A method for synthesizing calcium-silicate-based porous particles (CSPPs) is described. Control over CSPP morphology and pore size is achieved through a refined solution-based synthesis, allowing loading of a variety of sealants. These particles, upon external stimuli, release the loaded sealant into the surrounding material. Methods of loading the CSPPs with loading sealant are described. The CSPPs may be used in pure form or mixed with another material to deliver self-healing, sealing and multi-functional properties to a physical structure. The composition of the CSPPs is described, along with methods of use of the CSPPs.

A negative electrode active material including a core containing SiO.sub.x (0x<2) and a lithium-containing compound, and a shell disposed on the core and containing SiO.sub.x (0x<2) and magnesium silicate.

Nanoparticles and method for producing uniform silicate-based nanoparticles are disclosed. The method comprises a step of injecting into tubular branched elements comprising static mixers a first aqueous solution comprising a water-soluble silicate compound and a second aqueous solution comprising a water-soluble compound releasing cationic species in solution, and allowing the reaction between the first and the second aqueous solutions in a micro-mixing regime, the method being characterized in that the overall mixing time is kept below 10.sup.5 s. A further step of allowing the solution obtained in the micro-mixing regime to mix in a macromixing regime. Nanoparticles obtained through the present method are also disclosed.

Nanoparticles and method for producing uniform silicate-based nanoparticles are disclosed. The method comprises a step of injecting into tubular branched elements comprising static mixers a first aqueous solution comprising a water-soluble silicate compound and a second aqueous solution comprising a water-soluble compound releasing cationic species in solution, and allowing the reaction between the first and the second aqueous solutions in a micro-mixing regime, the method being characterized in that the overall mixing time is kept below 10.sup.5 s. A further step of allowing the solution obtained in the micro-mixing regime to mix in a macromixing regime. Nanoparticles obtained through the present method are also disclosed.

The invention provides novel articles of composite materials having hollow interior channels or passageways, or otherwise being hollowed out, and formulations and methods for their manufacture and uses. These hollow core objects are suitable for a variety of applications in construction, pavements and landscaping, and infrastructure.

The invention provides novel articles of composite materials having hollow interior channels or passageways, or otherwise being hollowed out, and formulations and methods for their manufacture and uses. These hollow core objects are suitable for a variety of applications in construction, pavements and landscaping, and infrastructure.

A ceramic composition according to an embodiment of the present invention contains: a main phase component represented by CaMgSi.sub.2O.sub.6 or Ba.sub.4(Re.sub.(1-x), Bi.sub.x).sub.9.33Ti.sub.18O.sub.54; and an additive component containing a Li component and a B component, An observation field, a part of a sectional surface of the ceramic composition, is divided into a plurality of unit observation regions. Among all the unit observation regions, those containing no or little sintering agent component are referred to as the main crystal regions. An area percentage of main crystal regions relative to the observation field is 30% or more, the main crystal regions being the unit observation regions containing 0.5% or less by area of the additive component.

Minerals (e.g. silica- or silicate-based minerals) having good oil- and/or water-absorption capacities and/or good flowability, mineral composites comprising first and second mineral components having good oil- and/or water-absorption capacities and/or good flowability, methods of making said minerals and mineral composites and the uses of said minerals and mineral composites, for example in animal feed or fertilizer compositions.

Minerals (e.g. silica- or silicate-based minerals) having good oil- and/or water-absorption capacities and/or good flowability, mineral composites comprising first and second mineral components having good oil- and/or water-absorption capacities and/or good flowability, methods of making said minerals and mineral composites and the uses of said minerals and mineral composites, for example in animal feed or fertilizer compositions.

Provided is a novel compound which can be used for positive-electrode catalysts of metal-air batteries. The melilite-type complex oxide according to the present invention is represented by a general formula (BazSr1z)2CoxFe22x(SiyGe1y)1+xO7 (in the formula, 0x1, 0y1, and 0z1, excluding the case where x=1, y=1, and z=0, the case where x=1, y=1, and z=1, the case where x=1, y=0, and z=0, the case where x=1, =0, and z=1, the case where x=0, y=0, and z=0, and the case where x=0, y=0, and z=1).