Abstract: An inventive method is provided for synthesizing an intermetallic compound. According to exemplary inventive practice, two metallic elements are weighed out in quantities corresponding to their molecular weights in an intermetallic compound of interest. The two metallic elements are mixed together to produce a metallic mixture in powder form. According to many inventive embodiments, a ball-mill device is implemented to thoroughly or intimately mix the two metallic elements into a fine powder. The powdered metallic mixture is exothermically reacted to produce an at least substantially pure intermetallic compound in powder form. According to many inventive embodiments, the exothermic reaction is brought about in a vacuous or inert-gaseous (e.g., helium) environment through electrification of a tungsten wire filament that is completely embedded in the powdered metallic mixture.

Abstract: Fibrous monolith composites suitable for use in high temperature environments and/or harsh chemical environments are provided, along with methods of preparation thereof. The fibrous monolith composites exhibit such beneficial properties as enhanced strength, corrosion resistance, thermal shock resistance and thermal cycling tolerance.

Abstract: Fibrous monolith composites suitable for use in high temperature environments and/or harsh chemical environments are provided, along with methods of preparation thereof. The fibrous monolith composites exhibit such beneficial properties as enhanced strength, corrosion resistance, thermal shock resistance and thermal cycling tolerance.

Abstract: A process for continuous composite coextrusion comprising: (a) forming first a material-laden composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer and at least about 40 volume % of a ceramic or metallic particulate in a manner such that the composition has a substantially cylindrical geometry and thus can be used as a substantially cylindrical feed rod; (b) forming a hole down the symmetrical axis of the feed rod; (c) inserting the start of a continuous spool of ceramic fiber, metal fiber or carbon fiber through the hole in the feed rod; (d) extruding the feed rod and spool simultaneously to form a continuous filament consisting of a green matrix material completely surrounding a dense fiber reinforcement and said filament having an average diameter that is less than the average diameter of the feed rod; and (e) arranging the continuous filament into a desired architecture to provide a green fiber reinforced composite.

Abstract: A process for continuous composite coextrusion comprising: (a) forming first a material-laden composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer and at least about 40 volume % of a ceramic or metallic particulate in a manner such that the composition has a substantially cylindrical geometry and thus can be used as a substantially cylindrical feed rod; (b) forming a hole down the symmetrical axis of the feed rod; (c) inserting the start of a continuous spool of ceramic fiber, metal fiber or carbon fiber through the hole in the feed rod; (d) extruding the feed rod and spool simultaneously to form a continuous filament consisting of a green matrix material completely surrounding a dense fiber reinforcement and said filament having an average diameter that is less than the average diameter of the feed rod; and (e) arranging the continuous filament into a desired architecture to provide a green fiber reinforced composite.

Abstract: A composite with a reinforcing material that is Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, SiC, or xtures thereof in a matrix that is a ceramic material based on a solid solution of CrB.sub.2 and NbB.sub.2.

Abstract: Ceramic materials based on solid solutions of chromium diboride (CrB.sub.2) nd niobium diboride (NbB.sub.2).