes a porous silica particle (10), zinc oxide particles (20), and a coating layer (30). The zinc oxide particles (20) are enclosed within the porous silica particle (10). The coating layer (30) covers the porous silica particle (10) and contains a polysilsesquioxane. The zinc oxide-containing composite particle (1) can thus be provided as a particle having high acid resistance.

Abstract: A method for producing particles containing a metal oxide is provided, and the method includes: feeding a metal oxide sol having a pH of 7 or higher and containing metal oxide colloidal particles as dispersoids and water as a dispersion medium, into a liquid containing a solvent having a solubility in 20° C. water of 0.05 g/100 ml or more and having a relative permittivity of 30 or lower (protic solvent) or of 40 or lower (aprotic solvent) at 20° C., and thereby forming aggregates of the metal oxide colloidal particles in the liquid; and subjecting the aggregates to a treatment such as drying and heating, and thereby converting the aggregates into particles that are insoluble in water. By appropriately selecting the solvent, particles can be obtained in the form of flakes, fibers, spheres, and the like.

Abstract: Provided is a mesoporous particle having a flaky shape, having a single-layer structure, having a thickness of 0.1 ?m to 3 ?m, and having an average pore diameter of 10 nm or more. The mesoporous particle can be obtained by a production method including: feeding a metal oxide sol having a pH of 7 or higher and containing metal oxide colloidal particles as dispersoids and water as a dispersion medium, into a liquid containing a water-miscible solvent having a relative permittivity of 30 or lower (protic solvent) or of 40 or lower (aprotic solvent) at 20° C., and thereby forming a flaky aggregate of the metal oxide colloidal particles in the liquid; and subjecting the aggregate to treatment such as drying and heating, and thereby converting the aggregate into a flaky particle that is insoluble in water.

Abstract: The method of the present invention for producing a granular material containing a metal oxide includes the steps of feeding a metal oxide sol that contains colloidal particles of a metal oxide as a dispersoid and water as a dispersion medium and that has a pH of 7 or higher, into an aqueous electrolyte solution, so as to aggregate the colloidal particles of the metal oxide, form aggregates containing the metal oxide in the aqueous electrolyte solution, and make the aggregates settle out in the aqueous electrolyte solution; and separating the aggregates from the aqueous electrolyte solution after formation of the aggregates. Thus, a highly productive method for producing a granular material containing a metal oxide can be provided.

Abstract: The method of the present invention for producing a granular material containing a metal oxide includes the steps of feeding a metal oxide sol that contains colloidal particles of a metal oxide as a dispersoid and water as a dispersion medium and that has a pH of 7 or higher, into an aqueous electrolyte solution, so as to aggregate the colloidal particles of the metal oxide, form aggregates containing the metal oxide in the aqueous electrolyte solution, and make the aggregates settle out in the aqueous electrolyte solution; and separating the aggregates from the aqueous electrolyte solution after formation of the aggregates. Thus, a highly productive method for producing a granular material containing a metal oxide can be provided.

Abstract: A method for producing particles containing a metal oxide is provided, and the method includes: feeding a metal oxide sol having a pH of 7 or higher and containing metal oxide colloidal particles as dispersoids and water as a dispersion medium, into a liquid containing a solvent having a solubility in 20° C. water of 0.05 g/100 ml or more and having a relative permittivity of 30 or lower (protic solvent) or of 40 or lower (aprotic solvent) at 20° C., and thereby forming aggregates of the metal oxide colloidal particles in the liquid; and subjecting the aggregates to a treatment such as drying and heating, and thereby converting the aggregates into particles that are insoluble in water. By appropriately selecting the solvent, particles can be obtained in the form of flakes, fibers, spheres, and the like.

Abstract: Provided is a mesoporous particle having a flaky shape, having a single-layer structure, having a thickness of 0.1 ?m to 3 ?m, and having an average pore diameter of 10 nm or more. The mesoporous particle can be obtained by a production method including: feeding a metal oxide sol having a pH of 7 or higher and containing metal oxide colloidal particles as dispersoids and water as a dispersion medium, into a liquid containing a water-miscible solvent having a relative permittivity of 30 or lower (protic solvent) or of 40 or lower (aprotic solvent) at 20° C., and thereby forming a flaky aggregate of the metal oxide colloidal particles in the liquid; and subjecting the aggregate to treatment such as drying and heating, and thereby converting the aggregate into a flaky particle that is insoluble in water.

Abstract: A reinforcement means for moulded and extruded articles such as tires has a metal structure with a layer of silica gel bonded thereto. The silica gel bonds the reinforcement means to the rubber compound during the moulding/vulcanisation of the rubber compound without the need for a slow curing stage. The silica gel may be applied to the metal structure by a sol-gel process with the gel formed by drying the sol at a temperature up to 150° C. The reinforcement means is preferably a cable formed from steel wires coated with the silica gel. To further improve bonding of the silica gel to the rubber compound, an organosilane bonding agent may be included in the rubber compound or the reinforcing means provided with a second layer comprising an organosilane as a bonding agent. The reinforcement means are particularly useful for strengthening and providing geometric stability to tires.

Abstract: When a ZnO layer is formed as a dielectric layer on an amorphous layer, a columnar crystal structure of ZnO is put into disorder whereby not only the amorphous layer but also the dielectric layer function as a barrier for preventing the invasion of moisture and gas from outside whereupon durability of a metal layer (Ag) is improved.