Abstract: Methods of forming composite materials include coating particles of titanium dioxide with a substance including boron (e.g., boron carbide) and a substance including carbon, and reacting the titanium dioxide with the substance including boron and the substance including carbon to form titanium diboride. The methods may be used to form ceramic composite bodies and materials, such as, for example, a ceramic composite body or material including silicon carbide and titanium diboride. Such bodies and materials may be used as armor bodies and armor materials. Such methods may include forming a green body and sintering the green body to a desirable final density. Green bodies formed in accordance with such methods may include particles comprising titanium dioxide and a coating at least partially covering exterior surfaces thereof, the coating comprising a substance including boron (e.g., boron carbide) and a substance including carbon.

Abstract: A method of recovering petroleum fluids from an underground reservoir comprising the steps of: injecting into the reservoir a substantially water insoluble gas; generating and directing pressure waves into the reservoir to release petroleum fluids retained therein, and producing the released petroleum fluids through a well communicating with the reservoir. In alternate embodiments of the invention production is ceased and additional steps are performed to release additional petroleum fluids from the reservoir. These steps may include: injection of hydrocarbon solvents, or an aqueous solution rich in the sodium ion, or a detergent solution with or without additional pressure wave generation.

Abstract: A method of recovering petroleum fluids from an underground reservoir comprising the steps of: injecting into the reservoir a substantially water insoluble gas; generating and directing soundwaves into the reservoir to release petroleum fluids retained therein; and producing the released petroleum fluids through a well communicating with the reservoir. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, after sufficient water insoluble gas is injected forcing water in the reservoir downwardly and forming a water/oil/gas interface, water and/or oil soluble gas may be injected into the reservoir.