Abstract: A thermal insulator with both excellent heat insulation and strength and a method of manufacturing the thermal insulator are provided. A thermal insulator according to the present invention includes metal oxide fine particles with an average particle diameter equal to or smaller than 50 nm and a reinforcing fiber, wherein the thermal insulator has a bridge structure between the metal oxide fine particles which is formed by elution of part of the metal oxide fine particles. A method of manufacturing a thermal insulator according to the present invention includes a curing step of curing a dry pressed compact including metal oxide fine particles with an average particle diameter equal to or smaller than 50 nm and a reinforcing fiber under a pressurized vapor saturated atmosphere at a temperature equal to or higher than 100° C. for four hours and a drying step of drying the cured dry pressed compact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst support made of a ceramic, the support comprising an arrangement of crystallites having the same size, the same isodiametric morphology and the same chemical composition or substantially the same size, the same isodiametric morphology and the same chemical composition, in which each crystallite makes point contact or almost point contact with the surrounding crystallites.

Abstract: Piezoelectric materials having improved electrical properties, and manufacturing methods of the same, are provided. In (Li, Na, K, Bi)(Nb, Ta)O3 based piezoelectric materials, the surface microstructures of sintered bodies include microscopic grains having grain diameters of less than 5 ?m, intermediate grains having grain diameters of 5 ?m or more and less than 15 ?m, and coarse grains having grain diameters of 15 ?m or more and 100 ?m or less.

Abstract: Disclosed is a graphene composite thin film composition composed of nano graphene platelets (NGPs) bonded by a graphene oxide binder, wherein the NGPs contain single-layer graphene or multi-layer graphene sheets having a thickness from 0.335 nm to 100 nm. The NGPs occupy a weight fraction of 1% to 99.9% of the total composite weight. The graphene oxide binder, having an oxygen content of 1-40% (preferably <10%) by weight based on the total graphene oxide weight, is obtained from a graphene oxide gel. The composite forms a thin film with a thickness no greater than 1 mm, but preferably no greater than 100 ?m and no less than 10 ?m. This composition has a combination of exceptional thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and mechanical strength unmatched by any thin-film material of comparable thickness range.

Abstract: Prepare an article of manufacture by providing a latex of hollow latex particles with a rigid inner shell and adhesive outer shell, providing nanoporous particles and dispersing them into the latex and drying the latex so as to cause the hollow latex particle to bind to one another and form an article of manufacture containing nanoporous particles and hollow latex particles wherein the hollow latex particles are bound directly to one another to form a continuous matrix and the nanoporous particles are dispersed within the continuous matrix of hollow latex particles.

Abstract: Provided is a silicon carbide ceramic having a small amount of resistivity change due to temperature change and being capable of generating heat by current application; and containing silicon carbide crystals having 0.1 to 25 mass % of 4H—SiC silicon carbide crystals and 50 to 99.9 mass % of 6H—SiC silicon carbide crystals, preferably having a nitrogen content of 0.01 mass % or less, more preferably containing two or more kinds of silicon carbide particles containing silicon carbide crystals and silicon for binding these silicon carbide particles to each other and having a silicon content of from 10 to 40 mass %.

Abstract: New cermets with improved properties and applications are provided. These new cermets have lower density and/or higher hardness than B4C cermet. By incorporating other new ceramics into B4C powders or as a substitute for B4C, lower densities and/or higher hardness cermets result. The ceramic powders have much finer particle size than those previously used which significantly reduces grain size of the cermet microstructure and improves the cermet properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly thermally conductive resin molded article that satisfies all demands of a high thermal conductivity, an insulation property, a low density, a mechanical strength, a high flowability of a thin-walled molded article, less abrasion on a die used for manufacturing, and high whiteness. The highly thermally conductive resin molded article at least includes (A) thermoplastic polyester resin, (B) platy talc particles, and (C) a fiber reinforcement, and (B) platy talc particle content falls within a range between 10% by volume and 60% by volume, where the entire composition is 100% by volume, a number average particle size of the platy talc particles falls within a range between 20 ?m and 80 ?m, and the (B) platy talc particles are oriented in a surface direction of the highly thermally conductive resin molded article.

Abstract: A target for sputtering or a tablet for ion plating, which enables to attain high rate film-formation and a nodule-less, an oxide sintered body suitable for obtaining the same and a production method therefor, and a transparent conductive film having low absorption of blue light and low specific resistance, obtained by using the same. It is provided by an oxide sintered body having indium and gallium as an oxide, characterized in that an In2O3 phase with a bixbyite-type structure forms a major crystal phase, and a GaInO3 phase of a ?-Ga2O3-type structure, or GaInO3 phase and a (Ga,In)2O3 phase is finely dispersed therein, as a crystal grain having an average particle diameter of equal to or smaller than 5 ?m, and a content of gallium is equal to or higher than 10% by atom and below 35% by atom as atom number ratio of Ga/(In+Ga) or the like.

Abstract: Synthetic acrylic marble including a pearl-containing pattern which is produced by kneading two or more compounds with different colors, and adding a pearl pigment thereto and thus exhibits natural pearl pattern effects, thus obtaining appearance having a natural and luxurious pearl pattern as compared to conventional synthetic marbles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing hollow magnesium fluoride particles by performing polymerization at the interface of micelle constituted of a hydrophobic solvent, a hydrophilic solvent, and a surfactant. The invention further provides an antireflection coating having a low refractive index due to the coating by the hollow magnesium fluoride particles and also provides an optical device coated with the antireflection coating and an imaging optical system having the optical device. In the method, micelle is formed from a hydrophobic solvent, a hydrophilic solvent, and a surfactant, and then a fluorine compound and a magnesium compound are dissolved in the micelle solution to polymerize magnesium fluoride at the interface of the micelle.

Abstract: A ceramics substrate for mounting a light-emitting element includes a ceramic sintered body, the ceramic sintered body having a mounting section on which a light-emitting element is mounted, in a surface portion on a mounting section side of the ceramic sintered body, a ratio of crystal grains having a crystal grain size of 0.2 ?m to 1.0 ?m in equivalent circle diameter being in a range of 45% to 80%, a ratio of crystal gains having a crystal grain size of 2.0 ?m to 6.0 ?m in equivalent circle diameter being in a range of 5% to 15%, and a ratio of crystal grains having a crystal grain size of more than 6.0 ?m in equivalent circle diameter being 2.7% or less.

Abstract: By engineering thermal spray parameters, such as temperature and velocity, and engineering feedstock powder size and morphology, ceramic coatings may be produced having desired mechanical and thermal properties. The ceramic thermal spray coating may have a microstructure having about 10-80% by cross-sectional area of a particulate phase based on, surface area of the coating, and the particulate phase is uniformly distributed throughout the coating. The particulate phase is an unmelted portion of the thermal sprayed feedstock, which is highly porous and may be produced by agglomerating nanoparticles of the ceramic. Such coatings can be applied as TBCs or as abradable coatings.

Abstract: A flexible assembly is configured to be removably applied to a curved or planar surface of an underlying component. The assembly includes a flexible glass layer and an adhesive layer provided on at least one surface of the flexible glass layer. The flexible glass layer and the adhesive layer in combination enable the flexible assembly to be removably secured to the curved or planar surface.

Abstract: An oxide sintered body having zinc oxide as a main component and containing magnesium, and a transparent conductive substrate are provided, and an oxide sintered body having zinc oxide and magnesium, wherein content of magnesium is from 0.02 to 0.30 as atom number ratio of Mg/(Zn+Mg); an oxide sintered body having zinc oxide, magnesium, gallium and/or aluminum, wherein content of gallium and/or aluminum is over 0 and equal to or lower than 0.09 as atom number ratio of (Ga+Al)/(Zn+Ga+Al), and content of magnesium is from 0.02 to 0.30 as atom number ratio of Mg/(Zn+Ga+Al+Mg); a target obtained by processing these oxide sintered bodies; and a transparent conductive film formed on a substrate by a sputtering method or an ion plating method, by using this target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hierarchical structured nanotubes, to a method for preparing the same and to an application for the same, wherein the nanotubes include a plurality of connecting nanotubes for constituting a three-dimensional multi-dendrite morphology; and the method includes the following steps: (A) providing a polymer template including a plurality of organic nanowires; (B) forming an inorganic layer on the surface of the organic nanowires in the polymer template; and (C) performing a heat treatment on the polymer template having the inorganic layer on the surface so that partial atoms of the organic nanowires enter the inorganic layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous processes to make metal chalcogenide nanoparticles that are useful precursors to copper zinc tin sulfide/selenide and copper tin sulfide/selenide. In addition, this invention provides processes for preparing crystalline particles from the metal chalcogenide nanoparticles, as well as processes for preparing inks from both the metal chalcogenide nanoparticles and the crystalline particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aluminum nitride substrate for a circuit board, the substrate having aluminum nitride crystal grains with an average grain size of 2 to 5 ?m and a thermal conductivity of at least 170 W/m·K. The aluminum nitride substrate does not include a dendritic grain boundary phase and has a breakdown voltage of at least 30 kV/mm at 400° C. Also provided is a method for producing the aluminum nitride substrate, including the steps of heating a raw material containing an aluminum nitride powder to 1500° C. at a pressure of at most 150 Pa, then increasing and holding the temperature at 1700 to 1900° C. in a pressurized atmosphere of at least 0.4 MPa using a non-oxidizing gas, then cooling to 1600° C. at a cooling rate of at most 10° C./min.

Abstract: A superhydrophobic polymer fabrication is provided. According to one method for preparing a superhydrophobic polymer fabrication, the superhydrophobic polymer fabrication can be fabricated quickly and easily, and the superhydrophobic surface can be repeatedly imprinted using a template, so that mass production of the superhydrophobic polymer fabrication over a large area can be economically implemented.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric composite comprising a first organic polymer that forms a first organic polymer phase; and a low molecular weight compound that exists in the form of a second crystalline phase; wherein the second crystalline phase is dispersed within the first organic polymer phase. Disclosed herein too is a polymeric composite comprising a first organic polymer that forms a first organic polymer phase; and a second phase that comprises a crystalline organic polymer, wherein the crystalline organic polymer has a different molecular structure from the first organic polymer; wherein the second phase is not covalently bonded to the first organic polymer phase and wherein the second phase has an average particle size of about 1 to about 20 micrometers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a device comprising: (i) providing an aqueous emulsion comprising an organic solvent, a surfactant and at least one conductive organic compound; (ii) removal of the organic solvent to provide an aqueous suspension of conductive nanoparticles comprising the at least one conductive organic compound; (iii) depositing the nanoparticles onto a substrate to form a nanoparticle layer; and (iv) annealing the nanoparticle layer.

Abstract: A preliminary-cured material permits reduced surface roughness of a roughening-treated surface, and increase of an adhesive strength between a cured object and a metal layer. The preliminary-cured material is obtained by advancing curing of an epoxy resin material that contains an epoxy resin, a curing agent, and a silica. The preliminary-cured material includes a first principal surface to be roughening-treated, and a second principal surface. The silica includes a first small particle-diameter silica whose particle diameter is not smaller than 0.01 ?m but smaller than 0.5 ?m, and a second large particle-diameter silica whose particle diameter is not smaller than 0.5 ?m but not larger than 20 ?m. The first small particle-diameter silica is localized to exist in large quantity on a side of the first principal surface, and the second large particle-diameter silica is localized to exist in large quantity on a side of the second principal surface.

Abstract: An array structure includes a plurality of containers arranged in a predetermined pattern. Each container of the plurality of containers has a maximum outer dimension that is less than about 1 cm, and each container of the plurality of containers has a substantially predetermined porosity.

Abstract: Polysaccharides and/or hydroxyl polymers, more particularly, structures, especially fibers, comprising a polysaccharide and/or hydroxyl polymer and an association agent, fibrous structures comprising such structures and processes for making such structures and/or fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermally sprayed coatings of a high purity yttria or ytterbia stabilized zirconia powder, said high purity yttria or ytterbia stabilized zirconia powder comprising from about 0 to about 0.15 weight percent impurity oxides, from about 0 to about 2 weight percent hafnium oxide (hafnia), from about 6 to about 25 weight percent yttrium oxide (yttria) or from about 10 to about 36 weight percent ytterbium oxide (ytterbia), and the balance zirconium oxide (zirconia). Thermal barrier coatings for protecting a component such as blades, vanes and seal surfaces of gas turbine engines, made from the high purity yttria or ytterbia stabilized zirconia powders, have a density greater than 88% of the theoretical density with a plurality of vertical macrocracks homogeneously dispersed throughout the coating to improve its thermal fatigue resistance.

Abstract: A selectively corrodible powder compact that may be used to make the components of a selectively corrodible perforating system is disclosed. The selectively corrodible powder compact includes a cellular nanomatrix comprising a nanomatrix material. The selectively corrodible powder compact also includes a plurality of dispersed particles comprising a particle core material having a density of about 7.5 g/cm3 or more, dispersed in the cellular nanomatrix. The selectively corrodible powder compact further includes a bond layer extending throughout the cellular nanomatrix between the dispersed particles.

Abstract: A masterbatch pellet is provided for obtaining a polyamide resin composition excellent in mechanical strength and heat aging resistance. The masterbatch pellet is obtained by melt-kneading a raw material component containing a thermoplastic resin (A) and a metal oxide (B), wherein a content of the metal oxide (B) is 0.5% by mass or more and a fraction of the metal oxide (B) after the melt kneading is present as an aggregated particle of 5 ?m or more in a major axis length. A proportion of the aggregated particle of 5 ?m or more in a major axis length in a whole metal oxide after the melt kneading is preferably 30% by mass or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an airbag fabric comprising a polyester fiber, and more particularly to a polyester fabric having a thermal resistance constant (X) of 1.0 to 6.5 in the uncoated fabric state, a preparation method for the same, and an airbag for vehicle comprising the same. The airbag fabric of the present invention uses a polyester fiber having low Young's modulus, high strength and high elongation to impart good mechanical properties, such as high strength and high thermal resistance, and good folding property, high dimensional stability, and good air sealing effect as well, thereby minimizing collision impacts on occupants to protect the occupants with safety.

Abstract: A graphite-containing molded body is obtained by a method in which graphite particles are mixed with at least one solid additive to form a mixture which contains at least one inorganic additive, a mixture consisting of an inorganic additive and an organic additive, or more than 10 wt. % of an organic additive and the thus obtained mixture is subsequently compressed. The at least one additive which is used contains particles having an average diameter of between 1 and 500 ?m, determined in accordance with the ISO 13320 standard.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a thin biaxially oriented film excellent in dimensional stability against humidity change, as well as a magnetic recording medium and a film capacitor using the same. The present invention provides a single layered or laminated biaxially oriented film comprising an aromatic polyester (a) and a polyolefin (b) having a melting point of from 230 to 280° C., wherein the ratio of the polyolefin (b) is from 5 to 30% based on the entire weight of the film, and the film thickness is from 1 to 10 ?m.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a polyolefin powder having a thermoplastic elastomer includes the steps of combining a polyolefin powder or a monomeric source therefor with a thermoplastic elastomer, the thermoplastic elastomer being in the form of a solution or dispersion in a solvent, wherein where a monomeric source of a polyolefin is used, contacting the source of a polyolefin with a polymerization catalyst under polymerization conditions to form a polyolefin, and removing the solvent to form a powder and wherein the polyolefin and the thermoplastic elastomer are not the same polymer. A particulate polyolefin composition which has a particle size distribution such that at least 80 vol. % of the particles has a diameter in the range of 1-3000 microns, and which includes a nascent polyolefin and 0.1-30 wt. % of a thermoplastic elastomer, calculated on the total of polyolefin and thermoplastic elastomer, is also described.

Abstract: A process for the impregnation of carbon fiber bundles enables the carbon fiber bundles to be impregnated with a curable liquid resin without the impregnated fiber bundles sticking together. The fiber bundles are present in a mechanically generated fluidized bed during the impregnation and are held in the fluidized bed until the resin has been cured or at least dried. A resin-impregnated carbon fiber bundle, a shaped body and an intermediate body for silicization are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure present electrically conductive, thermosetting compositions for use in surfacing films and adhesives. The surfacing films possess enhanced electrical conductivity, comparable to metals, without the use of embedded metal screens or foils. Such surfacing films may be incorporated into composite structures (e.g., prepregs, tapes, and fabrics), for example, by co-curing, as an outermost surface layer. In particular, compositions formed using silver flakes as conductive fillers are found to exhibit very high electrical conductivity. For example, compositions including greater than 45 wt. % silver flake exhibit resistivities less than about 55 m?/sq. In this manner, the surfacing films as an outermost conductive layer may provide lighting strike protection (LSP) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding when used in applications such as aircraft components.

Abstract: A negative active material including an ordered porous manganese oxide, wherein pores of the ordered porous manganese oxide have bimodal size distribution, and a method of preparing the negative active material. The invention also includes a negative electrode including the negative active material and a lithium battery including the negative electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating layer for an anti-glare film that can prevent glaring by reflection of external light on a surface of a display and an anti-glare film comprising the same. The coating layer for an anti-glare film according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a binder resin, organic particulates, and inorganic particulates, and differences differences between refractive indexes of the binder resin and the organic particulates and between refractive indexes of the binder resin and inorganic particulates are each 0.3 or less. The coating layer for an anti-glare film according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can provide an anti-glare film having excellent anti-glare property, distinctness-of-image, and contrast, such that the coating layer can be applied to a display having high resolution, and has excellent scratch resistance in terms of a coating thickness of a thin film, such that it is easy to enlarge a polarizing plate.

Abstract: An extruded oriented thermo-plastic polymeric element for industrial textiles, and textiles comprising polymeric elements. The polymeric elements are constructed of a material selected from yarn material, fiber material and film, and comprise a thermoplastic polymer, and at least one dry lubricant, selected from molybdenum disulphide, tungsten disulphide, boron nitride, and a soft metal, the dry lubricant comprising particulate matter having an average particle size between about 0.05? and about 100?, and present in the polymeric element in an amount from between about 0.1% and about 10% parts by weight, based on a total weight of the polymeric element. The polymeric elements can be used as yarns in woven and non woven textiles, and as seaming elements. The polymeric elements provide increased abrasion resistance in industrial textiles, and reduced co-efficient of friction.

Abstract: A modified material for use with a capacitive touch screen is described. The modified material comprises a material impregnated with a composition comprising either a non-metallic and/or a metallic conductive agent with a binder. A variety of materials are contemplated, including, but not limited to leather. Also described is an apparatus and method of providing a conductive glove is disclosed.

Abstract: A temperature-resistant ceramic hybrid material has a matrix made of calcium silicate hydrate. Carbon is embedded in the matrix. The carbon is predominantly composed of graphite particles having an ordered graphitic lattice structure and the carbon makes up a weight fraction of up to 40%. The matrix is composed of tobermorite and/or xonotlite and can contain wollastonite rods and/or granular silicate. The size of the graphite particles is 0.01-3 mm. The hybrid material is especially suitable for casting devices for non-ferrous metals.

Abstract: To provide a substrate for mounting a light-emitting element having a reflectance increased since light which is transmitted through the substrate and leaks out in directions other than the direction from which the light enters is reduced, and having a reduced firing shrinkage in the plane direction. A substrate for mounting a light-emitting element of the present invention is made of a glass ceramic 10 containing glass 1 and a flat oxide type ceramic filler 2 having an average aspect ratio of at least 25 dispersed in the glass 1. The ceramic filler 2 is contained in a state where it is aligned in parallel with the plane direction of the substrate, and the glass ceramic 10 contains no crystals except for the ceramic constituting the filler. This substrate has an extremely high reflectance of at least 84% (thickness: 300 ?m) to light in the visible region.

Abstract: In a member having a hydrogen-containing, amorphous carbon coating having a relatively smooth surface, similarly amorphous, fine carbon particles are dispersed in the hydrogen-containing, amorphous carbon coating to have improved cracking resistance while keeping smoothness on the surface and hardness in the entire coating. Specifically, fine particles discharged from a carbon cathode of an arc evaporation source by arc discharge are introduced into the coating, so that similarly amorphous, fine carbon particles are dispersed in the hydrogen-containing, amorphous carbon coating.

Abstract: A chemical fiber which has rapid temperature-rising and heating effect under conditions of light and a textile product which contains the said chemical fiber are provided. The chemical fiber includes conventional chemical fibers and 0.1-3 weight % of nano units. The nano units include microparticles with the size of 300-8000 nanometers, and the microparticles include at least one of Si, Zn, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe or the mixture thereof. Because of the addition of the nano units of microparicles with the size of 300-8000 nanometers to the conventional chemical fibers, the chemical fiber possesses unexpected rapid temperature-rising effect when contacted with light under the same time and intensity of light irradiation.

Abstract: Structured personal care compositions comprising a particle having an aspect ratio of greater than 1.5 are contemplated, as well as methods for using such compositions. The compositions provide a visually distinguishable, oriented pattern that is aesthetically pleasant to provide consumer appeal and product identification.

Abstract: Polypropylene composition comprising a polypropylene having a melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C.) of at least 450 g/10 min and a molecular weight distribution (MWD) of not more than 3.5, a polypropylene having a melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C.) of equal or below 20 g/10 min, wherein the composition has a melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C.) of at least 200 g/10 min.

Abstract: Provided are materials comprising layers of anisotropically aligned fibers, the alignment of which fibers may be adjusted so as to give rise to circumferentially-aligned fibers that replicate the fiber alignment of native fibrous tissue, such as the meniscus or the annulus fibrosis. Also provided are laminates formed from the disclosed materials, as well as methods of fabricating the disclosed materials and laminates.

Abstract: Various fibrous articles incorporating a water non-dispersible short-cut polymer microfiber are provided. The water non-dispersible short-cut polymer microfibers can be incorporated into a number of different fibrous articles including personal care products, medical care products, automotive products, household products, personal recreational products, specialty papers, paper products, and building and landscaping materials. In addition, the water non-dispersible short-cut polymer microfibers can be incorporated into nonwoven webs, thermobonded webs, hydroentangled webs, multilayer nonwovens, laminates, composites, wet-laid webs, dry-laid webs, laminates, composites, wet laps, woven articles, fabrics and geotextiles. These various end products can incorporate the water non-dispersible short-cut polymer microfibers in varying amounts based on the desired end use.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure present electrically conductive, thermosetting compositions for use in surfacing films and adhesives. The surfacing films possess enhanced electrical conductivity, comparable to metals, without the use of embedded metal screens or foils. Such surfacing films may be incorporated into composite structures (e.g., prepregs, tapes, and fabrics), for example, by co-curing, as an outermost surface layer. In particular, compositions formed using silver flakes as conductive fillers are found to exhibit very high electrical conductivity. For example, compositions including greater than 45 wt. % silver flake exhibit resistivities less than about 55 m?/sq. In this manner, the surfacing films as an outermost conductive layer may provide lighting strike protection (LSP) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding when used in applications such as aircraft components.

Abstract: A stably-manufacturable optical laminate film and display device having an excellent outer appearance without rainbow-like unevenness are provided. An optical laminate film includes a support, an easily-adhesive layer provided on one surface of the support, a transparent layer provided on the other surface of the support. In the optical laminate film, the transparent layer contains at least two types of translucent particles having different volume average particle diameters, and a total sum S of the translucent particles satisfies 30 mg/m2?S?500 mg/m2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyoxymethylene (POM) powder for use in a selective laser sintering process and having the following parameters: Isothermal crystallization time (at 152° C.) >3 min Mn from 22 000 to 25 000 g/mol Mw from 60 000 to 140 000 g/mol Mw/Mn from 3 to 5 MVR from 15 to 70 [cm3/10 min] d50 average particle size 60 ?m Particle size from 30 to 130 ?m. A process for producing the powder, and also moldings produced from this powder by a selective laser sintering process, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber having starch and a high polymer, and a web employing such a fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to materials used for building products, construction projects, structural objects, mechanical devices and other materials applications. Specifically, the present invention concerns composite materials made with reinforcing elements in a binder matrix material. A method of strengthening materials is described that uses high volumes of reinforcing elements, which can be easily dispersed and uniformly distributed, consisting of large diameter fibers, miniature rods or other similar geometric shapes with a diameter or thickness between 0.05 mm and 20 mm where the reinforcements are incorporated either as short, randomly distributed elements or long, continuous aligned arrays.