Abstract: A platinum article, especially an article of jewellery, has its surface region modified to improve its scratch resistance by the addition of at least one element which forms an intermetallic compound with platinum, especially aluminum and chromium. The surface region may be formed by the pack cementation chemical vapor deposition process.

Abstract: A process for casting molten transition metal alloy comprising 15 to 35 at % of rare earth metal in which the molten alloy is contacted with a surface (26) of a backing member (25) and the alloy is caused to solidify whilst in contact with the surface (26) such that when the alloy has solidified there is produced a unitary structure (21) comprising a solid layer (27) of the alloy bonded to the backing member (25). The process minimizes the effects of cracking in the alloy and facilitates the use of the alloy as a sputter target.

Abstract: A process for casting molten transition metal alloy comprising 15 to 35 at % of rare earth metal in which the molten alloy is contacted with a surface (26) of a backing member (25) and the alloy is caused to solidify while in contact with the surface (26) such that when the alloy has solidified there is produced a unitary structure (21) comprising a solid layer (27) of the alloy bonded to the backing member (25). The process minimizes the effects of cracking in the alloy and facilitates the use of the alloy as a sputter target.

Abstract: This invention relates to means for protecting substrates and in particular Ni- and Co-base superalloys from high temperatures, for example temperatures such as typically occur in gas turbine engines.In more detail an article suitable for use all elevated temperature (up to 1600.degree. C. and beyond) comprises a metallic substrate on which is deposited a first coating or layer comprising one or more of the platinum group metals or an alloy including one or more of the platinum group metals on which is deposited a second coating or layer comprising a thermal barrier layer.

Abstract: A catalyst suitable for use in oxidation and reduction reactions is provided. The catalyst includes an intermetallic compound of Ru, Pd, Ir or Pt and one or more base metals coated upon a substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to catalysts suitable for the catalytic oxidation of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide and for the catalytic reduction of oxides of nitrogen in the presence, respectively, of suitable oxidizing and reducing means. The invention is especially concerned with catalysts which are suitable for the catalytic purification or control of the exhaust gases of petrol driven internal combustion engines and of diesel engines. Such catalysts have been variously described as "three-way", "polyfunctional" and "multi-functional" catalysts. In more detail a three way catalyst of the invention comprises a substrate having supported thereon at least one intermetallic compound of the general formula A.sub.x B.sub.y where A represents one or more Groups VIII metals having an atomic number not larger than 78; B represents one or more metals of the group consisting of Al, Sc, Y, the lanthanides, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb and Ta and x and y are integers.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising a substrate having deposited thereon a first coating containing a refractory metal oxide and having deposited upon the said oxide one or more intermetallic compounds of the general formula A.sub.x B.sub.y where A is selected from the group consisting of Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir and Pt, and B is selected from the group consisting of Al, Sc, Y, the lanthanides, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, and Ta, and where x and y are integral and may have values of 1 or more.