Abstract:
An apparatus in accordance with the present invention may include an orthopedic implant having one or more voids integrated into a surface thereof. A beneficial agent may be deposited into each void, and a regulator element may substantially cover an open end of thereof. In this manner, the regulator element may regulate delivery of the beneficial agent through the open end of the voids over a period of time.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for enhancing the yield and purity of hydrogen when reforming hydrocarbons is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including receiving a hydrocarbon feedstock fuel (e.g., methane, vaporized methanol, natural gas, vaporized diesel, etc.) and steam at a reaction zone and reacting the hydrocarbon feedstock fuel and steam in the presence of a catalyst to produce hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is selectively removed from the reaction zone while the reaction is occurring by selectively diffusing the hydrogen gas through a porous ceramic membrane. The selective removal of hydrogen changes the equilibrium of the reaction and increases the amount of hydrogen that is extracted from the hydrocarbon feedstock fuel.
Abstract:
A method for joining multiple ceramic components together is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including providing multiple ceramic components, each having a mating surface. A slip containing a mixture of alumina powder and a phosphate-containing reagent is applied to one or more of the mating surfaces. The mean particle size of the alumina powder is tailored to provide improved strength to the bond. Once the slip is applied, the ceramic components may be joined together at their mating surfaces. The joint may then be sintered to react the constituents in the mixture and thereby generate a bond between the ceramic components.
Abstract:
A process for treating fly ash to render it highly usable as a concrete additive. A quantity of fly ash is obtained that contains carbon and which is considered unusable fly ash for concrete based upon foam index testing. The fly ash is mixed with an activator solution sufficient to initiate a geopolymerization reaction and for a geopolymerized fly ash. The geopolymerized fly ash is granulated. The geopolymerized fly ash is considered usable fly ash for concrete according to foam index testing. The geopolymerized fly ash may have a foam index less than 35% of the foam index of the untreated fly ash, and in some cases less than 10% of the foam index of the untreated fly ash. The activator solution may contain an alkali metal hydroxide, carbonate, silicate, aluminate, or mixtures thereof.
Abstract:
A process for treating fly ash to render it highly usable as a concrete additive. A quantity of fly ash is obtained that contains carbon and which is considered unusable fly ash for concrete based upon foam index testing. The fly ash is mixed with an activator solution sufficient to initiate a geopolymerization reaction and for a geopolymerized fly ash. The geopolymerized fly ash is granulated. The geopolymerized fly ash is considered usable fly ash for concrete according to foam index testing. The geopolymerized fly ash may have a foam index less than 35% of the foam index of the untreated fly ash, and in some cases less than 10% of the foam index of the untreated fly ash. The activator solution may contain an alkali metal hydroxide, carbonate, silicate, aluminate, or mixtures thereof.
Abstract:
A process for treating fly ash to render it highly usable as a concrete additive. A quantity of fly ash is obtained that contains carbon and which is considered unusable fly ash for concrete based upon foam index testing. The fly ash is mixed with an activator solution sufficient to initiate a geopolymerization reaction and for a geopolymerized fly ash. The geopolymerized fly ash is granulated. The geopolymerized fly ash is considered usable fly ash for concrete according to foam index testing. The geopolymerized fly ash may have a foam index less than 35% of the foam index of the untreated fly ash, and in some cases less than 10% of the foam index of the untreated fly ash. The activator solution may contain an alkali metal hydroxide, carbonate, silicate, aluminate, or mixtures thereof.
Abstract:
An article and method to provide protection in various environments. The article may include a metal substrate having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, a magnesium oxide-based layer having a second coefficient of thermal expansion, and a bond layer disposed between the metal substrate and the magnesium oxide-based layer. The bond layer may include a third coefficient of thermal expansion substantially intermediate the first and second coefficients of thermal expansion to facilitate thermal compatibility between the metal substrate and the magnesium oxide-based layer. Further, the magnesium oxide-based layer may be substantially non-porous, thereby providing a hermetic seal limiting gases, particulates, steam and fluid access to the metal substrate.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method to improve protection of a pre-coated substrate in various environments. The apparatus may include a pre-coated substrate having a substantially porous vapor-deposited coating and one or more non-porous ceramic oxide-based layers applied to the pre-coated substrate by a non-vapor deposition technique. The coefficient of thermal expansion corresponding to the non-porous ceramic oxide-based layer may substantially match the thermal expansion coefficient of the vapor-deposited coating to facilitate thermal compatibility between the two. Further, the non-porous ceramic oxide-based layer may infiltrate pores of the substantially porous vapor-deposited coating to provide a well-bonded hermetic seal that limits fluid access to the pre-coated substrate through the substantially porous vapor-deposited coating.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for adjusting the modulus of elasticity, flexural strength, or porosity of metal and ceramic implants is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a green tape comprising metal or ceramic particles, or a combination thereof, for incorporation into a solid implant structure. Apertures are cut in selected regions of the green tape in order to create a desired pore structure in the solid implant structure. This pore structure may be designed to give the solid structure a desired modulus of elasticity, flexural strength, or porosity as well as to promote bone ingrowth. The green tape may then be layered in an orientation that will provide the desired pore structure and the metal or ceramic particles and layers may be fused together to create the solid implant structure.
Abstract:
A method is provided for synthesizing beads using starting ceramic, metal, or mineral powders. Typical size of these round beads can range from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm based on the processing variables. In the method, a slip is obtained which contains a metal, ceramic, and/or mineral powder dispersed in a solvent and an organic binder, such as a grain flour. Droplets of the slip are contacted with heated oil for a sufficient time to form beads. The beads are separated from the oil and dried to remove entrained water. The beads are fired at a temperature sufficient to produce beads possessing desired physical or chemical characteristics. The beads have useful biomedical applications as bone filler materials for bone fixation and bone growth. The beads may be coated with chemical catalyst agents and function as catalyst supports in chemical processes.