Abstract: A method for coating a surface of a substrate includes providing a substrate having a surface, coating the surface with a foam suspension containing a powder suspended in a foam to form a coating on the surface, wherein the coating has an activator; and subjecting the substrate to a diffusion treatment.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an article that emits infrared radiation for a period of about 15 minutes or more, depending on the size and shape, and to a process for preparing the article. The article includes, in a preferred embodiment, a combustible aerogel or other nanocellular substrate with iron metal impregnant formed by thermal decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl deposited on and in the substrate in an amount of at least about 5% or at least about 20% of the weight of the substrate, depending on the substrate. The impregnant reacts exothermically on contact with air or an oxygen-containing gas and imparts sufficient energy to the substrate to cause it to burn for about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes depending on size and shape, thereby emitting infrared radiation. The process pertains to deposition of the impregnant on and in the substrate by flowing a carrier gas saturated with the impregnant precursor over and through the substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electron-emitting device processing an electroconductive film upon which an electron-emission region is formed is characterized in that the formation process of formation of the electron-emission region includes a process of application of metal compound-containing material and film thickness controlling agent to the substrate. A method for manufacturing an electron source comprises a substrate, and a plurality of electron-emitting devices arrayed upon the substrate, wherein the electron-emitting devices are manufactured according to the method for manufacturing the electron-emitting device. A method for manufacturing an image-forming apparatus comprises a substrate, an electron source comprised of a plurality of electron-emitting devices arrayed upon the substrate, and an image-forming member, wherein the electron-emitting devices are manufactured according to the method for manufacturing an electron-emitting device.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel vitreous microlenses and optical filters and methods for their formation. This includes formation of inorganic oxide microlenses and optical filters on other objects, including the production of oxide glasses in various shapes. For example, the present invention is directed to the use of precursor materials such as carboxylated polysiloxanes, including carboxylated polygermanosiloxanes in the hydrogen or fully or partially metal ion exchanged forms to produce the vitreous microlenses and optical filters of the invention.

Abstract: A material and a method for forming a tamper-indicating identification coating are provided. The components of the coating are selected such that the coating exhibits a characteristic absorption spectrum with distinct features in individual regions during Fourier-transform infa-red (FTIR) spectroscopy. The coating components are selected to provide a distinct spectrum while, at the same time, providing a sufficiently complex spectrum such that the coating is difficult to duplicate. Also, a blowing agent in the coating decomposes to change the FTIR spectrum due to the heat associated with resoldering of an out-of-warranty electronic part marked with the identification coating to an in-warranty circuit card. In addition, the coating may contain a fluorophore to reveal the presence of a tamper-indicating identification coating, allowing a manufacturer to check the card by exposure with ultra-violet (UV) light. Further, the coating composition may be changed periodically and tracked to provide a date marker.

Abstract: This invention is a fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite and a method for their fabrication. The precursors of the ceramic matrix phase are impregnated into the fibrous preform or-applied to the surface of the fiber as fluids. The preform or fibers are then thermally processed to convert the precursor compounds to the desired refractory materials, e.g., carbides, borides, or nitrides. The density and other properties of the composites may be enhanced further by using a hybrid process that combines fluid infiltration and thermal treatment with chemical vapor infiltration.

Abstract: The haze in a conductive tin oxide coating deposited on a substrate, particularly glass, can be reduced by applying, to a desired thickness, a solid-state coating, where the solid-state layer is applied as a precursor liquid to the tin oxide layer, is then dried and/or converted to a solid-state film overlying the conductive tin oxide film on the substrate.

Abstract: A liquid precursor is provided for the formation of metal oxide films comprising a mixture of two or more types of beta-diketonate ligands bound to one or more metals. A metal beta-diketonate compound having at least two different beta-diketonate ligands provided. For example, a liquid mixture was formed of the mixed aluminum beta-diketonates derived from two or more of the ligands 2,6-dimethyl-3,5-heptanedione; 2,7-dimethyl-3,5-heptanedione; 2,6-dimethyl-3,5-octanedione; 2,2,6-trimethyl-3,5-heptanedione; 2,8-dimethyl-4,6-nonanedione; 2,7-dimethyl-4,6-nonanedione; 2,2,7-trimethyl-3,5-octanedione; and 2,2,6-trimethyl-3,5-octanedione. Films of metal oxides are deposited from vaporized precursor mixtures of metal beta-diketonates and, optionally, oxygen or other sources of oxygen. This process may be used to deposit high-purity, transparent metal oxide films on a substrate. The liquid mixtures may also be used for spray coating, spin coating and sol-gel deposition of materials.

Abstract: A lens comprises a lens body having a lens surface with a convex-concave portion and a filler whose optical characteristics are the same as or much similar to that of said lens body, wherein said convex-concave portion of said lens is filled with said filler.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition for deposition of a mixed metal or metal compound layer, comprising a solventless mixture of at least two metal-ligand complex precursors, wherein the mixture is liquid at ambient conditions and the ligands are the same and are selected from the group consisting of alkyls, alkoxides, halides, hydrides, amides, imides, azides cyclopentadienyls, carbonyls, and their fluorine, oxygen and nitrogen substituted analogs.

Abstract: A method of repairing a damaged area of a thermal barrier coating on a component which is subjected to a hostile thermal environment, which comprises cleaning the damaged area, applying a partially stabilized zirconium sol-gel to the area, and pyrolizing the sol-gel to form a TBC repair layer.

Abstract: A coating is formed on a substrate by depositing a solution comprising a resin containing at least 2 Si—H groups and a solvent in a manner in which at least 5 volume % of the solvent remains in the coating after deposition followed by exposing the coating to an environment comprising a basic catalyst and water at a concentration sufficient to cause condensation of the Si—H groups and evaporating the solvent from the coating to form a porous network coating. The method of the invention is particularly useful for applying low dielectric constant coatings on electronic devices.

Abstract: A highly efficient sulfide catalyst for reducing sulfur dioxide to elemental sulfur, which maximizes the selectivity of elemental sulfur over byproducts and has a high conversion efficiency. Various feed stream contaminants, such as water vapor are well tolerated. Additionally, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or hydrogen sulfides can be employed as the reducing gases while maintaining high conversion efficiency. This allows a much wider range of uses and higher level of feed stream contaminants than prior art catalysts.

Abstract: A paste is described for capping electrodes with an oxide free metal layer incorporating a solvent, an unzippable polymer and particles. The electrode could be an interconnect such as a C4 bump. A method for forming a coating and for testing integrated circuit chips is also described. The invention overcomes the problem of interconnecting Pb containing electrodes that are covered with an insulating oxide on integrated circuit chips by coating the Pb containing electrode with Au to provide an oxide free surface for testing and interconnection.

Abstract: A process for depositing metal coatings on polyimide surfaces for producing conductor tracks includes depositing a first metal coating by decomposition of volatile metal compounds by a glow discharge in a gas mixture containing inert gases and oxygen containing compounds, followed by electroless deposition of a second metal coating from an acid or neutral metallizing bath.

Abstract: A substrate onto which a coating solution is dropped is rotated at a low speed in a first rotational mode and then after an interval of time at a high speed in a second rotational mode. At the end of the first rotational mode, the coating solution is coated to a thickness larger than a given thickness on irregularities on the substrate such as twin patterns and a global pattern, with the coating solution being coated to a thickness smaller than the given thickness between the twin patterns. Subsequently, at the start of the second rotational mode, the coating solution coated on the twin patterns and the global pattern flows into spaces between these patterns. At the end of the second rotational mode, the thickness of the coating solution on the twin patterns is almost nil, and the thickness of the coating solution on the global pattern is small in its entirety though it is somewhat large in the central area of the global pattern.

Abstract: A method for making strontium-containing metal-oxide ceramic thin films from a precursor liquid by mixing a strontium neo-pentoxide dissolved in an amine solvent and at least one metal alkoxide dissolved in a solvent, said at least one metal alkoxide selected from the group consisting of alkoxides of calcium, barium, bismuth, cadmium, lead, titanium, tantalum, hafnium, tungsten, niobium, zirconium, yttrium, lanthanum, antimony, chromium and thallium, depositing a thin film of the precursor liquid on a substrate, and heating the thin film in the presence of oxygen at between 550 and 700° C.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method for producing thermally stable multi-layer coatings and the coatings produced therefrom. The multi-layer coating is comprised of a first coating produced from hydrogen silsesquioxane having a thickness of 1.25 to 2.25 &mgr;m and a second coating comprising silicon dioxide having a thickness of at least 100 nm. The method for producing the first coating comprises applying a fillerless hydrogen silsesquioxane resin composition onto a substrate and thereafter heating the hydrogen silsesquioxane resin at a temperature of 150° C. to 500° C. for a sufficient period of time to produce a crack-free coating having a thickness of 1.25 &mgr;m to 2.25 &mgr;m. The second coating is produced by depositing, preferably by PECVD, silicon dioxide over the first coating at a thickness of at least 100 nm.

Abstract: A coated nanocrystal capable of light emission includes a substantially monodisperse nanoparticle selected from the group consisting of CdX, where x=S, Se, Te and an overcoating of ZnY, where Y=S, Se, uniformly deposited thereon, said coated nanoparticle characterized in that when irradiated the particles exhibit photoluminescence in a narrow spectral range of no greater than about 60 nm, and most preferably 40 nm, at full width half max (FWHM). The particle size of the nanocrystallite core is in the range of about 20 Å to about 125 Å, with a deviation of less than 10% in the core. The coated nanocrystal exhibits photoluminescence having quantum yields of greater than 30%.

Abstract: A method of preparing a high-heat-resistance resin composite ceramic that can be used at a high temperature of over 400° C., the high-heat-resistance composite ceramic exhibiting remarkably high heat resistance, excellent in processability, durability against chemicals and durability against plasma, further, exhibiting “outgassing” to a lesser degree at a high temperature under high vacuum. The method comprises the steps of impregnating an inorganic continuously porous sintered body (I) having an open porosity of at least 0.5% with an organometallic compound (M), heat-treating the impregnated inorganic continuously porous sintered body (I) to decompose the organometallic compound (M) and thereby forming a metal compound which is a carbide, a nitride, an oxide or a composite oxide on an inner wall plane of each of open pores, and filling a heat-resistant silicone resin (R) in the open pores by impregnation under vacuum and thermally curing the heat-resistant silicone resin (R).

Abstract: Silica-based refractories are impregnated with protective material that is more resistant towards attack by corrosive species. The protective material coats the surface of the refractory matrix and fills some of the cavity volume of its pores, crevices, surfaces imperfections and irregularities. The protective material is positioned by impregnating the refractory with a precursor which, under the input of energy, is converted into the corrosion resistant protective material.

Abstract: A method for preparing a microporous silicone resin which can be used to form low dielectric constant films useful for electrical insulating coatings on electronic devices comprising (A) contacting a hydridosilicon containing resin with an alkenyltriarylsilane in the presence of a platinum group metal-containing hydrosilation catalyst effecting formation of a silicon resin where at least 5 percent of silicon atoms are substituted with at least one triarylsilylalkylene group and at least 45 percent of silicon atoms are substituted with at least one hydrogen atom and (B) heating the silicon resin of step (A) in an inert atmosphere at a temperature sufficient to effect thermolysis of the triarylsilylalkylene groups from the silicon atoms.

Abstract: A process for forming a functional ceramic thin film eliminating the need of high temperature annealing which has been indispensable in the conventional process is provided. This can be achieved by the process for forming a functional ceramic thin film having a crystal of a composite oxide consisting of two or more metal elements and oxygen, which comprises steps of alternately stacking seeding layers having the same crystalline structure as said composite oxide and formable at a temperature lower than the crystallization temperature of the composite oxide, and layers containing a larger amount of a specified metal element than said seeding layers, and then annealing the resultant layers to form an integral body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the formation of a silica coating film having a remarkably high crack-forming thickness limit on the surface of a substrate which may be highly heat resistant, for example, having a circuit wiring layer of polycrystalline silicon to withstand a temperature higher than 500° C. without excessive diffusion of dopant through the source layer or drain layer of the semiconductor device. The method comprises the steps of: coating the substrate surface with a coating solution containing a modified polysilazane which is a reaction product of a polysilazane and a dialkyl alkanol amine, drying the coating layer, subjecting the coating layer to a first baking treatment at 350-450° C. for 10-60 minutes and subjecting the layer to a second baking treatment at 550-800° C. for 0.5-60 minutes.

Abstract: Relatively cool chemical vapor deposition precursor particles are desorbed from a target by increasing the temperature of a selected target area at a heating rate of at least about 106 K/sec such that heat energy causes the desorption of at least one CVD precursor particle intact from the target, such that intermediate bonds between the precursor particles and adjacent particles are heated at a higher rate than the precursor's internal bonds, or such that a substantial portion of heat energy is not transferred to the internal modes of the CVD precursor particle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of coating a substrate with a zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) material, comprising the steps of selecting a substrate which is reactive with said ZDDP material; providing an atmosphere containing said ZDDP material at a predetermined concentration; exposing said substrate to said atmosphere for a sufficient period of time and at a sufficient temperature, so as to cause said ZDDP material to form a layered substrate having a layer of a ZDDP derivative material thereon; and annealing said layered substrate.

Abstract: A method of and a solution for making a highly porous optical antireflection coating of a selectively designed index of refraction, by applying a colloidal dispersion derived from hydrolytically condensing, in the presence of water and a catalyst, one or more silicon compounds of the general formula RaSiX4-a, or precondensates derived therefrom, to a substrate. In the formula, R is an organic group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms which may be interrupted by oxygen atoms and/or sulfur atoms and/or amino groups, X is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, alkoxy, acyloxy, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl or NR′2, R′ being hydrogen, alkyl or aryl and a being 0, 1 or 2. The solution also contains colloidally dispersed organic polymers at a molar ratio, relative to the silane, between 0.1 mmol/mol silane and 100 mmol/mol silane, the median molecular mass of the polymer being between 200 and 500,000. Sol-vents, preferably alcohol, may also be present in the solution.

Abstract: A liquid precursor solution for use according to a method of manufacturing metal oxide electronic components includes a polyoxyalkylated metal complex dispersed in an alkane solvent. The alkane solvent is preferably n-octane.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in an abrasion resistant ceramic material comprising a porous ceramic material having a surface, and a preceramic polymer infiltrated into the surface wherein the preceramic polymer is converted to a ceramic state.

Abstract: Dental prosthesis composed of a polymer containing hydrogen atoms and with the required mechanical and chemical properties, characterized in that the hydrogen atoms on the surface of the said polymer are partially replaced by fluorine atoms in the CF, —CF2 —CF3, —OH, —COOH, —C═O, —OOH, —NH2, —C═NH or CONH2 groups. This type of polymer can improve the retention of prostheses and/or limit the development of dental plaque.

Abstract: A process for the coating of glass microspheres with an aluminium hydroxide, which involves the hydrothermal treatment of a suspension of complexed Al3+-ions with glass microspheres. The aluminium hydroxide coated glass microspheres can be applied in the production of light weight glass-reinforced plastic materials, e.g., for use in mass transportation.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a dense membrane by providing a colloidal suspension of a ceramic powder, and providing a polymeric precursor. The precursor is mixed together with the colloidal suspension, and the mixture is applied to a membrane support to form a composite structure. The composite structure is heated to form a dense membrane on the support.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for providing a metallic surface with a vitreous layer which is both decorative and scratch resistant and corrosion inhibiting. Said process is characterized in that a coating composition which is obtainable by a process comprising the hydrolysis and polycondensation of one or more silanes of the general formula (I)R.sub.n SiX.sub.4-n (I)wherein the groups X, the same or different from each other, are hydrolyzable groups or hydroxyl groups, the radicals R, the same or different from each other, represent hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups having up to 12 carbon atoms and aryl, aralkyl and alkaryl groups having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, and n is 0, 1 or 2, provided that at least one silane with n=1 or 2 is employed, or oligomers derived therefrom, in the presence ofa) nanoscaled SiO.sub.

Abstract: A process for producing a ceramic network material including the steps of: introducing a ceramic powder into a mold to form a molded material; firing the molded material to form a ceramic, open pore network; infusing the ceramic network with a silane solution; infusing a monomer to at least a portion of the ceramic network; and forming an interpenetrating network. The ceramic network materials may be used as restorative materials and in various devices such as posts, implant abutments, orthodontic brackets and blocks.

Abstract: A ceramic contact sheet and setter tile with controlled porosity is introduced, along with the method for making the same. The amount of porosity is controlled by the volume percentage, particle size, and particle shape of a fugitive phase which can be added to the original refractory material slurry used to fabricate setter tiles and contact sheets. The fugitive phase can be used independently to introduce porosity in setter tiles and contact sheets or in conjunction with partial densification. Since porosity is not solely dependent upon partial sintering, higher porosity levels can be achieved with less impact on subsequent mechanical properties of the resultant refractory material.

Abstract: To provide a composition and process for forming insulating films that can produce insulating films having low dielectric constants. The composition comprises (A) an electrically insulating curable inorganic or organic resin, (B) a solvent, and (C) at least one solvent-soluble substance (excluding the solvent used for component (B)) that upon heating or by interaction with the resin (A) can generate gas or undergo volatilization in the temperature range from 0.degree. C. to 800.degree. C. The insulating films are prepared by coating the surface of a substrate the composition; evaporating the solvent; and subsequently heating the substrate in order to generate gas from component (C) during the course of or after the cure of the said resin (A).

Abstract: The invention provides a nanotechnology process for implant surface treatment for producing an implant article. The nanotechnology process comprises subjecting a non-porous material to a mechanical or chemical surface treatment until a surface roughness with an average peak distance (Ra value) between 10 and 1,000 nm is obtained. The roughened surface can subsequently be subjected to precipitation of calcium phosphate from a solution containing calcium and phosphate ions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing an anti-oxidation system for porous ceramics on the basis of SiC or Si.sub.3 N.sub.4. By means of infiltration into the pore inner spaces of a sol containing at least one metal component, conversion of the sol to a gel (sol-gel process) and a subsequent high-temperature treatment, it is possible successfully to provide a crystalline anti-oxidation layer, which is resistant to temperatures of up to at least 1650.degree. C. even under cyclic temperature stresses, and reveals a heat expansion behavior adapted to the SiC or Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 over the entire temperature range used.

Abstract: A ceramic composite having a substrate bonded to a ceramic oxide member through a covalent bond formed at temperatures less than 880.degree. C., and ceramic composites that are so constructed that to control internal stress or increase crack-resistance within the ceramic member under applied thermal or mechanical loads to the composite, such composite with alumina bonded sets of such metal-ceramic computers and end use devices including printed circuit boards, and higher level assemblies including such devices.

Abstract: Superalloy substrates bearing a rhenium diffusion barrier, and a method of forming a rhenium diffusion barrier between a superalloy substrate and an overlay coating comprising aluminum. The method involves depositing a rhenium film onto the surface of a superalloy substrate and subjecting the rhenium film to first conditions effective to cause a minor portion of rhenium atoms to penetrate the surface of the superalloy substrate and second conditions effective to cause a minority of the rhenium atoms to diffuse into the substrate, forming a diffusion barrier comprising an interfacial zone comprising a mixture of rhenium atoms and atoms of the superalloy substrate covered by a rhenium film. The diffusion barrier is effective to suppress diffusion of aluminum from the overlay coating under static oxidation testing conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable device coated with a layer of calcium phosphate and optionally one or more biologically active substances such as growth factors, lipis, (lipo)polysaccharides, hormones, proteins, antibiotics or cytostatics. The device can be obtained by a nanotechnology process comprising subjecting a substrate to a surface treatment until a surface roughness with an average peak distance (Ra value) between 10 and 1,000 nm and subjecting the roughened surface to precipitation of calcium phosphate from a solution containing calcium and phosphate ions with optional coprepitation of the biologically active substance.

Abstract: This invention encompasses porous, nanocrystalline, biomimetic calcium phosphate coatings of the order of 2-30 microns that can be grown on metal implants. The chemical surface treatments and methods for making the calcium phosphate coatings are disclosed. Post treatment with dilute hydrogels such as phema reinforce the inorganic structure and enhance the mechanical strength of the coatings. Methods are also disclosed for adsorbing or covalently attaching growth factor proteins to derivatives of the hydrogel coated calcium phosphate coatings. Such hydrogel reinforced calcium phosphate coatings show equivalent bone tissue growth as the currently used implants and are easily resorbed. This property in combination with the immobilized growth factors is expected to enhance the process of osseointegration of the disclosed coatings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a ceramic matrix composite comprising forming an infiltrated fiber reinforcement by infiltrating a plurality of plies of a fibrous material with a precursor polymer which decomposes to a substantially pure product selected from the group consisting of a refractory metal carbide and a refractory metal boride, and exposing the infiltrated fiber reinforcement to conditions effective to cure the precursor polymer and to decompose the precursor polymer to said substantially pure product.

Abstract: Alkali silicate glasses are described which, in view of their good chemical stability and their optical properties and processing properties, are particularly suitable as a coating or veneering material for ceramic dental frameworks and hence for the production of all-ceramic dental restorations such as crowns or bridges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to porous implant materials which are loaded with an excipient/active compound combination, the excipient components used being oligomeric esters of polyhydric alcohols and .alpha.-hydroxy acids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a thin film of ultra-fine particles on a base body having a fine hole or groove with a large aspect ratio (larger than one). The ultra-fine particles are smaller than 0.1 .mu.m in diameter and are made from evaporated material. An aerosol is formed by dispersing and floating the ultra-fine particles in a gas at a pressure higher than 10.sup.2 Pa in an aerosol-forming chamber. The base body is held by a holding mechanism within a thin-film forming container. A vacuum system is connected to the thin-film forming container. The aerosol-forming chamber is placed in communication with the thin-film forming container so that the aerosol is applied onto the inner wall surface of the fine hole or the groove. As a result, the ultra-fine particles are diffused and adsorbed onto the inner wall surface.

Abstract: An electrolytic electrode substrate comprises an electrically conductive substrate and, formed on the surface of the electrically conductive substrate, an oxide layer having a thickness of from 10 to 200 .mu.m, wherein the oxide in the oxide layer comprises a non-stoichiometric composition containing oxygen and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, tantalum, and niobium. An advantage of the electrode substrate is that it is stable when used in electrolytic processes involving a reversal of current flow. Further, the electrode substrate is stable in the presence of corrosive substances such as a fluorine.

Abstract: Methods for making low work function electrodes either made from or coated with an electride material in which the electride material has lattice defect sites are described. Lattice defect sites are regions of the crystal structure where irregularities and deformations occur. Also provided are methods for making electrodes which consist of a substrate coated with a layer of a compound comprised of a cation complexed by an electride former, in which said complex has lattice defect sites. In addition, methods for making electrodes which consist of a bulk metal coated with a layer of an electride former having lattice defect sites are described. The electride former stabilizes the loss of electrons by surface sites on the metal, lowering the work-function of the coated surface.

Abstract: Dendrite or asteroidal titanium dioxide micro-particles having a length of 0.2 to 0.5 .mu.m, a thickness of 0.05 to 0.1 .mu.m, and a specific surface area of 20 to 130 m.sup.2 /gram, are produced by treating hydrated titanium oxide particles with an alkali, mixing instantaneously the resulting reaction product with an amount of hydrochloric acid in a ratio of 1 to 4 mols of hydrochloric acid to one mol of the titanium oxide in the reaction product to effect a reaction, then aging under heat at 85.degree. C. or higher, and then drying or, if necessary, firing after the drying, and subsequently may be coated with at least one from oxides and hydrated oxides of elements selected from aluminum, silicon, titanium, zirconium, tin and antimony to improve the dispersibility and resistance to light of the particles, or may be coated with tin oxide containing antimony or indium oxide containing tin to make the particles electroconductive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced bioactive ceramic implant, wherein a base form is made from fibrous material and interspaces between the different fibers are filled using chemical vapor phase infiltration. Preferably, a calcium-phosphate compound is brought between the fibers, which are preferably of the continuous-fiber type.