Abstract: A process for producing a honeycomb structure, which comprises adding water to a mixed raw material of a raw material powder and a binder, kneading the mixture to obtain a plastic mixture, molding the plastic mixture into a honeycomb shape to obtain a green honeycomb structure, drying the structure by a step including hot-air drying, and firing the resulting dried honeycomb structure, wherein the binder contains hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose as a major component. The process can produce a crack-free high-quality honeycomb structure rapidly at a low cost.

Abstract: A SiAlON-based ceramic particularly suited for use as a cutting tool in the high speed chip forming machining of metals composed of a SiAlON matrix including a) a phase of alpha′ SiAlON represented by the general formula of Mx (Si,Al)12(O,N)16, wherein 0<x<2 and M is at least two cationic elements, a first cationic element being 0.2 to 4 weight percent Mg and optionally between 0.5 and 15 weight percent of one or more of Ca, Sr, and Ba calculated as oxide, based on the SiAlON matrix, and a second cationic element being one or more of Y, Sc, La and the rare earth (RE) elements; b) a phase consisting of beta′ SiAlON represented by the general formula Si6−zAl2OzN8−z wherein 0<z<4.2; and c) a component containing glass, and at least one additional intergranular crystal phase that is detectable using X-ray diffraction techniques is provided.

Abstract: A method of fabricating nanostructures containing isotropically distributed, interconnected pores having cross-sectional diameters in the nanometer and Angstrom range by integrating the steps of attriting precursor nanometer-sized particulate materials, desorbing the exposed surfaces of the attrited nanoparticulates, adsorbing a surfactant on 25-50% of the desorbed surfaces and dispersing the surfactant-coated nanoparticulates in an organic matrix to form a homogeneous thermoplastic compound from which green nanostructures are formed, dewaxed and sintered to the desired degree of microporosity.

Abstract: The method for heating a plurality of ceramic bodies, includes: a) providing ceramic-forming raw materials and blending the raw materials with an effective amount of vehicle and forming aids to form a plastic mixture therefrom and thereafter forming the plastic raw material mixture into a plurality of green bodies; b) placing each one of the plurality of green bodies in proximity to an adjacent one of the plurality of green bodies such that upon heating with electromagnetic waves each green body is subject to no more than about 1.5 times the power density at the boundary than in the bulk thereof; and c) drying the green bodies utilizing energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. When the ceramic is a honeycomb cellular cordierite body, the method further includes heating the green bodies up to a maximum temperature of between about 1360° C. and about 1435° C.

Abstract: A series of paraffin compounds, the phase change materials (PCMs), were microencapsulated in an interfacial polymerization process to form the double-shell microcapsules with relatively low shell permeability. The inner shell is formed through the reaction between polypropylene glycols and bifunctional polyisocyanates and the outer through the reaction between bifunctional polyisocyanates and polyamines added in the continuous aqueous phase. The so prepared microencapsulated paraffin compounds emulsion can be used as the medium for temperature management in many fields.

Abstract: A method of making a ceramic composite wherein a polymeric ceramic precursor or fiber reinforcement infiltrated with a polymeric ceramic precursor is associated with at least one metallic element to form a preceramic composite and the said composite is pyrolyzed by high frequency microwave radiation, preferably in the form of a beam, until the polymeric ceramic precursor is converted into a ceramic having the at least one metallic element integrally formed as part of said ceramic.

Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to a process for forming a multilayer electrical device. The process includes providing a multilayer structure including layers of a dielectric material and an electrode material. The electrode material may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of nickel and copper. A variety of dielectric materials may be used, such as barium titanate. The method also includes sintering the dielectric material by heating the structure using microwaves in an industrial nitrogen atmosphere, which contains an oxygen partial pressure of 10−2 to 10−12 atm.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for vitrifying nuclear waste comprises a tunable microwave cavity connected by a first wave guide to a source of microwave energy; cooling coils for cooling the exterior of the cavity; a hopper for loading particulate fusible material to the interior of the cavity; within the cavity a crucible made of melted and re-solidified fusible particulate material; an exit-chamber connected by a second waveguide to a second microwave source; and a pipe for supplying argon gas to the exit chamber so that a plasma torch can be generated. The separating of the crucible form the cavity walls by unmelted material gives significant advantages in case of cleaning and reduced energy consumption.

Abstract: The present invention manufactures a ceramic honeycomb structure, and includes an extrusion process for forming the honeycomb form, a cutting process for cutting the honeycomb form into predetermined lengths, a drying process for drying the honeycomb form, and a firing process for firing the honeycomb form, a heating step with a honeycomb form arranged with its axis inclined away from the vertical and a rotating step for changing the arrangement of the honeycomb form by rotating it being alternated in the drying process.

Abstract: A ceramic article is fired using a combination of microwave energy and conventional heating energy according to a microwave power-time heating schedule comprising a series of separate firing segments at predetermined microwave power settings, the core and surface temperatures of the article being monitored during firing to determine the core-surface temperature differential, that differential being controlled and limited to prevent cracking of the ceramic article by adjusting the level of applied conventional heat energy during firing.

Abstract: A method of thermally treating a glass or glass-like material, preferably a glass sheet, without the use of conventional tunnel-type furnaces, to effect rapid heating of glass and glass-like materials from any initial temperature to any required temperature so that the glass sheet can be processed by shaping, bending, tempering, annealing, coating and floating of the glass sheet without cracking of the glass sheet is described. In the inventive method a microwave radiation with appropriate uniformity, frequency and power density is chosen so as to accomplish glass heating from any initial temperature to any required (e.g., softened) temperature in a selected short time while ensuring that the temperature distribution on the external surfaces and in the interior of the glass sheet that arises from microwave exposure is uniform enough to prevent the exposed glass sheet's internal thermal stress from exceeding its modulus of rupture, thereby avoiding glass breakage.

Abstract: A method of heating an article with microwave energy is described in which a thin layer of highly microwave absorbent powdered material is provided around at least a portion of a container made of microwave transparent material. The article to be heated is placed at a position within the container where the article is adjacent the thin layer of highly microwave absorbent powdered material, and microwave energy is applied to the container.

Abstract: A method of firing ceramic bodies and includes placing the ceramic material in a heating apparatus and subjecting the ceramic material to an amount of heat energy that results in the ceramic article exhibiting a ceramic body core temperature, Tc, a ceramic body surface temperature Ts, and surface-core temperature differential that is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum temperature differential setpoint.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method to fabricate nanostructures containing isotropically distributed, interconnected pores having cross-sectional diameters in the nanometer and Angstrom range by integrating the steps of attriting precursor nanometer-sized particulate materials, desorbing the exposed surfaces of the attrited nanoparticulates, adsorbing a surfactant on 25-50% of the desorbed surfaces and dispersing the surfactant-coated nanoparticulates in an organic matrix to form a homogeneous thermoplastic compound from which green nanostructures are formed, dewaxed and sintered to the desired degree of microporosity.

Abstract: A method of fabricating at least a honeycomb body and a drying system are disclosed. A honeycomb mold having a cell wall thickness of not larger than 0.125 mm can be dried without developing any cracking or wrinkles in the outer peripheral skin portion. In a method of fabricating a honeycomb mold (1) of ceramics having a multiplicity of cells (10) defined by the cell walls (11) having a thickness of not more than 0.125 mm arranged in the shape of honeycomb, each extrusion-molded argillaceous honeycomb body (1) is dried by being exposed to a high-humidity ambience of 70% or more while at the same time being irradiated with microwaves in the frequency range of 1,000 to 10,000 MHz.

Abstract: A method of fabricating at least a honeycomb body and a drying system are disclosed, in which a plurality of honeycomb bodies each having a multiplicity of cells arranged in the shape of a honeycomb and having a wall thickness of 0.125 mm or less can be dried without developing any cracking, wrinkling, etc. in the outer peripheral skin portion of the mold. A plurality of extrusion-molded argillaceous honeycomb bodies are dried in such a manner that each honeycomb body is placed on a corresponding conveyance tray of porous ceramics having a dielectric loss of 0.1 or less, a porosity of 10% or more and a sectional open area ratio of 50% or more is exposed to a high-humidity ambience of 70% or higher in humidity while at the same time being irradiated with. microwaves of 1,000 to 10,000 MHz.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit is provided with a plurality of spacers/pillars between opposing substrates. The spacers/pillars function (i) to support and space the substrates from one another, and (ii) as a getter to adsorb gas(es) located within the low pressure space between the substrates. Such spacers/pillars may be formed of one-piece getter inclusive material, or may be multi-piece including a getter coating.

Abstract: The method for heating a plurality of ceramic bodies, includes:

Abstract: A method of thermally treating a glass or glass-like material, preferably a glass sheet, without the use of conventional tunnel-type furnaces, to effect rapid heating of glass and glass-like materials from any initial temperature to any required temperature so that the glass sheet can be processed by shaping, bending, tempering, annealing, coating and floating of the glass sheet without cracking of the glass sheet is described. In the inventive method a microwave radiation with appropriate uniformity, frequency and power density is chosen so as to accomplish glass heating from any initial temperature to any required (e.g., softened) temperature in a selected short time while ensuring that the temperature distribution on the external surfaces and in the interior of the glass sheet that arises from microwave exposure is uniform enough to prevent the exposed glass sheet's internal thermal stress from exceeding its modulus of rupture, thereby avoiding glass breakage.

Abstract: Varistors are produced by pressing ceramic ZnO powder to provide discs, sintering the discs with microwave radiation, and firing outer electrodes with microwave radiation. The sintering has a maximum plateau temperature of 1000° C. to 1300° C. and the duration for ramping to this temperature and maintenance at this temperature is 120 to 180 minutes. These parameters also apply for multi-layer varistors with inner electrodes. The outer electrodes are fired at a maximum plateau temperature of 550° C. to 820° C. for a total duration of 40 to 45 minutes.

Abstract: An alkali metal-containing niobate-based piezoelectric material composition comprises a solid solution represented by a composition formula (ANbO3) (A: alkali metal), and at least one additive selected from Cu, Li and Ta.

Abstract: The present light-weight material contains expanded perlite, alkali silicates and optionally added hardeners for aqueous alkali silicates, wherein said expanded perlite has a grain of from 0.8 to 6 mm, a hydrophobizing agent is present, the bulk densities are in the range of from 60 to 500 kg/m3.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for the synthesis of various solids such as diamonds, diamonds films, boron nitride and other similar materials. This invention specifically relates to utilizing novel sources of reaction species (e.g., in the case of diamond formation, novel sources of carbon and/or hydrogen and/or seeds) for the manufacture of various materials and the use of such materials for various commercial purposes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a method of firing ceramic bodies and comprises placing the ceramic material in a heating apparatus and subjecting the ceramic material to an amount of heat energy that results in the ceramic article exhibiting a ceramic body core temperature, TC, a ceramic body surface temperature TS, and surface-core temperature differential that is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum temperature differential setpoint.

Abstract: A method of consolidating metal powder to form an object, includes: a) pressing the powder into a preform, and preheating the preform to elevated temperature, b) providing flowable pressure transmitting particles and transmitting microwaves into the particles to heat same, and providing a bed of the flowable and heated pressure transmitting particles, c) positioning the preform in such relation to the bed that the particles substantially encompass the preform, d) and pressurizing the bed to compress said particles and cause pressure transmission to the preform, thereby to consolidate the preform into a desired object shape.

Abstract: A method of firing ceramic materials involving placing the ceramic material in a microwave heating apparatus having a microwave cavity and subjecting the ceramic material to combination of microwave radiation and conventional heat energy according to predetermined time-temperature profile. The time-temperature profile, ranging from room temperature the sintering soak temperature, comprises a series of target heating rate temperature setpoints and a series of corresponding core and surface temperature setpoints with each of the core and surface temperature setpoints being offset from the target heating rate setpoints a predetermined offset temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the method involves continuously measuring the ceramic body core temperature, Tc, and the surface temperature Ts and independently controlling the microwave power and the conventional heat in response to the core temperature value and the surface temperature value, respectively.

Abstract: With a device for heating parts 8 made of a microwave absorbing plastic and having a microwave generator 1 that generates microwaves of a certain wavelength, an antenna 4 to which the microwaves are conducted, having at least one free end 5 and a device 6 which surrounds the antenna 4, it is proposed that the device for shielding 6 be designed with a tubular shape, so that the device 6 has an inside diameter smaller than half the wavelength, projects beyond the free end 5 of the antenna and has an opening 7 in its end face. With this device it is possible to achieve a spatially limited and nevertheless homogeneous heating of parts 8. Furthermore a method of heating or welding, shaping or crosslinking parts made of a microwave absorbing plastic using this device is also proposed.

Abstract: A multi-layered heat distributor system is provided for use in a microwave process. The multi-layered heat distributors includes a first inner layer of a high thermal conductivity heat distributor material, a middle insulating layer and an optional third insulating outer layer. The multi-layered heat distributor system is placed around the ceramic composition or article to be processed and located in a microwave heating system. Sufficient microwave energy is applied to provide a high density, unflawed ceramic product.

Abstract: A cermet or hard metal body is formed from elemental metal, carbon and a nitrogen source such as a metal nitride or an organic nitrogen source by microwave sintering such that chemical reaction occurs with the formation of carbides and/or carbonitrides. The elemental metal, carbon and nitrogen source are mixed together and prepressed to form the green body which is subjected to the microwave radiation in reaction sintering.

Abstract: A preparation method for biodegradable polymeric microspheres using a solvent extraction method for biodegradable polymeric microspheres for treating a local inflammation disease using the same which are capable of effectively curing ozena such as sinusitis and a middle ear infection. Since a non-solvent of polymer is added into an outer aqueous phase in advance, the solidification of the polymer is implemented in a short time which, in turn, improves encapsulation of the therapeutic agent used.

Abstract: The invention relates to small sized particles.These particles comprise at least on the surface thereof a wall composed of a mixture of at least one protein and at least one polysaccharide which are cross-linked, preferably by interfacial cross-linking with a polyfunctional acylating agent which forms at least amide and ester bonds, and optionally anhydride bonds with amine, hydroxyl or carboxyl functions of the protein and of the polysaccharide, and which comprise hydroxamic groups on the surface thereof for chelating metal ions.These particles can be used in cosmetics or in pharmacy notably for the chelation or release of metal ions.

Abstract: High concentration drag reducing agents may be prepared by microencapsulating polymer drag reducing agent. The microencapsulation may be performed prior to, during, or after the polymerization of monomer into effective drag reducing polymer. If encapsulation is done before or during polymerization, a catalyst may be present, but little or no solvent is required. The result is very small scale bulk polymerization within the microcapsule. The inert capsule or shell may be removed before, during or after introduction of the microencapsulated drag reducer into a flowing liquid. No injection probes or other special equipment is expected to be required to introduce the drag reducing slurry into the liquid stream, nor is grinding (cryogenic otherwise) of the polymer necessary to form a suitable drag reducing agent.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming spherical multilamellar microcapsules having alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic liquid layers, surrounded by flexible, semi-permeable hydrophobic or hydrophilic outer membranes which can be tailored specifically to control the diffusion rate. The methods of the invention rely on low shear mixing and liquid-liquid diffusion process and are particularly well suited for forming microcapsules containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. These methods can be carried out in the absence of gravity and do not rely on density-driven phase separation, mechanical mixing or solvent evaporation phases. The methods include the process of forming, washing and filtering microcapsules. In addition, the methods contemplate coating microcapsules with ancillary coatings using an electrostatic field and free fluid electrophoresis of the microcapsules. The microcapsules produced by such methods are particularly useful in the delivery of pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are microcapsules comprising a polymer shell enclosing two or more immiscible liquid phases in which a drug, or a prodrug and a drug activator are partitioned into separate phases, or prevented from diffusing out of the microcapsule by a liquid phase in which the drug is poorly soluble. Also disclosed are methods of using the microcapsules for in situ activation of drugs, where upon exposure to an appropriate energy source the internal phases mix and the drug is activated in situ.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition containing a sized liposome comprising a lipid and an inducer; the sized liposome has a diameter of at most about 1 micron and the inducer is present in an amount effective to induce interdigitation-fusion of the sized liposome. Also provided herein are interdigitation-fusion liposomes and gels, and methods of making the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implantable, slow-release, self-absorbing, biologically compatible drug delivery system such as slow-release pharmaceutical compositions, including for example, slow-release, allergy desensitization compositions containing one or more allergens in combination with a biologically-compatible, self-absorbing matrix. The present system is useful for treating disorders including, for example, infections, deficiencies or allergies. The present invention is also directed to methods of treating a patient suffering from a disorder, as well as methods for desensitizing a patient to one or more allergens. The present invention also relates to a device for implanting the present composition in a patient.

Abstract: A process and installation are provided for making an extruded sintered ceramic product. The method involves extruding a moist profile and simultaneously drying it with microwave radiation as it is extruded. As the profile is extruded and dried, it is supported at a position where it has been at least partially dried. The installation comprises extrusion means for extruding a moist profile, support means for supporting the extruded profile at an at least partially dried part thereof, and a microwave radiation source for directing microwaves at the profile.

Abstract: A process for joining ceramic parts comprises autoclaving a powdered ceramic composition to increase its hydrogen form contents to a concentration that serves to increase the composition's absorption of microwave energy during subsequent heating of the ceramic parts; coating the autoclaved ceramic composition on the surfaces of the parts to be joined together; and placing the coated surfaces of the parts to be joined together and focusing microwave energy at the joint between the parts in order to seal the joint by refiring and rereacting the parts, the microwave energy being of sufficient power and being uniformly applied to the joint for a sufficient period of time to seal the joint.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating an amphiphilic flavor or fragrance compound into a microcapsule having a hydrogel shell and an oil core. The flavor or fragrance compound is transported into and solubilized in the core by partition coefficient equilibrium using water in the capsule wall to transport the compound into the core. Microcapsules made by the method of the invention may have a wall thickness and contain a high concentration of the flavor or fragrance compound that has not previously been feasible.

Abstract: Oxalate-degrading enzymes and bacteria were encapsulated for both enteric and intraperitoneal administration. We have shown that via alginate microencapsulation of Oxalobacter formigenes, enzymatic activity was retained for several months. A new process was developed which strengthened the aliginate microcapsules and their tolerance to citrate treatment. Much smaller (30-50 .mu.m) aliginate microcapsules were made for injection as means of impantation. For oral administration, multi-encapsulated microspheres of cellulose acetate phthalate in poly-2-vinylpyridine (pKa=3.5) were prepared to protect the enzymes from gastric juices.

Abstract: A membrane structure employing a structure in which a lipid membrane is held by a hydrophilic polymer. The hydrophilic polymer layer contains an aqueous phase. There are functional molecules distributed selectively throughout each layer. The membrane structure is adaptable to applications as a separating agent, filler or delivery agent by performing physical and chemical operations.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to novel encapsulation compositions and methods. In particular, the invention relates to stabilized microcapsule compositions which comprise a layer of a crosslinked, mixed functionality, polymer matrix, and methods for their preparation. The encapsulated compositions may comprise the crosslinked polymer matrix layer as an inner layer, an outer layer, or an intermediate layer of an overall encapsulated composition. The compositions will generally also comprise a biological material, e.g., cells, proteins, and the like, encapsulated within the composition. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful in a variety of applications, including cell culturing and transplant therapy.

Abstract: A continuous automated process is provided for manufacturing a phosphor product having controlled particle size characteristics and enhanced luminescent performance characteristics for use in a luminescent display. A precursor host lattice solution, a precursor dopant solution and reagent solution are initially selected as the starting materials for the phosphor product and are mixed together to produce a liquid starting material mixture. The mixture is conveyed to a microwave reactor and heated therein in a first heating stage by subjecting the mixture to microwaves at a predetermined frequency for a time sufficient to convert the starting material mixture to a precursor complex. The precursor complex is conveyed to a fluidized bed reactor and heated therein in a second heating stage by a hot fluidizing gas for a time and at a temperature sufficient to convert the precursor complex to the phosphor product in particulate form.

Abstract: A biphasic multilamellar lipid vesicle comprising a plurality of spaced apart lipid bilayers that include a liposome-forming component and optionally a biologically active agent entrapped within the lipid bilayers. The lipid vesicle also comprises peripheral aqueous solution compartments formed between the lipid bilayers and a central lipophilic core compartment substantially at the center of the multilamellar lipid vesicle.

Abstract: A process for producing open-celled, inorganic sintered foam products which comprises:a. converting slip material comprising sinterable inorganic powder, a fluid, vaporizable material which makes this slip material capable of flow and, if desired, a material forming blowing gas into a foamed product in a foaming step with liberation of the blowing gas,b. subjecting this foamed product to a treatment which essentially makes the slip material incapable of flow and forms an open-pored intermediate body, with the steps a. and b. being able to proceed essentially simultaneously,c. removing material remaining from the fluid material and any further material from the intermediate body to form a green foam body, andd. sintering the green foam body to form the open-celled, inorganic sintered foam product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making insoluble gas-filled, pressure-resistant microspheres containing a liquid or solid hydrophobic barrier within the microsphere shell, and products of this process. This barrier serves to decrease the rate of gas exchange between the microsphere and the aqueous environment surrounding the microsphere and thus enhances resistance to pressure due to gas exchange.

Abstract: Multiple micro-encapsulations of a high concentration oleophilic substance using heat to set the primary particle renders the composition suitable for the production of free-flowing powders or beadlets. Microencapsulation involves forming an emulsion out of the oleophilic substance and a polymer, and then use heat setting and/or cross-linking the polymer encapsulates the oleophilic composition. This process is then repeated with a second polymer or third polymer, and with or without cross-linked via the same or different mechanism to further protect the oleophilic substance.

Abstract: Microencapsulated compositions, useful, for example, as pesticidal formulations, were prepared a process in which the microcapsules containing the encapsulated material are formed in an interfacial polycondensation reaction carried out in the presence of one polyvinylalcohol, a different polyvinylalcohol is added, and the resulting mixture is spray dried.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to novel encapsulation compositions and methods. In particular, the invention relates to stabilized microcapsule compositions which comprise a layer of a crosslinked, mixed functionality, polymer matrix, and methods for their preparation. The encapsulated compositions may comprise the crosslinked polymer matrix layer as an inner layer, an outer layer, or an intermediate layer of an overall encapsulated composition. The compositions will generally also comprise a biological material, e.g., cells, proteins, and the like, encapsulated within the composition. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful in a variety of applications, including cell culturing and transplant therapy.

Abstract: A method for curing an optically sensitive material or for fabricating an optical filter is described which comprises the steps of disposing a thin film of optically sensitive material within a plane optical cavity capable of resonating at selected optical frequencies having boundary reflectivities greater than 50 percent at some wavelength, polarization and angle of incidence and being capable of resonating at selected optical frequencies and exposing cavity and material to sensitizing light, such as a laser, of preselected wavelength or wavelengths suitable for initiating cure within the material and optionally for establishing one or more specified sets of resonant standing wave patterns within the material when the cavity is oriented at a suitable angle to the incident light.