Abstract: Methods for making an aqueous polyaluminum chloride (PAC) are disclosed that include adding an amount of a chloride-containing aluminum compound simultaneously with an amount of a base to a reaction vessel, mixing the two solutions in the reaction vessel, to produce a mixture, until a pH between 4.5 and 10 of the mixture is attained, maintaining the pH of the mixture between 4.5 and 10 during the mixing to produce an aluminum hydroxide precipitate dispersed in a liquid, allowing the aluminum hydroxide precipitate in the mixture to settle and creating a supernatant liquid, removing an amount of the supernatant liquid from the mixture to form a slurry, and adding a low- to mid-basicity polyaluminum chloride solution, an aluminum chloride solution, and/or a hydrochloric acid solution to the slurry to dissolve the aluminum hydroxide precipitate to form the aqueous polyaluminum chloride.

Abstract: Treatment of multiple sclerosis with copper nanoclusters (CuNCs).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing lutetium-doped zinc-ferrite ceramics for humidity sensor application and its composition thereof. This invention discloses a composition for lutetium-doped zinc ferrite ceramics, optimized for humidity sensor applications. The composition comprises specified weight percentages of zinc nitrate, iron nitrate, lutetium nitrate, glucose, urea, and optional distilled water. A corresponding synthesis process involves stoichiometric mixing, addition of glucose and urea, stirring with distilled water, and subsequent combustion in a preheated furnace. The ratio of lutetium varies from 0.00 to 0.07. The resulting ZnFe(2-x)LuxO4 nanoparticles exhibit stability and uniformity, confirmed through XRD, FTIR, and SEM analyses. The humidity sensor performance is evaluated, with an optimized Lu=0.05 composition demonstrating a remarkable 93% sensing response. This composition and process offer potential for efficient and stable humidity sensors in various applications.

Abstract: Water-filtering compositions including a geopolymer and a sequestration agent are provided herein. Filters including the compositions are further provided. Water filtration systems including the filters are further provided. Processes for the preparation of the compositions are further provided. Methods of reducing an amount of a chemical species from a body of water are further provided. Chemical species that are reduced include neutral or ionic heavy metal species or polyfluorinated chemical species.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pool cleaning device having filtering and pumping capabilities. Some embodiments of the disclosed device can be unencumbered by hoses, cables, and the like when in use in the pool. The device may be buoyant and can be configured to float at or just below the surface of the water. The device can comprise a strainer, a pump, a housing for the strainer and pump, and one or more floatation devices. Such a design may allow for a floating skimmer and pump with no need for installation in a side wall. In some embodiments, the device can further comprise a pre-filter. For example, in some embodiments, the strainer and filter can remove large objects and particulates, respectively, before the water passes through the pump. As disclosed in some embodiments, various components of the device may be removeable and replaceable to extend the lifetime of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pool cleaning device having filtering and pumping capabilities. Some embodiments of the disclosed device can be unencumbered by hoses, cables, and the like when in use in the pool. The device may be buoyant and can be configured to float at or just below the surface of the water. The device can comprise a strainer, a pump, a housing for the strainer and pump, and one or more floatation devices. Such a design may allow for a floating skimmer and pump with no need for installation in a side wall. In some embodiments, the device can further comprise a pre-filter. For example, in some embodiments, the strainer and filter can remove large objects and particulates, respectively, before the water passes through the pump. As disclosed in some embodiments, various components of the device may be removeable and replaceable to extend the lifetime of the device.

Abstract: A continuous reactor and method for destroying contaminants, such as perfluoroalkyl and/or polyfluoroalkyl substances in various feedstocks. Liquid byproducts are continuously hydrolyzed in an aqueous alkaline solution to achieve greater than 99.99% destruction of the contaminants. Continuous hydrolysis achieves a greater conversion efficiency as compared to batch reactions and has a wide application of contaminated feedstocks.

Abstract: Provided herein are water harvesting systems, as well as methods using such systems, for capturing water from surrounding air. The systems and methods use water capture materials to adsorb water from the air. For example, the water capture materials may be metal-organic-frameworks. The systems and methods desorb this water in the form of water vapor, and the water vapor is condensed into liquid water and collected. The liquid water is suitable for use as drinking water.

Abstract: A system for the separation of rare earth elements, the system including a separation vessel, the separation vessel including an inlet configured to receive the aqueous solution, an interior configured to house the aqueous solution, where the interior is configured to receive a supply of air; the aqueous solution including one or more rare earth elements, a surfactant, and a complexing agent; a compressed air source, where the compressed air source is operatively coupled to the separation vessel, and configured to propel the supply of air through the aqueous solution; and the supply of air, where the supply of air is operable to induce a plurality of bubbles to form in the aqueous solution, and create a foam layer to form at and above the interface of the aqueous solution, wherein the foam layer comprises the one or more rare earth elements from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for the low-temperature desalination of high-salinity water such as seawater or high-salt groundwater. In one embodiment, one or more of the ionic liquids, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([emim][Tf2N]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide ([bmim][Tf2N]), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tosy late ([emim][TsO]), tetrabutylphosphonium tosylate ([P4444][TsO]), tetrabutylphosphonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide ([P4444][Tf2N]), trihexyltetradecylphosphonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide ([P66614][Tf2N]), tributyloctylphosphonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide ([P4448][Tf2N]).

Abstract: A hydrodynamic cavitation system features a first stator, a second stator, a third stator, and a rotor, each having a plurality of indentations. The hydrodynamic cavitation system further includes a drive shaft, a variable speed motor, and a pump, wherein the pump circulates fluid through the hydrodynamic cavitation system while the drive shaft actuates the rotor, generating hydrodynamic cavitation between each stator and the rotor. Each of the plurality of indentations provides different regions to optimize overall hydrodynamic cavitation volume, increasing cavitation locations, which can coalesce to become a macro cavitation site and cavitation cloud. The hydrodynamic cavitation system removes bacteria, pathogens, viruses, fungi, cyanobacteria as well as breaks chemical bonds, effectively treating contaminated water and other fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-biological deionization fuel cell (DFC) comprising, inter alia, a cathode comprising a non-platinum group metal and a nitrogen doped carbon matrix. Further provided is a method of preparing the catalyst through a zeolitic imidazolate framework precursor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating a water stream comprising contaminants, the method comprising the steps of: mixing the water stream and a recycle stream in a first ratio to form a combined stream; electrochemically treating the combined stream in a first treatment zone of an electrochemical treatment unit having a first polarity to form a treated combined stream; dividing the treated combined stream into the recycle stream and a finishing stream in a second ratio; and passing the finishing stream to a second treatment zone having the opposite polarity to the first treatment zone to form an output stream. An apparatus for treating a water stream and the use of the method or apparatus for treating a water stream are also described. Various other apparatuses and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A system of treating reject brine and capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) includes a two-stage electrodialysis (ED) process for producing multiple products with high purity from rejected brine and flue gas mixtures (10% CO2 and 90% N2) emitted from an industrial plant. According to an embodiment, the system includes a first electrodialysis (ED) stage and a second electrodialysis (ED) stage in series.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemically assisted ion exchange water treatment device. Disclosed is a water treatment device comprising a first inlet feeding water into line L0; a prefiltration unit; a water treatment unit comprising an electrochemical cell assembly comprising of at least one electrochemical cell; and a reverse osmosis unit, wherein the electrochemical cell assembly and the reverse osmosis unit are connected in parallel; a wastewater line for discarding wastewater from the electrochemical cell, through the waste water outlet; a wastewater line for discarding reject water from the reverse osmosis unit, through the reject water outlet; a carbon filtration unit positioned on line L0 downstream of the point N; and an outlet for dispensing treated water. The invention provides a device which gives significantly higher recovery of treated water.

Abstract: Described are treatment compositions for treating a water source, and methods of treating the water source. The composition includes one or more of an inorganic salt, a treatment polymer, and a particle. A flocculant may be added to the water source before or after the inorganic salt, treatment polymer, and particle. The methods and compositions may be used for treating wastewater, for example.

Abstract: A brine generation system having a tank for containing crystalline salt, a level control system regulating a water supply to the tank which maintains a desired fluid level within the tank, and a freeze protection system with a duct peripherally disposed on an interior tank sidewall, the duct defining an interior space into which is placed a thermostatically controlled heating element. A portion of the duct extends to the outside of the tank enabling access to the interior space such that the heating element may be replaced without disturbing any external tank insulation or emptying the tank contents.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment method provides a bioreactor including: an inlet zone, a filtration zone, and a reaction zone including: a biofilm supporting media including a biofilm of bacteria thereon. The supporting media is sufficient to enable the bacteria thereon to consume contaminants from the wastewater to produce water with a total suspended solids of less than 5 g/L and water including suspended bacteria. Wastewater is introduced to the inlet zone of the bioreactor. Anoxic and/or aerobic conditions are provided in the reaction zone to cause the consumption of the contaminants by the bacteria on the supporting media and the suspended bacteria contained in the water to produce filterable water. This water is filtered at the filtration zone to produce a filtrate and a sludge, the filtrate having a total suspended solids of less than 10 mg/L with a flowrate of at least 2,000 L/h/m2 of filter area.

Abstract: Disclosed are floating micro-aeration unit (FMU) devices, systems and methods for biological sulfide removal from water/wastewater bodies and streams. In some aspects, a system includes a manifold structure including one or more opening to flow air out of an interior of the manifold structure; one or more support structures connected to the manifold structure, in which the one or more support structures are floatable on a surface of a fluid that includes water or a wastewater; and an air source that flows air to the manifold structure, such that the manifold structure supplies the air containing a predetermined amount of oxygen (e.g., less than 0.1 mg/L of oxygen) to oxidize sulfide of the fluid.

Abstract: A pressure-free membrane-type oxygen permeation biofilm reactor driven by sewage thermal energy includes an aeration element, the aeration element is internally provided with a nonporous hollow fiber membrane, and two ends of the nonporous hollow fiber membrane are connected to a cold air chamber and a hot air chamber respectively. A temperature difference is formed between the cold air chamber and the hot air chamber, which can promote air flow inside the membrane and promote mass transfer of oxygen within a biofilm. A problem that energy consumption of sewage purification is unable to compensate due to a low thermal energy grade in sewage can be solved. A high efficiency of oxygen mass transfer is realized, stable functional zones of the biofilm are divided, and a sewage purification efficiency is improved. Dissolved methane can be used as an internal carbon source generated by anaerobic digestion to reduce nitrite in sewage.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for continuous metabolism of contaminants of emerging concern. An example bioreactor can include at least one screen positioned downstream in relation to the at least one adsorbent layer, wherein: the bioreactor system is configured to retain within the housing the biofilm that becomes detached from the at least one adsorbent layer, the housing is configured to receive through the inlet a flow of an influent comprising water contaminated with the at least one target contaminant, and the bioreactor system is configured to discharge an effluent from the outlet, which comprises water with a lower concentration of the contaminant compared to the influent.

Abstract: A mobile water purification system having a trailer, a pretreatment subsystem having a cyclonic separator, a filtering subsystem fluidly connected with the pretreatment subsystem, the filtering subsystem having at least one bedded filter; a reverse osmosis subsystem fluidly connected with the filtering subsystem, the reverse osmosis subsystem having a waste output and a product output; a collection tank fluidly connected with and downstream of the reverse osmosis subsystem; a distribution subsystem fluidly connected with and downstream of the collection tank; a source water inlet mounted to the exterior and fluidly connected to the pretreatment inlet, the source water inlet outside of the at-least partially enclosed space; and a discharge water outlet mounted to the plurality of sidewalls and fluidly connected to the pressure tank, the discharge water outlet having an outlet opening outside of the at least partially-enclosed space.

Abstract: A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a conduit defining an interior passage for conveying molten glass, the conduit including at least one reinforcing member disposed about and attached to at least a portion of an exterior periphery of the conduit.

Abstract: A method of forming glass articles involves introducing a particulate mixture (20) of SiC particles and carrier particles into molten glass (44, 22) contained within at least one of a forehearth (12) or a fining chamber (28) of a glass-making furnace (10). The particulate mixture (20) creates seeds (S) within the molten glass such that an outflow of conditioned molten glass (18) discharged from the forehearth (12) and the glass articles produced therefrom contain a greater concentration of seeds (S) than if the particulate mixture (20) is not added. The concentration of seeds (S) in the glass articles can be controlled by commencing or withholding the addition of the particulate mixture (20).

Abstract: A combustion burner employed in a submerged combustion vessel used to melt high index glass includes an arch positioned on a burner in the submerged combustion vessel. An amount of combustible gas flows through a first port disposed in a first haunch of the arch and through a second port disposed in a second haunch of the arch. Fuel is supplied through an end port in a fuel supply line. The end port is disposed under the arch. An amount of glass is fed into the submerged combustion vessel and is melted inside the submerged combustion vessel by igniting the burner. Some of the melted glass at least partially solidifies against a wall of the submerged combustion vessel such that the melted glass is contained in a vessel of itself.

Abstract: A glass manufacturing apparatus includes an exit conduit positioned to deliver molten glass from a delivery vessel to an inlet conduit of a forming apparatus. The apparatus also includes a leak blocking component that circumferentially surrounds a portion of the exit conduit and is configured to inhibit flow of molten glass towards an outer surface of the glass manufacturing apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for at least section-wise separating a glass element into at least two glass sub-elements along a separation face and a glass sub-element which is manufactured and/or can be manufactured in particular by the method according to the disclosure.

Abstract: A thermal insulation product based on mineral wool, characterized in that the fibers have a micronaire of less than 10 l/min, preferably less than 7 l/min and especially between 3 and 6 l/min, and in that the material has a thermal conductivity of less than 31 mW/m·K, especially less than 30 mW/m·K. The parameters for obtaining this product are in particular the pressure of the burner, the rotation speed of the fiberizing spinner and the daily fiber output per spinner orifice.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a substance containing an alkali metal element and a sulfur element. A raw material containing the alkali metal element and the sulfur element is placed in a porous container and heated and melted to obtain a melt, and the melt is stirred by an inert gas flowed to an outside of the porous container.

Abstract: A textured article is described herein that may include a glass-based substrate comprising a first major surface and a second major surface. The first major surface may be opposite the second major surface. At least a portion of the first major surface may be textured. The portion of the first major surface that is textured may have a roughness Ra of greater than or equal to 400 nm and an average pitch. A ratio of roughness Ra to average pitch may be from about 0.01 to about 0.04. At least a portion of the textured article may have an opacity of greater than about 70% or may have a coefficient of friction of from about 0.25 to about 0.4. The coefficient of friction may be measured as the kinetic coefficient of friction using a 500 g load on a foam rubber according to ASTM D1984.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a low-density high-performance glass fiber composition, and a glass fiber and a composite. The glass fiber composition comprises the following components expressed as percentage by weight: SiO2: 58.1%-61.9%, Al2O3: >19.8% and ?23%, MgO: 9.6%-12.7%, CaO: 4.1%-7.9%, SrO+Li2O: 0.05%-2.2%, SrO: 0%-2%, Li2O: 0%-0.39%, Na2O: 0.05%-1.0%, R2O-Na2O+K2O+Li2O: 0.2%-1.6%, Fe2O3: 0.05%-1%, TiO2: 0.01%-2%, B2O3: 0%-2%, ZrO2: 0%-2%, and SiO2+Al2O3: 78%-84%. The components have a total content of greater than or equal to 98.5%; a weight percentage ratio C1=SiO2/(CaO+Li2O) is greater than or equal to 7.05, a weight percentage ratio C2=(R2O+SrO)/Al2O3 is greater than or equal to 0.012, and a weight percentage ratio C3=(MgO+SrO)/CaO is greater than or equal to 1.22. The glass fiber composition has the characteristics of low density and high modulus, and has higher specific modulus and specific strength, better lightweight level, and cost advantages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermochromic film in which vanadium dioxide can be used without a doping process after the phase transition temperature thereof is reduced, and thus, there are economic and environmental advantages, and a method for manufacturing a thermochromic film, the method comprising: a formation step of forming a coating layer by applying a solution including untreated vanadium oxide onto a substrate; and a formation step of forming a thermochromic layer by phase change of untreated vanadium oxide to vanadium dioxide through annealing using intense pulsed light (IPL).

Abstract: A light-transmitting structure is disclosed. The light-transmitting structure includes a glass-based substrate that has a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The glass-based substrate comprises a first composition that is transparent and has a first refractive index n1. The light-transmitting structure further includes a plurality of surface regions fused with the glass-based substrate to define a light-scattering surface interposed with the first major surface. Each surface region comprises a second composition that is transparent and has a second refractive index n2 that is different than the first refractive index n1. The first major surface and the light-scattering surface define an interface to an ambient environment.

Abstract: A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for adjusting or removing frames in a set of frames. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include: associating a first frame of a set of frames with motion data that is captured approximately contemporaneously with the first frame; when a sampling rate of the motion data is greater than a frame rate of the set of frames, aggregating a first sample of the motion data captured at the first frame and a second sample of the motion data captured between the first frame and a second frame of the set of frames to obtain a movement value; when the movement value does not exceed a first threshold value, accepting the first frame from the set of frames; and when the movement value exceeds the first threshold value, rejecting the first frame from the set of frames.

Abstract: A chemically tempered glass or glass-ceramic article in pane form for use as a cover pane includes a glass or glass-ceramic having a composition comprising the components SiO2, Al2O3, Li2O and Na2O, having a thickness d of 300 ?m to 1000 ?m, a compressive strength at a distance of 30 ?m from a surface of a main face CS30 of at least 60 MPa, and a compressive strength at a distance of 50 ?m from the surface of a main face CS50. The compressive strengths CS30 and CS50 of the same main face are in the following ratio V to one another: V = CS 30 CS 50 ? - 0.0006 * d + 2 , where d is the thickness of the article in ?m.

Abstract: A chemically strengthened glass in which a base glass composition of the chemically strengthened glass includes, in terms of molar percentage based on oxides: 55% to 75% of SiO2; 8% to 20% of Al2O3; 3% to 15% of Li2O; 1% to 5% of Na2O; 0% to 3% of K2O; 0% to 10% of MgO; 0% to 3% of Y2O3; 0% to 3% of ZrO2; 0% to 10% of CaO; 0% to 5% of SrO; 0% to 5% of ZnO; 0% to 3% of TiO2; 0% to 1% of SnO2; 0% to 5% of P2O5; and 0% to 10% of B2O3, a ratio [ZrO2]/([Y2O3]+[ZrO2]) is 0 or more and 0.7 or less, and the total content of Y2O3 and ZrO2 is 0.0% or more and 3.0% or less, and a value of 1nW represented by the Formula (1) is 10 or more and 20 or less.

Abstract: A light-transmitting structure is disclosed. The light-transmitting structure includes a laminated glass substrate that has a core layer and a first clad layer fused to a first side of the core layer. The core layer comprises a core glass composition that is transparent and has a core refractive index nC. The first clad layer defines a first surface of the laminated glass substrate and comprises a first clad glass composition that is transparent and has a first clad refractive index nCL1 that is lower than the core refractive index nC. The light-transmitting structure further includes a plurality of interdiffusion regions that extend from the core layer and through the first clad layer to define a light-scattering surface interposed with the first surface. Each interdiffusion region comprises an interdiffusion composition that is transparent and has an interdiffusion refractive index nI that is higher than the first clad refractive index nCL1.

Abstract: In some variations, the disclosure provides a renewable biocarbon composition comprising from 50 wt % to 99 wt % total carbon, wherein the biocarbon composition is characterized by a base-acid ratio selected from 0.1 to 10, an iron-calcium ratio selected from 0.05 to 5, iron-plus-calcium parameter selected from 5 to 50 wt %, a slagging factor selected from 0.001 to 1, and/or a fouling factor or modified fouling factor selected from 0.1 to 10. Some variations provide a process comprising: providing a biomass feedstock; pyrolyzing the biomass feedstock to generate an intermediate biocarbon stream; washing or treating the intermediate biocarbon stream with an acid, a base, a salt, a metal, H2, H2O, CO, CO2, or a combination thereof, and/or introducing an additive in the process, to adjust a base-acid ratio or other compositional parameter; and recovering a biocarbon composition comprising from 50 wt % to 99 wt % total carbon and optimized for a compositional parameter.

Abstract: Colored roofing granules comprising agglomerated inorganic material with embedded pigment, and building materials, such as roofing shingles, that include such colored roofing granules. By fabricating colored roofing granules from agglomerating inorganic material it is possible to tailor the particle size distribution so as to provide optimal shingle surface coverage, thus reducing shingle weight and usage of raw materials. Additionally, agglomeration of inorganic material with embedded pigment, including colored rock fines and/or colored mineral fines, permits the utilization of by-products from conventional granule production processes, including a waste stream of pigment.

Abstract: An environmentally-friendly approach to producing concrete using reclaimed concrete aggregate material is provided. Reclaimed concrete aggregate material is obtained by processing recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) waste materials with an impact treatment. The RCA contains natural stone or other aggregate particles that has cementitious material bonded thereto. The impact treatment removes at least a portion of the cementitious material from the aggregate particles, leaving reclaimed concrete aggregate particles having sufficiently little bonded cementitious material so as to be a suitable alternative to virgin aggregate in asphalt and concrete mixes, even for concrete that will be used in structural load-bearing applications for use to construct structural members of buildings and other structures. The impact treatment may be performed by tumbling RCA with impactors in a rotating drum.

Abstract: The use of a grinding additive during the dry grinding of mineral materials, especially limestone, characterized in that the grinding additive is selected from the group made of alkanolamines, glycols, glycerol, sugars, sugar acids, carboxylic acids or their salts, superplasticizers, superabsorbent polymers, or mixtures thereof. Also, ground mineral materials, especially ground limestone, including the additives and the use of the ground mineral materials, especially ground limestone, in cement and/or construction materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new concrete admixture based on metal silicate hydrates and ettringite for improving the strength development at both early and longer ages of low-carbon cementitious compositions based on Portland cement and supplementary cementitious materials SCMs, including fly ash, slag, natural pozzolans, silica fume, calcined clays and fillers, such as limestone powder.

Abstract: A dry cementitious material mixture for 3D-printing, includes a hydraulic cement, a mineral component having a BET-specific surface area of 0.5-30 m2/g, and being present in an amount of 3-50% by weight based on the hydraulic cement, an additional material being one of: at least one viscosity enhancing admixture being present in an amount of 0.01-1.5% by weight based on the hydraulic cement, clay being present in an amount of 0.01-5.0% by weight based on the hydraulic cement, and further optionally comprising aggregates.

Abstract: A multi-component inorganic anchoring system, for chemical fastening of anchors and post-installed reinforcing bars in mineral substrates, includes a curable powdery aluminous cement component A and an initiator component B in an aqueous phase for initiating a curing process. The powdery aluminous cement component A includes an aluminous cement component based on powdery calcium aluminate cement and component B includes an accelerator constituent and water. Furthermore, at least part of the calcium aluminate cement of component A has an average particle size in the range of from 0.5 to 15 ?m. Methods of using the calcium aluminate cement in a multi-component inorganic anchoring system to increase load values and methods for chemical fastening of anchors in mineral substrates can be performed.

Abstract: A method for forming an oxidation protection system on a composite structure may comprise: applying a ceramic layer slurry to the composite structure, wherein the ceramic layer slurry comprises aluminum and silicon in a solvent or carrier fluid; and heating the composite structure in an environment comprising nitrogen gas and oxygen gas to form a ceramic layer on the composite structure, wherein the ceramic layer comprises aluminum nitride and alumina.

Abstract: A sintered ceramic body comprising at least one layer comprising from 90% to 99.8% by volume of polycrystalline yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) and from 15 ppm to 500 ppm of zirconium, wherein the at least one layer comprises at least one surface, wherein the at least one surface comprises pores having a pore size not exceeding 5 pm and having a maximum pore size of 1.5 pm for at least 95% of the pores, wherein the at least one surface exhibits an L* value of from 50 to 77, and an “a” value of from 6 to 12, wherein the at least one layer has a thickness of from 500 pm to 2 cm, and wherein the values of L* and “a” vary no more than 10% across the at least one surface. Also disclosed are methods of making same.

Abstract: A system for forming a braided preform includes a mandrel having a rotational axis, the mandrel being translatable along and rotatable about the rotational axis, a radial braider for winding fibers onto the mandrel to form a braided layer, an applicator for applying a polymer binder to the braided layer while mounted on the mandrel, and a debulking tool for debulking the braided layer while mounted on the mandrel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coated ceramic fiber including a silicon carbide coating layer adjacent to the ceramic fiber and a silicon dioxide coating layer adjacent to the silicon carbide coating layer, wherein the silicon dioxide coating layer forms micro cracks after a crystal structure transformation. The coated ceramic fiber may be included in a composite material having a ceramic matrix.

Abstract: A method of displacing tows of a preform prior to densification includes aligning a multi-tip tool with the preform and oscillating the multi-tip tool in contact with tows of the preform. A plurality of tips of the tool contact the tows of preform during operation and thereby displace tows laterally within a ply.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides desensitized fertilizer compositions that are resistant to detonation. The desensitized fertilizer compositions of the present disclosure are formed, under heat, from a reaction product of a base fertilizer material, such as ammonium nitrate, and a phosphate-based additive, such as ammonium polyphosphate. The resulting compositions include monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), and polyphosphate crystals distributed throughout the crystalline fertilizer material. The presence of the distributed MAP and DAP crystals is believed to stabilize the base fertilizer material and reduce or eliminate the detonation potential of the fertilizer material.