Abstract: The invention relates to inorganic hollow fibers, to a spinning mass and to a method for producing the same as well as to the use thereof for material transports, for the exchange of gases and in separation procedures. The hollow fibers according to the invention are obtainable by processing a spinning mass to a hollow fiber according to general methods, by curing said fiber thermally, via radiation induction or via chemical induction, and by removing the organic components via pyrolysis. The spinning mass is obtained by hydrolytic polycondensation of hydrolyzable compounds of silicon, aluminum, titanium and zirconium and optionally of co-condensable compounds of the elements Li, Na, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Sn or Pb. The hydrolytic polycondensation is performed by adding water or moisture.

Abstract: A process for foaming ceramic foams, in which the ceramic foams are produced from a precursor or a mixture of precursors which contain at least one ceramic-forming element and liberates at least one volatile reaction product during an inorganic gelation process. In one embodiment, foaming is based on a precursor containing crystals of the AICI3(Pri2O) complex. The decomposition of the initial precursor produces polymerizing species dissolved in liquid isopropyl chloride. The solvent and growing AIOxCIy(OPri)z species are mixed homogeneously so that the boiling point of the solution is raised above the boiling point of the pure isopropyl chloride. Polymerization takes place in the liquid until a critical polymer size is attained, whereupon a phase separation into polymer rich and solvent rich regions occurs. Since the expelled solvent is suddenly above its boiling point, bubbles start forming instantly.

Abstract: Mesostructured inorganic-organic materials, in the form of patterned films, monoliths, and fibers, can be prepared with controllable orientational ordering over macroscopic length scales. They are synthesized by controlling solvent removal rates across material interfaces, in conjunction with the rates of surfactant self-assembly and inorganic cross-linking and surface interactions. A method for controlling the rates and directions of solvent removal from a heterogeneous material synthesis mixture that allows the nucleation and directional alignment of self-assembling mesostructures to be controlled during synthesis is disclosed. The aligned mesostructured inorganic-organic materials and mesoporous inorganic or carbon materials can be prepared in the form of patterned films, monoliths, and fibers with controllable orientational ordering.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making a material having a controlled microstructure, the method including providing particles of a ceramic mineral material, the particles having a metal oxide dopant therein. The particles of the ceramic mineral material are consolidated into larger aggregates of a size relevant to the desired application using standard industrial mixing and pelletizing technology. The aggregates are heated under reducing conditions so that at least part of the dopant is reduced to form a transient, metastable liquid phase among the particles. The liquid phase includes at least part of the reduced dopant and promotes sintering of the particles and forms islands of reduced metal within the material and on the surface of the aggregates.

Abstract: A graphitizable carbon foam having enhanced directional thermal conductivity is provided. The mesophase portions of a mesophase pitch are aligned with each other to create an oriented mesophase pitch, which is then foamed to provide an oriented pitch foam. The pitch foam can be heated to carbonize the pitch thereby forming an oriented carbon foam. The carbon foam can be further heated to provide an oriented graphite foam.

Abstract: The charcoal-foam heating material is formed by combining a charcoal mixture with an aqueous surfactant and water to create a semi-homogenous charcoal-foam slurry. The slurry is poured into shaping molds so that the slurry dries into the charcoal-foam heating material. In the preferred embodiment, a concrete surfactant is used during the mixing process and the charcoal-foam slurry is formed into briquettes and used as a cooking fuel.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for synthesizing macro-sized nanostructures. The method in one embodiment comprises the steps of mixing an amount of TiO2 powders with a volume of an alkali or alkaline solution to form a mixture, and heating the mixture at a temperature higher than 160° C. for a period of time effective to allow TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures to form, wherein the TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures form in an environment that has no presence of a substrate that comprises Ti. These TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures can be utilized to form a free standing membrane, and/or a three-dimensional (3D) structure.

Abstract: Bone repair or augmentation devices comprising a porous body (2) comprising pores (4), the porous body comprising a portion with a reinforcing agent within the pores of that portion of the porous body (8). Methods of making bone augmentation or repair devices are also provided, the devices having a perimeter and an internal region, the method comprising: (a) mixing a biodegradable reinforcing agent with a biomaterial selected from the group comprising ceramic materials and bioactive glasses to form a mixture; (b) heating the mixture to above the softening point of the reinforcing agent; (c) moulding the mixture around at least a portion of the internal region.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a chromatographic column and columns produced by such a method are disclosed. The method includes: (a) obtaining a tube comprising two open ends and a lumen with a diameter of 75 microns or less extending between the two open ends; (b) depositing a liquid silicate composition into the tube lumen at a first open end of the tube; (c) forming a porous ceramic material from the composition in the tube lumen at a location near the first open end such that a space is formed between the ceramic material and the open end that is substantially free of the ceramic material; and (d) forming a tapered emitter having an orifice diameter of less than 3 microns at the first open end.

Abstract: In accordance with invention, there are methods for fabricating hollow spheres and nanofoams. The method for making hollow spheres can include providing a homogeneous precursor solution including a first solvent and one or more anhydrous precursor species and forming aerosol droplets having a first size distribution using the homogeneous precursor solution in an anhydrous carrier gas. The method can also include transporting the aerosol droplets through an aerosol reactor including a reactant to form a plurality of hollow spheres, wherein each of the plurality of hollow spheres can be formed by one or more chemical reactions occurring at a surface of the aerosol droplet. The method can further include controlling size and thickness of the hollow spheres by one or more of the precursor solution concentration, aerosol droplet size, temperature, residence time of the aerosol droplets in the aerosol reactor, and the reactant distribution in the aerosol reactor.

Abstract: A method of making a composite article includes providing an elastomeric composition with a blowing agent having an activation temperature and providing at least one structural member defining a fixed gap. The composition is formed below the blowing agent's activation temperature into a solid elastomeric member approximately the thickness of or larger than the gap. The elastomeric member is assembled into the gap, which may place the elastomeric member in a state of compression in the gap. The elastomeric member is then expanded by heating it above the activation temperature. During expansion, the escape of the gas produced is limited to increase the state of compression of the elastomer in the gap by means of confining any free surfaces or by including a platy filler such as nanoclay in the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing monolithic molded elements e.g. as sorbents for chromatographic columns or capillary vessels. The aim of the invention is for said molded elements to be able to remain directly in the gel mold thereof following the production process. Said aim is achieved by the inventive method, according to which the surface of the gel mold is activated by etching, increasing the surface, or chemically modifying the surface before the gelling mold is filled with the monomer sol.

Abstract: A filtering medium for molten metal which is excellent in inclusion removal performance and durability and further may provide sufficient throughput and a method for producing the same. A filtering medium for molten metal in the present invention includes a two-layered structure of a macropore ceramic layer at the inflow side and a micropore ceramic layer at the outflow side. The average pore diameter of the micropore ceramic layer is from 100 to 500 ?m and the average pore diameter of the macropore ceramic layer is 1.1 to 3.0 times as large as that of the micropore ceramic layer. When respective layers are formed of aggregates bonded with an inorganic binder and the inorganic binder has a needle crystal structure with an aspect ratio of 2 to 50, the inside of filtering medium may be contributed to the filtration and the compatibility between inclusion-trapping performance and lifetime may be ensured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a porous body which comprises dispersing a gas-forming compound in a molten porous body-forming material, and then solidifying the molten material. With this process, the present invention enables manufacture of high quality and highly uniform porous bodies even under an atmospheric pressure, without requiring high pressure ambience.

Abstract: Rapid exchange angioplasty catheters and methods of constructing rapid exchange angioplasty catheters including features that provide good pushability and kink resistance. In an illustrative embodiment, a catheter is provided, the illustrative catheter including a proximal hypotube section, which connects to a more distal braided catheter section. The braided catheter section connects to a midshaft portion that includes a guidewire entry port. Distal of the midshaft portion is a distal section having a cutting balloon disposed thereon. An inflation lumen extends the length of the catheter, while a guidewire lumen extends only from the guidewire entry port to the distal end of the catheter. Optionally, a core wire may extend across the joint from the hypotube, to the braided catheter section, and past the guidewire entry port.

Abstract: Porous polymers are made by adding biologically active agent and growth substrates (e.g., yeast and sugar, preferably in the presence of water or other suitable fluid) to a polymer forming material, which may be a liquid. The yeast acts on the sugar, forming carbon dioxide gas bubbles. The material is then polymerized so that the gas bubbles create permanent pores within the polymeric material. The polymer can be an epoxy for example. The pores will contain residue of the yeast. Also, porous metals can be made by combining a metal powder with yeast, sugar, and water. The porous metal paste is then sintered. Porous ceramics and semiconductors can be made by combining the yeast and sugar with a ceramic forming liquid such as polysilazane. Polysilazane converts to silica when heated, which helps to bind the ceramic or semiconductor powder particles at a reduced temperature. Biological agents other than yeast (e.g. bacteria, enzymes), and growth substrates other than sugar can also be used.

Abstract: An absorbable sponge containing a contrasting agent (e.g, radiopaque agent) that can be introduced to a biopsy tract or other puncture wound site is provided. The contrasting agent permits identification of the site by fluoroscopy or other imaging techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolysis installation comprising at least two rows of electrodes that are immersed at least in part in a liquid electrolyte giving off one or more gaseous species of corrosive nature at the electrodes, at least one separation membrane being disposed between two adjacent rows of electrodes. Each membrane is constituted by carbon fiber reinforcement stiffened by a carbon matrix and presents porous portion that is permeable to ions and impermeable to the or each gaseous species, given off at the electrolytes.

Abstract: A method for producing a ceramic honeycomb filter by blending a starting material mixture comprising a ceramic material, a molding aid and a pore-forming material under a pressure of 0.12-0.5 MPa in a pressure kneader to form a moldable material for a honeycomb extrudate.

Abstract: A method for producing composite bodies having at least one outer layer of a non-foaming powder and a metal foam layer. In one embodiment, the powder layers are rolled separately from one another, then the rolled parts are put one over the other in a predetermined number of rolled powder layers; optionally, they are rolled together again, and thereafter, the metal foam layer is foamed by heating to produce a layer arrangement. Alternatively, the powder layers are formed one on top of the other to form a layer arrangement that is then rolled prior to foaming.

Abstract: The present invention includes a microporous or mesoporous composition of matter in which the composition is formed continuously or semi-continuously in a heated reactor zone, including a rotary calciner or a rotary screw as a means for conveying the synthesis mixture, at a temperature between 200° C. and 500° C. with a residence time less than 24 hours. The reagents are solid and liquid reagents in which the solid reagents have a weight percent between 45% and 98% of the total reagents. The invention also includes a continuous or semi-continuous process for the hydrothermal manufacture of the microporous or mesoporous composition.

Abstract: Hybrid membrane structures that include: an inorganic porous support that includes first and second ends, and a plurality of inner channels having surfaces defined by porous walls and extending through the support from the first to the second ends; optionally, one or more porous inorganic intermediate layers coating the inner channel surfaces; and a polymeric amine-containing membrane.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide permeable membrane is described. In some embodiments, the membrane includes a body having a first side and an opposite second side; a plurality of first regions formed from a molten carbonate having a temperature of about 400 degrees Celsius to about 1200 degrees Celsius, the plurality of first regions forming a portion of the body and the plurality of first regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; a plurality of second regions formed from an oxygen conductive solid oxide, the plurality of second regions combining with the plurality of first regions to form the body and the plurality of second regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; and the body is configured to allow carbon dioxide to pass from the first side to the second side.

Abstract: A porous sintered body of a calcium phosphate-based ceramic having a porosity of 80% or more. The porous sintered body is produced by a method comprising the steps of: (1) preparing a slurry comprising a calcium phosphate-based ceramic powder, a water-soluble high molecular compound and a nonionic surface active agent; (2) stirring the slurry vigorously to froth the slurry; (3) solidifying the frothed slurry into a gel; and (4) drying and sintering the gel.

Abstract: A method of activating a zeolite membrane comprising a step of placing the membrane in contact with a fluid mixture containing ozone, wherein when the fluid mixture is a gaseous mixture, the fluid mixture has a temperature of at least 423K, and wherein when the fluid mixture is a liquid mixture, the fluid mixture has a temperature of 353K.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a composite biomaterial comprising an inorganic material and an organic material, the process comprising: (a) providing a first slurry composition comprising a liquid carrier, an inorganic material and an organic material; (b) providing a mould for the slurry; (c) depositing the slurry in the mould; (d) cooling the slurry deposited in the mould to a temperature at which the liquid carrier transforms into a plurality of solid crystals or particles; (e) removing at least some of the plurality of solid crystals or particles by sublimation and/or evaporation to leave a porous composite material comprising an inorganic material and an organic material; and (f) removing the material from the mould.

Abstract: A filter membrane, methods of making such filter membrane and apparatus employing such filter membrane are disclosed, in which the filter membrane is a monolithic polymeric membrane that includes a polymeric filter layer including a micron-scale precision-shaped pores and a polymeric support layer that has a precision-shaped porous support structure for the filter layer. Several methods are disclosed for making such a membrane using micromachining techniques, including lithographic, laser ablation and x-ray treatment techniques. Several filter apparatus employing such a membrane are also disclosed.

Abstract: A permeable cement composition including an aqueous slurry of a hydraulic cement which is based upon a water-immiscible dispersed fluid phase and a hollow particulate material. The hollow particulate material breaks down in the presence of the cement so as to leave voids which together with the dispersed phase create a permeable structure in the cement.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to moulded article, provided with granules made of a bio-compatible material, which granules have a substantially porous structure and are interconnected, forming a rigid or semi-rigid structure; a mass for forming such a moulded article; and a method for forming a moulded article, comprising the steps of providing a mass comprising at least granules made of a bio-compatible material and having a porous structure, and pressing said mass, especially said granules together, for forming a rigid or semi-rigid structure.

Abstract: Process for producing a shaped body comprising a microporous material and at least one silicon-containing binder, which comprises the steps (I) preparing a mixture comprising the microporous material, the binder, a make-up aid and a solvent, (II) mixing and densifying the mixture, (III) shaping the densified mixture to give a shaped body, (IV) drying the shaped body and (V) calcining the dried shaped body, wherein the binder used is an organosilicon compound, shaped bodies which can be produced by this process, their use as catalyst, in particular in organic synthesis and very particularly preferably in a process for preparing triethylenediamine (TEDA).

Abstract: The invention relates to a honeycomb structure, made from a porous ceramic material, said structure being characterized in that the porous ceramic material which forms it comprises: from 50 to 95% by weight of silicon carbide SiC; from 5 to 50% by weight of at least one ceramic oxide phase, said structure additionally being characterized by a porosity greater than 10%, by a specific surface area greater than 0.5 m2/g and by a pore size distribution of at least bimodal type. The invention also relates to the process for obtaining such a structure and also to the catalytic support or filter obtained from such a structure, after deposition of a catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of exfoliating a layered material (e.g., graphite and graphite oxide) to produce nano-scaled platelets having a thickness smaller than 100 nm, typically smaller than 10 nm, and often between 0.34 nm and 1.02 nm. The method comprises: (a) subjecting the layered material in a powder form to a halogen vapor at a first temperature above the melting point or sublimation point of the halogen at a sufficient vapor pressure and for a duration of time sufficient to cause the halogen molecules to penetrate an interlayer space of the layered material, forming a stable halogen-intercalated compound; and (b) heating the halogen-intercalated compound at a second temperature above the boiling point of the halogen, allowing halogen atoms or molecules residing in the interlayer space to exfoliate the layered material to produce the platelets.

Abstract: A method for generating foam for gypsum product manufacturing includes injecting water through a conduit and injecting a foaming agent through the conduit to form a first solution comprising the water and the foaming agent. The method includes straining the first solution in the conduit and injecting air through the conduit to form a second solution comprising the water, the foaming agent and the air. The method also includes straining the second solution in the conduit to form foam and communicating the foam to a gypsum product manufacturing device.

Abstract: A process for sequestering carbon dioxide from the flue gas emitted from a combustion chamber is disclosed. In the process, a foam including a foaming agent and the flue gas is formed, and the foam is added to a mixture including a cementitious material (e.g., fly ash) and water to form a foamed mixture. Thereafter, the foamed mixture is allowed to set, preferably to a controlled low-strength material having a compressive strength of 1200 psi or less. The carbon dioxide in the flue gas and waste heat reacts with hydration products in the controlled low-strength material to increase strength. In this process, the carbon dioxide is sequestered. The CLSM can be crushed or pelletized to form a lightweight aggregate with properties similar to the naturally occurring mineral, pumice.

Abstract: Hollow silica nanoparticles can have well defined non-porous shells with low shell fragmentation and good dispersability. These well defined hollow particles can be formed through the controlled oxidation of silicon nanoparticles in an organic solvent. The hollow nanoparticles can have a submicron secondary particle sizes. The hollow silica nanoparticles can be incorporated into polymer composites, such as low index-of-refraction composites, for appropriate applications.

Abstract: To provide a method for producing a ceramic porous material which has a high strength, though it has a high porosity, and which is excellent in permeability without dust generation. In a ceramic porous material having a three-dimensional mesh-like skeleton structure with a large number of substantially spherical adjacent cells communicating with each other via communication holes, the crystal particle size at the rim of each communication hole in the skeleton structure is provided substantially equal to the crystal particle size in the other parts.

Abstract: The invention provides a board forming system comprising a forming table comprising a belt with a surface for conveying a backing layer; a mixer fitted with a mechanism capable of depositing cementitious slurry material over a top surface of the backing layer; and a slurry spreader positioned downstream of the mixer, wherein a portion of the slurry spreader comprises a plurality of apertures which are connected to a source of pressurized fluid. The slurry spreader is configured such that the pressurized fluid flows out of the slurry spreader through the apertures so as to provide a continuous film of fluid across an outer surface of the slurry spreader. The slurry spreader is positioned such that it can contact at least a portion of the cementitious slurry after the slurry exits the discharge and before the slurry is spread across the width of the backing layer such that the thickness of the slurry is approximately equal to the desired slurry thickness for board formation.

Abstract: Method for the production of a biocompatible polymer-ceramic composite material with a predetermined porosity, designed and determined a priori, which includes a first phase (a) of the production of a suspension of a bioceramic material in distilled water, a second phase (b) in the which a compact of the bioceramic material containing a desired quantity of water is obtained from the suspension, and a third phase (c) in the which the compact is mixed with a polymeric material and/or a liquid monomer.

Abstract: A continuous process for manufacturing a sound absorbing tile made from a slurry including, quick setting cement, water, fibers and foaming agent, the process including the steps of (i) mixing cementitious material, water, foaming agent but without incorporation of prefabricated foam with fibers into a slurry; subsequently; (ii) injecting and distributing air into the slurry of step (i) to form a cellular slurry; subsequently; (iii) forming tiles or precursor products of tiles from the cellular slurry; and finally; (iv) allowing the cellular slurry to set into the desired tile or a precursor thereof.

Abstract: A process for foaming ceramic foams, in which the ceramic foams are produced from a precursor or a mixture of precursors which contain at least one ceramic-forming element and liberates at least one volatile reaction product during an inorganic gelation process. In one embodiment, foaming is based on a precursor containing crystals of the AlCl3(Pri2O) complex. The decomposition of the initial precursor produces polymerizing species dissolved in liquid isopropyl chloride. The solvent and growing AlOxCly(OPri)z species are mixed homogeneously so that the boiling point of the solution is raised above the boiling point of the pure isopropyl chloride. Polymerization takes place in the liquid until a critical polymer size is attained, whereupon a phase separation into polymer rich and solvent rich regions occurs. Since the expelled solvent is suddenly above its boiling point, bubbles start forming instantly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of manufacturing lightweight ceramics by mixing several raw materials such as a powdered glass material, a powdered alkali silicate, and a water-soluble polymer in a certain proportion to form a dry substrate, and then adding water to mold the substrate into a desired shape; after the water in the substrate is baked dry, heat the substrate until the ceramic is formed. The oxide and hydroxide in the alkali silicate are used to lower the softening point of the powdered glass material, and when the powdered glass material is in the semi fluid state, the air and crystal water brought by the alkali silicate will expand and form air bubbles due to the high temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aluminum titanate body having a narrow pore size distribution as characterized by the relation (d50?d10)/d50 being less than 0.50 corresponding to a high degree of interconnected porosity. The body also preferably exhibits a low coefficient of thermal expansion of less than 15×10?7 C?1, high porosity of at least 38% by volume, and at least 0.10% by weight metal oxide, the metal being either yttrium, calcium, bismuth, a lanthanide metal or combinations of thereof. MOR is preferably at least 450 psi. Median pore diameter is preferably at least 8 microns. The inventive ceramic body is particularly useful as a wall-flow filter for a diesel exhaust. A method of fabrication is provided where the sintering temperature is preferably between 1375°-1550° C.

Abstract: A porous inorganic membrane comprises at least one inorganic phase having separating properties. Said membrane has a carbon content representing 0.05% to 25% by weight with respect to the mass of said inorganic phase and is selective to non-condensable gases. It is obtained by means of a selectivation treatment of a porous carbon-free inorganic membrane using a hydrocarbon feed. It is used in processes for separating non-condensable molecules such as hydrogen, and in association with a catalyst in a catalytic membrane reactor.

Abstract: A process for preparing a gas permeable flexible graphite sheet is presented. The process includes providing graphite flakes; admixing the graphite flakes with a sacrificial additive to form a graphite mixture; compressing the graphite mixture into a sheet having sacrificial additive dispersed therethrough; and treating the sheet to at least partially remove the sacrificial additive to form a permeable flexible graphite sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of gelation moulds made from hydrophobicized glass tubes for the production of monolithic mouldings as sorbents for chromatography.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of plasterboards exhibiting a core density of less than 0.77 comprising the stages of the formation of a foam from water and a surfactant composed of at least one alkyl sulphate of formula H(CH2)nOSO3?M+, in which n is a number between 6 and 16, M is a monovalent cation and the mean number of carbon atoms nm is from 9 to 10, and the introduction of the foam obtained into a plaster slurry, characterized in that the amount of surfactant introduced does not exceed 0.32 g/l of plaster slurry. Application to the manufacture of lightened plasterboards.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the intrusions or migrations of photolithography materials by introducing a sol-gel layer onto a porous thin film prior to applying the photolithography/photoresist material layer. Curing the sol-gel layer results in the sol-gel layer merging or unifying with the underlying porous thin film layer so that the combined sol-gel/thin layer exhibits substantially the same properties as the untreated porous thin film layer before the sol-gel was applied. As a result, a greater etching accuracy is achieved.

Abstract: A homogeneous bulky porous ceramic material is provided, the average pore diameter D50 of which is less than 4 ?m and the closed porosity of which is less than 2 ?m, and having a bubble point that matches the pore diameter measured on the material. A hollow fiber based on the material and a module employing such fibers together with a paste constituting a precursor for the material and including a pore-forming agent are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a prosthetic bone implant made of a hardened calcium phosphate cement having an apatitic phase as a major phase, which includes a dense cortical portion bearing the majority of load and a porous cancellous portion allowing a rapid blood/body fluid penetration and tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: A method of producing metal oxide nanoparticles in an exfoliated silicate framework by forming an aqueous exfoliated silicate suspension by mixing a layered clay into water until clear. To which is added an acidic hydrated metal species precursor solution, formed by dissolving one or more transitional metal salts, and a non-ionic surfactant. This solution is then aged to precipitate a product precursor before the product precursor is separated and washed. The product precursor is calcined to form metal oxide nanoparticles in an exfoliated silicate framework.