Abstract: The present invention relates to solvothermal vapor synthesis methods for the crystallization of a phase from a mixture of selected inorganic or organic precursors in an unsaturated vapor-phase reaction medium.

Abstract: Disclosed are composite materials comprising a porous, carbonated, calcium silicate ceramic having a microstructure comprising interconnected open pores; where the calcium silicate surface defining the pores is partially or completely coated with an amorphous silica layer, and the silica coating comprises an overlayer of calcium carbonate crystals; where the silica coating and calcium carbonate overlayer form a network that interconnects throughout the ceramic microstructure, but do not completely occlude the pores. Also disclosed are methods of forming such composite materials.

Abstract: Foundry casting elements and methods of forming the same, the methods including: forming an aqueous slurry including an inorganic binder precursor, shaping the slurry using a pattern, curing the shaped slurry using a low temperature solidification process to form a casting element, and removing the pattern from the casting element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solvothermal vapor synthesis methods for the crystallization of a phase from a mixture of selected inorganic or organic precursors in an unsaturated vapor-phase reaction medium.

Abstract: Compositions for biomedical applications are disclosed, containing infrared-emitting particles, which contain rare earth-elements that emit in the short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) spectrum, where the particles are encapsulated with a biocompatible matrix to form down-converting encapsulated particles and can optionally further include a contrast agent or radiolabel and be used as multimodal imaging agents, where the multimodal-imaging scheme can be selected from optical/MRI, optical/X-ray imaging, optical/CT, optical/PET and combinations thereof. Multimodal imaging methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bonding element, a bonding element matrix and composite materials with a wide range of attractive properties that may be optimized, including, but not limited to, mechanical properties, thermal properties, magnetic properties, optical properties and nuclear properties, as a result of a first layer and second layer structure or core, first layer, and second layer structure of the bonding elements, as well as methods for making the bonding elements and the corresponding ceramic and/or composite materials.

Abstract: A method for preparing a ceramic composition while simultaneously reducing the quantity of carbon dioxide from municipal solid waste that would discharge into environment includes decomposing the municipal solid waste to generate a carbon dioxide-water vapor mixture, providing a matrix, the matrix containing a reactant; and contacting the carbon dioxide-water vapor mixture with the matrix to promote a reaction between the carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide-water vapor mixture and the reactant of the matrix. The reaction forms a product, thereby producing the ceramic composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of non-invasive infrared imaging, comprising (a) administering a composition containing infrared-emitting particles which contain rare earth elements that emit in the short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) spectrum, where the particles are encapsulated with a biocompatible matrix to form downconverting encapsulated particles; and (b) irradiating with infrared radiation, where both excitation and emission spectra of the encapsulated particles are in the infrared region. Analogous methods of image-guided biomedical intervention, and drug tracking and delivery are also disclosed. Also disclosed is a composition for biomedical applications, containing infrared-emitting particles which contain rare earth-elements that emit in the short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) spectrum, where the particles are encapsulated with a biocompatible matrix to form downconverting encapsulated particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of non-invasive infrared imaging, comprising (a) administering a composition containing infrared-emitting particles which contain rare earth elements that emit in the short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) spectrum, where the particles are encapsulated with a biocompatible matrix to form downconverting encapsulated particles; and (b) irradiating with infrared radiation, where both excitation and emission spectra of the encapsulated particles are in the infrared region. Analogous methods of image-guided biomedical intervention, and drug tracking and delivery are also disclosed. Also disclosed is a composition for biomedical applications, containing infrared-emitting particles which contain rare earth-elements that emit in the short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) spectrum, where the particles are encapsulated with a biocompatible matrix to form downconverting encapsulated particles.

Abstract: A bonding element, a bonding element matrix and composite materials with a wide range of attractive properties that may be optimized, including, but not limited to, mechanical properties, thermal properties, magnetic properties, optical properties and nuclear properties, as a result of a first layer and second layer structure or core, first layer, and second layer structure of the bonding elements, as well as methods for making the bonding elements and the corresponding ceramic and/or composite materials.

Abstract: A method of producing a monolithic body from a porous matrix includes using low temperature solidification in an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of non-invasive infrared imaging, comprising (a) administering a composition containing infrared-emitting particles which contain rare earth elements that emit in the short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) spectrum, where the particles are encapsulated with a biocompatible matrix to form downconverting encapsulated particles; and (b) irradiating with infrared radiation, where both excitation and emission spectra of the encapsulated particles are in the infrared region. Analogous methods of image-guided biomedical intervention, and drug tracking and delivery are also disclosed. Also disclosed is a composition for biomedical applications, containing infrared-emitting particles which contain rare earth-elements that emit in the short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) spectrum, where the particles are encapsulated with a biocompatible matrix to form downconverting encapsulated particles.

Abstract: A bonding element, a bonding element matrix and composite materials with a wide range of attractive properties that may be optimized, including, but not limited to, mechanical properties, thermal properties, magnetic properties, optical properties and nuclear properties, as a result of a first layer and second layer structure or core, first layer, and second layer structure of the bonding elements, as well as methods for making the bonding elements and the corresponding ceramic and/or composite materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solvothermal vapor synthesis methods for the crystallization of a phase from a mixture of selected inorganic or organic precursors in an unsaturated vapor-phase reaction medium.

Abstract: A bonding element, a bonding element matrix and composite materials with a wide range of attractive properties that may be optimized, including, but not limited to, mechanical properties, thermal properties, magnetic properties, optical properties and nuclear properties, as a result of a first layer and second layer structure or core, first layer, and second layer structure of the bonding elements, as well as methods for making the bonding elements and the corresponding ceramic and/or composite materials.

Abstract: A method for preparing a ceramic composition while simultaneously reducing the quantity of carbon dioxide from municipal solid waste that would discharge into environment includes decomposing the municipal solid waste to generate a carbon dioxide-water vapor mixture, providing a matrix, the matrix containing a reactant; and contacting the carbon dioxide-water vapor mixture with the matrix to promote a reaction between the carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide-water vapor mixture and the reactant of the matrix. The reaction forms a product, thereby producing the ceramic composition.

Abstract: A bonding element, a bonding element matrix and composite materials with a wide range of attractive properties that may be optimized, including, but not limited to, mechanical properties, thermal properties, magnetic properties, optical properties and nuclear properties, as a result of a first layer and second layer structure or core, first layer, and second layer structure of the bonding elements, as well as methods for making the bonding elements and the corresponding ceramic and/or composite materials.

Abstract: A method of producing a monolithic body from a porous matrix includes using low temperature solidification in an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: The invention provides novel slate-like composite materials and methods for preparation thereof. The slate-like composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost precursor materials by a process suitable for large-scale production. The precursor materials include calcium silicate, for example, wollastonite, and particulate filler materials which comprise silicon dioxide-rich materials such as quartz, mica, feldspar, sand and glass. Additives can include calcium carbonate-rich and magnesium carbonate-rich materials. Various additives can be used to fine-tune the physical appearance and mechanical properties of the composite material, such as colorants such as particles of colored materials, such as colored glass, colored sand, and colored quartz particles, and pigments (e.g., black iron oxide, cobalt oxide and chromium oxide).

Abstract: The invention provides novel marble-like composite materials and methods for preparation thereof. The marble-like composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost raw materials by a process suitable for large-scale production. The precursor materials include calcium silicate and calcium carbonate rich materials, for example, wollastonite and limestone. Various additives can be used to fine-tune the physical appearance and mechanical properties of the composite material, such as pigments (e.g., black iron oxide, cobalt oxide and chromium oxide) and minerals (e.g., quartz, mica and feldspar). These marble-like composite materials exhibit veins, swirls and/or waves unique to marble as well as display compressive strength, flexural strength and water absorption similar to that of marble.