Abstract: Self-repairing, fiber reinforced matrix materials include a matrix material including inorganic as well as organic matrices. Disposed within the matrix are hollow fibers having a selectively releasable modifying agent contained therein. The hollow fibers may be inorganic or organic and of any desired length, wall thickness or cross-sectional configuration. The modifying agent is selected from materials capable of beneficially modifying the matrix fiber composite after curing. The modifying agents are selectively released into the surrounding matrix in use in response to a predetermined stimulus be it internal or externally applied. The hollow fibers may be closed off or even coated to provide a way to keep the modifying agent in the fibers until the appropriate time for selective release occurs.

Abstract: Phosphate free, Er/Yb co-doped borosilicate glass compositions and optical devices made from said compositions are disclosed; said compositions comprising, for 100 parts by weight of: 60 to 70 parts by weight SiO2 or SiO2+GeO2 with SiO2 always being greater than 40 parts by weight, 8 to 12 parts by weight of B2O3, 10 to 25 parts by weight M2O wherein M2O is an alkali metal oxide, 0 to 3 parts by weight of BaO, 0.1 to 5 parts by weight Er2O3, and from 0.1 to 12 parts by weight of Yb2O3 and from 0 to less than 5 parts by weight F; and within which, the boron atoms are of tetrahedral spatial coordination.

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 method for preparing a metal reinforced refractory body comprising the steps of providing a mold for containing a slurry of refractory material. A body of metal fibers is inserted into the mold, the metal fibers having a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than 10×10−6 in/in/° F. and a yield strength of greater than 35 KSI at 1200° F. The slurry of refractory material is introduced to the mold to provide the slurry in intimate contact with the metal fibers, the refractory material in the hardened condition having a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than 10×10−6 in/in/° F. The refractory material is hardened to provide a metal reinforced composite refractory body comprised of a reinforcing component and a refractory component having a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than 10×10−6 in/in/° F. to minimize cracking of the refractory body.

Abstract: The performance of electrochemical energy devices such as batteries, fuel cells, capacitors and sensors is enhanced by the use of electrically conducting ceramic materials in the form of fibers, powder, chips and substrates.

Abstract: Separable nanotubes are made from a transition metal oxide, preferably from a vanadium oxide of variable valence. They show a greater oxidation resistance than the carbon-based nanotubes known so far and offer many new and economic applications. The inventive nanotubes clearly show oxidation-reduction activities and are particularly suited as an active material for catalytic reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high strength light-weight ceramic insulator and a method for manufacture thereof wherein the light-weight ceramic insulator may be used at a high temperature by using a heat-resisting ceramic fiber. A colloidal silica or colloidal alumina which is an inorganic binder, and a methyl cellulose or a liquid-phase organic polymer which is an organic binder are added to an alumina-silica-based fiber containing zirconia, a concentration thereof is adjusted, a slurry is vacuum-molded, and drying and heating are carried out, thereby fabricating the ceramic insulator. Here, it is possible to fabricate the high strength light-weight ceramic insulator by artificially selectively positioning the inorganic binder to a contact point of the fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing ceramic fibers from a molten mass. In accordance with this method, a molten mass of ceramic starting materials, at a temperature of at least approx. 1150° C., is passed through the nozzle of a tool, and then left to solidify. At least the parts of the tool which are subjected to the effect of the molten mass are made of a material having a melting point of over approximately 2200° C., as well as the necessary consistency and corrosion resistance. The invention also relates to the ceramic fibers produced by this method, in particular hollow microfibers, preferably in monolithic form, and their use.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix nanocomposite having enhanced mechanical behavior is made up of a nanotube filler composed of at least one nanotube material, and a ceramic matrix composed of a nanocrystalline ceramic oxide. A method for producing ceramic articles having improved fracture toughness includes combining of a nanotube filler made up of a nanotube material and a ceramic matrix made up of a nanocrystalline ceramic oxide, forming an article therefrom, and sintering the article under elevated pressure at elevated temperature.

Abstract: A fibrous ceramic mat is molded from a slurry of ceramic fibers and/or ceramic micropartides and/or a metal. The mat is impregnated with a sol prior to drying. A catalyst for the sol is introduced into the mat to cause the sol to gel. The sol-gel binder forms bonds so that the mat is dimensionally stabilized. The mat is dried to produce the desired ceramic insulation that has preferably a consistent microstructure and a fully gelled sol-gel binder through its entire thickness. If we use a metal, it corrodes (i.e., oxidizes) or otherwise reacts to form a refractory binder that augments the sol and reduces the need to infuse sol incrementally to achieve strength. Using metal powder significantly reduces the cost of manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous titania, which has an anatase-form crystalline structure, an anatase-form crystallite diameter of 3 nm to 10 nm, a degree of anatase crystallinity of 60% or more, a BET specific surface area of 10 m2/g or more, a total pore volume of 0.05 cm3/g or more, and a volume for pores having a pore radius of 1 nm or more of 0.02 cm3/g or more, and the porous titania and the catalyst comprising the porous titania of the present invention exhibit an excellent catalytic activity for removal of nitrogen oxides, oxidation of organic substances, decomposition of dioxine compounds, as well as decomposition and removal of organic solvents, agricultural chemical and surfactant.

Abstract: A filter media system, which is capable of operating in the microfiltration regime, offers: low cost, durability, high temperature and chemical resistance, no particulation, mechanical strength, separation efficiency, and biocompatibility. The present invention provides a filter media system comprising a fibrous substrate of at least one of carbon and ceramic fibers, wherein an array of carbon or ceramic fiber whiskers have been grown onto the fibrous substrate, without prior densification of the fibrous substrate. A process for manufacturing a filter media system wherein a carbon fiber is treated with a solution of metal catalyst salt, heated in hydrogen at elevated temperatures to reduce the metal salt to metal, and whisker growth is initiated on the surfaces of the metal deposited carbon fibers by decomposition of low molecular weight hydrocarbon gas at elevated temperature is also provided.

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: A preform for metal matrix composite material comprising: inorganic particles, small-diameter inorganic fibers, and large-diameter inorganic fibers. An average particle diameter of the inorganic particles is 1 to 50 &mgr;m. An average fiber diameter of the small-diameter inorganic fibers is 2 to 5 &mgr;m, and an average fiber length of the small-diameter inorganic fibers is 10 to 200 &mgr;m. An average fiber diameter of the large-diameter inorganic fibers is 4 to 20 &mgr;m, and an average fiber length of the large-diameter inorganic fibers is 10 to 200 &mgr;m. The small-diameter inorganic fibers catch and disperse the inorganic particles in a process of forming a formed body, and the large-diameter inorganic fibers create voids in cooperation with the small-diameter inorganic fibers in the process of forming the formed body.

Abstract: Hollow carbon microcoils are provided having a pitch that is substantially zero. Also provided are ceramic microcoils comprising a metal nitride, a metal carbide or a metal carbonitride. The invention also includes methods for producing such microcoils.

Abstract: The present invention discloses:

Abstract: A crystalline inorganic fiber or molded body thereof is thermally treated in gas atmosphere containing chlorine. The crystalline inorganic fiber or molded body thereof contains small impurities such as Fe, Cu and Ni. For example, Fe is 15 ppm or less, Cu is 1 ppm or less, and Ni is 0.5 ppm or less.

Abstract: A ceramic-matrix composite having a multilayered interfacial coating adapted to protect the reinforcing fibers from long-term oxidation, while allowing these to bridge the wake of advancing cracks in the matrix, is provided by selectively mismatching materials within adjacent layers of the interfacial coating, the materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion so that a low toughness interface region is created to promote crack deflection either within an interior layer of the mismatched interfacial coating or between adjacent layers of the mismatched interfacial coating.

Abstract: A hydrothermal method for forming nanoparticles of a rare earth element, oxygen and fluorine has been discovered. Nanoparticles comprising a rare earth element, oxygen and fluorine are also described. These nanoparticles can exhibit excellent refractory properties as well as remarkable stability in hydrothermal conditions. The nanoparticles can exhibit excellent properties for numerous applications including fiber reinforcement of ceramic composites, catalyst supports, and corrosion resistant coatings for high-temperature aqueous solutions.

Abstract: A filter media system, which is capable of operating in the microfiltration regime, offers: low cost, durability, high temperature and chemical resistance, no particulation, mechanical strength, separation efficiency, and biocompatibility. A filter media system is comprised of a carbon or ceramic composite substrate which contains a carbon or ceramic matrix reinforced with carbon or ceramic fibers. The composite has an array of carbon or ceramic fiber whiskers grown onto its surface or in its bulk. A process is provided for manufacturing the filter media system wherein a carbon fiber is disposed in a matrix deposited by a CVI or LPI process, at temperatures of about 900 to about 1200° C. to achieve a weight gain of about 10 to 200% (the ceramic matrix is deposited by a CVI process from an aqueous slurry or by use of a preceramic polymer). This composite is treated with an aqueous solution of metal catalyst salt and is then heated in hydrogen at elevated temperatures to reduce the metal salt to metal.

Abstract: Self-repairing, fiber reinforced matrix materials include a matrix material including inorganic as well as organic matrices. Disposed within the matrix are hollow fibers having a selectively releasable modifying agent contained therein. The hollow fibers may be inorganic or organic and of any desired length, wall thickness or cross-sectional configuration. The modifying agent is selected from materials capable of beneficially modifying the matrix fiber composite after curing. The modifying agents are selectively released into the surrounding matrix in use in response to a predetermined stimulus be it internal or externally applied. The hollow fibers may be closed off or even coated to provide a way to keep the modifying agent in the fibers until the appropriate time for selective release occurs.

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: In one aspect, the invention includes a method of forming a material containing carbon and boron, comprising: a) providing a substrate within a chemical vapor deposition chamber; b) flowing a carbon and boron precursor into the chamber, the precursor being a compound that comprises both carbon and boron; and c) utilizing the precursor to chemical vapor deposit a material onto the substrate, the material comprising carbon and boron. In another aspect, the invention includes a method of forming a catalyst, comprising: a) providing a substrate within a chemical vapor deposition chamber; b) flowing a carbon and boron precursor into the chamber, the precursor being a compound that comprises both carbon and boron; c) utilizing the precursor to chemical vapor deposit a first material onto the substrate, the first material comprising carbon and boron; and d) coating the first material with a catalytic material.

Abstract: Alumina-based abrasive material having at least an internal core structure is provided. Preferably, the abrasive material results from co-extrusion of at least two different sols. In some preferred processing, steps to provide multiple internal core structures are conducted.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced ceramic green body having enough green strength and handling strength. The fiber-reinforced ceramic green body is obtained by molding a ceramic composition comprising a ceramic powder, a sintering aid powder, an organic fiber, an aqueous dispersion medium and an optional dispersant. The organic fiber is contained in the ceramic green body in an amount of 0.2-3 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of a total of the ceramic powder and the sintering aid powder and uniformly dispersed throughout it. The average length of the organic fiber is 300-1000 &mgr;m and the average diameter is 2.5-30 &mgr;m. The organic fiber is preferably a synthetic high polymer such as polyester, nylon, etc., and preferably has a hydrophilic nature imparted by surface treatment.

Abstract: Separable nanotubes are made from a transition metal oxide, preferably from a vanadium oxide of variable valence. They show a greater oxidation resistance than the carbon-based nanotubes known so far and offer many new and economic applications. The inventive nanotubes clearly show oxidation-reduction activities and are particularly suited as an active material for catalytic reactions.

Abstract: A process for forming a uniform, boron nitride coating on a boron-doped, refractory carbide body, and in particular on a sintered, boron-doped, silicon carbide fiber, where the body is exposed to a nitrogen-containing atmosphere at a temperature equal to or greater than the densification or sintering temperature. The coated fibers exhibit no loss in strength properties and show improved creep resistance.

Abstract: A refractory composition is disclosed comprising a high purity silicon dioxide and a binder. This refractory composition may be applied by trowelling, brushing, casting, pumping and/or spraying it on a worn and/or damaged high purity silica refractory surface. A refractory castable composition is also disclosed that may be employed with forms. Further, an essentially non-slumping, sprayable refractory castable composition that is applied without the use of forms is provided. The sprayable refractory castable composition comprises (a) a tempered, pumpable first component comprising (i) a high purity silicon dioxide and a binder, and (ii) water, if needed, to achieve a pumpable consistency, and (b) a second component comprising a flocculating agent. The flocculating agent is added to the first component for achieving installation of the sprayable refractory composition in an amount to prevent slumping of the sprayable refractory castable composition.

Abstract: A high strength, high creep resistant, boron-doped, silicon carbon fiber having no boron nitride coating, originally formed by sintering, is produced by exposing the fiber to a nitrogen atmosphere at a temperature equal to or preferably elevated above the sintering temperature and also exposing the fiber to a carbon monoxide-containing atmosphere at a temperature sufficient to remove boron and boron nitride. The nitrogen atmosphere step may be performed before or after the carbon monoxide-containing atmosphere step. The resulting, uncoated SiC fibers have tensile strengths greater than approximately 2.0 GPa and Morscher-DiCarlo BSR test creep resistance M values greater than approximately 0.75 at 1400 degrees C for one hour in argon. The method is applicable to non-sintered fibers as well, in which case the nitrogen exposure is carried out at between approximately 1750 to 2250 degrees C and the carbon monoxide exposure is carried out at between approximately 1600 to 2200 degrees C.