Abstract: The invention presented is a wedge-shaped flossing device the body of which includes a tapered top edge extending between the first end and the second end and a bottom edge extending perpendicularly from said first end to said second end. A cleaning point is formed by the second end and a lead point extends below the bottom edge. The bottom edge of the device may incorporate a guide groove. The device can be disposable and may be coated with appropriate dental coatings.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of cleaning rubber off of rubber-soiled runways that is free from the usual alkylphenol alkoxylates, which are becoming increasingly scrutinized and discouraged due to environmental considerations. Instead, it is surprisingly found that linear alcohol alkoxylates provide cleaning compositions that are actually more effective, while simultaneously providing an enhanced environmental profile to the formulation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of cleaning rubber off of rubber-soiled runways that utilizes solvents that are at least partially bio-derived. It is surprisingly found that cleaning compositions that utilize novel solvents that are at least partially bio-derived are effective runway cleaners, while simultaneously providing an enhanced environmental and/or economic profile to the formulation.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning articles using n-propyl bromide-based solvent compositions are provided. According to one method, an article to be cleaned is contacted with a solvent composition comprising about 50 weight percent to about 99 weight percent n-propyl bromide and about 0.5 weight percent to about 50 weight percent of an alcohol. Such methods remove at least one of water or water soluble contaminants. Such methods are useful as a degreaser and/or cleaner in both cold cleaning and hot rinsing systems for cleaning articles.

Abstract: A robotic pool or tank cleaner is propelled by water jets, the direction of which is controlled by the direction of rotation of a reversible pump motor that is horizontally mounted in the pool cleaner housing that has a propeller attached to either end of the motor drive shaft which projects from opposing ends of the motor body, each of the propellers being positioned in, or near a water jet discharge conduit that terminates in discharge ports at opposite ends of the housing. Each discharge conduit has a pressure-sensitive flap valve downstream of the respective propellers. When the propellers rotate in one direction, the water is drawn through one or more openings in the base plate, passes through one or more filter assemblies associated with the pool cleaner and is discharged through one of the discharge ports as a water jet of sufficient force to propel the pool cleaner.

Abstract: A method of cleaning fouled process equipment which includes a process vessel (10) fouled by an organic foulant, includes spraying a hydrocarbon stream at a pressure of at least 69 bar(g) at fouled surfaces inside the process vessel (10) thereby to dislodge the organic foulant from the fouled surfaces. The hydrocarbon stream is sprayed from at least one nozzle (24) located inside the process vessel (10). The hydrocarbon stream is at a temperature below the melting point of the organic foulant or below the melting point of a major component of the organic foulant when the organic foulant is a multi-component organic foulant. The dislodged foulant is removed from the process vessel (10).

Abstract: A method for cleaning a nozzle of a material deposition system configured to deposit material on an electronic substrate includes: performing a deposition operation with a material deposition system configured to position an electronic substrate under a deposition head movable by a gantry, to supply material to a chamber of the deposition head, to extend a piston of the deposition head from the chamber, the needle terminating in a needle orifice, and to push a volume of material out of the chamber by an actuator of the deposition head to form a desired volume of material at the needle orifice that is deposited on the electronic substrate; and cleaning the needle orifice with air directed to the needle orifice.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide supply method and system for supplying supercritical and subcritical phases of carbon dioxide on-demand to a substrate to create a novel and improved cleaning sequence for removal of contaminants contained in the substrate. The ability for the supply system to deliver vapor, liquid and supercritical phases of carbon dioxide in a specific sequence at predetermined times during a process cleaning sequence produces an improved removal of contaminants from the substrate compared to conventional carbon dioxide cleaning processes.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field devices for hand washing, in particular the washing and drying of hands in public bathrooms. Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for cleaning hands, especially a device for wetting hands, depositing a cleansing and/or disinfecting composition and rinsing consecutively, using a low amount of water. It has been found that an air-water jet nozzle assembly comprising two nozzles wherein a first nozzle is in fluid communication with a feed liquid source; and a second nozzle connected to a source of compressed air may be used to clean hands using low amounts of water in a short time.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a continuous cleaning method for cleaning a moving fabric in a paper machine. The method uses one or more cleaning stages. In one embodiment, one cleaning stage applies steam to heat and soften contaminants on the fabric followed by the application of water, preferably superheated water, to remove the contaminants. Another cleaning stage may apply hot water, steam and/or superheated water via an encapsulated shower and evacuation chamber making it possible to clean the width of the fabric without substantial rewet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for treating and processing an oil, water or oil and water-contaminated substrate such as oil field waste. The substrate may be pretreated with water and/or surfactant and may be mixed under low shear conditions with a base such as a compound containing alkaline earth or lime and an optional catalyst. Mixing the substrate with the base creates a heat. Next, the substrate may be mixed with an acid such as sulfuric acid. As the substrate is mixed, it causes an exothermic reaction with a heat that vaporizes the oil, reaction products and water. Recoverable constituents in the vapor can be condensed in a vapor collection system. The treated substrate may be essentially free of oil and has a controlled water content and pH that can be adjusted according to the use of the end dry product.

Abstract: A multi-compartment dishwasher may include a treating chemistry dispenser for storing and dispensing treating chemistry into the multiple compartments of the dishwasher. In one embodiment, the treating chemistry may be dispensed into a liquid recirculation circuit. In another embodiment, the treating chemistry dispenser may be located between the multiple chambers of the dishwasher.

Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: a substrate holding unit configured to horizontally hold a substrate; a rotation driving unit configured to rotate the substrate holding unit about a vertical axis; a processing liquid supply unit configured to supply a processing liquid to the substrate while the substrate is being rotated; an upper guide ring and a lower guide ring which are configured to be rotated together with the substrate holding unit, to surround the substrate, to be arranged vertically to overlap each other with a gap therebetween, and to guide the processing liquid scattered from the substrate; and a rotating cup configured to be rotated together with the substrate holding unit, and to receive and downwardly guide the guided processing liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cantilever umbrella comprising a plurality of retaining plates, an upper hub, an lower hub, a plurality of support ribs and a plurality of strut spreaders, and the structure of the cantilever umbrella is that: the support ribs are hinged to the upper hub, the two ends of each strut spreaders are hinged to the lower hub and the support rib respectively, the cantilever umbrella further comprises a switch mechanism, a support arm, a first bearing rod and a second bearing rod, the two ends of the first bearing rod are hinged to the lower hub and the upper portion of the retaining plate respectively, one end of the second bearing rod is hinged to upper hub and the other end of the bearing rod is provided with a support block, the intermediate portion of the first bearing rod is hinged to the intermediate portion of the second bearing rod, the two ends of the support arm are hinged to the second bearing rod and the retaining plate respectively, the switch mechanism is fixedly moun

Abstract: A thermoelectric material including: a thermoelectric matrix; and a plurality of metal nanoparticles disposed in the thermoelectric matrix, wherein a difference between a work function of thermoelectric matrix and a work function of a metal particle of the metal nanoparticles is about ?1.0 electron volt to about 1.0 electron volt.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator utilizes the waste heat of exhaust gases having a temperature of less than 250° C., such as those resulting from the operation of power plants. In this case, partially conductive or semiconductive particles are used which are arranged in layers between hot and cold air channels and produce a usable current flow.

Abstract: Systems methods and/or apparatus for the conversion of various types of energy into thermal energy that may be stored and/or then converted into electrical energy. The electrical energy may be available on demand and/or at a user's desired power requirements (e.g., power level and/or type). For example, the energy may be available at a particular voltage and either as direct current (DC) energy or alternating current (AC) energy. The electrical energy may be easily transported and therefore available at a user's desired location. For example, the systems, methods and/or devices may eliminate or reduce the need for electricity transmission, at least for certain applications. In exemplary embodiments, the system may include an organic phase change material for storing the thermal energy.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a thermoelectric composite sandwich structure with an integrated honeycomb core and method for making. The thermoelectric composite sandwich structure comprises two prepreg composite face sheets and an integrated honeycomb core assembled between the face sheets. The honeycomb core comprises a plurality of core elements bonded together with a core adhesive. Each core element has a first side substantially coated with a negative Seebeck coefficient conductive material having a plurality of first spaced gaps, and each core element further has a second side substantially coated with a positive Seebeck coefficient conductive material having a plurality of second spaced gaps. The honeycomb core further comprises a plurality of electrical connections for connecting in series the first side to the second side. A temperature gradient across the honeycomb core generates power.

Abstract: A piezoelectric vibration element capable of reducing occurrence of unnecessary vibration, and a piezoelectric vibration device and a portable terminal using the same are disclosed. The piezoelectric vibration element includes a plurality of electrode layers and a plurality of piezoelectric layers being stacked along a first direction, the piezoelectric vibration element having two surfaces that face each other to be at intervals in the first direction, and vibrating in bending mode in the first direction with an amplitude varying along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction according to input of an electric signal, one of the two surfaces having such a shape that a central portion thereof in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction protrudes as compared with opposite end portions thereof in the third direction.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a thermoelectric conversion element and a thermoelectric conversion module in which high-density arrangement is easy, and thus connection reliability is high, and a manufacturing method thereof. There is provided a thermoelectric conversion element including a tube, a thermoelectric conversion material with which the tube is filled, and a plated metal layer that is plated on one end or both ends of the thermoelectric conversion material. The thermoelectric conversion material protrudes from the tube, and the plated metal layer covers a protruding portion of the thermoelectric conversion material. Furthermore, there is provided a thermoelectric conversion module that is obtained by connecting a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements in series.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module in which a high-density disposition is easily performed and connection reliability is high is supplied. A thermoelectric conversion module is provided, which includes a plurality of p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and a plurality of n-type thermoelectric conversion elements that are alternately arranged. and electrically connected in series, and a plurality of heat-radiation fins that are disposed in one end side of the plurality of p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and the plurality of n-type thermoelectric conversion elements in side surfaces of the plurality of p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and the plurality of n-type thermoelectric conversion elements. The plurality of heat-radiation fins intersect the long axis directions of the p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and the n-type thermoelectric conversion element and connect the p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and the n-type thermoelectric conversion element to each other.

Abstract: A tapered trunking bus for carrying electricity from a row of solar panel arrays to a safety switch. The trunking bus includes a number of combiner and junction boxes connected in series. Each successive combiner and junction box combines the output of the previous combiner and junction box, received on a conductor of a first cross-sectional area, with electrical current received from a pair of solar panel arrays and outputs a higher current on a conductor of higher cross-sectional area. The cross-sectional area of each conductor is chosen to match the current to be carried and to account for the distance to the next combiner and junction box. For lower current segments of the trunking bus, cables or wires in conduits, of increasing gauges, can be used between combiner and junction boxes. For higher-current segments, metal bus bars of increasing cross-sectional area can be used between combiner and junction boxes.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power generation system that includes a solar panel that is free of bypass diodes is described herein. The solar panel includes a plurality of photovoltaic sub-modules, wherein at least two of photovoltaic sub-modules in the plurality of photovoltaic sub-modules are electrically connected in parallel. A photovoltaic sub-module includes a plurality of groups of electrically connected photovoltaic cells, wherein at least two of the groups are electrically connected in series. A photovoltaic group includes a plurality of strings of photovoltaic cells, wherein a string of photovoltaic cells comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series. The strings of photovoltaic cells are electrically connected in parallel, and the photovoltaic cells are microsystem-enabled photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules may include multiple flexible thin film photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series, and laminated to a substantially transparent top sheet having a conductive grid pattern facing the cells. Methods of manufacturing photovoltaic modules including integrated multi-cell interconnections are provided. Methods may include steps of coordinating, integrating, and registering multiple rolls of substrates in continuous processes.

Abstract: A panel of the present invention includes a substrate, an electrode provided on the substrate, and a transparent conductive layer provided on the substrate along a side of the electrode. The electrode includes a contact region in contact with the transparent conductive layer and a non-contact region out of contact with the transparent conductive layer. Preferably, a part of the electrode is exposed through the transparent conductive layer. Preferably, the conductive layer is separated into one side and the other side of the electrode extending a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A standalone or partially standalone solar photovoltaic structure and methods for assembling the structure are described. The solar photovoltaic structure can employ a hinged photovoltaic roof deck that can be folded for transportation. Described are hinges that can be removed after assembly and act as protective elements to facilitate transportation. Also described is an attachment arrangement for joining purlin or frame members to vertical support columns by locking the frame numbers into column capitals.

Abstract: A solar cell assembly, including an electric-optically transducing layer, an electrically conducting layer, and an electrically insulating layer positioned between the electric-optically transducing layer and the electrically conducting layer. The assembly includes a hydrophobic layer, a dielectric layer positioned between the electrically conducting layer and the hydrophobic layer, and a liquid microdroplet lens positioned in contact with the hydrophobic layer. The electrically conducting layer, the electrically conducting layer, the hydrophobic layer and the dielectric layer are substantially optically transparent. The liquid microdroplet lens may optionally be contained within a substantially optically transparent lens compartment.

Abstract: Mounting assemblies, solar trackers, and methods of reducing the torque load of a solar tracker are provided. A mounting assembly comprises at least one support column, a torsion beam connected to the support column, and a mounting rack attached to the torsion beam. A longitudinal pivot axis extends through the torsion beam. The mounting rack has a rear surface and a curved mounting surface such that a weight of one or more components mounted thereto is shifted toward the pivot axis.

Abstract: Mounting assemblies, solar trackers, and methods of reducing the torque load of a solar tracker are provided. A mounting assembly comprises at least one support column, a torsion beam connected to the support column, and a mounting rack attached to the torsion beam. A longitudinal pivot axis extends through the torsion beam. The mounting rack has a substantially flat mounting surface and a curved rear surface such that a weight of one or more components mounted thereto is shifted toward the pivot axis.

Abstract: A method includes collecting site specific data, collecting field data at a site of an array of photovoltaic members, determining a current tracked irradiance of the array of photovoltaic members, calculating predicted irradiance for multiple orientations based on the site specific data and the sensed field data, or sensing an actual irradiance for multiple orientations. The method further includes determining a maximum predicted irradiance from the calculated predicted irradiance or a maximum actual irradiance from the sensed irradiance. The method further includes comparing the maximum predicted irradiance or the maximum sensed irradiance with the current tracked irradiance, and re-orienting the array of photovoltaic members to an orientation having the maximum predicted or actual irradiance if the maximum predicted or actual irradiance is greater than the current tracked irradiance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar glass thermoelectric integrated device, including top and bottom glass plates, a silicon photocell array assembly, a heat-exchanging plate, a heat-collecting tube, and a support bracket. The silicon photocell array assembly is laid within a hollow glass layer, a non-metal spacer bar having a molecular sieve is arranged between the top and bottom glass plates at edges, the non-metal spacer bar is sealed with the top and bottom glass plates by using a silicone sealant, the glass plates are wrapped at an outer side by a frame having a hanging edge, the hanging edge of the frame is hooked to a rectangular frame formed by a support keel, and the rectangular frame is fixed to an installation surface by using the support bracket. The present invention is capable of using thermal energy, obtaining electrical energy, reducing temperature of the photocell, and ensuring proper power generation thereof.

Abstract: A roofing installation system for optimally capturing solar thermal energy comprises a plurality of metal battens mounted horizontally onto a plurality of horizontal wooden battens, a plurality of slate modules mounted on the plurality of metal battens and connected in series to form a string, an inverter connected to each string, a thermal tubing containing liquid mounted on the plurality of metal battens, a heat exchanger connected to the thermal tubing, a heat pump connected to the thermal tubing and a circulation pump connected between the thermal tubing and the heat exchanger. The plurality of slate modules generates DC electricity from solar energy and the inverter converts the DC electricity to AC electricity to feed to a utility grid. The plurality of metal battens transfers thermal energy by running liquid in the thermal tubing which is extracted by the heat exchanger thereby producing domestic hot water.

Abstract: A solar cell panel according to an embodiment of the invention includes a solar cell module, a frame including a module coupler coupled with a peripheral edge of the solar cell module and a leg which is connected to the module coupler and includes a plurality of holes, and a plurality of nut members fixed to the leg of frame, each of the plurality of nut members including a bolt insertion hole. Each of the plurality of nut members includes a head, a rivet connected to the head, and a fixer positioned at one end of the rivet. The head is positioned on a first surface of the leg, and the fixer is positioned on a second surface opposite the first surface of the leg. The rivet is inserted into each of the plurality of holes of the leg.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible substrate, including a metal substrate and a composite layer thereon. The composite layer includes polyimide and sodium-containing silica mixed with each other, and the polyimide and the sodium-containing silica have a weight ratio of about 6:4 to 9:1. The silica and the sodium ions of the sodium-containing silica have a weight ratio of 100:0.01 to 100:2.

Abstract: A method and device for generating electrical energy in a thermophotonic generator, where electroluminescence and heat energy absorbed from the environment is used to generate light or other electromagnetic radiation that transfers energy from the emitting element to the absorbing element, where a part of the energy of the absorbed radiation generates electrical energy.

Abstract: A photovoltaic junction for a solar cell is provided. The photovoltaic junction has an intrinsic region comprising a multiple quantum well stack formed from a series of quantum wells separated by barriers, in which the tensile stress in some of the quantum wells is partly or completely balanced by compressive stress in the others of the quantum wells. The overall elastostatic equilibrium of the multiple quantum well stack may be ensured by engineering the structural and optical properties of the quantum wells only, with the barriers having the same lattice constant as the materials used in the oppositely doped semiconductor regions of the junction, or equivalently as the actual lattice size of the junction or intrinsic region, or the bulk or effective lattice size of the substrate. Alternatively, the barriers may contribute to the stress balance.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to photovoltaic and photoelectrosynthetic cells, devices, methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell includes nanostructures formed of nanowires on a substrate, where the nanostructures include an array of three dimensional nanotrees or nanobushes with a core-shell structure having a core and one or more shells sequentially formed on the core. The core o f the core-shell structure is formed of a highly conductive metal or semiconductor, and the shell o f the core-shell structure is formed of a metal, semiconductor, or polymer, such that the core-shell structure has substantially large surface and interface area for photon energy harvesting and conversion into electricity.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrical device, e.g. a solar cell, comprising at least one sub-cell containing a plurality of InxGa1-xN nanocolumns or nanorods, wherein 0?x?1.

Abstract: Techniques for increasing conversion efficiency of thin film photovoltaic devices through back contact work function modification are provided. In one aspect, a photovoltaic device is provided having a substrate; a back contact on the substrate, wherein at least a portion of the back contact has a work function of greater than about 4.5 electron volts; an absorber layer on a side of the back contact opposite the substrate; a buffer layer on a side of the absorber layer opposite the back contact; and a top electrode on a side of the buffer layer opposite the absorber layer. The absorber layer preferably has thickness that is less than a depletion width+an accumulation width+a carrier diffusion length.

Abstract: Provided is a thin film silicon solar cell. The thin film silicon solar cell includes a light absorbing layer, a front transparent electrode disposed on one surface of the light absorbing layer to emit light having a first color, and a rear transparent electrode disposed on the other surface of the light absorbing layer to emit light having a second color.

Abstract: An inverted organic solar cell including a fiber type substrate, a cathode layer formed on the fiber type substrate, an electron transport layer comprising nanorods formed on the cathode layer, a photoactive layer formed on the electron transport layer, a hole transport layer formed on the photoactive layer, and an anode layer formed on the hole transport layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of coating a substrate for manufacturing a solar cell in a deposition environment, the method comprising the steps of: a) Depositing a first zinc oxide layer onto a substrate. Reducing a zinc precursor content in the deposition environment, c) Treating the first zinc oxide layer with a mixture of diborane and water to form a plurality of coating seeds on the surface of the first zinc oxide layer, and d) Depositing a second zinc oxide layer onto the first zinc oxide layer. The method according to the invention allows improving the material quality of silicon layers which may later be grown on such a substrate. Additionally, the light scattering and subsequent light trapping in a respective solar cell may be enhanced by a method according to the invention. The present invention further relates to a solar cell being manufactured according to the invention.

Abstract: A method for producing a continuous film of at least one solar cell module comprises the steps of depositing (8) a material forming a release layer onto a surrogate substrate in the form of a belt (1) being moved in a continuous loop, depositing (12, 14, 17) layers forming a solar cell film onto said release layer, applying (25) a first protective plastic layer onto the solar cell film, separating (31) a film including at least said solar cell film and said plastic layer attached thereto from said belt, and applying (35) a second protective plastic layer on the side of said film separated opposite to said first protective plastic layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a transparent pane, in particular a glass pane, which includes on at least one of its main surfaces a surface structure including an assembly of specified individual motifs in relief, in particular pyramids, cones, or truncated cones, created by embossing or by rolling. A structure is created on the surface of the pane constituted by individual motifs, based on one or more basic motifs but which are distinguished from each other by their depth, their height, and/or the perimeter of their base area, and/or by the position of their peak with respect to their base. With this variation, formation of intensity peaks of the reflected light is prevented and at the same time a high quality of light trapping is obtained by panes suitable, for example, for solar applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to conductive films and methods for forming conductive films. In some examples, a substrate may be provided having a dispersion of silica nanoparticles provided on a surface thereof. Carbon nanotubes may be adhered to the dispersion of silica nanoparticles on the surface of the substrate to provide the conductive film on the substrate.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type, an emitter region which is positioned at a first surface of the substrate and has a second conductive type different from the first conductive type, a first surface field region which is positioned at the first surface of the substrate and separated from the emitter region, a first auxiliary electrode positioned directly on the emitter region, a second auxiliary electrode positioned directly on the first surface field region, a first main electrode positioned directly on the first auxiliary electrode, and a second main electrode positioned directly on the second auxiliary electrode. Each of the first and second auxiliary electrodes is a transparent conductive layer formed by doping a transparent conductive oxide layer with a conductive material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inorganic reaction system used in the manufacture of electroconductive pastes. The inorganic reaction system comprises a lead containing matrix forming composition and a tellurium oxide additive. Preferably the lead containing matrix forming composition is between 5-95 wt. % of the inorganic reaction system, and the tellurium oxide additive is between 5-95 wt. % of the inorganic reaction system. The lead containing matrix forming composition may be a glass frit, and may comprise lead oxide. Another aspect of the present invention relates to an electroconductive paste composition that comprises metallic particles, an inorganic reaction system as previously disclosed, and an organic vehicle. Another aspect of the present invention relates to an organic vehicle that comprises one or more of a binder, a surfactant, a solvent, and a thixatropic agent.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to electroconductive paste formulations useful in solar panel technology. In one aspect, the disclosure relates to an inorganic reaction system for use in electroconductive paste compositions, wherein the inorganic reaction system comprises a lead containing matrix composition and a tellurium containing matrix composition. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to an electroconductive paste composition comprising a conductive metal component, an inorganic reaction system and an organic vehicle. Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a solar cell produced by applying an electroconductive paste composition of the invention to a silicon wafer. Yet another aspect relates to a solar cell module assembled using solar cells produced by applying an electroconductive paste composition to a silicon wafer, wherein the electroconductive paste composition comprises an conductive metal component, an inorganic reaction system and an organic vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is an electrode of a solar cell including a first electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion layer, an antireflective layer, and a second electrode layer. The first electrode layer is disposed on the photoelectric conversion layer. The antireflective layer is disposed on the photoelectric conversion layer to cover the first electrode layer. The second electrode layer is disposed on the antireflective layer and electrically connected to the first electrode layer, wherein a material of the first electrode layer does not react with the photoelectric conversion layer and the antireflective layer during a sintering process, and at least a material of the second electrode layer reacts with the antireflective layer during the sintering process.