Abstract: Lithium-based compound small particle compositions, as well as methods and structures associated with the same, are provided. The particle compositions, in some cases, are characterized by having an nano-size particles. The particle compositions may be produced in a milling process. In some embodiments, the particles may be coated with a coating that may enhance certain properties of the particle composition (e.g., electrical conductivity).

Abstract: A continuous process for fractioning, combination, and recombination of asphalt sources into asphalt components for pelletization of asphalt and asphalt-containing products such that the pellets formed are generally uniform in dimension, freely flowing, free from agglomeration, and the pelletized asphalt is packaged, and preferably compatibly packaged, for additional processing and applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants.

Abstract: Disclosed are a phase separable glass compositions used to produce chemically durable porous glass, e.g., porous glass powder, and the application of a sol gel coating to the glass to enhance chemical durability of the glass in alkaline solutions, and to the use of the glass, e.g., glass powder, as substrates for separation technology where harsh alkaline environments (pH?12 e.g., pH 12-14) are routinely prevalent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode catalyst layer for a fuel cell which includes a polymer electrolyte, a catalyst material and carbon particles, wherein the electrode catalyst layer employs a non-precious metal catalyst and has a high level of power generation performance. The electrode catalyst layer is used as a pair of electrode catalyst layers in a fuel cell in which a polymer electrolyte membrane is interposed between the pair of the electrode catalyst layers which are further interposed between a pair of gas diffusion layers. The method of the present invention has such a feature that the catalyst material or the carbon particles are preliminarily embedded in the polymer electrolyte.

Abstract: A method for modifying graphite particles having a prismatic shape or a cylindrical shape characterized by an edge function fe and a basal function fb, said method providing increase of the edge function and lowering of the basal function, wherein the method includes submitting the graphite particles to at least one physical means selected from attrition, jet mill, ball mill, hammer mill, or atomizer mill, in the presence of at least one chemical compound chosen from the group of compounds of the formula MFz, in which M represents an alkaline or alkaline-earth metal and z represents 1 or 2, NaCl and NH4F or a mixture thereof, said compound or compounds being added in solid form, at the beginning of the step using the physical means.

Abstract: A luminescent particle includes an interior portion of the luminescent particle comprising a luminescent compound that reacts with atmospherically present components and a passivating layer on an outer surface of the luminescent particle that is operable to inhibit the reaction between the luminescent compound and the atmospherically present components.

Abstract: Provided is a core/multishell semiconductor nanocrystal including a core and multiple shells, which exhibits a type-I band offset and high photoluminescence quantum yield providing a bright tunable emission covering the visible range from about 400 nm to NIR over 1600 nm.

Abstract: A method of processing a ceramic layer is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a ceramic layer comprising a plurality of microcracks; infiltrating at least some of the plurality of microcracks with a liquid precursor comprising at least one oxidizable metal ion; and exposing the ceramic layer to a base having a pH value of at least about 9, so as to chemically convert the oxidizable metal ion into an oxide, thereby decreasing the porosity of the ceramic layer. A solid oxide fuel cell is provided. The solid oxide fuel cell comprises an anode; a cathode; and a ceramic electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: A particle production apparatus 1 includes a processing section 3 in which a processing liquid is allowed to adhere to a surface of each of inorganic particles contained in a powder material, a chamber 4 connected to the processing section 3 at a downstream side thereof in which the powder material is separated from gas carrying the powder material, a powder material supply device 50 having a supply portion 5 and a supply unit 6 for supplying the powder material and the like into the processing section 3, and a processing liquid spraying device 70 having a nozzle 7, a pump 8, a supply unit 9 for supplying the processing liquid, a high-pressure gas (air) generating unit 11 and the like. The processing liquid spraying device 70 is configured to spray the processing liquid as droplets onto the powder material just after the powder material being supplied into the processing section 3. Preferably, a volume of the processing section 3 is smaller than a volume of the chamber 4.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides oxide microparticles with engineered hierarchical porosity and methods of manufacturing the same. Also described are structures that are formed by templating, impregnating, and/or precipitating the oxide microparticles and method for forming the same. Suitable applications include catalysts, electrocatalysts, electrocatalysts support materials, capacitors, drug delivery systems, sensors and chromatography.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a composite of a plastic and loose stones, comprising the steps a) mixing of the loose stones with the liquid starting components of the plastic in a mixer, b) discharge of this mixture from the mixer, c) curing of the plastic.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising A) a first polymer comprising (a) hydrophobized nanoparticle; (b) C1 to C18, straight, branched, or cyclic alkyl(meth)acrylate; (c) N-methylol(meth)acrylamide or a monomer of formula (I) R—(OCH2CH2)a—O—C(O)—C(R1)?CH2??(I) ?wherein R is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, or —C(O)—C(R1)?CH2, and R1 is H or —CH3; said first polymer in contact with B) a second polymer comprising (d) a fluorinated monomer of formula (II) Rf1-L-X—C(O)—C(R)?CH2??(II) ?wherein Rf1 is a monovalent, partially or fully fluorinated, linear or branched, alkyl radical having 2 to about 100 carbon atoms; optionally interrupted by 1 to about 50 oxygen atoms; wherein the ratio of carbon atoms to oxygen atoms is at least 2:1 and no oxygen atoms are bonded to each other; L is a bond or a linear or branched divalent linking group having 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, said linking group optionally interrupted by 1 to about 4 hetero-radicals selected from the group consisting of —O—, —NR6—, —S—, —SO—, —SO2—, and —N(R6)

Abstract: A process for preparing compacted pigment granules, comprising the steps of (1) loading iron oxide powder into a rotating mixer; (2) spraying, while the mixer is rotating, liquid binder solution onto the cascading pigment powder, whereby the cascading pigment powder is compacted into dense granules of approximately 0.3-1.2 mm diameter and having a moisture content of approximately 10-14%; and (3) directing, while the mixer is rotating, heated air at a temperature of 200-600° C. onto the compacted pigment granules, so that the compacted pigment granules are dried at a temperature of approximately 50-100° C., and continuing this process for approximately 2-3 hours until the moisture content of the compacted pigment granules is reduced to approximately 2% or less, whereupon the compacted pigment granules are removed from the mixer, and a process for preparing encapsulated pigment granules.

Abstract: A particulate titanium dioxide has a median volume particle diameter of greater than 70 nm. The titanium dioxide can be produced by calcining precursor particles. The titanium dioxide has enhanced UVA efficacy. The particulate titanium dioxide can be used to form dispersions. The particulate titanium dioxide or dispersions can be used to produce sunscreen products having a UV protection which is at least one third of the label SPF value.

Abstract: Sorbents for removal of mercury and other pollutants from gas streams, such as a flue gas stream from coal-fired utility plants, and methods for their manufacture and use are disclosed. Embodiments include brominated sorbent substrate particles having a carbon content of less than about 10%. Other embodiments include one or more oxidatively active halides of a nonoxidative metal dispersed on sorbent substrate particles mixed with activated carbon in an amount up to 30% by weight.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multilayer nanocrystal structure comprising a nanocrystal alloy core comprising two or more nanocrystals and including an alloy interlayer formed at an interface between the two or more nanocrystals, and one or more layers of nanocrystal shells formed sequentially on the surface of the nanocrystal alloy core, wherein the nanocrystal shells each have different band gaps. The multilayer nanocrystal structure can be applied to various electronic devices owing to its advantages of high luminescence efficiency, superior optical stability, and superior chemical stability.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite material includes providing a free-standing carbon nanotube structure having a plurality of carbon nanotubes, introducing at least two reacting materials into the carbon nanotube structure to form a reacting layer, activating the reacting materials to grow a plurality of nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are spaced from each other and coated on a surface of each of the carbon nanotubes of the carbon nanotube structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to products and processes employing coupling activator compounds represented by the following formula I: S—X-A??(I) wherein S represents a silane coupling moiety capable of bonding with the surface of an inorganic substrate, A represents a ring-opening polymerization activator moiety, or blocked precursor thereof, and X represents a linking moiety. Substrates containing the coupling activator compounds are useful in preparing reinforced resins.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing composite silica particles and hollow silica particles that can improve the utilization efficiency of a hydrophobic organic substance. It is a method for producing composite silica particles each of which is provided with an outer shell part having a mesoporous structure formed from a silica-containing component and which includes a hydrophobic organic substance in the interior of the aforementioned outer shell part, and involves adding an aqueous solvent to the hydrophobic organic substance and emulsifying, and forming the outer shell part having the mesoporous structure formed from the silica-containing component on the surface of an emulsified oil droplet of the aforementioned hydrophobic organic substance.

Abstract: A method of depositing silicon on carbon nanomaterials such as vapor grown carbon nanofibers, nanomats, or nanofiber powder is provided. The method includes flowing a silicon-containing precursor gas in contact with the carbon nanomaterial such that silicon is deposited on the exterior surface and within the hollow core of the carbon nanomaterials. A protective carbon coating may be deposited on the silicon-coated nanomaterials. The resulting nanocomposite materials may be used as anodes in lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining polyamide or copolyamide particles which are spheroidal and whose average diameter is between 40 and 150 ?m, preferably between 60 and 100 ?m. Said method consists of introducing a mineral charge, preferably silica, having an average diameter of 1-30 ?m into the reaction mixture. The invention also relates to a polyamide or copolyester amide powder and to the use thereof in order to manufacture coatings, ink compositions, paint compositions, cosmetic compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, alloys with metal powders or metal oxide powders and parts by agglomerating said powder by laser sintering, IR radiation or UV radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a method for obtaining particulate calcium carbonate and activated carbon particles and methods for using same, and more particularly, to a method for obtaining activated carbon particles having an average particle size less than about 12 microns from a pulp mill.

Abstract: A process for preparing a single source solid precursor matrix for semiconductor nanocrystals having the steps of: mixing 0.1-1 Molar of an aqueous/non-aqueous (organic) solution containing the first component of the host matrix with 0.001-0.01 Molar of an aqueous/non-aqueous solution containing the first dopant ions, which needs in situ modification of valency state, dissolving 10-20 milligram of an inorganic salt for the in situ reduction of the first dopant ion in the solution, addition of 0.001-0.01 Molar of an aqueous/non-aqueous solution of an inorganic salt containing the dopant ions which do not need modifications of their valency state, addition of 0.1-1 Molar of an aqueous/non-aqueous solution of an inorganic salt containing the second component of the host material, addition of 5-10% by weight of an aqueous solution containing a pH modifying complexing agent, to obtain a mixture, and heating the mixture to obtain a solid layered micro-structural precursor compound.

Abstract: Hydrophobized silicon oxide-coated metal oxide particles excellent in dispersibility in fluororesins, durability to fluorinated compounds and ultraviolet-shielding properties, and a fluororesin film excellent in transparency, weather resistance and ultraviolet-shielding properties comprising the hydrophobized silicon oxide-coated metal oxide particles, the hydrophobized silicon oxide-coated metal oxide particles being obtained by a process including a primary and a secondary hydrophobizing treatment.

Abstract: A fibrous insulation product with improved thermal resistance and method of making it are provided. A plurality of base fibers (e.g. glass) are formed into an insulation product, which may be bindered or unbonded. At least one infrared opacifying agent, such as soot, carbon black or graphite, is applied to the fibrous insulation product such that the base fibers are substantially uniformly coated with opacifying agent. The opacifying agent may be applied, for example, from a fluid suspension or by pulling the fiber through a sooty flame. When opacifying agent applied via a suspension and a binder is desired, it is preferable to avoid binder dispersions that can dislocate the opacifying agent. Alternative binder applications may include co-mingling of base fibers with binder fibers, or other physical or mechanical distributions.

Abstract: A method for preparing functionalized porous particles is disclosed, the method comprising contacting a plurality of porous silica particles with water, at least one of an ionic fluoride such as HF or NH4F or a basic activator, and a multifunctional organosilane. Also disclosed are functionalized porous silica particles produced from the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present inventions generally relate to compositions and methods for providing agricultural chemicals comprising active ingredients (A.I.s) combined with a top dressing for application to cultivated areas of turfgrass. Specifically, the compositions are in the form of moist formulations for providing top dressings comprising active ingredients. Further, the inventions relate to compositions and methods for delivering active ingredients simultaneously with a top dressing composition to golf course turf.

Abstract: Provided are a method of preparing a silica powder coated with an antibacterial agent and a topical dermatological composition including the silica powder, and more particularly, a method of preparing a silica powder coated with an antibacterial agent by forming a silica particle by inducing a reaction between silicon alkoxide and alcohol solvent in the presence of a catalyst and then forming an silver and metallic coating layer on the silica particle, and a method of preparing a topical dermatological composition including the silica powder. The silica powder coated with the antibacterial agent may have high antibacterial capability, and thus, topical dermatological products including the silica powder may be maintained for a long time without using a chemical antiseptic agent that may irritate the skin and cause an allergy in the human body. Even if a small amount of expensive silver (Ag) ion material is used, the silica powder has excellent antibacterial capability and stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nacreous pigment and a method of preparing the same. The nacreous pigment includes a flake substrate, a first metal oxide layer coated on the substrate, and an oxide layer coated on the first metal oxide layer and containing MgO.SiO2, and a second metal oxide layer coated on the oxide layer. The pigment exhibits high brightness, high chroma, high gloss, and multi-color effects.

Abstract: A system, formulation and method for producing ceramic vacuum micro spheres utilizing a spray dryer having a top mounted atomizer rotary wheel and a side or bottom mounted dual fluid nozzle, forming microspheres by spraying solution from the top mounted atomizer rotary wheel and simultaneously coating the microspheres by spraying solution from the side or bottom mounted dual fluid nozzle, transferring the microspheres to a secondary heating unit, and drying the microspheres, all under vacuum of between 1 to 5 millibars.

Abstract: An Si/C composite includes carbon (C) dispersed in porous silicon (Si) particles. The Si/C composite may be used to form an anode active material to provide a lithium battery having a high capacity and excellent capacity retention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a nanocrystal, a method for preparing the nanocrystal, and an electronic device comprising the nanocrystal. The nanocrystal comprises a semiconductor nanocrystal core, a non-semiconductor buffer layer surrounding the semiconductor nanocrystal core, and a shell surrounding the buffer layer.

Abstract: A method for making resin-coated proppants comprising applying epoxy and phenol resins with a curing agent onto the surface of proppants. The epoxy and phenol resins with the curing agent are applied onto the surface of the mix of proppants. The mix of proppants is obtained by blending heavy proppants with bulk density of 1.4 g/cm3 and more, with lightweight proppants with bulk density of less than 1.4 g/cm3. The application of the epoxy and phenol resins is performed at temperatures from 5 to 35. degrees Celsius.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a composite material comprising nanotubes oriented in a matrix comprising a ceramic material, the method comprising the steps of: providing an array of substantially aligned nanotubes; providing a ceramic matrix material in the form of a solution; applying the solution to the nanotubes; allowing the solution to infiltrate into the array of nanotubes; and sintering the ceramic matrix material to form the composite material, wherein the nanotubes are substantially aligned in the ceramic matrix. Composite materials obtainable by said method are also provided.

Abstract: A method of making a colloidal solution of indium phosphide semiconductor nanocrystals, includes forming a first solution by combining solvents and ligands; and heating the first solution to a temperature equal to or higher than 290° C. and, while heating, adding to the first solution, a second solution containing trialkylindium, a phosphorus precursor and solvents and ligands so that a reaction takes place that forms a colloidal solution of indium phosphide semiconductor nanocrystals. The method further includes forming core shell indium phosphide semiconductor nanocrystals by forming semiconducting shells on the nanocrystals.

Abstract: Methods of making and compositions of dense sintered ceramic nano- and micro-composite materials that are highly stable in a variety of conditions and exhibit superior toughness and strength. Liquid feed flame spray pyrolysis techniques form a plurality of nanoparticles (e.g., powder), each having a core region including a first metal oxide composition comprising Ce and/or Zr or other metals and a shell region including a second metal oxide composition comprising Al or other metals. In certain aspects, the core region comprises a partially stabilized tetragonal ZrO2 and the shell region comprises an ?-Al2O3 phase. The average actual density of the ceramic after sintering is greater than 50% and up to or exceeding 90% of a theoretical density of the ceramic.

Abstract: The present invention provides composite graphite particles, which are useful for a negative electrode in a secondary battery having high capacitance, good charge-discharge characteristics and good charge-discharge cycle characteristics; and a paste for negative electrode, a negative electrode and a lithium secondary battery which use the composite graphite particles. The composite graphite particles of the present invention comprises a core material consisting of graphite having a interlayer distance d(002) of 0.337 nm or less in which the intensity ratio ID/IG (R value) between the peak intensity (ID) in a range of 1300 to 1400 cm?1 and the peak intensity (IG) in a range of 1580 to 1620 cm?1 as measured by Raman spectroscopy spectra is from 0.01 to 0.1 and a carbonaceous surface layer in which the intensity ratio ID/IG(R value) between the peak intensity (ID) in a range of 1300 to 1400 cm?1 and the peak intensity (IG) in a range of 1580 to 1620 cm?1 as measured by Raman scattering spectroscopy is 0.

Abstract: A method of modifying a pigment that includes reacting a reactive compound having an X—[Y]n reactive group with a secondary compound N—S—ZM to form a substituted reactive intermediate [Y]a—X—(N—S—ZM)b. A pigment is reacted with the substituted reactive intermediate [Y]a—X—(N—S—ZM)b to attach the substituted reactive intermediate to the surface of the pigment to form a surface modified pigment. X may be a sulfonyl, phosphoryl, or 1,3,5-triazinyl group, Y may be a halogen leaving group, N may be a basic nucleophilic group, S may be an organic group, and ZM may be an ionizable end group. Also, n is an integer between 1 and 3, b is an integer between 1 and 3, and a=n?b. When n is equal to or greater than b, and if b is 2 or 3, each N—S—ZM can be the same or different.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for making a coated proppant particle including an inorganic material and a cold set thermosetting resin coating disposed upon the substrate. The proppants are suitable for treating a subterranean formation including injecting a fracturing fluid into the subterranean formation; wherein the fracturing fluid includes the coated particle. Methods for making and using gravel pack particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Titanium dioxide and an electro-conductive titanium oxide which each includes particles having a large major-axis length in a large proportion and comprises columnar particles having a satisfactory particle size distribution. A titanium compound, an alkali metal compound, and an oxyphosphorus compound are heated/fired in the presence of titanium dioxide nucleus crystals having an aspect ratio of 2 or higher to grow the titanium dioxide nucleus crystals. Subsequently, a titanium compound, an alkali metal compound, and an oxyphosphorus compound are further added and heated/fired in the presence of the grown titanium dioxide nucleus crystals. Thus, titanium dioxide is produced which comprises columnar particles having a weight-average major-axis length of 7.0-15.0 ?m and in which particles having a major-axis length of 10 ?m or longer account for 15 wt. % or more of all the particles. A solution of a tin compound and a solution of compounds of antimony, phosphorus, etc.

Abstract: A titania composite and a preparing method thereof are provided. The titania composite comprises an inner core and a coating film layer, wherein the inner core is a barium sulfate crystal and/or a strontitum sulfate crystal with subsphaeroidal shape, having a particle size of less than 1 ?m and whiteness of more than 98%, and the coating film layer is nano rutile titania. The preparing method thereof comprises the following steps: (a) preparing barium sulfate or strontium sulfate; (b) coating treatment; (c) subjecting the titania composite to a high-temperature heat treatment; and (d) subjecting the titania composite to a post treatment. The subsphaeroidal titania composite is obtained by chemically synthesizing a subsphaeroidal submicron barium sulfide or strontium sulfide, and then hydrolyzing and coating thereon to form a coating film layer of titania to make titania grow evenly.

Abstract: Tellurium-containing nanocrystallites are produced by injection of a precursor into a hot coordinating solvent, followed by controlled growth and annealing. Nanocrystallites may include CdTe, ZnTe, MgTe, HgTe, or alloys thereof. The nanocrystallites can photoluminesce with quantum efficiencies as high as 70%.

Abstract: A packaged reactive material includes a reactive material that is configured to increase in size when exposed to a predetermined gas, and an inert coating material surrounding a surface of the reactive material. The inert coating material is configured to allow the predetermined gas to diffuse through to the reactive material and has an elongation that will not accommodate expansion of the reactive material at full saturation of the predetermined gas.

Abstract: An artificial stone, including a solid material and surface-treated stone elements in the solid material, wherein the surface-treated stone elements are transparent stone elements having a coloring material disposed on surfaces thereof.

Abstract: Zinc oxide particles having high transparency in visible light and high shielding properties in a ultraviolet region, with surface treatment of inactivating photocatalytic activity applied thereto, and a dispersion thereof. A manufacturing method of surface treated zinc oxide particles, including: a first step of mixing a dispersion liquid with zinc oxide particles dispersed in a solvent, and silicone resin having polysiloxane bond with at least one or more silicon atoms having a silanol group (Si—OH) and/or alkoxy silyl group (Si—OR, wherein R is alkyl group); obtaining a mixed solution containing a surface treated zinc oxide particles precursor, with the silicone resin adsorbed on the surface of each zinc oxide particle and the solvent, and drying and solidifying the mixed solution by applying heat treatment thereto, to thereby manufacture a dried body; and a second step of pulverizing the dried body, to thereby manufacture the surface treated zinc oxide particles.

Abstract: CIGS absorber layers fabricated using coated semiconducting nanoparticles and/or quantum dots are disclosed. Core nanoparticles and/or quantum dots containing one or more elements from group IB and/or IIIA and/or VIA may be coated with one or more layers containing elements group IB, IIIA or VIA. Using nanoparticles with a defined surface area, a layer thickness could be tuned to give the proper stoichiometric ratio, and/or crystal phase, and/or size, and/or shape. The coated nanoparticles could then be placed in a dispersant for use as an ink, paste, or paint. By appropriate coating of the core nanoparticles, the resulting coated nanoparticles can have the desired elements intermixed within the size scale of the nanoparticle, while the phase can be controlled by tuning the stochiometry, and the stoichiometry of the coated nanoparticle may be tuned by controlling the thickness of the coating(s).

Abstract: To provide a process for producing a surface modified lithium-containing composite oxide, which is excellent in discharge capacity, volume capacity density, safety, durability for charge and discharge cycles and an excellent rate property, at a low production cost. The present invention is characterized in that a process for producing a surface modified lithium-containing composite oxide, wherein a lithium titanium composite oxide is contained in the surface layer of particles of a lithium-containing composite oxide represented by the formula: LipNxMyOzFa, where N is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn and Ni, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Sn, alkaline earth metal elements and transition metal elements other than Co, Mn and Ni, 0.9?p?1.3, 0.9?x?2.0, 0?y?0.1, 1.9?z?4.2, and 0?a?0.

Abstract: A method of coating particles comprises providing a solution comprising reverse micelles. The reverse micelles define discrete aqueous regions in the solution. Hydrophobic nanoparticles are dispersed in the solution. Amphiphilic monomers are added to the solution to attach the amphiphilic monomers to individual ones of the nanoparticles and to dissolve the individual nanoparticles attached with amphiphilic monomers in the discrete aqueous regions. The monomers attached to the nanoparticles are polymerized to form a polymer layer on the individual nanoparticles within the discrete aqueous regions. The polymerization comprises adding a cross-linker to the solution to cross-link the monomers attached to the individual nanoparticles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the formation of carbon-based nanostructures using large-scale active growth structures are generally described. In addition, systems and methods related to the formation of carbon-based nanostructures using basalt and/or titanium (e.g., elemental titanium) are generally described. The carbon-based nanostructures can be grown by exposing the large-scale active growth structures, basalt, and/or titanium to a set of conditions selected to cause formation of carbon-based nanostructures on (e.g., directly on) the large-scale active growth structure, basalt, and/or titanium. When basalt and/or titanium are used as all or part of an active growth structure, the basalt and/or titanium can be in any suitable form such as, for example, a planar or non-planar active growth structure (which can have, in some cases, a first cross-sectional dimension of at least about 1 mm) comprising basalt and/or titanium (e.g., a fiber comprising basalt and/or titanium) and/or particles (e.g.