Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing thin graphene nanoplatelets, and the method includes the steps of providing a carbon precursor and a filling material, using the carbon precursor as a binding agent to mix with the filling material thoroughly, producing a composite material through a forming process, performing a heat treatment of the composite material under an atmosphere and at different temperatures to improve the electrical conductivity and adjust to an appropriate binding strength, perform a carbon conversion of the composite material with a good graphite cyrstallinity to produce a layered graphite structure of a thin graphene nanoplatelet precursor, while obtaining high quality graphene by performing an electrochemical process of the thin graphene nanoplatelet precursor, so as to achieve the mass production of the high quality thin graphene nanoplateletes with a low cost.

Abstract: Methods of forming a graphene material on a surface are presented. A metal material is disposed on a material substrate or material layer and is infused with carbon, for example, by exposing the metal to a carbon-containing vapor. The carbon-containing metal material is annealed to cause graphene to precipitate onto the bottom of the metal material to form a graphene layer between the metal material and the material substrate/material layer and also onto the top and/or sides of the metal material. Graphene material is removed from the top and sides of the metal material and then the metal material is removed, leaving only the graphene layer that was formed on the bottom of the metal material. In some cases graphene material that formed on one or more side of the sides of the metal material is not removed so that a vertical graphene material layer is formed.

Abstract: A composition for preparing a graphene and a method for preparing a graphene using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing graphene nanoplate (GNP) is provided and includes preparing expanded graphite (EG) and exfoliating, grinding, or cracking the expanded graphite to crack the EG induced by gas-phase-collision. A graphene nanoplate paste and a conductive coating layer formed of the graphene nanoplate paste are provided and are prepared by the method for preparing graphene nanoplate.

Abstract: [Means for solving]A graphene oxide sheet which changes to a substance having a graphene structure when reduced, and which is obtainable by dispersing a graphene-containing carbon substance using a dispersant to reduce the size of the aggregate units of the graphene-containing carbon substance, and then oxidizing the graphene-containing carbon substance.

Abstract: The invention refers to a recycling process of a so-called gaseous flow (106) of CO2 essentially containing molecules of CO2, said process comprising the following steps: heating of said gaseous flow of CO2 at a pyrolysis temperature of the material containing carbon (104); pyrolysis of a load of a carbon-containing material (104) containing elements of carbon by said gaseous flow, said pyrolysis reducing the molecules of CO2 by said elements of carbon to produce a first gaseous flow (110) essentially containing molecules of carbon monoxide (CO) at high temperature; oxidation of said molecules of carbon monoxide (CO) by elements of oxygen (O), said oxidation producing a second gaseous flow (114) essentially containing molecules of CO2; reduction of said molecules of CO2 of said second gaseous flow (114), said reduction supplying a third gaseous flow (120) essentially containing molecules of carbon monoxide (CO). It also refers to a system to perform such a process.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for removing nonmetallic impurities from metallurgical silicon. A melt is produced from metallurgical silicon and halide-containing silicon. As a result, the impurities are sublimed out and removed from the melt in the form of nonmetal halides. Compared with the known process, in which gaseous halogen is blown through an Si melt, the novel process can be carried out in a particularly simple and efficient manner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a continuous process for preparing a silica product, comprising: (a) continuously feeding an acidulating agent and an alkali metal silicate into a loop reaction zone comprising a stream of liquid medium; wherein at least a portion of the acidulating agent and the alkali metal silicate react to form a silica product in the liquid medium of the loop reaction zone; (b) continuously recirculating the liquid medium through the loop reaction zone; and (c) continuously discharging from the loop reaction zone a portion of the liquid medium comprising the silica product. Silica products and dentifrice compositions comprising the silica products are also disclosed. A continuous loop reactor is also disclosed.

Abstract: Silicalite particles, methods of making silicalite particles, systems comprising silicalite particles and methods for using silicalite particles to separate ethanol from water.

Abstract: A process of preparing nanostructured lithium titanate particles. The process contains the steps of providing a solvent containing a soft-template compound, a lithium ion-containing compound, and a titanium ion-containing compound; removing the solvent to obtain a lithium titanate precursor; and calcining the precursor followed by milling and annealing. Also disclosed is a nanostructured lithium titanate particle prepared by this process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aluminum hydroxide powder having a predetermined cumulative pore volume which falls within a range suited for the production of a high purity alumina, and a method for producing the same. It is possible to produce an aluminum hydroxide powder having high bulk density and high firing efficiency, and an aluminum hydroxide having high shape retention.

Abstract: A pigment particle composition which comprises calcium carbonate particles and pigment particles, its method of manufacture and its use. According to the present invention, the calcium carbonate particles are carbonated so that they bind to each other, in which case calcium carbonate structures are generated, which comprise pigment particles and which form essentially opaque and stable pigment-calcium carbonate aggregates. It is possible to manufacture the composition by atomizing calcium hydroxide-bearing pigment slurry into a carbon dioxide-bearing gas, in which case the calcium hydroxide is carbonated in order to precipitate the calcium hydroxide particles to be attached to each other and the carbonation is continued until essentially all of the calcium hydroxide has been converted into calcium carbonate. The composition is suitable for use, among others, in paints, coating materials, fillers, polymers and printing inks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing nanoparticles at least partially consisting of rare earth fluoride, characterized in that said fluoride is produced, in a solution, from a salt of the corresponding rare earth element and from a charge-transfer complex of formula (I), where Ra, Rb, and Rc are as defined in claim 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a zinc oxide powder that enables a high degree of orientation, and highly uniform dispersion of an additive substance, to be simultaneously achieved in a green body or a sintered body. The zinc oxide powder of the present invention comprises a plurality of plate-like zinc oxide particles and has a volume-based D50 average particle diameter of 1 to 5 ?m and a specific surface area of 1 to 5 m2/g. The zinc oxide powder has a degree of orientation of the (002) plane of 40% or greater when two-dimensionally arrayed into a monolayer on a substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing barium titanate, which comprises: dissolving BaCl2.2H2O into TiCl4 solution to prepare Ba—Ti mixed solution with a Ba/Ti mol ratio of 1:1; adding ammonia and ammonium bicarbonate into deionized water to prepare synthetic agent with a NH4OH/NH4HCO3 mol ratio of 5:1; adding Ba—Ti mixed solution and synthesis agent into a reactor for synthesis to obtain a slurry; pressure filtering, thermal washing and then pressure filtering, to obtain a filter cake; calcining the filter cake for 1 hour at 590-610° C., followed by further calcining for 2 hours at 700-950° C.; crushing the obtained solid produced by a crusher, and thereby obtaining barium titanate. The obtained barium titanate is spherical, and has a narrower particle size distribution. The method reduces costs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a positive electrode active material for lithium ion battery, having excellent tap density, at excellent production efficiency, and a positive electrode active material for lithium ion battery. The method for producing a positive electrode active material for lithium ion battery including a step of conducting a main firing after increasing mass percent of all metals in lithium-containing carbonate by 1% to 105% compared to the mass percent of all metals before a preliminary firing, by conducting the step of a preliminary firing to the lithium-containing carbonate, which is a precursor for positive electrode active material for lithium ion battery, with a rotary kiln.

Abstract: A water treatment system for treating viscous sludge containing entrained solids in water by evaporating the water from the viscous sludge to produce water and dehydrated solids including a tank with an internal agitator with an associated rotary meter to dispense metered quantities of the sludge into a subsequent dehydrator for heating the sludge to evaporate the water therefrom to produce dehydrated solids exiting through a meter and a gas containing evaporated water going to a condenser connected to the dehydrator to receive gas therefrom for condensing it into a liquid that is discharged from the system and provide dehydrated gas to a subsequent vacuum pump that maintains a relatively static vacuum.

Abstract: A method for providing a dose of visible light in covered drinking water storage facilities to control nitrification. In one embodiment, the method includes irradiating the water with a dose of visible light sufficient to inhibit microbial nitrification of the water. In one embodiment, the dose of visible light has a wavelength from approximately 400 Hz to approximately 700 Hz. In another embodiment, the dose of visible light has a wavelength from approximately 550 Hz to approximately 700 Hz. In a further embodiment, the dose of visible light has a wavelength from approximately 380 Hz to approximately 430 Hz.

Abstract: An inclined plate sedimentation device includes a plurality of parallel spaced inclined plates, each at a plate inclination angle relative to a horizontal axis, an influent fluid source that provides a fluid to the device such that the fluid flows between the inclined plates, and at least one vibratory source operatively coupled to at least one of the inclined plates for providing vibration. The inclined plates have tapered lower ends for reducing eddy currents between adjacent inclined plates upon vibration. The vibratory source may be at least one of mechanical, electrical, air-driven, hydraulic-driven, a sonic wave device, and a microwave device.

Abstract: A system for decontaminating a medium. The system can include a medium having one or more contaminants disposed therein. The contaminants can be or include bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, and combinations thereof. A microwave energy radiation device can be positioned proximate the medium. The microwave energy radiation device can be adapted to generate a signal having a frequency from about 10 GHz to about 100 GHz. The signal can be adapted to kill one or more of the contaminants disposed within the medium while increasing a temperature of the medium by less than about 10° C.

Abstract: A method and system for fluid treatment that provides fluid release cycles within the regeneration sequence of a fluid treatment device. The fluid release or backwash air cycle permits the slow, controlled and metered release of air or gases from a treatment tank.

Abstract: A discharge unit includes an alternating high-voltage generator, a pair of electrodes in water, the pair being configured to receive a voltage from the high-voltage generator, and an insulating divider configured to separate the pair of electrodes from each other in the water, and having a small discharge hole defining a path of current to flow between the pair of electrodes. The voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes to generate an electric discharge in the discharge hole.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for separating metals from a liquid medium, the method uses a copolymer derived from at least two monomers: acrylic-x and an alkylamine, wherein said polymer is modified to contain a functional group capable of scavenging one or more compositions containing one or more metals are disclosed. The treated liquid is then passed through a filtration system. The scavenging effect of the combination of the treatment with the filtration is unexpectedly greater than the sum of its parts.

Abstract: A method of assessing biofilm thickness in a membrane supported biofilm reactor (MSBR) of the type comprising a lumen containing a gas phase, a liquid phase, and a gas permeable membrane providing an interface between the gas and liquid phases, the method comprising the steps of charging the lumen with an inert gas, closing the lumen to establish an initial elevated pressure in the lumen, measuring the rate of change of pressure within the lumen, and correlating the rate of change of pressure (dP/dt) with biofilm thickness. The step of correlating dP/dt with biofilm thickness involves correlating dP/dt with the rate of diffusion of the inert gas (dn/dt), correlating dn/dt with an overall mass transfer coefficient (K), correlating K with the mass transfer coefficient of the biofilm (kB), and correlating kB with the biofilm thickness.

Abstract: A method of mixing organic carbon with the final effluent for water treatment systems and applying the mixture to manmade stratified sand filters or natural soils to induce proper conditions for high removal of total nitrogen in the final effluent. In one embodiment, water having a concentration less than about 30 mg/l of Total Nitrogen (TN) and a BOD5 concentration of less than about 30 mg/l is mixed with a sufficient amount of dissolved carbon to cause a reduction of the nitrogen pollution in the water, and the water and dissolved carbon are percolated through a fixed bed. A method of mixing organic carbon with any water having dissolved TN and applying the mixture to manmade stratified sand filters or natural soils to induce proper conditions for high removal of total nitrogen in the applied water.

Abstract: An economical method for recovering phosphate or phosphate and nitrogen from liquid streams. A liquid containing phosphate is introduced into a culture of autotrophic microorganisms in the presence of natural or artificial light, thereby producing a liquid effluent with elevated pH and reduced alkalinity. The alkalinity is reduced through the consumption of bicarbonate/carbonate by the autotrophic microorganisms. The effluent is then chemically treated with low-cost chemicals to provide Ca++ or Mg++ ions necessary to form a phosphate precipitate such as calcium phosphate or magnesium-ammonium-phosphate (MAP). The autotrophic microorganisms can be cultivated in ponds, lagoons, or photobioreactors. The pH of the culture is adjustable within a preferred range of 7.5 to 10.5 by adjusting the photobioreactor operation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composite biogenic flocculant for enhancing flocculation and dewaterability of chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) sludge. The present invention also discloses method of conditioning CEPT sludge using the composite biogenic flocculant.

Abstract: A supercritical water oxidation treatment system for organic wastewater with a high salinity crystallizes high-salinity wastewater by a low temperature of liquid oxygen, and decreases an inorganic salt content in the wastewater. Under supercritical water conditions, a hydrocyclone (4) separates most precipitated solid salts in the wastewater, so effectively prevents pipes and the tubular reactor (22) after the hydrocyclone (4) from plugging. Inorganic salts are able to be continuously separated from the system by the hydrocyclone (4) at the bottom of a desalination device, In addition, excess oxygen and gaseous products CO2 are recovered by a separation recovery part. The reaction time and the reaction temperature of supercritical water oxidation reaction are lowered due to the installation of a simple post-treatment unit (37). Moreover, the heat of the reactor effluent with a high temperature is recovered in the system, so operation cost of the system is reduced evidently.

Abstract: Provided is a vitreous silica crucible for pulling a silicon single crystal, which stably suppresses surface vibration of a silicon melted solution filled therein and has a long life, and a method for manufacturing the same. The vitreous silica crucible for pulling a silicon single crystal includes a peripheral wall portion, a curved portion, and a bottom portion, wherein a plurality of minute concave portions are formed on a certain area of an inner surface of the peripheral wall portion, and a plurality of bubbles are formed on a lower position of the minute concave portions.

Abstract: The invention is a method for structuring a flat substrate composed of glass material in the course of a viscous flow process. The glass flat substrate is joined to a surface of a flat substrate, which is preferably a semiconductor flat substrate, having at least one depression bounded by a circumferential edge located in the surface. In the course of a subsequent tempering process, glass material is changed to a viscous free-flowing state in which at least proportions of the free-flowing glass material of the flat substrate flow over the circumferential edge into the depression in the flat substrate.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for scribing a contained crack or vent in a chemically strengthened glass sheet. The glass has shallow surface regions under compressive stress, bounding a central region under tensile stress. The vent is formed by rapidly bulk-heating the glass, using radiation from a carbon monoxide laser, to a depth just below a surface compressive region and extending marginally into the tensile stress region then rapidly cooling the heated region with a water mist spray. The glass sheet can be subsequently divided along the vent by application of mechanical or thermal stress.

Abstract: To manufacture glass base material with high manufacturing yield, provided is a glass base material elongating method comprising forming a tapered portion where the outer diameter of the glass base material changes continuously, holding the glass base material with chucks, heating the glass base material held by chucks with a heat source, and with a portion of the glass base material softened, increasing the distance between the chucks to elongate the glass base material. The elongation begins from a state in which a position of the heat source at a position at which the outer diameter of the glass base material is set in a range from no less than 95% to no more than 98% of an average outer diameter of the trunk portion of the glass base material.

Abstract: Described herein are alkali-free, boroalumino silicate glasses exhibiting desirable physical and chemical properties for use as substrates in flat panel display devices, such as, active matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCDs) and active matrix organic light emitting diode displays (AMOLEDs). In accordance with certain of its aspects, the glasses possess excellent compaction and stress relaxation properties.

Abstract: A ceramic electronic component includes a ceramic body, a glass coating layer, and terminal electrodes. End portions of inner electrodes are exposed at a surface of the ceramic body. The glass coating layer covers portions of the ceramic body in which the inner electrodes are exposed. The terminal electrodes are disposed directly above the glass coating layer and are each constituted by a plating film. The glass coating layer includes a glass medium and metal powder particles that are dispersed in the glass medium and define conductive paths which electrically connect the inner electrodes and the terminal electrodes. The metal powder particles include first metal powder particles and second metal powder particles. The first metal powder particles are flat or substantially flat powder particles. The second metal powder particles are spherical or substantially spherical powder particles.

Abstract: A method of applying a coating to a glass container, which includes the steps of coating an exterior surface of the glass container with a thermally-curable coating material containing electrically-conductive nanoparticles, and exposing the coated container to radio frequency radiation such that absorption of the radio frequency radiation by the nanoparticles internally heats and cures the thermally-curable coating material on the exterior surface of the glass container to result in a cured coating on the glass container.

Abstract: Scratch-resistant glass substrates including a hard, scratch-resistant layer over a major surface of the substrate are disclosed. The layer may exhibit a hardness, as measured using a Berkovich indenter, of at least 10 GPa and an x-ray amorphous structure along at least a portion of the thickness of the layer. The layer may optionally exhibit an optical transparency of at least 70% and/or a compressive stress of at least 10 MPa.

Abstract: A coated article including a coating having first and second infrared (IR) reflecting layers comprising silver. A first absorption layer including Zr is located such that the first absorption layer is located between the glass substrate and the first IR reflecting layer, and a second absorption layer including Zr is located such that both the first and second IR reflecting layers are located between the glass substrate and the second absorption layer. The first absorption layer and the second absorption layer are each sandwiched between and contacting dielectric layers. The first absorption layer may be from about 120-200 angstroms (?) thick, and may be at least 40 angstroms thicker than the second absorption layer.

Abstract: A graphene coated optic fiber is disclosed. An optic fiber core is encapsulated within a graphene capsule. An optic fiber having cladding layer encapsulated within a graphene capsule is also disclosed. The graphene capsule may comprise a single layer of graphene, bi-layer of graphene, or multiple layers of graphene. An optical circuit is disclosed that transmits ultraviolet light across an optic fiber encapsulated with graphene.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of calcium nitrate for producing a cementitious composition and/or a cementitious solid at high ambient temperatures. The invention is directed to ensuring sufficient hydration by a limitation of the maximum hydration temperature.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for increasing grinding efficiency of cement, cement clinker, raw materials for cement, and other inorganic particles. Use of biomass-derived polyols such as diols, triols, or mixtures thereof, optionally with a conventional grinding aid, cement quality improver, and/or hexavalent chromium reducer, are believed to provide less risk of sludging when compared to glycerides obtained from fossil fuel sources.

Abstract: A copolymer that has sufficient dispersibility to various kinds of cements, including those having low fluidity (difficult cement). The copolymer is obtained by polymerizing monomer components including an unsaturated (poly)alkylene glycol ether monomer (a), an unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer (b), and an unsaturated cross-linkable monomer (c) or an unsaturated cross-linkable monomer (d). The unsaturated cross-linkable monomer (c) is allyl itaconate or allyl citraconate, or ester thereof. The unsaturated cross-linkable monomer (d) is an ester obtained by reaction of at least one acid, selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, and citraconic acid and ester derived from the acids, with a (poly)alkylene glycol or a (poly)alkylene glycol ether.

Abstract: A drying type joint compound composition is provided, including: at least one binder, a filler and water, the water having a weight percentage in the range of 12-18% of the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of improving the durability of concrete by the infusion of the concrete with a low-viscosity oligomeric solution, and subsequent curing of the oligomeric solution to form a high toughness polymer. Also described herein are compositions containing concrete and high toughness polymers, and formed articles made from concrete and high toughness polymers. The methods and compositions are useful for improving the durability of concrete roads and structures, as well as the durability of repairs to concrete roads.

Abstract: Effective use of dispersants in wallboard containing foam results from a method where stucco is mixed with a first dispersant and a first quantity of water to form a gypsum slurry. A soap is blended with a second dispersant and a second quantity of water to make a foam. Subsequently, the foam is combined with the slurry. Choice of different first and second dispersants and their relative amounts allows control of the size distribution of the foam bubbles in the slurry and the resulting voids in the gypsum core. Melamine sulfonate condensate and polycarboxylate dispersants are preferred dispersants.

Abstract: A raw ceramic portion is formed on each of first and second lateral surfaces of a raw ceramic body. The raw ceramic portions contain ceramic particles and more of at least one constituent selected from Ba, Mg, Mn, and a rare-earth element between the ceramic particles than the ceramic section of the raw ceramic body in terms of total amount. The raw ceramic body is fired with the raw ceramic portions thereon. In this way, a ceramic electronic component is obtained that has a main body left after the raw ceramic body is fired with the raw ceramic portions thereon.

Abstract: A fast-curing pervious concrete mix made by combining: water; a cementitious material comprising portland cement and a supplementary cementitious material; aggregate sized to form a pervious concrete; a water reducer; a quantity of fibers; and a polymeric bonding agent, the mix curing to a compressive strength of at least 2,000 psi within 24 hours of placement. Also, a method of forming a pervious concrete structure by forming the fast-curing pervious concrete mix, placing the mix in a desired formation, and curing the placed mix, and a pervious concrete obtained by placing and curing the fast-curing pervious concrete mix.

Abstract: A hybrid ceramic structure and a method for protecting the hybrid ceramic structure from moisture attack in a high temperature combustion environment are provided. The structure includes a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) substrate (12). A thermal insulation material (14) is disposed on the substrate. A vapor resistant material (20) is applied through at least one surface of the hybrid ceramic structure while the hybrid ceramic structure is in a bisque condition that provides a degree of porosity to the hybrid ceramic structure so that the vapor resistant material is infiltrated through interstices available within a thickness of the hybrid ceramic structure.

Abstract: A framework for developing high quality factor (Q) material for electronic applications in the radio frequency range is provided. In one implementation, ceramic materials having a tungsten bronze crystal structure is modified by substituting one or more elements at one or more lattice sites on the crystal structure. The substitute elements are selected based on the ionic radius and other factors. In other implementations, the modified ceramic material is prepared in combination with compositions such as rutile or a perovskite to form a orthorhombic hybrid of perosvkite and tetragonal tungsten bronze.

Abstract: The invention is directed to processes for treating biosolids that result in high-value, nitrogen-containing, slow-release, organically-augmented inorganic fertilizer that are competitive with less valuable or more costly conventional commercially manufactured fertilizers. The process involves conditioning traditional waste-water biosolids and processing the conditioned biosolids continuously in a high throughput manufacturing facility. The exothermic design and closed loop control of the primary reaction vessel decreases significantly the amount of power necessary to run a manufacturing facility. The process utilizes green technologies to facilitate decreased waste and enhanced air quality standards over traditional processing plants. The fertilizer produced from recovered biosolid waste is safe and meets or exceeds the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) Class A and Exceptional Quality standards and is not subject to restrictions or regulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fertilizer composition comprising ammonium nitrate, of which the potential misuse as a precursor for an explosive is limited on the one hand, without hampering its legitimate use by farmers for food production on the other hand, to a method for the preparation of said fertilizer composition, and to the use thereof. The fertilizer composition comprising ammonium nitrate comprises a non-hygroscopic agent which is able to form a non-hygroscopic fertilizer composition with ammonium nitrate under normal conditions of storage and use, and to form an hygroscopic composition with ammonium nitrate after said fertilizer composition is contacted with water, and optionally a foaming agent. According to one embodiment, the non-hygroscopic agent is selected from the group of non-hygroscopic urea double salts, in particular urea calcium nitrate (UCaN).