Abstract: Mg.sub.x Al.sub.2-2x Ti.sub.1+x O.sub.5 (x.ltoreq.0.2) protective coatings have been developed for both dense and porous substrates, such as SiC and Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, using a chemical solution processing method involving the hydrolysis and condensation of magnesium, aluminum and titanium precursors. The solution viscosities, pH values, H.sub.2 O/alkoxide molar ratios, and dip coating withdrawal rates which are optimum for crack-free Mg.sub.x Al.sub.2-2x Ti.sub.1+x O.sub.5 (x.ltoreq.0.2) are 1.0 to 6.2 cP, pH 1-4.5, molar ratio 1.5-10, and withdrawal rate of 2.2-8.0 cm/min, respectively. Conversion of the amorphous coating to crystalline Mg.sub.x Al.sub.2-2x Ti.sub.1+x O.sub.5 (x.ltoreq.0.2) is achieved by a succession of calcination below 450.degree. C. and a final heat treatment above 1000.degree. C. for ten hours with controlled heating and cooling rates.

Abstract: Alumino-silicate glass-ceramic coated carbon-carbon composite and graphitic substrates having resistance to oxidation and thermal cycling. The coatings are fabricated from plasma-sprayed powders of beta-spodumene, cordierite, beta-eucryptite or beta-quartz and are rapidly recrystallized by laser processing.

Abstract: .beta.-Al.sub.2 TiO.sub.5 protective coatings have been developed for both dense and porous ceramics such as SiC and Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 using a chemical solution processing method involving the hydrolysis and condensation of aluminum tri-sec butoxide and titanium butoxide. The solution viscosities, pH values, H.sub.2 O/alkoxide molar ratios, and dip coating withdrawal rates required for crack-free .beta.-Al.sub.2 TiO.sub.5 are 1.0 to 6.2 cP, pH 1-4.5, molar ratio 1.5-10, and withdrawal rate of 2.2-8.0 cm/min, respectively. Conversion of the amorphous coating to crystalline .beta.-Al.sub.2 TiO.sub.5 is achieved by a succession of calcination below 450.degree. C. and a final heat-treatment at 1300.degree. C. for ten hours with controlled heating and cooling rates.

Abstract: A scrubber for industrial exhaust systems advantageously employs liquid gallium to adsorb vapor phase mercury as well as sub-micron sized particulates such as other trace metal constituents from a hot gas exhaust stream in an industrial exhaust system. The temperature of the liquid gallium is elevated for optimum adsorption efficiency, and subsequently lowered to separate the adsorbed mercury and other species.

Abstract: Alkali corrosion resistant coatings and ceramic foams having superfine open cell structure are created using sol-gel processes. The processes have particular application in creating calcium magnesium zirconium phosphate, CMZP, coatings and foams.