Abstract: A nitrogen containing niobium powder is disclosed as well as electrolytic capacitors formed from the niobium powders. Methods to reduce DC leakage in a niobium anode are also disclosed.

Abstract: An alkaline storage battery which is excellent in charge and discharge cycle life characteristics and high-rate discharge characteristics is provided by constructing it using an electrode made of an MmNi type hydrogen-absorbing alloy powders having modified surface. The alkaline storage battery comprises a negative electrode made using a hydrogen-absorbing alloy in the form of powders comprising at least one rare earth element, nickel and at least one transition metal in which the surface portion of the alloy has nickel in metallic state exposed at the surface, pores positioned between the nickel and the nickel, and a nickel-rich layer present on the alloy surface contacting with the pores, a positive electrode made using a metal oxide, a separator, and an alkaline electrolyte.

Abstract: There is provided a powder for permanent magnet comprising needle-like fine particles of Fe or Fe—Co alloy as a base material, a hard magnetic layer and a separation layer of an oxide of rare earth element provided outside said hard magnetic layer.

Abstract: Organic acid-based binders are efficiently removed from powder metallurgy compacts, such as tantalum capacitor anode bodies, by immersion in a heated aqueous alkanolamine solution followed by rinsing in warm water. This method results in lower residual carbon and oxygen levels than are found with thermal binder removal methods.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode comprises: a step of reducing an oxide or hydroxide residing on the surface of a hydrogen-absorbing alloy particle while the alloy particle is held in an atmosphere of a hydrogen gas maintained at a temperature where absorbing of the hydrogen gas does not substantially occur; a step of naturally cooling atmosphere from the temperature where absorbing of the hydrogen gas does not substantially occur to the temperature where the equilibrium hydrogen pressure of the hydrogen-absorbing alloy is equal to the hydrogen pressure in the atmosphere of the hydrogen gas and thereafter vacuum-evacuating the atmosphere of the hydrogen gas so that the hydrogen-absorbing alloy particle is cooled to room temperature while the hydrogen gas is exhausted; a step of exhausting the hydrogen gas and cooling the atmosphere to room temperature and thereafter introducing at least one kind of gas selected from the group consisting of argon, nitrogen and carbon dioxide int

Abstract: A process for preparing carbonyl iron silicide comprises heat treatment of an iron/silicon mixture comprising a) from 20 to 99.9% by weight of finely divided carbonyl iron and b) from 0.1 to 80% by weight of finely divided silicon powder. Also provided are a carbonyl iron silicide obtainable by alloying carbonyl iron with silicon and a carbonyl iron suicide which has a higher inductance than carbonyl iron powder.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder for use in nickel-metal hydride storage batteries having a high capacity, excellent initial characteristics and a long life. Specifically provided is a process for the production of a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder which includes the steps of treating a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder with an acid solution, and subsequently treating the hydrogen absorbing alloy powder with a solution containing a condensed phosphoric acid having 2 to 20 phosphorus atoms per molecule and/or phytic acid, as well as an electrode formed of the hydrogen absorbing alloy powder produced by the above process.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode according to this invention comprises the steps of: dissolving a particle surface of said hydrogen-absorbing alloy by a surface-treatment solution; and washing the hydrogen-absorbing alloy with the particle surface dissolved using an alkaline solution at a temperature of 30° C.˜40° C. The metal ions dissolved by the surface-treatment solution can be completely washed away by the alkaline solution so that they will not be precipitated onto the surface of the hydrogen-absorbing alloy again as the hydroxide. In this case, the washing using the alkaline solution of which the temperature exceeds 40° C. dissolves an alloy component as well as the hydroxide. Therefore, the temperature of the alkaline solution used must be controlled at 40° C. or lower. On the other hand, if the temperature of the alkaline solution is lower than 30° C.

Abstract: Provided is an inexpensive process for producing hydrogen absorbing alloy powder suitable for a nickel-metal hydride storage battery having a high rate discharge property, a high capacity and a long cycle life for repetition of charge and discharge. The process comprises a step of an addition of a rare earth metal oxide and/or hydroxide to a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder, a wet or dry mixing step and a thermal treatment step in an inert atmosphere or in a vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface treatment for hydrogen-absorbing alloy. More particularly, the present invention relates to a surface treatment for hydrogen-absorbing alloy by which the poisoning resistance of a surface of alloy powder with respect to oxide film, water or absorbing gas can be enhanced so that activation treatment can be easily conducted on alloy powder. In the method, the poisoning resistance is enhanced by forming a protective film, which contains at least one of sulfide and fluoride, on the surface of hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder in an atmosphere containing SF6 gas when hydrogen-absorbing alloy is crushed or hydrogen-absorbing alloy is in a state of powder or when hydrogen-absorbing alloy is made into powder by rapidly cooling and solidifying.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of surface hardening a titanium material wherein titanium-aluminum alloy powders or aluminum oxide powders are brought into contact with the surface of the titanium material, and a heat treatment is applied thereto, causing aluminum contained in the powders to be diffused in the surface of the titanium material so that intermetallic compounds such as Ti3Al, TiAl, and the like are formed inmediately underneath the surface of the titanium material, thereby enhancing surface hardness without causing surface exfoliation. The invention also provides a surface-hardened titanium-base material, and decorative articles and watchcases, composed of the surface-hardened titanium-base material, which are substantially impervious to scratches, and not prone to cause metallic allergy.

Abstract: Production of low oxygen forms of tantalum and other refractory metals providing hydrided powder of the metal, forming a tube (10), pouring the metal into the tube, dehydriding the powder in the tube and sealing the tube and extruding to form a rod encased in the tube and further fabricating the rod.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an effective hydrogen-absorbing alloy activation process which can enhance the electrochemical activity of a hydrogen-absorbing alloy and to provide a hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode which, when used in a battery, ensures an excellent initial inner pressure characteristic, low-temperature discharge characteristic, high-rate discharge characteristic and cycle characteristic. In accordance with the present invention, a hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode production process is provided which comprises an alloy activation treatment step of immersing a hydrogen-absorbing alloy in a strong acid treatment solution containing metal ions and, in the course of the pH rise of the acid treatment solution, adding an alkali to the acid treatment solution to promote the pH rise of the acid treatment solution.

Abstract: A thermal spray powder consists of nickel, chromium and carbon. The chromium consists of a first portion and a second portion, the nickel being alloyed with the first portion in an alloy matrix. The second portion and the carbon are combined into chromium carbide substantially as Cr3C2 or Cr7C3 or a combination thereof, with the chromium carbide being in the form of precipitates between 0.1 &mgr;m and 5 &mgr;m distributed uniformly in the alloy matrix.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder for use in nickel-metal hydride storage batteries having a high capacity, excellent initial characteristics and a long life. Specifically provided is a process for the production of a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder which includes the steps of treating a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder with an acid solution, and subsequently treating the hydrogen absorbing alloy powder with a solution containing a condensed phosphoric acid having 2 to 20 phosphorus atoms per molecule and/or phytic acid, as well as an electrode formed of the hydrogen absorbing alloy powder produced by the above process.

Abstract: A process for altering surface properties of a mass of metal alloy solder comprising a first metal and a second metal. The process comprises exposing the mass to energized ions to preferentially sputter atoms of the first metal to form a surface layer ratio of first metal to second metal atoms that is less than the bulk ratio. The solder may be located on the surface of a substrate, wherein the process may further comprise masking the substrate to shield all but a selected area from the ion beam. The sputtering gas may comprises a reactive gas such as oxygen and the substrate may be an organic substrate. The process may further comprise simultaneously exposing the organic substrate to energized ions of the reactive gas to roughen the organic substrate surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an electrically conductive composition, such as an electrically conductive coating material, which is suitable for forming an electrode of an electronic element, in which the conductive powder is disintegrated into primary particles or near-primary particles and is satisfactorily dispersed in the composition. The conductive powder is disintegrated into primary particles or near-primary particles and is satisfactorily dispersed by either one of the following: a slurry containing an electrically conductive powder is pressurized and passed in branch flow paths 17 and 18 and the branch flows are unified at a collision chamber 19; a single flow of slurry is caused to hit a collision wall; or the slurry is caused to pass through a narrow conduit rapidly so that the conductive powder undergoes a shear force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of manufacturing nickel-metal-hydride alloy powder material. The furnace charge of nickel-metal-hydride alloy is melted in vacuum or argon atmosphere in this invention. After melting, the molten alloy is gas atomized to fine spherical powder or centrifugal atomized to flaky shape. Then the powders are fed into a hydrogen heat treatment chamber for hydrogen heat treatment and pulverization. This invention integrates the melting, pulverizing and hydrogen treatment of nickel-metal hydride alloy powder into a whole step. It can charge and pulverize continuously and is suitable for the large-scale industrialized production of homogeneous composition and least segregation nickel-metal hydride alloy powder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diffusion bonding a first article containing a thermally activated expansion agent to a second article. The first article and the second article are placed adjacent to each other at a bonding area. The first article and the second article are constrained such that contact is maintained between the first article and the second article at the bonding area. The constrained articles are then heated at a temperature that causes the first article to expand, creating pressure between the articles at the bonding area.

Abstract: Metallurgical powder compositions are provided that contain a metal powder that is associated with a polymeric material in admixture with a solid, particulate polyether lubricant. The incorporation of the polyether lubricant enhances the green strength properties of compacted parts made from the powder compositions, and generally reduces the ejection forces required to remove the compacted part from the die cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of converting green particles to form finished particles. The apparatus used for sintering incorporates an elongate hollow tube, an insulative sleeve there about to define an elevated temperature zone, and a microwave generator coupled through a wave guide into a microwave cavity incorporated the tube. The particles are moved through the tube at a controlled rate to assure adequate exposure to the microwave radiation. Another form sintered a solid part in a cavity or mold.

Abstract: A raw material for powder metallurgy contains at least 0.5 vol % and at most 10 vol % of alumina powder of which the sieve fraction with a sieve opening of 30 .mu.m is at most 0.1 wt %, and a remaining part of aluminum alloy powder. The moisture content of the alumina powder is at most 0.15 wt. % with respect to the alumina powder. Agglomeration of particles is thereby minimized or avoided. Highly reliable raw material for powder metallurgy having superior fatigue strength, impact resistance and wear resistance can be obtained. A method of preparing such a mixed powder raw material involves air classifying the powder materials, dry ball mixing the materials, and then annealing the mixed powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a pore free powder metallurgical alloy article starting with a minor portion of Sn powder and a major portion of In.sub.2 O.sub.3 powder and comprising the steps of: substantially uniformly distributing and fixing the Sn powder on the surface of the In.sub.2 O.sub.3 powder by mixing and milling the powders in the presence of a process controlling agent such as an alcohol to form alloyed powders, and compacting the so alloyed powders at high temperature to form the article. The article has a good electrical conductivity and is usable as a target for plasma sputtering ITO compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a titanium boride metal matrix alloy, by firing a particulate reaction mixture comprising titanium, matrix material and a source of boron (e.g. boron carbide), under conditions such that the titanium and boron react exothermically to form a dispersion of fine particles (preferably greater than 1 micron and less than 10 microns in size) comprising titanium boride (plus titanium carbide where the source of boron is boron carbide) in a predominantly metal matrix. The titanium and matrix are preferably added as a titanium alloy such as ferrotitanium (e.g. eutectic ferrotitanium) or titanium-aluminium. The reaction conditions are preferably selected so that during the reaction a molten zone moves through the body of the reaction mixture, and the average size of the resulting hard particles is uniform throughout the resulting dispersion.

Abstract: A method of producing a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder, which comprises a step of treating a pulverized hydrogen absorbing alloy with an acidic or alkaline solution of conjugated unsaturated compound having at least 5 conjugated .pi. bonds; and a negative electrode using a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder produced by the aforesaid method, which can ensure high initial activity and high initial capacity in the nickel-hydrogen secondary battery provided therewith.

Abstract: A method of making hydrogen storage powder resistant to fracture in service involves forming a melt having the appropriate composition for the hydrogen storage material, such, for example, LaNi.sub.5 and other AB.sub.5 type materials and AB.sub.5+x materials, where x is from about -2.5 to about +2.5, including x=0, and the melt is gas atomized under conditions of melt temperature and atomizing gas pressure to form generally spherical powder particles. The hydrogen storage powder exhibits improved chemcial homogeneity as a result of rapid solidfication from the melt and small particle size that is more resistant to microcracking during hydrogen absorption/desorption cycling. A hydrogen storage component, such as an electrode for a battery or electrochemical fuel cell, made from the gas atomized hydrogen storage material is resistant to hydrogen degradation upon hydrogen absorption/desorption that occurs for example, during charging/discharging of a battery.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing alloy is provided which is increased in reaction rate without being restricted in composition and which is unimpaired in the reversibility of reaction and hydrogen absorption-desorption cycle life characteristics. The alloy contains the phase of an intermetallic compound of the composition A5T19 wherein A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of La, Ce, Pr, Sm, Nd, Mm (misch metal), Y, Gd, Ca, Mg, Ti, Zr and Hf, and T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of B, Bi, Al, Si, Cr, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sn and Sb. The alloy is produced by mixing together an alloy containing an AT3 phase and an alloy containing an AT4 phase, mechanically alloying the mixture to form the phase of intermetallic compound of the composition A5T19 in addition to the AT3 and AT4 phases, and subsequently mixing together or mechanically alloying the resulting alloy and an alloy containing AT5 phase.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing a low-oxygen, low-carbon iron-based powder. The process comprises the steps of preparing a powder essentially consisting of iron and optionally at least one alloying element selected from the group consisting of chromium, manganese, copper, nickel, vanadium, niobium, boron, silicon, molybdenum, tungsten, decarburizing the powder in an atmosphere containing at least H.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O gases, measuring the concentration of at least one of the carbon oxides (alternatively gases) formed during the decarburisation process, or measuring the oxygen potential in at least 2 points located at a predetermined distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the furnace, adjusting the content of the H.sub.2 O gas in the decarburizing atmosphere with the aid of the measurement. Another alternative concerns measuring the carbon oxides in combination with measuring the oxygen potential.

Abstract: The present invention aims at improving the catalytic activity of the metallic platinum deposited on the substrate of the counterelectrode (i.e., the cathode), so as to obtain a high value of the catalytic activity on the reduction reaction of triiodide to iodide essentially independent of the nature of the solvent used in the electrolyte. To that effect, the manufacturing process according to the invention is characterized in that said metallic platinum is deposited in the form of a plurality of spheroidal microcrystallite clusters each having a size of less than about 100 nanometers, dispersed over the surface of said substrate, and in that said deposited metallic platinum is submitted to a thermal treatment, carried out at a temperature in the range of about 375.degree. to 400 C., so as to enhance the catalytic properties of the platinum on the oxido-reduction of iodine and triiodide 3I.sub.2 +2e.fwdarw.2I.sub.3 in the redox system iodine/iodide.

Abstract: A high performance, high density sputtering target and a method of making. An aluminum and non-aluminum reactive metal powder blend is subjected to cold pressing under pressure, machining, evacuating, and hot pressing under pressure. The aluminum and non-aluminum metal react directly to yield a high performance, high density sputter target containing greater than about 2% aluminum with substantially uniform composition across the body.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode for an alkaline storage battery which is efficient and effective enough to improve the performance of the battery. The method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: preparing a powdery hydrogen-absorbing alloy; and washing the powdery hydrogen-absorbing alloy with a strong acid solution and then with a weak acid solution having a higher pH value than the strong acid solution for a two-stage acid treatment.

Abstract: An electrode material for special joining of light metals or spot resistance welding electrode and methods of the electrode material and an electrode are disclosed. An alloy powder is reduced to form a pure alloy powder after the alloy powder composed of copper and from about 0.1 to about 0.3% by weight of beryllium is annealed. The surface of the pure alloy powder is primary oxidized and the beryllium in the alloy powder is secondarily oxidized. The pure alloy powder is reduced to form the powder of a dispersion-hardening alloy comprising copper-beryllium oxide. The electrode made of such alloy can has some advantageous properties such as high heat resistance, high electrical conductivity, high heat conductivity, good abrasion resistance and good workability because the beryllium oxide is homogeneously dispersed through the alloy.

Abstract: An R--T--M alloy material, wherein R is at least one rare earth metal including Y, T is Fe or an Fe component partially replaced by Co or Ni, M is B or a B component partially replaced by C as primary components is prepared by heating the alloy at a temperature from room temperature to a specific temperature of less than 500.degree. C. in a non-oxidizing atmosphere and holding it at the given temperature, if necessary; performing hydrogenation by holding the alloy in a hydrogen atmosphere or a mixed gas atmosphere of hydrogen and an inert gas at a specific temperature in the range of 500-1,000.degree. C.; medial annealing the alloy by holding the R--T--M alloy after the hydrogenation step in an inert gas atmosphere at a specific temperature in the range of 500-1,000.degree. C.; and dehydrogenating the alloy by holding the alloy in a vacuum of less than 1 Torr for dehydrogenation, and then cooling the alloy.

Abstract: A method for controlling oxygen in valve metal materials. The method includes deoxidizing a valve metal material, typically tantalum, niobium, or alloys thereof, and leaching the material in an acid leach solution at a temperature lower than room temperature. In one embodiment of the present invention, the acid leach solution is prepared and cooled to a temperature lower than room temperature prior to leaching the deoxidized valve metal material. The method of the present invention has been found to lower both the oxygen and fluoride concentrations in valve metal materials, as the use of reduced acid leach temperatures provide lower oxygen for a given quantity of a leach acid, such as hydrofluoric acid.

Abstract: Silicon-containing residues, as they accumulate especially during the synthesis of organosilanes out of metallic silicon, and especially methyl chloride, are processed according to the invention to briquettes, being additives for the quality adjustment of cast iron being produced in a cupola furnace in order to avoid either costly regeneration for the recovering of the valuable components or the total dumping of said silicon-containing residues. Besides the silicon-containing residue the briquettes contain 1-10 percent by weight of cardboard fiber, 5-40 percent by weight of hydraulic cement and 0-20 percent by weight of additional additives having influence on the quality of the cast iron. The cement- and cardboard fiber-containing briquettes are mechanically and thermally sufficiently stable with respect to the operation of the melting furnace. The yielding rate of the inserted small-sized silicon in the cast iron is about 85% and reaches thereby the same range of lumpy ferrosilicon.

Abstract: In the present invention, a hydrogen absorbing alloy containing at least nickel, cobalt and aluminum, in which the sum a of the respective abundance ratios of cobalt atoms and aluminum atoms in a portion to a depth of 30 .ANG. from its surface and the sum b of the respective abundance ratios of cobalt atoms and aluminum atoms in a bulk region inside thereof satisfy conditions of a/b.gtoreq.1.30, or a hydrogen absorbing alloy containing at least nickel, cobalt, aluminum and manganese, in which the sum A of the respective abundance ratios of cobalt atoms, aluminum atoms and manganese atoms in a portion to a depth of 30 .ANG. from its surface and the sum B of the respective abundance ratios of cobalt atoms, aluminum atoms and manganese atoms in a bulk region inside thereof satisfy conditions A/B.gtoreq.1.20 is used for a hydrogen absorbing alloy electrode in an alkali secondary battery.

Abstract: A powder having metal oxide films on its surface is obtained in which the films have a heightened refractive index and which hence shows a high reflectance and has a bright color. A powder is obtained which has a reduced number of metal oxide films on the surf ace and hence has a small particle diameter. A powder having a multilayered film on the surface which comprises a base particle having on the surface thereof a multilayered film comprising at least a metal oxide film formed by the hydrolysis of a metal alkoxide, and in which the multilayered film has undergone a heat treatment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing sintered parts of aluminum or aluminum alloy with improved mechanical properties using batch degassing, die compaction and liquid phase sintering. The batch degassing consists of holding a prealloyed aluminum powder at a temperature of about 350.degree. to about 450.degree. C. in a stainless steel autoclave in which the pressure is reduced to less than 5.times.10.sup.-6 torr. Once the desired pressure is reached the powder is cooled down within the autoclave while still under vacuum. The resulting powder is then compacted at a pressure of 20 to 50 tsi at between room temperature and about 250.degree. C., but preferably at a warm temperature of about 65.degree. C. The final densification is completed by liquid phase sintering in argon atmosphere at 625.degree. C. This method allows the production of sintered compacts characterized by a density close to 97% of theoretical, which makes it possible to eliminate the need for a hot working step.

Abstract: A process for the purification of solutions containing metals comprising neutralization of the solution, reduction of Fe(III) present, and elimination of ingoing dissolved zinc, whereby the ingoing solution containing metals is neutralized using magnetite and/or metallic iron, that the ingoing iron (III) is reduced to iron (II) by means of an addition of metallic iron, that ingoing heavy metals are precipitated by the addition of a precipitating amount of a sulphide, whereby the metal sulphides precipitated are recovered by means of filtration, that the solution is, optionally, subjected to an ion exchange operation to transfer ingoing zinc into non-complex bound form, whereupon zinc is recovered as zinc carbonate, that iron (II) in the remaining solution is oxidized to iron (III), whereupon the solution is used as such or is further treated for increasing the metal content for the purpose intended.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) and process for treating particulate material or powder (33) of a size capable of being fluidized in a retort (31) mounted for rotation on a pair of end axles (18, 41). Retort (31) is mounted on a tilt frame (5) for tilting movement in a vertical plane. Gas conduits (18A, 18B) are mounted within an axle (18) for the supply and exhaust of gas for retort (31). A conduit (55) mounted within the other axle (41) permits particulate material to be passed into or out of the retort (31) as shown in FIG. 1B. A removable injection assembly (90, FIG. 10) is utilized for the injection of additional particulate material. A removable sampling assembly (95, FIG. 11) is utilized for removing a sample of the particulate material from the retort (31). As the retort (31) is rotated, particles of the particulate material are constantly intermingled with each other and the walls of the retort (31).

Abstract: An apparatus for producing coated metal granules is disclosed. The apparatus includes a source of molten metal, a device for forming droplets of the molten metal, a bed of particles for receiving the droplets and a means for introducing a gas to fluidize the bed, cooling equipment to maintain the bed below the solidus temperature of the metal, and a separator for separating solidified granules of the metal from particles of the bed. This apparatus can produce an alloying additive which comprises magnesium granules 1-10 mm in size, at least partially coated with particles of a chloride salt which are attached to the granules by being physically embedded into a surface of the granules. The salt particles remain unmelted or only partially melted during formation of the additive.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an acid treatment for enhancing the high-rate discharge characteristic, cycle characteristic, and other characteristics of a hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode to a large extent. The object can be achieved by subjecting a hydrogen-absorbing alloy as a negative electrode active material to an acid treatment comprising the steps of acid-treating the surface of the hydrogen-absorbing alloy by using a metallic ion-containing treatment solution which contains metallic ions and whose initial pH is in the range of 0.5 to 3.0; and heat-treating the hydrogen-absorbing alloy in an atmosphere with the presence of hydrogen.

Abstract: A method of producing a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder, which comprises a step of treating a pulverized hydrogen absorbing alloy with a solution comprising a condensed phosphoric acid having 2 to 20 phosphorus atoms, phytic acid or a mixture thereof; and a negative electrode using a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder produced by the aforesaid method, which can ensure high initial activity and high initial capacity in the nickel-hydrogen secondary battery provided therewith.

Abstract: Austenitic stainless steels and nickel-base alloys containing, by wt. %, 0.1 to 3.0% V, 0.01 to 0.08% C, 0.01 to 0.5% N, 0.05% max. each of Al and Ti, and 0.005 to 0.10% O, are strengthened and ductility retained by atomization of a metal melt under cover of an inert gas with added oxygen to form approximately 8 nanometer-size hollow oxides within the alloy grains and, when the alloy is aged, strengthened by precipitation of carbides and nitrides nucleated by the hollow oxides. Added strengthening is achieved by nitrogen solid solution strengthening and by the effect of solid oxides precipitated along and pinning grain boundaries to provide temperature-stabilization and refinement of the alloy grains.

Abstract: A method for preparing controlled phase alloys useful for engineering and hydrogen storage applications. This novel method avoids melting the constituents by employing vapor transport, in a hydrogen atmosphere, of an active metal constituent, having a high vapor pressure at temperatures .apprxeq.300 C. and its subsequent condensation on and reaction with the other constituent (substrate) of an alloy thereby forming a controlled phase alloy and preferably a single phase alloy. It is preferred that the substrate material be a metal powder such that diffusion of the active metal constituent, preferably magnesium, and reaction therewith can be completed within a reasonable time and at temperatures .apprxeq.300 C. thereby avoiding undesirable effects such as sintering, local compositional inhomogeneities, segregation, and formation of unwanted second phases such as intermetallic compounds.

Abstract: A sputtering target, for forming a recording layer of an optical recording medium in which information is written and erased through a transition between two phases by utilizing electromagnetic wave energy, consists of a heat-treated and sintered composition represented by the formula:Ag.sub..alpha. In.sub..beta. Te.sub..gamma. Sb.sub..delta.wherein2.ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq.303.ltoreq..beta..ltoreq.3010.ltoreq..gamma..ltoreq.5015.ltoreq..delta..ltoreq.83.alpha.+.beta.+.gamma.+.delta.=100A method of producing the sputtering target, an optical recording medium having a recording layer formed through sputtering by use of the sputtering target, and a method of forming the recording layer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making a hydrogen storage alloy comprises subjecting a bulky hydrogen storage alloy to a first thermal treatment at a temperature ranging from 800.degree. to 1100.degree. C., cooling the thus treated alloy, grinding the cooled alloy to pieces having an average particle size of 20 .mu.m or below, and subjecting the pieces to a second thermal treatment in vacuum or in an atmosphere of an inert gas at a temperature of 200.degree. to 1050.degree. C. to obtain an alloy product. A hydrogen storage alloy obtained by the method is also described.

Abstract: A method of producing copper powder having little variation in its particle size and an excellent monodispersion properties. A copper complex ion solution is prepared from a copper-containing solution and a complexing agent, then a reducing agent is added to the copper complex ion solution to precipitate metallic copper. The copper-containing solution herein contains copper sulfate, copper formate, copper pyrophosphate, copper chloride or copper carbonate and the complexing agent is at least one carboxylate or phosphate.

Abstract: An iron or copper based metal powder useful for plasma deposition of a coating that has a dry coefficient of friction 0.75 or less and readily conducts heat through the coating. The powder comprises (a) H.sub.2 O atomized and annealed particles consisting essentially of (by weight) carbon 0.15-0.85%, oxygen 0.1-0.45%, an air hardening agent selected from manganese and nickel of 0.1-6.5%, and the remainder iron or copper, with at least 90% of the particles having oxygen and iron or copper combined in the lowest atomic oxygen form for an oxide of such metal.A method of making anti-friction iron powder that is economical, selectively produces FeO and promotes fine flowable particles. The method comprises (a) steam atomization of a molten steel that excludes other oxygen, the steel containing carbon up to 0.4% by weight to produce a collection of comminuted particles, and (b) annealing the particles in an air atmosphere for a period of time of 0.25-2.0 hours in a temperature range of 800.degree.-1400.degree. F.

Abstract: In a process for making superplastic steel powder or flakes, molten steel rapidly solidified to form a solidified material comprising substantially single-phase austenitic steel powder or flakes having a grain size of no greater than about 2 .mu.m. The powder or flakes are heated at a temperature of 300.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. to produce superplastic steel comprising a mixture of ferrite steel and at least one metal carbide, the ferrite steel having a randomly oriented structure and having a grain size of no greater than about 2 .mu.m, the at least one metal carbide having a grain size no greater than about 0.5 .mu.m. The steel powder or flake is then recovered for further processing. A consolidated superplastic steel can be formed from the powder or flake by hot pressing the powder or flake at a temperature of between about 650.degree. C. and about 950.degree. C. and at a pressure of about 10 MPa to about 100 MPa for a time sufficient to form a fully dense consolidate.