Abstract: To provide a method for producing a molded crystalline resin article which enables a higher crystallization degree and to mass-produce the molded crystalline resin articles. The method comprises molding a molded resin article from a thermoplastic resin containing a crystalline resin followed by performing a heating process to obtain a molded crystalline resin article having a surface layer whose crystallization index is 0.9 or higher when determined by IR spectrometry. It is preferable that the temperature of the heating process is within the range of 20° C. lower than the crystallization temperature of the molded resin article to 30° C. higher than the crystalline temperature, and that the crystalline resin is a polypropylene resin.

Abstract: A method of forming a carpeted plastic part includes positioning a carpet between first and second mold halves, wherein the carpet has a back surface. A non-reinforced plastic strip is positioned adjacent a portion of the back surface of the carpet. A hollow parison of reinforced plastic material is formed between the first and second mold halves. The first and second mold halves are then closed together to form a carpeted plastic part having a thinned-down region of the reinforced plastic material adjacent the plastic strip such that the plastic strip is sandwiched between the thinned-down region and the carpet to form a flexible living hinge.

Abstract: A method of eliminating flaws on smooth plastic surfaces, the method aims at removing flaws of knots of material, joint lines, weldlines or scrapes formed at joints by mold releasing or processing on the smooth plastic surfaces of shaped plastic articles; thereby the surfaces of the finished plastic article can be smooth and kept intact, and products with flaws can be eliminated. The present invention is characterized mainly by: when a plastic article is injection molded, the areas with flaws on the external surfaces of the finished article is ground to nearly plain, and the external surfaces are separated for windless heating to a melting point to render the flaw areas on the external surfaces of the finished article to melt integrally with the plain areas, and after cooling of the molten areas on the external surfaces of the finished article, smooth surfaces are formed. And products with flaws can be eliminated.

Abstract: A very thin inner layer composed of a polymer chosen for its barrier and/or inertness properties is fabricated within a container preform constructed mainly from another polymer, or a structure of polymers. The inner layer on the preform is produced either by a controlled coating method involving coating of the injection mold core rod prior to injection molding or by a coating applied directly to the preform after injection molding. This enables both inner and main layers to be brought together at a time when the interface between them is molten. A tie layer can be employed, when desirable, to enable the layers to be combined without melting the layer interface.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a plate boehmite and a plate alumina having high catalytic activity. The plate boehmite is prepared by subjecting at least one kind of an alkaline earth metal compound, which is selected from calcium, strontium and barium, and aluminum hydroxide to pressurization and heating at 150 to 300° C. in the presence of water. The resulting reaction product is treated with an acid to remove the residual alkaline earth metal compound contained in the product, followed by rinsing with water. The resulting plate boehmite is subjected to calcination at 450 to 1500° C. Thus, a plate alumina comprising a mixture of &thgr;-alumina and &dgr;-alumina as a major component is prepared.

Abstract: A method for firing a ceramic core includes placing the ceramic core on a setter, placing at least one flexible refractory bag containing refractory particulates on the core to apply a force on the core toward the setter during firing, and then heating the ceramic core on the setter to an elevated superambient firing temperature. Heating of the ceramic core with the flexible weight bag(s) thereon conforms the core to a surface of the setter to reduce distortion of the core and improve yields of cores within preselected dimensional tolerances.

Abstract: A method of removing an organic binder from a green ceramic form in which a green ceramic form is subjected to a flowing carbon dioxide containing atmosphere having a sufficiently low oxygen content to allow about 60% or more of the organic binder to be oxidized by carbon dioxide. The green ceramic form is heated to the oxidation temperature at a rate greater than about 0.1° C. and is maintained under oxidizing temperature conditions until at least about 90% of the organic binder oxidizes.

Abstract: A laminated film in which a metal foil is sandwiched between two polymeric films is cold formed to define one or more blisters, and the base of the blister stamped with indicia, in two discrete stages. The blister is formed in the first stage using a standard technique of advancing a pin in a direction transverse relative to the plane of the film. According to the invention, once the blister forming stage is completed, indicia are stamped into the base of the blister in the second stage by advancing a die from one side thereof to clamp the blister base against a mold held against the other side. The direction of the die and disposition of the die and mold may be selected such that the indicia project inwardly or outwardly from the blister base.

Abstract: A method for a variable manufacture of concrete railroad ties, with or without prestressed reinforcement, is provided wherein molds are cleaned in a preparation station and provided with the reinforcements, and are subsequently filled with concrete in a concreting and shaking station. Then the railroad ties are cured by a heat treatment. All railroad ties are produced in multiple molds, preferably in quadruple molds having identical dimensions, and the heat treatment is carried out in heating chambers. The heating chambers are loaded and unloaded with the concrete-filled molds by means of a shelf servicing device, which also supplies the molds to a stress relieving and emptying station which leads to the preparation station. Furthere provided is an apparatus for implementing this method.

Abstract: An electrolytic capacitor comprising a thermally treated anode prepared by heating a manganese dioxide coated porous anodized valve metal nitride anode to a temperature of about 325° C. to about 450° C. The anode may be heated to first temperature of about 200° C. to about 250° C. for a time sufficient for the valve metal nitride anode to reach thermal equilibrium, prior to increasing the temperature to about 325° C. to about 450° C.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin composition which comprises 100 parts by weight of thermoplastic resin as component (A) which is at least one species selected styrene resin, polycarbonate resin, and polyphenylene ether resin, and 0.5-100 parts by weigh of liquid crystalline polymer as component (B), said thermoplastic resin as component (A) having a glass transition point the rate of change of which satisfies the equation (1) below. Rate of change (%)=|(TgA−TgT)/TgA|×100≦5  (1) where TgA is the glass transition point of the thermoplastic resin as component (A), and TgT is the glass transition point attributable to the thermoplastic resin as component (A) in the resin composition.

Abstract: A stent manufactured for treating internal tubular organs, typically for treating a blood vessel, in which the stent has a sufficient diametral shrinkage ability and an ability for returning back to the original diameter thereof.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an apatite ceramic, especially for biological use involves the preparation of a homogeneous mixture of powders to form a hydroxyapatite of formula Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, stoichiometric or non-stoichiometric, possibly containing other additives or flaws, compacting the mixture under a pressure of 100 to 500 Mpa at room temperature, and subjecting it to hydrothermal treatment at low temperature (100 to 500° C.) in the presence of water and in a sealed chamber.

Abstract: A multi-layer preform, includes: (a) a plastic inner liner, comprised of a cylindrical walled body, which may or may not include a tapered annular shoulder portion, and a cylindrical walled neck portion extending upwardly from the body, and (b) a molded outer layer. Prior to the outer layer being molded over the plastic inner liner, at least a portion of the liner is crystallized by a heat treatment process. The molded outer layer may include a means to receive a closure device. When the preform is at an acceptable temperature range for orientation, the multi-layer preform can be blow-molded to form a multi-layer container having improved properties.

Abstract: A salt sculpture air freshener is formed of a sodium chloride material, such as halite, formed into a sculpted shape and having a coated material thereover. It is mounted to a base having an electrical heater, such as an electric lamp, mounted therein for heating the coated salt material. The salt material may have a light tunnel therethrough for passing the heat and light from the electric heater so that the coated material is heated to reduce airborne microbiological agents adjacent thereto and to freshen the air therearound. The process of making an air freshener includes forming the salt material into a sculpted shape, selecting and coating the formed salt material with a coating material having bactericidal properties, mounting the coated salt material to a base having a heater therein, and heating the salt material to reduce airborne microbiological agents adjacent thereto and to freshen the air therearound.

Abstract: The invention provides an organic positive temperature coefficient thermistor comprising at least two polymer matrices, a low-molecular organic compound and a conductive particle having spiky protuberances. For the polymer matrices, at least two thermoplastic polymer matrices having varying melting points or at least one thermoplastic polymer matrix and at least one thermosetting polymer matrix are used. It is thus possible to provide an organic positive temperature coefficient thermistor which has sufficiently low room-temperature resistance and a large rate of resistance change between an operating state and a non-operating state, and can operate with a reduced temperature vs. resistance curve hysteresis, ease of control of operating temperature, and high performance stability.

Abstract: A method of removing a core from a CMC component in which the core was used to form an internal cavity. According to one embodiment of the invention, the core is removed from a fully densified CMC component by heating the component and core to a temperature at which the core deteriorates but below a temperature at which the component would melt or otherwise be damaged. According to a second embodiment of this invention, the component is only partially densified, and then impregnated with a coating material that is resistant to a leaching compound capable of removing the core. The core can then be removed using the leaching compound without damage to the internal surfaces of the component defined by the core when the component was fabricated.

Abstract: A hydrostatic compression method for producing a fancy log with a decorative and complicated external appearance from a primary wood. In the method, a primary wood having a water content adjusted in the range of 10-80 wt % is brought into a softened state, then the softened wood is compressed with hydrostatic pressure by means of liquid as pressurizing medium. Next, the compressed wood is treated with a fixation means to fix the compressed state. The fixation means can be a shaping jig, a mold, heating in a particular temperature range conducted while constraining the volume relation of compressed wood, cooling down below the softening point of the wood while under pressure, compact-packing together with hard particles into a vessel followed by heating, or a primary wood is chemically treated to form a localized wood-plastics composite before applying hydrostatic compression.

Abstract: A method of net-shaping using aerogel materials is provided by first forming a sol, aging the sol to form a gel, with the gel having a fluid component and having been formed into a medium selected from the group consisting of a powder, bulk material, or granular aerobeads, derivatizing the surface of the gel to render the surface unreactive toward further condensation, removing a portion of the fluid component of the final shaped gel to form a partially dried medium, placing the medium into a cavity, wherein the volume of said medium is less that the volume of the cavity, and removing a portion of the fluid component of the medium. The removal, such as by heating at a temperature of approximately less than 50° C., applying a vacuum, or both, causes the volume of the medium to increase and to form a solid aerogel. The material can be easily removed by exposing the material to a solvent, thereby reducing the volume of the material.

Abstract: One may obtain an excellent protective coating for a fabric made of heat-resistant fibers, in particular a fabric made of glass fibers like those used for the manufacture of filters in the metallurgical industry, when use is made, as a starting material, of a composition comprising an organic part made of sugar and a mineral part comprising colloidal silica and wollastonite. This composition allows thermoforming of the fabric and gives to the same a very strong protection and a rigidity. This is particularly interesting when the fabric is used for making a filter like those used during the casting of a liquid metal, especially liquid aluminum.

Abstract: A method of producing parisons of thermoplastic material, which includes the steps of injection of plasticized resin into a plurality of multiple-cavity molds, removal of the parisons from the respective injection molds and transferring parisons to conditioning stations to go through a temperature conditioning phase. The parisons are held in the conditioning stations for a pre-determined length of time, and then the parisons are transferred into appropriate blow molding tools in order to blow the conditioned parisons. Further, during the conditioning phase, the temperature of the surface of the collar of the parison is caused to increase, while the temperature of the parison body is allowed to decrease, so that at the end of the conditioning phase the temperature of the surface of the collar of the parison exceeds by approximately 15 to 20° C. the temperature of the parison body.

Abstract: A cavity plate of an ink jet printer head is adapted to be attached to a piezoelectric element member and has walls prescribing a plurality of ink storing chambers and a plurality of ink discharge holes. A mold for molding the cavity is provided with: a corniform block member including (i) a plurality of corniform convex portions to mold the ink storing chambers, each having an opening portion on a side of an attachment surface of the cavity plate to be attached to the piezoelectric element member, and (ii) a plurality of corniform concave portions to mold partition walls of the cavity plate for partitioning each of the ink storing chambers; and plurality of pin members to mold the ink discharge holes, which are continuous to the ink storing chambers such that the ink discharge holes have straight tubular portions respectively from the ink storing chambers to ink discharge tip portions at an ink discharge surface of the cavity plate on an opposite side of the attachment surface.

Abstract: The machinability of water-clear zinc sulfide articles produced by chemical vapor deposition and high temperature, high isostatic pressure (HIP) treatment is enhanced by extending the time over which the article is cooled following the HIP treatment. The resulting low stress, water-clear zinc sulfide articles can be more accurately finished/machined to precise shapes, such as are required in optical applications, than was previously possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to post pyrolysis thermal treatment for pyrolytic manganese dioxide coatings for use in conjunction with porous anodized valve metal nitride electrolytic capacitor anodes for the purpose of transforming the manganese dioxide to a higher conductivity form of manganese dioxide.

Abstract: The invention is a method of making a novel spherical form of granulated products that can be effectively used in various product forms in drug, fertilizer, foodstuff, feed, agricultural chemical, catalyst, ceramics, powder metallurgy, detergent, plastic, and bio-material fields, for instance, as catalysts, lightweight materials, sound-insulating materials, microcapsules, and lightweight aggregates. To obtain a granulated product which is a spherical solid shell having a spherical space therein, a polymer having high water absorption properties is swollen by the absorption of water therein, and then brought in contact with a powder to form a powder layer all over the surface of the swollen polymer particle. This spherical particle is then dried and fired if necessary.

Abstract: A method for forming a concrete masonry block having external plates. The external plates with anchors are indexed on pallets that are fed into concrete casting machines by proper location of the plates. Concrete mixture is deposited inside of a mold and compressed into the mold with anchors being located in the concrete material and having at least one external plate. Thereafter, the concrete masonry block with the external plate is removed from the mold and cured.

Abstract: The invention intends to provide an interior or exterior finishing material, which is made of a clayey material as a main ingredient and is superior in water resistance and refractoriness, without consuming a large amount of energy as required in the sintering method. In a manufacture method of an article similar to an unglazed ceramic plate according to the invention, a mixture of a clayey main ingredient, a resin liquid as an agent for developing strength earlier, and a disperse solution of aluminum silicate as a weight reducing agent are used as molding materials, and the mixture is molded, dried and then heated for hardening, thereby producing a light-weight molded article that is superior in water resistance and refractoriness and is free from a whitening phenomenon. The mixture may contain a pentaerythritol aqueous solution as an agent for improving fluidity in a mixing step.

Abstract: A t′-phase zirconia shapes with superior properties are made by forming a zirconia powder containing a rare-earth-oxide dopant into sintered bodies. The sintered bodies are heat treated in an oxygen atmosphere at a temperature high enough to form a cubic phase. The heated body is then cooled rapidly to form a t′-phase. The t′-phase is characterized with a large grain size, is resistant to transformation, low temperature degradation, and has excellent toughness, and creep resistance. Rare earth-oxide dopants include yttria, scandia, erbia, and ceria. For yttria doped materials, the sintered body is doped with between 2.5 and 5 mole percent yttria.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting an indefinite length suture strand to uniform lengths for subsequent threading and swaging to a surgical needle includes a drawing tower having at least one guide member defining a drawing axis parallel thereto. First and second gripping devices are provided to grip the indefinite length suture strand and draw it along the drawing axis; each gripping device mounted for reciprocal movement on at least one guide member. A retractable cutter for cutting the indefinite length suture strand is also provided for cutting the strand at a start position along the drawing axis. The indefinite length suture strand is fed to the drawing axis and drawn a predetermined distance beyond the location of the retractable cutter for positioning within a suture receiving opening formed in the surgical needle, while the second gripping device reciprocates to a start position along the drawing axis.

Abstract: A slider block assembly and method for making the same. The slider block assembly is for use with an elongate guide channel having a pair of laterally spaced apart side walls and a pair of axially spaced apart base walls joined to the side walls with one of the base walls having an elongate slot therein. The slider block assembly comprises a slider block having a socket therein and a fastener having a generally spherical ball. Preferably, the slider block is axisymmetric having an annular side wall flange and an annular base flange extending from a main body. The side wall and base flanges are cooperatively biased against the side walls and base walls when the slider block is inserted in the guide channel to prevent the slider block from rattling therewithin while allowing the slider block to slide or roll within the guide channel.

Abstract: A method of producing an enhancement in the natural coloration of a sandstone comprises selecting a sample of sandstone having suitable characteristics for the color enhancement method, forming the sandstone sample into a tile, and then heating the tile to a first temperature of between 1200.degree. F. and 1800.degree. F. Additional steps is the method comprise coating the first heated tile with a glaze and heating the glazed first heated tile to a second temperature of between 1800.degree. F. and 2500.degree. F.

Abstract: Provided is a method for drying resin-used electronic parts which comprises enclosing resin-used electronic parts together with both an oxygen absorbent requiring no moisture for absorption of oxygen and a drying agent in a container having a gas barrier property and then sealing the container and removing oxygen and, preferably, then heating the sealed container. Thereby, no quality deterioration due to oxidation and degradation of a metal surface occurs in a drying step of resin-used electronic parts.

Abstract: An air filter comprising a laminate of a non-woven fabric made up of polyolefin fibers or polyester fibers or a composite of the non-woven fabrics and a PTFE porous film, wherein the amount of the total gases generated from the air filter is 20 .mu.g/g by the analysis of gas chromatography. The amount of the gases generated from the air filter is greatly reduced by heat-treating the non-woven fabric at a temperature of from 80 to 130.degree. C. for from 5 minutes to 20 minutes before or after laminating with the PTFE porous film.

Abstract: A latex leather sheet fabrication method includes the steps of (a) pre-heating natural latex to about 30.degree. C.; (b) flow mixing pre-heated natural latex with a chemical solution containing oleic acid, sulfur and zinc oxide powder by flow mixing for about 1.about.3 hours; (c) mixing the latex mixture with forced air into a foamed viscous liquid; (d) shape-forming the foamed viscous liquid into a hardened foamed sheet material; (e) heating and drying the foamed sheet material into a foamed leather sheet; and (f) air cooling the finished latex leather sheet.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a process for the preparation of regenerated cellulose filaments from an anisotropic solution including cellulose formate, phosphoric acid, and formic acid in which the formed cellulose formate filaments are dried to a moisture content of not more than 15% prior to regeneration and after regeneration the filaments are washed and dried under low tension. In this manner cellulose multifilament yarns of high breaking load and high elongation at break can be obtained, which in addition have a very regular linear density.

Abstract: Cellulosic fibers made from a solution of cellulose in a tertiary amine oxide and optionally water and which have a low tendency to fibrillate are produced by coagulating the fibers in at least two stages. The residence time of the fibers in the first coagulation stage is adjusted so that on leaving the first coagulation stage only the adhesiveness of the surface of the solution formed into fibers has been counteracted. In subsequent coagulation stages, the fibers are kept in a slack state. On leaving the final coagulation stage, the fibers have been thoroughly coagulated. The cellulosic fibers have a new structure and apart from a very low tendency to fibrillate, they possess a high dyeing level.

Abstract: An organic positive temperature coefficient thermistor comprises a thermoplastic polymer matrix, a low-molecular organic compound, and conductive particles, each having spiky protuberances thereon. The low-molecular organic compound has a melting point of 40.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. The conductive particles are interconnected in a chain form.

Abstract: A sponge cloth of decrystallized cellulose modified by the acetyl group content, where the average degree of substitution is 0.2 to 1.5. The cloth does not contain any organic or inorganic sulfur compounds. The sponge cloth is produced by treating wood pulp with sodium hydroxide solution, then treating it with acetylating substances, drying and dissolving in an organic solvent with the addition of a pore-forming salt, fibers and optionally pigment dyes and foaming agents, spreading the mixture on a web and boiling in water with subsequent drying to form a finished cloth.

Abstract: A sponge of decrystallized cellulose modified by an acetyl group content, where the average degree of substitution is 0.2 to 1.5. No organic or inorganic sulfur compounds are present in the sponge. The sponge is produced by treating pulp with sodium hydroxide solution, then treating it with acetylating substances, drying and dissolving in an organic solvent with the addition of a pore-forming salt, fibers and optionally pigment dyes, pressing the mixture into a perforated mold whose receiving volume corresponds to the dimensions of the sponge to be produced, then placing the mold with its contents in boiling water, and removing the sponge thus formed in the mold.

Abstract: A method of winding a polymer film web around a cylindrical core, where the core is heated by blowing hot-air against the core prior to winding the polymer film web, and the polymer film web is wound around the heated core while blowing hot-air against the polymer film web. In another embodiment of the winding method, the polymer film is wound while knurled along both edge parts in the width direction of the film to form knurls so as to gradually decrease in the thickness thereof from one end of the film that contacts with the core toward the other end of the film. Furthermore, a heat treating method for annealing a film roll and a heat treating apparatus therefor are disclosed, which method comprises the steps of surrounding the film roll with heat insulating panels and blowing hot-air against the film roll in the direction along the core axis while rotating the core intermittently or continuously at a rotary speed of from 0.04 to 4 revolutions per hour.

Abstract: In the underwater cut pellet transport apparatus in which pellets cut formed by an underwater cutting device 4 are delivered to a cooling water dehydrating device 10 and a drying device 11 by means of the head pressure of a cooling water circulating pump 6 and are dehydrated and dried there, and the thus dried pellets are then delivered to pellet silos 15 by means of the head pressure of an air feed blower 17 of a pneumatic feed facility, the above-mentioned cooling water dehydrating device 10 and drying device 11 are respectively disposed above the pellet silos 15, thereby eliminating the need for provision of the above-mentioned pneumatic feed facility.

Abstract: A controlled permeability film and process for producing same wherein the film includes: a film forming polyolefin polymer; and an inert porous filler in an amount effective to reduce the ratio of the carbon dioxide permeability and water permeability to the oxygen permeability of the film, wherein the filler has a particle size greater than the intrinsic film thickness of the film forming polymer; the controlled permeability film being further modified to reduce the CO.sub.2 /O.sub.2 permeability ratio to approximately 0.5 to 2.0.

Abstract: A protective, impact resistant material and method which includes a fabric of thermoplastic polymeric fibers having a strength of at least 0.5 GPa and an elastic modulus of at least 25 GPa and a matrix of polymeric material disposed in the interstices between the fibers having an elastic modulus of 0.2 to 3.times.10.sup.6 psi. The polymeric fibers can be gel spun, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene terephthalate. In a second embodiment, the matrix is derived from the fabric.

Abstract: Provided is a fast and efficient method of burnishing a brake pad. The brake pad is contacted with a heat source having a power density greater than about 270 Mw/m.sup.2. Also provided is pre-burnished brake pad having an increased coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A process for forming pliable elements curable by hot pressing to form high temperature resistant elements is disclosed. In this process, a metal, a metal compound, or a mixture thereof, which has some water of hydration, is mixed with orthophosphoric acid in an amount sufficient to form a resultant mixture having a pH value no greater than 0.85. A refractory material is added to the mixture and a resultant pliable curable material is formed. An element of a preselected configuration is formed from the pliable curable material. The element is dried at a temperature less than about 100.degree. C. for a period of time sufficient to form a pliable curable element having a stable unitary mass. The pliable element is cured by "false melt" processing techniques.

Abstract: A polyimide fiber having textile physical property characteristics and the process of melt extruding same from a polyimide powder. Polyimide powder formed as the reaction product of the monomers 3,4'-ODA and ODPA, and endcapped with phthalic anhydride to control the molecular weight thereof, is melt extruded in the temperature range of 340.degree. C. to 360.degree. C. and at heights of 100.5 inches, 209 inches and 364.5 inches. The fibers obtained have a diameter in the range of 0.0068 inch to 0.0147 inch; a mean tensile strength in the range of 15.6 to 23.1 ksi; a mean modulus of 406 to 465 ksi; and a mean elongation in the range of 14 to 103%.

Abstract: An electrically conductive rubber roller for electrophotography which does not exhibit touch memory or bleed out of remnant siloxanes, even after 18 days of storage without use, and, in a preferred form, exhibits little change in electric resistance with changes in environment. This roller is made by making a rubber molding material composition containing a raw polysiloxane rubber which does not contain more than 5,000 ppm of low molecular weight polysiloxanes, cyclic siloxanes and non-functional silicone oils (remnant siloxanes); molding this composition into a roller; at least primarily crosslinking the rubber in the roller; and then subjecting the crosslinked rubber roller to heating under a vacuum.

Abstract: This invention relates to a manufacturing process of synthetic yarn and the produced yarn which has superior texture and brightness, and excellent color developing, hygroscopicity, and anti-static properties. A plurality of monofilaments is drawn out at an appropriate speed, dried and heated. Then a property enhancing agent containing a metallic salt, alcohol, optional solvent and optional additional functional agent, such as a hygroscopic agent, ultraviolet protecting agent, or resist agent, etc. is applied onto the surface of the filaments which are melted and flame bonded to each other. Multi-filaments are formed with spaces therebetween in which the functional agent remains inserted. The new synthetic yarn is produced after the multi-filaments are subjected to washing, drying and take-up procedures.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a highly inorganically filled matrix. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together an organic polymer binder, water, one or more aggregate materials, fibers, and optional admixtures in the correct proportions in order to form an article which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures are molded to fashion a portion of the mixture into a form stable shape for the desired article. Once the article has obtained form stability, the article is removed from the mold and allowed to harden to gain strength. The articles may have properties substantially similar to articles presently made from traditional materials like paper, paperboard, polystyrene, plastic, or metal. They have especial utility in the mass production of containers, particularly food and beverage containers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing milled graphite fibers in which the amount of metallic components contained in the milled carbon fibers before graphitizing is limited to not more than 100/1,000,000 in terms of a ratio by weight. Also disclosed is a process for preparing milled graphite fibers in which the amount of metallic components contained in the milled carbon fibers before graphitizing except metallic components originally contained in the fibers themselves is limited to not more than 50/1,000,000 in terms of a ratio by weight. According to these processes, there can be obtained milled graphite fibers whose surfaces are inert, which suffer few longitudinal crackings and which are almost free from occurrence of particulate substances comprising agglomerated or bonded fibers.