Abstract: Process for producing an inorganic-inorganic composite material, in which an open-pore, crystalline oxide ceramic shaped part is produced from an oxide ceramic powder or a powder of an oxide ceramic mixture after shape-imparting processing and presintering, an infiltration substance is applied to this shaped part in vacuo and at room temperature, and the oxide ceramic is sintered in a densifying manner under an air atmosphere and at ambient pressure to form an inorganic-inorganic composite material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing items by the selective fusion of polymer powder layers, particularly rapid prototyping by solid phase sintering a thermoplastic polymer powder by means of a laser, having characteristics of grading and particle distribution is described. Items obtained from such a method are also described.

Abstract: Mixed conducting ion transport membrane comprising a multi-component metallic oxide compound represented by the formula LnxA?x?A?x?ByB?y?O3-z wherein (a) Ln is an element selected from the f block lanthanides, A? is selected from Group 2, A? is selected from Groups 1, 2 and 3 and the f block lanthanides, and B and B? are independently selected from the d block transition metals, excluding titanium and chromium, wherein 0?x<1, 0<x??1, 0?x?<1, 0<y<1.1, 0?y?<1.1, x+x?+x?=1.0, 1.1>y+y??1.0 and z is a number which renders the compound charge neutral, and (b) the average grain size of the multicomponent metallic oxide is in the range of about 4 ?m to about 20 ?m.

Abstract: [Problem] This invention aims to provide a production method of a fine grain polycrystalline diamond compact which is suitable for finishing cutting tool materials and/or ultra-precision machining tool materials. In the method, a freeze-drying process for preventing the growth of secondary particle formation is unnecessary, and an aid does not need to be mixed in advance. [Means for Resolution] Disclosed is a following production method of a fine grain polycrystalline diamond compact. Each of carbonate and a C—H based organic compound which is a solid at room temperature, is sandwiched between diamond powder layers to stack them up in layers in a Ta capsule. Particle size of the diamond powder is 4 ?m or less in average; and the organic compound is preferably one or more selected from among polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene. The layers in the capsule are sintered under the conditions of a pressure of 7.7 GPa or higher and a temperature of 2000° C. or higher.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing dimensional deviations of sintered cemented carbide or cermet cutting tool inserts. According to the method the inserts are heat treated for at least 5 minutes at a temperature higher than the liquidus temperature in a protective atmosphere or vacuum with a controlled maximum temperature gradient over the insert.

Abstract: A sorbent, suitable for removing heavy metals, particularly mercury, from fluid streams containing a reductant such as hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide, is in the form of a shaped unit containing ?0.1% by weight in total of heavy metal selected from mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium and antimony, and 4-75% by weight of copper in the form of one or more reduced copper sulphides which have a sulphur to copper atomic ratio of ?0.6:1.

Abstract: A ceramic member in which the metal layers with high void ratio are sufficiently sintered to lower a residue of resin is produced. The method for manufacturing a ceramic member which comprises a step of forming a stacked compact from a plurality of metallic paste layers containing a metal component M1 that are stacked one on another via ceramic green sheets, and a step of firing the stacked compact, wherein at least one of plural metallic paste layers is formed as a second metallic paste layer that has the mass percentage X higher than that of the metallic paste layer that adjoin therewith in the stacking direction and a ceramic powder is contained in the second metallic paste layer in the step of forming the stacked compact, the mass percentage X being the proportion of the metal component M1 to the total metal content in the metallic paste layer.

Abstract: A method for making a thin, free-standing ceramic sheet may include drawing a carrier film proximate a casting head and across a casting bed of a tape caster at a rate from about 2 cm/min to about 500 cm/min. Depositing a thin film of ceramic slip less than about 150 ?m on the carrier film with the casting head. The ceramic slip may comprises a ceramic powder with an ultimate crystallite size of less than about 10 ?m dispersed in a fluid vehicle such that the ceramic slip has a ceramic solids fraction of greater than about 20% by volume. The deposited ceramic slip may be dried on the carrier film thereby forming a green ceramic sheet on the carrier film. After the green ceramic sheet is dried, the green ceramic sheet may be sintered.

Abstract: A cementitious product and method of modifying the properties of a low or medium density FRC product by providing a predetermined pore size distribution. The pore size distribution is obtained such that in critical zones of the distribution, the pore volume is substantially equivalent to or less than the pore volume in a respective critical zone of a conventional high density FRC product. The resultant material provides improved properties over conventional medium density FRC products, in particular improved freeze/thaw durability and/or improved workability.

Abstract: An auxiliary-layer-lined unfired ceramic body, having a step portion in a principal surface thereof, has an unfired ceramic body and an auxiliary layer which is adhered to one principal surface of the unfired ceramic body and which is made of a material that is substantially unsinterable at a temperature at which the unfired ceramic body is fired. The auxiliary-layer-lined unfired ceramic body is fired at a temperature at which the unfired ceramic body is sinterable but the auxiliary layer is substantially unsinterable, while the auxiliary layer remains adhered to the unfired ceramic body. A pressing operation is performed using a die having a projection placed on the side of the auxiliary-layer-lined unfired ceramic body retaining the auxiliary layer, so that the step portion, having a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the die projection, is formed in the side of the auxiliary-layer-lined unfired ceramic body retaining the auxiliary layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a diamond composite, includes: a) mixing diamonds with additives, the mixture comprising at least 50 wt % and less than 95 wt % of diamonds and more than 5 wt % additives; b) forming a work piece from the mixture using a pressure of at least 100 Mpa; c) heating the formed work piece to at least 300° C. for removing possible water and wholly or partially removing additives; d) heating the work piece and controlling the heating temperature and heating time so that a certain desired amount of graphite is created by graphitization of diamonds, wherein the amount of graphite created by graphitization is 3-50 wt % of the amount of diamond; e) infiltrating silicon or silicon alloy into the work piece.

Abstract: A mold having concave portions in a predetermined 3-D shape is prepared. A slurry is filled into the concave portions and the mold storing the slurry is then placed on an upper surface of a ceramic green sheet. A pressure inside the sheet is lowered through a pipe and a sintered porous metal support with the green sheet being heated by a hot plate. Accordingly, a solvent in the slurry is permeated into the fine pores of the green sheet and evaporated, thereby drying the 3-D forming portion without deformation.

Abstract: A duplex eutectic silicon alloy including 30-70 weight % silicon, 10-45 weight % nitrogen, 1-40 weight % aluminum, and 1-40 weight % oxygen has a eutectic structure comprising a ??-sialon phase and an ??-sialon phase. The alloy is produced by controlling cooling at a rate of 50° C. or less per minute in combustion synthesis. A ductile sintered product capable of replacing steel in various applications can be produced by placing a compact composed of a powder of the alloy in a sintering furnace which can supply a heat quantity at least ten times the heat capacity of the compact; and sintering the compact at a pressure at least as great as atmospheric pressure, within a nitrogen atmosphere in which the silicon gas mole fraction is 10% or more, and at a temperature within the range from 1400° C. to 1700° C.

Abstract: The invention is directed to effective means for joining materials having dissimilar coefficients of thermal expansion, such as advanced ceramics with metallic compounds. Moreover, the present invention relates to furnace tubes and methods of fabricating a joint between two different materials, which is compositionally graded to provide a substantially graded coefficient of thermal expansion between the joint materials.

Abstract: A method of production of cement bonded agglomerated ore not depending on yard curing which can improve the environment, save labor, and improve yield is provided, that is, a method of production of cement bonded agglomerated ore which adds Portland cement as a binder to dust produced from an iron works and/or fine powder ore, treats the same by mixing, moisture adjustment, and kneading steps, then pelletizes it by a pan pelletizer and suitably thereafter cures it to produce blast furnace-use cold pellets or sintering-use minipellets having the required crushing strength, which method charges the raw pellets from the top of a vertical type container and discharges them from the bottom end to form a moving bed and cures the raw pellets in the period from charging to discharging.

Abstract: A method of producing a PCD body includes the step of providing a region of coarser diamond particles between a source of binder phase and a region of fine grained diamond particles having a particle size less than 2 ?m. The binder phase is caused to infiltrate the diamond mass through the region of coarser diamond particles under elevated temperature and pressure conditions suitable to produce PCD.

Abstract: A composite wear-resistant member and a method of manufacturing the same. The method includes setting an appropriate sintering temperature from 900° C. to 1080° C. by adjusting a ratio of phosphor in a material, wherein the material contains hard particles including diamond particles and WC particles, a binder of an iron group metal containing phosphor (P), and copper, which is distributed and is present alone; and performing hot press sintering or electric discharge sintering on the material. The composite wear-resistant member includes a material including hard particles including diamond particles and WC particles, a binder of an iron group metal containing phosphor, and copper. The phosphor content is from 0.01 to 1.0 wt % with respect to the sum total of the WC particles and the binder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ceramic substrate including silicon in which the concentration of a silicon oxide and a silicon composite oxide in the surface thereof is less than or equal to 2.7 Atom %.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an indium tin oxide (ITO) target and methods for preparing indium oxide powder (In2O3) and tin oxide powder (SnO2). The method for manufacturing an ITO (indium tin oxide) target includes preparing an In2O3 powder having a surface area of about 10-18 m2/g and an average particle diameter of between about 40 to 80 nm; preparing a SnO2 powder having a surface area of about 8-15 m2/g and an average particle diameter of about 60-100 nm; molding a mixture of the In2O3 powder and the SnO2 powder; and sintering the mixture at atmospheric pressure under oxidation atmosphere. The ITO target is applicable for a high-quality, transparent electrode for a display, such as a liquid crystal display, electroluminescent display, or field emission display.

Abstract: There is described a heat shield element comprising a hot side which is turned towards the hot medium, a cold side which is turned away from the hot medium, peripheral sides which connect the hot side to the cold side and a material volume which is defined by the hot side, the cold side and the peripheral sides, wherein the material volume comprises at least two material areas which are made of different materials. The materials are different from each other at least in respect of their resistance and/or thermal expansion coefficient.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method that can improve the sintering ability of calcium sulfate. The material can be used as a bio-material. This method is prepared by pre-mixing +1 and/or +2 and/or +3 and/or +4 and/or +5 valence element and/or its chemical compounds which serves as a sintering additive to calcium sulfate. During sintering, the sintering additive may form a compound and/or a glass and/or a glass-ceramic to assist the densification of the calcium sulfate. The strength and biocompatibility of the specimen after sintering are satisfactory.

Abstract: A method of forming a nanoscale ceramic composite generally includes modifying a polymeric ceramic precursor, mixing the modified polymeric ceramic precursor with a block copolymer to form a mixture, forming an ordered structure from the mixture, wherein the modified polymeric ceramic precursor selectively associates with a specific type of block of the block copolymer, and heating the ordered structure for a time and at a temperature effective to form the nanoscale ceramic composite.

Abstract: The freeze casting process for preparing a green shaped article such as a biocompatible bioceramic prosthesis or implant, comprises: a) providing a substrate at an initial predetermined spacing from one or more liquid dispensing outlets; b) writing a predetermined amount of a liquid formulation from at least one of the outlets onto the substrate, the formulation comprising: 8 to 99.99% by weight of a liquid sol comprising a liquid carrier and from 5 to 50% by weight, based on the weight of the carrier, of colloidally dispersed nanoparticles having a mean particle size in the range 0.25 to 100 nm; 92 to 0% by weight of a mineral powder having a mean particle size greater than 0.1 micron, and 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stopper structure capable of preventing loosening of a shaft rod during use, and gas leakage which is likely to occur when the stopper structure is designed to allow gas to pass therethrough. The shaft rod 1 is adapted to be mounted in a mounting hole 2a of a refractory stopper 2, and formed to have an outer peripheral surface including a first tapered sub-surface 4a which increases in diameter toward an axially lower edge of the shaft rod. The mounting hole 2a of the refractory stopper 2 is formed to have an inner surface including a second tapered sub-surface 4b adapted to come into surface contact with the first tapered sub-surface 4a. The shaft rod 1 is adapted to be fastened to the refractory stopper so as to allow the first tapered sub-surface 4a to be brought into close surface contact with the second tapered sub-surface 4b.

Abstract: A layered gradient material which comprises a plurality of layers composed of a mixture of hydroxyapatite and calcium tertiary phosphate and is obtained by producing a layered body by stacking a plurality of layers in which the compounding ratio of hydroxyapatite to calcium tertiary phosphate is stepwise or continuously changed and then sintering the layered body by the spark plasma sintering method is excellent in mechanical strength such as compressive strength, flexural strength and Young's modulus, and further, is excellent in biological reactivity such that in the case where it is used as a bone substitute material, bone destruction and new bone reconstruction actively occur. Accordingly, it is extremely useful as a biological material such as a bone substitute material, artificial tooth root and dental cement.

Abstract: A method of consolidating particulate materials into articles having combinations of properties not available by conventional processes by liquid phase sintering. These particulate materials are comprised of core particles individually coated with layers of a metal compound having a relatively higher fracture toughness than the core, such as WC or TaC. These coated particles include an outer layer comprised a metal, such as Co or Ni. The particles with these coatings are pressed to form an article and the article densified at pressures and temperatures where full density is achieved without the degradation of the material forming the core particle.

Abstract: Method of glazing ceramic articles, consisting of preparing a glaze compound in liquid suspension, preferably aqueous; feeding the glaze compound in liquid suspension, preferably aqueous, into the forming cavity of a porous mould, for the time required to create a glaze film of desired thickness on the surface of the cavity by absorption of the liquid phase; feeding the slip into the same cavity for the time required to create the wall of the article by absorption of the liquid phase.

Abstract: A ceramic sheet 20 is produced by a method in which inorganic particles including, as a main component, an oxide represented by general formula ABO3 and containing a volatile component are mixed such that the A/B ratio is 1.05 or more, the inorganic particles are formed into a self-supported planar shaped body with a thickness of 30 ?m or less, and the shaped body is fired, without an inactive layer or with an inactive layer which does not substantially react with the shaped body and is disposed adjacent to the shaped body, at a temperature-rising rate of 30° C./min or more in a temperature range which is equal to or higher than a temperature at which the volatile component is volatilized.

Abstract: A method for producing a laminated dielectric, which comprises laminating a raw material layer containing a high dielectric constant glass ceramic composition comprising from 30 to 70 mass % of a Ba—Ti compound powder having a Ti/Ba molar ratio of from 3.0 to 5.7 and from 30 to 70 mass % of an alkali free glass powder containing, by mol %, from 15 to 40% of SiO2, from 5 to 37% of B2O3, from 2 to 15% of Al2O3, from 1 to 25% of CaO+SrO, from 5 to 25% of BaO and from 25 to 50% of SiO2+Al2O3, and a raw material layer containing a low dielectric constant glass ceramic composition comprising from 10 to 70 mass % of a ceramic powder and from 30 to 90 mass % of an alkali free glass powder wherein SiO2+Al2O3 is at least 34 mol % and larger by at least 9 mol % than that in the above alkali free glass powder, followed by firing.

Abstract: A method for making a composite magnetic-dielectric disc assembly includes forming a dielectric ceramic cylinder, forming a magnetic ceramic rod, assembling the magnetic ceramic rod coaxially inside the dielectric ceramic cylinder to form a rod-and-cylinder assembly, kilning (firing) the rod-and-cylinder assembly, slicing the rod-and-cylinder assembly to form a plurality of composite magnetic-dielectric disc-shaped assemblies. The magnetic-dielectric disc assemblies can be used in manufacturing, for example, circulators, isolators or similar electronic components. Accordingly, the method for making the disc assemblies can be included as part of a method for making such electronic components.

Abstract: Amid 10 having concave portions 13 having a predetermined shape in front view is prepared. A slurry 20 is filled into the concave portions 13. The mold 10 storing the slurry 20 is placed on an upper surface of the ceramic green sheet 30. A pressure inside the sheet 30 is lowered through a pile 51 and a sintered metal 40. The sheet is heated by a hot plate 60. With these, a solvent in the slurry 20 is permeated into fine pores of the sheet 30 to be evaporated. The pre-dried 3-D forming portion is dried without deformation.

Abstract: In the method for manufacturing slabs of ceramic material which envisages preparation of an initial mix comprising ceramic sands with a grain size of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1.2 mm, a binder and the so-called filler namely mineral powders chosen from feldspars, nephelines, sienites, mixed with clays and/or kaolinites, which powders after firing form a continuous ceramic matrix, deposition of the initial mix on a temporary support for the compaction step by means of vacuum vibrocompression, drying and firing, a binder consisting of an aqueous dispersion of colloidal silica called silicasol is used.

Abstract: A method of processing solid core ceramic matrix composite articles. The method improves the physical characteristics of the article by forming the airfoil using a co-processing method wherein a refractory ceramic is cast against a preformed ceramic matrix composite (CMC) shell. In one aspect, the shell is continuous to help prevent delaminations. In another aspect, the shell is open. In one embodiment, the article includes a split line. The split line helps the article to be less susceptible to damage caused from internal strain.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of multilayer ceramics and relates to ceramic pressure sensors, such as can be used, for example, for industrial process control. The object of the invention is to disclose ceramic pressure sensors that are mounted in a largely mechanically stress-free manner and have a long service life, and the production of which is more effective and more cost-effective. The object is attained with ceramic pressure sensors, comprising a support of tapes, wherein the tape(s) embody at least one cavity that is covered with at least one ceramic pressure membrane tape or in which a ceramic pressure membrane tape covering the cavity is located, and wherein the tape(s) have at least one supply line for the pressure connection to the cavity, and the tape composite is sintered.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing photonic band gap structures operable in the optical spectrum has been presented. The method comprises the steps of filling a plurality of grooves of an elastomeric mold with a UV curable first polymer, each groove in parallel with each other and partially curing the first polymer. A second polymer is coated on the first polymer. A substrate or a multi-layer polymer structure is placed on the filled mold and the resulting structure is exposed to UV light (i.e., is UV cured). The mold is peeled away from the first and second polymers such that a layer of polymer rods is formed on the substrate/multi-layer polymer structure. The process is repeated until a desired number of layers have been formed. The multi-layer structure can be used to create ceramic and metallic photonic band gaps by infiltration, electro-deposition, and/or metal coating.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite with a ceramic matrix and a gradient layering of coating on ceramic fibers. The coating typically improves the performance of the composite in one direction while degrading it in another direction. For a SiC-SiC ceramic matrix composite, a BN coating is layered in a gradient fashion or in a step-wise fashion in different regions of the article comprising the ceramic. The BN coating thickness is applied over the ceramic fibers to produce varying desired physical properties by varying the coating thickness within differing regions of the composite, thereby tailoring the strength of the composite in the different regions. The coating may be applied as a single layer as a multi-layer coating to enhance the performance of the coating as the ceramic matrix is formed or infiltrated from precursor materials into a preform of the ceramic fibers.

Abstract: Method of making an electrochemical device for the recovery of oxygen from an oxygen-containing feed gas comprising (a) preparing a green electrochemical device by assembling a green electrolyte layer, a green anode layer in contact with the green electrolyte layer, a green cathode layer in contact with the green electrolyte layer, a green anode-side gas collection interconnect layer in contact with the green anode layer, and a green cathode-side feed gas distribution interconnect layer in contact with the green cathode layer; and (b) sintering-the green electrochemical device by heating to yield a sintered electrochemical device comprising a plurality of sintered layers including a sintered anode-side gas collection interconnect layer in contact with the anode layer and adapted to collect oxygen permeate gas, wherein each sintered layer is bonded to an adjacent sintered layer during sintering.

Abstract: A gas-communicating body 11 having a pillar shape and pores communicated with each other in a gas-communicating direction is formed. A dense member 12 is formed of a material that is not gas-permeable, has a tube shape, and covers a lateral side of the gas-communicating body 11 so that the dense member and the lateral side of the gas-communicating body contact each other. A porous piece body 13 is formed by inserting the gas-communicating body into a hollow portion of the dense member, and then the porous piece body is sintered at a first temperature. A concave portion is formed on a top plate, and a gas flow path penetrating the top plate of which one end is connected to the concave portion is formed. The porous piece body is inserted into the concave portion, and then is entirely sintered at a temperature equal to or lower than the first temperature. Accordingly, the shower plate is formed.

Abstract: An un-sintered multi-layered body includes a first ceramic layer having a surface, a conductor provided on the surface of the first ceramic layer, an insulator provided on the surface of the first ceramic layer and covering an end of the conductor, and a second ceramic layer provided on the conductor and the insulator. The un-sintered multi-layered body is baked at a temperature at which the first ceramic layer can be sintered but the second ceramic layer cannot be sintered. After the un-sintered multi-layered body is baked, the second ceramic layer is removed, thereby providing a multi-layered ceramic substrate. The insulator has a thickness not smaller than 10 ?m and not larger than 40 ?m. This method makes the insulator dense and allows the conductor to be formed easily.

Abstract: A ceramic member is provided including a base including an alumina sintered body, an yttria sintered body formed on the alumina sintered body, an intermediate layer including yttrium and aluminum formed between the alumina sintered body and the yttria sintered body, and a metallic member buried in the intermediate layer of the base. A difference between the thermal expansion coefficient of the alumina sintered body and that of the yttria sintered body is equal to or less than about 0.50×10?6/K, and the thermal expansion coefficient of the alumina sintered body is greater than the thermal expansion coefficient of the yttria sintered body. The alumina sintered body, the intermediate layer, the yttria sintered body, and the metallic member are formed into an integrated sintered body, and the content of yttria in the yttria sintered body is 99 wt % or more.

Abstract: Use of Ti and Nb cemented in TiC in prosthetic joints, such as prosthetic joint components made from sintered superhard materials.

Abstract: An index wheel having notations adopted on an electronic device to be freely rotated to generate signal command output includes at least an inner axis layer and an operation layer encasing the inner axis layer in a coaxial manner and movable together at the same time. The operation layer is made from a ceramic material and formed integrally by molding and sintering. The operation layer also has a graphic notation zone on the surface that contains desired graphics or texts. Thus the profile of the index wheel is more versatile and provides a greater appeal to users.

Abstract: Carbides as substrates in prosthetic joints, particularly in sintered polycrystalline diamond compacts and sintered cubic boron nitride compacts.

Abstract: A composite material includes a polymer and a colloidal metal oxide. The composite material has a Plasma Etch Index of 40 relative to a polymer absent the colloidal metal oxide.

Abstract: In the manufacture of slabs and panels of ceramic material according to the vacuum vibrocompaction method described in Italian patent 1,311,858, the initial mix is formed using ceramic having the form of sands having a grain size of less than 2.5 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, and ceramic powders, together with a binding additive in the form of an aqueous solution consisting of sodium silicate in a concentration greater than 24° Baumé, fibers of high-melting transparent inorganic material, preferably high-melting glass, also being added to the mix. The slabs obtained have an improved mechanical strength, a reduced porosity and improved aesthetic properties, in addition to being free from cracks and microscopic fissures.

Abstract: A method of forming a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) article (30) or a composite article (60) that minimizes the risk of delaminations while simultaneously maintaining a desired degree of porosity in the material. A pressure P applied against a surface of the article during a sintering process is controlled to be high enough to resist a separation force between the plies (66) of the CMC material (62) caused by anisotropic shrinkage of the material and/or to resist a separation force caused by differential shrinkage between the CMC material and an adjoined monolithic ceramic material (64). The pressure is also controlled to be low enough to avoid undue consolidation of the materials and to provide a desired degree of porosity in the sintered article. The pressure may be applied by delta-alpha tooling, and it may be varied verses the time of the sintering heating and/or across the article surface.

Abstract: A varistor pre-assembly includes an electrode formable structure and a sinterable mass proximate to electrode formable structure. The electrode formable structure includes a material having a melting point that may be within a determined temperature relative to a sintering temperature of the sinterable mass. The electrode formable structure and sinterable mass may form a varistor when simultaneously subjected to the sintering temperature, which may be less than about 1000 degrees Celsius. A method to make the article is also provided.

Abstract: A method of green joining ceramic components is disclosed, particularly for use in forming a discharge body for a ceramic metal halide lamp. The process includes providing a first green ceramic component having a male joining surface, and providing a second green ceramic component having a female joining surface dimensioned to matingly receive the first component. The first and second green ceramic components are assembled along the joining surfaces, the assembled components are uniformly heated to join the first and second components. The joined components are next cooled in a cooling bath that uniformly cools the joined components. Thereafter, the joined green part may be inserted in the furnace for debindering and sintering.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mixer comprising a base plate; a top plate in intimate contact with a surface of the base plate; the intimate contact preventing a fluid loss from the bottom plate; the top plate comprising a plurality of first ports for the entry of a first fluid and a second fluid; a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the plurality of first ports; a first heating element; and an exit channel for removing an intimate mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid; and a reciprocatory device in physical contact with the mixing chamber; the reciprocatory device being operative to agitate the first fluid and the second fluid.

Abstract: An optical composite material comprises an amorphous optical material (6) with a first refractive index (na), into which crystalline nanoparticles (7) having a second, higher refractive index (nn) are embedded, wherein the amorphous material (6) and the nanoparticles (7) are resistant to UV radiation. A microlithography projection exposure apparatus comprises a projection objective (2) with at least one optical element (3) which is, in particular, operated in transmission and consists of an optical composite material of this type. In a method for producing the optical composite material, crystalline nanoparticles are introduced into the amorphous optical material during flame deposition in a soot or direct process.