Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of producing an optical device by means of electron beam lithography and including the step of varying the characteristics of the electron beam spot during formation of the device and also an apparatus for producing diffractive optical devices and/or holographic devices by means of electron beam lithography and including an electron beam lithograph, controlling and processing means, means for varying the characteristics of the electron beam spot during formation of the device, and wherein the processing means is arranged for compiling and pre-processing data and for providing optimisation and allocation control and to optical devices such as those produced thereby.

Abstract: A glass substrate for a display with a thickness of from 0.3 to 6 mm, which has an average WCA (filtered center line waviness: JIS B0651) of from 0.03 to 0.5 &mgr;m measured with a contact-type surface roughness measuring instrument using a phase compensation 2RC zone filter with a cutoff value of 0.8 to 25 mm over a measuring length of 200 mm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture a body from a thermoplastic plastic with a three-dimensionally structured surface, wherein the molding is carried out directly from a master made of glass coated with metal oxide, without the deposition of further coatings on the surface of said master. The invention also relates to bodies manufactured with this method from a thermoplastic featuring a three-dimensionally structured surface as well as to planar optical structures likewise manufactured with this method for generating evanescent-field measuring platforms and to the use thereof.

Abstract: An optical substrate is provided with a surface of a desired shape by coating the surface with a thin layer of an optical glass and subsequently modifying the shape of the external surface of the layer. In preferred embodiments, the temperature of the substrate is maintained at substantially less than 400° C., the substrate is an optical component other than a simple window, and the refractive index o the optical glass is within 20% of the refractive index of the material providing the surface to be coated. One particular use is when both the substrate (e.g. a non-linear optical layer) and the optical glass are optically transmissive in the near infra-red and/or mid infra-red ranges. The glass layer can compensate for physical imperfections in the surface. It can be polished to optical quality, or provide with detail across the coated surface, e.g. as a “moth-eye” anti-reflection layer, or a diffractive or interference structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for manufacturing insulating glass units. In apparatus and method of using the apparatus is provided by which adhesive is applied to the end regions of the insulating glass unit with one or more nozzles while a separate side arm extends from the device and alongside the insulating glass unit having a nozzle that delivers adhesive bead to the side of the pane to be adhered to the frame or sash. Methods are also provided for applying a deposit forming material to the periphery of the panes of an insulating glass unit.

Abstract: The direct-write pulsed UV laser technique combined with the variable laser exposure fabrication method entails the precise variation of the laser irradiance during pattern formation in the photostructurable glass for variable laser exposing processing. The variable laser exposure patterning utilizes the dependence of the chemical etching rate on the controlled laser exposure dose for forming variable laser irradiated and crystallized regions of the exposed glass, that have variable etch rates that are dependent on the laser irradiance, resulting in the formation of high and low aspect ratio features in a common substrate that are realized during a single, maskless etch step.

Abstract: The fire-resistant glazing includes one or more glass pane, at least one of which consists of glass containing nucleating agents so that the glass pane is at least partially ceramicized when subjected to high thermal stress sufficient to cause ceramicizing, for example during a fire. The glass may be tempered and contains, in percent by weight based on oxide content SiO2, 55 to 69; Al2O3, 19 to 25 and Li2O, 3.2 to 5.0. This glass pane combines the advantages of the strength of tempered glass at low temperature with the stability and long-term resistance to thermal stress of glass-ceramic material at high temperature. The fire-resistant glazing can also include at least one other glass pane made of a conventional glass and at least one plastic layer of PVB film.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of decorative facing materials using a glass-pelletizer and refractory filler. The inventive method for a continuous production of decorative facing slabs consists in loading of basic materials into casting-moulds which are placed on an open heat-insulated palette, and in thermal treatment in a furnace at a temperature ranging from 900° C. to 950° C. After the thermal treatment, the palette with the moulds is taken out and conditioned at an ambient temperature during 80-90 sec accompanied by cooling the surface of the slabs to a temperature ranging from 600° C. to 634° C. Afterwards, the slabs are placed in a heat-insulated closed space having a thermal resistance of walls which makes it possible to cool the surface of the slab to a temperature ranging from 100° C. to 140° C. with an average cooling rate ranging from 0.016 to 0.020 degrees/sec.

Abstract: An explosion-proof tempered-glass wash basin is manufactured by the following steps. At first, a flat glass is made as a wash-basin has a predetermined shape. For example, a wash-basin having a round shape is used as an example. Secondary, the tempered glass is strengthened. Thirdly, a bottom of the tempered glass is adhered with a layer of explosion-proof film. Thus an explosion-proof tempered-glass wash basin is formed.

Abstract: In a method of producing a glass substrate for an electronic device whereby to fabricate a glass substrate by carrying out a rough polishing step for polishing a surface of the glass substrate by using relatively large abrasive particles, then a precision polishing step for polishing it by using relatively small abrasive particles, a method of producing a glass substrate for an electronic device, and a photo mask blank and a method of producing a photo mask, wherein, before carrying out the precision polishing step, the surface of the glass substrate is etched (preferably etched with an alkaline aqueous solution) so as to elicit a crack extending in the depth direction from the surface of the glass substrate, the crack remaining after the precision polishing step, in a defect inspection step carried out after the precision polishing step.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making a laminated window such as a vehicle windshield. At least one of the two glass substrates of the window is ion beam milled prior to heat treatment and lamination. As a result, defects in the resulting window and/or haze may be reduced.

Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal heterostructure has a core of a first semiconductor material surrounded by an overcoating of a second semiconductor material. Upon excitation, one carrier can be substantially confined to the core and the other carrier can be substantially confined to the overcoating.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical-fiber preform having barrier layers to hydroxyl radicals, the optical-fiber preform comprising: a quartz tube in the form of a cylinder shape serving as a substrate for forming the optical-fiber preform; a first barrier layer for preventing hydroxyl radicals from permeating the optical-fiber preform and deposited onto the inner surface of the quartz tube; a second barrier layer having a permeation coefficient higher than the first barrier layer and deposited onto the first barrier layer; a third barrier layer having a permeation coefficient lower than the second barrier layer and deposited onto the second barrier layer; and, a core layer being located at the center of the optical-fiber preform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glass pane that is particularly suitable for solar applications such as photovoltaic and thermal cells. The glass pane disclosed in the invention has a microstructure on both sides that can be produced, for instance, by embossing with roll embossing. Microsuructures with a maximum peak-to-valley ratio of not more than 50 mm and preferably not more than 30 have visible light transmittance values close to those of non-structured glass. An additional improvement in transmittance properties can be achieved by placing an anti-glare layer on the glass pane.

Abstract: Reaction hydraulic turbine that includes a draft tube having side wails arranged to define an inlet and an outlet and an elbow arranged to position the outlet substantially perpendicular to the inlet. A turbine runner is positioned adjacent the inlet and the outlet is arranged to define a flow exit, and a splitter vane is mounted within the draft tube to partially extend across a width of the draft tube. In this manner, flow is redirected about the elbow of the draft tube. The splitter vane includes opposing side edge surfaces that are spaced from the side walls, such that swirl flow is permitted around the splitter vane within the draft tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bent glass sheet with an optical instrument for a vehicle that irradiates light into the glass sheet. The bent glass sheet includes an antireflective film including at least two layers, and a silica-based film containing silicon oxide as a main component, wherein a main surface of the glass sheet has a first region to be equipped with the optical instrument, wherein the silica-based film is formed on the first region and the antireflective film is formed on a second region of the main surface.

Abstract: Glazing, thermally tempered to required standards, are produced more readily by tempering panes having a high coefficient of thermal expansion (greater than 93×10−7 per degree Centigrade) and for a low Fracture Toughness (less than 0.72 MPam½). Use of glasses selected according to the invention enables thin glazings (especially glazings less than 3 mm thick) to be tempered to automotive standard with improved yields using conventional tempering methods, and thicker glazings to be tempered at lower quench pressure than required hitherto. Suitable glasses include glasses comprising, in percentages by weight, 64 to 75% SiO2, 0 to 5% Al2O3, 0 to 5% B2O3, 9 to 16% alkaline earth metal oxide other than MgO, 0 to 2% MgO, 15 to 18% alkali mental oxide and at least 0.

Abstract: The life of ceramic SPF dies can be enhanced significantly by plasma spray application of a cordierite glaze on the forming surface. The preferred glaze has a coefficient of thermal expansion close to or matching with the ceramic of the die, and, typically, is a 2•2•5 MAS system including 2-10 mol % TiO2 (or above 8 wt %).

Abstract: A composite nanoparticle material comprising a plurality of cores and a plurality of shells. At least one of the cores is encapsulated by one of the shells. An oxygen storage material comprising a plurality of oxygen storage catalyst cores. A plurality of oxygen transport shells. At least one of the oxygen storage catalyst cores is encapsulated by one of the oxygen transport shells.

Abstract: A glass spacer, obtained by a drawing process, having an approximately polygonal bearing cross-section with at least one rectangle having the dimensions a, b, and the spacer having a height 1, the dimensions of the glass spacer satisfying the relationship of a<300 &mgr;m, 0.2 mm<1 <20 mm, and b/a<1000, and preferably b/a<200.

Abstract: Substrates provided with a microstructured surface have a surface layer which (a) comprises a composition comprising condensates of one or more hydrolysable compounds of at least one element M from main groups III to V and/or transition groups II to IV of the Periodic Table of the Elements, at least some of these compounds containing not only hydrolysable groups A but also non-hydrolysable, carbon-containing groups B and the total molar ratio of groups A to groups B in the parent monomeric starting compounds being from 10:1 to 1:2, from 0.1 to 100 mol % of the groups B being groups B′ containing on average from 5 to 30 fluorine atoms which are attached to one or more aliphatic carbon atoms distanced from M by at least two atoms, and (b) has a microstructuring of such kind that the contact angle with respect to water or hexadecane is at least 5° higher than the contact angle of a corresponding smooth surface.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the pH of a strengthening melt for use in strengthening glass substrates, e.g., glass disk substrates for use in data storage devices. A non-particle-forming acid is added to the strengthening melt to lower the pH of the strengthening melt to ≦8. The acid is added while the strengthening melt is in a molten state and selected to avoid particle formation. Nitric acid, for example, is non-particle-forming with respect to nitrate based strengthening melts such as potassium nitrate and/or sodium nitrate. A base, e.g., sodium hydroxide, may be added if the pH of the strengthening melt falls below 5. Strengthening melts are subject to pH shift that can cause glass substrates strengthened therein to etch, creating pits on the substrate surface. Glass disk substrates treated in the pH adjusted strengthening melt are essentially free from such pits, as well as contamination caused by particle formation.

Abstract: A protective plate for a plasma display comprises conductive substrate for protecting a plasma display and an electrode in electrical contact with the conductive substrate.

Abstract: A low reflectance glass surface with improved cleanability is disclosed which includes a particular combination of surface structures which produce a low reflectance yet high clarity glass. The surface structure includes a plurality of islands distributed at a density of about 60 to about 10,000 islands per square millimeter. The glass surface also includes a skeletalized silica structure of about 100 to about 400 angstroms in diameter uniformly distributed over the surface. By combining the various surface structures on one piece of glass, unique properties of low reflectance yet high clarity are provided, which is particularly suitable for use in picture frames where any distortion would distract from viewing a picture contained therein and also in computer or t.v. screens where distortion or glare could produce operator fatigue or stress. The glass structure is achieved by a process which is readily adaptable to existing production lines without requiring major modifications.

Abstract: A fire-protection glass product having a heat shielding characteristic comprises a fireproof glass plate, a heat ray reflection film formed on one or both of opposite surfaces of the fireproof glass plate, and an oxidation prevention film formed on the heat ray reflection film.

Abstract: A large-sized substrate having a diagonal length of not less than 500 mm and a ratio of flatness/diagonal length of not more than 6.0×10−6 is disclosed. By use of the large-sized substrate for exposure of the present invention, the exposure accuracy, particularly the register accuracy and resolution are enhanced, so that it is possible to achieve high-precision exposure of a large-sized panel. With the processing method according to the present invention, it is possible to stably obtain a large-sized photomask substrate with a high flatness, and since the CD accuracy (dimensional accuracy) at the time of exposure of the panel is enhanced, it is possible to perform exposure of a fine pattern, leading to a higher yield of the panel. Furthermore, by applying the processing method according to the present invention, it is also possible to create an arbitrary surface shape.

Abstract: This invention comprises a transparent laminate having at least one layer of glass and having self-adhered directly to the layer of glass a thermoplastic polymer layer wherein the laminate is capable of sustaining repeated or prolonged stress after the breakage of the glass layer while maintaining the structural integrity of the laminate.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording medium, surface roughness of a glass substrate and the variation of the surface roughness are suppressed to the predetermined range. Namely, the surface roughness (Rmax, Ra, Rq) and the relation (Rmax/Ra) between Rmax and Ra are restricted to the predetermined range. In this event, Ra is representative of a center-line mean roughness, Rmax is defined as a maximum height representative of a difference between a highest point and a lowest point and Rq is representative of a root mean square roughness. Thereby, crystal grains of an underlying layer and a magnetic layer formed thereon are equalized. Specifically, the surface roughness is specified by Rmax≦15 nm, Ra≦1 nm and Rq≦1.5 nm.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a glass substrate for magnetic disks, according to which circumferential direction texture can be formed without bringing about a drop in anisotropy, thus enabling coating with a magnetic recording layer having a large magnetic coercivity. In a texturing step, a tape is used while a diamond slurry is fed onto at least one main surface of a glass substrate member that has been processed into a substantially circular shape, thus forming a linear texture in a circumferential direction on the at least one main surface. In a chemical strengthening step, the mechanical strength of the glass substrate member is chemically strengthened to a level required of the glass substrate for magnetic disks. The texturing step is carried out after the chemical strengthening step.

Abstract: A glass substrate for use as an information recording medium has an average surface roughness (Ra) in the range of 0.3 nm≦Ra<3.0 nm and includes surface irregularities shaped and distributed isotropically and arranged substantially in succession. The surface irregularities include 5 to 50,000 convexities having a height of at least 3 nm and no convexities having a height of at least 15 nm within an area of 50 &mgr;m×50 &mgr;m. A porous region produced by an acid treatment process in the glass substrate would be completely removed if excessively etched by an alkaline solution. However, the etching process using the alkaline solution can be stopped at a stage where the pores in the porous region are enlarged by controlling conditions for the acid and alkali treatment processes.

Abstract: At least one monomolecule film is formed on a transparent substrate surface directly or via a protective film. The monomolecule film is formed with chemical coupling of chlorosilane surface active compound, for example, of the formula: F(CF2)m(CH2)nSiRqX3−q where m is an integer of from 1 to 15, n is an integer of from 0 to 15 provided that the total of m and n is an integer of from 10 to 30 and R is an alkyl or an alkoxyl group, or F(CF2)m′(CH2)n′A(CH2)pSiRqX3−q where m represents an integer ranging from 1 to 8, n′ represents an integer ranging from 0 to 2, p represents an integer ranging from 5 to 25, q represents an integer ranging from 0 to 2, X represents a halogen atom or an alkoxyl group, R represents an alkyl or an alkoxyl group, and A represents O, a —COO— or —Si(CH3)2—. The transparent substrate such as glass is made hydrophobic and free of contamination.

Abstract: A glass substrate for use as an information recording medium has an average surface roughness (Ra) in the range of 0.3 nm≦Ra<3.0 nm and includes surface irregularities shaped and distributed isotropically and arranged substantially in succession. The surface irregularities include 5 to 50,000 convexities having a height of at least 3 nm and no convexities having a height of at least 15 nm within an area of 50 &mgr;m×50 &mgr;m. A porous region produced by an acid treatment process in the glass substrate would be completely removed if excesively etched by an alkaline solution. However, the etching process using the alkaline solution can be stopped at a stage where the pores in the porous region are enlarged by controlling conditions for the acid and alkali treatment processes.

Abstract: A glass composition capable of being chemically strengthened by ion-exchange within 100 hours to provide a glass with a surface compressive stress of greater then 400 MPa and an ion-exchange depth greater then 200 microns comprising: SiO2 58% to 70% (by weight), Al2O3 5% to 15%, Na2O 12% to 18%, K2O 0.1% to 5%, MgO 4% to 10%, CaO 0% to 1% with the provisos that the total of the Al2O3 and MgO is in excess of 13%, the total of the amounts of Al2O3 plus MgO divided by the amount of K2O is at least 3 and that the sum of the amounts of Na2O, K2O and MgO is at least 22%.

Abstract: A quartz glass member for use in dry etching, wherein at least the inner surface of the member to be brought into contact with plasma is constructed of synthetic quartz glass, and a dry etching system equipped with the same member. A dry etching system equipped with the quartz glass member, which minimizes the generation of particles and which prevent a drop in electrical characteristics from occurring on the silicon wafer.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording medium, surface roughness of a glass substrate and the variation of the surface roughness are suppressed to the predetermined range. Namely, the surface roughness (Rmax, Ra, Rq) and the relation (Rmax/Ra) between Rmax and Ra are restricted to the predetermined range. In this event, Ra is representative of a center-line mean roughness, Rmax is defined as a maximum height representative of a difference between a highest point and a lowest point and Rq is representative of a root mean square roughness. Thereby, crystal grains of an underlying layer and a magnetic layer formed thereon are equalized. Specifically, the surface roughness is specified by Rmax≦15 nm, Ra≦1 nm and Rq≦1.5 nm. Further, the ratio between the surface roughness Rmax and the surface roughness Ra is specified by Rmax/Ra≦30.

Abstract: A fire-resistant laminated glass pane assembly comprises a glass-ceramic pane resistant to high temperatures and having rough light-diffusing surfaces, the said pane being joined, on each of its two faces, to a silicate glass pane by means of transparent intermediate layers having a refractive index corresponding to the refractive index of the glass and the glass-ceramic. Transparent intermediate plies consist of a thermoplastic polymer having a high splinter fixation effect, and the silicate glass panes consist of tempered float glass. Fire-retarding glasses of this type not only have a high fire-retarding effect, but also withstand the so-called extinguishing water test and, moreover, have safety glass properties with increased safety in respect of injuries caused by splinters.

Abstract: A method and product for computer disk drives. Glass substrates are provided having low content of residual polishing particles on the surfaces thereof. An exemplary method includes reduction of residual polishing particle content by immersion of the glass substrate in an acid bath containing nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide and an organic acid having a carboxylic acid group.

Abstract: A frangible rupture disk and mounting apparatus for use in blocking fluid flow, generally in a fluid conducting conduit such as a well casing, a well tubing string or other conduits within subterranean boreholes. The disk can also be utilized in above-surface pipes or tanks where temporary and controllable fluid blockage is required. The frangible rupture disk is made from a pre-stressed glass with controllable rupture properties wherein the strength distribution has a standard deviation less than approximately 5% from the mean strength. The frangible rupture disk has controllable operating pressures and rupture pressures.

Abstract: A quartz glass jig having large irregularities on the surface thereof, wherein said irregularities have a center line roughness Ra in the range of from 2 to 30 &mgr;m, a maximum height Rmax in the range of from 10 to 150 &mgr;m, and a width in the range of from 10 to 500 &mgr;m, and by a method which comprises forming an inorganic thin film on the surface of a quartz glass jig free from microcracks and having fine irregularities on the surface thereof and thereafter rinsing it a plurality of times.

Abstract: A glass composition is disclosed which has a high modulus of elasticity and a low density, i.e., has a high specific modulus. Also disclosed is an inexpensive glass composition which is suitable for use as an information recording medium substrate, for example, because it can be formed easily, is less apt to suffer devitrification, is suitable for mass production, and can be easily made to have high surface smoothness by polishing. The glass compositions comprise, in terms of mol %, 35 to 45% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 15 to 20% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), 3 to 10% lithium oxide (Li2O), 0.1 to 5% sodium oxide (Na2O), 15 to 30% magnesium oxide (MgO), 0 to 10% calcium oxide (CaO), 0 to 4% strontium oxide (SrO), 25 to 35% RO (MgO+CaO+SrO), 2 to 10% titanium dioxide (TiO2), 0.5 to 4% zirconium oxide (ZrO2), 4 to 12% TiO2+ZrO2, and 0 to 4% yttrium oxide (Y2O3).

Abstract: The principal object of the present invention is organic lens molds, constituted wholly or in part of at least one specific inorganic glass, advantageously strengthened by a chemical tempering or a thermal tempering. Said glass has the following composition, expressed in percentages by weight: SiO2 56-66, Al2O3 2.5-10, B2O3 0.5-7, Li2O 0-3, Na2O 8-15, K2O 3-12, with Li2O+Na2O+K2O 12-20, ZnO 2-12, MgO 0-3, TiO2 0-0.5, ZrO2 1-9, CaO 0-1, BaO 0-2, SrO 0-2, with MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO 0-5, Cl 0-0.5, As2O3+sb2O3 0-1. The invention also deals with novel inorganic glasses which have the above composition with a single exception relative to the Al2O3 content: Al2O3 2.5-4.

Abstract: A glass composition is disclosed which has a high modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus) and a high rigidity (modulus of elasticity/specific gravity) and is capable of being effectively inhibited from bending or vibrating. Also disclosed is process for producing the glass composition. The glass composition comprises, in terms of mol %, 40 to 65% SiO2, 5 to 25% Al2O3, 2 to 20% Li2O, 0 to 9% Na2O, 0 to 10% TiO2, 0 to 10% ZrO2, 0 to 25% MgO, 0 to 25% CaO, and 0 to 10% SrO, provided that the content of RO (RO=MgO+CaO+SrO) is from 2 to 40% and the sum of (Li2O)/2 and Na2O is from 1 to 10 mol %, said glass composition further containing, as clarifiers, from 0.01 to 5 mol % SnO2 and up to 0.1 mol % sulfur (S) in terms of the amount of SO3.

Abstract: A glass composition is disclosed which has a high modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus) and a high rigidity (modulus of elasticity/specific gravity) and is capable of being effectively inhibited from bending or vibrating. Also disclosed is a substrate for information recording media, which comprises the glass composition. The glass composition comprises the following components in terms of mol %: 50 to 64% SiO2, 6 to 18% Al2O3, 7 to 15% Li2O, 3 to 12% Na2O, 0 to 2% K2O, 0 to 10% TiO2, 0 to 4% ZrO2, 0 to 6% MgO, 0 to 9% CaO, and 0 to 6% SrO, provided that the content of RO (RO=MgO+CaO+SrO) is from 2 to 15%.

Abstract: A bent glass sheet for a vehicle window of the present invention has a roughened region for eliminating distortion of transmitted light through the bent glass sheet. The bent glass sheet comprises a main surface surrounded by an edge of the bent glass sheet and the main surface has a smooth transparent region. The main surface also has the roughened region that covers at least a portion of a peripheral region of the main surface and in the portion of the peripheral area the roughened region extends at least 3 mm from the edge of the bent glass sheet. The roughened region covers an area in which the transmitted light are distorted. Therefore, the discomfort of passengers due to distortion of transmitted light is relieved.

Abstract: A laminated glass comprises a tempered first glass sheet, in which by breaking the glass sheet at one point, cracks spread spontaneously so that a crack-network is formed, and a second glass sheet. The second glass sheet has a lower strength than the first glass sheet, or such a thickness and a strength that the second glass sheet can be easily broken on the side of the first glass. Such a laminated glass can reduce the difficulty in escaping from the interior of an automobile sunk in water or the like.

Abstract: What is described here is an antireflective coating comprising a carrier layer consisting of an optically transparent material, which, at least on one surface side, presents antireflective properties with respect the wavelengths of the radiation incident on the surface. Moreover, methods of producing the coating are described. The invention excels itself by the provision that the antireflective surface side presents a surface roughness with stochastically distributed structures—the so-called macro structures—and that the macro structures are additionally modulated with surface structures presenting a periodic sequence—the so-called micro structures—which present period or cycle lengths smaller than the wave lengths of the radiation incident on the antireflective surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymeric coating composition for application onto glass substrates for anti-reflective properties. The coating is provided via chemical grafting that involves the use of monomers and/or prepolymers, catalyst, and graft initiator and when applied onto the surface of the glass substrate forms a polymeric film chemically bonded to the glass with excellent adhesion. This coating can reduce the reflectance of the coated glass surface to as close to zero as possible, thus maximizing transmittance and providing resistance to abrasion, water/chemical attack, and UV degradation.

Abstract: A method of finishing an edge of a sheet glass is disclosed. The method includes a first grinding step for grinding an edge of a sheet glass so as to provide the edge with an outwardly convex curved shape, and a finishing step for finishing a bordering portion which has been formed by the first grinding step between the curved edge and each flat side face of the sheet glass, so as to provide this bordering portion with a greater smoothness than smoothness provided by the first grinding step. A heat-tempered sheet glass using the method and a fire-resistant construction material using this heat-tempered sheet glass are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid material is treated, the chemical structure of which defines reactive protogenic hydrophillic functions accessible to gases, by applying at least one gas stream (3) onto at least one microdispersion (5) of at least one grafting reagent RX produced on the solid material, R being a hydrophobic group, X being chosen so that HX is volatile under normal conditions, R and X being chosen so that the reaction of RX on the hydrophillic functions produces covalent grafting of the hydrophobic group R with formation of the compound HX, it being possible for the reaction to be carried out in a solid/gas heterogeneous medium on all the reactive hydrophillic functions accessible to gases and only on these. The invention extends to the hydrophobic solid material obtained, and is applicable to the obtaining of natural or artificial fibrous or inorganic structures impermeable to water and to aqueous solutions and/or absorbing fats.

Abstract: A glass composition is disclosed which has a high modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus) and a high rigidity (modulus of elasticity/specific gravity) and is capable of being effectively inhibited from bending or vibrating. Also disclosed is a substrate for information recording media, which comprises the glass composition. The glass composition comprises the following components in terms of mol %: 40 to 60% SiO2, 8 to 25% Al2O3, 2 to 20% Li2O, 0 to 5% Na2O; provided that the content of R2O (R2O=Li2O+Na2O) is from 2 to 20%, 0 to 10% TiO2, 0 to 10% ZrO2, 5 to 25% MgO, 0 to 25% CaO and 0 to 6% SrO, provided that the content of RO (RO=MgO+CaO+SrO) is from more than 15 to 40%.