Abstract: Suggested is a composite particle comprising or consisting of a solid core partially or entirely coated with at least one inorganic compound, wherein (a) said solid core is a carbon black particle carrying functional groups on its surface, and (b) said at least one inorganic compound shows a particle size of from about 5 to about 100 nm, wherein said solid core particles show a diameter of primary particle size from about 5 to about 500 nm.

Abstract: Suggested is a composite particle comprising or consisting of a solid core partially or entirely coated with at least one inorganic compound, wherein (a) said solid core is a carbon black particle carrying functional groups on its surface, and (b) said at least one inorganic compound shows a particle size of from about 5 to about 100 nm, wherein said solid core particles show a diameter of primary particle size from about 5 to about 500 nm.

Abstract: The system and method may determine a subset of electronic account holders where the subset previously used an electronic account to make a purchase in predetermined categories. The purchase habits of the subset may be analyzed by reviewing the past purchase of the subset during a time period, determining reduced members of the subset wherein reduced members comprise members which reduce usage of the electronic payment account during the time period and determining parameters of the reduced members. A flight risk may be determined for the electronic payment users by analyzing the subset for members that comprise the parameters, determining a flight risk score by scoring the parameters and identifying flight risk members wherein flight risk members include members scored over a threshold. In response, an electronic offer may be communicated to the flight risk members.

Abstract: The MoSi2 heating element has not been so resistant under the low-temperature heating, because the low-temperature oxidation, which is attributable to the grain boundary oxidation, occurred. In the present invention, long life under the low-temperature heating is attained by the following two structures. (1) The MoSi2 grains have a network structure and are linked three dimensionally. (2) The secondary, silica-bearing oxide or glass phase forms a net-like structure around the MoSi2 grains.

Abstract: In an infrared radiation source containing hot-pressed molybdenum disilicide reinforced with silicon carbide whiskers as the illuminant thereof, terminal portions of the illuminant having a protective dense silica film of 5 to 20 .mu.m in thickness formed on the surface thereof which portions are to be heated at a temperature of 400 to 800.degree. C. are either set to have a current density of at most 12 A/mm.sup.2 or disposed in dry air having a relative humidity at 25.degree. C. of at most 30% (absolute humidity: 0.00588). As a result, the low-temperature oxidation phenomenon that would otherwise be developed in the terminal portions of the illuminant is suppressed. Thus, there can be obtained an infrared radiation source containing an illuminant made of molybdenum disilicide reinforced with silicon carbide whiskers and having a long serviceable life span.

Abstract: A ceramic heating element includes a heat-generating portion 1 formed of a ceramic composite material with 3 to 40 vol. % of silicon carbide (SiC) whiskers and the balance substantially of molybdenum disilicide (MoSi.sub.2), and electrode portions 2a and 2b provided on both ends of the heat-generating portion 1.