Abstract: The disclosed technology generally relates to forming a titanium nitride layer, and more particularly to forming by atomic layer deposition a titanium nitride layer on a seed layer. In one aspect, a semiconductor structure comprises a semiconductor substrate comprising a non-metallic surface. The semiconductor structure additionally comprises a seed layer comprising silicon (Si) and nitrogen (N) conformally coating the non-metallic surface and a TiN layer conformally coating the seed layer. Aspects are also directed to methods of forming the semiconductor structures.

Abstract: Additives containing a filler, and an emissivity agent are combined for thermal enhancement, which may further include a reflectivity agent, a stabilizer, or combinations thereof. The additive is used in the production of cloth or the modification of cloth including clothing, home goods, and temporary shelters, and may be used in screen printing and three dimensional applications. More than one type of filler, emissivity agent, reflective agent, and stabilizer may be used.

Abstract: A low-reflection coating of the present invention is a porous film including: fine silica particles being solid and spherical and having an average particle diameter of 80 to 150 nm; and a binder containing silica as a main component, the fine silica particles being bound together by the binder. The binder further contains an aluminum compound. The low-reflection coating contains, as components, 55 to 70 mass % of the fine silica particles, 25 to 40 mass % of the silica of the binder, and 2 to 7 mass % of the aluminum compound in terms of Al2O3. The low-reflection coating has a thickness of 80 to 800 nm. The low-reflection coating yields a transmittance gain of 2.5% or more when provided on the substrate. The transmittance gain represents an increase in average transmittance of the substrate provided with the low-reflection coating relative to the substrate not provided with the low-reflection coating, the average transmittance being measured in the wavelength range of 380 to 850 nm.

Abstract: A sintered compact magnesium oxide target for sputtering has a purity of 99.99 wt % or higher excluding C, a density of 3.57 g/cm3 or higher, and a whiteness of 60% or less. To uniformly deposit a magnesium oxide film, a magnesium oxide target having a higher purity and a higher density is demanded. An object is to provide a target capable of realizing the above and a method for producing such a target. While a magnesium oxide sintered compact sputtering target is produced by hot-pressing a raw material powder, there is a problem in that color shading occurs in roughly ?60 (within a circle having a diameter of 60 mm) at the center part of the target. Conventionally, no particularly attention was given to this problem. However, in recent years, it has become necessary to investigate and resolve this problem in order to improve the deposition quality.

Abstract: Disclosed is a strip, sheet or blank suitable for hot forming at a temperature of 700° C. or above, including a substrate of hot formable steel, optionally coated with an active corrosion protective coating. The optionally coated steel substrate is provided with a ceramic based coating having a thickness of at most 25 micron. Also disclosed is a process to produce such strip, sheet or blank.

Abstract: Methods of making graphene quantums dots are provided. The methods can produce graphene quantum dots with a monodisperse size distribution. The graphene quantum dots are produced, via one-pot synthesis, from a graphene source and a strong oxidizing mixture at an elevated temperature. The strong oxidizing mixture can contain one or more permanganates and one or more oxidizing acids. Exemplary permanganates include sodium permanganate, potassium permanganate, and calcium permanganate. Exemplary oxidizing acids include nitric acid and sulfuric acid. The graphene quantum dots can have an average particle size of between about 1 nm and 20 nm and a monodisperse size distribution. For example, the size distribution can have a span about 1 or less and/or a coefficient of variance of about 0.5 or less. About 40% or more of the graphene quantum dots can have a diameter within ±5 nm of the average particle size of the graphene quantum dots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ceramic material comprising magnesium, gallium, lithium, and oxygen as main components, wherein a crystal phase of a solid solution attained by dissolving gallium oxide and lithium oxide in magnesium oxide is a main phase. An XRD peak of a (200) plane of the solid solution with CuK? rays preferably appears at 2?=42.91° or more which is larger than an angle at which a peak of a Cubic crystal of magnesium oxide appears, more preferably appears at 2?=42.91° to 43.28°, and further preferably appears at 2?=42.91° to 43.02°. In the ceramic material, a molar ratio Li/Ga of Li to Ga is preferably 0.80 or more and 1.20 or less.

Abstract: A ceramic material of the present invention contains magnesium, zirconium, lithium, and oxygen as main components. The crystal phase of a solid solution obtained by dissolving zirconium oxide and lithium oxide in magnesium oxide is a main phase. The XRD peak of a (200) plane of the solid solution with CuK? rays preferably appears at 2?=42.89° or less which is smaller than an angle at which a peak of a cubic crystal of magnesium oxide appears. The XRD peak more preferably appears at 2?=42.38° to 42.89° and further preferably at 2?=42.82° to 42.89°. In the ceramic material, the molar ratio Li/Zr of Li to Zr is preferably in the range of 1.96 or more and 2.33 or less.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a coating composition, comprising: water; a multivalent transition metal oxide, hydroxide and/or salt; and a polymer comprising repeating units derived from itaconic acid. The coating composition may be used to coat masonry substrates, and the like.

Abstract: A principal object of the present invention is to provide a flux which can be used to produce a lead-free solder paste which is excellent in viscosity stability and exhibits excellent wettability at the time of soldering even in atmospheric air. The flux is a lead-free solder flux having a bromine atom concentration of 400 to 20000 ppm based on 0.1 g of the flux and comprising 0.01 to 0.7% by weight of an amine compound (a) represented by the general formula (1): H2N—(CH2)n—X—(CH2)n—NH2 (wherein n represents an integer of 1 to 6 and X represents —NH—CH2CH2—NH— or a piperazine residue).

Abstract: Precipitated silica specifically useful in the paper industry and in particular in paper-coating applications for inject printing, is characterized by an uptake of DOP oil lower than 260 ml/100 g, a pore volume (Vd25) of greater than 0.8 ml/g formed by pores having a diameter of less than 25 nm, a CTAB specific surface area of greater than 280 m2/g.

Abstract: A domestic appliance filter for use in a laundry treatment device includes a basic filter material with a hydrophobic coating for filtering out matter from a process water duct or a process air duct. The basic filter material includes a material which is resistant to temperatures of 160° C. or more and the hydrophobic coating on the basic filter material effects a surface energy of less than 35 mN/m.

Abstract: A chiral structure comprises an elongate strip in a rolled configuration about a longitudinal axis, where the rolled configuration is a helical configuration comprising a non-zero helix angle. The elongate strip comprises an amorphous or a polycrystalline material. A rolled-up structure with modulated curvature comprises a sheet comprising an amorphous or polycrystalline material in a rolled configuration about a longitudinal axis, where the sheet comprises a thickness t and the rolled configuration comprises an inner diameter D. An inner diameter-to-thickness ratio D/t of the rolled-up structure is no greater than about 40.

Abstract: Dry construction pellets that may be made by mixing predetermined portions of two or more components of cementitious materials without ingredients that would allow the mixture to cure, and separating the un-curable mixture of the two or more components into a plurality of pellets, each having substantially the predetermined portions of the two or more components. An extrusion system may include a transport line configured to transport the dry pellets in a gaseous transport stream.

Abstract: This invention provides processes and systems for converting biomass into high-carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Some embodiments employ pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects. The structural objects may have a structure and/or strength that derive from the feedstock, heat rate, and additives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composition comprising a blend of at least one boron source and at least one silicon source, and the composition further comprises particles selected from particles having wear resistance properties, particles having surface enhancing properties, particles having catalytic properties or combinations thereof, wherein the blend comprises boron and silicon in a weight ratio boron to silicon within a range from about 3:100 wt:wt to about 100:3 wt:wt, wherein silicon and boron are present in the blend in at least 25 wt %, and wherein the at least one boron source and the at least one silicon source are oxygen free except for inevitable amounts of contaminating oxygen, and wherein the blend is a mechanical blend of particles in and the particles have an average particle size less than 250 ?m. The present invention relates further to a method for providing a coated product and a coated product obtained by the method.

Abstract: Embodiments provided herein describe coating formulations, such as those used to form optical coatings, panels having optical coatings thereon, and methods for forming optical coatings and panels. The coating formulation includes an aqueous-based suspension of particles. The particles have a sheet-like morphology and a thickness of less than about 10 nm. The coating also includes a polysiloxane or silane emulsion, a polysiloxane or silane solution, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: In various embodiments a carbon nanotube molecular rebar formulation comprising a specific composition is disclosed. The composition comprises discrete carbon nanotubes that have at least a portion of the carbon nanotubes with a number average (ratio of number average contour length to end to end length) of greater than 1.1 and up to about 3. These discrete carbon nanotubes having the specified ratio of number average (tube contour length (TCL) to number average tube end-end length) ratio are not only discrete (separated) from one another, but are also controlled in their alignment such that processability and mechanical strength properties are both enhanced. Utility of the molecular rebar composition includes, but is not limited to improved composites, engineered materials, foams, sealants, coatings and adhesives, energy devices such as photovoltaics, batteries and capacitors, sensors and separation membranes.

Abstract: The present invention provides hard coating film which excels conventional surface coating layer in wear resistance, has lower frictional coefficient and better slideability, a material coated with the hard coating film, a die for cold plastic working, and a method for forming the hard coating film. The hard coating film according to the present invention is a hard coating film comprising (NbxM1?x)y(BaCbN1?a?b)1?y, where 0.2?x?1.0??Equation (1) 0?a?0.3??Equation (2) 0?1?a?b?0.5??Equation (3) 0.5?b=1??Equation (4) 0.4?1?y?0.9??Equation (5) [however, M denotes at least one species of elements belonging to Groups 4a, 5a, and 6a and Si and Al; x, 1?x, a, b, and 1?a?b represent respectively the atomic ratio of Nb, M, B, C and N; and y and 1?y represent respectively the ratio of (NbxM1?x) and (BaCbN1?a?b).

Abstract: An adhesive for inorganic fibers including SiO2, CaO and Al2O3 within a range excluding the range I defined by the following points A, 8, 18, 19 and 20 in the SiO2—Al2O3—CaO state diagram shown in FIG. 1, and including no zeolite. Point A: SiO2 (0%), Al2O3 (100%), CaO (0%): Point 8: SiO2 (20.8%), Al2O3 (79.2%), CaO (0%): Point 18: SiO2 (46.3%), Al2O3 (35.8%), CaO (17.9%): Point 19: SiO2 (31.5%), Al2O3 (53.6%), CaO (14.9%): Point 20: SiO2 (25.2%), Al2O3 (57.5%), CaO (17.3%).

Abstract: Provided herein are carbon nanotubes conformally coated with diamond nanocrystals or silicon carbide, or both, methods of their preparation, methods of their use and compositions and materials comprising the conformally coated carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A coated article includes a substrate, a composite layer formed on the substrate, and a chromium-oxygen-nitrogen layer formed on the composite layer. The composite layer includes a plurality of nickel-aluminum-holmium layers and a plurality of iridium layers. Each nickel-aluminum-holmium layer interleaves with one iridium layer. A method for making the coated article is also described.

Abstract: The present invention related to a silicon based coating suitable for being applied onto metallic surfaces of a household appliance. The coating of the present invention protects the metallic surfaces of the household appliance against the yellowing or changes in color, through temperatures, among other factors, and eases the cleaning of the same.

Abstract: An inorganic hydrophilic coating solution including (a) an aqueous solution containing an amorphous silicate compound obtained by hydrolyzing and condensing a tetrafunctional silicon compound having a purity of 99.0 mass % or greater in an aqueous medium in the presence of a basic compound at a temperature within a range from normal temperature to 170° C., (b) water, and optionally, (c) not more than 30 mass % of an alcohol, a ketone, or a surfactant, where the concentration of the solid fraction derived from the aqueous solution containing the amorphous silicate compound is 0.01 to 2.0 mass % and the pH is 5 to 8; an inorganic hydrophilic coating film formed from a dried and cured product of the inorganic hydrophilic coating solution; a member having a substrate and the inorganic hydrophilic coating film formed on the surface of the substrate; and a cover panel for a solar cell module including the member.

Abstract: A porous ceramic (honeycomb) structure skin coating and a method of producing a porous ceramic structure skin coating which provides a hardshell, strong, acid- and alkali-resistant, chip-resistant ceramic honeycomb structure coating which resists pollution control catalyst from being absorbed into the skin coating.

Abstract: A porous ceramic (honeycomb) structure skin coating and a method of producing a porous ceramic structure skin coating which provides a hardshell, strong, acid- and alkali-resistant, chip-resistant ceramic honeycomb structure coating which resists pollution control catalyst from being absorbed into the skin coating.

Abstract: A carbon composite material which comprises Lyocell-based carbon fiber and a carbon matrix is provided. The carbon composite material has excellent physical properties, including low thermal conductivity, excellent interfacial adhesion and excellent strength, compared to carbon composite materials prepared using conventional polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fiber, pitch-based carbon fiber or the like. In addition, the carbon composite material is environmentally friendly and has low production costs compared to carbon composite materials comprising conventional rayon-based carbon fiber produced using a highly toxic carbon disulfide solvent.

Abstract: A composition used for coating machine parts used in the production of pig iron or steel may include aluminum nitride (AlN) in a proportion of from 10% by weight to 40% by weight, one or more metal-oxidic substances in a proportion of from ?2 to 10% by weight, of which at least one comes from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, and LD converter dust, and an inorganic binder in a proportion of up to 70% by weight, where the % by weight are based on the total weight of the composition. A suspension based on the composition, and the use of the composition or the composition suspension for coating machine parts used in the production of pig iron or steel, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing SiO2 mouldings, comprising the preparation of a free-flowing aqueous SiO2 composition, solidification of the aqueous SiO2 composition and drying of the solidified SiO2 composition, wherein the aqueous SiO2 composition is a self-assembly composition. The present invention further relates to a moulding obtainable by the process according to the invention.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the fabrication of integrated circuits and particularly to the deposition of a boron containing amorphous carbon layer on a semiconductor substrate. In one embodiment, a boron-containing amorphous carbon film is disclosed. The boron-containing amorphous carbon film comprises from about 10 to 60 atomic percentage of boron, from about 20 to about 50 atomic percentage of carbon, and from about 10 to about 30 atomic percentage of hydrogen.

Abstract: In various embodiments an improved binder composition, electrolyte composition and a separator film composition using discrete carbon nanotubes, their methods of production and utility for energy storage and collection devices, like batteries, capacitors and photovoltaics, is described. The binder, electrolyte, or separator composition can further comprise polymers. The discrete carbon nanotubes further comprise at least a portion of the tubes being open ended and/or functionalized. The utility of the binder, electrolyte or separator film composition includes improved capacity, power or durability in energy storage and collection devices. The utility of the electrolyte and or separator film compositions includes improved ion transport in energy storage and collection devices.

Abstract: A transition metal oxide insulator composition having a tuned band gap includes a transition metal oxide having a perovskite or a perovskite-like crystalline structure. The transition metal oxide includes at least one first element selected from the group of Bi, Ca, Ba, Sr, Li, Na, Mg, K, Pb, and Pr; and at least one second element selected from the group of Ti, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, and Pt. At least one correlated insulator is integrated into the crystalline structure, including REMO3, wherein RE is at least one Rare Earth element, and wherein M is at least one element selected from the group of Co, V, Cr, Ni, Mn, and Fe. The composition is characterized by a band gap of less than 4.5 eV.

Abstract: Graphene produced by media ball milling has very small particle size, a relatively high surface area and unique aspect ratios. It is uniquely suited to make nano-composites or coating by coating or admixing other particles. Metals or metal oxides can be coated or formed into composites with the high surface area, relatively low aspect ratio graphene. If the added particles are larger than the graphene, they are coated with graphene, and if they are about the same approximate size, a nano-composite forms. The nanocomposites are useful for producing electrodes, especially for battery and supercapacitor applications.

Abstract: A method for coating a component and forming at least one cooling hole in a component is provided. The method includes providing the component having a surface and including a plurality of apertures formed therein. The method includes masking at least one of the plurality of apertures with a plug comprising a removable material. The method includes applying at least one coating to the surface of the component. The method includes eliminating the plug including removable material leaving open apertures in the surface of the coated component. Also provided is a water-soluble aperture plug including water soluble high temperature resistant filler materials including aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, magnesium oxide, silicon dioxide, zircon, graphite, tungsten carbide, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, boron nitride, aluminum nitrides and binding agents and dispersants including phosphates, silicates, sugar, salt, gum, resin, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene glycol, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Coke formation in pyrolysis furnaces is controlled by applying a coating of boron nitride to pyrolysis furnace process equipment surfaces, for instance, parts of the transfer line heat exchanger assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a hard coating film, a material coated with the hard coating film, and a die for cold plastic working, the coating film excelling conventional surface coating layers in wear resistance as well as slidability with a low frictional coefficient. The hard coating film is characterized by a chemical composition of (VxM1-x)(BaCbN1-a-b), where 0.4?x?0.95 ??(1A) 0?a?0.2 ??(2A) 0?1-a-b?0.35 ??(3A) 0.6?b?1 ??(4A) M denotes at least one species of elements belonging to Groups 4a, 5a, and 6a and Si and Al; and x, 1-x, a, b, and 1-a-b represent respectively the atomic ratio of V, M, B, C, and N.

Abstract: A surface treatment method for diamond-like carbon layer include at least the following steps: a substrate is provided; a diamond-like carbon layer is formed on the substrate by ion beam assisted magnetron sputtering deposition; fluorine ions and silicone ions is doped in the diamond-like carbon layer at a temperature of about 400° C. to about 600° C. A coated article manufactured by the method is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing a ceramic honeycomb structure comprising: a coating material adjustment step for obtaining a coating material by mixing at least water with a ceramic powder aggregate having only one peak in a particle size distribution, an average particle size of 23 to 39 ?m, and a particle size distribution width of 15 to 33, a coating material application step for applying the coating material to cover the outer periphery of a honeycomb structure having a plurality of cells separated by porous ceramic partition walls, and a coating material heat-drying step for forming an outer wall by heat-drying the coating material after the coating material application step. By the method, the outer periphery is covered with a coating material to form an outer wall to hardly generate, for example, crack generation and peeling upon drying the outer wall, and the coating material is provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to ground expanded graphite agglomerate compositions, methods for making such agglomerates, their use as conductive additive, and conductive composites including such ground expanded graphite agglomerates. The disclosure also pertains to methods for making such composites and the use of such composites in preparing thermally conductive materials. The agglomerates may be characterized by a certain softness allowing the agglomerates to dissolve, e.g., through shear forces applied during compounding, thereby leading to an improved feedability and a highly homogenous distribution of the expanded graphite material in the composite matrix.

Abstract: A coated article having a substrate coated with a layer of acicular silica particles is provided. The coating is substantially uniform in thickness, durably adheres to the substrate, and provides antireflection and or hydrophilic surface properties to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electroconductive thick film paste composition comprising Ag and a Pb-free bismuth-tellurium-oxide both dispersed in an organic medium. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the paste composition and a semiconductor device and, in particular, a solar cell comprising such an electrode. The present invention is also directed to the bismuth-tellurium oxide that is a component of thick film pastes.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid composite for producing a three-dimensional shaped article, the liquid composite being used in an inkjet printer, the liquid composite including a porous carbon material having a specific surface area value as measured by the nitrogen BET method of 10 m2/g or more, a pore volume as measured by the BJH method of 0.1 cm3/g or more and a pore volume as measured by the MP method of 0.1 cm3/g or more.

Abstract: A method produces a molded part from carbon containing carbon fibers in an amount of less than 20% by weight. The method includes comminuting waste parts or scrap parts formed from a carbon fiber-reinforced synthetic material, a carbon fiber reinforced carbon or a carbon fiber reinforced concrete. A mixture is produced from the comminuted product, a binder such as pitch, a carbon material such as coke and optionally one or more additives, wherein the mixture contains less than 20% by weight of fibers. The mixture is molded into a molded part and the molded part is carbonized. Optionally, the molded carbonized part is impregnated with an impregnating agent. Finally and optionally, the molded carbonized part or the molded part impregnated part is graphitized.

Abstract: There is provided a hard film excellent in wear resistance. The hard film in accordance with the present invention includes (TiaCrbAlcLd)(BxCyNz) in terms of composition, in which the L is at least one of Si and Y, and the a, b, c, d, x, y, and z each denote the atomic ratio, and satisfy: 0.1?a<0.3; 0.3<b<0.6; 0.2?c<0.35; 0.01?d<0.1; a+b+c+d=1; x?0.1; y?0.1; 0.8?z?1; and x+y+z=1.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions pertaining to coatings (e.g., paints) for covering a substrate. In some aspects and embodiments the coatings may include a heat reflective metal oxide pigment that, applied to an external surface of a building (or applied on a substrate used for an external surface of a building) reduces energy consumption in the building. In other aspects and embodiments, provided are textured coatings having a texturing material; e.g., methods and compositions are provided pertaining to textured coatings that can be applied robotically or in an automated fashion. In various aspects and embodiments, textured coatings are provided that include a texturing material and a heat reflective metal oxide pigment. In some aspects and embodiments coatings are provided that include pumice texturing materials (e.g., pumice having particle sizes of greater than 150 microns).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing clear aqueous solutions of silicates, remaining stable at 20° C. on storage for at least 6 months, containing 20% to 40% by weight SiO2, 10% to 20% by weight M2O, where M is a cation from the group consisting of Li+, Na+, K+ and NY4+ and Y is an alkyl or alkenyl radical having 1 to 6 C atoms, 0.5% to 6% by weight Al2O3 and 100% by weight water, by introducing an aqueous solution of a silicate of the general formula M2O x nSiO2, in which M is a cation from the group consisting of Li+, Na+, K+ and NY4+, and where Y is an alkyl or alkenyl radical having 1 to 6 C atoms, and n is a number in the range from 1 to 5, and metering in an aluminium compound in such a way that the viscosity of the reaction mixture remains below 10 000 mPas, and the reaction being carried out in a temperature range from 20 to 140° C.

Abstract: A composition for manufacturing a composite of a non-oxide ceramic matrix and a refractory phase within the non-oxide ceramic matrix includes a preceramic polymer for forming a non-oxide ceramic matrix and a refractory material dispersed within the preceramic polymer.

Abstract: Provided a formed article comprising a layer that includes a polysilazane compound and a clay mineral, and having a water vapor transmission rate at a temperature of 40° C. and a relative humidity of 90% of 6.0 g/m2/day or less. Also provided are a method for producing the formed article, an electronic device member including the formed article, and an electronic device including the electronic device member. The formed article exhibiting an excellent gas barrier capability, excellent transparency, and excellent bending resistance, a method for producing the formed article, and an electronic device member, or the like, comprising the formed article are provided.

Abstract: Provided is a formed article including a layer obtained by implanting ions of a hydrocarbon compound into a polysilazane compound-containing layer. Also provided are a method for producing the formed article, an electronic device member including the formed article, and an electronic device including the electronic device member. The formed article exhibiting an excellent gas barrier capability and excellent bending resistance, a method for producing the formed article, and an electronic device member, or the like, comprising the formed article are provided.

Abstract: Sulfur, useable in as an additive to asphalt in the preparation of asphalt binders can be plasticized by addition of carbon and further treated with amyl acetate. This plasticized sulfur can be formed into solid particles and then added to asphalt as either a minority or majority component to create desired paving binder compositions. The solid plasticized sulfur has non-stick non-flow properties within a wide range of ambient temperatures, and it can be stored solid for subsequent use in paving applications.