Abstract: A dense, self-sintered silicon carbide/carbon-graphite composite material and a process for producing the composite material is disclosed. The composite material comprises a silicon carbide matrix, between 2 and 30 percent by weight carbon-graphite, and small amounts of sintering aids such as boron and free carbon. The silicon carbide has an average grain size between 2 and 15 .mu.m, and the carbon-graphite has an average grain size between 10 and 75 .mu.m, the average grain size of the carbon-graphite being greater than the average grain size of the silicon-carbide. The composite material has a density of at least 80 percent of theoretical density as determined by the rule of mixtures for a composite material. This density is achieved with minimal microcracking at a high graphite loading with large graphite particles. The composite material exhibits good lubricity and wear characteristics, resulting in improved tribological performance.

Abstract: A method for the adjustment of pH in textile processing solutions that includes the use of urea sulfate or other strong acid in the presence of a weak base.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rigid or semirigid, filled resin material having a continuous phase which is a matrix containing a complex crosslinked network having an unsaturated polyester-polyurethene containing resin having fine multisize reinforcing particles and dispersed filler particles dispersed therein. The polyester-polyurethene network of the complex crosslinked network may interact with other polymer networks in the continuous phase either by crosslinking or by forming an interpenetrating polymer network. The complex crosslinked network immobilizes the fine multisize reinforcing particles and reacts with at least a surface layer of the dispersed filler particles. The present invention is also directed to a process for preparing the above rigid or semirigid, lightweight resin material, and to a composition for use in this process.