Abstract: An apparatus for the production of high density, monolithic ceramic maters. A mixed powder, such as Titanium-Boron is first subjected to uniaxial pressure to form a green compact. The compact is positioned in a vented mold between two steel plates and subjected to Self-Propagation High Temperature Synthesis to form a molten ceramic, and then to an explosively generated shockwave by an explosive charge positioned on the upper steel plate so as to compress the molten ceramic between the two plates to form high purity ceramic of more than 90% theoretical density.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of high density, monolithic cerc materials. A mixed powder such as Titanium-Carbon is first subjected to uniaxial pressure to form a green compact. The compact is positioned in a vented mould between two steel plates, reacted by a combustion synthesis process called SHS and then subjected to an explosively generated shockwave by an explosive charge positioned on the upper steel plate, which generates high pressures to compress the hot, porous ceramic to form high purity ceramic of more than 90% theoretical densities.

Abstract: A hollow cathode discharge device is disclosed for ion plating a substrate with high temperature metal vapor. A hollow cathode tube is adapted to receive pellets of the high temperature metal at a short location from the cathode tube opening which is selected to correspond to a temperature peak along the length of the cathode tube. The temperature peak is a characteristic of the cathode diameter and gas flow rate in the tube. Inert gas is supplied to the tube and, the tube may be shielded and provided with a constriction at its end opening. An anode is spaced from the cathode tube opening and power supply is provided for supplying a negative bias to the cathode tube and a positive bias to the anode.