Hydrophobized granular material comprising from 30 to 95% by weight of a pyrogenic mixed oxide based on silica and at least one oxide of metal M selected from of Al, Ti and Fe with the content of metal M oxide in the mixed oxide being from 01 to 10% by weight, and from 5 to 70% by weight of at least one IR-opacifier selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide, zirconium dioxide, ilmenites, iron titanates, zirconium silicates, manganese oxides, graphites, carbon blacks and mixtures thereof.

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a decorative fired substrate such as ceramic, glass, brick, metal or metal enamel. The process includes a step of digitally applying a primer ink composition comprising a metal or metalloid ion component dissolved in a liquid matrix on selective locations of the substrate. The primer ink composition can be applied before or after the application of a color ink. By applying a primer ink composition, the color of the substrate is improved after the substrate is fired, and the manufacture cost is reduced compared with current industrial decorative ceramic tile processes.

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a decorative fired substrate such as ceramic, glass, brick, metal or metal enamel. The process includes a step of digitally applying a primer ink composition comprising a metal or metalloid ion component dissolved in a liquid matrix on selective locations of the substrate. The primer ink composition can be applied before or after the application of a color ink. By applying a primer ink composition, the color of the substrate is improved after the substrate is fired, and the manufacture cost is reduced compared with current industrial decorative ceramic tile processes.

A method for masking the appearance of a support structure underlying a highly translucent ceramic dental restoration is provided. The porous form of a zirconia ceramic dental restoration is treated with a liquid masking composition comprising 0.4 wt % to 50 wt % of one or more masking agents. The masking composition is applied to the internal surface of a restoration and a region of the facial surface of the restoration that is opposite the internal surface. After application of the masking compositions, treated zirconia restoration is sintered to greater than 98% theoretical density.

A method for masking the appearance of a support structure underlying a highly translucent ceramic dental restoration is provided. The porous form of a zirconia ceramic dental restoration is treated with a liquid masking composition comprising 0.4 wt % to 50 wt % of one or more masking agents. The masking composition is applied to the internal surface of a restoration and a region of the facial surface of the restoration that is opposite the internal surface. After application of the masking compositions, treated zirconia restoration is sintered to greater than 98% theoretical density.

There is provided a functional layer including a layered double hydroxide. The functional layer further contains titania.

There is provided a functional layer including a layered double hydroxide. The functional layer further contains titania.

There is provided a functional layer including a layered double hydroxide, which is composed of: a plurality of basic hydroxide layers including Ni, Al, Ti, and OH groups; and intermediate layers composed of anions and H.sub.2O, each intermediate layer being interposed between two adjacent basic hydroxide layers.

There is provided a functional layer including a layered double hydroxide, which is composed of: a plurality of basic hydroxide layers including Ni, Al, Ti, and OH groups; and intermediate layers composed of anions and H.sub.2O, each intermediate layer being interposed between two adjacent basic hydroxide layers.

There is provided a functional layer including a layered double hydroxide. The layered double hydroxide does not undergo a change in the surface microstructure and the crystalline structure when immersed in 5 mol/L of an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution containing zinc oxide in a concentration of 0.4 mol/L at 70 C. for three weeks.