Abstract: To produce CuCr contact materials, it is known to use purely powder-metallurgical, sinter impregnation and smelt-metallurgical processes. Only materials produced by smelt-metallurgical processes are suitable as contact materials for vacuum contactors based on copper-chromium. According to the invention, a contact material for vacuum contactors consisting essentially of copper (Cu) and chromium (Cr) in the proportion of 50 to 70% wt. Cu and 30 to 50% wt. Cr is manufactured by pressing and sintering a powdered mixture of the components until a closed porosity is attained and by subsequently cold working the sintered body. It has been possible to demonstrate that an intimate and faultless bonding of the components Cu and Cr is obtained by cold welding the structural constituents with this process as with smelting.

Abstract: Ceramic bodies are bonded together via a layer of an oxidation reaction product of a molten metal, which metal is present in one or both of the ceramic bodies prior to bonding. At least one of the ceramic bodies comprises a ceramic product formed by the oxidation reaction of molten parent metal (e.g., alumina from molten aluminum) and grown as molten metal is transported through, and oxidized on the surface of, its own oxidation product. One or both of the ceramic bodies used in the bonding process contains surface-accessible channels of residual metal, i.e., metal channels which have resulted from molten-metal transport during the ceramic growth process. When the suitably assembled ceramic bodies are heated in the presence of an oxidant at a temperature above the melting point of the residual metal, molten metal at the surface of at least one of the ceramic bodies reacts with the oxidant to form a layer of oxidation reaction product, which may or may not incorporate at least one filler material.

Abstract: A magnetic material is provided which includes a discrete phase including grains made of a first substance which comprises a magnetic metal; and a continuous phase including a thin coating film made of a second substance which comprises a dielectric or insulating substance. The thin coating film is formed on the surface of the grains and has a mean thickness smaller than the mean particle size of the grains. The grains are separated substantially from each other by the thin coating film.

Abstract: A rare earth-iron magnet consisting of, by atomic percent, 10 to 16% Nd, 5 to 10% B, 0.1 to 1% V, 0.1 to 1% oxygen and the balance being Fe.

Abstract: A dispersion-strengthened (DS) alloy, more particularly oxide-dispersion-strengthened (ODS) iron-based alloys which manifest resistant to oxidation at temperatures as high as 1300.degree. C. (approx. 2400.degree. F.) whereby the alloys are useful in the production of advanced aircraft gas turbine engine components and in demanding industrial applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel materials based on silver and tin oxide for the production of electrical contacts as well as the electrical contacts thus produced. According to the invention, these materials contain at least 6% by weight of tin oxide and from 0.02 to 5% by weight of tellurium oxide; the total content by weight of metal oxides, with the exclusion of tellurium oxide, does not exceed 15%, the balance being made up by silver. Application: manufacture of electrical equipment.

Abstract: An improved ceramic-plus-metal superconducting composition of YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.6+x plus substantially pure aluminum for ultimate use in making superconducting devices such as wires and tapes for utilization in motors, generators, electric circuits, etc.

Abstract: A method of preparing a superconducting oxide by combining the metallic elements of the oxide to form an alloy, followed by oxidation of the alloy to form the oxide. Superconducting oxide-metal composites are prepared in which a noble metal phase intimately mixed with the oxide phase results in improved mechanical properties. The superconducting oxides and oxide-metal composites are provided in a variety of useful forms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite hard metal body of hard material, a binder and embedded reinforcing material, as well as to a process for the production of the composite hard metal body by methods of powder metallurgy.In order to create a composite hard metal body with improved toughness under load, improved hardness and a lower fracture susceptibility, the invention proposes to build in monocrystalline, preferably needle-shaped and/or platelet-shaped reinforcing materials, coated with an inert layer with respect to the binder metal phase and consisting of borides and/or carbides, and/or nitrides and/or carbonitrides of the elements of Groups IVa or Va or mixtures thereof and/or coated monocrystalline reinforcing material of SiC, Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, Si.sub.2 N.sub.2 O, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, ZrO.sub.2, AlN and/or BN.

Abstract: A silver-metal oxide composite material comprising a silver matrix, (a) from 1 to 20% by weight, in terms of elemental metal, of an oxide of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sn, Cd, Zn and In and, optionally, (b) an oxide of Mg, Zr, etc. and/or (c) an oxide of Cd, Sb, etc.; the oxides being dispersed in the form of fine particles with a particle size of not more than about 0.1 .mu.m uniformly and being bound to the silver matrix with no space left, and a process for producing the same. The composite material is excellent in physical and chemical strengths at high temperatures. The process can produce the composite product even with thick walls, within a markedly short time in high productivity. The composite material is useful as electrical contact materials and electrode materials for electric welding.

Abstract: A cermet alloy having a structure including a hard phase and a bonding phase which is composed of at least one ferrous metal, said bonding phase containing fine hard grains of a mean grain size not greater than 2000 .ANG. dispersed therein. The structure has a composition consisting of 10 to 70 wt % of TiCN, 5 to 30 wt % of WC, 5 to 30 wt % of NbC, 1 to 10 wt % of Mo.sub.2 C, 0.5 to 5 wt% of VC, 0.05 to 3 wt % of ZrC, 5 to 25 wt % of (Ni, Co), and not smaller than 2.5 wt% of total nitrogen and incidental impurities.

Abstract: Substantially dense, void-free ceramic-metal composites are prepared from components characterized by chemical incompatibility and non-wetting behavior. The composites have a final chemistry similar to the starting chemistry and microstructures characterized by ceamic grains similar in size to the starting powder and the presence of metal phase. A method for producing the composites requires forming a homogeneous mixture of ceramic-metal, heating the mixture to a temperature that approximates but is below the temperature at which the metal begins to flow and pressing the mixture at such pressure that compaction and densification of the mixture occurs and an induced temperature spike occurs that exceeds the flowing temperature of the metal such that the mixture is further compacted and densified. The temperature spike and duration thereof remains below that at which significant reaction between metal and ceramic occurs. The method requires pressures of 60-250 kpsi employed at a rate of 5-250 kpsi/second.

Abstract: A magnetically anisotropic hot-worked magnet made of an R-T-B alloy containing a transition metal T as a main component, a rare earth element R including yttrium, and boron B; the magnet having the fine crystal grains having an average grain size of 0.02 -1.0 .mu.m, and having a carbon content of 0.8 weight % or less and an oxygen content of 0.5 weight % or less. The angular variance of orientation of the crystal grains is within 30.degree. from the C axes of the crystal grains when measured by X-ray. This magnet can be produced by mixing the magnet flakes with an additive composed of at least one organic compound having a boiling point of 50.degree. C. or higher.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Cu-based sintered alloy which has a composition containing: Zn: 10-40%; Al: 0.3%-6% oxygen: 0.03-1%; any one selected, as an additional element from the group including at least one of Fe, Ni and Co: 0.1-5%, Mn: 0.1-5%, Si: 0.1-3%, and at least one of W and Mo: 0.1-3%; and the remainder including Cu and inevitable impurities. The alloy is superior in wear resistance particularly in air at temperatures ranging from the ordinary temperature to 400.degree. C., has high strength and high toughness, and further excels in the uniform temporal change characteristics with associated members, as evaluated by its friction coefficient. The invention relates also to parts for automotive equipment made of this Cu-base sintered alloy, such as synchronizer rings for transmission, valveguides for engines, bearings for turbo-chargers and so forth.

Abstract: A cutting insert of a sintered carbonitride alloy and with a complicated geometry, the insert having improved efficiency. This is obtained by giving the powder non-uniform compaction during pressing of the powder into a press-body so that the ultimate working edges will have a higher relative density than the surrounding, more "supporting" material in the press-body. By these means are often obtained surface defects in the form of cracks because of dissolved strains during the sintering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabricating various types of bearing materials and the bearing materials produced thereby. The processes of the invention may be used to produce porous self-lubricating bearings, laminated composite bearings (babbitt bearings) and bearings for high temperature application. The processes of the invention involve the use of micro-pyretic synthesis to achieve bearing materials with improved bearing properties, including higher bearing capacity and toughness.

Abstract: A metal oxide-type superconductive material is produced by a process which comprises a first step of subjecting a powder raw material containing given proportions of metal elements to be contained in said metal oxide-type superconductive material, to mechanical grinding and alloying simultaneously to obtain an alloy powder and a second step of heat-treating the alloy powder in an oxygen-containing gas atmosphere to obtain a metal oxide.The superconductive material obtained has a high density, a low porosity, a high strength and a high critical current density.

Abstract: A copper alloy composite material which comprises a copper alloy matrix and at least one additive selected from solid materials having self-lubricity and wear-resistant materials and uniformly dispersed in the alloy matrix is described. The composite material has improved wear resistance and anti-seizing properties.

Abstract: A silver coated superconducting ceramic powder made by(1) coating the superconducting ceramic powder particles with AgNO.sub.3 ;(2) melting the AgNO.sub.3 so that it wets and forms a uniform coating over the surfaces of the particles; and(3) decomposing the AgNO.sub.3 to form a thin, uniform coating of silver metal on the surfaces of the particles.The product is a loose powder of superconducting ceramic particels which are uniformly coated with a thin layer of silver metal. The powder can be cold worked (e.g., swaged, forged, etc.) to form superconducting structures such as rods or wires.

Abstract: A target used for forming a thin film of a quinary superconductive oxide contains metal copper ranging between about 8% and about 40% by volume dispersed into a quaternary or a quinary complex oxide, and the metal copper improves the thermal conductivity and the electrical conductivity of the target, so that cracks are less liable to take place in the target and the target is applicable to a d.c. sputtering system, thereby decreasing the production cost of the thin film.

Abstract: A dense cermet article including about 80-90% by volume of a granular hard phase and about 5-20% by volume of a metal phase. The hard phase is a carbide, nitride, carbonitride, oxycarbide, oxynitride, or carboxynitride of a cubic solid solution selected from W-Ti, W-Hf, W-Nb, W-Ta, Zr-Ti, Hf-Ti, Hf-Zr, V-Ti, Nb-Ti, Ta-Ti, or Mo-Ti. The metal phase consists essentially of a combination of nickel and aluminum having a ratio of nickel to aluminum of from about 90:10 to about 70:30 by weight, and 0-5% by weight of an additive selected from titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, cobalt, boron, and/or carbon. The preferred hard phase is a cubic solid solution of tungsten and titanium. In the preferred metal phase, an amount of about 15-80% by volume of the metal phase component exhibits a Ni.sub.3 Al ordered crystal structure. The article may be produced by presintering the hard phase - metal phase component mixture in a vacuum or inert atmosphere at about 1475.

Abstract: A target according to the present invention contains metallic copper ranging from about 8% to about 40% by volume and an oxide containing a rare earth metal such as yttrium and an alkaline earth metal, and has a metallic structure where the oxide is substantially uniformly dispersed into the metallic copper, so that a large thermal conductivity, great mechanical strength and a low electric resistivity are achieved.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a dense cermet article including about 80-95% by volume of a granular hard phase and about 5-20% by volume of a metal binder phase. The hard phase is (a) the hard refractory carbides, nitrides, carbonitrides, oxycarbides, oxynitrides, carboxynitrides, borides, and mixtures thereof of the elements selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, and B, or (b) the hard refractory carbides, nitrides, carbonitrides, oxycarbides, oxynitrides, and carboxynitrides, and mixtures thereof of a cubic solid solution of Zr--Ti, Hf--Ti, Hf--Zr, V--Ti, Nb--Ti, Ta--Ti, Mo--Ti, W--Ti, W--Hf, W--Nb, or W--Ta. The binder phase is a combination of Ni and Al having a Ni:Al weight ratio of from about 85:15 to about 88:12, and 0-5% by weight of Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Co, B, and/or C. The method involves presintering the hard phase/binder phase mixture in a vacuum or inert atmosphere at about 1475.degree.-1675.degree. C., then HIPing at about 1575.degree.-1675.degree. C.

Abstract: An improved method of forming a nickel plaque wherein an assemblage of particles of a nickel alloy are oxidized and sintered in a preselected atmosphere such that the alloying material is exclusively substantially internally oxidized and the resultant product sintered to provide a sintered porous plaque containing nickel metal and oxidized alloying material.

Abstract: A Ca carbonate powder, a Sr carbonate powder, and a Cu oxide powder are mixed in predetermined proportions, and sintered at a first predetermined temperature into a Ca-Sr-Cu--O oxide sintered body. A Bi oxide powder and a Pb oxide powder are mixed in predetermined proportions, and are sintered at a second predetermined temperature into a Bi--Pb--O oxide sintered body. The obtained Ca--Sr--Cu--O oxide sintered body and Bi--Pb--O oxide sintered body are crushed, and the resulting Ca--Sr--Cu--O oxide powder and Bi--Pb--O oxide powder are mixed in predetermined proportions. The resulting mixed powder is sintered at a third predetermined temperature into a Bi--Pb--Sr--Ca--Cu--O superconductive oxide sintered body, which is crushed into a powder of a Bi-based superconductive oxide containing Pb. A sintered body of the Bi-based superconductive oxide containing Pb is formed from the Bi-based superconductive oxide powder.

Abstract: A novel, nickel-base, high temperature alloy body preferably containing about 20% chromium, 6 to 7% aluminum to provide phase, 1.5 to 2.5% molybdenum, 3 to 4.5% tungsten, additional strengthening elements and oxidic yttrium in finely dispersed form. The alloy body has an elongated crystal structure and is characterized by high strength along with excellent hot corrosion and oxidation resistance.

Abstract: A dispersion strengthened copper alloy containing a copper matrix, and dispersion particles dispersed in the copper matrix within a range of 0.5 to 6 vol %. In this alloy, an average diameter of a matrix region where the dispersion particles are not present is 0.3 .mu.m or less, and the total amount of solid solution elements contained in the copper matrix is determined such that, when this amount of the solid solution elements is added to pure copper, the electric conductivity of the matrix is lowered by 5% IACS or less.

Abstract: There is provided a substantially fully dense powdered metal composite comprising a highly conductive metal or metal alloy matrix having dispersed therein discrete microparticles of a refractory metal oxide and discrete macroparticles of a mechanical or physical property-conferring additive material. The respective components undergo minimal alloying or interdispersion because sintering is not utilized in forming the composite. These composites are characterized by high thermal or electrical conductivity and a desired property (controlled thermal expansion, high strength, wear and arc erosion resistance, or magnetic) attributable to the composite forming material, like refractory metal, alloy, or compound. The composites are useful in forming lead frames for integrated circuit chips, electric lamp lead wires, electrical contact members, and discrete component leads.

Abstract: An electrically resistive track suitable for use as a heating element consists of a thick film including a base metal constituent and a glass constituent. The thick film has in the temperature range of from 20.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) less than 0.0050 per degree C. Suitable metal constituents include tungsten, molybdenum, a mixture of nickel and tungsten and a mixture of nickel and chromium.

Abstract: A superconductor is produced by electric discharge explosion flame spraying of a composite body of constituents of an immiscible alloy. The electrically discharged composite body is deposited on a substrate and the resultant alloy is oxidized to yield an oxide of the alloy having superconductive property. This process can be applied to the Ln-Ba-Cu system (Ln is at least one of the rare earth elements including Y), typically the Y.sub.1 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 - or Y.sub.2 Ba.sub.4 Cu.sub.8 system, or other immiscible alloy systems such as the Bi-(Ca, Sr)-Cu system to form an oxide thereof.

Abstract: Conductor in strip, sheet or wire form with an electrical conductivity of at least 0.85.times.10.sup.6 .OMEGA..sup.-1 cm.sup.-1 at 77.degree. K. composed of a composite material of a metal matrix (1) and particles (2) composed of a high-temperature superconductor of the type RE Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.6.5-7.5 embedded therein and arranged rectilinearly in the longitudinal direction, RE generally denoting a rare earth metal. Preferably RE=yttrium and specifically the substance YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7 and the particle diameter=0.1-100 .mu.m, more narrowly 0.2-20 .mu.m. Optionally an additional metal sheath which envelops the body forming the matrix (1).

Abstract: Sinter materials having the constitution AgSnO.sub.2 Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 CuO produced from an intraoxidized alloy powder have added thereto bismuth zirconate and/or bismuth titanate in parts by weight of preferably between 0.1 and 5%. For the production of these materials, bismuth zirconate and/or bismuth titanate is added as a separate powder to the intraoxidized alloy powder of AgSnO.sub.2 Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 CuO. With such a contact material, the excess temperature behavior in motor contactors is significantly improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing an alloy for use as a cutting tool material comprising hard principles and binder phase by which a uniform distribution of the hard principles in the binder phase is obtained, and the resulting product.

Abstract: A composite comprises of a sintered matrix of spinel ferrite and an electrically conductive phase of elemental silver is produced by co-firing a laminated structure of ferrite powder-containing tapes containing a silver metallization-forming material having two end portions wherein only the end portions are exposed.

Abstract: Substantially dense, void-free ceramic-metal composites are prepared from components characterized by chemical incompatibility and non-wetting behavior. The composites have a final chemistry similar to the starting chemistry and microstructures characterized by ceramic grains similar in size to the starting powder and the presence of metal phase. A method for producing the composites requires forming a homogeneous mixture of ceramic-metal, heating the mixture to a temperature that approximates but is below the temperature at which the metal begins to flow and presssing the mixture at such pressure that compaction and densification of the mixture occurs and an induced temperature spike occurs that exceeds the flowing temperature of the metal such that the mixture is further compacted and densified. The temperature spike and duration thereof remains below that at which significant reaction between metal and ceramic occurs. The method requires pressure of 60-250 kpsi employed at a rate of 5-250 kpsi/second.

Abstract: A superconductor essentially comprises a three-component metallic oxide including yttrium, barium, and copper (Y-Ba-Cu three-component metallic oxide) and an oxide of an element having a melting point lower than that of the three-component metallic oxide and having 0.1 to 5.0 wt % in form of the oxide thereof. The element is preferably of bismuth, antimony, boron, lead, and praseodymium.

Abstract: High density compacts are made by providing a compactable particulate combination of Class 1 metals selected from at least one of Ag, Cu and Al, with material selected from at least one of CdO, SnO, SnO.sub.2, C, Co, Ni, Fe, Cr, Cr.sub.3 C.sub.2, Cr.sub.7 C.sub.3, W, WC, W.sub.2 C, WB, Mo, Mo.sub.2 C, MoB, Mo.sub.2 B, TiC, TiN, TiB.sub.2, Si, SiC, Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, usually by mixing powders of each, step (1); uniaxially pressing the powders to a density of from 60% to 95%, to provide a compact, step (2); hot densifying the compact at a pressure between 352 kg/cm.sup.2 (5,000 psi) and 3,172 kg/cm.sup.2 (45,000 psi) and at a temperature from 50.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. below the melting point or decomposition point of the lower melting component of the compact, to provide densification of the compact to over 97% of theoretical density; step (3); and cooling the compact, step (4).

Abstract: The present invention provides a ceramic/metal composite material comprising cerium/aluminum mixed oxides as the ceramic phase and an alloy or intermetallic compond of cerium and at least one of aluminum, nickel, iron and cobalt as the metal phase. The ceramic phase may comprise interengaged crystal lattices of ceria and alumina. The material may be a self-sustaining body which may be used as substrate for a dimensionally stable anode in molten sale aluminum electrowinning cells, coated with a protective layer of cerium oxyfluoride in situ during electrolysis in molten cryolite containing cerium ions.

Abstract: Sinter contact materials produced from an intraoxidized alloy powder having the constitution AgSnO.sub.2 Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 CuO have added thereto at least zirconium oxide and optionally additionally bismuth oxide in parts by weight of preferably between 0.1 and 5%. For the production of these materials, zirconium oxide power and optionally additionally bismuth oxide powder is added to the intraoxidized alloy powder AgSnO.sub.2 Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 CuO. With such a contact material, the excess temperature behavior in motor contactors is improved.

Abstract: A light metallic composite material containing therein fine granular additives dispersed in a matrix of a light metallic material, which composite material has a light weight, high mechanical strength, and excellent characteristics such as high damping ability. The additives each have a density less than that of the matrix and heat resistance enough to withstand a heating temperature at which they are composited with the matrix. Preferably, the additives are each formed with a coating which increases mechanical strength and provides an electromagnetic characteristic different from that of the matrix. Preferably, the composite material is produced by heating a mixture of matrix powders and additives up to a temperature where only part of the mixture including no microspheres is softened but the mixture is adequately composited, an amount of additives being equal to 10% to 70% by volume of the matrix, and by forming the composited mixture into a desired shape and solidifying same.

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: 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: An electrical contact material consists of Ag in which a metallic oxide is produced and dispersed through an internal oxidation and containing as metallic elements Cd, Mn and Al. With this contact material of this composition, there can be shown a high anti-welding property and a stably low contact resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cermet exhibiting superconducting properties with improved mechanical properties comprising a mixture of a superconducting ceramic and one or more metals, the cermet resulting from liquid phase sintering at a temperature at which one of the metals is molten and below the melting temperature of the superconducting ceramic.

Abstract: A coating composition for providing a part with improved salt spray resistance, which comprises undissolved solid hexavalent chromate in an aqueous acid solution which is the reaction product of phosphate ions with ions of the group consisting of chromate or molybdate ions, and their coatings and coated parts.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for producing metal composites from low-cost earth products and articles manufactured thereby. Fly ash from burned coal and oil is bonded with low-melting metals or alloys to produce economical composite materials with modified strength, conductivity and wear resistance.

Abstract: A mechanically alloyed composition of matter or alloy containing 30-40% chromium, 5-25% cobalt, 0.5-10% iron, 0.2-0.6% aluminum, 0.3-1.2% titanium, up to 0.15% carbon, about 0.2-1% yttria, up to about 0.3% nitrogen, the % titanium being at least about 1.4 times the % nitrogen, minor amounts of optional elements, the balance being essentially nickel. The consolidated and hot worked alloy with coarse grains produced by heat treatment at about 1300.degree. C. is useful in service requiring hot strength along with extraordinary resistance to oxidation, sulfidation and hot corrosive media. Specific utilization of the alloy of the invention is contemplated in handling molten glass and in utensils adapted to be used in contact with molten glass, e.g. spinners.

Abstract: A silver base electrical contact material is described which contains a dispersion of particles consisting of cadmium oxide and nickel. The nickel particles are surrounded by a continuous adherent coating of nickel oxide which eliminates the detrimental reaction which would otherwise occur between nickel and cadmium oxide. The invention contact materials have improved lives and are fabricated by any one of several different powder metallurgy techniques.

Abstract: Cermet electrode compositions and methods for making are disclosed which comprise NiO--NiFe.sub.2 O.sub.4 --Cu--Ni. Addition of an effective amount of a metallic catalyst/reactant to a composition of a nickel/iron/oxide, NiO, copper, and nickel produces a stable electrode having significantly increased electrical conductivity. The metallic catalyst functions to disperse the copper and nickel as an alloy continuously throughout the oxide phase of the cermet to render the electrode compositon more highly electrically conductive than were the third metal not present in the base composition. The third metal is preferably added to the base composition as elemental metal and includes aluminum, magnesium, sodium and gallium. The elemental metal is converted to a metal oxide during the sintering process.

Abstract: Cermet electrode compositions comprising NiO-NiFe.sub.2 O.sub.4 -Cu-Ni, and methods for making, are disclosed. Addition of nickel metal prior to formation and densification of a base mixture into the cermet allows for an increase in the total amount of copper and nickel that can be contained in the NiO-NiFe.sub.2 O.sub.4 oxide system. Nickel is present in a base mixture weight concentration of from 0.1% to 10%. Copper is present in the alloy phase in a weight concentration of from 10% to 30% of the densified composition. Such cermet electrodes can be formed to have electrical conductivities well in excess of 100 ohm.sup.-1 cm.sup.-1. Other alloy and oxide system cermets having high content metal phases are also expected to be manufacturable in accordance with the invention.