Abstract: Methods for the production of functionally graded material (FGM) are provided. FGM is processed by powder cold spraying ceramic-metal layers, the final shape is pre-pressed by cold isostatic pressing and is then sintered using field activated sintering technique (FAST). The FGM materials can be used for medical applications.

Abstract: A method of treating a preform consisting essentially FeNeB alloy particles to produce a magnet having superior magnetic properties, the steps:(a) removing O.sub.2 from the preform and applying an O.sub.2 resistant coating to the preform surface, or removing O.sub.2 and maintaining an O.sub.2 -free environment,(b) heating the coated preform to elevated temperature and in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, to facilitate subsequent bonding of the particles during their consolidation,(c) providing a consolidation zone containing a grain bed and transferring the heated and coated or uncoated preform to said zone to be embedded in the grain bed,(d) applying pressure to the grain bed sufficient to be transferred via the bed and to the heated preform, thereby to consolidate the preform.

Abstract: A method of treating a preform consisting essentially FeNeB alloy particles to produce a magnet having superior magnetic properties, the steps:(a) removing O.sub.2 from the preform and applying an O.sub.2 resistant coating to the preform surface, or removing O.sub.2 and maintaining an O.sub.2 -free environment,(b) heating the coated preform to elevated temperature and in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, to facilitate subsequent bonding of the particles during their consolidation,(c) providing a consolidation zone containing a grain bed and transferring the heated and coated or uncoated preform to said zone to be embedded in the grain bed,(d) applying pressure to the grain bed sufficient to be transferred via the bed and to the heated preform, thereby to consolidate the preform.