A method for forming a ceramic-based material comprises depositing a ceramic-precursor composition comprising nanoparticles having at least one dimension less than 100 nm and an aspect ratio of 1.5 or greater, and a carrier fluid on a surface of a substrate to form an as-deposited layer of the ceramic precursor composition; and sintering the as-deposited layer of the ceramic precursor composition at a sintering temperature to form a ceramic-based material.

A method for forming a ceramic-based material comprises depositing a ceramic-precursor composition comprising nanoparticles having at least one dimension less than 100 nm and an aspect ratio of 1.5 or greater, and a carrier fluid on a surface of a substrate to form an as-deposited layer of the ceramic precursor composition; and sintering the as-deposited layer of the ceramic precursor composition at a sintering temperature to form a ceramic-based material.

A lightweight composite concrete cover is provided for subgrade trenches and vaults. The lightweight cover comprises at least one low density layer that has a low density filler material such as polyethylene terephthalate beads. The low density layer substantially reduces the overall weight of the cover, and the remaining layers provide sufficient structure for the cover to pass rigorous load and chemical exposure testing. In addition, a method of manufacturing a lightweight cover is provided that promotes the combination of different layers of the cover and the cross linking of polymer chains between layers of the cover. The lightweight cover has substantial weight savings and also meets rigorous testing standards such that a worker can manually remove the cover, transportation costs are realized, and worker safety is improved.

A sanitary ware includes a base, and a glaze layer formed on an outer side than the base. In color representation by the Lab color system, an absolute value of a difference (L) between an L value obtained from observation of a part with the glaze layer formed thereon and an L value obtained from observation of a part with the glaze layer substantially unformed thereon is not more than 12, or a color difference (E) between a color in observation of the part with the glaze layer formed thereon and a color in observation of the part with the glaze layer 5 substantially unformed thereon is not more than 14. Even though the thickness of the glaze layer varies so that the color of the base may be shown more or less through the glaze layer, there is almost no difference in color seen from the glaze layer side.