Abstract: A fibrous ceramic material comprises a plurality of fibers having a RxMg2Al4+xSi5?xO18 or RxMg2?xAl4Si5O18 compositional structure. The fibrous ceramic material is form by combining two or more RxMg2Al4+xSi5?xO18 or RxMg2?xAl4Si5O18 precursors in which at least one of the two or more RxMg2Al4+xSi5?xO18 or RxMg2?xAl4Si5O18 precursors is in fiber form. The fibrous ceramic material is shaped to form a fibrous body in which at least about 20% of all fibers therein are aligned in a substantially common direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a ceramic cutting insert, based on an oxide ceramic or a nitride ceramic or a mixed ceramic material, possibly containing whiskers, in a process comprising the powder metallurgical steps of providing a ready-to-press ceramic powder, pressing the ready-to-press powder into a compact of desired shape, sintering the compact to dense a ceramic blank followed by tumbling the ceramic blank, to remove sinter skin and provide an edge rounding.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for producing a polysilane-polycarbosilane copolymer solution, which comprises the preparation of a polysilane, obtained by the disproportionation of a methylchlorodisilane or a mixture of methylchlorodisilanes of the formula Si2MenCl6-n with a Lewis base as the catalyst, a subsequent thermal crosslinking of the polysilane to form an infusible polysilane-polycarbosilane copolymer that is soluble in inert solvents, as well as the production of said solution by the dissolution of the polysilane-polycarbosilane copolymer in an inert solvent. In addition, the present invention also pertains to a method for producing oxygen-depleted ceramic fibers and other molded bodies having a composition similar to that of SiC.

Abstract: A backup thermal insulation plate includes a colloidal inorganic oxide-impregnated, pressed and dried high-temperature-resistant inorganic-fiber blanket or board, the plate having a use temperature up to at least about 1000° C. and maintaining mechanical integrity after exposure to the use temperature, the plate having a density greater than or equal to about 500 kg/m3, and a compression resistance of at least about 50 kgf/cm2.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a mold and a method of manufacturing the mold. The mold includes a mold matrix and a number of boron nitride nanotubes sintered together with the mold matrix. Each boron nitride nanotube capsules a number of fullerenes therein respectively. The mold further includes an amount of noble metal powder sintered together with the mold matrix and the boron nitride nanotubes. The fullerenes preferably include C60 molecules. In addition, the method for manufacturing a mold includes the steps of: providing a number of boron nitride nanotubes, each boron nitride nanotube capsuling a number of fullerenes therein respectively; mixing a mold matrix with the boron nitride nanotubes capsuling the fullerenes to form a complex; molding the complex to form a mold preform; and sintering the mold preform, thereby attaining a mold.

Abstract: A green body ceramic matrix composite material (30) is formed using ceramic fibers (32) in an intermediate state disposed in a green body ceramic matrix material (34). The fibers may be in either a dry but unfired (green) condition or in a partially fired condition. Selective control of the degree of pre-firing (pre-shrinkage) of the fibers may be used to control the level of residual stresses within the resulting refractory material resulting from differential shrinkage of the fibers and the matrix material during processing of the composite material.

Abstract: This invention discloses a kind of cerium-based oxide fiber and its fabricating method. The cerium-based hydrate fiber can be synthesized by aging under the boiling point of water for 10 hours to 50 hours by the addition of a chemical modifier. The fibers show a diameter of submicron to micron size, and the aspect ratio is greater than 100. The hydrate fibers can transform to oxide fiber after calcination at high temperature.

Abstract: The invented insulation is a ceramic fiber insulation wherein the ceramic fibers are treated with a coating which contains transition metal oxides. The invented process for coating the insulation is a process of applying the transition metal oxide coating to the fibers of the insulation after the fibers have been formed into a tile or other porous body. The coating of transition metal oxide lowers the transmittance of radiation through the insulation thereby lowering the temperature of the backface of the insulation and better protecting the structure that underlies the insulation.

Abstract: A lightweight thermal heat transfer apparatus, including a core section and a laminate composite section. The core section is substantially similar to a diamond shape. The laminate composite section has a plurality of thermally conductive fibers, which are disposed around the core section and oriented at a configuration similar to the core section.

Abstract: Insulation materials suited to high temperature applications, such as the insulation of furnaces, are formed from a mixture of pitch carbon fibers, such as isotropic pitch carbon fibers, and a binder comprising a solution of sugar in water. The sugar solution is preferably at a concentration of from 20–60% sucrose to yield a low density material having high flexural strength and low thermal conductivity when carbonized to a temperature of about 1800° C.

Abstract: Method for producing silicon carbide fibers by mixing discontinuous isotropic carbon fibers with a silica source and exposing the mixture to a temperature of from about 1450° C. to about 1800° C. The silicon carbide fibers are essentially devoid of whiskers have excellent resistance to oxidation and excellent response to microwave energy, and can readily be formed into a ceramic medium employing conventional ceramic technology. The fibers also may be used for plastic and metal reinforcement.

Abstract: An unwrought refractory composition, in particular for producing glass furnace hearths, includes a base mixture comprising in wt. %: 1 to 6% of a hydraulic cement, and 94 to 99% of particles of at least a refractory material mainly consisting of alumina (Al2O3), zirconia (ZrO2) and silica (SiO2), the fraction of the particles of the base mixture having a size less than 40 ?m being distributed in wt. % relative to the weight of the base mixture, as follows: fraction<0.5 ?m: ?4%; fraction<2 ?m: ?5%; fraction<10 ?m: ?16%; fraction<40 ?m: 29–45%, the refractory composition further comprising, in wt. % relative to the weight of the base mixture: 0.02 to 0.08% of organic fibers, and 0.075 to 1% of a surfactant.

Abstract: Silicon carbide fibers are produced by mixing discontinuous isotropic carbon fibers with a silica source and exposing the mixture to a temperature of from about 1450° C. to about 1800° C. The silicon carbide fibers are essentially devoid of whiskers have excellent resistance to oxidation and excellent response to microwave energy, and can readily be formed into a ceramic medium employing conventional ceramic technology. The fibers also may be used for plastic and metal reinforcement.

Abstract: A silicon carbide fiber having a boron nitride layer in a fiber surface and having the following properties of a to c, a. the existent ratio of boron slopingly increases towards the surface of the fiber, b. the existent ratio of boron in the region of from the fiber surface to a depth of 500 nm is 0.5 to 1.5% by weight, c. the existent ratio of boron in a fiber central portion which is a region of a depth of at least 3 ?m below the fiber surface is 0 to 0.2% by weight, and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: A composite material comprises inorganic-bonded alkaline earth silicate fibers in which any bonding agents or fillers comprise low amounts of aluminum so that the composite material comprises less than 1% by weight aluminum expressed as Al2—O3.

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is a process for manufacturing boron nitride fibers, in particular continuous boron nitride fibers with good mechanical properties, which may be used for producing ceramic composite materials such as BN/BN composites, thermostructural parts or antenna radomes. It provides and uses a precursor polymer of formula (I) below: in which n is a whole number, R1 and R2, identical or different, represent independently an alkyl group, and R3 represents an amino group, a hydrogen atom, an alkyl, a cycloalkyl or a boryl.

Abstract: A system for fabricating a free form structure of a composite material including carbon nanotubes. The system includes a discharge assembly and a composite formation device operatively linked with the discharge assembly. The discharge assembly dispenses a fusing agent such as for example a high energy density emission, a laser emission or a particle beam emission. The composite formation device includes a composite generator and an arranger in operative engagement with a composite generator. The composite generator engages with the fusing agent so as to create a composite nodal element. The composite nodal element includes a matrix and a multiplicity of fibers formed of carbon nanotubes dispersed throughout the matrix. The arranger positions one node relative to another to define the free form structure.

Abstract: Provided are a heat-resistant glass fiber which has excellent heat resistance, which is also easy to spin and less expensive and which is suitable as an acoustic material for use in an automobile muffler, and a process for the production thereof. The heat-resistant glass fiber has a composition comprising, substantially by weight %, 56 to 58.5% of SiO2, 12 to 17% of Al2O3, 16 to 27% of CaO, 1 to 9% of MgO, 0 to 1% of Na2O and 0 to 1% of K2O as the entirety of the fiber and containing neither B2O3 nor F2, and has a surface layer portion made of a silicic glass having an SiO2 content of at least 90% by weight. The process comprises treating the surface of the above fiber having the above composition with a mineral acid, to produce the heat-resistant glass fiber.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a fiber-reinforced material which is composed, at least in a region of a surface layer, of a ceramic composite and has carbon-containing fibers reaction-bonded to a matrix containing the elements Si and C. In particular a method of producing fiber-reinforced silicon carbide is provided in which a structure of a matrix contains cracks and/or pores, at least at ambient temperature, because of a high thermal expansion coefficient compared with that of the fibers. Metals are selectively electrodeposited in the open pores and cracks of the matrix and, in particular, in a region of the electrically conductive reinforcing fibers. As a result, the open pores and cracks are filled and, in addition, metallic top layers are optionally formed that are firmly keyed to the ceramic composite and that may serve as an interlayer for glass top layers or ceramic top layers.

Abstract: A ceramic composite made by compacting a starting powder blend. The composite includes between about 50 volume percent and about 99 volume percent of a ceramic matrix; and between about 1 volume percent and about 50 volume percent as-processed silicon carbide whiskers. The ceramic composite having a fracture toughness (KIC) of greater than about 4.0 MPam1/2. The ceramic has a silicon carbide whisker density as measured in whiskers per square millimeter equal to or less than about 1500 times the volume percent of silicon carbide whiskers, but in a density sufficient for the ceramic composite to have the fracture toughness.

Abstract: A dry refractory composition having superior resistance to crack propagation. The dry refractory composition includes at least matrix material, filler lightweight material, and metal fibers. The composition also may include dense refractory aggregate. The dry refractory composition is suitable for use in containing heat in metal containment and other applications.

Abstract: There are provided a high-strength zirconia-containing inorganic fiber having excellent alkali resistance, oxidation resistance, catalyst function and/or catalyst-carrying function and a process for the production thereof. The zirconia-containing inorganic fiber is a fiber which is formed of a composite oxide phase comprising a first phase mainly formed of a silica component or silicon carbide and a second phase formed of zirconia, and it is characterized in that the ratio of Zr slopingly increases toward the surface layer of the fiber.

Abstract: A dry refractory composition having superior resistance to crack propagation. The dry refractory composition includes at least matrix materials and metal fibers. The composition also may include dense refractory aggregate. The dry refractory composition is particularly suitable for use in metal containment applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a silica yarn and to woven or nonwoven fabrics produced from said yarn, which comprises 30 to 1500 ppm by weight of aluminum and 10 to 200 ppm by weight of titanium in oxidized form, the sum of the mass of the chemical elements different from Si and O being less than 5000 ppm by weight, the following elements being absent or present in a very small quantity: boron, sodium, calcium, potassium and lithium. The fabrics comprising this silica yarn have an excellent high-temperature withstand and thus retain their flexibility for a long time at above 600° C. They are useful especially in uses requiring good high-temperature flexibility, such as for furnace seals.

Abstract: A dry refractory composition having superior resistance to crack propagation. The dry refractory composition includes at least matrix material, filler lightweight material, and metal fibers. The composition also may include dense refractory aggregate. The dry refractory composition is suitable for use in containing heat in metal containment and other applications.

Abstract: A dry refractory composition having superior resistance to crack propagation. The dry refractory composition includes at least matrix materials and metal fibers. The composition also may include dense refractory aggregate. The dry refractory composition is particularly suitable for use in metal containment applications.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making boron nitride fibers by drawing a polymer precursor and treating with ceramics the polymer fibers obtained by drawing. The invention is characterized in that the precursor polymer is obtained by thermal polymerization of a borazine of formula (I) wherein: R1, R3, R4 and R5, identical or different, represent an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl group; and R2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl group.

Abstract: A hybrid insulation material comprises of porous ceramic substrate material impregnated with nanoporous material and method of making the same is the topic of this invention. The porous substrate material has bulk density ranging from 6 to 20 lb/ft3 and is composed of about 60 to 80 wt % silica (SiO2) 20 to 40 wt % alumina (Al2O3) fibers, and with about 0.1 to 1.0 wt % boron-containing constituent as the sintering agent. The nanoporous material has density ranging from 1.0 to 10 lb/ft3 and is either fully or partially impregnated into the substrate to block the pores, resulting in substantial reduction in conduction via radiation and convention. The nanoporous material used to impregnate the fiber substrate is preferably formed from a precursor of alkoxysilane, alcohol, water, and an acid or base catalyst for silica aerogels, and from a precursor of aluminum alkoxide, alcohol, water, and an acid or base catalyst for alumina aerogels.

Abstract: Method for producing discontinuous silicon carbide fibers, useful as heating elements in a low-energy microwave field, from discontinuous carbonized cotton fibers employing an admixture of carbonized cotton fibers, a metal salt promoter, calcium oxalate monohydrate, and low-density silicon dioxide. The admixture, in a dry state, is introduced into a preheated oven at about 1450 to 1750 degrees C. for between about one and five hours. Silicon carbide fibers and a sheet formed from the fibers are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating for insulation material, which coating comprises a metal layer, such as an aluminum layer, and a plastic layer. The plastic layer contains plastic that crystallises when heated. The plastic can more particularly be a polyamide.

Abstract: A ceramic composite having a ceramic coating formed from a ceramic forming polymer of adjustable composition. The ceramic forming polymer is capable of producing a weak interface-type fiber coating for the ceramic composite, resists oxidation and is less expensive to apply. The invention also includes methods of using a ceramic forming polymer to provide fiber coatings tailored to the type of matrix, fiber, or other reinforcement used. The material forms micro-porous and nano-porous coatings on the fibers. The porosity in the coatings provides a low strength interface between the fiber and matrix that imparts the toughness needed in the composite. The material can be provided with controlled ratios of carbon, silicon, oxygen and hyrdrogen to optimize bonding to the fibers, bonding of the matrix to the fiber coating, and environmental protection of the fibers.

Abstract: A ceramic fiber composite comprises ceramic fibers bonded together by an at least partially ceramic binder formed from a nanoclay and at least one of a ceramic precursor material or a ceramic material. The present invention also concerns methods of forming ceramic fiber composites and burners containing them.

Abstract: An alumina fiber aggregate comprising alumina short fibers whose average diameter is 4.0 to 10.0 &mgr;m and smallest diameter is not less than 3.0 &mgr;m, and a method of producing an alumina fiber aggregate which comprises spinning a spinning solution containing basic aluminum chloride, a silicon compound, an organic polymer and water by the blowing method, and calcining the obtained aggregate of alumina short fiber precursor, the spinning solution being one in which the aluminum/silicon ratio is 99/1 to 65/35 calculated as Al2O3/SiO2 ratio by weight, the concentration of basic aluminum chloride is 180 to 200 g/L and the concentration of the organic polymer is 20 to 40 g/L. The alumina short fibers in the alumina fiber aggregate are enlarged in diameter to suppress scattering of the fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing silicon oxycarbide fibers by pyrolysis of preceramic precursors.

Abstract: A super-lightweight ceramic foam with a cellular structure effectively reinforced by ceramic short fibers, which has a density of 0.2 g/cm3 or less and a sufficient strength. The ceramic foam is prepared by evenly dispersing ceramic short fibers throughout a nonaqueous solvent through the use of the reactivity of metal alkoxide with the surface of the ceramic short fibers, adding into the nonaqueous solvent an aqueous slurry containing ceramic powder dispersed therein, allowing the evenly dispersed ceramic fibers to move into an aqueous phase separately from a nonaqueous solvent phase so as to obtain an aqueous slurry containing the ceramic fibers evenly dispersed therein, and foaming and firing the aqueous slurry.

Abstract: A porous ceramic fiber insulating material and method of making a material having a combination of silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) fibers, and boron-containing powders is the topic of the new invention. The insulative material is composed of about 60 wt % to about 80 wt % silica fibers, about 20 wt % to about 40 wt % alumina fibers, and about 0.1 wt % to about 1.0 wt % boron-containing powders. A specific boron-containing powder used for this invention is boron carbide powder which provide boron-containing by-products, which aid in fusion and sintering of the silica and alumina fibers. The material is produced by forming an aqueous slurry, blending and chopping the fibers via a shear mixer, orienting the fibers in the in-plane direction, draining water from the fibers, pressing the fibers into a billet, heating the fibers to remove residual water, and firing the billet to fuse the fibers of the material. After sintering, bulk density of the new insulation material ranges from 6 to 20 lb/ft3.

Abstract: The present invention is a low density hybrid airfoil comprising a temperature resistant exterior layer and a tough, high impact resistant interior layer. Specifically, the airfoil comprises a monolithic ceramic exterior layer and a fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite interior layer. Both the monolithic ceramic and fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite are low density materials. Additionally, the monolithic ceramic is a high temperature resistant material, and the fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite is a relatively high impact resistant structure. Encapsulating the airfoil with a temperature resistant exterior layer protects the airfoil in a high temperature environment, and supporting the airfoil with a high impact resistant, fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite improves the overall impact resistance of the airfoil thereby resulting in a tough, high temperature resistant, low density airfoil.

Abstract: A porous ceramic fiber insulating material and method of making a material having a combination of silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) fibers, and boron-containing powders is the topic of the new invention. The insulative material is composed of about 60 wt % to about 80 wt % silica fibers, about 20 wt % to about 40 wt % alumina fibers, and about 0.1 wt % to about 1.0 wt % boron-containing powders. A specific boron-containing powder used for this invention is boron carbide powder which provide boron-containing by-products, which aid in fusion and sintering of the silica and alumina fibers. The material is produced by forming an aqueous slurry, blending and chopping the fibers via a shear mixer, orienting the fibers in the in-plane direction, draining water from the fibers, pressing the fibers into a billet, heating the fibers to remove residual water, and firing the billet to fuse the fibers of the material. After sintering, bulk density of the new insulation material ranges from 6 to 20 lb/ft3.

Abstract: A hybrid insulation material comprises of porous ceramic substrate material impregnated with nanoporous material and method of making the same is the topic of this invention. The porous substrate material has bulk density ranging from 6 to 20 lb/ft3 and is composed of about 60 to 80 wt % silica (SiO2) 20 to 40 wt % alumina (Al2O3) fibers, and with about 0.1 to 1.0 wt % boron-containing constituent as the sintering agent. The nanoporous material has density ranging from 1.0 to 10 lb/ft3 and is either fully or partially impregnated into the substrate to block the pores, resulting in substantial reduction in conduction via radiation and convention. The nanoporous material used to impregnate the fiber substrate is preferably formed from a precursor of alkoxysilane, alcohol, water, and an acid or base catalyst for silica aerogels, and from a precursor of aluminum alkoxide, alcohol, water, and an acid or base catalyst for alumina aerogels.

Abstract: A temperature resistant material, comprising a temperature resistant matrix and a set of short metal fibers, which characterized in that the set of short metal fibers represents at least 0.5% by weight of the temperature resistant material. The set of short metal fibers has an equivalent diameter D in the range of 1 to 150&mgr;, and comprising curved fibers and entangled fibers. The curved fibers have an average length L in the range of 10 to 2000&mgr;.

Abstract: A tellurite glass material has a composition of Li2O:TiO2:TeO2, and contains a dopant comprising ions of a rare earth metal. The rare earth ions can be thulium ions, Tm3+, to provide a material offering optical gain at 1470 nm. The properties of the glass make it suitable for the fabrication of high quality optical fibers and planar waveguides, which can in turn be used in optical amplifiers and oscillators. Co-doping the glass with acceptor ions such as holmium ions, Ho3+, improves the population inversion in the rare earth ions and hence enhances the gain.

Abstract: A flocculant or binder composition can be used to form a slurry, which in turn, is usable in methods of producing ceramics and ceramic products. The flocculant or binder composition includes amylopectin potato starch (AP-PS).

Abstract: A composition providing thermal, corrosion, and oxidation protection at high temperatures is based on a synthetic aluminum phosphate, in which the molar content of aluminum is greater than phosphorous. The composition is annealed and is metastable at temperatures up to 1400° C.

Abstract: A mullite composition is comprised substantially of mullite grains that are essentially chemically bound wherein the composition has at least two adjoining regions that have substantially different microstructures. The composition may be produced by forming a mixture of one or more precursor compounds having the elements present in mullite; shaping the mixture into a porous green shape applying a nucleation control agent to a portion of the porous green shape and then heating the porous green shape under an atmosphere and to a temperature sufficient to form the mullite composition.

Abstract: An immobilizing structure for use in immobilizing a ceramic monolith in a catalytic converter employs a molding which comprises finely divided metal oxide and fibers which do not represent a health risk, has a density of 100-240 kg/m3, and has a compression to at least 96% of its original thickness at a pressure of 1 bar applied for a period of 5 minutes, and exhibits a recovery of this compression to more than 70% of its initial value within about one minute after removal of the pressure.

Abstract: An oxide-containing organosilicon polymer containing 1 to 45% by weight of metal oxide particles, an oxide-containing silicon-carbide-based inorganic fiber obtained by using the above organosilicon polymer as a raw material and having excellent oxidation resistance, in particular excellent oxidation resistance in a high temperature oxidizing atmosphere containing moisture, a crystalline silicon-carbide-based inorganic fiber having a calcined structure of SiC and production processes of these.

Abstract: Rare-earth alloy is cast into a sheet (6) or the like by using a tundish (3, 13). The refractory material of the tundish used for casting does not necessitate preheating for improving the flowability of the melt (2). The refractory material used essentially consists of 70 wt % or more of Al2O3 and 30 wt % or less of SiO2, or 70 wt % or more of ZrO2 and 30 wt % or less of one or more of Y2O3, Ce2O3, CaO, MgO, Al2O3, TiO2 and SiO2. The refractory material has 1 g/cm3 or less of bulk density, has 0.5 kca/(mh° C.) or less of thermal conductivity in the temperature range of from 1200 to 1400° C., and has 0.5 wt % or less of ratio of ignition weight-loss under the heating condition of 1400° C. for 1 hour.

Abstract: A homogeneous bulky porous ceramic material is provided, the average pore diameter D50 of which is less than 4 &mgr;m and the closed porosity of which is less than 2 &mgr;m, and having a bubble point that matches the pore diameter measured on the material. A hollow fiber based on the material and a module employing such fibers together with a paste constituting a precursor for the material and including a pore-forming agent are also provided.

Abstract: A method of forming a porous ceramic matrix for use in an infrared heating unit comprises the steps of mixing ceramic fibers, organic binders and particulate material capable of infrared emissivity with an ionic wetting agent to form a moldable ceramic mixture, and molding the mixture to a desired shape. A ceramic matrix with infrared emissivity particles substantially uniformly distributed through the matrix is formed which results in a high intensity, high thermal efficiency matrix for use in an infrared heater. In a further aspect, the matrix can be formed using at least two different compositions of ceramic fibers each composition having a different melting temperature. During operation of the matrix in a heater unit over normal operating temperatures, melting and re-crystallization of the ceramic fibers with the lower melting temperature occurs resulting in the creation of crystalline bond regions between the two fiber compositions.

Abstract: Cd-free multicomponent glass to be used in particular as core glass (2) in glass fibers for optical twisters and tapers, the glass being of the lanthanide flint type and comprising the following main constituents (in mol %): 1 B2O3 20-70 ZnO  1-15 Lanthanide oxide  1-23 ZrO2, and/or HfO2  1-10 As2O3 0.1-0.