Abstract: A pellet is formed by a method includes, in one embodiment, dispersing up to about 95% by weight of thermoset rubber particles into a carrier resin to form the plastic compound. The carrier resin includes an olefin block copolymer. The method also includes the steps of extruding the plastic compound through a die having at least one die hole to form at least one extrudate filament, cutting the at least one extrudate filament to a predetermined length to form a plurality of pellets, conveying the pellets to a separator/centrifugal dryer in water having a temperature of about 170° F. or greater, and separating the pellets from the water in the separator/centrifugal dryer so that the pellets are substantially dry upon removal from the separator/centrifugal dryer. The resultant pelletized plastic compound has a flex modulus of less than about 20,000 pounds per square inch (psi).

Abstract: Use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of thermoset polymer particles is disclosed. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogeneous “nanocomposite” morphology. Nanofiller incorporation and post-polymerization heat treatment can also be combined to obtain the benefits of both methods simultaneously. The present invention relates to the development of thermoset nanocomposite particles.

Abstract: A method for fabricating porous UO2 sintered pellets to be fed into the electrolytic reduction process for the purpose of metallic nuclear fuel recovery is provided, which includes forming a powder containing U3O8 by oxidizing spent nuclear fuel containing uranium dioxide (UO2) (step 1), fabricating green pellets by compacting the powder formed in step 1 (step 2), fabricating UO2+x sintered pellets by sintering the porous U3O8 green pellets fabricated in step 2 at 1200 to 1600° C., in an atmospheric gas (step 3), and forming UO2 sintered pellets by cooling the UO2+x sintered pellets to room temperature, and reduction the same at 1000 to 1400° C., in a reducing atmosphere (step 4).

Abstract: A method for fracture stimulation of a subterranean formation includes providing a thermoset polymer nanocomposite particle precursor composition comprising a polymer precursor mixture, dispersed within a liquid medium, containing at least one of an initiator; at least one of a monomer, an oligomer or combinations thereof, said monomer and oligomer having three or more reactive functionalities capable of creating crosslinks between polymer chains; at least one of an impact modifier; and nanofiller particles substantially dispersed within the liquid medium; subjecting the nanocomposite particle precursor composition to suspension polymerizing conditions; subjecting the resulting nanocomposite particles to heat treatment; forming a slurry comprising a fluid and a proppant that includes the heat-treated nanocomposite particles; injecting the slurry into a wellbore; and emplacing the proppant within a fracture network in the formation.

Abstract: An underwater pelletizer is presented having an electromagnetic clamp that includes an electromagnetic ring body having a series of electromagnets disposed along a contact surface of the electromagnetic ring body. A clamping ring body has a series of mild steel inserts disposed along a contact surface of the clamping ring body, where each mild steel insert is disposed in a position complementary to at least one of the series of electromagnets. The electromagnetic clamp ring has a contact face with a series of electromagnets disposed therein and providing a clamping ring having a contact face with a series of mild steel inserts disposed therein, where the contact face of the clamping ring is configured to engage the contact face of the electromagnetic ring to form a seal and the mild steel inserts are positioned such that each one of the series of electromagnets is adjacent to one of the mild steel inserts when the contact faces of the electromagnetic and clamping rings are engaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of particles based on a thermoplastic polymer with a mean diameter of less than 1 mm. The process of the invention comprises more particularly a stage of preparation of a composition comprising the thermoplastic polymer and an additive, in the molten state, of cooling the composition and of disintegration of the thermoplastic polymer dispersion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the direct production of polyester granulate from a highly viscous polyester melt with a polymerisation degree of 132 to 165, as well as the granulates formed thereform. In the method, the highly viscous polyester melt is subjected to a pre-drying and drying/degassing after a hot cutting method. Hot cutting is implemented at water temperatures of 70° C. to 95° C. and with a liquid to solid ratio of 8 to 12:1.

Abstract: The burned composite metal oxide of the present invention is a burned composite metal oxide which is porous and particulate and which is obtained by subjecting a slurry comprising at least one metal oxide (a), at least one metal compound (b) and a solvent to spray granulation to obtain granules, and burning the granules, the metal oxide (a) selected from the group consisting of a transition metal oxide and an oxide of a metal belonging to 3B, 4B and 5B of a periodic table, the metal compound (b) selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal compound and an alkali earth metal compound, wherein the metal oxide (a) and the metal compound (b) are sparingly soluble in the solvent; the burning is conducted after a heat-maintaining step of heating the granules obtained by the spray granulation at a temperature in a range of ±200° C.

Abstract: Controlled geometry particles of thermoplastic polymers are prepared from compositions containing the thermoplastic polymer and two additives, in the molten state, by cooling the molten composition and disintegrating the resulting dispersion of thermoplastic polymer; powders obtained therefrom advantageously have mean particle diameters ranging from 0.1 to 800 ?m and are useful additives in, e.g., paints and coatings.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to stably obtain uniform droplets and embolus particles in large quantities. Disclosed is a device for droplet formation which includes: a dispersed-phase outlet through which a dispersed-phase material, e.g., an aqueous gelatin solution, is discharged; continuous-phase outlets through which a continuous-phase material, e.g., an oil, is discharged; a confluence part which communicates with the dispersed-phase outlet and the continuous-phase outlets and in which the dispersed-phase material is caused to flow into the liquid of the continuous-phase material at a given constant static pressure; and a droplet formation part which has been disposed on the downstream side of the confluence part and in which the dispersed-phase material is allowed to become droplets by means of cohesive force.

Abstract: An enriched hydrolyzable tannin blend derived from Phyllanthus amarus is provided. An optimized aqueous extraction method for Phyllanthus amarus is provided to maximize the levels of bioactive hydrolyzable tannins including corilagin, geraniin, nirurin and other low molecular weight hydrolyzable tannoids. The method produces a Phyllanthus amarus extract containing a hydrolyzable tannin blend as an amorphous dry powder. In an embodiment, the Phyllanthus amarus extract contains 7-13% by weight corilagin, 3.5-10% nirurin, 1-2% geraniin, and 9-20% low molecular weight hydrolyzable tannoids. In another embodiment, the Phyllanthus amarus extract contains 12-20% geraniin and 12-20% low molecular weight hydrolyzable tannoids. Potential uses of said enriched hydrolyzable tannin compositions for hepatoprotection in a human subject are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticles for the encapsulation of compounds, the obtaining and uses thereof. The nanoparticles comprise a zein matrix and a basic amino acid. Said nanoparticles can encapsulate a water-soluble or fat-soluble biologically active compound. It is applicable in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors and in the nanotechnology sector.

Abstract: A spherical ? type crystal silicon carbide powder having an average particle diameter is of 5 ?m-60 ?m, specific pore volume of the inside pores in it having a diameter of 1 ?m or smaller is 0.02 cc/g or smaller, specific surface area of it is 1 m2/g or smaller, and average aspect ratio (short diameter/long diameter) of it is 0.65 or higher is proposed; a method for manufacturing the same including the steps of (1) spray-drying a slurry of a raw material silicon carbide powder which has an average particle diameter of 1 ?m or smaller and has an ? type crystal, to obtain porous and spherical particles, and (2) sintering the thus obtained porous and spherical particles, is also proposed.

Abstract: A method of preparing transparent or nontransparent silica aerogel granules. The method includes forming a granular wet gel by spraying a silica sol into alcohol, the silica sol being prepared by mixing a water glass solution or an opacifier-containing water glass solution with an inorganic acid solution, forming a granular alcohol gel through gelation aging and solvent substitution of the granular wet gel in alcohol, hydrophobically modifying the surface of the granular alcohol gel using an organic silane compound, and drying the surface modified gel at ambient pressure or in a vacuum. The method may prepare silica aerogel granules in a short period of time through heat treatment at a relatively low temperature and at ambient pressure or in a vacuum, thereby ensuring excellent economic feasibility, continuity and reliability, suited for mass production.

Abstract: A method of forming granules, the method including forming a suspension of a nanopowder such as a nano zirconia powder containing yttria. The powder is formed from a suspension, and freon is added directly to the suspension as an additive. The suspension is then granulated by spray freeze drying, and the freon subsequently removed by heat treatment. The voids left by the vacated freon provide meso, micro and macro flaws or structural defects in the granules.

Abstract: The invention relates to spray-dried, washfast dye compositions, preferably in the form of pigment powders, having a bleeding rate of ?0.5% and consisting of water-soluble functional dyes, preferably food dyes, which are firmly incorporated in a silica matrix. Apart from low bleeding of dye, these compositions are remarkable for their high stability to pH changes and/or ascorbic acid. The invention is also directed to the production of the dye compositions and the use thereof. The dye compositions are preferably employed in coloring foods, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, but also in other uses.

Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a gas phase surrounding the droplets, wherein the particle surface is coated at least partly with at least one polymer and/or wax.

Abstract: A novel containment system for encapsulating nuclear fuel particles is disclosed. The containment system has a gas-impervious ceramic composite hollow shell having a spheroidal or ovoidal shape. The shell has a pair of longitudinally aligned round openings that are sealed with a gas-impervious ceramic composite tube to define a cavity between the shell inner surface and the tube outer surface. A ceramic composite matrix containing the nuclear fuel particles is enclosed within the cavity. The ceramic composite matrix has a controlled porosity, and can contain moderators or neutron absorbing material. The tube and shell are composed of a ceramic matrix composite material composed of ceramic reinforcement material that is bound together by a polymer-derived ceramic material.

Abstract: The use of induction furnaces for producing thermoelectric legs and components for thermoelectric modules is described, as is a process for producing thermoelectric semiconductor materials by co-melting mixtures of the particular element constituents of the thermoelectric semiconductor materials or alloys thereof in an induction furnace and pouring the melt thus obtained into the mold of a thermoelectric leg, or spraying the melt thus obtained to produce a pulverulent thermoelectric semiconductor material.

Abstract: A process for producing particles of a substance is described wherein a solution of the substance in a solvent is delivered in at least one shot into a supercritical fluid. The supercritical fluid is a non-solvent for the substance and is miscible with the solvent. Particles of the substance distributed in a mixture of the solvent and the supercritical fluid are formed.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a powder coating comprising the steps of: Preparing a powder coating premix comprising a resin and optionally a crosslinker therefor; Feeding the premix through a melt extruder; Cooling the extruded material; and Comminuting it to fine particles, wherein said process is characterized in that between 1 and 25 wt. % (based on the weight of said premix) of a process liquid is added to the melt extruder, wherein said process liquid is immiscible with at least said resin of the powder coating premix and wherein said process liquid evaporates when the premix leaves the extruder.

Abstract: A method of producing dried cellulose nanofibrils includes atomizing an aqueous suspension of cellulose nanofibrils and introducing the atomized aqueous suspension into a drying chamber of a drying apparatus. The aqueous suspension is then dried, thereby forming substantially non-agglomerated dried cellulose nanofibrils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations and methods for increasing the bioavailability of 1-(4-benzhydrylpiperazin-1-yl)-3,3-diphenylpropan-1-one, 1-(3,3-diphenylpropanoyl)piperazine, or a salt thereof. In particular, the formulation can include one or more pharmaceutically acceptable matrix polymers to form a solid dispersion, e.g., a spray dried dispersion or a hot melt extrusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer composition containing i) styrene polymer(s) and ii) phosphorylated polyether(s) with from 0.5 to 40% by weight phosphorus content, the main chain of which is formed exclusively from carbon atoms and from oxygen atoms, and which has at least three terminal and/or pendant OH groups, where these have been substituted with where ˜ indicates the bond to the polymer skeleton of the polyether; Y is O or S; t is 0 or 1; R1 and R2, being identical or different, are H, C1-C18-alkyl, C2-C18-alkenyl, C2-C18-alkynyl, C3-C10-cycloalkyl, C6-C10-aryl, furyl, C6-C10-aryl-C1-C10-alkyl, OR3, SR3, NR3R4, COR3, COOR3 or CONR3R4, or R1 and R2 form, together with the phosphorus atom P, a 4-8-membered ring system; R3 and R4, being identical or different, are H, C1-C16-alkyl, C2-C16-alkenyl, C3C16-alkynyl, C3-C10-cycloalkyl, C6-C10-aryl or C6-C10-aryl-C1-C10-alkyl, and/or polycarbonates containing phosphorus-containing group(s) of the general formula (I).

Abstract: A method for fracture stimulation of a subterranean formation having a wellbore. The method comprise a series of steps. A slurry is injected into the wellbore at sufficiently high rates and pressures such that the formation fails and fractures to accept the slurry. The slurry comprises a fluid and a proppant, wherein said proppant comprises a styrene-ethylvinylbenzene-divinylbenzene terpolymer composition having a substantially cured polymer network, wherein said composition lacks rigid fillers or nanofillers. The proppant is emplaced within the fracture network in a packed mass or a partial monolayer of the proppant within the fracture, wherein the packed mass or partial monolayer props open the fracture; thereby allowing produced gases, fluids, or mixtures thereof, to flow towards the wellbore.

Abstract: Methods of forming composite bodies and materials including a metal oxide, such as, uranium dioxide, and silicon carbide are disclosed. The composite materials may be formed from a metal oxide powder, a silicon carbide powder and, optionally, a carbon powder. For example, the metal oxide powder, the silicon carbide powder and the carbon powder, if present, may each be combined with a binder and may be deposited in succession to form a precursor structure. Segments of the precursor structure may be removed and pressed together to form a multi-matrix material that includes interlaced regions of material including at least one of the metal oxide powder, the silicon carbide powder and, optionally, the carbon powder. The segments may be extruded or coextruded with another material, such as, a silicon carbide material, to form a green body. The green body may be sintered to form the composite bodies and materials having a desired final density.

Abstract: A method synthesizes a composition of polymers, copolymers, terpolymers and tetrapolymers. The composition may be made by combining in a reaction chamber, a crosslinking agent and one or more of a calix[n]arene, cyclodextrin, a mixture of a plurality of calix[n]arenes, different cyclodextrins, derivatives of calix[n]arenes, and derivatives of cyclodextrins, stirring the mixture, making a solid residue using microwaves, washing the solid residue, drying some of the wash, filtering some of the wash, and drying the resulting filtered solution. The composition may include alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, gamma-cyclodextrin, the derivatives or corresponding mixtures thereof, and/or calix[n]arene(s) and/or of calix[n]arene derivative(s) and/or a mixture of two or more different calix[n]arenes selected from calix[n]arenes (n=4-20) and/or the derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Nanocomposites of multi-phase metal oxide ceramics have been produced from water soluble salts of the resulting metal oxides by a foaming esterification sol-gel method. The evolution of volatile gases at elevated temperature during the esterification reaction causes the formation of a foam product. Nanocomposites of multi-phase metal oxide ceramics have also been produced by a cation polymer precursor method. In this second method, the metal cations are chelated by the polymer and the resulting product is gelled and foamed. Calcination of the resulting foams gives nanocomposite powders with extremely fine, uniform grains and phase domains. These microstructures are remarkably stable both under post-calcination heat treatment and during consolidation by hot-pressing.

Abstract: A new type of nuclear fuel rods. The rod cladding has an elliptical section transverse to its longitudinal direction and each nuclear fuel pellet has a truncated elliptical shape along the major axis of the cladding, the minor axis of the pellets is the same as the length of the minor axis of the cladding except for the assembly clearance j, the difference in length between the major axis of the cladding and the truncated major axis of the pellets is very much larger than the assembly clearance j. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing nuclear fuel rods and stacking them in the cladding so as to form a nuclear fuel rod.

Abstract: The present invention provides particulate rasagiline mesylate having a particle size of about 255 microns to about 590 microns. Particularly it relates to a process of preparing rasagiline mesylate having large particle size by crystallisation techniques and devoid of comminution techniques to control particle size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing metastable nanostructured materials employing a ceramic shroud surrounding a plasma flame having a steady state reaction zone into which an aerosol or liquid jet of solution precursor or powder material is fed, causing the material to be pyrolyzed, melted, or vaporized, followed by quenching to form a metastable nanosized powder that has an amorphous (short-range ordered), or metastable microsized powder that has a crystalline (long-range ordered) structure, respectively.

Abstract: Multicomponent nanoparticles materials and apparatuses and processes therefor are disclosed. In one aspect of the disclosure, separate particles generated from solution or suspension or by flame synthesis or flame spray pyrolysis, and the resultant particles are mixed in chamber prior to collection or deposition. In another aspect of the disclosure, nanoparticles are synthesized in stagnation or Bunsen flames and allowed to deposit by thermophoresis on a moving substrate. These techniques are scalable allowing mass production of multicomponent nanoparticles materials and films. The foregoing techniques can be used to prepare composites and component devices comprising one or more lithium based particles intimately mixed with carbon particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid cosmetic composition, in the form of a loose or compact powder, comprising: (a) from 50% to 99% by weight of at least one particulate solid phase, (b) from 0.5% to 50% by weight of at least one non-volatile liquid phase, and (c) from 0.01% to 4% by weight of at least one block copolymer obtained from a first monomer of 2-acrylamidomethylpropanesulphonic acid and from a vinyl second monomer having a nitrogenous cyclic side chain. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing such a composition, which comprises: (i) mixing the particulate solid phase, the non-volatile liquid phase, the block copolymer and water so as to obtain a slurry, (ii) suctioning off the water present in the slurry so as to obtain a dry powder.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and tools for preparing a population of monodisperse polymer microparticles, which are of particular interest in the field of drug delivery.

Abstract: Described are powders for use in the production of three-dimensional structures or molded bodies by means of layered manufacturing methods, and methods for the economical production thereof. The powders have the particularity that they have a good flow behavior, on the one hand, and that they are simultaneously configured such that the molded body produced with the powder in rapid prototyping has substantially improved mechanical and/or thermal characteristics. In accordance with a particularly advantageous embodiment, the powder comprises a first fraction that is present in the form of substantially spherical powder particles and that is formed by a matrix material, and at least one further fraction in the form of strengthening and/or reinforcing fibers that are preferably embedded into the matrix material.

Abstract: A particulate positive electrode material for lithium ion cells is prepared by dispersing manganese(II) sulfate, iron(II) sulfate, and lithium phosphate and/or lithium hydrogenphosphate in water to form a slurry, effecting hydrothermal reaction in an autoclave to synthesize a lithium compound: LiMnxFe1-xPO4 wherein x=0.05 to 0.5 as primary particles, preparing a dispersion comprising the primary particles and an organic substance, spraying the dispersion, granulating, and drying to form aggregated particles having an average particle size of 0.5-4 ?m, and firing the aggregated particles at 600-780° C. for carbonizing the organic substance therein, yielding secondary particles having a reduced carbon content.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of an alkali metal cinnamate powdery product, preferably potassium cinnamate or sodium cinnamate, is disclosed herein. The resulting product has novel structural properties. The powder of the present disclosure is made via spray-drying and/or spray agglomeration and has a higher flowability, is less cohesive and less dusty, has an improved dissolution rate and in particular has a very favorable organoleptic profile. The disclosure is also directed to product applications in which the novel cinnamate product of the present disclosure may be applied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for granulating and crystallizing thermoplastic polymers, the granules being contained in a liquid after granulation of a polymer melt and the granules being nucleated in the liquid once the pressure of the liquid is increased and the temperature of the liquid is increased, and the granules being crystallized in the liquid once the pressure of the liquid is again increased and the temperature of the liquid is again increased. According to the invention, the granules are removed from the liquid once the pressure and the temperature of the liquid containing the granules have been reduced.

Abstract: Capsules and particles with at least one encapsulated and/or entrapped agent, such as therapeutic agent, imaging agents, and other constituents may be produced by electrohydrodynamic processes. More particularly, the agent encapsulated in a vehicle, capsule, particle, vector, or carrier may maximize treatment and/or imaging of malignant cancers while minimizing the adverse effects of treatment and/or imaging.

Abstract: A stabilized chitosan-based nanoparticle is provided having a chitosan polymer and a hydrophilic dispersing agent. In the stabilized nanoparticle, chains of the chitosan polymer electrostatically interact with chains of the hydrophilic dispersing agent to form an entangled network between the chitosan polymer and the hydrophilic dispersing agent. The stabilized chitosan-based nanoparticle has optimal particle integrity and stability properties under physiological conditions.

Abstract: A positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery is a secondary particle formed of an assembly of primary particles of a nickel-based compound. The positive active material has an average particle diameter ranging from 5.5 ?m to 7.5 ?m and a specific surface area ranging from 0.40 m2/g to 2.0 m2/g. When the positive active material has an average particle diameter ranging from 11 ?m to 13 ?m, the positive active material has a specific surface area ranging from 0.15 m2/g to 1.0 m2/g. A rechargeable lithium battery includes the positive active material.

Abstract: Particles containing a polymer and a volatile material, such as a perfume, and particle gas saturated solution (PGSS) processes for making such particles are provided.

Abstract: A nuclear fuel includes a volume of a nuclear fuel material defined by a surface, the nuclear fuel material including a plurality of grains, some of the plurality of grains having a characteristic length along at least one dimension that is smaller than or equal to a selected distance, wherein the selected distance is suitable for maintaining adequate diffusion of a fission product from a grain interior to a grain boundary in some of the grains, the nuclear fuel material including a boundary network configured to transport the fission product from at least one grain boundary of some of the grains to the surface of the volume of the nuclear fuel material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions to prepare small size particles of poorly water soluble agents or drugs with surface enriched hydrophilicity.

Abstract: A method of treating functional dyspepsia and/or irritable bowel syndrome in mammals in need of treatment is disclosed herein. The method comprises administering to the mammal a formulation by inhalation, wherein the formulation avoids first pass metabolism of the active ingredient. The method comprises administering a formulation by pulmonary inhalation comprising a diketopiperazine and a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), analog, ROSE-010.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of: providing a mixture of a polymer or a resin and a transition metal compound, producing a fiber from the mixture, and heating the fiber under conditions effective to form a carbon nanotube-containing carbonaceous fiber. The polymer or resin is an aromatic polymer or a precursor thereof and the mixture is a neat mixture or is combined with a solvent. Also disclosed are a carbonaceous fiber or carbonaceous nanofiber sheet having at least 15 wt. % carbon nanotubes, a fiber or nanofiber sheet having the a polymer or a resin and the transition metal compound, and a fiber or nanofiber sheet having an aromatic polymer and metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: Provided is by the present invention is a method for producing an EVOH resin having sufficient long-run workability in melt molding and enabling prevention of coloring such as yellowing, an EVOH resin obtained by this method for production, and a laminate obtained from this resin. The present invention is a method for producing an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin, the method including a step of saponifying an ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer to obtain an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, in which the method is characterized by further including a step of irradiating the ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer or the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer with an infrared ray.

Abstract: A method for transferring inorganic oxide nanoparticles from aqueous phase to organic phase. A modifier is used to change the surface polarity of inorganic oxide nanoparticles, followed by using proper solvents to transfer the modified inorganic oxide nanoparticles form aqueous phase to organic phase. The organic dispersion of modified inorganic oxide nanoparticles can be combined with a polymer to provide a polymer composite with the nanoparticles uniformly dispersed therein.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a porous fuel comprising uranium, optionally plutonium and at least one minor actinide is provided. The method may comprise the following successive steps: a) a step for compacting as pellets a mixture of powders comprising uranium oxide, optionally plutonium oxide and at least one oxide of a minor actinide, at least one portion of the uranium oxide being in the form of triuranium octaoxide U3O8, the other portion being in the form of uranium dioxide UO2; b) a step for reducing at least one portion of the triuranium octaoxide U3O8 into uranium dioxide UO2.

Abstract: There is provided a method for making hollow microspheres including heating a feed under conditions sufficient to convert at least a portion of the feed into hollow microspheres, where the heating is conducted under a vacuum. There is also provided hollow microspheres made using this method.