Abstract: A silica structure includes mesoporous silica spheres; and connection portions each of which includes metal oxide, and each of which connects the mesoporous silica spheres to each other.

Abstract: A porous carbonaceous composite material, a positive electrode and lithium air battery including the porous carbonaceous composite material, and a method of preparing the porous carbonaceous composite material. The porous carbonaceous composite material includes a carbon nanotube (CNT); and a modified carbonaceous material doped with a heterogeneous element, wherein the ratio of the number of surface oxygen atoms to the number of surface carbon atoms ranges upward from about 2 atom %.

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 ceramic matrix contains a plurality of ceramic particles adhered to each other, and a plurality of channels defined by surfaces of neighbouring ceramic particles, the channels each having an average diameter of 0.5-2.5 ?m. Preferred ceramics also have a porosity of 25.0-40.0%, a Darcy's Permeability of 1.57-34.8×10?14 m2, and a mechanical strength of 25-64 MPa. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such a porous ceramic matrix, comprising providing a pellet containing ceramic particles that are coated with a monomer, a catalyst, and a binder; polymerising the monomer in the solid state by heating, then carbonizing and sintering the pellet.

Abstract: Composite materials and methods for making composites are provided. The method includes providing a nano-particulate-depletable material that includes a plurality of nano-particulates on or within a depletable material; positioning the nano-particulate-depletable material on or within a structural material; and depleting the depletable material such that the nano-particulates are selectively placed on or within the structural material. Depletion may include infusion of a resin into the structural material. The depletable material may be a polymeric foam, and the nano-particulates may be carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The production method of the present invention is a method for producing porous aluminum magnesium titanate by forming a mixture containing Al source powder, Mg source powder, Ti source powder and Si source powder as well as a pore-forming agent to obtain a molded body; presintering the obtained molded body; and then sintering the presintered molded body, wherein the content of the pore-forming agent to a total of 100 parts by mass for the Al source powder, Mg source powder, Ti source powder and Si source powder is 5 to 30 parts by mass, the melting point of the Si source powder is 600 to 1300° C., when the elemental composition ratio of Al, Mg, Ti and Si in the mixture is represented by compositional formula (1): Al2(1?x)MgxTi(1+x)O5+aAl2O3+bSiO2 ??(1), x satisfies 0.05?x?0.15, a satisfies 0?a?0.1 and b satisfies 0.05?b?0.15, and the presintered molded body is sintered at 1300 to 1560° C.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of making ceramic bodies using catalyzed pore formers and compositions for making the same.

Abstract: A biomaterial comprising a ceramic material, the ceramic material having a plurality of connecting micropores of an average diameter of between 1 ?m and 10 ?m, substantially evenly distributed through the biomaterial. The ceramic particles are preferably partially fused to one or more adjacent ceramic particles to form a lattice defining micropores. Each particle preferably has an average diameter of 1 ?m and 10 ?m and may comprise a plurality of elongated macropores having an average diameter of between 150 ?m and 500 ?m. Further, the material may additionally contain midi-pores which are substantially spherical and have an average diameter of 5 ?m and 150 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for producing a ceramic porous body with high porosity and continuous macropores, which comprises mixing a ceramic powder with an aqueous solution of a gelable water-soluble polymer to form a slurry, gelling for a while to fix the tissue structure, freezing it to produce ice crystals in the gel tissue and creating structures that become continuous pores, thawing the ice by controlled atmospheric substitution-type drying method with the resulting water being replaced without damaging the gel, and then sintering it to produce a ceramic porous body having various porosities, pore diameters and pore shapes, while conventionally cracks and contraction were likely to occur during drying when the solids concentration of the slurry is less than 20 vol %, with the method of the present invention it is possible to control these problems even at a solids concentration of 10 vol % or less, manufacture and provide a ceramic porous body with a porosity of 72% to 99% and a compression stren

Abstract: A method for making a porous material, includes melt-blending two or more non-miscible polymers to obtain a co-continuous melt, solidifying the melt to obtain a solid mass consisting of two co-continuous polymer phases, and selectively extracting one of the co-continuous phases thereby creating within the solid mass an essentially continuous pore network having an internal surface. The method further includes replicating the internal surface of the pore network within the solid mass by coating the internal surface with successive layers of materials, and selectively extracting the solid mass without extracting the layers of materials, to thereby yield the product porous material, formed of the layers of materials. The material has a void fraction higher than about 75%, and mainly having essentially fully interconnected sheath-like non-spherical pores and essentially non-fibrous walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous planting medium containing minerals and a method for preparing the same, and more particularly, to a porous planting medium prepared by using bentonite and/or zeolite and minerals for promoting plant growth as raw materials and a method for preparing the same. The porous planting medium containing minerals according to the present invention can provide places where plants can grow due to the pores therein and create the ideal environment for plant growth due to minerals used therein. Also, since it is installed in a building with plant seeds germinated therein, it can provide effects of interior decoration, wood bathing due to anion generation and a pleasant interior environment.

Abstract: A ceramic electronic component includes a ceramic sintered body and an electrode provided on a surface of the ceramic sintered body. The electrode contains Ag. The ceramic sintered body contain glass material made of borosilicate glass. The glass material has closed pores and open pores therein. The closed pores and the open pores have diameters decreasing as being located away from the surface of the ceramic sintered body. This ceramic electronic component can prevent delamination of the electrode from the ceramic sintered body during a process of firing a green sheet.

Abstract: A porous material including a clay substrate modified by a pore-generating agent and at least one oxide of a metal selected from the first transition series, and a method for obtaining the material and use of the material for desulphurizing gaseous streams, especially for the elimination of H2S.

Abstract: A hydroxyapatite ceramic hybrid material, which includes a biodegradable polymer included in the pores in a hydroxyapatite ceramic structure, and a method thereof, and a calcium phosphate porous body, which is formed by an intertwining of fibrous calcium phosphates and includes a plurality of first pores formed where the fibrous calcium phosphates interconnect and plurality of equal diameter substantially spherical second pores with a larger inside diameter than the first pores, and a method thereof are provided.

Abstract: A porous, carbonaceous body for use in respiratory protection is produced by making a slurry of carbonaceous powder such as carbon black, a polymeric binder such as polyvinyl alcohol and a solvent, drying and grinding the slurry to yield a ground powder, compacting the powder and heat treating the resulting green body. Alternatively, the slurry is only partially dried to produce a paste, which is compacted and then heat treated. A reactive monomer (plasticizer of cross-linking agent) can be added to the polymeric binder.

Abstract: This invention provides a nano composite porous electrode material that has high charge-discharge behavior and charge or discharge capacity and a manufacturing method thereof. It also provides a lithium-ion secondary battery using this nano composite porous electrode material. The nano composite porous electrode material according to this invention has a porous structure such that nano-size pores are three-dimensionally connected with each other wherein walls of the pores thereof are composed of olivine type LiMnPO4 and carbon, a specific surface area Sa is 55 m2g?1<Sa<248 m2g?1, an amount of contained carbon Cc is 15.5 wt %<Cc<28 w t% and a diameter of crystallite is less than 39 nm. This enables a high charge-discharge capacity and a fast charge or discharge behavior to be obtained.

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: The disclosure pertains to foam of polymers, which can be made by a method for making a polymer foam comprising vacuum or gas-filled compartments by making a solution of 1 to 20% by weight of a polymer in a solvent; adding particles to the a polymer solution; solidifying the polymer wherein the particles are contained by heating, cooling, ageing, or coagulating to obtain a polymer foam or matrix comprising the particles, and obtaining from the polymer matrix the polymer foam containing the compartments; and optionally washing, drying, and/or heating the polymer foam.

Abstract: An infiltrated carbon foam composite and method for making the composite is described. The infiltrated carbon foam composite may include a carbonized carbon aerogel in cells of a carbon foam body and a resin is infiltrated into the carbon foam body filling the cells of the carbon foam body and spaces around the carbonized carbon aerogel. The infiltrated carbon foam composites may be useful for mid-density ablative thermal protection systems.

Abstract: A porous carbon that retains a three-dimensional network structure and enables the pore diameters of mesopores and micropores to be controlled easily is provided. A method of manufacturing the porous carbon is also provided. The porous carbon is fabricated by mixing a polyamic acid resin 1 as a carbon precursor with magnesium oxide 2 as template particles, heat-treating the mixture in a nitrogen atmosphere at 1000° C. for 1 hour to cause the polyamic acid resin to undergo heat decomposition, and washing the resultant sample with a sulfuric acid solution at a concentration of 1 mol/L to dissolve MgO away.

Abstract: Processes for manufacturing porous ceramic honeycomb articles are disclosed. The processes include mixing a batch of inorganic components with processing aids to form a plasticized batch. The batch of inorganic components include talc having dpt50?10 ?m, a silica-forming source having dps50?20 ?m, an alumina-forming source having a median particle diameter dpa50 of less than or equal to 10.0 ?m, and a pore former having dpp50?20 ?m. The plasticized batch is formed into a green honeycomb article and fired under conditions effective to form a porous ceramic honeycomb article comprising a cordierite crystal phase and having a microcrack parameter (Nb3) of from about 0.05 to about 0.25. After firing, the green honeycomb article the porous ceramic honeycomb article is exposed to a microcracking condition, which increases the microcrack parameter (Nb3) by at least 20%.

Abstract: A highly porous substrate is provided using an extrusion system. More particularly, the present invention enables the production of a highly porous substrate. Depending on the particular mixture, the present invention enables substrate porosities of about 60% to about 90%, and enables advantages at other porosities, as well. The extrusion system enables the use of a wide variety of fibers and additives, and is adaptable to a wide variety of operating environments and applications. Fibers, which have an aspect ratio greater than 1, are selected according to substrate requirements, and are typically mixed with binders, pore-formers, extrusion aids, and fluid to form a homogeneous extrudable mass. The homogeneous mass is extruded into a green substrate. The more volatile material is preferentially removed from the green substrate, which allows the fibers to form interconnected networks.

Abstract: A defect-free vitreous carbon material having a three-dimensional (x,y,z) size in which each of the x, y and z dimensions exceeds twelve millimeters. A process of making such vitreous carbon material employs a three-dimensional fiber mesh that vaporizes at elevated temperature, in which the mesh is impregnated with a polymerizable resin and thereafter the resin is cured. During the initial stage(s) of pyrolysis, the mesh volatilizes to yield a residual network of passages in the cured resin body that thereafter allows gases to escape during pyrolysis of the cured resin material to form the vitreous carbon product. As a result, it is possible to form defect-free vitreous carbon material of large size, suitable for use in structural composites, and product articles such as sealing members, brake linings, electric motor brushes, and bearing members.

Abstract: Process for preparing a two layer metal palladium or palladium alloy composite membrane consisting of a porous substrate support and a palladium or palladium alloy membrane by rinsing/washing and drying the porous substrate support, treating the porous substrate support with a pore filler in order to decorate the pores of the support and the disfigurements of the substrate surface, sensitizing and activating with a palladium solution the decorated substrate support, and plating the resulting support with a palladium solution to form the two layer composite membrane, drying. The resulting composite membrane is subjected to a post-processing where the pore fillers residing in the pore-channels of the porous substrate are partly removed or reduced in volume through heating.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fibrous material includes mixing at least two cordierite precursor materials to form a mixture. One or more of the at least two cordierite precursor materials is in a form of a fiber and the mixture includes about 43% to about 51% by weight SiO2, about 36% to about 41% by weight Al2O3, and about 12% to about 16% by weight MgO. The method also includes extruding the mixture to create a fibrous body, and heat treating the fibrous body, at a temperature of about 1200° C. to about 1420° C., to form the fibrous material including about 50% to about 95% by weight cordierite. A fibrous body includes an extruded substrate having a plurality of fibers including about 50% to about 95% by weight cordierite. The extruded substrate has a coefficient of thermal expansion in at least one direction of less than about 3.8·10?6 per ° C.

Abstract: Porous ceramic and hybrid ceramic films are useful as low dielectric constant interlayers in semiconductor interconnects. (Hybrid ceramic films are defined as films that contain organic and ceramic molecular components in the structure, as, for example, organosilicates). This invention describes the usefulness of humidity treatments (using specific temperature/humidity treatments as illustrative examples) in increasing mechanical integrity of porous dielectric films with minimal detrimental effect on film porosity or dielectric constant and with no adverse impact on film quality. The efficacy of such treatments is illustrated using surfactant-templated mesoporous silicate films as an example. This invention also describes a specific family of additives to be used with highly pure alkali-metal-free ceramic and hybrid precursors for such dielectric films that will enable better control of the film porosity and quality and lower dielectric constants with the required mechanical integrity.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ceramic diesel particle filter (DPF) and a DPF manufactured by the method, the DPF having a ceramic filter body (1) including gas channels (18, 18?) with planar and porous filter segments (3), which are provided for the exhaust gas stream (2) to flow through them transversely to the face of the filter segments (3). The filter body (1) is formed by sintering at least one ceramic-impregnated fiber web (4) in a firing step under heat such that fibers (5) of the fiber material are burned off and the ceramic material (6) is sintered together to form the porous filter segment (3) between its two surfaces (7, 8). At least one fiber web (4) is corrugated to form the gas channels (18, 18?) and rolled up to form the filter body (1), and the cross section of at least a portion of the gas channels (18, 18?) changes from an inlet end (33) to a discharge end (34).

Abstract: A method for preparing a thin ceramic material with a continuous controlled surface porosity gradient is disclosed as well as its use for producing electrochemical cells that conduct by oxide ions. The thin ceramic material is characterized by a continuous variation in porosity from 0% to about 80% of small thicknesses.

Abstract: A hydrogen permeable membrane is disclosed. The membrane is prepared by forming a mixture of metal oxide powder and ceramic oxide powder and a pore former into an article. The article is dried at elevated temperatures and then sintered in a reducing atmosphere to provide a dense hydrogen permeable portion near the surface of the sintered mixture. The dense hydrogen permeable portion has a higher initial concentration of metal than the remainder of the sintered mixture and is present in the range of from about 20 to about 80 percent by volume of the dense hydrogen permeable portion.

Abstract: A monolithic substrate of materials containing within it multiple opened channels of one dimensional macropore have a mesoporous inner surface and a method for making the same, wherein each of the opened channels is isolated from each other. The isolated channels of the one dimensional pore are aligned with and continuously extend through the entire substrate which contains various mesopores in three dimensions. The macropore has preferred pore sizes ranging from about 0.1 micrometers to about 20 micrometers, and the mesopore has a preferred pore size which is less than 500 angstrom.

Abstract: The invention provides mesostructured materials and methods of preparing mesostructured materials including metal-rich mesostructured nanoparticle-block copolymer hybrids, porous metal-nonmetal nanocomposite mesostructures, and ordered metal mesostructures with uniform pores. The nanoparticles can be metal, metal alloy, metal mixture, intermetallic, metal-carbon, metal-ceramic, semiconductor-carbon, semiconductor-ceramic, insulator-carbon or insulator-ceramic nanoparticles, or combinations thereof. A block copolymer/ligand-stabilized nanoparticle solution is cast, resulting in the formation of a metal-rich (or semiconductor-rich or insulator-rich) mesostructured nanoparticle-block copolymer hybrid. The hybrid is heated to an elevated temperature, resulting in the formation of an ordered porous nanocomposite mesostructure. A nonmetal component (e.g., carbon or ceramic) is then removed to produce an ordered mesostructure with ordered and large uniform pores.

Abstract: Disclosed are porous ceramic honeycomb articles, such as filters, which are composed predominately of a cordierite composition. The ceramic honeycomb articles possess a porous microstructure characterized by a unique combination of relatively high porosity (>45%), and moderately narrow pore size distribution wherein greater than 15% and less than 38% of the total porosity exhibits a pore diameter less than 10 ?m, and low CTE wherein CTE?6.0×10?7/° C. (from 23° C. to 800° C.). The articles exhibit high thermal durability and high filtration efficiency coupled with low pressure drop. Such ceramic articles are particularly well suited for use in filtration applications, such as in diesel exhaust filters. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing the porous ceramic honeycomb article.

Abstract: A process for producing a microporous graphite foam including a matrix of graphite fibers joined by a graphitized graphite-forming precursor. In one embodiment, the process includes providing a plurality of graphite fibers; mixing the graphite fibers with a graphite-forming precursor; compressing the mixture; forming a precursor matrix comprising the graphite fiber and the graphite-forming precursor; first heating the matrix to a temperature at which the graphite-forming precursor is carbonized, forming a carbonized matrix; and second heating the carbonized matrix to a temperature at which the carbonized graphite-forming precursor is graphitized, forming the microporous graphite foam. The graphite foam has one or more of pore sizes less than about ten microns, low bulk density, high physical strength and good machinability, while also having the desirable characteristics of graphite, including high thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity and solderability.

Abstract: A fibrous ceramic material comprises a plurality of fibers having a modified aluminosilicate compositional structure (i.e., x(RO).y(Al2O3).z(SiO2) or w(MO).x(RO).y(Al2O3).z(SiO2)). The fibrous ceramic material is form by combining two or more x(RO).y(Al2O3).z(SiO2) or w(MO).x(RO).y(Al2O3).z(SiO2) precursors in which at least one of the two or more precursors is in fiber form. The resulting fibrous ceramic material has a low coefficient of thermal expansion (i.e., ?4.7×10-6/° C.).

Abstract: A fibrous ceramic material comprises a plurality of fibers having a RxMg2Al4+xSi5?xO18 or RxMg2?xAl4Si5O18 compositional structure. The fibrous ceramic material is form by combining two or more RxMg2Al4+xSi5?xO18 or RxMg2?xAl4Si5O18 precursors in which at least one of the two or more RxMg2Al4+xSi5?xO18 or RxMg2?xAl4Si5O18 precursors is in fiber form. The fibrous ceramic material is shaped to form a fibrous body in which at least about 20% of all fibers therein are aligned in a substantially common direction.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a porous honeycomb structure, which comprises a mixing and kneading step, a forming and then drying step, and a firing and then cooling step of firing a dried honeycomb article to form a fired honeycomb article and then cooling the fired honeycomb article to prepare a porous honeycomb structure, wherein the fired honeycomb article is cooled from the firing temperature under a cooling condition of a temperature falling speed of 100° C./hr or less at least in a temperature region of 800° C. or lower.

Abstract: Disclosed are ceramic batch compositions for forming porous ceramic articles. The ceramic forming precursor batch compositions include ceramic forming inorganic batch components and a cyclododecane pore forming agent. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing porous ceramic articles.

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 ceramic substrate is disclosed that is fabricated from biosoluble ceramic fibers. Porosity and permeability of the substrate is provided by intertangled biosoluble fibers, that can be formed into a honeycomb form substrate through an extrusion process. The fibrous structure is formed from mixing biosoluble fibers with additives that include a bonding agent, and a fluid to provide an extrudable mixture. The structure is sintered at a temperature that exceeds the glass formation temperature of the bonding agent, but less than the maximum operational limits of the biosoluble fiber, to form a structure that has sufficient strength and porosity to provide for filtration and/or as a catalytic host.

Abstract: A filter membrane includes a substrate, a polymer layer provided on the substrate and a plurality of filter openings each having a width of from about 2 nanometers to about 5 nanometers provided in the polymer layer. A method of controlling pore size of a filter membrane and a method of decontaminating a filter membrane are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a first electrode containing a first phase intermixed with a second phase and a network of interconnected pores. The first phase contains a ceramic material and the second phase contains an electrically conductive material providing an electrically contiguous path through the first electrode. The electrochemical cell further includes a second electrode containing an alkali metal. A substantially non-porous alkali-metal-ion-selective ceramic membrane, such as a dense Nasicon, Lisicon, Li ??-alumina, or Na ??-alumina membrane, is interposed between the first and second electrodes.

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: Methods of forming aluminum oxynitride (AlON) materials include sintering green bodies comprising aluminum orthophosphate or another sacrificial material therein. Such green bodies may comprise aluminum, oxygen, and nitrogen in addition to the aluminum orthophosphate. For example, the green bodies may include a mixture of aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, and aluminum orthophosphate or another sacrificial material. Additional methods of forming aluminum oxynitride (AlON) materials include sintering a green body including a sacrificial material therein, using the sacrificial material to form pores in the green body during sintering, and infiltrating the pores formed in the green body with a liquid infiltrant during sintering. Bodies are formed using such methods.

Abstract: A process for inhibiting delamination in a bend of a component formed of a continuous fiber-reinforced composite material having layers containing arrays of unidirectional fibrous elements in a matrix material. A preform of the component is formed by laying-up prepreg tapes corresponding to layers of the component. Each tape contains a matrix precursor, a binder, and an array of the fibrous elements. The tapes are laid-up so that the fibrous elements of at least a first tape traverse the bend, and the fibrous elements lie in planes that are not perpendicular to the axis of curvature of the bend. The preform then undergoes thermal processing, during which delamination of the layers in the bend is inhibited as a result of none of the fibrous elements lying in a plane perpendicular to the axis of curvature of the bend.

Abstract: A decorative tile or set of tiles is provided for use in swimming pools, bathrooms, kitchens and the like. Tiles are manufactured to have a glazed front surface of a first color, and one or more openings in said front surface in a pattern. Decorative grouts are used to fill the openings in the glazed tiles to produce the desired decorative effect. In use, the tiles are held in place by a conventional bedding grout, and finished with a finishing grout. The openings are preferably holes through the tile, having openings at front and back. In a preferred embodiment, some or all of the decorative grouting that is used to fill the openings is a phosphorescent grout that accumulates solar or other light energy, and glows in the dark.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for forming a three dimensional sintered body (100) comprising the steps of a) providing a basic mould having a configuration adapted to the sintering body that is to be produced, b) treating the surface of the basic mould to facilitate application of a first surface layer (130) of the sintered body (100), c) applying powder particles (131) onto the basic mould, to form said first surface layer (130), d) applying at least one more layer (120) on top of said first surface layer (130), e) heat treating the basic mould (400) and the particles to form a sintered body, wherein step b) is performed by providing an adhering (604) to the basic mould arranged to adhere the particles (131) of at least a portion of the surface layer (130).

Abstract: A method of firing a green structure to produce a ceramic structure may comprise heating a firing environment during a first stage of firing of a green structure over a first timed temperature cycle having an average ramp rate sufficient to substantially complete burnout of organic material prior to initiation of clay dehydration proximate a core of the ceramic structure. The method may further comprise heating the firing environment during a second stage of the firing over a second timed temperature cycle having an average ramp rate that is faster than the average ramp rate of the first timed temperature cycle.

Abstract: Provided are a silicon carbide-based porous article comprising silicon carbide particles as an aggregate, metallic silicon and an aggregate derived from organometallic compound particles to form pores through volume shrinkage due to decomposition/conversion by heat treatment; and a method for producing the silicon carbide-based porous article, comprising, adding organometallic compound particles to form pores through volume shrinkage due to decomposition/conversion by heat treatment to a raw-material mixture containing silicon carbide particles and metallic silicon, then forming into an intended shape, calcinating and/or firing the resultant green body, forming pores through volume shrinkage due to decomposition/conversion of the organometallic compound particles, and the decomposed/converted substance of the organometallic compound particles being present as an aggregate in the porous article.

Abstract: Amorphous metal oxide thin film is produced by removing through oxygen plasma treatment the organic component from an organics/metal oxide composite thin film having thoroughly dispersed therein such organic component at molecular scale. This ensures production of amorphous metal oxide thin film with low density and excellent thickness precision.

Abstract: A reinforced carbon foam material is formed from carbon fibers incorporated within a carbon foam's structure. First, carbon fiber bundles are combined with a liquid resol resin. The carbon fiber bundles separate into individual carbon fiber filaments and disperse throughout the liquid resol resin. Second, the carbon fiber resin mixture is foamed thus fixing the carbon fibers in a permanent spatial arrangement within the phenolic foam. The foam is then carbonized to create a carbon fiber reinforced foam with improved graphitic characteristics as well as increased strength. Optionally, various additives can be introduced simultaneously with the addition of the carbon fiber bundles into the liquid resol, which can improve the graphitic nature of the final carbon foam material and/or increase the foam's resistance to oxidation.