Abstract: A method for impregnating a shaped ceramic material with an impregnation liquid, comprising the steps of placing the shaped ceramic material in the impregnation liquid, and applying an impregnation pressure to the impregnation liquid through a pressure transfer liquid so that the shaped ceramic material is impregnated with the impregnation liquid.

Abstract: An electrolysis apparatus has a furnace for setting a silica glass component such as a process tube or crucible, a heater for heating the component, a sensor for measuring a temperature of an inside portion of the furnace, an anode and an cathode for applying a voltage across the component so as to electrolyze the component, a tube for holding the anode, a device for supplying an inert gas into a space between the anode and the holding tube, and a DC power source connected to the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: A susceptor for use in a vertical vapor growth apparatus includes a susceptor body (12) having an upper surface, a plurality of wafer receiving portions (17) formed in the upper surface of the susceptor body (12), and plates (16) fixed in the upper surface of the susceptor body (12) near the wafer setting portions (17). The plates (16) have an upper surface such that, when wafers (5) are mounted in the wafer setting portions (17), the upper surfaces of the plates (16) and the wafers (5) are positioned substantially in the same plane. The plates (16) are made of quartz glass or fused silica.

Abstract: A method for impregnating a shaped ceramic material with an impregnation liquid, comprising the steps of placing the shaped ceramic material in the impregnation liquid, and applying an impregnation pressure to the impregnation liquid through a pressure transfer liquid so that the shaped ceramic material is impregnated with the impregnation liquid.

Abstract: A semiconductor element heat-treatment member has a Si-SiC body and a SiO.sub.2 coating formed on the surface of the Si-SiC body so as to cover the Si-SiC body. The SiO.sub.2 coating has a thickness ranging between 20.ANG. and 100,000.ANG..

Abstract: An alumina composite body comprising a plurality of elongated alumina elements oriented in random directions and interconnected so as to constitute a porous matrix, and aluminum and silicon tightly filling the porous matrix; and a method of manufacturing an alumina composite body comprising reacting a body of silica, or a body of a silicon compound such as silicon carbide or silicon nitride which has been at least partially oxidized to produce silica, with aluminum so as to change the silica into alumina.

Abstract: An alumina formed body comprising many long alumina elements oriented in random directions and interconnected so as to constitute a porous matrix comprising a large number of fine pores. Such a body is manufactured by reacting a glass-formed body comprising silica with aluminum at high temperature to form an alumina composite material comprising alumina, aluminum and silicon and removing aluminum and silicon from the aluminum composite material.