This invention provides solid substrates for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which solid substrate is characterized by a specific fluid uptake capacity value of at least 75%, which specific fluid uptake capacity value is determined by establishing a spontaneous fluid uptake value divided by a total fluid uptake value. This invention also provides solid substrates for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which solid substrate is characterized by having a contact angle value of less than 60 degrees, when in contact with a fluid. This invention also provides solid substrates for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which said substrate is characterized by a substantial surface roughness (Ra) as measured by scanning electron microscopy or atomic force microscopy. The invention also provides for processes for selection of an optimized coral-based solid substrate for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function and applications of the same.

This invention provides solid substrates for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which solid substrate is characterized by a specific fluid uptake capacity value of at least 75%, which specific fluid uptake capacity value is determined by establishing a spontaneous fluid uptake value divided by a total fluid uptake value. This invention also provides solid substrates for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which solid substrate is characterized by having a contact angle value of less than 60 degrees, when in contact with a fluid. This invention also provides solid substrates for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which said substrate is characterized by a substantial surface roughness (Ra) as measured by scanning electron microscopy or atomic force microscopy. The invention also provides for processes for selection of an optimized coral-based solid substrate for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function and applications of the same.

Methods of making carbonate aggregates are provided. Aspects of the methods include: preparing a carbonate slurry, subjecting the carbonate slurry to rotational action, e.g., by introducing the carbonate slurry (optionally with an aggregate substrate) into a revolving drum under conditions sufficient to produce a carbonate aggregate, e.g., made up of a spherical coating on a substrate and/or agglomeration particles. Also provided are aggregate compositions produced by the methods, as well as compositions that includes the carbonate coated aggregates, e.g., concretes, and uses thereof.

Provided herein are zero carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) emission processes and systems to carry out the processes, comprising a) calcining limestone in a cement plant in an electric kiln to form a mixture comprising calcium oxide and a first gaseous stream comprising clean carbon dioxide, wherein the clean carbon dioxide comprises no gaseous or non-gaseous components from combustion of fuel; b) treating the mixture comprising calcium oxide with a N-containing salt solution under one or more dissolution conditions to produce a first aqueous solution comprising calcium salt; and c) contacting the first aqueous solution with the first gaseous stream comprising clean carbon dioxide under one or more precipitation conditions to produce a precipitation material comprising vaterite, aragonite, calcite, or combinations thereof.

Provided herein are zero carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) emission processes and systems to carry out the processes, comprising a) calcining limestone in a cement plant in an electric kiln to form a mixture comprising calcium oxide and a first gaseous stream comprising clean carbon dioxide, wherein the clean carbon dioxide comprises no gaseous or non-gaseous components from combustion of fuel; b) treating the mixture comprising calcium oxide with a N-containing salt solution under one or more dissolution conditions to produce a first aqueous solution comprising calcium salt; and c) contacting the first aqueous solution with the first gaseous stream comprising clean carbon dioxide under one or more precipitation conditions to produce a precipitation material comprising vaterite, aragonite, calcite, or combinations thereof.

The present invention concerns a multifilament fibre comprising at least one polymer comprising a polyester, and at least one filler comprising calcium carbonate. The present invention further relates to a process of producing such a multifilament fibre as well as the use of calcium carbonate as filler in a multifilament fibre comprising at least one polymer comprising a polyester.

The present invention concerns a multifilament fibre comprising at least one polymer comprising a polyester, and at least one filler comprising calcium carbonate. The present invention further relates to a process of producing such a multifilament fibre as well as the use of calcium carbonate as filler in a multifilament fibre comprising at least one polymer comprising a polyester.

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a composite carbonate in a semi-dry manner by using combustion ash and, more specifically, provides a method for manufacturing a composite carbonate in a semi-dry manner by using combustion ash, the method comprising a step of adding a small amount of water to combustion ash containing calcium ions in an atmosphere of carbon dioxide. According to the present invention, carbon mineralization is carried out in a semi-dry manner by the manufacturing method, so that the composite carbonate can be efficiently produced. In addition, the composite carbonate can be utilized as a component for a concrete composition.

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a composite carbonate in a semi-dry manner by using combustion ash and, more specifically, provides a method for manufacturing a composite carbonate in a semi-dry manner by using combustion ash, the method comprising a step of adding a small amount of water to combustion ash containing calcium ions in an atmosphere of carbon dioxide. According to the present invention, carbon mineralization is carried out in a semi-dry manner by the manufacturing method, so that the composite carbonate can be efficiently produced. In addition, the composite carbonate can be utilized as a component for a concrete composition.

A process and system are disclosed for producing lithium oxide from lithium nitrate. In the process and system, the lithium nitrate is thermally decomposed in a manner such that a fraction of the lithium nitrate forms lithium oxide, and such that a remaining fraction of the lithium nitrate does not decompose to lithium oxide. The thermal decomposition may be terminated after a determined time period to ensure that there is a remaining fraction of lithium nitrate and to thereby produce a lithium oxide in lithium nitrate product. The lithium oxide in lithium nitrate product may have one or more transition-metal oxides, hydroxides, carbonates or nitrates added thereto to form a battery electrode. The lithium oxide in lithium nitrate product may alternatively be subjected to carbothermal reduction to produce lithium metal.