Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing alkali and alkaline earth alloys. It also relates to the use of the alkali and alkaline earth compositions. In order to create a novel method for producing alkali and alkaline earth alloys, it is proposed within the context of the invention that salts, hydroxides, alkoxides or oxides of alkali or alkaline earth compounds be mixed with salts, hydroxides, alkoxides or oxides of semi-metals, nonmetals or metals and then heated to at least 100° C., the salts, hydroxides, alkoxides or oxides of alkali or alkaline earth metals being present in a molar ratio of 1:1 or in excess thereof in relation to the salts, hydroxide, alkoxides or oxides of the semi-metals, nonmetals or metals.

Abstract: A method of coating an article includes the steps of providing a powder comprising coated particles; and spray coating the powder onto a surface of the article to form a composite coating. The spray coating may be carried out by combustion spraying, gas plasma spraying, including vacuum plasma spraying (VPS), and cold spraying. The article may be an implant for surgical or dental use. The powder may include particles of metal coated calcium phosphates, especially metal coated hydroxyapatite. The particles may include bioactive agents.

Abstract: A method for formation of spherical particles of ion substituted calcium phosphate. The method is based on precipitation of particles from a buffered solution under static, stirring or hydrothermal conditions. Also, the use of the formed materials and the particles in itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inorganic board comprising a base layer containing magnesium-based inorganic materials and phase change materials, and to a method for producing the board. The inorganic board of the present invention employs magnesium-based inorganic materials instead of plaster used in conventional boards, and thus improves the strength and water resistance thereof as compared to conventional plaster boards. Accordingly, the board of the present invention is formed so as to be thin, and the content of the phase change materials in the base layer increases by the superior blending ratio of magnesium-based inorganic materials and phase change materials, thus maintaining the indoor temperature of the structure constructed by the board of the present invention at a comfortable level. Therefore, the inorganic board of the present invention can be effectively used in interior materials or the like for a building, which require strength and water resistance properties.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a coating for medical implants, in particular, vascular stents, said coating comprising silicon dioxide, towards medical implants with a coating containing silicon dioxide and towards a method for their production. The coating can contain additional admixtures and have functionalization coats. The substrate of the coating is produced from a durable material, preferably from a stainless steel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing an aqueous suspension of dispersed calcium carbonate, wherein the resulting coating of said suspension provides opaque properties or has a specific light scattering coefficient S. The invention further relates to compositions of such suspensions of dispersed calcium carbonate and to its use in the field of paper coatings and paper mass fillings as well as paints and plastic coatings.

Abstract: A two component paint composition that, after mixing, comprises the following components in aqueous solution: a) from the first component: i) an aqueous binder, which aqueous binder comprises an oligomeric or polymeric compound the oligomeric or polymeric compound being formed from at least one monomer of the general formula I: Si(OR1)4 where each R1 is independently selected from hydrogen or any alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl, aryl or —(C?(O)R4 group, and each R4 group is independently selected from hydrogen or any alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl or aryl group, and at least one monomer having the general formula II: (R2)4-mSi(OR3)m where each R2 is independently selected from hydrogen or any alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl or aryl group, and wherein at least one —R2 group comprises the group —RXRZ or —RXN(RW)2 where Rx is any C1 to C10 bivalent organic bridging group, Q is selected from an Oxygen or a Sulphur radical and RZ comprises an H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl or aryl group, and each RW is in

Abstract: A ZnO vapor deposition material for formation of a transparent conductive film or the like consists mainly of a porous ZnO sintered body containing one or more first additive elements selected from Ce, La, Y, Pr, Nd, Pm, and Sm, and second additive elements selected from Al, Ga, Sc, and B. The content of the first additive elements is higher than the content of the second additive elements. The content of the first additive elements is in a range of 0.1 to 14.9% by mass, and the content of the second additive elements is in a range of 0.1 to 10% by mass. The sintered body has a porosity of 3 to 50%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for coating metallic surfaces with a composition containing silane/silanol/siloxane/polysiloxane, wherein, in addition to a) at least one compound selected from silanes, silanols, siloxanes and polysiloxanes, b) at least one compound containing titanium, hafnium, zirconium, aluminum and/or boron, and c) at least one type of cation selected from cations of metals of subgroups 1 to 3 and 5 to 8, including lanthanides, and of main group 2 of the periodic table of the elements, and/or at least one corresponding compound, the composition contains at least one substance d) selected from: d1) silicon-free compounds having at least one amino, urea and/or ureido group in each case, d2) anions of nitrite and/or compounds having at least one nitro group, d3) compounds based on peroxide, and d4) phosphorus-containing compounds, anions of at least one phosphate and/or anions of at least one phosphonate, as well as e) water, and f) optionally also at least one organic solvent.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate having a surface that is at least partially laminated with a coating that provides the surface both anti-reflective and self-cleaning properties. The coating is characterized by low refraction, a contact angle of at least 150° and a sliding angle of at most 10°, and includes two components: (i) an anti-reflecting coating (ARC) component and (ii) a self-cleaning coating (SCC) component. Also provided is a method for providing a substrate having a surface that is at least partially laminated with an anti-reflecting (AR) self-cleaning (SC) coating, the method including providing a substrate with at least one surface and applying a coating onto at least a part of the at least one surface, the coating including an ARC component and a SCC component.

Abstract: A hard composite composition comprises a binder; and a polymodal blend of matrix powder. In an embodiment, the polymodal blend of matrix powder has at least one local maxima at a particle size of 30 ?m or less, at least one local maxima at a particle size of 200 ?m or more, and at least one local minima between a particle size of about 30 ?m to about 200 ?m that has a value that is less than the local maxima at a particle size of 30 ?m or less.

Abstract: A zinc phosphate chemical conversion treatment liquid comprising 500 to 4,000 ppm of phosphate ions and 300 to 1,200 ppm of zinc ions, as a treatment liquid for depositing a zinc phosphate coating over the metallic material through chemical conversion treatment, wherein coefficient K (K=10X×P2×Z3/1018) as calculated from phosphate ion concentration: P (ppm), zinc ion concentration: Z (ppm) and pH: X, is in the range of 1 to 50.

Abstract: An angle-dependent interference pigment based on transparent or translucent inorganic flake serving as a substrate is provided. The substrate is coated by coatings (A)+(B)+(C) and optionally coating (D), so as to form a “high-low-high” refractive index layered structure. The coatings (A) and (C) consist of metal oxides, silicate, aluminates and/or a mixture thereof. The coating (B) consist of silicon oxide, hydrous silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, hydrous aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, hydrous magnesium oxide and/or a mixture thereof. The angle-dependent interference pigments have high color saturation in the transitional region and a significantly gradual color change in the color changing region. The present pigments can be used as colored coatings, including printing ink, or can be used in the preparation of plastics, glass, ceramics and the like. The pigment of the present invention is particularly used in the cosmetic industry which has a very high requirement on gradual color change.

Abstract: Biocompatible wear resistant nanostructured thin film materials are provided for application as coatings in the fabrication of load-bearing implants, for example, orthopedic and dental prosthetics, dental crowns, implants for maxillofacial surgery, artificial limbs, fixtures etc. Requirements to these materials include high hardness, fatigue resistance, wear and corrosion resistance, biocompatibility and absence of toxicity. The multicomponent nanostructured coating (MNC) has high hardness, low elastic modulus, high adhesion to the substrate, low friction coefficient and wear rate, high resistance to long elastic strain to failure and plastic deformation, low surface roughness, negative surface charge in physiological media (4.5<pH<9), bioactive surface, biocompatibility and absence of toxicity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing calcium carbonate materials having a particle surface with improved adsorption properties of dispersant, using at least one lithium ion-containing compound, the calcium carbonate material obtained by this process, the use of the calcium carbonate materials in paper, paints and plastics, as well as the use of the lithium ion-containing compounds in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A treatment solution for insulation coating for grain-oriented electrical steel sheets contains at least one selected from phosphates of Mg, Ca, Ba, Sr, Zn, Al, and Mn; colloidal silica in a proportion of 0.5 to 10 mol in terms of SiO2 and a water-soluble vanadium compound in a proportion of 0.1 to 2.0 mol in terms of V, relative to PO4:1 mol in the phosphates.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting oxidation of a porous carbon-carbon composite is disclosed and comprises the steps of: (a) contacting the carbon-carbon composite with an oxidation inhibiting composition comprising phosphoric acid or an acid phosphate salt, at least one aluminum salt, and at least one additional metal salt, the oxidation inhibiting composition penetrating at least some of the pores of the carbon-carbon composite; and (b) heating the carbon-carbon composite at a temperature sufficient to form a deposit from the oxidation inhibiting composition within at least some of the penetrated pores of the carbon-carbon composite. The foregoing oxidation inhibiting composition and carbon-carbon composites treated by the foregoing method are also disclosed.

Abstract: There are disclosed a porous composite comprising silicon-substituted hydroxyapatite and ?-tricalcium phosphate (?-TCP), and a method for preparing the same. The porous composite is prepared by subjecting natural coral to hydrothermal and solvothermal reactions to prepare silicon-substituted hydroxyapatite (Si—HA) and subjecting the Si—HA to a heat treatment process. Thereafter, Si—HA and ?-TCP may be mixed in the porous composite. As a result, the porous composite is excellent in biocompatibility and biodegradability. Also, the porous composite functions to maintain the microstructure of coral and is similar to natural bone in terms of composition and shape. Accordingly, the porous composite may be effectively used as a bone tissue repairing material and a bone graft material that can substitute for human hard tissue.

Abstract: A biocompatible material from which solid structures such as for example screws or plates can be manufactured, which are used for fixing bone fractures or damage and display an adequate mechanical stability. A mixture of apatite and a magnesium alloy, in the form of chips or powder, is ground in a ball mill until a homogeneous mixture forms. The homogeneous mixture is consolidated in a second step. This can be carried out by extrusion or forging. The desired shape can then be extracted from the obtained solid material by machining.

Abstract: A synthetic glass family in the quaternary phase field of CaO—SiO2-Al2O3-MgO (CSAM) with hydraulic and pozzolanic properties for use in differing applications in the gas and oil well cementing area. A method of making a mud-to-cement (MTC) slurry and a method for treating oil and gas wells with the MTC slurry containing a homogenous amorphous synthetic glass made from a mixture of inorganic materials selected from the group consisting of CSAM, wherein the cementing glasses with the mixture of inorganic materials are in a 100% amorphous phase with a degree of crystallization of zero.

Abstract: A powder mixture to be made into an evaporation source material for use in ion plating, and an evaporation source material useful for ion plating and a method of producing it, and a gas barrier sheet and a method of producing it. The powder mixture comprises 100 parts by weight of silicon oxide powder and 5 to 100 parts by weight of a conductive material powder. Preferably, both the silicon oxide powder and the conductive material powder have a mean particle diameter of 5 ?m or less. The conductive material powder is preferably a powder of at least one material selected from metals and electrically conductive metallic oxides, nitrides and acid nitrides. The evaporation source material for use in ion plating is in the form of agglomerates having a mean particle diameter of 2 mm or more, or a block, obtained by granulating or compression-molding the powder mixture.

Abstract: A metal oxide nanoporous material comprises two or more kinds of first metal oxides selected from the group consisting of alumina, zirconia, titania, iron oxide, rare-earth oxides, alkali metal oxides and alkaline-earth metal oxides. The metal oxide nanoporous material has nanopores, each with a diameter of 10 nm or smaller, in which the metal oxides are dispersed homogeneously in the wall forming the nanopores.

Abstract: A method with enhanced safety characteristics of depositing a kesterite film, which includes a compound of the formula: Cu2?xZn1+ySn(S1?zSez)4+q, wherein 0?x?1; 0?y?1; 0?z?1; ?1?q?1. The method includes contacting an aqueous solvent, ammonia, a source of hydrazine, a source of Cu, a source of Sn, a source of Zn, a source of at least one of S and Se, under conditions sufficient to form an aqueous dispersion which includes solid particles; applying the dispersion onto a substrate to form a thin layer of the dispersion on the substrate; and annealing at a temperature, pressure, and length of time sufficient to form the kesterite film. An annealing composition and a photovoltaic device including the kesterite film formed by the above method are also provided.

Abstract: A moldable matrix comprises a mixture of magnesium chloride, magnesium oxide, sodium hexametaphosphate, and/or sodium pyrophosphate. The matrix can be used as an environmentally-friendly substitute to conventional construction material such as plastics and woods.

Abstract: To provide a method whereby core-shell particles and hollow particles can be produced while suppressing formation of a gel or particles made of a shell-forming material; core-shell particles and a coating composition wherein a shell thickness is strictly controlled; and an article having a coating film having a high antireflection effect. Core-shell particles obtained by irradiating a liquid containing core particles made of a material having a dielectric constant of at least 10 and a metal oxide precursor with a microwave to form a shell made of a metal oxide on the surface of the core particles are used.

Abstract: A composition for a protective layer of a plasma display panel includes a metal oxide powder containing a metal selected from Mg, Cu, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Mn, Fe, Al, Ti, Zr, Sn, Ce and combinations thereof, a dispersing agent, and a solvent selected from nitrile compounds, tertiary alkyl acetates, alkylene glycol alkyl ethers, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran and combinations thereof. Also, a plasma display panel includes a protective layer formed of the composition for a protective layer, and a manufacturing method thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods including hydraulic cement, supplementary cementitious material, and/or self-cementing material. Methods for making the compositions and using the compositions are provided.

Abstract: An oxide material including gallium, zinc and oxygen, a ratio of the number of atoms of zinc to the number of atoms of gallium (number of atoms of zinc/number of atoms of gallium) being from about 0.01 to about 0.6 and a ratio of the number of atoms of oxygen to the sum of the number of atoms of gallium and the number of atoms of zinc (number of atoms of oxygen/(number of atoms of gallium+number of atoms of zinc)) being from about 1.0 to about 1.6, is disclosed. An electrophotographic photoreceptor including a layer which includes the oxide material is also disclosed. An electrophotographic photoreceptor including a substrate; and a photosensitive layer including gallium, oxygen and zinc is also disclosed.

Abstract: A treatment solution for an insulation coating for a grain oriented electrical steel sheet includes at least one member selected from phosphates of Mg, Ca, Ba, Sr, Zn, Al, and Mn, and colloidal silica in a proportion of 0.5 to 10 mol in terms of SiO2 and at least one member selected from permanganates of Mg, Sr, Zn, Ba, and Ca in a proportion of 0.02 to 2.5 mol in terms of metal elements in the permanganates, relative to PO4:1 mol in the phosphates.

Abstract: The invention provides dispersoids having metal-oxygen groups which are suitable for the production of metal oxide thin-films at a low temperature of 200° C. or below and for the production of homogeneous organic-inorganic hybrid materials. The invention also provides metal oxide thin-films and organic-inorganic hybrid materials endowed with various capabilities, particularly organic-inorganic hybrid materials having a high refractive index and high transparency. Use is made of a dispersoid having metal-oxygen bonds which is obtained by mixing a metal compound having at least three hydrolyzable groups with at least 0.5 mole but less than 2 moles of water per mole of the metal compound in an organic solvent, in the absence of an acid, a base and/or a dispersion stabilizer, and at a temperature at or below the temperature at which the metal compound begins to hydrolyze, then raising the temperature to at least the temperature at which hydrolysis begins.

Abstract: Silicon compounds useful as coating reactants for the chemical vapor deposition of silicon oxide are disclosed, along with compounds useful as accelerants to increase the deposition rate of silicon oxide. The silicon-containing precursor comprises the structural formula wherein R1 is an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or aryl radical which may be substituted, and R2 is a functional group which increases the reactivity of the silicon compound by withdrawing electron density away from the silicon atom, such as hydrogen, halogen, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogenated alkyl and perhalogenated alkyl radicals. The accelerant is a compound selected to take advantage of the partial positive charge on the silicon atom. Such accelerant compounds include Lewis acids and bases; water; ozone; trivalent compounds of nitrogen, boron and phosphorus; tetravalent compounds of sulfur and selenium; pentavalent compounds of phosphorus and a variety of metal compounds.

Abstract: A composition for treating hard surface includes (a) a liquid silica sol, wherein the solid content of SiO2 is 50%˜99% by total solid weight of the composition; (b) a solid inorganic gel having nano-scale layered, chained, layered and chained, or framework structure, wherein the weight of which is 0.1%˜50% by total weight of the composition; (c) a dispersing medium, wherein the weight of which is 1%˜50% by total solid weight. A coating formed by treating hard surface material with the afore-mentioned composition and a hard surface material with the coating such as granite, marble, polished ceramic tile, ceramic tile, terrazzo and the like also provide.

Abstract: An aqueous inorganic zinc-rich coating composition employs zinc powder and a vehicle containing an aqueous solution containing a specific alkali silicate, an ammonium ion, and a halide ion at specific concentrations; a vehicle containing an aqueous solution containing the above ingredients at specific concentrations and additionally an alkali halide at a specific concentration; or a vehicle containing an aqueous solution containing a specific alkali silicate and an alkali halide at specific concentrations, wherein the vehicle and zinc powder are contained at a specific ratio.

Abstract: The invention provides a sol-gel process for preparing a mixture of metal-oxide-metal compounds wherein at least one metal oxide precursor is subjected to a hydrolysis treatment to obtain one or more corresponding metal oxide hydroxides, the metal oxide hydroxides so obtained are subjected to a condensation treatment to form the metal-oxide-metal compounds, which process is carried out in the presence of a catalyst which comprises a labile protecting group (P9) and a base (B) which are covalently linked, whereby the covalent link between the protecting group and the base is cleavable by exposure to an external stimulus, and wherein the base released after exposure to such external stimulus is capable of catalyzing the condensation of the metal-hydroxide groups that are present in the metal oxide hydroxides so obtained.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include methods for producing flowable compositions, e.g. pastes, that set into calcium phosphate containing products, where the products include autologous bone. Aspects of the invention further include compositions produced by the methods, as well as kits for preparing the same. The subject methods and compositions produced thereby find use in a variety of applications, including hard tissue repair applications.

Abstract: A synthetic glass family in the quaternary phase field of CaO—SiO2-Al2O3-MgO (CSAM) with hydraulic and pozzolanic properties for use in differing applications in the gas and oil well cementing area. A method of making a mud-to-cement (MTC) slurry and a method for treating oil and gas wells with the MTC slurry containing a homogenous amorphous synthetic glass made from a mixture of inorganic materials selected from the group consisting of CSAM, wherein the cementing glasses with the mixture of inorganic materials are in a 100% amorphous phase with a degree of crystallization of zero.

Abstract: The invention relates to a processes and compositions for preparing anti-reflective coatings.

Abstract: A nanoporous metal oxide material comprising two or more metal oxides, wherein the nanoporous metal oxide material has ceria content of 10 to 60 weight %, zirconia content of 20 to 90 weight %, and alumina content of 70 weight % or less, and has nanopores whose diameters are 10 nm or less, and the metal oxides are homogeneously dispersed in a wall constituting the nanopores.

Abstract: A UV-curing primer contains barium sulfate, methods for manufacturing same, methods for coating substrates therewith and the coated substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a pigment comprising a surface-reacted precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), the process comprising the steps of a) providing at least one precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC)-comprising pigment; b) providing H3O+ ions; c) providing at least one anion being capable of forming water-insoluble calcium salts, said anion being solubilised in an aqueous medium; d) contacting said PCC-comprising pigment, with said H3O+ ions and with said solubilised anions in an aqueous medium to form a slurry of surface-reacted PCC-comprising pigment, wherein said surface-reacted PCC comprises an insoluble, at least partially crystalline calcium salt of said anion formed on the surface of the PCC; wherein excess solubilised calcium ions are provided during step d). The present invention further relates to a slurry of surface-reacted PCC comprising pigment obtained by this process, its use as well as the surface-reacted PCC contained in the slurry.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a liquid for an oxide thin film is provided, which includes mixing at least two kinds of dispersoids selected from the group consisting of a Zinc compound, an Indium compound, a Gallium compound, a Tin compound and a Thallium compound, with dispersion media corresponding to the selected dispersoids to form a dispersion system, and stirring and aging the dispersion system at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, wherein a molar ratio of the Zinc compound to each of the Indium compound, Gallium compound, Tin compound and Thallium compound is 1:0.1 to 1:2. According to the present invention, the liquid for the oxide thin film may be fabricated by a sol-gel method making it capable of being implemented in mass production in a simple and low-cost manner as opposed to the conventional vacuum deposition method.

Abstract: A sealing material for a honeycomb structure includes inorganic fibers, inorganic particles, and an ion adsorbent. The inorganic fibers include a biosoluble inorganic compound. The ion adsorbent is in an amount of about 0.1% by weight or more.

Abstract: An aqueous phosphoric bonding solution consists essentially of phosphoric acid, a source of magnesium ions, and a leachable corrosion inhibitor. The bonding solution is stable with respect to inorganic metal particles, such as aluminum, which are admixed to the bonding solution for the preparation of a coating slurry. Metal parts coated with the coating compositions have very satisfactory properties such as heat and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A thin film for reflective film or semi-reflective film comprising a matrix of silver or silver alloy and, dispersed therein, a compound phase of at least one member selected from among aluminum, magnesium, tin, zinc, indium, titanium, zirconium, manganese and silicon nitrides, oxides, composite oxides, nitroxides, carbides, sulfides, chlorides, silicides (excluding silicon), fluorides, borides, hydrides, phosphides, selenides and tellurides. In this thin film, in addition to the above aluminum, etc., there may be dispersed at least one member selected from among silver, gallium, palladium and copper nitrides, oxides, composite oxides, nitroxides, carbides, sulfides, chlorides, silicides, fluorides, borides, hydrides, phosphides, selenides and tellurides.

Abstract: A sealing material for a honeycomb structure includes inorganic fibers, an oxide sol, inorganic particles, and a metal-containing material. The inorganic fibers include a biosoluble inorganic compound. The metal-containing material contains at least one of Mg, Ca, and Sr. The sealing material is acidic.

Abstract: A sensor element for gas sensors is described for determining gas components of a gas mixture, especially in exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, having at least one electrochemical measuring cell and at least one porous layer that is exposed to the gas mixture. The porous layer contains palladium, platinum, ruthenium, an alkali metal and/or an alkaline earth metal, the platinum being contained in the porous layer at a minimum concentration of 1.5 wt. %. Furthermore, a method and an impregnating solution are described for producing the sensor element.

Abstract: A support material for use with a digital manufacturing system, the support material comprising at least one inorganic ionic compound and is configured to be deposited with the digital manufacturing system using a layer-based additive technique to form a support structure for supporting at least one overhanging region of a three-dimensional model built with the digital manufacturing system.

Abstract: Provided is a method of depositing a low-refractive-index film, by which a thin film having uniform composition distribution in the film and having a low refractive index can be formed, a low-refractive-index film deposited by the method of depositing a low-refractive-index film, and furthermore, an antireflection film including the low-refractive-index film. In a method of depositing a low-refractive-index film including depositing a low-refractive-index film composed of MgF2—SiO2 on a substrate 11 by a reactive sputtering method, sputtering deposition is conducted using targets 4A and 4B composed of a sintered body of MgF2—SiO2 by applying an alternating voltage with a frequency in the range of 20 to 90 kHz between the substrate 11 and the targets 4A and 4B in an atmosphere of a mixed gas of an inert gas O2.

Abstract: An exhaust pipe paint for application to an exhaust pipe base includes an inorganic glass particle, an inorganic particle, and at least one of an inorganic binder and a precursor of the inorganic binder. The inorganic binder partially softens at a softening temperature of the inorganic glass particle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of coating dispersions for use in the paper industry by co-grinding natural calcium carbonate (GCC) and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), characterized in that powdery GCC is co-ground with a slurry containing from 5 to 70% by weight of PCC to obtain a particle size distribution of the calcium carbonate with at least 90% by weight of smaller than 5 ?m, at least 70% by weight of smaller than 2 ?m, and at least 20% by weight of smaller than 1 ?m, with a weight average particle size within a range of from 0.7 to 3 ?m.