Abstract: A composite material comprising a metal matrix containing tungsten grain is roduced from tungsten powders formed by plasma rapid solidification. The powders comprise tungsten and up to 20 weight percent of a metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tantalum, niobium, rhenium, and chromium. The surfaces of the powders are cleaned to reduce the surface oxide thereon, and the powders are coated with at least one metal selected from the group consisting of copper, nickel, cobalt, hafnium and tantalum. The coated powders are formed into a sintered preform which is less than fully dense, and the sintered preform is further consolidated to full density by a technique selected from hot isostatic pressing, rapid omin-directional compaction, and hot extrusion.

Abstract: Quench-solidifed Al-Si alloy powder which contains more than 12 wt % Si is preformed, and the preforming is compression-molded into an aluminum alloy part. The aluminum alloy part is repeatedly subjected to a heating-and-cooling cycle of heating the aluminum alloy part to a temperature between 440.degree. C. and 500.degree. C. and cooling it to a temperature not higher than 380.degree. C.

Abstract: Ingot-derived and sodium-reduced agglomerated tantalum powders having improved flow characteristics and lead pull-out strength that find particular utility in manufacture of anodes for capacitors. Powder size distribution is in the range of -60 to +400 mesh, preferably -60 to +250 mesh, containing less than 5 wt % powder above the upper and below the lower range limits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of aluminum alloy components retaining a good fatigue strength when used hot.This process consists of producing an alloy containing by weight 11 to 26% silicon, 2 to 5% iron, 0.5 to 5% copper, 0.1 to 2% magnesium, 0.1 to 0.4% zirconium and 0.5 to 1.5% manganese, subjecting the alloy in the molten state to a fast solidification means, bringing it into the form of parts or components and optionally subjecting the latter to a heat treatment at between 490.degree. and 520.degree. C., followed by water hardening and annealing at between 170.degree. and 210.degree. C.These components are used more particularly as rods, piston rods and pistons.

Abstract: A process for producing an oxidic superconductor precursor alloy which comprises mechanicallly allowing metallic elemental constituents of the oxidic superconductor in stoichiometric proportions and in the presence of a process control agent non-detrimental to the superconductor to provide a uniform mechanically alloyed product which is compacted and worked to provide a product form such as wire, tape or thin strip. This product form can then be given the configuration required for use (e.g. open coil) and then oxidized to provide the superconductor.

Abstract: A creep-resistant alloy having a tiered structural arrangement of one or several refractory metals Mo, W, Nb, Ta, V, Cr containing certain doping agents, as well as a process for producing the same. The special doping agents are compounds and/or mixed phases of such compounds selected from the group of oxides, nitrides, carbides, borides, silicates or aluminates having a melting point higher than 1500.degree. C. The size of their grains is .ltoreq.1.5 .mu.m, their proportion in the alloy is comprised between 0.005 and 10% by weight. Unlike in the known state of the art, the use of porassium as doping agent is avoided in this alloy. A good reproducible consolidation and in particular high densities during sintering can thus be obtained. Furthermore, this alloy has better ambient temperature, heat and creep resistance properties than known alloys of refractory metal with a tiered structual arrangement.

Abstract: An aluminum based metal matrix composite is produced from a charge containing a rapidly solidified aluminum alloy and particles of a reinforcing material present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 50 percent by volume of the charge. The charge is ball milled energetically to enfold metal matrix material around each of the particles while maintaining the charge in a pulverulant state. Upon completion of the ball milling step, the charge is consolidated to provide a powder compact having a formable, substantially void free mass. The compact is especially suited for use in aerospace, automotive, electronic, wear resistance critical components and the like.

Abstract: A sintered hard metal body having improved heat resistance and higher cutting performance is produced by a process including mixing together at least one hard substance, at least one binder material, and at least one of at least one complex carbide and at least one complex nitride to form a starting mixture each constituent of which is in powdered form. The at least one hard substance is selected from the group consisting of carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides of transition metals of Groups IVB, VB and VIB of the Periodic Table of Elements, is present as at least one of a carbide, a mixed carbide, a nitride, a mixed nitride, a carbonitride, and a mixed carbonitride, and has a cubic crystal form. The at least one binder metal is selected from the group including iron, nickel and cobalt.

Abstract: A sintered target member consisting essentially of 50-75 weight % of Co, 3-12 weight % of Cr and balance substantially Ni, which has a structure comprising dispersion phases consisting essentially of one or more elements constituting the target member and having a maximum permeability of 50 or less. This target member is produced by mixing metal or alloy powders corresponding to low-permeability dispersion phases, charging the resulting mixture into a metal container; sealing the metal container under reduced pressure; sintering it at a temperature of 900.degree.-1300.degree. C. and pressure of 500 atm or more; and removing the metal container from the resulting sintered body.

Abstract: A high melting metal silicide sputtering target which comprises a fine texture whose stoichiometric composition grains of MSi.sub.2, where M represents a high melting metal, have a maximum grain size of 20 .mu.m, whose free silicon grains have a maximum grain size of 50 .mu.m and whose oxygen content is not more than 200 ppm and has a density ratio to the theoretical density of 99% or more has good film characteristics including the reduction in the number of grains formed on the sputtered film and is useful as an electrode material or a wiring material in semi-conductor devices.

Abstract: A cermet has a hard phase and a binder phase. The hard phase is formed by about 70% to about 95% by weight of elements including titanium, tantalum, tungsten, carbon and nitrogen. The elements have atomic ratios so as to satisfy the relationships of 0.05.ltoreq.b/(b+a).ltoreq.0.20, 0.04.ltoreq.c/(c+a).ltoreq.0.20 and 0.15.ltoreq.y/(x+y).ltoreq.0.60, where a, b, c, x and y denote atomic ratios of titanium, tantalum, tungsten, carbon and nitrogen, respectively. The binder phase is formed by about 5% to about 30% by weight of at least one metal of cobalt and nickel. Additionally, there is disclosed a process for producing such a cermet.

Abstract: A cathode is made from tungsten powder using as an impregnant the product rmed from adding about 1 mole of a member selected from the group consisting of zirconium, zirconium dioxide, hafnium, hafnium dioxide, uranium, uranium dioxide, titanium, and titanium dioxide to about 50 to about 100 moles of a compound selected from the group consisting of Ba.sub.3 Al.sub.2 O.sub.6, Ba.sub.3 WO.sub.6, and Ba.sub.4 Al.sub.2 O.sub.7.

Abstract: An improved method for the continuous fabrication of metal-hydride, electrochemical, hydrogen storage alloy, negative electrodes for use in rechargeable nickel metal hydride cells. The improved method comprises the steps of reducing the size of a high hardness, metal hydride, hydrogen storage alloy by shattering it along natural fracture line thereof. The process next includes providing measured amounts of powered metal hydride electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy material and disposing said material upon a continuous wire mesh screen substrate. Thereafter, the powdered metal hydride electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy and wire mesh screen are subjected to a compaction process wherein they are rolled and pressed so as to form a single integral electrode web which is subsequently exposed to a high temperature sintering process in a chemically inert environment.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a superconductive film composed of a RE.sub.1 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x compound, or a (Bi.Sr.Ca.Cu.O) compound. In a first embodiment, oxides or carbonates of the component materials, namely Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, BaCO.sub.3, and CuO are mixed in atomic ratios of 1:2:3, according to the chemical formula of RE.sub.1 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x, and sintered to create a rhombic perovskite structure. The sintered mixture is powdered again, with added powdered amounts of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 and powdered metallic Cu, and sintered. The sintered product is used as the source for an electron beam evaporator. In a second embodiment the (Bi.Sr.Ca.Cu.O) compound is formed into a sintered pellet which is composed of a mixture of one part of BiO, 3-15 parts of SrCO.sub.3, 4-30 parts of CaCO.sub.3, and 2-5 parts of CuO, in atomic ratios of Bi, Sr, Ca and Cu.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of permanent magnet materials of the Iron-Boron-Rare Earth type.

Abstract: A long life high current density cathode is made from a mixture of tungsten nd iridium powders by processing the mixture of powders with an activator into a porus billet, and then impregnating the billet with a mixture of barium peroxide and a coated emitter by firing the billet in a dry hydrogen furnace at a temperature at which the impregnant melts.

Abstract: A process of hot pressing of materials to form articles or compacts is characterized by the steps: (A) providing a compactable particulate mixture; (B) uniaxially pressing the particles without heating to provide article or compact (22); (C) placing at least one article or compact (22) in an open pan (31) having an insertable frame (32) with edge surfaces (34) that are not significantly pressure deformable, where the inside side surfaces of the frame are parallel to the central axis B--B of the open pan, and where each article or compact is surrounded by fine particles of a separating material; (D) evacuating air from the container and sealing the articles or compacts inside the container by means of top lid (36); (E) hot pressing the compacts at a pressure from 352.5 kg/cm.sup.2 to 3,172 kg/cm.sup.

Abstract: A tough cermet made from 20-92 weight % of TiC and/or TiCN, 5-50 weight % of WC and 3-30 weight % of an iron-gorup metal. This tough cermet has a three phase grain microstructure and is made is mixing titanium carbonitride powder and up to 70 weight % of the total amount of the tungsten carbide fine powder. The resulting mixture is melted to form a solid solution, pulverized, mixed with the remaining amount of tungsten carbide fine powder, and sintered at temperatures of 1325.degree.-1650.degree. C.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing metal carbide grade powders, which comprises forming a wax mixture consisting essentially of in percent by weight about 10 to 60 of an organic compound additive which is a solid at room temperature and contains a C.dbd.

Abstract: A rare earth metal-iron-boron permanent magnet is produced by the sintering method using a magnetic powder prepared from an ingot of R.sub.2 Fe.sub.14 B and another powder prepared from a rapidly-quenched alloy ribbon of R-T-B. R is at least one selected from yttrium and rare earth metals and T is at least one selected from transition metals. The rapidly-quenched alloy powder almost all melts to form a liquidus phase which cements the magnetic particles at a sintering temperature. The liquidus phase generates a magnetic crystalline phase and the solid solution phase upon cooling from the sintering temperature. A comparatively large amount of rapidly-quenched alloy powder is used to produce a magnet having a reduced amount of solid solution phase.

Abstract: A friction-actuated extrusion process utilizes a comminuted rapidly solidified aluminum alloy ribbon as the in-feed for a continuous friction-actuated extruder. Gumming and flow problems are eliminated. The resulting product is devoid of surface blistering and has improved ambient and elevated temperature mechanical properties.

Abstract: A cathode is made from a mixture of tungsten and iridium powders using a ction product formed from reacting barium peroxide with an excess of tungsten as the impregnant.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing metal carbide grade powders, which comprises dry milling metal carbide powder which can be tungsten carbide, titanium carbide, tantalum carbide, niobium carbide, vanadium carbide, chromium carbide, and combinations thereof to increase the surface area of the powder particles to result in essetially all of the powders being converted to single crystals, forming a mixture of the resulting dry milled carbide powder, a binder metal which can be cobalt, nickel, and combinations thereof, and a wax, while heating the carbide powder, the binder metal and the wax to a temperature above the melting point of the wax and maintaining the temperature to result in a uniform distribution of the wax on the carbide and binder metal particles, forming a slurry of the mixture and water, attritor milling the slurry at a temperature below the melting point of the wax, and removing the water from the resulting attritor milled mixture and aggiomerating the mixture to produce the metal carbide grad

Abstract: A non-toxic shotgun pellet having ballistic characteristics similar to those of lead shot is made up of particles of a first alloy, containing primarily ferrotungsten, suspended in a matrix of a second alloy, containing primarily lead. The relative amounts of lead and ferrotungsten are selected to minimize cost while keeping the overall lead content to forty percent or less, by weight, to avoid toxicity. The first alloy is formed by diluting the ferrotungsten with iron or steel and carbon at temperatures on the order of 1800.degree. C. in an inert gas environment. The alloy is quenched and then crushed into particles over which is poured the second alloy comprising lead, tin and antimony in order to suspend the first alloy particles in the second alloy mixture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the synthesis of a compositionally graded substantially amorphous metal alloy comprising:(a) combining a bulk hydrogen storage material with an A-containing material to obtain a mixture thereof;(b) sealing the mixture in a mechanical milling device under an inert atmosphere; and(c) milling the mixture.Alloys produced by this process are useful for the efficient cyclic storage and release of hydrogen in large quantities without becoming embrittled, inactivated or corroded.

Abstract: An economical alloyed powder for dental amalgams exhibiting good working properties is obtained from pressed and sintered molded bodies by mechanical comminution. The formed body is produced by mixing and pressing powders of elemental silver, copper and tin with a subsequent sintering between 150.degree. C. and the solidus temperature of the alloy being formed. The sintering is performed until a homogeneous distribution of the tin has been achieved in the silver and copper particles.

Abstract: A process for controlling fractionation in selenium alloys comprising providing pellets of an alloy comprising amorphous selenium and an alloying component selected from the group consisting of tellurium, arsenic, and mixtures thereof, the particles having an average particle size between about 300 micrometers and about 3,000 micrometers, exposing the pellets to an ambient temperature of between about 114.degree. C. and about 190.degree. C. until an exotherm occurs in the pellets resulting in substantially complete crystallization between about 104.degree. C. and about 180.degree. C., grinding the pellets into fresh powder having an average particle size of less than about 200 micrometers, and compressing the fresh powder into fresh pellets having an average weight between about 50 mg and about 1000 mg. The resulting fresh pellets may be heated in a vacuum chamber to vacuum deposit the alloy onto a substrate.

Abstract: In a known method of manufacturing a sintered rare earth transition metal and boron magnet body, e.g. of Nd--Fe--B, the cast alloy is comminuted by hydrogen decrepitation in an atmosphere of pure hydrogen before further comminution, pressing in a magnetic alignment field, sintering and magnetization. The use of pure hydrogen introduces a serious risk of explosion. In the improved method the hydrogen is provided mixed with a chemically non-reactive gas, suitably nitrogen, suitably in a proportion in the range 5 percent to 30 percent by volume of hydrogen, to form an explosion suppressant atmosphere in the decrepitation vessel 1. Sole FIGURE.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing a structural member made of a sintered Al alloy having heat resistance and high strength. A powder is used having a composition which makes it difficult to perform hot forging, i.e. 8.0 to 30.0 wt. % of Si, 0.8 to 7.5 wt. % of Cu, 0.3 to 3.5 wt. % of Mg, 2.0 to 10.0 wt. % of Fe, 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of Mn, and a balance of Al. After being subjected to press-forming, this Al alloy powder is subjected to hot extrusion at a temperature of 300.degree. to 450.degree. C., the extruded product is heated with electric resistance heating by electric current which is passed therethrough and subjected to forging at a temperature of 300.degree. to 495.degree. C. According to this method, a structural member made of a sintered Al alloy having heat resistance and high strength and having the aforementioned powder composition can be easily obtained without cracking.

Abstract: A cathode is made from a mixture of tungsten and iridium powders using a ium iridiate formed from barium peroxide and iridium oxide as the impregnant.

Abstract: A green pressed article of high strength and of low relative density, formed from a heat-resistant aluminum alloy of the Al/Fe/X or Al/Cr/X type, where X is Ti, Ce, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Cr, Mo or W, is produced by a powder-metallurgical process, wherein an alloy melt is atomized to form fine particles by means of an inert gas jet, with which 0.5 to 2% by volume of oxygen is admixed, and the powder produced in this manner is compacted. Nitrogen, argon or helium can be employed as inert gas. The green pressed article is preferably formed from a small proportion of coarser, non-spherical particles and a greater proportion of finer, spherical particles.

Abstract: A new material for use in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, a method of manufacturing the new material, and a heat radiator structure for a semiconductor device. The material is an aluminum alloy containing 30-60% by weight of Si and the remaining weight % is Al. The method of manufacture includes solidifying molten material into a powder and forming the powder by hot plastic working. The heat radiator structure includes a substrate of envelope material and an Al-Si alloy layer glued to the substrate through a function layer.

Abstract: A process for producing permanent magnet materials, which comprises the steps of:forming an alloy powder having a mean particle size of 0.3-80 microns and composed of, in atomic percentage, 8-30% R (provided that R is at least one of rare earth elements including Y), 2-28% B, and the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,sintering the formed body at a temperature of 900.degree.-1200.degree. C.,subjecting the sintered body to a primary heat treatment at a temperature of 750.degree.-1000.degree. C.,then cooling the resultant body to a temperature of no higher than 680.degree. C. at a cooling rate of 3.degree.-2000.degree. C./min, andfurther subjecting the thus cooled body to a secondary heat treatment at a temperature of 480.degree.-700.degree. C.35 MGOe, 40 MGOe or higher energy product can be obtained with specific compositions.

Abstract: Sputtering targets are made by melting at least one rare earth and at least one transition metal to produce an amorphous alloy melt, forming a powder of the alloy in an oxygen free atmosphere, introducing the powdered alloy into a reducing mold, adding a layer of powdered oxygen-getter on top of the powdered alloy, and hot pressing the alloy.

Abstract: An improved method for the continuous fabrication of metal-hydride, electrochemical, hydrogen storage alloy, negative electrodes for use in rechargeable nickel metal hydride cells. The improved method comprises the steps of providing measured amounts of powdered metal hydride electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy material and disposing said material upon a continuous wire mesh screen substrate. Thereafter, the powdered metal hydride electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy and wire mesh screen are subjected to a compaction process wherein they are rolled and pressed so as to form a single integral electrode web which is subsequently exposed to a high temperature sintering process in a chemically inert environment. The sintering process is designed to drive off excess moisture in the material while discouraging oxidation of the electrode web and set the electrode web state of charge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of chromium-aluminum balls for adding chromium into molten aluminum baths.In order to obtain balls containing x% of chromium and y% of aluminum, where x and y are gravimetric contents corresponding to the following relationships:70.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.8020.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.30x+y=100an alloy of chromium and aluminum containing gravimetric chromium and aluminum contents approximating to x by an excess and to y by a deficit respectively is prepared by melting and this alloy is then finely ground into a crude powder; the chromium and aluminum contents of the alloy or of the crude powder are determined and, if required, an additional amount of finely divided aluminum is added so as to obtain a powder containing x% of chromium and y% of aluminum, the additional amount of finely divided aluminum corresponding to less than 10% by weight of the crude powder; a compacting is then carried out.

Abstract: A cathode is made from a mixture of tungsten and iridium powders using a ium peroxide containing material as the impregnant.

Abstract: A process for producing a dispersion hardened copper alloy includes admixing to a copper melt from 0.3 to 15 weight % of molybdenum to provide a mixture which is a melt; superheating the mixture to a temperature ranging from about 200.degree. C. to about 1000.degree. C. above the melting point of coper to provide a superheated melt; and subjecting the superheated melt to very rapid solidification at a cooling rate ranging from 104.degree. to 106.degree. C./sec. The above process produces dipsersion hardened copper alloy comprising copper and from 1 to 15 weight % of molybdenum which is present in the dispersion hardened copper alloy as particles having a diameter of less than 0.1 .mu.m embedded in the copper matrix. Such dispersion hardened copper alloys are useful for providing electrical conductors which are subjected to elevated temperatures, such as for providing spot welding electrodes, particularly for welding of zinc-galvanized sheet metal.

Abstract: A method for pickling and consolidating water atomized metallic powders to reduce surface oxides. The technique includes introducing the powder into an acid bath--preferably nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid, rinsing the powder, introducing the powder into an alkaline bath, rinsing the powder and then consolidating the powder into a workpiece. Alternatively, the powder can be additionally introduced into a second acid bath and/or placed into a finishing boric acid bath before consolidation.

Abstract: A process of hot isostatic pressing of powders to form electrical contacts is characterized by the steps: (A) mixing powders, 1 in the Drawing, from metal containing powder or metal containing powder plus carbon powder, where at least one of Ag and Cu is present, (B) thermal cleaning treatment of the powder, 2 in the Drawing, (C) granulating the thermally treated powder, 3 in the Drawing, (D) uniaxially pressing the powders without heating, 5 in the Drawing, to provide a compact, (E) placing at least one compact in a pressure-transmitting, pressure-deformable container, 6 in the Drawing, and surrounding each compact with fine particles of a separating material, (F) evacuating air from the container, 7 in the Drawing, (G) sealing the compacts inside the container, 8 in the Drawing, (H) hot isostatic pressing, 9 in the Drawing, the compacts through the pressure transmitting material at a pressure from 352 kg/cm.sup.2 to 2,115 kg/cm.sup.2 and a temperature from 0.5.degree. C. to 100.degree. C.

Abstract: A process of fabricating steel stock for bearing components from highly alloyed steel powders supersaturated in carbon up to 0.5 weight percent in ferrite and up to 1.0 weight percent in austenite type combinations is disclosed. Rapid solidification of an atomized molten composition yields a metal powder with a diameter ranging between 75 and 105 microns. The metal powder is then compressed and heated to a low forging temperature between 1,600.degree. and 1,800.degree. F. to yield the steel stock.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite metal powder made from a base iron powder milled with an alloying component such as nickel, copper, managnese, chromium, silicon, phosphorus, boron, vanadium, and molybdenum, where the composite metal powder has a compressibility comparable to the compressibility of the soft base iron powder prior to milling. Such a composite is obtained by using a short mill time followed by an annealing step.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating finely divided powders of brittle materials capable of sintering or injection molding, such as ceramics or intermetallic phases in a predetermined maximum size of the powder particles which is maintained with reliability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing spherical objects is disclosed, the apparatus having a reservoir filled with a relatively dense molten material, the reservoir being heated and hydraulically pressurized to maintain the molten state of the dense material. A second molten liquid, of lesser density and higher melting point is injected into the reservoir, the pressure and surface tension acting to force the injected material into a spherical form and the melting point difference acting to solidify the injected material.

Abstract: A rapidly solidified magnesium based alloy contains finely dispersed magnesium intermetallic phases. The alloy has the form of a filament or a powder and is especially suited for consolidation into bulk shapes having superior combination of strength, ductility and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing thermoelectric material which has the steps of quenching a thermoelectric alloy in a molten state at a quenching rate higher than 10.sup.3 .degree. C./sec into a membrane or powdery form and subjecting the membrane or powder to cold-forming or sintering. The thermoelectric alloy is a Bi--Sb series alloy having a composition represented by{(Bi.sub.100-x .multidot.Sb.sub.x).sub.100-y .multidot.E.sup.II.sub.y }.sub.100-z .multidot.E.sup.I.sub.zwhere E.sup.I represents a group III or group IV element, E.sup.II represents a group IV or group VI element, x represents a number of 5-20, y represents an integer of 0-20 and z represents a number of 0.05-10, respectively.

Abstract: Process for producing formed bodies with improved homogeneous properties, high resistance to oxidation and corrosion, great hardness and firmness, good mechanical workability, and high resistance to abrasion, made out of an initial power material which contains two elemental metals; or one or more alloys; or one or more elemental metals and one or more alloys; or a combination of one or more elemental metals and/or one or more alloys with one or more metalloids and/or one or more non-metallic substances, except for formed bodies made of NiTi, of Nb.sub.3 Sn, of stoichiometric, binary intermettalic yttrium-cobalt compounds and gadolinium-cobalt compounds, and of Ni.sub.60 Nb.sub.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the production of ultrafine powder. The powder is produced by spark erosion within an electric discharge cell. The starting material for production of the powder is a body in chunk form of the material to be pulverized. The material is contained in an electric discharge cell having a fine mesh screen bottom. The cell and its contents are immersed in a dielectric fluid such as water, liquified gas or an organic base liquid. The cell and its contents are vibrated to cause the chunks to separate repeatedly and momentarily. A sparking voltage is impressed repeatedly through the body to develop sparks between confronting portions of separated chunk surfaces. Small particles produced as a result of the sparking fall through the screen of the cell and are collected as product.

Abstract: A green pressed article of high strength and of low relative density, formed from a heat-resistant aluminum alloy of the Al/Fe/X or Al/Cr/X type, where X is Ti, Ce, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Cr, Mo or W, is produced by a powder-metallurgical process, wherein an alloy melt is atomized to form fine particles by means of an inert gas jet, with which 0.5 to 2% by volume of oxygen is admixed, and the powder produced in this manner is compactd. Nitrogen, argon or helium can be employed as inert gas. The green pressed article is preferably formed from a small proportion of coarser, non-spherical particles and a greater proportion of finer, spherical particles.

Abstract: A sintered hard metal having superior toughness and superior hardness may be used for micro-drills, tools and wear resistant parts. The metal is a cemented carbide WC formed from tungsten carbide WC as the base alloy and containing 4 to 20 percent by weight of vanadium carbide VC or zirconium nitride. Its micro-structure is that the WC or WC-VC particles are 0.6.mu. or less, its Rockwell Hardness HRA is at least 91.5 and its transverse rupture strength is at least 350 kg/mm.sup.2.