A sinterable compound may comprise one or more Ga-alkali metal alloys (and/or one or more Hg-alkali metal amalgams) and one or more filler materials (e.g., one or more dielectric materials). To form a dielectric article or other article, the compound may be formed into a desired shape. Raising the temperature of the compound initiates an exothermic reaction of alkali metal and water and causes the filler materials to self-sinter.

A sinterable compound may comprise one or more Ga-alkali metal alloys (and/or one or more Hg-alkali metal amalgams) and one or more filler materials (e.g., one or more dielectric materials). To form a dielectric article or other article, the compound may be formed into a desired shape. Raising the temperature of the compound initiates an exothermic reaction of alkali metal and water and causes the filler materials to self-sinter.

A scintillation crystal can include Ln.sub.(1-y)RE.sub.yX.sub.3, wherein Ln represents a rare earth element, RE represents a different rare earth element, y has a value in a range of 0 to 1, and X represents a halogen. In an embodiment, RE is Ce, and the scintillation crystal is doped with Sr, Ba, or a mixture thereof at a concentration of at least approximately 0.0002 wt. %. In another embodiment, the scintillation crystal can have unexpectedly improved linearity and unexpectedly improved energy resolution properties. In a further embodiment, a radiation detection system can include the scintillation crystal, a photosensor, and an electronics device. Such a radiation detection system can be useful in a variety of radiation imaging applications.

An exterior body panel is provided that includes a substrate having a shape of the panel. A clear topcoat is on the panel. A cured composition of polysilazane moisture cured with interspersed disulfide moieties derived from disulfide monomers overlies the topcoat. A ceramic generating composition kit is also provided. A method for creating a ceramic coating on a topcoat overlying an exterior panel includes combining a first part including a polysilazane and a solvent in which said polysilazane is dissolved, with a second part stored separately from said first part that includes a monomer disulfide to form a reactive gel. The reactive gel cure is applied to the topcoat in ambient air. After allowing sufficient time, moisture cure of the reactive gel occurs and with evaporation of the solvent, the ceramic coating forms with disulfide bonds therein.

An exterior body panel is provided that includes a substrate having a shape of the panel. A clear topcoat is on the panel. A cured composition of polysilazane moisture cured with interspersed disulfide moieties derived from disulfide monomers overlies the topcoat. A ceramic generating composition kit is also provided. A method for creating a ceramic coating on a topcoat overlying an exterior panel includes combining a first part including a polysilazane and a solvent in which said polysilazane is dissolved, with a second part stored separately from said first part that includes a monomer disulfide to form a reactive gel. The reactive gel cure is applied to the topcoat in ambient air. After allowing sufficient time, moisture cure of the reactive gel occurs and with evaporation of the solvent, the ceramic coating forms with disulfide bonds therein.

Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a first particle in a reactor; the first particle being a magnetic particle or a particle that can be influenced by a magnetic field, an electric field or a combination of an electrical field and a magnetic field; fluidizing the first particle in the reactor; applying a uniform magnetic field, a uniform electrical field or a combination of a uniform magnetic field and uniform electrical field to the reactor; elevating the temperature of the reactor; and fusing the first particles to form a monolithic solid.

Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a first particle in a reactor; the first particle being a magnetic particle or a particle that can be influenced by a magnetic field, an electric field or a combination of an electrical field and a magnetic field; fluidizing the first particle in the reactor; applying a uniform magnetic field, a uniform electrical field or a combination of a uniform magnetic field and uniform electrical field to the reactor; elevating the temperature of the reactor; and fusing the first particles to form a monolithic solid.

Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a first particle in a reactor; the first particle being a magnetic particle or a particle that can be influenced by a magnetic field, an electric field or a combination of an electrical field and a magnetic field; fluidizing the first particle in the reactor; applying a uniform magnetic field, a uniform electrical field or a combination of a uniform magnetic field and uniform electrical field to the reactor; elevating the temperature of the reactor; and fusing the first particles to form a monolithic solid.

A method of making a ceramic composite component includes providing a fibrous preform or a plurality of fibers, providing a first plurality of particles, coating the first plurality of particles with a coating to produce a first plurality of coated particles, delivering the first plurality of coated particles to the fibrous preform or to an outer surface of the plurality of fibers, and converting the first plurality of coated particles into refractory compounds. The first plurality of particles or the coating comprises a refractory metal.

A method of making a ceramic composite component includes providing a fibrous preform or a plurality of fibers, providing a first plurality of particles, coating the first plurality of particles with a coating to produce a first plurality of coated particles, delivering the first plurality of coated particles to the fibrous preform or to an outer surface of the plurality of fibers, and converting the first plurality of coated particles into refractory compounds. The first plurality of particles or the coating comprises a refractory metal.