Abstract: Electric arc conversion process in which C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkane is brought into contact with an electric arc and higher molecular weight carbonaceous material is brought into contact with the hot gas derived from the C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrocarbon in the vicinity of the arc.

Abstract: An amorphous, carbonaceous, diamond-like film and a process for producing the same is disclosed. The film has an extremely low hydrogen content and an extremely low stress, is resistant to both acids and alkalis, and adheres tenaciously to many types of substrates including glasses, plastics, metals, and semiconductors. The process for producing this film is a hybrid process using radio frequency plasma decomposition of an alkane and a pair of spaced carbon electrodes.

Abstract: A process for the gasification of coal consisting essentially of forming a free-burning arc discharge between at least one anode and a cathode having a conical tip, wherein said arc discharge forms a contraction of the current-carrying area in the transition region in the vicinity of the cathode, forcefully projecting a reactive material consisting of a mixture of pulverized coal and steam parallel to the surface of said conical tip of said cathode and through said contraction of the current-carrying area in the transition region in the vicinity of the cathode, at such a rate that said mixture of pulverized coal and steam is exposed to the free-burning arc for less than 3 milli-seconds, and recovering a solid carbonaceous fume having a surface area equivalent to a particle size in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 microns and a gaseous product comprising of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing diamond wherein hydrogen gas which has passed through a micro-wave non-electrode discharge and mixed with hydrocarbon gas, or a mixture gas consisting of hydrocarbon and hydrogen after its passing through a micro-wave non-electrode discharge, is introduced onto the surface of a substrate heated to a temperature of from 300.degree. to 1300.degree. C. to decompose hydrocarbon in its energetically activated state for the diamond deposition.

Abstract: A process for preparing ultrafine carbide powder of silicon or titanium and other carbide which are used as refractory materials comprises the steps of passing electric current to a carbon member held in contact with a material such as silicon in a vacuum vessel into which an inert gas at a desired pressure is introduced and collecting a carbide powder of the material fuming into the gas as a result of a high-temperature reaction between the material and carbon member in contact, thus producing carbide powder of ultrafine particles and of high-purity with high efficiency. A preheater facilitates the passing of electricity through the material by reducing the resistance thereof and leads to efficient preparation of the ultrafine carbide powder.

Abstract: A method of growing a diamond crystal which comprises bombarding the diamond with a flux of carbon ions of sufficient energy to penetrate the diamond crystal and cause crystal growth which is at least predominantly internal, the temperature of the crystal being at least 400.degree. C. and less than the graphitisation temperature, such that the diamond crystal structure is maintained during growth.

Abstract: Applying a D. C. glow discharge to a heated glassy substrate in an evacuated chamber to which a volatile hydrocarbon has been added, produces a glassy substrate coated with a hard, transparent, resistive, amorphous carbon coating.

Abstract: A coated steel product, namely, a cutting instrument such as a band saw blade, in which the body of the blade is of steel, the tooth tip is of impulse hardened steel and the tip is covered with a coating of titanium carbide or refractory metal carbide, the coating metal or compound having been deposited by ion plating onto the surface of the tip. The process through which the cutting tool is produced includes preshaping and sharpening the tool, then ion cleaning the tips, bombarding the tips with ions of the titanium or refractory metal followed by reacting the titanium or refractory metal with a carbon containing chemical or their carbides and then simultaneously subjecting both the coating and the steel tip to a magnetic flux for impulse hardening primarily the steel tip. Other coatings of metal carbides, nitrides, borides and metal compounds are described.