Abstract: A coating for a blade root/disk interface includes a layer of soft metal matrix, and a solid lubricant distributed through the soft metal matrix. Examples of materials include CuAl as the soft metal matrix and MoS2 as the solid lubricant, although others are also disclosed.

Abstract: A turbine includes a rotor surrounded by a stator, a first movable stage including a series of rotating vanes, a second movable stage including a second series of rotating vanes, a distributor including a series of stationary vanes, the vanes including platforms jointly delimiting a separation between a main space in which a hot flow circulates through the vanes, and a secondary space surrounding a hub of the rotor. The rotor includes an aperture through which air is blown towards the secondary space, this air being discharged towards the main space. Straightening fins are carried by the distributor in the secondary space for straightening the air flow in order to change its gyration.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming and printing hollow bodies from amorphous materials to form three-dimensional objects are provided. Apparatus provide a hollow body forming and printing machine, and methods for determining a desired amount of impact deformation for the hollow spheres, including calculating specific characteristics of the hollow spheres and the amorphous material, deriving a target viscosity range, adjusting the apparatus to satisfy the target viscosity range, and using the apparatus to form a plurality of hollow spheres with controlled deformation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high-strength Fe—Cr—Al—Ni multiplex stainless steel and a manufacturing method therefor. The multiplex stainless steel comprises 35 to 67 wt % of iron (Fe), 13 to 30 wt % of chrome (Cr), 15 to 30 wt % of nickel (Ni), and 5 to 15 wt % of aluminum (Al) and has a multiplex structure in which an austenite phase accounting for high ductility, a ferrite phase accounting for high strength, and an NiAl(B2) phase providing both strength and high-temperature steam oxidation resistance, exist in combination.

Abstract: A fiber comprises a bulk material comprising: one or more of carbon, silicon, boron, silicon carbide, and boron nitride; and a metal or metal alloy whose affinity for oxygen is greater than that of the bulk material. At least a first portion of the metal or metal alloy is present at the entrance to grain boundaries at the surface of the fiber and within the fiber to a depth of at least 1 micron from the fiber surface. A method of improving a fiber comprises heating a fiber in an inert atmosphere to 900-1300 C for sufficient time to allow at least some of a metal or metal alloy, placed on the fiber, to diffuse and/or flow into and along grain boundaries to a depth of at least 1 micron. The metal or metal alloy has a greater affinity for oxygen than that of the fiber bulk material.

Abstract: An alloy powder contains greater than or equal to 3% by mass and less than or equal to 30% by mass of tungsten, greater than or equal to 2% by mass and less than or equal to 30% by mass of aluminum, greater than or equal to 0.2% by mass and less than or equal to 15% by mass of oxygen, and at least one of cobalt and nickel as the balance. The alloy powder has an average particle diameter of greater than or equal to 0.1 ?m and less than or equal to 10 ?m.

Abstract: A rotary cutter includes a die cut roll having a cutting blade, and an anvil roll positioned so that a roll surface faces the cutting blade. The roll surface of the anvil roll is made of a hard material including at least either cemented carbide or cermet. The Young's modulus of the hard material is between 300 GPa and 400 GPa. The Vickers hardness (Hv) of the hard material is 800 or more.

Abstract: Tantalum powders produced using a tantalum fiber precursor are described. The tantalum fiber precursor is chopped or cut into short lengths having a uniform fiber thickness and favorable aspect ratio. The chopped fibers are formed into a primary powder having a controlled size and shape, narrow/tight particle size distribution, and low impurity level. The primary powder is then agglomerated into an agglomerated powder displaying suitable flowability and pressability such that pellets with good structural integrity and unifrom pellet porosity are manufacturable. The pellet is sintered and anodized to a desired formation voltage. The thusly created capacitor anode has a dual morphology or dual porosity provided by a primary porosity of the individual tantalum fibers making up the primary powder and a larger secondary porosity formed between the primary powders agglomerated into the agglomerated powder.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed comprising a plurality of conductive particles wherein each conductive particle comprises a plurality of surface-modified nanoparticles that are covalently bonded to the surface of the conductive particle. Compositions are also disclosed wherein the plurality of conductive particles comprising a plurality of surface-modified nanoparticles covalently bonded thereto, are provided in an organic vehicle.

Abstract: Fibers for diamond-impregnated cutting tools and their associated methods for manufacture and use are described. A matrix is formed that contains fibers made from carbon, glass, ceramic, polymer, and the like. The matrix is then sintered to form a cutting portion of a drill bit. The type and concentration of the fibers can be modified to control the tensile strength and the erosion rate of the matrix to optimize the cutting performance of the tools. Additionally, the fibers may be added to the cutting section to weaken the structure and allow higher modulus binders to be used for the cutting tools at a lower cost, allowing the amount of fibers to be tailored to retain the diamonds in the cutting portion for the desired amount. As the cutting portion erodes, the fibers may also increase the lubricity at the face of the cutting portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite material of formula: (C—N—B-MR)x(Al-MR)y(R)z in which C—N—B-MR is one or more carbides, nitrides or borides of one or more refractory metals of group IV, V or VI of the Periodic Table and/or one or more aluminium carbides, nitrides or borides chosen from Al4C3, AlN, AlB2 and Al1-67B22; Al-MR is one or more aluminides of one or more of the above refractory metals, it being understood that: if MR=Nb, Ta, Hf, Zr, Ti or V, then Al-MR=Al3MR; if MR=W or Cr, then Al-MR=Al4MR; if MR=Mo, then Al-MR=Al8Mo3 or Al17Mo4 (?Al4Mo), and R is a residual component other than carbon, comprising one or more phases chosen from Al4C3, AlN, AlB2, Al1-67B22 and MRtAlu(C—N—B)v in which t, u and v are numbers greater than or equal to zero, and x, y and z are the volume fractions of the respective components with x>y; x+y>0.5; x+y+z+1 and 0.01<y<0.5.

Abstract: A composite article (1; 10; 40) comprises a plurality of inclusions (5) of a magnetocalorically active material embedded in a matrix (4) of a magnetocalorically passive material. The inclusions (5) and the matrix (4) have a microstructure characteristic of a compacted powder.

Abstract: A composite article (1; 10; 40) comprises a plurality of inclusions (5) of a magnetocalorically active material embedded in a matrix (4) of a magnetocalorically passive material. The inclusions (5) and the matrix (4) have a microstructure characteristic of a compacted powder.

Abstract: The heat conductivity of an aluminum composite material containing a fibrous carbon material is enhanced. In order to realize this, a spark plasma sintered body having a fibrous carbon material compounded in a metal matrix powder of aluminum or the like is fabricated. At the time of fabrication, an aluminum powder serving as a matrix mother material is compounded with an Al alloy powder such as an Al-12Si powder having a melting point lower than the sintering temperature of the mother material. During the process of sintering the aluminum powder, the Al alloy powder is melted, whereby the heat conductivity between the aluminum powder particles and between the aluminum powder particle and the fibrous carbon material is improved.

Abstract: A drill bit (20) for connection to a casing string (R), wherein the bit (20) comprises an annular bit face (21) which is built-up by a matrix and which comprises a sintered diamond-metal powder mixture, wherein the bit face (21) includes a plurality of radially orientated liquid delivery slots (16, 23, 26) for cooling and cleansing the bit face (21), wherein at least one of the liquid delivery slots is comprised of an inner slot (23) which extends radially outwards from the inside (24) of the bit face (21), wherein the slot (23) is terminated with an inner bottom (24) in the bit face (21), wherein a further liquid delivery slot comprises an outer slot (26) that extends radially inwards from the outside (27) of the bit face, and wherein said outer slot is terminated with an outer bottom (28) in the bit face (21).

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing alloy flakes for rare earth sintered magnets, which makes uniform the intervals, size, orientation, and shape of the R-rich region and the dendrites of the 2-14-1 phase, which inhibits formation of chill, and which produces flakes that are pulverized into powder of a uniform particle size in the pulverization step in the production of a rare earth sintered magnet, and that are pulverized into powder compactable into a product with a controlled shrink ratio, and alloy flakes for a rare earth sintered magnet obtained by the method, and a rare earth sintered magnet having excellent magnetic properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to composite metal foams comprising hollow metallic spheres and a solid metal matrix. The composite metal foams show high strength, particularly in comparison to previous metal foams, while maintaining a favorable strength to density ratio. The composite metal foams can be prepared by various techniques, such as powder metallurgy and casting.

Abstract: Fibers for diamond-impregnated cutting tools and their associated methods for manufacture and use are described. The cutting tools contain a diamond-impregnated cutting portion that contains fibers made from carbon, glass, ceramic, polymer, and the like. The fibers can be in any form, including chopped and milled fibers. The fibers may also be coated with metal, ceramic, or other performance-enhancing coatings. The fibers may be used to both control the tensile strength control the erosion rate of the matrix to optimize the cutting performance of the tools. Additionally, the fibers may also weaken the structure and allow higher modulus binders to be used for the cutting tools at a lower cost, allowing the amount of fibers to be tailored to retain the diamonds in the cutting portion for the desired amount. And as the cutting portion erodes, the fibers may also increase the lubricity at the face of the cutting portion.

Abstract: A self-cleaning porous cermet material, filter and system utilizing the same may be used in filtering particulate and gaseous pollutants from internal combustion engines having intermetallic and ceramic phases. The porous cermet filter may be made from a transition metal aluminide phase and an alumina phase. Filler materials may be added to increase the porosity or tailor the catalytic properties of the cermet material. Additionally, the cermet material may be reinforced with fibers or screens. The porous filter may also be electrically conductive so that a current may be passed therethrough to heat the filter during use. Further, a heating element may be incorporated into the porous cermet filter during manufacture. This heating element can be coated with a ceramic material to electrically insulate the heating element. An external heating element may also be provided to heat the cermet filter during use.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a rare earth anisotropic hard magnetic material, which has, on atomic percent basis, a composition of (Sm1-?R?)xFe100-x-y-zMyIz, wherein, R is Pr alone or a combination of Pr with at least one rare earth element selected from the group consisting of La, Ce, Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu and Y; M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Si, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Nb, Mo, Al, and Zr; I is N alone or a combination of N and C; 0.01???0.30; 7?x?12, 0.01?y?8.0, 6?z?14.4, and which anisotropic rare earth hard magnetic material is crystallized in a Th2Zn17-type structure, of which crystalline grains are in a flake shape with a gain size ranging from 1 to 5 ?m, and c-axis of the crystalline grains, an easy magnetization direction, being oriented along the minor axis of the flake crystalline grains.

Abstract: An aluminum flake pigment containing aluminum flakes as basic particles, said aluminum flakes having an average particle diameter in the range of 3 to 20 ?m and an average value of minimum diameter/maximum diameter of at least 0.6.

Abstract: A product in which at least a portion of the product has a nanocrystalline microstructure, and a method of forming the product. The method generally entails machining a body in a manner that produces chips consisting entirely of nano-crystals as a result of the machining operation imposing a sufficiently large strain deformation. The body can be formed of a variety of materials, including metal, metal alloy and ceramic materials. Furthermore, the body may have a microstructure that is essentially free of nano-crystals, and may even have a single-crystal microstructure. The chips produced by the machining operation may be in the form of particulates, ribbons, wires, filaments and/or platelets. The chips are then used to form the product. According to one aspect of the invention, the chips are consolidated to form the product, such that the product is a monolithic material that may contain nano-crystals.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage material includes a nano size material that can be formed in a multi-layered core/shell structure and/or in a nanotabular (or platelet) form.

Abstract: A system for fabricating a free form structure of a composite material including carbon nanotubes. The system includes a discharge assembly and a composite formation device operatively linked with the discharge assembly. The discharge assembly dispenses a fusing agent such as for example a high energy density emission, a laser emission or a particle beam emission. The composite formation device includes a composite generator and an arranger in operative engagement with a composite generator. The composite generator engages with the fusing agent so as to create a composite nodal element. The composite nodal element includes a matrix and a multiplicity of fibers formed of carbon nanotubes dispersed throughout the matrix. The arranger positions one node relative to another to define the free form structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sintered highly porous body comprising at least one layer that is made of a material, which can be sintered and which contains fibers. The aim of the invention is to provide a body of the aforementioned type with improved burn-off properties and values for the flame adherence. To this end, the fibers used are curved on one and/or both sides and they have a principal axis that is shorter than approximately 1 mm and a secondary axis that is shorter than approximately 200 ?m, whereby the principal axis is longer than the secondary axis. The invention also relates to a method for producing the sintered porous bodies and to the use thereof.

Abstract: An Nb solid electrolytic capacitor is disclosed which comprises: an anode body made from an Nb-based material, the anode body having a nitrogen content of about 7,500 ppm to about 47,000 ppm; a dielectric layer formed over the surface of the anode body; a solid electrolyte layer formed on the dielectric layer; and a cathode body formed on the surface of the solid electrolyte layer. The Nb solid electrolytic capacitor shows small bias dependence. A method for preparing the same is also disclosed which comprises steps of: forming an anode body from an Nb-based material, the anode body having a nitrogen content of about 7,500 ppm to about 47,000 ppm; forming a dielectric layer over the surface of the anode body; forming a solid electrolyte layer on the dielectric layer; and forming a cathode body on the electrolyte layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides water atomized copper powder comprising substantially irregular shaped copper particles having at least a median D50 particle size of from about 10 ?m to about 50 ?m. The powders of the present invention are suitable for use in electrically conductive compositions, such as copper-based adhesives. The present invention also provides methods of making these copper powders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sintered highly porous body comprising at least one layer that is made of a material, which can be sintered and which contains fibers. The aim of the invention is to provide a body of the aforementioned type with improved burn-off properties and values for the flame adherence. To this end, the fibers used are curved on one and/or both sides and they have a principal axis that is shorter than approximately 1 mm and a secondary axis that is shorter than approximately 200 &mgr;m, whereby the principal axis is longer than the secondary axis. The invention also relates to a method for producing the sintered porous bodies and to the use thereof.

Abstract: A niobium powder is described which when formed into an electrolytic capacitor anode, the anode has the capacitance of at least 62,000 CV/g. Methods of making flaked niobium powder which have high capacitance capability when formed into electrolytic capacitor anodes is also described. Besides niobium, the present invention is also applicable to other metals, including valve metals.

Abstract: Pressed material such as anodes are described and formed from oxygen reduced oxide powders using additives, such as binders and/or lubricants. Methods to form the pressed material are also described, such as with the use of atomizing, spray drying, fluid bed processing, microencapsulation, and/or coacervation.

Abstract: The radiation shielding composition and method of the present invention relate to a conformal coating material composed of a matrix of densely packed radiation shielding particles, which are disbursed within a binder. The shielding composition is applied to objects to be protected such as integrated circuits, or to packages therefor, as well as for protecting animals including humans from unwanted exposure to radiation in outer space or other environments.

Abstract: Methods to at least partially reduce a niobium oxide are described wherein the process includes heat treating the niobium oxide in the presence of a getter material and in an atmosphere which permits the transfer of oxygen atoms from the niobium oxide to the getter material, and for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to form an oxygen reduced niobium oxide. Niobium oxides and/or suboxides are also described as well as capacitors containing anodes made from the niobium oxides and suboxides. Anodes formed from niobium oxide powders using binders and/or lubricants are described as well as methods to form the anodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite material having comparatively high thermal conductivity and a small coefficient of thermal expansion, which is low cost and preferable as a heatsink material. A graphite powder and an alloy powder, whose main constituent is Ag and Cu, and including Ti, etc., which is selected from the elements belonging to 4A, 5A and 6A groups, are blended together, and are heated at a higher temperature than the melting point of the alloy in a vacuum state or in a gas atmosphere of He, Ar or hydrogen. A coating layer of metal carbide such as TiC is formed on the surface of the graphite grains, and at the same time, they are transformed into a sintered body. The composite material thus obtained is such that the relative density thereof is 70% or more, thermal conductivity thereof is 220 W/m·K or more at room temperature, and the mean coefficient of thermal expansion from the room temperature to 200° C. is 5 through 15×10−6/°C.

Abstract: A titanium-based composite material according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a matrix containing a titanium (Ti) alloy as a major component, and titanium compound particles and/or rare-earth element compound particles dispersed in the matrix, wherein the matrix contains 3.0-7.0% by weight of aluminum (Al), 2.0-6.0% by weight of tin (Sn), 2.0-6.0% by weight of zirconium (Zr), 0.1-0.4% by weight of silicon (Si) and 0.1-0.5% by weight of oxygen (O), the titanium compound particles occupy 1-10% by volume, and the rare-earth element compound particles occupy 3% by volume or less. With this arrangement, it is possible to obtain a titanium material, which is good in terms of the heat resistance, hot working property, specific strength, and so on.

Abstract: A dielectric film formed on a porous valve metal body is contacted with an oxidizing agent and dried. Then, by contacting the dielectric film with a monomer solution for forming an electrolyte layer of electroconductive polymer, a electrolyte layer of a solid electrolytic capacitor is formed by an oxidative polymerization reaction. An oxidative polymerization retarding agent, which delays the oxidative polymerization reaction, is added to at least one of the solutions, an oxidant solution and a monomer solution. The oxidative polymerization retarding agent delays the oxidative polymerization reaction when it contacts with the oxidant and monomer. As a result, the permeation of the monomer for forming an electroconductive polymer layer into small pores increases, and the covering rate of the electroconductive polymer in small pores increases, which improves the capacitance appearance factor and the equivalent series resistance in high frequency region.

Abstract: A flaked niobium powder is disclosed as well as electrolytic capacitors formed from the flaked niobium powders. Niobium powders having a BET surface area of at least about 0.50 m2/g are also disclosed and capacitors made therefrom, as well as niobium powders doped with an oxygen content of at least 2,000 ppm. Methods to reduce DC leakage in a niobium anode are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for fabricating a free form structure of a composite material including carbon nanotubes. The system includes a discharge assembly and a composite formation device operatively linked with the discharge assembly. The discharge assembly dispenses a fusing agent such as for example a high energy density emission, a laser emission or a particle beam emission. The composite formation device includes a composite generator and an arranger in operative engagement with a composite generator. The composite generator engages with the fusing agent so as to create a composite nodal element. The composite nodal element includes a matrix and a multiplicity of fibers formed of carbon nanotubes dispersed throughout the matrix. The arranger positions one node relative to another to define the free form structure.

Abstract: A niobium powder is described which when formed into an electrolytic capacitor anode, the anode has the capacitance of at least 62,000 CV/g. Methods of making flaked niobium powder which have high capacitance capability when formed into electrolytic capacitor anodes is also described. Besides niobium, the present invention is also applicable to other metals, including valve metals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to capacitor anodes containing a niobium oxide having an atomic ratio of niobium to oxygen of 1:less than 2.5 and being formed at a formation voltage of about 6 volts or higher. The present invention further relates to a niobium oxide having an atomic ratio of niobium to oxygen of 1:less than 2.5, and having a nitrogen content of from about 31,000 ppm N2 to about 130,000 ppm N2. Capacitors containing the various types of niobium oxide are further described.

Abstract: A composite material includes a metallic second phase dispersed in a metallic matrix material. The metallic second phase has a grain structure that is at least partially martensitic. The second phase material is preferably an alloy of nickel and titanium, each present in the range from 48 to 52 atomic %, optionally in combination with further additives. The second phase particles can be present in the form of granular particles, wires, fibers, whiskers, or layers, making up 5 to 60 vol. % of the overall composite material. The matrix material is preferably an aluminum alloy. The composite material has a high damping capacity and a high tensile strength provided by the matrix, and a high damping capacity provided by the second phase. A method of making the composite material involves mixing a powdery matrix material and a powdery second phase material, and then heat and consolidating the mixture at a temperature of 400 to 700 ° C. and a pressure of 100 to 300 MPa.

Abstract: A flaked niobium powder is disclosed as well as electrolytic capacitors formed from the flaked niobium powders. Niobium powders having a BET surface area of at least about 0.50 m.sup.2 /g are also disclosed and capacitors made therefrom, as well as niobium powders doped with an oxygen content of at least 2,000 ppm. Methods to reduce DC leakage in a niobium anode are also disclosed.

Abstract: A friction material comprising a sintered mass of iron in which graphite particles are dispersed, which sintered mass is formed from between 13 and 22 vol. % of iron fibers, between 13 and 22 vol. % of iron particles having a particle size of 10-400 .mu.m, between 40 and 70 vol. % of graphite particles having a particle size of 25-3000 .mu.m, and between 10 and 15 vol. % of a metallic binder having a melting point of 800-1140.degree. C., and a method of preparing such a friction material, wherein a mixture of these components is compressed at a pressure of at least 100 MPa so as to form a compact having a desired form and size, and where the compact thus formed is sintered at a temperature between 800 and 1140.degree. C. for a period of time which is sufficiently long for achieving concretion of iron fibers, iron particles and metallic binder.

Abstract: The hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode for alkaline storage batteries according to the invention comprises a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder prepared by grinding a strip of hydrogen absorbing alloy produced by solidifying a molten alloy by a roll method and satisfying the following relations:r/t.ltoreq.0.5 (1)60.ltoreq.t.ltoreq.180 (2)30.ltoreq.r.ltoreq.90 (3)wherein r represents the mean particle size (.mu.m) of the hydrogen absorbing alloy powder and t represents the mean thickness (.mu.m) of the strip absorbing alloy. The hydrogen absorbing alloy electrode of this invention features an improved high-rate discharge characteristic at low temperature.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of producing an aluminum composite material in which the content of silicon carbide can be made higher as compared with conventional methods, and the production cost is low, and the method can be carried out easily. An aluminum composite material of low-thermal expansion and high-thermal conductivity is produced by this method. A mixture of powder of aluminum metal or an alloy thereof and silicon carbide powder is pressurized and compacted to form a green compact. Subsequently, this green compact is charged into a mold, and is heated and compacted into a predetermined shape at a temperature not less than a melting point of the aluminum metal or the alloy thereof.

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: The present invention is related to a family of materials that may act as a replacement for lead in applications where the high density of lead is important, but where the toxicity of lead is undesirable. The present invention more particularly provides a high density material comprising tungsten, fiber and binder. Methods and compositions of such materials and applications thereof are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A sintered friction material especially suitable for use in a braking system has a matrix of a copper-system metal such as copper, tin, nickel and aluminum, and contains a specific additive, graphite and potassium titanate as friction conditioners. The specific additive consists of at least one material selected from a group consisting of zirconium oxide, silica, dolomite, orthoclase and magnesium oxide. The specific additive, the graphite and the potassium titanate are preferably blended in volume ratios of 1 to 15%, 10 to 50% and 5 to 30% respectively. The form of the potassium titanate is at least one of whiskery, platy and spherical forms and preferably plate-like or spherical. The sintered friction material has good abrasion resistance, low abrasion of the counterpart, a high friction coefficient, excellent material strength, good chattering resistance, and good squealing resistance.

Abstract: A treatment process for a composite comprising a matrix of a precipitation hardenable aluminum alloy and a particulate or short fiber ceramic reinforcement. The process includes hot and/or cold working the composite, subjecting the composite to a controlled heating step in which the composite is raised from ambient temperature to a temperature of from 250 to 450.degree. C. at a rate of temperature increase less than 1000.degree. C. per hour, and subjecting the resulting heat treated composite to a solution treating step.

Abstract: A piezoelectric material includes a PZT ceramic, and a noble metal component. The noble metal component is added to the PZT ceramic in an amount of 0.35 parts by volume or more with respect to 100 parts by volume of the PZT ceramic, and is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt and Au, or is an alloy of silver (Ag) and the noble metal element. A piezoelectric element includes a pair of external electrodes, at least a pair of piezoelectric layers, and a conductive layer. The piezoelectric layers are formed of the PZT ceramic, and are disposed between the external electrodes. The conductive layer is formed of the noble metal component, and is insulated from the external electrodes. The piezoelectric layers and the conductive layer are formed lamellarly, and are laminated alternately in a direction connecting the external electrodes.

Abstract: Tantalum powders produced using a tantalum fiber precursor are described. The tantalum fiber precursor is chopped or cut into short lengths having a uniform fiber thickness and favorable aspect ratio. The chopped fibers are formed into a primary powder having a controlled size and shape, narrow/tight particle size distribution, and low impurity level. The primary powder is then agglomerated into an agglomerated powder displaying suitable flowability and pressability such that pellets with good structural integrity and unifrom pellet porosity are manufacturable. The pellet is sintered and anodized to a desired formation voltage. The thusly created capacitor anode has a dual morphology or dual porosity provided by a primary porosity of the individual tantalum fibers making up the primary powder and a larger secondary porosity formed between the primary powders agglomerated into the agglomerated powder.