Abstract: A method of curing cracks in a ceramic shaped body made from ceramic magnet materials or ceramic superconductor materials, in which a filling material which melts at a lower temperature than the material of the shaped body or is flowable at a lower temperature than the material of the shaped body is applied to the surface of the shaped body at least in the area of a crack and/or is introduced into at least one crack, in which the shaped body with the filling material is heated to and maintained at a temperature at which the material of the shaped body does not yet melt or is not yet flowable, but at which the filling material is in at least partially molten and flowable state at least until the fused filling material can penetrate at least partially into the crack, in which the filling material consists of non-metallic or essentially of non-metallic compounds and is at least partially crystallized, and in which the shaped body with the filling material is cooled, wherein the thermal crystallization conditions

Abstract: A method of depositing large particles having an average nominal diameter of greater than 106 microns up to 250 microns onto substrates using a kinetic spray system is disclosed. The method utilizes a powder injector tube having a reduced inner diameter and a de Laval type nozzle having an elongated throat to exit end length. The method permits deposition of much larger particles than previously possible.

Abstract: Nanostructured non-equilibrium, non-stoichiometric materials and device made using the nanonostructured non-equilibrium non-stoichiometric materials are provided. Applications and methods of implementing such devices and applications are also provided. More specifically, the specifications teach the use of nanostructured non-equilibrium, non-stoichiometric materials in polymer and plastic filler applications, electrical devices, magnetic products, fuels, biomedical applications, markers, drug delivery, optical components, thermal devices, catalysts, combinatorial discovery of materials, and various manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Methods for coating a substrate and methods of shaping a workpiece comprise formation and use, respectively, of a surface or substrate comprising a first phase selected from nitrides, carbides. carbonitrides, borides, sulphides, chalcogenides, oxides, and silicides, and a second phase selected from nitrides, carbides, carbonitrides, borides, sulphides, chalcogenides, oxides, and silicides, wherein said second phase comprises a multiplicity of discrete portions positioned into the first phase, with these multiplicity of portions comprising a continuous second phase, and made thereof, coating and articles, especially machining, cutting and shaping tools, wearparts, and methods of making and using the composition, coating and articles.

Abstract: The invention provides a common salt having the rounded-off savory taste of natural common salt and yet a reduced tendency toward deliquescence and coagulation and a process for producing the same. The invention further provides a method for fractional recovery of freshwater and raw materials for the above common salt from seawater in connection with the production of the same common salt. The common salt of the invention is a bittern-containing granular common salt with each of its grains consisting of a core comprised of a bittern-containing composition optionally containing NaCl and, as covering the grain, a coating layer comprised of a NaCl-containing composition optionally containing CaSO4 or bittern.

Abstract: Processes for coating metal or polymeric substrates are provided which include the steps of: (a) applying a first powder coating composition to a surface of the substrate; (b) applying a first infrared radiation at a power density of 30 kilowatts per meter squared or less and optionally a first air simultaneously to the first coating composition for a first period of at least about 90 seconds such that a sintered first coating is formed upon the surface of the substrate; (c) applying a second powder coating composition over the first coating; and (d) applying a second infrared radiation at a power density of 30 kilowatts per meter squared or less and a second air at an air velocity ranging from about 0.5 to about 13 meters per second simultaneously to the second coating composition for a second period of at least about 2 minutes, such that a powder layered system is formed upon the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing electric machines comprised of geometrically patterned arrays of permanent magnets, soft magnetic materials, and electrical conductors deposited by kinetic spraying methods directly atop a carrier. The magnets and planar coils of the present invention may be integrally formed atop carriers to form electrical machines such as motors, generators, alternators, solenoids, and actuators. The manufacturing techniques used in this invention may produce highly defined articles that do not require additional shaping or attaching steps. Very high-purity permanent and soft magnetic materials, and conductors with low oxidation are produced.

Abstract: Ti alloy is embedded in a powder such as graphite and heated with the powder in an oxygen atmosphere. Oxygen atoms are diffused into the Ti alloy to form an oxygen diffusion layer of Ti—O solid solution, thereby increasing wear resistance of the valve. A poppet valve in an internal combustion engine may be made of such Ti alloy.

Abstract: Processes for coating metal or polymeric substrates are provided which include the steps of: (a) applying a liquid basecoating composition to a surface of the metal substrate; (b) applying a first infrared radiation at a power density of 30 kilowatts per meter squared or less and a first air simultaneously to the basecoating composition for a first period of at least about 30 seconds, a first velocity of the air at the surface of the basecoating composition being about 4 meters per second or less, a first temperature of the metal substrate being increased at a first rate ranging from about 0.05° C. per second to about 0.3° C. per second to achieve a first peak metal temperature ranging from about 30° C. to about 60° C.

Abstract: An ion complex which comprises a water-insoluble polyion (P) and a water-soluble polyion (A); and is insoluble in water and soluble in an aqueous organic solvent. Such an ion complex becomes a coating material which can preferably be used for coating of various ionic substances (e.g., substance having biological activity such as an anticoagulant property or an antibacterial property).

Abstract: A treatment method for hydrophilicity for a heat exchanger which can maintain the deodorizing property and hydrohilicity even after a long-time use, and a heat exchanger thus treated for hydrophilicity by said method are provided.

Abstract: A drill resistant plate, which presents a rough surface of hardened particles to drilling attack, and which tends to snap or destroy drill bits before they can began drilling. The plate is made by brazing hard particles into a matrix of brazing material attached to a steel plate. Nickel-Silver brazing material is used to form the matrix on the steel plate, and tungsten carbide particles of 8-10 mesh are secured within the matrix, with the hard particles of tungsten carbide partially exposed, presenting a roughened surface with angular pieces of tungsten carbide to the drilling attack.

Abstract: A coating system and method for coating a substrate are disclosed. The coating system and method incorporate a powder-based coating composition, and a film layer of the composition is applied to the substrate, having a first color effect, to produce a second color effect different from the first color effect. The composition includes a powder-based binder and a color effect-providing pigment. The powder-based binder is the reaction product of a resin, having a functional group, and a cross-linking agent reactive with the functional group. The color effect-providing pigment includes a pigment substrate and an inorganic coating. The pigment substrate has first and second substantially parallel and planar surfaces, and the inorganic coating is disposed on the first and second surfaces. The inorganic coating has an index of refraction of 1.8 or less.

Abstract: A multilayer material for sliding elements with a metallic backing layer and a plastics overlay applied thereto achieves good adhesion to the substrate without the disadvantages of known PVDF-based bearing materials. The plastics overlay comprises a PVDF content of 60-95 vol. %, the remainder consisting of PTFE or PTFE and at least one further component with a density of <7 g/cm3. The content of this further component may amount to a maximum of 5 vol. %. The other components comprise fully or partially aromatic polymers such as PI, PAE, polyamides, PPS, PES, PEEK, PSU or polyester, carbon variants such as graphite, carbon black, C fibers or coke, as well as MoS2, BN or CaF2 or CaCo3. The production method consists in scattering a powder mixture of these components onto the metallic backing material and then heating it to above the softening point of the PVDF component to form the plastics overlay, the plastics overlay thereafter being rolled smooth.

Abstract: A method for coating a surface of a substrate, includes providing a substrate having a surface, and coating the surface with a foam suspension containing a powder suspended in a foam to form a coating on the surface. The substrate is then heat treated to densify the coating along the surface.

Abstract: A multicolored, patterned floor covering is disclosed along with a method for its manufacture. The floor covering is made of a sheeting which has a first color, and a granular material dyed differently from the sheeting which is embedded in the sheeting along at least in the area of the top side. The sheeting and the granular material consist of cross-linkable, elastomeric materials, the granular material comprising particles which have at least two subregions dyed differently from each other and from the sheeting. The quantity and color of the fractions of each component as selected so that the mixed color resulting from an homogeneous intermixing of all the components contained in the floor covering agrees with the first color.

Abstract: Provided are methods of preparing an article in which a microporous layer is coated on a temporary carrier substrate and a substrate is then laminated to the microporous layer, prior to removing the temporary carrier substrate from the microporous layer. The microporous layer may comprise one or more microporous xerogel layers. Optionally, the microporous layer assembly may comprise one or more non-microporous coating layers which are in contact with at least one of the microporous xerogel layers, and one of the non-microporous coating layers may be coated on the temporary carrier substrate prior to coating the microporous layer. Also provided are articles, such as electrochemical cells, capacitors, fuel cells, ink jet ink printing media, and filtration media, prepared by such methods.

Abstract: A method of providing a powder coating to MDF substrate panels wherein, by the differential treatment of the front and back surfaces of these panels, both surfaces can be coated at the same time and the effects of moisture and other volatile outgassing is controlled in such a way as to provide a blemish-free front facing surface with a minimal, but nonetheless acceptable, amount of blemishes on the opposite or back surface. Differential treatment is achieved by preparing each surface using different grades of sand-paper, applying different amounts of curing energy, whether infra-red or thermal, or by applying different thicknesses of coating to each surface.

Abstract: An over the highway heavy duty vehicle in the form of a selected one of a truck and a tractor is disclosed. The vehicle has a frame rail having a through aperture. A conductive solder ring is bonded to the rail and surrounds the aperture. A fastener extends through the aperture to secure an electrical connector in electrically conductive engagement with the ring. A ground cable is connected to the connector. A process for forming the ring is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of applying a protective coating to a concrete or concrete-related substrate. The substrate is heated, and then electrostatically-charged coating powder is deposited onto the substrate with the coating powder coalescing into a coherent layer. Then the substrate and the coating are cooled to form the protective layer. The moisture content of the concrete or concrete-related material is sufficiently low so that bubbles or separation does not occur, and sufficiently high so that the electrostatically-charged particles will adhere to the substrate.

Abstract: A method for reducing the amount of microfoam in a spray-applied waterborne polymeric composition is provided, wherein a gas, such as, for example, carbon dioxide, having a solubility factor greater than one is used in spraying the waterborne composition. Articles so coated are also provided. And, a method for increasing the density of a spray-dried waterborne polymeric composition is provided, wherein a gas, such as, for example, carbon dioxide, having a solubility factor greater than one is used in spray-drying the waterborne composition.

Abstract: In a known method for producing an SiO2 blank, SiO2 particles are formed in a burner flame of a deposition burner and are deposited under the effect of an electrical field on a substrate. Starting therefrom, in order to indicate a simple and inexpensive method by means of which blanks can be produced with a predetermined, in particular axially homogeneous, mass and density distribution, it is suggested according to the invention that the geometrical shape of the burner flame (8) is adjusted by the effect of the electrical field (9) in dependence upon the geometrical parameter of a deposition surface (12; 21) of the substrate (1) that is assigned to the burner flame (8).

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate which is a core for a pharmaceutical dosage form, which comprises electrostatically applying to a surface of the core a powder material comprising active material, the coating material applied constituting a dosage of active material, wherein the powder material includes composite particles, each composite particle comprising two or more components having different physical and/or chemical properties.

Abstract: A method for preparing an aluminum alloy-containing coating composition is described. A slurry containing a selected amount of aluminum is combined with at least one additional slurry containing a selected amount of a second metal which forms an alloy with aluminum. The resulting slurry mixture is applied to a metal substrate, and then heated to form a substantially devolatilized coating. The coating then receives a secondary heat treatment. Related compositions and articles are also described, as are processes for repairing a damaged or worn coating, utilizing the slurry.

Abstract: A ceramic evaporation boat for the evaporation of metal comprising an electrically conductive component and an electrically non conductive component, wherein the electrically conductive component of the ceramic material is concentrated at the surface of the evaporation boat from which the evaporation of the metal occurs. The evaporation boats have an improved initial wetting performance.

Abstract: Continuous coatings are prepared using novel two part compositions and methods. The two part compositions of the invention comprise, in separate containers, a powder polymer composition and a coalescing agent. The powder composition has preferred particle size distribution and composition for use in the compositions or methods of the invention. The coalescing agents of the invention cooperate with the powder part to result in a excellent finish having the appropriate drying hardness, durability, etc. The novel method of the invention involves contacting a coalescing agent with polymer particles in a variety of coating methods. The particles and the coalescing agent interact to form a continuous coating layer or finish layer. The basic coating formation methods of the invention can be embodied in a number of methods or protocols including applying a solid polymer to the liquid coalescing agent, applying the agent to the polymer particulate or applying the liquid and polymer simultaneously.

Abstract: An improved blend suitable for powder coating comprising an acrylic modified polyvinylidene fluoride polymer and pigment, processes for its preparation and use and coated articles produced there from are disclosed. Use of unpigmented acrylic modified fluoropolymers to form powder coating and objects so coated are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is a method for producing an electrode for a non-aqueous electrolytic cell, in which a collector is coated with an electrode active material layer comprising an active material, flake graphite and a binder, which is characterized by that the graphite is subjected to a pulverization process twice or more, followed by mixing and pulverization using the active material, and provides an electrode for a secondary cell which is good in charge and discharge characteristics such as discharge capacity and charge and discharge cycle life, and improved in physical characteristics.

Abstract: A system (100, 100′, 100″) and method for robotic manipulation of objects (130) is provided wherein particulates (110, 110′) are agitated by the transfer of energy thereto to establish patterned granular motion of the particulates (110, 110′). The patterned granular motion of the particulates (110, 110′) forms standing waves (112). The objects (130) align themselves with the standing waves (112) and thus are dynamically arranged in a configuration established by the location of the standing waves (112). The location of the standing waves (112) can be predetermined by controlling the waveform of the signals applied to the energy application system (140). The predetermined waveforms are supplied from the signal source (150, 154) to the energy application system (140).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing on a flexible film reflecting images which can be hot-transferred to a plurality of different materials, the method comprising a first processing step in which a polyester film is processed by a thermoplastic resin in a aromatic solution, a second processing step in which on the film are deposited a plurality of glass beads, in an adjoining relationship, a resin priming processing step for allowing the glass beads to be properly retained in place, a processing step of using a vinylchloride-vinylacetate-aromatic solvent solution with an addition of a metal powder having high mirror-like properties in order to allow the glass beads to refract the light, and a color printing step for printing any desired colors on desired regions, as well as a further leveling processing step for the images, and a final processing step of using a thermo-transfering solution in order to allow the printed images to be transferred under temperature and pressure.

Abstract: Continuous coatings can be prepared using novel two part compositions and methods. The two part compositions of the invention comprise, in separate containers, a powder polymer composition and a coalescing agent. The powder composition has preferred particle size distribution and composition for use in the compositions or methods of the invention. The coalescing agents of the invention cooperate with the powder part to result in a excellent finish having the appropriate drying hardness, durability, etc. The novel method of the invention involves contacting a coalescing agent with polymer particles in a variety of coating methods. The particles and the coalescing agent interact to form a continuous coating layer or finish layer. The basic coating formation methods of the invention can be embodied in a number of methods or protocols including applying a sold polymer to the liquid coalescing agent, applying the agent to the polymer particulate or applying the liquid and polymer simultaneously.

Abstract: Improved assembly and methods for manufacturing a three-dimensional object are described. The assembly includes a crucible for holding molten metal, an orifice disposed in the bottom of the crucible through which a jet of molten metal can flow towards a movable substrate, and a mechanically oscillating member immersed in the molten metal for controlling the flow of molten metal through the orifice and for breaking the flow of molten metal into the sequence of molten metal drops. As the drops land on the movable substrate, a three-dimensional object is built up. Continuously variable diameter or controllable planar jets may be used as the orifices. In forming drops from the output of a planar jet, the jet is first broken up by the oscillating member into horizontal cylindrical ligaments and the ligaments are then broken up into drops by acoustic energy applied by audio loudspeakers adjacent the falling ligaments. The assembly and methods are useful in the fields of rapid prototyping and materials processing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a natural organic fiber having a surface that is plated with titanium oxide, wherein deterioration of said natural organic fiber by titanium oxide does not occur; and wherein the titanium oxide is closely attached to the surface of the natural organic fiber.

Abstract: An improved blend suitable for powder coating comprising an acrylic modified fluoropolymer and pigment, processes for its preparation and use and coated articles produced there from are disclosed. Use of unpigmented acrylic modified fluoropolymers to form powder coating and objects so coated are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coated substrate comprising: (a) a substrate; (b) a primer layer containing adhesion-promoting polymer on said substrate; and (c) at least one topcoat of a permeation resistant composition of ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) copolymer and mica, therein the ETFE is a copolymer of about 40 to 60 mole % ethylene and about 60 to 40 mole % tetrafluoroethylene, wherein the mica is present in amounts of about 3 to about 25 wt % based on the ETFE and mica, and wherein the topcoat having a thickness of at least 150 &mgr;m. The coated substrate is formed by applying the primer to the substrate and drying, followed by dry powder coating at least one layer of ETFE and mica composition, followed by heating said layer.

Abstract: Processes for coating metal or polymeric substrates are provided which include the steps of: (a) applying a liquid basecoating composition to a surface of the substrate; (b) exposing the basecoating composition to air having a temperature ranging from about 10° C. to about 50° C. for a period of at least about 5 minutes to volatilize at least a portion of volatile material from the liquid basecoating composition, the velocity of the air at a surface of the basecoating composition being less than about 0.5 meters per second; (c) applying infrared radiation and hot air simultaneously to the basecoating composition for a period of at least about 2 minutes, the velocity of the air at the surface of the basecoating composition being less than about 4 meters per second, the temperature of the metal substrate being increased at a rate ranging from about 0.4° C. per second to about 1.2° C. per second to achieve a peak substrate temperature ranging from about 120° C. to about 165° C.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a porous interlayer insulation film including therein a stacking of SiO2 particles having a diameter in the range between about 5 nm and about 50 nm and stacked so as to form a void between adjacent particles, wherein the interlayer insulation film has a porosity in the range between about 13% and about 42%.

Abstract: A method applied in a coating process is to increase the recycling rate for coating materials. For this method, a jig with a special design is employed. The jig is a base-and-cover combination type and is separable. Using such a jig would enable powdered material sprayed on an object to mostly adhere thereon. There will be a small amount of coating material adhering on the jig in this improved process, however, most of which, in fact, would adhere to the cover of the jig. At the end of the process, the cover of the jig is separated from the base of the jig, and is transported to a coating material recycling process, in which the material adhering to the cover of the jig is recycled, and the base of the jig as well as the object is conveyed to proceed with a baking process.

Abstract: Processes for drying primer coating compositions applied to a surface of a substrate are provided in which the primer coating composition, if a liquid or powder slurry, is exposed to low velocity air having a temperature ranging from about 10° C. to about 50° C. for a period of at least about 30 seconds to volatilize at least a portion of volatile material from the liquid primer coating composition. Next, infrared radiation and low velocity warm air are applied simultaneously to the primer coating composition (liquid, powder slurry or powder) for a period of at least about 1 minute during which the temperature of the substrate is increased at a rate ranging from about 0.2° C. per second to about 2° C. per second to achieve a peak substrate temperature of the substrate ranging from about 30° C. to about 120° C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for kinetic spray coating of substrate surfaces by impingement of air or gas entrained powders of small particles in a range up to at least 106 microns accelerated to supersonic velocity in a spray nozzle. Preferably powders of metals, alloys, polymers and mixtures thereof or with semiconductors or ceramics are entrained in unheated air and passed through an injection tube into a larger flow of heated air for mixing and acceleration through a supersonic nozzle for coating of an article by impingement of the yieldable particles. A preferred apparatus includes a high pressure air supply carrying entrained particles exceeding 50 microns through an injection tube into heated air in a mixing chamber for mixing and acceleration in the nozzle. The mixing chamber is supplied with high pressure heated air through a main air passage having an area ratio relative to the injection tube of at least 80/1.

Abstract: In substrates, such as wood substrates, having sharp edges, corners and other surface discontinuities, in a front appearance surface, non-functional machining, such as formation of grooves, is performed on the rear non-appearance surface adjacent the surface discontinuities. Coating powder is applied, e.g., electrostatically, to the appearance surface of the substrate and the coating powder fused or fused and cured to form a continuous coating on the appearance surface of the substrate. The rear surface machining reduces cracking of the coating at the front surface discontinuities.In some cases, non-functional machining is distributed over the entire non-appearance surface of the work-piece to promote out-gassing of volatiles to the non-appearance surface, thereby eliminating out-gassing-caused defects in the coating formed on the appearance surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluororesin-coating process, which comprises the steps of inserting a base having powder of the fluororesin on its surface in the interior of a cylindrical face transfer member, and heating both base and face transfer member by means of an infrared heater from the outside of the face transfer member, thereby heating them in a state that the fluororesin powder layer is pressed by the face transfer member making good use of a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between the base and the face transfer member to form a fluororesin layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides pressure-sensitive adhesive beads that comprise a tacky pressure-sensitive adhesive core and a non-tacky shell material that surrounds the area wherein the beads are capable of being positioned via magnetic means. The present invention also provides method(s) of preparing adhesive coated substrates using pressure-sensitive adhesive bead(s) that are magnetically responsive, electrostatically responsive, or both by using magnetic forces, electrostatic forces or both.

Abstract: A repair method for repairing a floor, the floor consisting of a cover stratum and a base stratum, the cover stratum having an upper surface and a lower surface, the base stratum having an upper surface, the lower surface of the cover stratum being fixedly attached to the upper surface of the base stratum, the cover stratum having a damaged area, the damaged area consisting of an aperture having an upper and a lower end, the aperture extending from the upper surface of the cover stratum to the lower surface of the cover stratum, the repair method comprising the steps of painting a section of the upper surface of the base stratum, the section painted spanning across the lower end of the aperture; pouring filler into the aperture; and, pouring adhesive into the filler.

Abstract: A fluoro-carbon resinous laminate has a crack-resistant surface on a fluoro-carbon resinous layer thereof produced by coating a single surface or both surfaces of a plastic film with a single layer of a fluoro-carbon resinous dispersion, and a method of producing the laminate. To produce the fluoro-carbon resinous laminate, which is a minimum of 10 .mu.m in thickness, a single surface or both surfaces of a plastic film are coating with a single layer of concentration-adjusted fluoro-carbon resinous dispersion and then dried, followed by curing the resinous dispersion in a thermal treating furnace with heated atmospheric air or by adding organic solvent to the resinous dispersion, the enabling production of a fluoro-carbon resinous laminate having a surface appearance in which cracks cannot visually be identified.

Abstract: Opaquely pigmented or thick filmed powder coatings for heat sensitive substrates, such as wood, wood composites, for example, medium density fiber board, and plastics, that can be fully cured, especially near the substrate, through the incorporation of a dual cure system in the powder comprising a thermal initiator, such as a peroxide, along with a UV initiator. The UV initiator cures the surface, while the thermal initiator cures at the substrate. Surprisingly, virtually no pregelation occurs during the heated melt and flow out step prior to UV curing. Consequently, the hardened film finish formed on the surface exhibits exceptional smoothness which is comparable to that of traditional UV curable powders. The hardened film finish is also fully cured throughout and exhibits exceptional adhesion to the substrate which cannot be achieved with traditional UV curable powders that have been pigmented.

Abstract: A method of providing biocompatible surface texturing on a metal component of an implantable device and the device so produced. The coating is provided by applying particles of metal falling substantially entirely in the range of 1 to 5 microns to a surface of said component to provide a layer of generally uniform thickness and sintering said particles to one another and to said component to provide a generally continuous external surface having surface texturing in the form of projections formed from said sintered particles. The particles are preferably applied to a depth of 1 to 25 microns. In a preferred embodiment particles of titanium are applied to a surface of a titanium component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for transfer printing and decorating metal objects of complex configuration. The process yields decorated objects with high clarity and uniformity of print quality. The process includes the steps of providing an object of complex configuration having a layer of thermosetting coating material formed thereon, aligning and fixing a piece of transfer paper having a transferable image formed thereon over the layer of coating material, placing a section of heat shrinkable plastic film over the transfer paper, and then heating the object so as to cause the film to shrink and facilitate the transfer of the image into the coating material.

Abstract: A method of forming a superalloy part comprises: forming a preform from tape, said tape comprising a base metal layer and a braze alloy layer, said base metal layer comprising fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene and an oxygen-sensitive superalloy base metal powder selected from the group consisting of titanium, aluminum, hafnium, and chromium, and said braze alloy layer comprising fibrilated polytetrafluoroethylene and braze alloy; heating the preform in an hydrogen or vacuum environment. Another method of forming a superalloy part comprises using a tape comprising fibrilated polytetrafluoroethylene, said oxygen-sensitive superalloy base metal powder, and powdered braze alloy.

Abstract: Nanosize powders with particle size smaller than the critical length for specific material properties are used to form the ceramic layers of passive electronic components. Ceramic substrates are coated with electrodes, which are then coated with a ceramic layer from a suspension, preferably a low viscosity suspension, of nanoscale powders. The ceramic layer is dried at low temperatures (preferably below 200 .degree. C.) and it is sintered to high density (preferably above 90%) at moderate temperatures (preferably low and less than 1,000 .degree. C.). Once sintered, an electrode layer is coated on top of the ceramic layer to yield an electrode/ceramic/electrode structure.