Abstract: A precursor mixture for producing a porous body, wherein the precursor mixture comprises: (i) milled alpha alumina powder having a particle size of 0.1 to 6 microns, (ii) boehmite powder that functions as a binder of the alpha alumina powders, and (iii) burnout materials having a particle sizes of 1-10 microns. In some embodiments, an unmilled alpha alumina powder having a particle size of 10 to 100 microns is also included in said precursor mixture. Also described herein is a method for producing a porous body in which the above-described precursor mixture is formed to a given shape, and subjected to a heat treatment step in which the formed shape is sintered to produce the porous body.

Abstract: A silver-based ethylene epoxidation catalyst is provided that exhibits improved performance, i.e., selectivity and activity decline. The catalyst that exhibits the improved performance includes greater than about 20% by weight of silver disposed on an alpha-alumina carrier, and a promoting amount of one or more promoters disposed on the alpha-alumina carrier. The silver is present on the alpha-alumina carrier as silver particles having a diameter of greater than about 150 nm and a distribution density of about 20 particles per 1 square micron or less.

Abstract: Materials and associated processes for making the materials. For example the material may include alpha alumina crystalline whiskers. The process may include conducting the process as hydrothermal, and producing the whiskers to have a length to diameter aspect ratio of at least two.

Abstract: A hydrothermal process for making Alpha Alumina (?-Al2O3) crystalline nano-sized powders in the form of at least one of nano-sheets and nano-fibers, the process includes making the Alpha Alumina with an aspect ratio of diameter to thickness ratio of at least two, and with at least one dimension of diameter or thickness being less than 100 nm. A composition in accordance with the process. A porous ceramic that includes the composition.

Abstract: A process to deposit an Alpha Alumina (?-Al2O3) crystalline coating on a substrate surface, wherein the process includes hydrothermal synthesis of the ?-Al2O3 crystalline coating.