Abstract: An oral pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprising fenofibric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and 0.22 to 1 part by weight of an alkalifying agent based on 1 part by weight of fenofibric acid has improved bioavailability and a minimized absorption deviation in the gastrointestinal tract, which is useful in treating hyperlipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia.

Abstract: Provided is a process for production of composite fine particles with heterogeneous surfaces. The process ensures a high productivity and enables a voluntary control of particle diameters. Further, the process imposes no restrictions on heterogeneous substances added for functional expression, and allows a heterogeneous substance to be encapsulated in central portions of composite fine particle spheres. A composite film obtained by laminating two or more kinds of films is cut into minute pieces, followed by melting the same to obtain spherical minute pieces. Particularly, liquid films are separately formed with two or more kinds of liquids containing polymerizable monomers. Further, two or more kinds of films can thereby be obtained through polymerization. The two or more kinds of films thus obtained are then laminated to further allow polymerization to take place, thus obtaining the composite film.

Abstract: A negative active material, a method of preparing the same, and a lithium battery including the negative active material are disclosed. The negative active material includes a silicon-based nanocore and a first amorphous carbonaceous coating layer that is formed of carbonized organic material and that is uniformly and continuously formed on a surface of the silicon-based nanocore, whereby irreversible capacity losses due to volumetric expansion/contraction caused when a lithium battery is charged and discharged are compensated and cycle lifetime characteristics are enhanced.

Abstract: Crystalline alumina particles are intimately mixed with a gaseous fuel, air and oxygen. The mixture is then ignited in a torch. Such blending of the powder with the combustible gas allows the alumina particles to be immediately heated to above their melting temperature and allows the particles to form into spheres. The spheres are then rapidly cooled to ambient temperature, providing high purity micron-sized polymorphic alumina spheres without the use of additives or special treatment.

Abstract: A powder particle shaping device includes a closed cavity capable of changing between multiple shapes as an external pressure changes, and the closed cavity compresses and moves powder particles with which the closed cavity is filled full while the shape changes. A powder particle shaping method is further provided, which includes a. filling a cavity full with powder particles to be shaped; and b. applying a varying external pressure to make the cavity change repeatedly between multiple shapes, thereby making the powder particles under compression move and be subject to friction, where the cavity is kept in a closed state during an effective processing process. The shaping device and method have highly controllable shaping processing intensity of powder particles and stable processing strength, and thus are applicable to shaping and pulverization of various powder particles, and also applicable to pulverization and further shaping processing of dispersed agglomerates.

Abstract: Fluid systems may contain elements to provide changes in bulk fluid density in response to various environmental conditions. One environmental driver to the variable density is pressure; other environmental drivers include, but are not limited to, temperature or changes in chemistry. The variable density of the fluid is beneficial for controlling sub-surface pressures within desirable pore pressure and fracture gradient envelopes. The variability of fluid density permits construction and operation of a wellbore with much longer hole sections than when using conventional single gradient fluids.

Abstract: The synthetic amorphous silica powder of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a synthetic amorphous silica powder obtained by applying a spheroidizing treatment to a granulated silica powder, and by subsequently cleaning and drying it so that the synthetic amorphous silica powder has an average particle diameter D50 of 10 to 2,000 ?m; wherein the synthetic amorphous silica powder has: a quotient between 1.35 exclusive and 1.75 inclusive obtained by dividing a BET specific surface area of the powder by a theoretical specific surface area calculated from the average particle diameter D50; a real density of 2.10 to 2.20 g/cm3; an intra-particulate porosity of 0 to 0.05; a circularity between 0.50 inclusive and 0.75 inclusive; and a spheroidization ratio between 0.20 inclusive and 0.55 exclusive.

Abstract: In one aspect, an anode active material is provided. The anode active material may include a crystalline carbon-based material that includes a core having a lattice spacing d002 of about 0.35 nm or more, and titanium-based oxide particles.

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising HIV integrase strand transfer inhibitor. More particularly, oral pharmaceutical compositions of raltegravir or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts and process for preparing and use of the same are disclosed.

Abstract: The cathode active material precursor particle, which forms, through incorporation of lithium thereinto, a cathode active material particle for use in a lithium secondary battery, the cathode active material particle containing a lithium complex oxide having a layered rock salt structure, is characterized in that the precursor particle has an aspect ratio, which is a ratio of long axis diameter to short axis diameter, of 1.0 or more and less than 2 and is formed so that the (003) planes of the lithium-incorporated cathode active material particle are substantially uniaxially oriented.

Abstract: A method of producing equal-sized spherical shaped beads of a wide range of materials is described. These beads are produced by forming the parent bead material into a liquid solution and by filling equal volume cells in a sheet with the liquid solution. The sheet cells establish the volumes of each of the cell mixture volumes which are then ejected from the cells by an impinging fluid. Surface tension forces acting on the ejected equal sized solution entities form them into spherical beads. The ejected beads are then subjected to a solidification environment which solidifies the spherical beads. The beads can be solid or porous or hollow and can also have bead coatings of multiple material layers.

Abstract: A high-purity spherical silicon carbide powder is obtained by thermally decomposing a spherical cured silicone powder under a non-oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for producing inorganic spheroidized particles according to the present invention includes a step of producing the inorganic spheroidized particles by means of a diffusion type burner (12), wherein the burner (12) comprises a first raw material supply path (1A), a fuel supply path (4A), a raw material diffusion chamber (9), a primary oxygen supply path (5A), a second raw material supply path (6A), a secondary oxygen supply path (7A), and a combustion chamber (8).

Abstract: A process for preparing pellets by high shear granulation containing a pharmaceutical active ingredient with a pH dependent water solubility, the pellets obtained with said process and pharmaceutical oral dosage forms comprising said pellets.

Abstract: This invention relates to coated digestive enzyme preparations and enzyme delivery systems and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the preparations. This invention further relates to methods of preparation and use of the systems, pharmaceutical compositions and preparations to treat persons having ADD, ADHD, autism, cystic fibrosis and other behavioral and neurological disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a hyper-fine cement, in which cement is wet milled in a nonaqueous solvent, if appropriate in the presence of a grinding aid, as a result of which a hyper-fine cement having a particle size D50 of <1 ?m is obtained. The hyper-fine cement is suitable for sealing or strengthening porous molded articles, rock or porous formations, in particular for the gastight sealing of natural gas reservoirs and also for making polymer materials or components composed of pressed textiles or natural fibers fire resistant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-purity fused and crushed stabilized zirconia powder. The powder—with or without further processing, such as plasma spheroidization—is used in thermal spray applications of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) and high-temperature abradables. The resulting coatings have a significantly improved high temperature sintering resistance, which will enhance the durability and thermal insulation effect of the coating.

Abstract: Process for producing rapidly disintegrating spheroids (pellets), granules and/or mixtures thereof, which disintegrate in less than 15 minutes. The spheroids comprise at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient, a spheronizing aid material and a solid Polyethylene glycol (PEG) with mean molecular weight (MW) of over 1,000. The process comprises a direct pelletization step in a fluidized bed rotogranulator, using aqueous binding media whilst the temperature of the process does not exceed the melting point of the solid PEG.

Abstract: A method for improving the physical, functional and organoleptic properties of product particles is described for fiber, protein, carbohydrate and cellulosic materials. The method involves modifying the particles within the product to meet certain particle morphology parameters. Products themselves also are disclosed, and these include corn-originating products, specifically including products for producing ethanol, soybean-originating products, and other products.

Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor sealing material in which the contamination rate of conductive foreign matter is extremely low. Further provided are powder comprising spherical silica powder and/or spherical alumina powder suitable for preparing such a semiconductor sealing material, a method for producing the same, and a resin composition. The powder comprises spherical silica powder and/or spherical alumina powder, and when a color reaction test for particles using an aqueous potassium ferricyanide solution under specific conditions is performed for magnetizable particles having a particle size of 45 [mu]m or more, the ratio of the number of particles which develop color to the total number of the magnetizable particles is 20% or less. Such powder can be produced by supplying a specific amount of oxygen gas and/or water vapor to at least one arbitrary site at which the atmospheric temperature is 1600 to 1800 DEG C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pellets obtainable by a method for preparing solid pellets by cold solvent-free extrusion. Said pellets are characterized by having spherical shape and a lipid coating formed completely on the surface. Moreover, said pellets provide enhanced taste-masking of e.g. active ingredients present in said pellets. In another aspect, methods for obtaining said pellets are provided. In addition, the present application relates to lipid binder compositions for pellets allowing the preparation of release-controlled pellets having enhanced taste-masking.

Abstract: A production method comprising the steps of: spraying an aluminum hydroxide powder having a specific surface area measured by a nitrogen adsorption method of 0.3 m2/g or more and 3 m2/g or less; a ratio of an average particle diameter D50, which is a particle diameter at which 50% by weight of particles from the finest particle side are accumulated in a particle diameter distribution measured by a laser diffraction scattering method, to a sphere conversion particle diameter Dbet calculated from a specific surface area, of 10 or less; and the average particle diameter D50 of 2 ?m or more and 100 ?m or less, into flames, and then collecting it in the form of a powder to give a spherical alumina powder having a small specific surface area and a low uranium content, and capable of providing high thermal conductivity to resin compositions.

Abstract: Provided are a method for preparing fine round powdery polycarbonate and a method for preparing a high molecular weight polycarbonate resin using the same. More specifically, provided are a method for preparing fine round powdery polycarbonate, comprising (A) polymerizing non-phosgene polycarbonate, (B) extruding the polycarbonate into fine round powdery amorphous polycarbonate, (C) surface-crystallizing the fine round powdery amorphous polycarbonate in the presence of a solvent or dispersion medium, and (D) drying the surface-crystallized fine round powdery polycarbonate, and a method for preparing high molecular weight polycarbonate resin capable of obtaining polycarbonates with various molecular weights ranging from low molecular weights to high molecular weights by continuously using the obtained fine round powdery polycarbonate via a solid state polymerization step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pH-dependent controlled release pharmaceutical composition, comprising at least one pharmaceutical active ingredient, with the exception of opioids, wherein the core is coated at least by one coating layer, controlling the release of the pharmaceutical composition, wherein the coating layer comprises a polymer mixture of i) 40-95% by weight, based on dry weight of the polymer mixture, of at least one water insoluble essentially neutral vinyl polymer or copolymer, and ii) 5-60% by weight, based on dry weight of the polymer mixture, of at least one anionic polymer or copolymer, which is insoluble in a buffered medium below pH 4.0 and soluble at least in the range from pH 7.0 to pH 8.0, characterized in that the coating layer further comprises 110 to 250% by weight of a non-porous inert lubricant, 1 to 35% by weight of at least one neutral cellulosic compound and 1 to 25% by weight of at least one emulsifier, each calculated on dry weight of the polymer mixture.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter refers to hydroxyapatite and bioglass-based pellets of homogeneous size and spherical shape, whose interconnective porous structure, in the micrometer range, allows for an enhanced osteoconductivity and osteointegration, with specific application as a synthetic bone graft and to the respective production process. The production process is based on the pharmaceutical technology of extrusion and spheronization employing a porogenic agent and applying a sinterization stage in the presence of a vitreous liquid phase, which reverts on behalf of a higher reproducibility, superior yield and greater production capacity.

Abstract: According to aspects of the present invention, metal oxide powder, such as yttria and alumina powder (feed material), is processed using a plasma apparatus. The process generally consists of in-flight heating and melting of the feed material by the plasma apparatus. The plasma apparatus contains a plasma torch with required power supply and cooling systems, a powder feeder, a chamber to collect the powder and a dedusting system. The heated powder forms molten spherical droplets that are rapidly cooled under free fall conditions. The plasma densification process removes some impurity oxides, modifies the morphology of the particle and increases the apparent density of the powder.

Abstract: A fine particle producing process introduces a material for producing fine particles into a thermal plasma flame to make a vapor-phase mixture and quenches the vapor-phase mixture to form the fine particles. In the process, the material for producing the fine particles is dispersed or dissolved in a dispersion medium or solvent, preferably containing a combustible material to prepare a dispersion such as a slurry, a colloidal solution or a dissolution solution, the dispersion is made into a form of droplets, or the material for producing the fine particles is dispersed with a carrier gas and a combustible material and the dispersion in a droplet form or the dispersed material is introduced into the thermal plasma flame. In the fine particle producing process and apparatus, a gas of an amount sufficient to quench the vapor-phase mixture is supplied toward a tail of the thermal plasma flame.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for producing microparticles comprising pharmacologically active agents and biodegradable polymers. The apparatus includes a spinning disk containing a reservoir in the center thereof and a flat inclined surface. The apparatus optionally includes serrations and/or a flat surface beneath the periphery of the disk that is parallel to the rotational axis of the disk. The invention is also directed to a method for producing microparticles containing pharmacologically active agents, using the spinning disk apparatus. Formulations containing ophthalmically active agents are provided. Formulations exhibiting zero order release rates are also described.

Abstract: A burner for production of inorganic spheroidized particles according to the present invention includes a raw material powder supply path that supplies raw material powder by using oxygen or an oxygen-enriched air as a carrier gas; a powder diffusion plate having a plurality of fine holes, which is provided at a downstream end of the raw material powder supply path; a raw material diffusion chamber that is formed in a diffusion pipe provided at a downstream end of the powder diffusion plate; a fuel supply path disposed around the outer circumference of the raw material powder supply path; an oxygen supply path disposed around the outer circumference of the fuel supply path; and a combustion chamber disposed at a downstream side of the raw material diffusion chamber, which has an inside diameter increasing along the downstream direction and communicates with the fuel supply path and the oxygen supply path.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing an inorganic spheroidized particle, wherein an inorganic powder is fed from a feed pathway for an inorganic powder to a combustion flame in a powder melting furnace, and melted or softened and spheroidized, and wherein the apparatus comprises a powder dispersing plate in the feed pathway for an inorganic powder; and a process for preparing an inorganic spheroidized particle comprising the step of preparing inorganic spheroidized particles with the apparatus for preparing inorganic spheroidized particles as defined above. The inorganic spheroidized particle prepared by the above process and apparatus can be suitably used for a spherical molding sand, a filler, a pigment or the like, especially in the case where the inorganic spheroidized particle is a ceramics particle.

Abstract: Abrasive disk sheet articles having raised islands coated with spherical abrasive agglomerates that can provide both precision flat and smooth workpiece surfaces by high speed lapping are described. These disks also provide high material removal rates and low surface pick-out of soft metallic or non-metallic materials embedded in hard workpieces. A method of producing equal-sized spherical shaped composite abrasive agglomerate beads containing small diamond abrasive particles is described. These beads can be bonded directly on the flat surface of a flexible backing or bonded onto raised island surfaces. Simple and inexpensive apparatus devices and process techniques are described that allow efficient low-volume batch or continuous web manufacturing of precision thickness, large diameter abrasive disk or rectangular sheet abrasive articles.

Abstract: A fuel cell separator material which exhibits excellent electrical conductivity, high gas impermeability, high strain at break, and excellent strength, and a process of producing the same are disclosed. The fuel cell separator material includes a graphite/cured resin molded product obtained by binding spherical natural graphite particles with a thermosetting resin, the spherical natural graphite particles being prepared by spheroidizing natural flake graphite having an average particle diameter of 1 to 50 ?m by dry impact blending, and having an average particle diameter of 20 to 100 ?m, a particle density measured in water of 2 g/cm3 or more, and a compression recovery rate when pressurized at 50 MPa of 120% or less, and a density during compression of 1.9 g/cm3.

Abstract: A fill, infill or propant material used in an artificial turf application includes glass particles having an irregular shape and smoothed surfaces. An artificial turf includes: a base; a carpet of synthetic grass fibers on the base; and a fill material dispersed between and supporting the fibers; the fill material including glass particles having an irregular shape and smoothed surfaces. A method of producing a fill material for use in an artificial turf includes: providing glass particles having an irregular shape and sharp surfaces; and smoothing the surfaces of the particles through a chemical, mechanical or thermal process or a combination of these processes.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a polyamide powder, which includes polyamide particles having a median grain size d 50 of from 20 to 90 ?m, a content of fines <5 ?m of below 1% by weight, and at least 75% by weight of spherical particles in which all three spatial axes x, y and z of the individual particles have the same dimensions to within ±10%. Other embodiments of the invention provide a process for making and using the powder, and articles coated articles obtained thereby.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pigment granules and to a process for the preparation thereof and their use.

Abstract: Methods for producing solid, substantially round, spherical and sintered particles from a slurry of a calcined, uncalcined or partially calcined raw material having an alumina content of greater than about 40 weight percent. The slurry is processed with spray drying methods into solid, substantially round, spherical and sintered particles having an average particle size greater than about 200 microns, a bulk density of greater than about 1.40 g/cc, and an apparent specific gravity of greater than about 2.60.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a polymerizable dental composition comprising the steps of (a) preparing a liquid mixture comprising (i) 1 to 99% w/w of a hybrid monomer component containing at least one hybrid monomer compound having one hydrolysable siloxane group and at least one polymerizable organic moiety, and (ii) 99 to 1% w/w of a monomer component polymerizable with the polymerizable organic moiety of the hybrid monomer compounds; and (b) adding at least a stoichiometrically sufficient amount of water to the mixture to hydrolyse the hydrolysable siloxane group of the hybrid monomer compound and to form spherical polymerizable nanoparticles having an average particle size of from 1 to 100 nm dispersed in the monomer component, whereby the nanoparticles have a structure with Si—O—Si bonds and peripherally exposed polymerizable organic moieties.

Abstract: A surface modification method comprising bringing, into a high-temperature flame formed by use of a combustible gas and a combustion-supporting gas, inorganic oxide powder A having an average particle size falling within a range of 0.5 to 200 ?m as measured by means of laser diffraction/scattering particle size analysis and inorganic oxide powder B having a particle size calculated on the basis of its BET specific surface area of 100 nm or less, to thereby modify the surfaces of particles of the powder A by means of the particles of the powder B. A surface modification method comprising bringing, into a high-temperature flame formed by use of a combustible gas and a combustion-supporting gas, the inorganic oxide powder A; and bringing again the resultant powder into the high-temperature flame, to thereby modify the surfaces of particles of powder A.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that includes a base polymer, a fluoropolymer, and a fluoride scavenger having suitable fluoride levels such that use in the electronics industry is appropriate. An extrusion method may be used for making the thermoplastic composition. The compositions may then be used to form a molded article. The composition has lower fluoride levels as compared to thermoplastic compositions without the fluoride scavenger making it suitable for use in electronic applications, as well as medical or food or beverage applications where fluoride ions are a concern.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production method of spherical oxide powder which includes a feeding step in which a granular powder composed of an oxide composition is fed into a combustion flame together with a carrier gas; a melting step in which said fed granular powder is melted in said combustion flame to obtain a melt; and a solidifying step in which said melt is solidified by being moved and placed outside said combustion flame.

Abstract: A device is provided for establishing the uniformity of wall thickness for a plurality of hollow spherical shells suspended in a liquid. Specifically, the device imposes a variable angular acceleration on each shell in order to establish a uniform wall thickness for each shell. The device includes a container for receiving the liquid and the suspended shells. Further, the device includes a motor for moving the liquid to impose a variable angular acceleration on each shell. Also, the device includes an element for polymerizing each shell after each shell's wall thickness has become substantially uniform.

Abstract: A method for increasing a mean particle size of a 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine is provided. The method comprises forming a mixture comprising a feedstream of the 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine, and a solvent composition comprising an organic solvent and water, wherein the organic solvent is capable of at least partially dissolving the 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine and forming an adduct with the 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine. Then the mixture is heated at a temperature and for a time effective to decompose the adduct and form a 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine product having a mean particle size greater than 5 microns. The 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(hydroxyaryl)phthalimidines with increased particle size are useful for producing polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a round and spherical titanium dioxide scouring media and a method for producing the media. The scouring media is effective in removing titanium dioxide buildup on the walls of a titanium dioxide reaction vessel. The method consists of forming green titanium dioxide pellets in a high intensity mixer by mixing commercially available titanium dioxide dust and water. The high intensity mixer produces substantially round and spherical green pellets which are subsequently sized and sintered in a kiln to form round and spherical titanium dioxide sintered pellets that are suitable as a scouring media. The high intensity mixer allows the operator to closely control the size and shape of the pellets during the forming process to produce substantially round and spherical green pellets. Because the sintered titanium dioxide pellets are substantially round and spherical in shape, they are much less abrasive to the walls of the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A method for increasing the Scott density of synthetic and/or natural graphite powders of any particle size distribution, preferably of highly-pure graphite, by subjecting the graphite powder to an autogenous surface treatment. The powder is used, in particular, for producing dispersions, coatings with an increased graphite/binder ratio and increased electric and thermal conductivity, gas and liquid-tight coatings on metal substrates, thermoplastic or duroplastic graphite-polymer composites, or for producing metallic, non-ferrous sintering materials.

Abstract: Optically transparent, relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as intraocular lenses, corneal inlays and contact lenses made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the polymerization of one or more aromatic-based siloxane macromonomers or the copolymerization of one or more aromatic-based siloxane macromonomers with one or more non-siloxy aromatic-based monomers, non-aromatic-based hydrophobic monomers or non-aromatic-based hydrophilic monomers.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing single crystal ceramic powder is provided. The method includes a powder supply step for supplying powder consisting essentially of ceramic ingredients to a heat treatment area with a carrier gas, a heat treatment step for heating the powder supplied to the heat treatment area at temperatures required for single-crystallization of the powder to form a product, and a cooling step for cooling the product obtained in the heat treatment step to form single crystal ceramic powder. The method provides single crystal ceramic powder consisting of particles with a very small particle size and a sphericity being 0.9 or higher.

Abstract: A method for producing an iron oxide pellet including the steps of adding water to a raw material mixture comprising iron oxide which serves as a primary component, a carbonaceous material in an amount sufficient for reducing the iron oxide, an organic binder in an amount sufficient for binding the iron oxide and the carbonaceous material, and an inorganic coagulant in an amount of not less than 0.05 mass % and less than 1 mass %; pelletizing the resultant mixture to thereby obtain a green pellet; and drying the green pellet until the moisture content is reduced to equal to or less than 1.0 mass %. The thus-produced iron oxide pellet is charged in a reducing furnace for reduction to thereby obtain a reduced iron pellet.

Abstract: A method for spheridizing silicon metal particles is described. The method involves injecting irregular silicon metal particles into a high-temperature plasma reactor to melt at least 50 weight percent of the particles. The molten droplets are solidified to form substantially spherical silicon particles having a thin SiO coating which may be removed by treating with a weak hydroxide solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides spheroidal particles of coal slag, and methods of making the spheroidal particles. One method of the invention includes delivering a feedstock of irregularly shaped particles of coal fly ash or coal slag to a drop tube, dropping the irregularly shaped particles into the drop tube in a manner such that the irregularly shaped particles flow in a substantially vertical downward path as individualized particles, and heating the irregularly shaped particles to cause at least the outer surface of the irregularly shaped particles to melt and form spheroidal particles due to surface tension at the outer surface. The spheroidal particles typically have a diameter in the range of about 0.001 to 5 mm, and comprise SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, FeO, Na2O, and K2O.

Abstract: A crucible is formed of a cylindrical body member and a disk-shaped nozzle member fitted to the bottom portion of the body member, and the nozzle member is provided with a nozzle hole for discharging out a semiconductor molten solution dropwise therethrough. The semiconductor molten solution drops discharged out of the crucible through the nozzle hole are cooled and solidified during falling to become semiconductor grains. Silicon grains having high crystal quality can be manufactured at low cost.