Abstract: A molded closure for a liquid container comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and a blowing agent. The molded closure is particularly suitable for use as a synthetic wine cork in a wine bottle. The molded closure does not permit passage of oxygen into the container, does not absorb oxygen from the contents of the container, can be removed from the container using a corkscrew without significant expansion, crumbling or disintegration, does not significantly taint a liquid in the container, permits the container to be placed horizontally immediately after insertion of the molded closure, and can permanently retain printed matter on its surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tape for seaming together RF shielding thermal blankets of the kind used for covering the metal components of high power RF transmit and receive communications systems which are susceptible to generating passive intermodulation products, such as the high power transmit antenna boom assemblies of communications spacecraft. The tape is constructed as a composite lay-up of materials which preferably include a plastic film top or outboard layer, a metallized plastic film or metal foil middle layer, and a transfer adhesive bottom layer for securing the middle layer to the outboard layer. The transfer adhesive functions both as a substrate attaching medium and as an electrical isolator for encapsulating the metal surfaces of the middle layer.

Abstract: A molded closure for a liquid container comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and a blowing agent. The molded closure is particularly suitable for use as a synthetic wine cork in a wine bottle. The molded closure does not permit passage of oxygen into the container, does not absorb oxygen from the contents of the container, can be removed from the container using a corkscrew without significant expansion, crumbling or disintegration, does not significantly taint a liquid in the container, permits the container to be placed horizontally immediately after insertion of the molded closure, and can permanently retain printed matter on its surface.

Abstract: A weldable and/or heat-sealable, single- or multilayer film having at least one weldable and/or heat-sealable layer, the weldable and/or heat-sealable film being provided on at least one side on one outer surface with an antistatic coating, wherein the antistatic coating has a thickness of from about 0.005 to about 0.08 .mu.m and comprises at least about 60% by weight of a soluble, intrinsically electroconductive polymer which comprises structural units of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is a C.sub.1 - to C.sub.12 - or a C.sub.6 - to C.sub.30 -alkoxy group, and which has a degree of polymerization of less than about 100, where the polymer or oligomer is in oxidized form and has an appropriate number of anions to compensate for the positive charge. These films are heat-sealable, in spite of their antistatic coating.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a white thermal control surface resistant to darkening due to exposure to X-rays and ultraviolet radiation. The surface comprises a substrate and a ceramic zirconium orthosilicate coating on said substrate. The zirconium orthosilicate coating is obtained by plasma-spray applying particles of zirconium orthosilicate onto the substrate. The particles of zirconium orthosilicate are doped with an oxide of a +3 valent metal. The metal ions of said +3 valent metal oxide are dispersed substantially uniformly throughout said particles.

Abstract: A blade member, mountable onto an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, such as copier, printer, facsimile, word processor, and the like, for removing residual matter from an electrophotographic photosensitive member, includes an elastic blade one side surface of which is flat in a longitudinal direction thereof and the other side surface of which has a vertical portion perpendicular to an end surface of the elastic blade, and an inclined portion inclined with respect to the vertical portion, the inclined portion having a larger thickness than the vertical portion, and a support member for supporting the elastic blade. A thickness (f) of a portion of the elastic blade, which is engaged by the support member at a side of the one side surface, is greater than a thickness (g) of a portion of the elastic blade which is engaged by the support member at a side of the other side surface.

Abstract: A retroreflective article comprising a transparent base sheet having first and second broad faces, the second face being substantially planar and the first face having an array of substantially hemi-spheroidal microlenses thereon, the microlenses being wider and shorter than portions of true spheres, the shape of the microlenses and thickness of the base sheet being such that collimated light substantially orthogonally incident to the array is focused approximately at the second face, wherein the second face has a coating of a nacreous pigment composition thereon. The article can include an optional layer of adhesive over the reflective layer to permit the article to be adhered to a document as a tamper-indicating, authenticating, and protective overlay. Special images can be formed within the article to enhance the security provided thereby. Also, a method for making such base sheets, and a method for making a forming master.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mirror base-installing structure for installing a mirror base on the surface of a glass plate, characterized in that said mirror base is bonded to the surface of said glass plate with a film-like or sheet-like heat-curable adhesive interposed between the mirror base and the glass plate, said adhesive having elasticity or plasticity after heat-cured, and a method for installing the same. The mirror base can be bonded simultaneously with the preparation of a bilayer glass, thereby simplifying the working process.

Abstract: A composite sheet for electromagnetic wave shield is light and excellent in laying operability and in magnetic field shielding property. The composite sheet for electromagnetic wave shield comprises a metal foil and a conductive hot melt resin layer laminated on each other. It is specifically desired that the conductive hot melt resin layer is made of a material in which vapor phase growth carbon fibers of diameters of not more than 1.0 .mu.m and lengths of not more than 50 .mu.m are dispersed in a hot melt resin. The conductive hot melt resin layer may be preferably provided at least on a part of one side of the metal foil.

Abstract: Cementitious containers which have a cementitious structural matrix for use in the packaging, storing, partitioning, and/or shipping of goods. The containers are manufactured from cementitious materials in order to be strong, durable, tough, lightweight, cushioning, insulative, inexpensive, and more environmentally compatible than those currently used in packaging, storing, and/or shipping goods. The cementitious structural matrix of the containers includes a hydraulic cement paste (formed from the reaction of water with, e.g., a portland cement) in combination with a rheology-modifying plasticizer, such as methylhydroxyethylcellulose. Preferred embodiments may also include various aggregate materials, fibrous materials, and air voids, which add the necessary strength while making the product lightweight, and which can provide insulative properties (if desired) at a cost which is economically justified in comparison to conventional paper and polystyrene products.

Abstract: High transparency, low-haze, static dissipative cover tapes for two-piece surface mount device packaging tapes are described comprising a metallized backing film, e.g. a polyester film one side of which is coated with a thin layer of aluminum, and a heat-sealable adhesive, e.g. an adhesive comprising a styrenic block elastomer, a tackifier, a plasticizing agent, an antiblock agent, and a conductive material such as nickel flakes. The cover tapes of this invention can be used with carrier tapes made from either polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride, and demonstrate a consistent peel strength of between 30 and 80 grams.

Abstract: An ink jet head wherein a sheet-shaped adhesive member, including ink escape holes and deformation preventive holes and spacers for preventing the ink escape holes from being deformed, is situated between a nozzle member and a chamber member, each having small holes corresponding in location to the ink escape holes of the sheet-shaped adhesive member. Having been bonded together by heating and pressurization, the three members form an integrated member for use in the print head of an ink jet printer.

Abstract: A print and fusion process is used to fabricate ceramic elements that are subsequently utilized to generate a composite including a fibrous mat and discrete ceramic elements. The composite may include a substrate and a flexible or rigid non-ceramic composition between the discrete ceramic elements and/or the substrate. A ceramic ink preferably partially penetrates the fibrous mat to form the discrete elements or a continuous layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a copper-clad laminate characterized in that an electrolytic copper foil on the glossy surface side of which a copper electrodeposit is formed, is bonded at its glossy surface side to one side or each of both sides of a substrate, which has a fine-pitch wiring (circuit) pattern and exhibits a high etching factor. The present invention further provides a copper-clad laminate which can be suitably employed in the production of such a printed wiring board.

Abstract: The invention concerns a window including at least a first sheet (16), a second sheet (18), said sheets being joined together by a connecting layer (20), characterised in that it also includes an ultrasonic device (12) placed between said sheets (16,18) and co-operating directly with a first face (24) of said first sheet (16) to detect the presence of foreign bodies on a second face (26) of said first sheet (16) opposite said first face (24), said device (12) comprising a transducer (28) able to emit, via a transmitting/receiving face, an incidental ultrasonic signal of wavelength .lambda. in said first sheet (16), the thickness of said first sheet being equal to K..lambda./2, where K is an integral number, and said transducer being able to receive, via said transmitting/receiving face a reflected ultrasonic signal representative of the presence or absence of said foreign bodies to generate a detection signal.

Abstract: A sealing member for a container has a membrane, e.g. aluminum foil, and a first sheet, e.g. polyester, part of which is bonded to the membrane. The other part of the sheet is free, so as to form a tab, to enable the seal to be detached. The seal can be attached to the neck of a bottle by a hot melt adhesive. The sheet and membrane can be stamped from a compound sheet and be of the same size. The composite portion can extend up to a line extending across a major portion of the membrane, or in another embodiment it covers a major portion of the membrane. Alternatively, the first sheet and the membrane can have a substantially common periphery in the separated portion of the sealing member forming the tab. A further embodiment provides for a sealing member that is entirely planar.

Abstract: A structure and a technique for heating hot melt adhesive by means of microwaves, to place the hot melt adhesive in a tacky state in which it adheres to an object. A preferred structure according to the invention comprises an article of manufacture (e.g., a wall hook) having a mass of the hot melt adhesive and a susceptor thereon. The article, with the adhesive and susceptor thereon, can be subjected to microwaves for a predetermined period of time, to place the mass of adhesive in a tacky state which enables the article to be attached to an object (e.g., a wall). A special container for the article is placed with the article into a microwave oven as a unit, and removed as a unit from the oven. The container enables the article to be safely and efficiently attached to the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photo-setting conductive coating composition which is used as an antistatic material constituting articles wherein static electrification must be avoided, such as storage vessels for semi-conductor wafers, electronic/electric parts, floor/wall coverings for a production factory of semi-conductors, etc.The photo-setting conductive coating composition comprising 100 parts by weight of an antimony oxide-containing tin oxide powder (a) having a particle size of 0.01 to 0.4 .mu.m, 10 to 100 parts by weight of a (meth)acrylate compound (b) having at least two (meth)acryloyl groups in a molecule, 10 to 100 parts by weight of an acetal resin (c) having a residual hydroxyl group of 20 to 80 molar %, 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a photopolymerization initiator (d) and 100 to 1000 parts by weight of an organic solvent (e).

Abstract: For detecting strains or breaks in the surface of a boat hull or other structure, the surface is covered with non-intersecting lengths of tape adhered to the surface. The tape has an inner strip of conductive elastomer and an outer strip of the same material, and between them a corrugated layer of copper foil. Both strips and the foil are insulated from each other and the outside. The strips and foil layer are connected to electrical resistance and capacitance measuring devices, which monitor any changes in the electrical properties of the tape lengths, caused by strain or breaking of the surface. Because of the corrugations, the foil will not change its resistance when the tape is elongated or compressed.

Abstract: A heat radiating tube for an annealing furnace is disclosed. An aluminide layer and an aluminum diffusion sublayer are formed by an aluminum diffusion coating method on one side or both sides of the tube portions which are subjected during use to high temperature oxidation corrosion. Subsequently, a coating of MCrAlY is applied on selected inside portions exposed to the combustion gas flame collision in order to reinforce the bonding strength of the protective coating. A layer of ceramic is then coated thereupon. Prior to applying the MCrAlY and ceramic coatings, the tube surface to be coated is ground to a depth equal to the coating thicknesses in order to make the heights of the coated layer and the surface of the remaining portions of the tube even each other.

Abstract: A laminate has at least two layers, at least one of which comprises a polymer having more than one perfluorocyclobutane group. Such polymers impart qualities of enviornmental or protection, chemical and solvent resistance, hydrolytic stability, lubricity, low dielectric, hydrostatic stability, weatherability, flame resistance, chemical resistance, hydrolytic stability, lubricity, environmental protection, scratch resistance, solvent resistance, surface passivation, water repellancy, lower surface refractive index, lower surface coefficient of friction, fluid barrier properties, oil repellancy, thermal stability, and/or reduced moisture pick-up. Additionally, the coatings are optically clear, easy to apply either neat, in a solvent or otherwise, have relatively low cure temperatures for their temperature resistance, and exhibit insulating and planarizing capabilities.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved metal foil tapes meeting Underwriter Laboratories (UL) requirements and specifications for use with rigid fiberglass air ducts, the tapes having a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer consisting essentially of the crosslinked copolymer of operative amounts of: (1) ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid containing 3-6 carbon atoms within the range of 2-15 parts by weight of total polymer; and (2) acrylic and/or methacrylic acid ester of a non-tertiary alcohol having 1-14 carbon atoms within the range of 85-98 parts by weight of total polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer foam heat-shrinkable tube comprising a hot-melt adhesive layer as the innermost layer, at least one non-foam layer and at least one foam layer provided on an outside surface of the hot-melt adhesive layer. The invention also relates to a method for producing a multi-layer foam heat-shrinkable tube comprising extruding a hot-melt adhesive layer as the inner most layer, at least one non-foam layer, and at least one foam layer to form a multi-layer foam tube, heating and expanding the inner diameter of the multi-layer foam tube, and cooling the expanded multi-layer tube while an inner diameter of the tube at the expanded state is maintained. The non-foam layers and foam layers can be provided in any number and any order.

Abstract: A structural panel for a vehicle or building contains a substrate and a layer of flame resistant polybenzazole polymer. If the substrate is heat resistant, the panel can serve as a fire barrier. If the substrate is not heat resistant, the polybenzazole layer can still serve to delay ignition and contain any volatile gases and molten polymer that forms when the panel is subjected to heat.

Abstract: A shaped ceramic-ceramic composite article comprising a ceramic monolith, preferably in the shape of a hollow tube, having a ceramic fiber matrix thereover, coated with carbonaceous material and overcoated with silicon carbide.

Abstract: A pre-stressed composite liner structure is provided for tribological syss typically associated a pump, engine, compressor or systems having bearings rotating within a journal. A hollowed ceramic core is concentrically wound with cladding material in the form of a filament or braid. The ceramic core and the wound cladding form an interference fit with one another to pre-stress the ceramic core in terms of tensile strength.

Abstract: An explosion-proof porcelain housing for a gas-filled insulating apparatus includes a hollow porcelain housing body having a tapered inner surface, and a resin lined on the inner surface of the porcelain housing body. The thickness of the resin lining decreases along the tapered inner surface.

Abstract: Containers incorporating a hydraulically settable structural matrix including a hydraulically settable binder such as cement for use in the storing, dispensing, and/or packaging of food and beverage products are disclosed. The disposable and nondisposable food and beverage articles of manufacture have high tensile, compressive, and flexural strengths, and are lightweight, insulative (if desired), inexpensive, and more environmentally compatible than those currently used. These disposable containers and cups are particularly useful for dispensing hot and cold food and beverages in the fast food restaurant environment. The structural matrix of the food and beverage containers includes a hydraulic cement paste (formed from the reaction of water with, e.g., a portland-type cement) preferably in combination with a theology-modifying plasticizer, such as methylhydroxyethylcellulose, various aggregate materials and fibrous materials which provide desired properties at a cost which is economical.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photographic processing chemicals kit comprising a processing agent and a flexible container formed of multilayer film. The chemicals kit provide a photographic processing chemicals packaging material capable of protecting the photographic processing characteristics of its content against any storage conditions accompanied by a high temperature or vibration.

Abstract: A structurally networked matrix ceramic composite material is disclosed as comprising either a continuous ceramic skeletal structure or a series of noncontinuous ceramic skeletal structure surrounded by a resilient polymeric, metallic etc. material to obtain a structural composite with a high compression and tensile strength of ceramics while permitting an accurate prediction of the strength of the resulting composite. Alternatively, the skeletal matrix structure could have no surrounding material or substrate. The matrix structure distributes to all connecting members the compressive and tensile forces resulting from loads on the overall composite.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a self-supporting ceramic composite body having a plurality of spaced apart wall members, each wall member having a bounded cross-section for defining substantially continuous, fluid passageways. The wall members generally inversely replicate in opposed directions the geometry of a positive pattern. Each of the wall members, which are axially aligned, comprises a ceramic matrix having a filler embedded therein, and is obtained by the oxidation reaction of a parent metal to form a polycrystalline material which consists essentially of the oxidation reaction product of the parent metal with an oxidant and, optionally, one or more metals, e.g. nonoxidized constituents of the parent metal.

Abstract: An ornament includes a hollow ornament body having an inner coating layer in which a pattern is formed, to form an ornamental indicia for the ornament. The pattern in the inner coating layer may be a pattern of openings or a pattern of discolorations. The pattern in the inner coating layer may be formed by directing a laser beam through the hollow ornament body into the inner coating layer in a predetermined pattern. The laser beam may vaporize the inner coating layer or discolor the inner coating layer without harming the body of the ornament. The laser may be a Nd:YAG marking laser. Input patterns are provided to the laser after conversion from planar to spheroidal coordinates so that a pattern may be produced in the inner coating layer without distortion. When illuminated from within, the ornament produces a unique appearance because the ornamental indicia is illuminated due to the removal or discoloration of the inner coating layer.

Abstract: A heat-sealable, oil-resistant, static-dissipative packaging composite consisting essentially of 95.5-97.5 wt % ionomer and 4.5-2.5 wt % electroconductive carbon powder having a surface area of 1000-1500 m.sup.2 /gm and a pore volume of 480-510 ml/100 gm. The composite is useful for protective packaging of electrostatic sensitive electronic components and assemblies.

Abstract: Method of inhibiting corrosion of blanket cylinders used in offset printing operations, in which zinc is applied to the surfaces of printing blankets which contact the blanket cylinders, by application of zinc powder to an adhesive layer, or by impregnating zinc particles into the surface of the printing blanket, or by weaving zinc threads into the material of the printing blanket, or by attaching zinc foil to the printing blanket; together with printing blankets so prepared. The zinc acts to inhibit electrochemical corrosion and rusting of the blanket cylinder steel, by virtue of the fact that zinc is a sacrificial metal which is more chemically active than the iron in the steel, and is therefore oxidized in lieu of the iron.

Abstract: Blends of low styrene content polystyrene-polyisoprene-polystyrene block copolymer and high styrene content polystyrene-polyisoprene-polystyrene block copolymer can be used with tackifier resins, plasticizer oil and antioxidants to formulate pressure sensitive adhesives of improved cohesive strength vis-a-vis adhesives formed from the low styrene content polystyrene-polyisoprene-polystyrene block copolymer while maintaining good balance between tack, bonding characteristics and heat resistance.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin defines a core of a thermoformable thermoplastic composite material. The core is sufficiently thick to provide for a shaping of the composite material at an elevated temperature to any desired configuration. First and second layers of fabric material are disposed on opposite sides of the core. The fabric material may be formed of glass, carbon or aramid and may be formed from woven fibers, unidirectional or chopped fibers or random strand mats. The fabric layers have a thickness sufficient to impart strength and rigidity to the fabric material. Layers of a thermoplastic thermoformable resin material may be disposed on the layers of the fabric material. The thermoplastic layers impregnate the fabric layers, bond the fabric layers to the core and provide a smooth external surface to the composite material.

Abstract: A monolithic composite refractory material has at least one layer of a first dense refractory material and a layer of foamed refractory material bonded thereto. An article having improved thermal insulation properties has an external layer of dense refractory material and an inner core of the foam refractory material bound to the dense material. The refractory material of the dense external layer and foamed material may be fused silica and may contain at least one adjuvant selected from the group consisting of refractory earths, metal oxides and oxide compounds, carbides, borides, silicon oxynitride, sialon and the thermal decomposition products of carboxilanes. The material and articles made therefrom are particularly useful in metallurgical applications.

Abstract: A cover tape used for packaging of chip type electronic parts, which is heat-sealable to a plastic carrier tape having at given intervals pockets for accommodation of chip type electronic parts, characterized in that the outer layer is a biaxially oriented film consisting of polyester, polypropylene or nylon and the adhesion layer consists of a dispersion of conductive fine powders in a thermoplastic resin, said conductive fine powders consisting of tin oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, carbon black or a Si-based organic compound, or their combination, said thermoplastic resin consisting of polyurethane resin, acrylic resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate resin or polyester resin, or their combination.

Abstract: A shaft sleeve is made of ceramics and provided in confrontation with a stationary sliding member in a sliding bearing or plain bearing. The shaft sleeve made of ceramics comprises a cylindrical body made of ceramics and having a circular outer surface and a circular inner surface, and an elastic member molded on the inner surface of the cylindrical body and being formed with an inner opening having a shape corresponding to the cross section of a shaft. The shaft sleeve is usable under high temperature conditions and with liquids containing much slurry such as, for example, as a shaft sleeve of a pump.

Abstract: An adhesive article for use in a microwave oven is provided having a hot-melt or heat-curable adhesive substrate, and a susceptor layer of electrically conductive or semi-conductive microwave absorbing material that is disposed on at least a portion of the substrate. The article becomes less absorbent of microwave radiation upon the melting or deformation of the substrate. This article is suitable for adhering one adherend to another by exposing said article containing a hot-melt adhesive substrate to microwave energy.

Abstract: This invention provides a shaped ceramic composite article comprising ceramic oxide fiber(s), a first coating comprising a carbonaceous matrix which includes boron nitride particles in contact therewith, and a second coating comprising silicon carbide. The inventive composite article is useful in applications requiring good heat resistance and mechanical properties, such as gas fired radiant burner tubes, gas burner nozzle liners, heat exchangers, thermowells, core busters or flame dispersers, and other gas fired furnace components.

Abstract: Coated fabrics, for example, are disclosed comprising an open weave substrate (e.g., of polyester resin) coated with an adhesion promoting film comprising a vinyl chloride polymer and a carbon monoxide-propylene copolymer (e.g., having a molecular weight of from about 400 to about 1,000).

Abstract: A laminate cover member is provided for upgrading the appearance of a deteriorated drain hole or other surface of a sink or bath fixture. The cover member includes an upper layer which is resistant to corrosion and has an attractive visual appearance, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, and a removable liner layer. The layers are diecut from stock laminate sheets. A preferred cover member, for upgrading the surfaces of a drain hole, has a metallized plastic upper layer, and is shaped with an outer annular portion that is adhered to the surface surrounding the drain hole, an inner annular hole, and a plurality of radial lines extending from an intermediate diameter to the inner annular hole, such that they can be bent downwardly to cover an inner part of the drain hole surface.

Abstract: A metallized label and a manufacturing method are disclosed in which a translucent base sheet is printed with markings on its rear surface, and a metal layer is applied over the printed markings. The printed markings form apertures or translucent areas through which the metal layer is visible from the front of the label. Adhesive and a release liner are applied to the rear of the metal layer. The metal layer may be applied only in areas in correspondence with the apertures.

Abstract: A multi-layer article to protect a patient from laser radiation during surgery comprises two metallic layers sandwiching a flame-resistant, radiation absorbing layer. The facing surfaces of the metallic layers, adjoining the middle layer, are reflective. The top surface of the upper metallic layer has a non-reflective, flame-resistant coating. The radiation-absorbing layer is preferably a hydrogel. The lower metallic layer is preferably thicker than the upper layer and/or is of a metal that has a higher melting temperature than that of the upper layer. The article protects the patient by harmlessly dissipating the energy in a misdirected laser beam for a period of time that will permit a healthcare worker to take corrective action.

Abstract: A laminated sheet for a lid of a container for instant food cooked with hot water, comprising a metallic foil and a synthetic paper affixed to the metallic foil is disclosed. Self sealing of the container is achieved after the lid is partly peeled and hot water is poured into the container.

Abstract: A pipe cladding composition is described which is a phosphate ceramic permeating a non-woven fibrous network. The overall thickness of the sheet is between about 5 and about 20 mils. The phosphate ceramic permeates the fibrous network and extends beyond the fibrous network only up to a maximum thickness of about 3 mils across each side of the sheet. The sheets are prepared using wet reaction mixtures which produce phosphate ceramics. These reaction mixtures are mixed and pressed into the non-woven fibrous network which forms a wet sheet that is then cured to provide the cladding material.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a concrete conduit is completely encased within a shell of a plastic resin such as polyethylene. The plastic shell functions to insulate the concrete conduit from mechanical shocks thereby preventing breakage and cracking of the conduit. The shell also effectively provides an impermeable barrier for water vapor and a smooth, relatively frictionless, surface for receiving electric cables, wires and the like. The conduit is made by preforming the shell, for example by rotational molding, and filling the shell with pourable cement through a filler hole in the shell. The filler hole can then be closed with a plug of the resin used to form the shell.

Abstract: A sight tube for an optical temperature measuring device suitable for immersion in molten steel comprises an elongated, cylindrical body having an optical sighting bore therein extending axially from an open end of the body to a closed end. The body is a carbon bonded alumina graphite material made from a mix consisting of, in weight percent, between about 5-45% graphite; between about 20-85% alumina; 0 to 15% anti-oxidant; and between about 3-20% phenolic resin binder. The mixture is isostatically pressed in the desired body shape and fired at a temperature in excess of 1400.degree. C. in a reducing atmosphere. The graphite is preferably a high purity flake graphite, greater than 99% pure. The alumina is preferably "brown" fused alumina grain having minimum amounts of volatile elements: sodium (Na), potassium (K), boron (B), phosphorous (P), sulphur (S) and chlorine (Cl). The sodium content, present as Na.sub.2 O in the alumina source is less than 0.05% by weight, and preferably no more than 0.02% by weight.

Abstract: This invention offers a unique method to fabricate unique, straight, curved, or coiled tubes as small as 1 micron (0.000004 inches) in diameter with wall thicknesses starting at less than 0.01 microns. These tubes can be made from many of the materials that can be applied to a surface of carbon, glass, or other tube forming fibers and then made to withstand the environment used to remove the fiber. A monolithic piece can be formed where the tubes are channels or holes.