Abstract: The present invention concerns new methods of fabricating a silicon material comprising phosphorus. The methods allow high levels of phosphorus to be combined with the silicon. In one aspect of the invention a sample of phosphorus is surrounded with a sample of silicon. At least some of the phosphorus is then vaporised and caused to interact with the silicon.

Abstract: A method for the gas atomisation of melts comprises delivering of molten material into an atomising vessel (3); impinging the molten material, with a jet of heated atomising gas; and delivering the subsequently solidified, atomised particles of the formerly molten material suspended in the atomising gas to a cyclone (8) for transfer to a receiving vessel (12); wherein gas extracted from the atomising vessel (3) is cooled from its extraction temperature and then at least a proportion of this cooled gas, is re-circulated and re-introduced into the atomising vessel (3). The invention also includes apparatus for carrying out the above defined method.

Abstract: When loading a cylindrical container with metal powder it is sometimes desirable to deposit the powder with the finer particles of the powder forming an outer layer surrounding the heavier coarser particles.To bring this about the powder is allowed to fall from the outlet of a reservoir in the form of a diverging continuous curtain of circular plan in horizontal cross-section. The axis of the curtain is arranged coaxial with that of the container so that the diverging curtain is directed against the inner wall of the container.The reservoir has a circular opening and a conical insert extends into the opening from the outside of the reservoir with the portion of the insert having the greatest diameter being positioned outside of the opening. The insert and the wall of the opening together define an annular passage which serves as the outlet of the reservoir.