Abstract: A method of forming a metal alloy from a powder composition comprising first particles in a range of approximately 20-90% by weight of the powder composition, the remainder of the powder composition comprising approximately 95% by weight of second particles and 5% by weight of third particles, wherein the method includes the step of using rapid thermal processing (RTP) to sinter the powder composition.

Abstract: A textile drying machine comprises a tank for receiving textiles with a spindle inside the tank for supporting the textiles, and a solid-state radio frequency generator. The generator is connected to the spindle and the tank is earthed so that when the generator is operated an oscillating electric field is generated between the spindle and the tank, and hence applied to textiles on the spindle. The electric field heats water molecules in the textiles by molecular vibration so that evaporation occurs, and the water vapor is removed from the tank by an extractor fan. The machine may also be used to dye the textiles prior to drying, thus providing an integrated dyeing/drying machine.