Abstract: A nickel oxide co-doped with a first alkali metal dopant and a second metal dopant selected from the group consisting of at least one of tin, antimony, indium, tungsten, iridium, scandium, gallium, vanadium, chromium, gold, yttrium, lanthanum, ruthenium, rhodium, molybdenum, and niobium.

Abstract: Zirconium dioxide powder in the form of aggregated primary particles, having a BET surface area of 30 to 150 m2/g and a Berger whiteness of at least 88%. It is prepared by atomizing a solution which comprises an organic zirconium compound and mixing it with a combustion gas and air and allowing the mixture to burn in a flame into a reaction chamber surrounded by a casing, where the temperature in the reaction chamber and along the side of the wall of the casing facing the reaction chamber is at least 500° C. Dispersion comprising the zirconium dioxide powder. Use of the zirconium dioxide powder and of the dispersion for producing ceramics.

Abstract: Provided are a composite for forming a ferroelectric thin film which is a colloidal solution applicable to the MOD method and capable of maintaining excellent dispersion stability and preservation stability of an organometallic compound over a long term, a ferroelectric thin film, a method of manufacturing a ferroelectric thin film, and a liquid-jet head. A composite for forming a ferroelectric thin film, which is made of a colloidal solution applicable to the MOD method containing an organometallic compound including metal constituting a ferroelectric thin film, and contains water other than water of crystallization in the organometallic compound is used when forming a ferroelectric thin film in accordance with the MOD method.

Abstract: A dielectric ceramic which improves the lifetime characteristics and dielectric breakdown voltage of a laminated ceramic capacitor includes core-shell crystalline grains which have a core-shell structure and homogeneous crystalline grains which have a homogeneous structure. In this dielectric ceramic, the core-shell crystalline grains and the homogeneous crystalline grains are present at an area ratio in the range of 91:9 to 99:1. Preferably, when the mean grain size for the core-shell crystalline grains is represented by R1 and the mean grain size for the homogeneous crystalline grains is represented by R2, the ratio of R2/R1 is 0.8 or more and 3 or less.

Abstract: A main component has a general formula of {(1?x)(K1?a?bNaaLib)m(Nb1?c?dTacSbd)O3?x(M10.5Bi0.5)nM2O3} (wherein M1 is Ca, Sr or Ba, M2 is Ti, Zr or Sn, 0.005?x?0.5, 0?a?0.9, 0?b?0.3, 0?a+b?0.9, 0?c?0.5, 0?d?0.1, 0.9?m?1.1, and 0.9?n?1.1). At least one specific element selected from the group consisting of In, Sc, Y, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb and Lu is contained at as in sample numbers 46 to 48, 0.1 to 10 mol in total per 100 mols of the main component (preferably, 1.5 to 10 mol). This provides a piezoelectric ceramic composition and a piezoelectric ceramic electronic component that can have a desired high piezoelectric d constant in a consistent and highly efficient manner in both a very low electric field and a high electric field.

Abstract: A method for preparing ceramic powders in the presence of a carbon powder comprising a step of homogenizing a mixture of particles capable of resulting in a ceramic by heat treatment. Said method can be carried out in the presence of an accelerated solvent and provides, at reduced energy consumption, carbon-coated ceramic powders and then ceramics.

Abstract: A composition useful as a thermal barrier coating on a superalloy substrate intended for use in hostile thermal environments. The coating comprises zirconia stabilized in a predominately tetragonal phase. The composition includes a ceramic component consisting essentially of zirconia (ZrO2) or a combination of zirconia and hafnia (HfO2) and a stabilizer component comprising, in combination, a first co-stabilizer selected from YbO1.5, HoO1.5, ErO1.5, TmO1.5, LuO1.5, and combinations thereof, and optionally YO1.5, a second co-stabilizer selected from TiO2, PdO2, VO2, GeO2, and combinations thereof, and a third co-stabilizer comprising TaO2.5. The stabilizer component is present in an amount effective to achieve the predominantly tetragonal phase in the coating.

Abstract: There is provided a dielectric ceramic composition that is a dielectric ceramic material used for a laminated ceramic capacitor; that can be co-fired with internal electrodes mainly composed of Ni at a temperature of 1300° C. or less; and that has a high dielectric constant, good temperature characteristics of capacitance in a range of ?55 to 175° C., and a high resistivity ? at 175° C. The dielectric ceramic composition includes a main component represented by a composition formula (1-a) (K1-xNax)(Sr1-y-zBayCaz)2Nb5O15-a(Ba1-bCab)TiO3 (where a, b, x, y, and z are all molar amounts and 0.3?a?0.8, 0?b?0.2, 0?x<0.2, 0.1?y?0.5, 0.1?z?0.5, and 0.2?y+z?0.7); and M, as an additional component, in an amount of 0.1 to 40 parts by mole relative to 100 parts by mole of the main component (where M is at least one element from the group of V, Mn, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Mg, and Si).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a polymeric material; and non-linear dielectric ceramic fillers; wherein the non-linear dielectric ceramic fillers have a dielectric constant that is greater than or equal to about 100 and wherein the dielectric constant of the composition is tunable. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising a polymeric material; and perovskites; wherein the dielectric constant of a composition is tunable and further wherein the composition has a dielectric constant of about 2 to about 100. Disclosed herein too is a method comprising blending a polymeric resin with non-linear dielectric ceramic fillers to form a composition; wherein the non-linear dielectric ceramic fillers have a dielectric constant of greater than or equal to about 100 and wherein the dielectric constant of the composition is tunable.

Abstract: Hardness, ageing resistance, wetting behavior in relating to water and high thermal conductivity are known characteristics of sintered molded bodies consisting of aluminum oxide; high strength and a high resistance to cracking, i.e., damage tolerance are known characteristics of sintered molded bodies consisting of zirconium oxide. These properties are combined in a material having a large fraction of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide and optionally strontium aluminate.

Abstract: A filler for a dental resin composition is disclosed, comprising silica particles derived from a nanoparticulate silica sol, the filler material having at least one crystalline phase. The filler material provides improved wear resistance and other properties.

Abstract: (1) A niobium monoxide powder for a capacitor represented by formula: NbOx (x=0.8 to 1.2) and optionally containing other elements in an amount of 50 to 200,000 ppm, having a tapping density of 0.5 to 2.5 g/ml, an average particle size of 10 to 1000 ?m, angle of repose from 10° to 60°, the BET specific surface area from 0.5 to 40 m2/g and a plurality of pore diameter peak tops in the pore distribution, and a producing method thereof; (2) a niobium monoxide sintered body, which is obtained by sintering the above niobium monoxide powder and, having a plurality of pore diameter peak tops in a range of 0.01 ?m to 500 ?m, preferably, the peak tops of two peaks among the plurality of pore diameter peak tops having a highest relative intensity are present in the range of 0.2 to 0.7 ?m and in the range of 0.7 to 3 ?m, respectively, and a producing method thereof; (3) a capacitor using the above sintered body and a producing method thereof; and (4) an electronic circuit and electronic device using the above capacitor.

Abstract: Inorganic microporous metal oxide materials, such as aluminum-based microporous ceramic materials, useful for loop heat pipes, insulators, thermal management devices, catalyst supports, substrates, and filters, among others. An example method of manufacture includes heating a mixture of alumina (Al2O3) and aluminum carbonate (Al2(CO3)3) powders to a temperature of at least about 1400 degrees Celsius for a pre-selected time.

Abstract: An insulating target material for obtaining an insulating complex oxide film represented by a general formula AB1-XCXO3, an element A including at least Pb, an element B including at least one of Zr, Ti, V, W, and Hf, and an element C including at least one of Nb and Ta.

Abstract: The invention relates to dielectric layers with a low dielectric constant, said layers being used to separate metallic interconnections especially during the production of integrated circuit boards (in the BEOL part of the circuit). According to the invention, the dielectric layer comprises SiC and/or SiOC, and is obtained from at least one precursor comprising at least one —Si—C<SUB>n</SUB>-Si chain where n=l.

Abstract: Composite materials are disclosed having low filler percolation thresholds for filler materials into the composite matrix material along with methods of controlling filler interconnectivity within the composite matrix material. Methods are, thus, disclosed that provide the ability to control the desired properties of the composites. The composites of the present disclosure are characterized by a “pseudo-crystalline” microstructure formed of matrix particles and filler particles where the matrix particles are faceted and substantially retain their individual particle boundaries and where the filler particles are interspersed between the matrix particles at the individual matrix particle boundaries such that the filler particles form a substantially interconnected network that substantially surrounds the individual faceted matrix particles.

Abstract: A material composed of a large fraction of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide and strontium aluminate.

Abstract: A method for preparing ceramic green compacts for ceramic assemblies, especially ceramic multilayer assemblies. First, a dispersing agent solution is prepared by homogenizing a dispersing agent in a solvent mixture. Then, a binder solution is prepared by homogenizing a solvent mixture, a binder made of acrylatemethacrylate polymer and a softener. After preparing a first dispersion by homogenizing a ceramic powder and the dispersing agent solution and subsequent deagglomerization, a second dispersion is prepared by homogenizing the first dispersion and the binder solution, and subsequently removing air and highly volatile solvent components from the second dispersion.

Abstract: Disclosed are ceramic articles comprising a sintered phase ceramic composition containing, as expressed on a weight percent oxide basis: a(Al2TiO5)+b(ZrTiO4)+c(Y2O3)+d(YPO4) wherein “a, b, c, and d” represent weight fractions of each component such that (a+b+c+d)=1.00 and wherein 0.5<a?0.95; 0?b?0.5, 0.0?c?0.10, and 0?d?0.5. Also disclosed are precursor batch compositions and methods for manufacturing the ceramic articles disclosed herein.

Abstract: Nanoparticles comprising tungsten, methods of manufacturing nanoparticles comprising tungsten, and applications of nanoparticles comprising tungsten, such as electronics, optical devices, photonics, reagents for fine chemical synthesis, pigments, and catalysts are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly dielectric elastomer molded body which is inexpensive and excellent in its dielectric property, shock resistance, flexibility, and processability and can be used at a UHF band having 800 to 960 MHz and an electronic component material for a high frequency use. The highly dielectric elastomer molded body is formed by molding a highly dielectric elastomer composition comprising an elastomer and dielectric ceramic powder added thereto. The molded body has a tensile elongation not less than 250% and a hardness not more than 70. In measurement at a frequency of 950 MHz, a dielectric constant of the highly dielectric elastomer molded body is 4 to 10, and a dielectric dissipation factor thereof is not more than 0.02. An electronic component material for a high frequency use is made of the highly dielectric elastomer molded body.

Abstract: A semiconductor porcelain composition [(BiNa)x(Ba1-yRy)1-x]TiO3 with 0<x?0.2, 0<y?0.02 and R being selected from the group consisting of La, Dy, Eu, Gd or Y is prepared by separately calcining a composition of (BaR)TiO3 at a temperature of 900° C. through 1300° C. and calcining a composition of (BiNa)TiO3 at a temperature of 700° C. through 950° C., and then mixing the two calcined powders and forming and sintering the mixed calcined powder. Similarly, a semiconductor porcelain composition [(BiNa)x(Ba1-x][Ti1-zMz]O3 with 0<x?0.2, 0<z?0.005 and M being selected from the group consisting of Nb, Ta and Sb is prepared by separately calcining a composition of (BaM)TiO3 at a temperature of 900° C. through 1300° C. and calcining a composition of (BiNa)TiO3 at a temperature of 700° C. through 950° C., and then mixing the two calcined powders, and forming and sintering the mixed calcined powders.

Abstract: A method of producing a semiconductor disk represented by a composition formula [(Bi0.5Na0.5)x(Ba1?yRy)1?x]TiO3, in which R is at least one element of La, Dy, Eu, Gd and Y and x and y each satisfy 0?x?0.14, and 0.002?y?0.02 includes carrying out a sintering in an inert gas atmosphere with an oxygen concentration of 9 ppm to 1% and wherein a treatment at an elevated temperature in an oxidizing atmosphere after the sintering is not carried out.

Abstract: A ceramic article which is resistant to erosion by halogen-containing plasmas used in semiconductor processing. The ceramic article includes ceramic which is multi-phased, typically including two phase to three phases. The ceramic is formed from yttrium oxide at a molar concentration ranging from about 50 mole % to about 75 mole %; zirconium oxide at a molar concentration ranging from about 10 mole % to about 30 mole %; and at least one other component, selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, hafnium oxide, scandium oxide, neodymium oxide, niobium oxide, samarium oxide, ytterbium oxide, erbium oxide, cerium oxide, and combinations thereof, at a molar concentration ranging from about 10 mole % to about 30 mole %.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic composition includes a primary component represented by the formula (1-x)(K1-a-bNaaLib)m(Nb1-c-dTacSbd)O3-xM1nM2O3, and 0.1 to 10 moles (preferably 1.5 to 10 moles) of at least one specific element selected from the group consisting of In, Sc, Y, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, and Lu with respect to 100 moles of the primary component, wherein M1 is Ca, Sr, or Ba M2 is Ti, Zr, or Sn; and x, a, b, c, d, m, and n satisfy 0.005?x?0.1, 0?a?0.9, 0?b?0.3, 0?a+b?0.9, 0?c?0.5, 0?d?0.1, 0.9?m?1.1, and 0.9?n?1.1. Preferably, Mn, Ni, Fe, Zn, Cu, or Mg is further added. As a result, at both a very low and a high electric field, a high piezoelectric d constant can be stably obtained with a high efficiency.

Abstract: This invention relates to ceramic powders comprising a zirconia-based component, e.g., yttria-stabilized zirconia, and an (alumina+silica)-based component, e.g., mullite. The ceramic powders are useful for forming thermal shock resistant coatings having the same composition, through deposition by thermal spray devices. This invention also relates to thermal barrier coating systems suitable for protecting components exposed to high temperature environments, such as the thermal environment of a gas turbine engine. This invention further relates to forming free-standing solid ceramic articles.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods, devices, and compositions having improved piezoelectric characteristics with high energy density. Compositions of the present invention are ceramic materials of the formula: Pb[(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3]1?x[(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3]x+Mn, where x is 0.05 to 0.20 and Mn is manganese in a form that is present from about 0.1 to 1.5 wt %. Suitable manganese forms as the starting material include MnCO3, MnO2, MnO, and Mn3O4. The compositions exhibit a high product of piezoelectric voltage constant and piezoelectric stress constant. The compositions are polycrystalline or textured with a dense microstructure and small grain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vapour-deposition material for the production of optical layers of high refractive index which comprises titanium oxide and ytterbium oxide in a molar ratio of from 4:1 to 1:4, to a process for the preparation thereof, and to the use thereof.

Abstract: An oxide/oxide CMC matrix comprising a rare earth phosphate bonding agent incorporated in the matrix, an insulating layer on the matrix, or both.

Abstract: The present invention provides ceramics for a plasma-treatment apparatus which are excellent in corrosion resistance against a halogen-type corrosive gas, plasma, etc., attain reduction in resistance, and inhibit impurity metal contamination caused by composition materials of these ceramics even in a halogen plasma process, and which can be used suitably for the component of the plasma-treatment apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor, a liquid crystal, etc. The ceramics are used which are prepared in such a way that 3% by weight to 30% by weight of a cerium oxide relative to yttria and 3% by weight to 50% by weight of niobium pentoxide relative to yttria are added to yttria, which are fired in a reducing atmosphere to have an open porosity of 1.0% or less.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a PZT-based low-sintering piezoelectric ceramic material, the ions to be added as starting compounds being added as powdered oxides and/or powdered carbonates, mixed together, and then calcined to form the piezoelectric ceramic material. After calcining the starting compounds, lithium in ionic form is added to the mixture in an amount of 0.01 to 0.1 wt. % in relation to the weight of the PZT ceramic.

Abstract: An optical medium having a high refractive index without anisotropy and a wide transmission wavelength is obtained. The cubic crystal material is ??O3, where ? is at least one of K, Ba, Sr, Ca, and ? is at least one of Ta, Ti. Optimally, the cubic crystal material is KTa1-xNbxO3, where composition x is 0?x?0.35. This composition enables to raise refractive index while its phase transition temperature is below a room temperature.

Abstract: A dielectric layer containing a Zr—Sn—Ti—O film and a method of fabricating such a dielectric layer produce a reliable dielectric layer having an equivalent oxide thickness thinner than attainable using SiO2. In an embodiment, forming the Zr—Sn—Ti—O film on a substrate includes depositing materials of the Zr—Sn—Ti—O film substantially as atomic monolayers. In an embodiment, electronic devices include a dielectric layer having a Zr—Sn—Ti—O film such that Zr—Sn—Ti—O material is configured as substantially atomic monolayers. Dielectric layers containing such Zr—Sn—Ti—O films may have minimal reactions with a silicon substrate or other structures during processing.

Abstract: Most widely used commercial zirconia powders are composed of porous particles 10-105 ?m and 45-75 ?m in size. Furthermore, these powders are mixtures of tetragonal, cubic, and monoclinic modifications, which indicate the heterogeneous distribution of the stabilizing yttria dopant in finished powder not suitable for Solid oxide fuel cell applications. Most of the methods reported in the prior art employs an additional agglomeration step which makes the process more expensive and laborious, Present invention provides a simple and economical process for the preparation of plasma grade yttria stabilized zirconia powder useful for applications in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and thermal barrier coatings without the agglomeration step. Plasma grade yttria stabilized zirconia powders of present invention are prepared at different mole % of yttria varying from 3 to 12%.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a material for altering electromagnetic radiation incident on the material. The material disclosed herein comprises carbon nanotubes having a length (L) that meets the following formula (1): L?½ ???(1) where ? is the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation incident on the material. Also disclosed herein are methods of altering electromagnetic radiation, including mitigating, intensifying, or absorbing and re-transmitting electromagnetic radiation using the disclosed material.

Abstract: Non-volatile resistance-switching oxide films, and devices therewith, are disclosed. One embodiment of a suitable device is composed of a SRO-CZO thin film having a thickness of from about 6 to about 30 nm, and composed of from about 3 to about 10 molar % of a SrRuO3 conducting oxide dopant and from about 90 to about 97 molar % of a CaZrO3 insulating oxide material.

Abstract: A production method of a dielectric ceramic composition at least including a main component including a dielectric oxide having perovskite-type crystal structure expressed by a formula ABO3 (note that in the formula, “A” indicates one or more elements selected from Ba, Ca, Sr and Mg, and that “B” indicates one or more elements selected from Ti, Zr and Hf) comprises steps of preparing a main component material including said dielectric oxide expressed by ABO3; preparing a subcomponent material including a composite oxide expressed by M4R6O(SiO4)6 (note that “M” indicates at least one selected from Ca and Sr, and that “R” indicates at least one selected from Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu); mixing said main component material and subcomponent material to obtain a dielectric ceramic composition material; and firing said dielectric ceramic composition material.

Abstract: A ceramic material formed from a mixture including between about 50 wt % and about 85 wt % of a first zirconia-based material comprising between about 2 mol % and about 6 mol % yttria and between about 5 wt % and about 50 wt % of a second zirconia-based material comprising not greater than about 1 mol % yttria. The mixture can further include between about 1 wt % and about 10 wt % of an alumina material.

Abstract: A composition for ceramic extrusion-molded bodies includes a ceramic material, a water-soluble cellulose ether, a styrenesulfonate and water. A method for manufacturing a ceramic extrusion-molded body using the composition is also provided.

Abstract: A (Li, Na, K)(Nb, Ta)O3-based piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramic composition having large electric field-induced distortion at the time of application of a high electric field is provided. A perovskite oxide is synthesized which contains Li (lithium), Na (sodium) and K (potassium) as A-site elements and contains at least Nb (niobium) and Sb (antimony) out of Nb, Ta (tantalum) and Sb as B-site elements, the ratio of the total number of atoms of the A-site elements to the total number of atoms of the B-site elements being larger than 1, and then a Bi (bismuth) compound is added and reacted. The amount of addition of the Bi compound with respect to 100 molar parts of the perovskite oxide is preferably not less than 0.02 molar part nor more than 0.1 molar part in terms of Bi atoms.

Abstract: A low temperature sinterable dielectric ceramic composition is obtained by bending 2.5-20 parts by weight of a glass component per 100 parts by weight of an aggregate of dielectric particles which are composed of Ti-containing dielectric material and contain an oxide including Ti and Zn in the surface portions. A low temperature sintered dielectric ceramic is produced by sintering this low temperature sinterable dielectric ceramic composition at 880 to 1000° C. With this low temperature sinterable dielectric ceramic composition, there can be obtained a multiplayer electronic component having an internal conductor composed of Ag, Cu or an alloy containing at least one of them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pigments, comprising a plate-like substrate of glass having an average thickness of <1 ?m, especially of from 20 nm to 400 nm, and (a) a dielectric material, especially a metal oxide, having a high index of refraction; or (a) a metal layer, especially a thin semi-transparent metal layer; a process for their production and their use in paints, ink-jet printing, for dyeing textiles, for pigmenting coatings (paints), printing inks, plastics, cosmetics, glazes for ceramics and glass.

Abstract: A conductive paste used for forming internal electrodes of a multilayer ceramic electronic device, used in combination with ceramic green sheets, each containing a butyral resin and having a thickness of 5 ?m or less, and including a conductive powder and an organic vehicle, a solvent in said organic vehicle having terpineol acetate as its main ingredient, whereby there is little change in viscosity along with time and no occurrence of sheet attack.

Abstract: Anisotropically shaped ceramic particles are represented by the general formula {(K1?x?yNaxLiy)4(Nb1?zTaz)6O17+aMeOb} (where Me is at least one element selected from the group consisting of antimony, copper, manganese, vanadium, silicon, titanium, and tungsten; and b is a positive number determined by the valence of Me), where x, y, z, and a satisfy 0?x?0.5, 0?y?0.3, 0?z?0.3, and 0.001?a?0.1, respectively. The anisotropically shaped ceramic particles have a plate-like shape. The average particle size is 1 to 100 ?m, and the ratio D/t of the maximum diameter D of a main surface to the thickness t in a direction perpendicular to the main surface is 2 or more, preferably 5 or more. Thus, anisotropically shaped ceramic particles suitable as a reactive template for preparing a crystal-oriented alkali metal niobate-based ceramic can be produced at relatively low production costs without the need for a complicated production process.

Abstract: Structures and methods for the fabrication of ceramic nanostructures. Structures include metal particles, preferably comprising copper, disposed on a ceramic substrate. The structures are heated, preferably in the presence of microwaves, to a temperature that softens the metal particles and preferably forms a pool of molten ceramic under the softened metal particle. A nano-generator is created wherein ceramic material diffuses through the molten particle and forms ceramic nanostructures on a polar site of the metal particle. The nanostructures may comprise silica, alumina, titania, or compounds or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a piezoelectric film having a large piezoelectric property, and a piezoelectric element, a liquid discharge head and a liquid discharge apparatus utilizing the same. The piezoelectric film is formed by an epitaxial oxide of <100> orientation having at least a tetragonal crystal structure, in which the oxide is a perovskite type composite oxide represented by a general formula ABO3 and contains at least domains C, D and E of [100] orientation having mutual deviation in crystal direction, where the angular deviation between [100] directions in domains C and D, in domains D and E, in domains C and E and in domains D and E are respectively 5° or less, 5° or less, 0.3° or less, and 0.3° or more, and the angular deviation between [001] directions in domains C and E and in domains D and E are respectively 1.0° or more, and 1.0° or more.

Abstract: Piezoelectric performance is improved in a piezoelectric ceramic having a perovskite-type crystal structure expressed by a general formula ABO3 and the B-site element including niobium. The piezoelectric ceramic has a perovskite-type crystal structure in which plural octahedrons formed of oxygen are arranged to share vertices thereof and elements are located at a center of eight octahedrons and at a center of each octahedron; wherein an element located at the center of eight octahedrons is A-site element, an element located at the center of each octahedron is B-site element, and a general formula of the perovskite-type crystal structure is ABO3; the B-site element includes niobium (Nb); and bismuth (Bi) content in composition of the piezoelectric ceramic is 100 ppm by weight or less.

Abstract: A shoe (1), in particular a sports shoe, comprising a vamp (2) and a sole (3), said vamp (2) presenting side portions (4, 5), a front portion (7), a rear portion (6) and a portion (8) arranged to lie on the front part of the foot of a user wearing the shoe (1), the sole (3) presenting a metatarsal front portion (10), an arched central portion (11), and a rear heel portion (12). At least one among said vamp (2) and said sole (3) presents a part comprising a very hard ceramic material able to confer on said part a high wear resistance and hence a long life. This material is ceramic.

Abstract: A translucent ceramic containing a main component represented by Ba{MxB1yB2z}vOw (wherein B1 is a trivalent metallic element, B2 is a quintavalent metallic element, M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Ti, Sn, Zr and Hf, x+y+z=1, 0?x?0.45, 1.00?z/y?1.04, 1.00?v?1.05, and w is a positive number required to maintain electroneutrality), or Ba{Mx(B1sB31-s)yB2z}vOw (wherein B3 is a bivalent metallic element, 0?x?0.9, 1.00?z/y?2.40, 0<s<1, and B1, B2, x+y Z and w are the same as those in the other formula). The translucent ceramic has a high refractive index, a high anomalous dispersion and excellent optical properties. The translucent ceramic is useful, for instance, as a material of an objective lens in an optical pickup.

Abstract: The invention provides an indium oxide-tin oxide powder which can be produced at low cost and which can provide a high-density sputtering target having a prolonged target life, and a sputtering target employing the powder. The indium oxide-tin oxide powder containing an In—Sn oxide as a predominant component is characterized in that the oxide powder contains no compound oxide (In4Sn3O12) detectable through X-ray diffraction and has a SnO2 solid solution amount in In2O3 of 2.3 mass % or more, the SnO2 solid solution amount being calculated from the precipitated SnO2 content (mass %) obtained from the ratio between integral diffraction intensity attributed to In2O3 (222) and integral diffraction intensity attributed to SnO2 (110).