Abstract: A dielectric ceramic composition used in a high frequency band such as microwave or millimeter wave, etc., and having a low dielectric constant, low loss and small absolute value of the temperature coefficient at resonance frequency. The dielectric ceramic composition comprises Al2O3, MgO and ROn. The Al2O3, MgO and ROn are expressed by a composition formula: xAlO3/2—YMgO—zROn (R is at least one element selected from La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd and Tb; and n is a value stoichiometrically determined in accordance with the valence of the R), wherein x≧55, y≧0.5, z≧0.5 and x+y+z=100. A dielectric ceramic comprising a crystal phase and a glass phase also is provided. The crystal phase includes a magneto-plumbite phase that includes Al2O3.

Abstract: A phosphate-bonded refractory composition consists of a size-graded mixture of refractory material, 3 to 5 weight percent based on the total weight of the batch of finely divided aluminium hydroxide, 4.22 to 8.37 percent by weight of the total weight of the batch of 75 to 85 percent phosphoric acid, the ratio of the aluminum in the aluminum hydroxide to phosphorus in phosphoric acid being about 1:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a porous ceramic used for producing alkali ion water. The ceramic of the invention includes finely particulate zeolite having an average particle size of 0.1 to 40 &mgr;m and an alkali ion producing material as components. Besides the above components, the invention preferably comprises a fibrous mineral and/or a clay mineral. To produce the ceramic of the invention, a slurry obtained by grinding zeolite by a wet process, a slurry obtained by grinding the alkali ion producing material and the clay mineral by a wet process and a slurry obtained by grinding the fibrous mineral are first mixed and stirred to prepare a mixed slurry. This mixed slurry is then dried and fired to obtain a sintered body.

Abstract: The sintered ceramic body of this invention is a cylindrical insulator having a through hole used for spark plugs, which is characterized by comprising alumina as a main component and Sn component in an amount of 0.05-2 wt % as SnO and can be manufactured by a step of preparing a slurry by mixing a raw material powder comprising alumina as maakessmain component and Sn component in an amount of 0.05-2 wt % as SnO, water and a binder; a step of preparing a granulated powder from the slurry, a step of packing the granulated powder in a prescribed mold and pressing it to form a compact having the same shape as sintered ceramic body to be prepared and a step of sintering the compact.

Abstract: A non-metallic product (NMP) substantially free of metallic aluminum and aluminum nitride which is utilized for making calcium aluminate.

Abstract: Spent potliner from aluminum reduction cells is treated, for example, with sulfuric acid to recover carbon, silica and alumina or to recover a vitrified product of silca and alumina.

Abstract: A porous spinel type oxide shows a large surface area and a uniform micro-porous structure. The oxide is expressed by general formula MO—Al2O3 and shows a surface area per unit weight of not less than 80 m2/g. Such a porous spinel type compound oxide is obtained by impregnating a specific &ggr;-alumina carrier with a solution of a compound of metal element M capable of taking a valence of 2, drying the impregnated carrier and calcining it at a temperature of 600° C. or higher. The specific &ggr;-alumina carrier shows a surface area per unit weight of not less than 150 m2/g, a micro-pore volume per unit weight of not less than 0.55 cm3/g and an average micro-pore diameter between 90 and 200 angstroms. The micro-pores with a diameter between 90 and 200 angstroms occupy not less than 60% of the total micro-pore volume of the carrier.

Abstract: An economical process for the manufacture of a polycrystalline, sintered, ceramic abrasive from a powder raw material is described, which process is characterized by the following process steps: preparation of a slip largely free from polymerizing and/or coagulating additives from the powder raw material; pressureless shallow casting of the slip in a vessel; degassing, drying and crushing of the cast sheet to obtain a fabricated material and sintering of the fabricated material to create the abrasive. This process can be used to manufacture an abrasive that permits extremely high grinding performance due to its extraordinary density and structural integrity.

Abstract: A pumpable ceramic composition is provided comprising an inorganic oxide, potassium phosphate, and an oxide coating material. Also provided is a method for preparing pumpable ceramic-based waste forms comprising selecting inorganic oxides based on solubility, surface area and morphology criteria; mixing the selected oxides with phosphate solution and waste to form a first mixture; combining an additive to the first mixture to create a second mixture; adding water to the second mixture to create a reactive mixture; homogenizing the reactive mixture; and allowing the reactive mixture to cure.

Abstract: The bolus is intended to be received in the reticulum of a ruminant. It comprises a body (10) having a housing (12) for containing a data interchange device (14). According to the invention, the body (10) is made of a material based on alumina, Al2O3, and/or on silica, SiO2.

Abstract: This invention relates to highly toughened alumina sintered bodies, and the highly toughened alumina sintered bodies are fabricated by sintering an &agr;-aluminum oxide powder which is obtained by employing an aluminum hydroxide produced by the Bayer's process as a starting material, and calcining at 900-1200° C. a mixture obtained by adding abrasion powder worn from pulverizing alumina balls or another product to the material, in an amount of 0.01-20 mass % as seed crystals for &agr;-aluminum oxide.

Abstract: Negative thermal expansion materials, methods of preparation and uses therefor are disclosed. The materials are useful for negative thermal expansion substrates, such as those used for optical fiber gratings.

Abstract: A ceramic compound which undergoes martensitic transformation comprises a compound represented by compositional formula Ln1-xSixAlO3+0.5x obtained by substituting a part of LnO1.5 in LnAlO3-type compounds with SiO2, where Ln represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm and Yb, and x=0.01 to 0.3.

Abstract: This patent describes an economical and environment-friendly continuous process for the synthesis of anionic clay-containing compositions. It involves reacting a slurry comprising aluminium trihydrate and/or its calcined form, with a magnesium source. There is no necessity to wash or filter the product. It can be spray dried directly to form microspheres or can be extruded to form shaped bodies. The product can be combined with other ingredients in the manufacture of catalysts, absorbents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, and other commodity products.

Abstract: The invention is a sol-gel processed metal-aluminum based oxide material useful as a catalyst including a NOx trapping catalyst. It is made from alkoxides comprising heterometallic alkoxides. The metal is transition metal, one or both of alkali metal and alkaline earth metal, and optionally also a lanthanide. Then invention is also a method of treating lean-burn internal combustion engine exhaust gas with this material, without any precious metal included with the material, in the exhaust gas system. The method comprises locating the NOx trap in the system where the NOx trap absorbs nitrogen oxides during lean cycle operation and desorbs the nitrogen oxides when the concentration of the oxygen in the exhaust gas is lowered as during a rich or stoichiometric cycle.

Abstract: A homogeneous alumina-based sintered material having excellent grindability, low porosity and high flexural strength, and which is free of color unevenness and fluctuations in density. Predetermined amounts of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 powder, MgO powder, CaCO.sub.3 powder and SiO.sub.2 powder are measured out, and then mixed with stirring in a ball mill. The mixture is granulated using a spray dryer, and then hydrostatically pressed to obtain a molded product having a predetermined shape. Subsequently, the molded product is stored and sintered at a temperature of 1,550.degree. C. to 1,650.degree. C., particularly 1,600.degree. C. to 1,650.degree. C. under atmospheric pressure for 2 hours. As a result, an alumina-based sintered material having a 50 percent cumulative grain size distribution in diameter of from 4 to 15 .mu.m, a 90 percent grain diameter of two to three times the 50 percent grain diameter, and a porosity of not more than 5% can be obtained.

Abstract: A porous composite ceramic sintered body includes an aluminum nitride phase and an aluminum oxynitride phase.

Abstract: This invention pertains to separators for electrochemical cells which comprise a microporous pseudo-boehmite layer; electrolyte elements comprising such separators; electrical current producing cells comprising such separators; and methods of making such separators, electrolyte elements and cells.

Abstract: This invention is a single phase metal alumina material made by sol-gel techniques from certain heterometallic alkoxides which include aluminum and at least alkali metals, and optionally alkaline earth metals and lanthanide.

Abstract: Alumina-based ceramics are thermally stable because of their high melting point and excellent materials in wear resistant properties and chemical stability. However, they contradictly have such a problem that fracture toughness is low, and its improvement is desired. The present invention provides such sintered alumina-based ceramics and their production process that have rendered to grow alumina grains anisotropically and can simultaneously attain high flexural strength and fracture toughness by sintering the formed mixture comprising Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 0.05-2.5 mol % of VA metal oxide and 0.01-4 mol % SiO.sub.2, relative to Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, respectively.

Abstract: The process for the production of a laminated electronic part containing a major component as represented by general formula:X(Mg.sub.a Zn.sub.(1-a)).sub.x SiO.sub.x+2 --YAl.sub.2 O.sub.3 --ZSrTiO.sub.3(where symbol a is defined by: 0.1.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.8; and symbol x is defined by: .ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.5);and an additive component comprised of a compound containing one or more elements selected from Nb, Ta and W;wherein a mole percent ratio of magnesium zinc silicate, (Mg.sub.a Zn.sub.(1-a)).sub.x SiO.sub.x+2, (X), to alumina, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, (Y), and strontium titanate, SrTiO.sub.3, (Z), each of which constitutes said major component, is set to be located in a region enclosed by a polygon having apexes at points A, B, C and D, as defined below, in a three-component composition map:______________________________________ A (94.9, 0.1, 5.0) B (85.0, 10.0, 5.0) C (65.0, 10.0, 25.0) D (65.0, 0.1, 34.9); ______________________________________and the additive component is contained at a rate of 0.01 to 0.

Abstract: A wafer holding member comprises a ceramic base body and a heating resistor, an electrostatic adhesion electrode or a plasma generation electrode embedded in the base body. The wafer holding member exhibits reduced thermal expansion and greater corrosion resistance against halogenic gases. The heating resistor is made of a mixture containing 90 to 99 wt % of at least one of W, Mo, WC, TiC and TiN (the first component), and 1 to 10 wt % of AlN (the second component), the electrostatic adhesion electrode is made of a mixture containing 50 to 99 wt % of said first component, and 1 to 50 wt % of said second component, and the plasma generation electrode is made of a mixture containing 80 to 99 wt % of said first component, and 1 to 20 wt % of said second component.

Abstract: A composition for ceramic tiles, the composition having being formulated from materials including granite and comprising the following components, given in weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition:______________________________________ SiO.sub.2 56-64 wt % Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 15-17 wt % K.sub.2 O 2-3 wt % Na.sub.2 O 0.5-1.5 wt % CaO 5-5.7 wt % MgO 0.5-0.6 wt % L.O.I. 6-7 wt %.

Abstract: A ceramic composite containing alkali-metal-.beta.- or .beta."-alumina and an oxygen-ion conductor is fabricated by converting .alpha.-alumina to alkali-metal-.beta.- or .beta."-alumina. A ceramic composite with continuous phases of .alpha.-alumina and the oxygen-ion conducting ceramic, such as zirconia, is exposed to a vapor containing an alkali-metal oxide, such as an oxide of sodium or potassium. Alkali metal ions diffuse through alkali-metal-.beta.- or .beta."-alumina converted from .alpha.-alumina and oxygen ions diffuse through the oxygen-ion conducting ceramic to a reaction front where .alpha.-alumina is converted to alkali-metal-.beta.- or .beta."-alumina. A stabilizer for alkali-metal-.beta."-alumina is preferably introduced into the .alpha.-alumina/oxygen-ion conductor composite or introduced into the vapor used to convert the .alpha.-alumina to an alkali-metal-.beta."-alumina.

Abstract: Use of a boron-containing sinter additive when synthesizing aluminum-oxide ceramics makes it possible to carry out the sintering process at temperatures below 1500.degree. C., which means that ion-conducting aluminum-oxide ceramics can be obtained.

Abstract: A method for preparing high strength and high thermal shock-resistant china for ceramic whiteware which comprises the steps of molding a china-forming raw material which mainly comprises a natural ore material capable of forming corundum through firing or a material obtained by calcining the natural ore material to form corundum, a natural ore material capable of forming mullite through firing or a material obtained by calcining the natural ore material to form mullite, a clayey material and a flux such as feldspar, nepheline or dolomite; and then firing the molded china-forming raw material. The method permits the production of cheaper china for ceramic whiteware having high strength and excellent thermal shock resistance as compared with those prepared by the conventional techniques.

Abstract: This invention is directed to ceramic metal composite useful as a refractory and having improved abrasion, corrosion, and oxidation resistance. The ceramic metal composite of the present invention is comprised of ceramic refractory aggregate, metal particulate, and a nonaqueous binder wherein the ceramic refractory aggregate, metal particulate, and binder residuals react to form a three-dimensional ceramic-metal matrix. The ceramic-metal matrix is further stabilized by bonds between the metal particulate, reaction products of the metal particulate, and the ceramic refractory aggregate.

Abstract: A semiconductive ceramic composition having negative resistance-temperature characteristics, wherein the composition comprises lanthanum cobalt oxide as the primary component, and, as secondary components, at least one oxide of an element selected from B, Fe and Al and at least one oxide of an element selected from Si, Zr, Hf, Ta, Sn, Sb, W, Mo, Te, Ce, Nb, Mn, Th and P. A semiconductive ceramic composition having a resistivity of approximately 10 .OMEGA..multidot.cm to 100 .OMEGA..multidot.cm at room temperature is obtained by controlling the amount of additives. Since the resistivity at room temperature can be enhanced to several times or more that of the conventional compositions while characteristics of the conventional compositions are maintained, the composition may be widely applied to control heavy current.

Abstract: Reaction Bonded Ceramics for Ceramic Composite Materials Comprising Mullite as the Main Component and Corundum and Thortveitite or Cerianite as Minor ComponentsThe present invention pertains to reaction bonded mullite-containing ceramic molded parts, a process for their preparation and their use.A particular embodiment of the present invention consists in reaction bonded mullite-containing ceramic molded parts, obtainable by the heat-treatment of a finely dispersed mixture of an aluminum-containing material, a silicon-containing material, and a rare earth metal-containing material in an oxygen-containing atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention covers a fused cast refractory material essentially consisting of .beta. alumina and having the following chemical analysis expressed as molar percentages:11.25% to 15.45% of at least one alkaline metal oxide selected from the group comprising Na.sub.2 O, Li.sub.2 O and K.sub.2 O provided that Na.sub.2 O represents at least 9.3%,0 to 2.97% SiO.sub.2,81.38% to 88.75% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, andat most 0.2% impuritiesand in which .beta. alumina represents at least 98% of the crystallized phases.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alumina-based sintered material comprising a magnesium component, a calcium component, a silicon component, and a lithium component, wherein the content of the lithium component in terms of oxide amount is from 0.002 to 0.04% by weight based on the alumina-based sintered material.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of ceramics and concerns sintered Al.s2 O.sub.3 compositions produced from corundum powder and also methods for the use of the invented compositions as medical implants or tool material. To produce such materials, an initially unsintered precursor having a relative density of .rho..gtoreq.55% is produced from .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 powder having defined properties using at least two different dispersing methods, this precursor is subsequently subjected to heat treatment and sintering.

Abstract: This invention relates to synthetic garnite tiles made essentially from garnite sand and a process for the production of synthetic garnite tiles essentially from garnet sand which is a by-product of beach sand from rare earths extraction, said process comprising mixing beach sand garnet, feldspar and clay thoroughly; pressing the mixture using a press at a pressure in the range of 40-80 MPa to form tiles of desired shapes and sizes; drying the tiles so formed at a temperature of 100-120.degree. C.; firing the dried tiles at a temperature in the range of 1050-1250.degree. C. with a soaking for a period ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, and polishing the resultant tiles.

Abstract: A process for preparing far-infrared radiating material. More particularly, this invention relates to a process for preparing far-infrared radiating material which makes maximum use of thermal radiation with a higher specific surface area. The present invention comprises the steps of preparing ultra-fine aluminum silicate salt for nucleus material, adding a silicate gel to said nucleus material, and then adding AlCl.sub.3, FeCl.sub.2, and MnCl.sub.2 to resulting mixture and neutralizing the resulting mixture with an ammonia solution. The present invention can be applied to vinyl films for agricultural use, wrappers, paint for cars, drying, heating, facilitation of fermentation, maturation of liquors, medical treatment, etc.

Abstract: A precursor solution for the preparation of metal phosphates is provided. Two components are prepared in which the first is a metal salt dissolved in alcohol, and the second component is phosphorous pentoxide dissolved in alcohol. The two components are mixed and may be applied as a liquid coating to a variety of substrates. The coated substrate is then heated, causing removal of all other components and leaving a layer of pure metal phosphate.

Abstract: Tourmaline fine powders are mixed with glass powders having melting point between 500.degree. C. and the transition temperature of tourmaline, and the grains are formed from the mixture and sintered at a temperature below melting point of the glass. Tourmaline powders are stacked in the glass matrix in the tourmaline composite grains prepared above. When water passes through a case including many such grains, the water contacts with the grains and is converted to activated water by the grains. By using the activated water, a structure such as a moving vehicle or an outer wall of a building can be washed efficiently without a detergent. Further, the grains can be used in an apparatus for recycling wash water.

Abstract: A process for producing alumina hydrates having a boehmite structure is provided. These alumina hydrates are dispersible in water. The boehmite or pseudoboehmite in colloids having a pH value of between 3 and 7 is present in a nanocrystalline form (<4 nm) whereby an exceptionally high translucence is imparted to the colloid.

Abstract: A novel method for joining aluminum nitride-series substrates to each other is provided in the substantial absence of an intervening third layer at the joining interface between the substrates. In the method, the aluminum nitride-series substrates are joined to each other by interposing a joining agent between the substrates, heating the substrates and the joining agent to a first temperature range of at least the melting point of the joining agent to melt the joining agent and liquefy particles of the aluminum nitride at the neighborhood of the interfaces between the melted joining agent and the substrates, and then heating the joining agent and the substrates to a temperature range higher than the temperature range of the first process but lower than the melting point of the substrates to exhaust the joining agent from between the substrates.

Abstract: A ceramic composition is provided to insulate ceramic matrix composites under high temperature, high heat flux environments. The composite comprises a plurality of hollow oxide-based spheres of varios dimentions, a phosphate binder, and at least one oxide filler powder, whereby the phosphate binder partially fills gaps between the spheres and the filler powders. The spheres are situated in the phosphate binder and the filler powders such that each sphere is in contact with at least one other sphere. The spheres may be any combination of Mullite spheres, Alumina spheres, or stabilized Zirconia spheres. The filler powder may be any combination of Alumina, Mullite, Ceria, or Hafnia. Preferably, the phosphate binder is Aluminum Ortho-Phosphate. A method of manufacturing the ceramic insulating composition and its application to CMC substates are also provided.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a filter medium for molten metals which consists of a sintered body of a mixture comprising 100 parts by weight of at least one refractory grain selected from the group consisting of alumina particles and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.MgO spinel crystal particles; and 5 to 25 parts by weight of an inorganic binder which comprises 60 to 90% by weight of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.MgO spinel crystal powder, 5 to 12% by weight of B.sub.2 O.sub.3, and not more than 30% by weight of at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, MgO and TiO.sub.2. The filter medium is used for filtering off solid impurities mixed in molten metals, in particular, molten aluminums.

Abstract: An aluminum nitride sintered body has characteristics such that an amount of total metal elements other than aluminum is smaller than 100 ppm, and a volume resistivity at room temperature is greater than 1.0.times.10.sup.9 .OMEGA..multidot.cm and is smaller than 1.0.times.10.sup.13 .OMEGA..multidot.cm. A metal including member has such a construction that a metal member is embedded in the aluminum nitride sintered body mentioned above. An electrostatic chuck is made by the metal including member mentioned above. In the metal including member mentioned above in which the metal member is embedded in the aluminum nitride sintered body mentioned above, a volume resistivity thereof can be controlled without adding a low resistance material in aluminum nitride.

Abstract: A sintered alumina-based ceramic has a relative density of equal to or higher than 95%, an average grain size in a range of 10-25 .mu.m and a fracture toughness Kc equal to or lower than 3.0 MPam.sup.1/2 Furthermore. In a machinability evaluation test using a surface grinder, the ceramic exhibits equal to or less than 310 W of increase in the load on a motor rotating a grinding wheel of the surface grinder. The machinability evaluation test is performed under the following condition.(1) The dimension of a test piece of the sintered alumina-based ceramic is larger than 15 mm in width, larger than 30 mm in length and larger than 10 mm in height.(2) The test piece is fixed on a table of said surface grinder and ground by the grinding wheel along a direction of its length.(3) The grinding wheel has a dimension of 10 mm in width and 200 mm in outer diameter, and consists of synthetic (or artificial) diamond abrasive grains more than 80 wt % of which are in a grain size range of 74-88 .mu.

Abstract: A cement composition for use in acidic environments containing an acid resistant particulate aggregate of fused mullite aggregate or other aggregate material, with quartz, and microsilica in combination with a colloidal silica sol binder and being substantially free of Na compounds and K compounds which react in the presence of sulfuric acid to form alkali sulfates in service, thus reducing the durability or the service life.

Abstract: A process for producing a stable acidic aqueous alumina sol containing 50 to 300 nm of elongate secondary particles which are elongated in only one plane and formed by edge-to-edge coagulation of rectangular plate-like primary particles having a length of one side of 10 to 30 nm when observed through an electron microscope, the process comprises the steps of:(A) adding an alkali to an aqueous alumina sol containing fibrous colloidal particles of an amorphous alumina hydrate to produce a reaction mixture having a pH of 9 to 12,(B) subjecting the reaction mixture obtained in the step (A) to a hydrothermal treatment at a temperature of 110 to 250.degree. C. to produce an aqueous suspension containing an alumina hydrate having a boehmite structure, and(C) desalting the aqueous suspension obtained in the step (B) by adding water and an acid by ultrafiltration to form an acidic aqueous alumina sol having a pH of 3 to 6.

Abstract: A composite structure includes a first nonmetallic component and a second mponent of metal or nonmetal, with the first and second components being joined together by a bonding material which is so introduced by way of a casting process as to permeate to an area between the first and second components.

Abstract: A ceramic composite material consisting of two or more crystal phases of different components, each crystal phase having a non-regular shape, said crystal phases having three dimensional continuous structures intertwined with each other, at least one crystal phase thereof being a single crystal. Further, by removing at least one crystal phase from this ceramic composite material, there is provided a porous ceramic material consisting of at least one crystal phase and pores, said crystal phase and pores having non-regular shapes and being three dimensionally continuous and intertwined with each other.

Abstract: A ceramic core that includes, prior to core sintering, erbia filler material alone or admixed with a second ceramic filler material, such as alumina, and a binder to provide a core that is relatively non-reactive with superalloys used in the manufacture of turbine blades, dimensionally stable during directional solidification (DS) for extended times, removable by chemcial leaching techniques, and having enhanced X-ray detectable during post-cast inspection operations. After core sintering, the ceramic core has a microstructure comprising an erbia-alumina garnet phase and an unreacted ceramic filler phase (e.g. alumina).

Abstract: Methods of making substantially phase-pure and thermally stable crystalline alumina compositions stabilized with an oxide of silicon, germanium, phosphorus, arsenic or a mixture thereof. Also provided are crystalline alumina compositions and catalyst supports made using these methods.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel photocatalytic composition, a photocatalytic element and a novel method for the photocatalytic treatment of effluents, comprising a gaseous or aqueous solution of the organic compounds to be destroyed.This novel photocatalytic composition consists of an inorganic gel comprising a photocatalyst and an aluminosilicate inorganic polymer binder of the Imogolite type.This composition destroys organic compounds efficaciously.

Abstract: An in-situ porous inorganic material with a skeleton structure of aluminum borate whiskers, and a whisker-reinforced metal-matrix composite material including the porous inorganic material as a reinforcement, has aluminum borate whiskers distributed uniformly and randomly therein. Each of a plurality of the aluminum borate whiskers is bonded to at least another one of the aluminum borate whiskers at a bonding site, which is formed from aluminum borate common to and constituting part of each one of the aluminum borate whiskers bonded at the bonding site. A process of producing the in-situ porous inorganic material includes the steps of firing a compact of mixed powder including an aluminum compound, a boron compound, and a nickel compound and thereby in-situ synthesizing the aluminum borate whiskers.