Abstract: The present invention relates to vapor-deposition materials comprising Ta2Ox, where x=4.81 to 4.88, to processes for the preparation of the vapor-deposition materials, and to the use thereof for the production of layers of high refractive index.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic composition has the composition formula (Pb(a-b)Meb){(Ni(1-c).d/3Znc.d/3Nb2/3)zTixZr(1-x-z)}O3, wherein Me represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ba, Sr and Ca; a, b, c, d, x and z satisfy the inequalities 0.975?a?0.998, 0?b?0.05, 1<d?1.40, and 0.39?x?0.47; and c and z are located in a region surrounded by lines connecting Point A (z=0.25, c=0.1), Point B (z=0.25, c=0.85), Point C (z=0.1, c=0.6), Point D (z=0.075, 0.5), Point E (z=0.05, c=0.2), and Point F (z=0.05, c=0.1) or located on the lines in the z-c plane. Therefore, the piezoelectric ceramic composition can be fired at a low temperature and is effective in achieving a large piezoelectric constant, a high Curie point and a small dielectric constant. A piezoelectric actuator contains the piezoelectric ceramic composition.

Abstract: Novel, monodispersed, spherical ZrO2 particles in the size range of approximately 10 to approximately 600 nm exhibiting metastable tetragonal crystal structure at room temperature and novel methods of preparation. The ZrO2 particles are approximately 100% in the tetragonal phase at room temperature and can be pure and free of foreign oxides. The novel method can include mixing zirconium-alkoxide and an alcohol, forming preparation one, followed by separately dissolving completely de-ionized water and a polymeric steric stabilizer in an alcohol forming preparation two. Next the preparations can be mixed with vigorous stirring while subjecting the materials to hydrolysis and condensation reactions with very slow stirring. Next, there is waiting for the formation of a sol from the mixture, followed by drying at approximately 80 degrees C. to form resultant material followed by crushing the resultant material.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic composition represented by the formula (1-x) (K1-a-bNaaLib)m(Nb1-c-dTacSbd)O3-x(K1/4Na1/4M31/2) M4O3, wherein M3 represents a metal element that is at least one of Yb, Y, In, Nd, Eu, Gd, Dy, Sm, Ho, Er, Tb, and Lu; M4 represents a metal element that is at least one of Ti, Zr, and Sn; and x, a, b, c, d, and m satisfy the inequalities 0.001?x?0.1, 0?a?0.9, 0?b?0.3, 0?a+b?0.9, 0?c?0.5, 0?d?0.1, and 0.7?m?1.3. The piezoelectric ceramic composition is not sintering resistant and has desired, sufficient piezoelectric properties as well as a sufficient firing temperature range suitable for mass production. Furthermore, the piezoelectric ceramic composition is effective in preventing insufficient polarization and effective in increasing the yield of products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ceramic precursor batch composition comprising inorganic ceramic-forming ingredients, a binder, an aqueous solvent and a chaotropic agent. The presence of the chaotropic agent provides a composition with a lower viscosity and/or a greater batch stiffening temperature allowing for increased extrusion feedrates. Methods for producing a ceramic honeycomb body using the ceramic precursor batch composition of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A piezoelectric/electrostrictive porcelain composition is provided, including at least Nb, Ta, and one or more alkali metal elements, wherein a molar ratio of the Nb, Ta, and alkali metal element is represented by a non-stoichiometric composition ratio.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing barium zirconate particles includes providing a mixture of materials that includes barium, zirconium and a sintering aid, wherein the sintering aid includes at least one of barium tungstate, potassium niobate, tungsten oxide, barium molybdate, molybdenum oxide, potassium tantalate, potassium oxide, sodium niobate, sodium tantalate, sodium oxide, lithium niobate, lithium tantalate, lithium oxide, copper oxide, manganese oxide, zinc oxide, calcium zirconate and strontium zirconate; and heating the mixture of materials to produce barium zirconate particles that include the sintering aid.

Abstract: Piezoelectric ceramics of the formula Pb(1-z)Mz(Mg1/3Nb2/3)x(ZryTi1-y)1-xO3 where M can be either Sr or Ba or both, and x is between 0.3 and 0.6, y is between 0.2 and 0.5, and z is between 0.04 and 0.08, wherein y=0.551?0.539x?0.593x2. The piezoelectric ceramic is provided as a composite perovskite structure, and may additionally include materials or dopants such as: PbO, HfO2, TeO2, WO3, V2O5, CdO, Tm2O3, Sm2O3, Ni2O3, and MnO2. The piezoelectric ceramics can be used to fabricate piezoelectric elements for a wide variety of devices that can be fabricated to exhibit high power applications including miniaturized displacement elements, buzzers, transducers, ultrasonic sensors and ultrasonic generators, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides titanium dioxide/single-walled carbon nanotube composites (TiO2/SWCNTs), articles of manufacture, and methods of making and using such composites. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides membrane filters and ceramic articles that are coated with TiO2/SWCNT composite material. In other embodiments, the present invention provides methods of using TiO2/SWCNT composite material to purify a sample, such as a water or air sample.

Abstract: Ba(OH)2.8H2O is fused by heating. The fused Ba(OH)2 is allowed to react with TiO2 powder having a specific surface area of 250 m2/g or more to prepare a cubic crystalline BaTiO3 having high crystallinity. The BaTiO3 is calcined to yield a fine, tetragonal crystalline BaTiO3 powder having high crystallinity. Thus, a high quality BaTiO3 having high crystallinity can be prepared at a low cost.

Abstract: To obtain a method of producing a high-density lead zirconium titanate-based sintered body having uniform crystalline phases and containing a large amount of PbO, provided is a method of producing a lead zirconium titanate-based sintered body, including: producing a pre-sintered body by sintering raw material powder of lead zirconium titanate having a stoichiometric composition at a temperature of 900° C. or more and 1,200° C. or less; pulverizing the pre-sintered body; producing lead-excessive mixed powder by adding PbO powder to powder obtained by pulverizing the pre-sintered body; and sintering the lead-excessive mixed powder at a temperature lower than the sintering temperature of the pre-sintered body. Because the sintering process is divided into two stages, a high-density (e.g., 95% or more) PZT sintered body constituted only of PZT having a stoichiometric composition in which PbZrO3, PbTiO3, ZrO2, TiO2, PbO, and other intermediate compounds are absent, and excessive PbO can be obtained.

Abstract: A crystallographically-oriented ceramic containing Pb and in which piezoelectric/electrostrictive properties can be enhanced. Using a raw material having Pb(Zr1-xTiX)O3 as a main component, a ceramic sheet was formed with a thickness of 15 ?m or less. In this material, grains were allowed to grow into an anisotropic shape, and crystal grains with specific crystal planes being aligned were produced. A non-oriented raw material having Pb(Zr1-xTiX)O3 as a main component and the crystal grains were mixed, and shaping was performed so that crystal grains were oriented in a predetermined direction. The shaped body was fired. In the resulting ceramic, the degree of orientation was high at 50% or more. It is possible to enhance the degree of orientation using, as crystal nuclei, a ceramic sheet which can have the same composition as that of the crystallographically-oriented ceramic. Therefore, production can be performed without adding an unnecessary element, for example, for orienting crystals.

Abstract: The invention provides a sintered, yttria stabilized zirconium-toughened alumina ceramic product comprising about 80-94 w/w % Al2O3, about 5-19 w/w % ZrO2 and about 0.18-0.72 w/w % Y20.

Abstract: A ceramic mixed system is proposed that includes a two-phase mixture of pure components A and B, wherein phase A is based on the cubic to tetragonal modification of Bi3NbO7 and phase B is based on a monoclinic pyrochlore modification of Bi2(Zn2/3Nb4/3)O7. The electrical properties of ceramics produced therefrom make the material suitable for components having a multilayer structure in which capacitors and inductors are integrated and which can be used in data processing or signal processing.

Abstract: A multi-layer ceramic capacitor including: a ceramic sintered body having cover layers provided on upper and lower surfaces thereof as outermost layers and a plurality of ceramic layers disposed between the cover layers; first and second internal electrodes formed on the ceramic layers, the first and second internal electrodes stacked to interpose one of the ceramic layers; first and second external electrodes formed on opposing sides of the ceramic sintered body to connect to the first and second internal electrodes, respectively; and anti-oxidant electrode layers formed between the cover layers and adjacent ones of the ceramic layers, respectively, the anti-oxidant electrode layers arranged not to affect capacitance.

Abstract: A piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramic composition includes a Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3—PbTiO3—PbZrO3 ternary solid solution system composition as the major component, and further contains 0.05 to 3.0 mass % of Ni (in terms of NiO) and 0.01 to 1.0 mass % of Ag (in terms of AgO). The piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramic composition can be used to form a piezoelectric/electrostrictive portion having excellent mechanical strength, and excellent piezoelectric/electrostrictive characteristics as well with seldom dielectric breakdown even under an application of a high electric field, at a relatively low firing temperature.

Abstract: A composition includes a sintered mass having a plurality of cores and a grain boundary layer disposed between each of the plurality of cores. The core includes a transition metal oxide, and grain boundary layer includes a sintering additive, a grain growth inhibitor additive and a grain boundary additive.

Abstract: A coated plastic substrate module (100) includes a plastic substrate (110), an organic coating (130), and a modulating film (120) sandwiched therebetween. The modulating film is made from partially stabilized zirconia. A method for manufacturing a coated plastic substrate module includes the following steps: providing a plastic substrate; forming a modulating film on the plastic substrate, the modulating film being made from partially stabilized zirconia; forming an organic coating on the modulating film; and annealing the treated plastic substrate having the modulating film and organic coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a niobium 2-ethylhexanoate derivative having a niobium content of from 13 to 16 mass % and a carbon content within a range of from 50 to 58 mass %, the niobium 2-ethylhexanoate derivative consisting only of: niobium atoms, oxygen atoms, and 2-ethylhexanoic acid residues; the niobium 2-ethylhexanoate derivative can be produced by reacting pentakis(alkoxy)niobium with 2-ethylhexanoic acid; further, the organic acid metal salt composition of the present invention includes the niobium 2-ethylhexanoate derivative, a metal precursor other than niobium, and at least one kind of an organic solvent; and the thin film including a niobium element and metal other than niobium can be formed on a substrate by applying the organic acid metal salt composition on the substrate and heating the substrate with the applied organic acid metal salt composition.

Abstract: A composite article includes a substrate and a layer attached to the substrate. The layer includes a metal phase, a first ceramic phase, and a second ceramic phase.

Abstract: A dielectric piece includes an energy barrier layer and a plurality of crystalline metal compound dots distributed in the energy barrier layer. The material of the crystalline metal compound dots is different from that of the energy barrier layer. Due to its capability of retaining charges, the dielectric piece of the present invention meets the requirements of semiconductor devices in this and the next generation so as to be applied to complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), non-volatile memory devices, or capacitors as inter-gate dielectric layers, charge storage layers, or dielectric layers of capacitors.

Abstract: There is disclosed a piezoelectric element having, on a substrate, a piezoelectric body and a pair of electrodes which come in contact with the piezoelectric body, wherein the piezoelectric body consists of a perovskite type oxide represented by the following formula (1): (Bi,Ba)(M,Ti)O3??(1) in which M is an atom of one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Cr, Cu, Sc, In, Ga, Yb, Al, Mg, Zn, Co, Zr, Sn, Nb, Ta, and W, or a combination of the atoms of the plurality of elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining a composite ferro-electric material, consisting of the following stages: particles of a ferro-electric compound are covered with a dielectric layer; a dense composite material is formed by sintering the covered particles. The invention is characterized in that in the covering stage the particles of the ferro-electric compound are brought into contact with a fluid containing at least one solvent and a precursor of the dielectric compound, said fluid being pressurized.

Abstract: A piezoelectric material, characterized in that a main component of the piezoelectric substance is PZT, which has perovskite type structure expressed in Pb(ZrxTi1-x)O3 (x expresses an element ratio Zr/(Zr+Ti) of Zr and Ti in the formula), an element ratio Pb/(Zr+Ti) of Pb, Zr and Ti of the piezoelectric substance is 1.05 or more, and an element ratio Zr/(Zr+Ti) of Zr and Ti is 0.5 to 0.8 inclusive, and the piezoelectric substance has at least a perovskite type structure of monoclinic system.

Abstract: Titanium oxide-based photocatalysts which contain a metal halide in titanium oxide and which are prepared from titanium oxide and/or its precursor, which may optionally be heat treated, by contact with a reactive gas containing a metal halide of the formula MXn or MOXn (wherein M=a metal, X=a halogen, and n=an integer) with heating stably develop a high photocatalytic activity with visible light irradiation. The photocatalysts may subsequently be stabilized by contact with water or by heat treatment, and/or promoted by contact with a heteropoly acid and/or an isopoly acid so as to include a metal complex in the titanium oxide. Photocatalysts prepared in this manner exhibit novel ESR features. The present invention also provides methods for preparing these photocatalysts, a photocatalyst dispersion and a photocatalytic coating fluid containing such a photocatalyst, and photocatalytic functional products and methods for their manufacture using the photocatalyst.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure includes molding a raw material composition to manufacture a plurality of honeycomb molded bodies. Each of the plurality of honeycomb molded bodies has a number of cells longitudinally placed substantially in parallel with one another with a cell wall interposed therebetween. The plurality of honeycomb molded bodies are fired to manufacture a plurality of honeycomb fired bodies. A water retention adhesive paste containing a water retention agent is prepared. The plurality of honeycomb fired bodies are bonded to one another by using the water retention adhesive paste and forming an adhesive layer to manufacture a honeycomb aggregated body.

Abstract: An inexpensive piezoelectric single-crystal device being excellent in the piezoelectric characteristics and having a complex perovskite structure can be provided by adding a specific additive to a lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) single crystal or a lead zinc niobate-lead titanate (PZN-PT or PZNT) single crystal. Specifically, the piezoelectric single crystal has a complex perovskite structure and is formed of a composition containing 35 to 98 mol % lead magnesium niobate [Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3] or lead zinc niobate [Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3], 0.1 to 64.9 mol % lead titanate [PbTiO3], and 0.05 to 30 mol % lead indium niobate [Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3] wherein calcium is substituted for 0.05 to 10 mol % lead in the composition.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic composition includes a bismuth layer compound containing at least Sr, Bi and Nb, e.g., (Sr0.9Nd0.1)Bi2Nb2O9, as a main component and 2 parts by weight or less (excluding 0 part by weight), preferably 0.04 part by weight to 0.5 part by weight, of Cu in terms of CuO relative to 100 parts by weight of the main component. From the viewpoint of improvement in sinterability, 0.1 part by weight to 2 parts by weight of Mn in terms of MnCO3 relative to 100 parts by weight of the main component is preferably contained. As a result, it is possible to obtain a piezoelectric ceramic composition resisting no deterioration in piezoelectricity even when a rapid temperature change occurs, and an advantageous piezoelectric component, such as a piezoelectric actuator or a piezoelectric resonator, manufactured using the piezoelectric ceramic composition.

Abstract: Provided is a piezoelectric ceramic composition capable of being sintered at low temperatures and in a low-oxygen reductive atmosphere and capable of attaining a sufficient displacement even at high voltages of 1 kV/mm or more. The piezoelectric ceramic composition includes: a composite oxide, as a main constituent thereof, represented by the following composition formula; Cu and/or Ag, each as a first additive, Cu being included in a content ?, in terms of Cu2O, falling within a range 0<??0.5% by mass and Ag being included in a content ?, in terms of Ag2O, falling within a range 0<??0.4% by mass, in relation to the main constituent; wherein: composition formula: Pba[(Zn1/3Nb2/3)xTiyZrz]O3, where 0.96?a?1.03, 0.005?x<0.05, 0.42?y?0.53, 0.45?z?0.56, and x+y+z=1.

Abstract: Provided are an ITO sputtering target wherein the number of particles having a grain diameter of 100 nm or greater exposed in the ITO sputtering target as a result of royal water etching or sputter etching is 1 particle/?m2, and an ITO sputtering target having a density of 7.12 g/cm3 or greater capable of improving the sputtering performance, in particular inhibiting the generation of arcing, suppressing the generation of defects in the ITO film caused by such arcing, and thereby effectively inhibiting the deterioration of the ITO film.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic composition is represented by [(Pb1-xXx)a{(Nib/3Nb2/3)cTidZr1-c-d}O3] in which X is at least one of Sr, Ba, Ca and La), and the compositional amounts x, a, b, c, and d respectively satisfy 0.001?x?0.1, 0.930?a?0.998, 1.02?b?1.40, 0.1?c?0.6 and 0.3?d?0.6. The specific surface area of the material powder before firing is preferably set to 5 m2/g or more. A piezoelectric ceramic body 1 is fabricated using the piezoelectric ceramic composition. In this manner, a sufficiently high piezoelectric constant can be obtained not only in the electric field range of 400 to 500 V/mm but also in an electric field range of 1 kV/mm or more. Furthermore, a piezoelectric ceramic composition that can be fired at a low-temperature and a piezoelectric ceramic electronic component using this composition can be provided.

Abstract: An amorphous dielectric film for use in a semiconductor device, such as a DRAM, and a method of manufacturing the amorphous dielectric film, includes bismuth (Bi), titanium (Ti), silicon (Si), and oxide (O). The amorphous dielectric film may have a dielectric constant of approximately 60 or higher. The amorphous dielectric film may be expressed by the chemical formula Bi1-x-yTixSiyOz, where 0.2<x<0.5, 0<y<0.5, and 1.5 <z<2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a piezoelectric ceramic composition, especially a lead-free piezoelectric ceramic composition, with a suitable amount of CeO2 or CeO2-containing complex additives, which is represented by the following formula: (Na0.475K0.475Li0.05)(Nb1-xAx)O3+yCeO2+zBO2 wherein “A” represents Sb or Sb+Ta, “B” represents a tetravalent transition metal, 0?x?0.2, 0.2 wt %<y<1.2 wt % and 0?z 1 wt %. Addition of CeO2 or CeO2-containing complex additives suppresses melting and abnormal grain growth of (Na0.475K0.475Li0.05)(Nb1-xAx)O3 during sintering, thereby improving sinterability and increasing the density of the composition. As a result, the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the ceramics are enhanced. Furthermore, the represented compositions have a wide sintering temperature range so that the process for preparing such a lead-free piezoelectric ceramic composition has high degree efficiency.

Abstract: A class of ceramic compositions according to the formula Pb(1-z)Mz(Mn1/3Sb2/3)x(ZryTi1-y)1-xO3 where M is selected to be either Sr or Ba, x is selected to be between 0.01 and 0.1, y is selected to be between 0.35 and 0.55, and z is selected to be between 0.01 and 0.10. In some embodiments of the above composition, one or more dopants is added to the compositions. The dopant(s) may be selected from the group comprising: PbO, CeO2, SnO2, Sm2O3, TeO2, MoO3, Nb2O5, SiO2, CuO, CdO, HfO2, Pr2O3, and mixtures thereof. The dopants can be added to the ceramic composition in individual amounts ranging from 0.01 wt % to up to 5.0 wt %. The preferred ceramic compositions exhibit one or more of the following electromechanical properties: a relative dielectric constant (?) of between 1200 and 2000, a mechanical quality factor (Qm) of between 1500 and 2800; a piezoelectric strain constant (d33) of between 250-450 pC/N, a dielectric loss factor (tan ?) of between 0.002-0.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided, which contain sol-gel derived ceramic regions which have molded submicron surface features.

Abstract: Specialty ceramic materials which resist corrosion/erosion under semiconductor processing conditions which employ a corrosive/erosive plasma. The corrosive plasma may be a halogen-containing plasma. The specialty ceramic materials have been modified to provide a controlled electrical resistivity which suppresses plasma arcing potential.

Abstract: A film stack made from compacted green films and capable of being sintered to form a ceramic component with monolithic multi-layer structure is disclosed. The film stack includes a functional layer comprising a green film comprising a functional ceramic and a tension layer comprising a green film comprising a dielectric material. The tension layer is directly adjacent to the functional layer in the multi-layer structure. The multilayer structure, also includes a first metallization plane and a second metallization plane. The functional layer is between the first metallization plane and the second metallization plane.

Abstract: A composite ceramic including a first phase of ceramic material and a second phase of ceramic material, the first and second phases forming three dimensional interconnected networks of each phase and having a nano-scaled grain size. The composite ceramic is produced in a method which utilizes rapid solidification at cooling rates of at least ˜104° K/sec to produce a metastable material formed by a solid solution of a two immiscible ceramic material phases, and which also utilizes relatively high pressure/low temperature consolidation to complete densification of the metastable material, while simultaneously generating a composite structure with nano-scale grain dimensions through a controlled phase transformation.

Abstract: A piezoelectric/electrostrictive porcelain composition which exhibits superior piezoelectric/electrostrictive characteristics without containing lead (Pb) is provided. A main component of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive composition is a binary solid solution represented by the general formula (1): (1?n)(Ag1?a?b?cLiaNabKc)(Nb1?x?y?zTaxSbyVz)O3+nM1M2O3; wherein 0?a?0.2, 0?b?0.95, 0?c?0.95, 0<(1?a?b ?c)?1, 0?x?0.5, 0?y?0.2, 0?z?0.2, 0?(y+z)?0.3, 0?n?0.2, and wherein M1 and M2 are combinations of metal which satisfy pretermined conditions.

Abstract: Ceramics are made of preceramic paper or board structures in a particular shape previously represented in a paper structure, in which the preceramic papers or boards have a content of ceramic fillers between 30 and 95 wt-%, with the ceramic fillers having a particle size <30 ?m. A method for manufacturing such ceramics and the use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: Circuit modules and methods of construction thereof that contain composite meta-material dielectric bodies that have high effective values of real permittivity but which minimize reflective losses, through the use of host dielectric (organic or ceramic), materials having relative permittivities substantially less than ceramic dielectric inclusions embedded therein. The composite meta-material bodies permit reductions in physical lengths of electrically conducting elements such as antenna element(s) without adversely impacting radiation efficiency. The meta-material structure may additionally provide frequency band filtering functions that would normally be provided by other components typically found in an RF front-end.

Abstract: A dielectric ceramic composition includes about 10% to about 40% by weight of BaO, about 20% to about 65% by weight of SiO2, about 6% to about 40% by weight of Al2O3, about 1% to about 15% by weight of B2O3, about 0.3% to about 3% by weight of Cr2O3, and about 1% to about 40% by weight of ZrO2. A multilayer ceramic substrate has a laminated structure including an inner layer portion and outer layer portions that have a smaller thermal expansion coefficient than that of the inner layer portion. The use of the dielectric ceramic composition for the outer layer portions enables the ceramic to be resistant to erosion caused by a plating liquid used for plating external conductive films, thus maintaining good adhesiveness between the external conductive films and the outer layer portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of compact, spherical mixed oxide powders having an average particle size of <10 ?m by spray pyrolysis, and to the use thereof as phosphor, as base material for phosphors or as starting material for ceramic production or for the preparation of high-density, high-strength and optionally transparent bulk material by means of hot-pressing technology.

Abstract: The piezoelectric ceramic composition of the present invention contains a main component represented by general formula {(1-n)(Ag1-xLix)m(Nb1-yTay)O3-n(M1,M2)M3M3O3} or {(1-n)(Ag1-xLix)m(Nb1-yTay)O3-nM4M5O3} and x, y, m, and n are defined to be 0.075?x<0.40, 0?y<0.2, 0.98?m?1.0, and 0.01?n?0.1. M1 is a trivalent metal element such as Bi; M2 is a monovalent metal element such as K, Na, Li or Ag; M3 and M5 each are a tetravalent metal element such as Ti, Zr, Sn or Hf; and M4 is a divalent metal element such as Ba, Sr, Ca, or Mg. With this composition, an highly reliable lead-free piezoelectric ceramic composition having a high relative dielectric constant and good piezoelectric properties such as electromechanical coupling factor k33 and piezoelectric constant d33 can be provided, and a highly reliable lead-free piezoelectric element can be fabricated using the piezoelectric ceramic composition.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersion containing: at least one metal oxide selected from the group consisting of alpha-aluminium oxide, cerium oxide, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide and zirconium dioxide and in addition at least one transition aluminium oxide which is present in the form of aggregates of primary particles, wherein the total content of metal oxide and transition aluminium oxide is from 60 to 75% by weight, based on the total amount of the dispersion, the content of transition aluminium oxide is from 30 to 45% by weight, based on the total amount of the dispersion, the BET surface area of the transition aluminium oxide is from 30 to 90 m2/g, the mean aggregate diameter of the transition aluminium oxide is less than 100 nm, the mean particle diameter of the metal oxide is from 100 to 500 nm, and a dispersant selected from the group consisting of polyaluminium hydroxychloride, polyaluminium hydroxynitrate and/or polyaluminium hydroxysulphate.

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: A bismuth titanium silicon oxide having a pyrochlore phase, a thin film formed of the bismuth titanium silicon oxide, a method for forming the bismuth-titanium-silicon oxide thin film, a capacitor and a transistor for a semiconductor device including the bismuth-titanium-silicon oxide thin film, and an electronic device employing the capacitor and/or the transistor are provided. The bismuth titanium silicon oxide has good dielectric properties and is thermally and chemically stable. The bismuth-titanium-silicon oxide thin film can be effectively used as a dielectric film of a capacitor or as a gate dielectric film of a transistor in a semiconductor device. Various electronic devices having good electrical properties can be manufactured using the capacitor and/or the transistor having the bismuth-titanium-silicon oxide film.

Abstract: A polycrystalline body includes aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, zirconium oxide, and lutetium oxide. The lutetium oxide is present in an amount of at least 10 ppm of the weight of the ceramic body, and the magnesium and zirconium oxides are present at a molar ratio of from 0.5:1 to 3:1.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed comprising a fine zircon component having a median particle size of less than 5 ?m, a medium zircon component having a median particle size of from 5 ?m to 15 ?m, and a sintering aid, wherein the composition, after firing, has a strain rate of less than about 1×10?6/hr. A method for making a green body comprising contacting a fine zircon component having a median particle size of less than 5 ?m, a medium zircon component having a median particle size of from 5 ?m to 15 ?m, and a sintering aid, and then forming the mixture into a desired shape is disclosed.

Abstract: A ceramic article useful in semiconductor processing, which is resistant to erosion by halogen-containing plasmas. The ceramic article is formed from a combination of yttrium oxide and zirconium oxide. In a first embodiment, the ceramic article includes ceramic which is formed from yttrium oxide at a molar concentration ranging from about 90 mole % to about 70 mole %, and zirconium oxide at a molar concentration ranging from about 10 mole % to about 30 mole %. In a second embodiment, the ceramic article includes ceramic which is formed from zirconium oxide at a molar concentration ranging from about 96 mole % to about 94 mole %, and yttrium oxide at a molar concentration ranging from about 4 mole % to about 6 mole %.