According to the present disclosure, methods and techniques for generating preferred concrete block products are provided. The methods and techniques involve providing addition of color to selected section within the blocks (1), as described herein, to generate enhancement effects. Typical applications involve spray applications for color pigment to visually distinct sections of the block (1) on one or more decorative surfaces.

An article includes a ceramic-based substrate and a barrier layer on the ceramic-based substrate. The barrier layer includes a matrix phase and a network of gettering particles in the matrix phase. The gettering particles have an average maximum dimension between about 30 and 70 microns. The gettering particles have maximum dimensions that range from about 1 to 100 microns, and a dispersion of barium-magnesium alumino-silicate particles in the matrix phase. A composite material and a method of applying a barrier layer to a substrate are also disclosed.

A method and system for treating calcium-based stone having a surface to be treated for corrosion and stain resistance is provided. The system comprises a sanding unit to sand the surface of the calcium-based stone with a grit size of 40 to 100 to promote coating adhesion. The system further comprises a coating unit to coat the surface of the calcium-based stone with a predetermined amount of a coating material for corrosion and stain resistance defining an uncured coating on the surface. The system further comprises a curing unit to cure the uncured coating on the surface with a photo-initiator defining a cured coating on the surface. The system further comprises a polishing unit to polish the cured coating on the surface with a grit size of 1000 to 3000. The system further comprises a buffing unit to buff the cured coating on the surface with a fabric defining a treated surface of the calcium-based stone.

A method for forming an isolating layer of a crucible includes placing a round crucible sideways with a bottom surface of an inside thereof perpendicular to a horizontal plane, and then performing a plurality of spraying processes to form the isolating layer on the bottom surface and a wall surface of the round crucible. Each spraying process includes spraying a slurry on the bottom surface; using an optical positioner to set a spraying range the same as one of a plurality of partial areas divided from the wall surface; aligning one of the plurality of partial areas with the spraying range; fixing the round crucible and spraying the slurry in the spraying range; stopping the spraying; and rotating the round crucible to move another partial area to the spraying range. Then, the steps are repeated until the spraying of all the partial areas is completed.

A method for forming an isolating layer of a crucible includes placing a round crucible sideways with a bottom surface of an inside thereof perpendicular to a horizontal plane, and then performing a plurality of spraying processes to form the isolating layer on the bottom surface and a wall surface of the round crucible. Each spraying process includes spraying a slurry on the bottom surface; using an optical positioner to set a spraying range the same as one of a plurality of partial areas divided from the wall surface; aligning one of the plurality of partial areas with the spraying range; fixing the round crucible and spraying the slurry in the spraying range; stopping the spraying; and rotating the round crucible to move another partial area to the spraying range. Then, the steps are repeated until the spraying of all the partial areas is completed.

Methods for forming a coating on a surface of a substrate are provided. The method can include: preheating the surface of the substrate; spraying a slurry suspension onto the surface of the substrate to form a coating, wherein the slurry composition comprises a rare earth compound, a sintering agent, and a solvent, wherein the rare earth compound has the formula: A.sub.1-bB.sub.bZ.sub.1-dD.sub.dMO.sub.6 where A is Al, Ga, In, Sc, Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Fe, Cr, Co, Mn, Bi, or a mixture thereof; b is 0 to 0.5; Z is Hf, Ti, or a mixture thereof; D is Zr, Ce, Ge, Si, or a mixture thereof; d is 0 to 0.5; and M is Ta, Nb, or a mixture thereof; and thereafter, heat treating the coating to densify the coating from an initial porosity to a sintered porosity.

An iron oxide powder includes a porous structure having the diameter of from 0.3 μm to 2 μm, wherein the iron oxide powder has an aluminum content of from 10 mol % to 80 mol %.

An iron oxide powder includes a porous structure having the diameter of from 0.3 μm to 2 μm, wherein the iron oxide powder has an aluminum content of from 10 mol % to 80 mol %.

The present disclosure relates to a ceramic tile decorated with dry particles to give a three-dimensional pattern and a manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method comprises the steps of A: glazing a surface of a green body with a ground coat; B: decorating a surface of the ground coat of the green body to form a pattern; C: drying the green body; D: embellishing the green body with dry particles; E: spraying a protective glaze on the surface of the green body; and F: firing the green body after the green body is sprayed with the protective glaze of step E to produce the ceramic tile decorated with dry particles. The manufacturing method can make the ceramic tile produced have a clear pattern, distinct layers, low glaze glossiness, a good non-slip effect, an obvious sense of dry particles, a strong three-dimensional effect, rich colors, and stable properties.

An environmental barrier coating includes a barrier layer which includes a matrix, diffusive particles, and gettering particles; and a calcium-magnesia alumina-silicate (CMAS)-resistant component. The CMAS-resistant component includes hafnium silicate and a rare earth hafnate. An article and a method of fabricating an article are also disclosed.