Abstract: The method of consolidating a metallic, metallic and ceramic, or ceramic body in any of initially powdered, sintered, fibrous, sponge, or other form capable of compaction, includes the steps:(a) providing a bed of flowable particles within a contained zone, said particulate primarily including flowable and resiliently compressible carbonaceous particles,(b) positioning said body in said bed,(c) and effecting pressurization of said bed to cause pressure transmission via said particles to said body, thereby to compact the body into desired shaped, increasing its density,(d) said body and bed being at elevated temperatures prior to said pressurization step.

Abstract: The method of consolidating a metallic, metallic and ceramic, or ceramic body in any of initially powdered, sintered, fibrous, sponge, or other form capable of compaction, includes the steps:(a) providing a bed of flowable particles within a contained zone, the particulate primarily including flowable and resiliently compressible carbonaceous particles,(b) positioning that body in the bed,(c) and effecting pressurization of the bed to cause pressure transmission via the particles to the body, thereby to compact the body into desired shape, increasing its density.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the painting of aluminum surfaces that provides a highly superior coating than prior methods. The method comprises a controlled oxidation of the aluminum surface, the application to the oxidized surface of an epoxy functional silanol, and coating of the aluminum surface with paint by conventional methods such as brushing, spraying and the like. The useful epoxy functional silanols have the general formula of: ##STR1## wherein: n is a whole number integer of 1 through 3; andm is a whole number integer of 1 through 5.These silanols can be applied to the oxidized aluminum surface by dissolving them, or their corresponding trialkoxysilanes, in an aqueous solution which is applied to the surfaces and permitted to dry or can be incorporated in the coating composition.