Abstract: A substrate having inner and outer major surfaces, a plurality of edge surfaces, and a plurality of corner surfaces; and at least one of: (i) a coating applied over a limited area of the outer major surface of the substrate to produce a composite structure, (ii) an intermediate layer applied to the inner major surface of the substrate, and (iii) an elongate discontinuity disposed at one or more corners of the substrate, each of which operates to reduce catastrophic failures in the substrate resulting from a dynamic sharp impact to the outer major surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A flow reactor assembly (10) includes a fluidic module (12,14,16) which include a module body (18) having an internal flow path (20) in communication with an inlet (22) and an outlet (28) and a module burst pressure. A pressure relief valve (36,38,40) relieve pressure within the fluidic module (12,14,16). The pressure relief valves (36,38,40) have a relief pressure value that is less than the module burst pressure. Rupturable reliability devices (50,52,54,56) have a fluid passageway extending therethough through which fluid is received from or directed to the fluidic module (12,14,16). The rupturable reliability device (50,52,54,56) includes a tubular body having a device burst pressure that is greater than the relief valve pressure value (36,38,40) and less than the module burst pressure (12,14,16).

Abstract: A method of forming an improved sealed joint between two or more shaped ceramic structures includes providing at least first and second ceramic structures joined together by a joint comprising one or more of silicon, a silicon alloy and a silicon compound, the joint including an exposed portion interior of the joined structures, then converting at least a portion of the one or more of silicon, a silicon alloy, and a silicon compound of the joint to silicon nitride and/or silicon carbide, desirably at least at an interior exposed portion of the joint, so as to provide increased chemical resistance for the joint when aggressive chemicals are used within device formed from the sealed-together ceramic structures. The ceramic structures desirably comprise silicon carbide.