Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing chemical nanostructures having multiple elements, such as boron and nitride, e.g. boron nitride nanotubes, are disclosed. The method comprises creating a plasma jet, or plume, such as by an arc discharge. The plasma plume is elongated and has a temperature gradient along its length. It extends along its length into a port connector area having ports for introduction of feed materials. The feed materials include the multiple elements, which are introduced separately as fluids or powders at multiple ports along the length of the plasma plume, said ports entering the plasma plume at different temperatures. The method further comprises modifying a temperature at a distal portion of or immediately downstream of said plasma plume; and collecting said chemical nanostructures after said modifying.

Abstract: Disclosed is copper powder having an average primary particle size D of 0.15 to 0.6 ?m, having a ratio of D to DBET, D/DBET, of 0.8 to 4.0 wherein DBET is a sphere-equivalent average particle diameter calculated from a BET specific surface area, and having no layer for preventing agglomeration on the surface thereof. The copper powder is suitably produced by a method which includes a step of mixing (1) hydrazine and (2) a reactant mixture including a monovalent or divalent copper source and a liquid medium which includes water and an organic solvent having water miscibility and capable of reducing the surface tension of water, to reduce the copper source to form copper particles.

Abstract: Memory devices having memory cells comprising variable resistance material include an electrode comprising a single nanowire. Various methods may be used to form such memory devices, and such methods may comprise establishing contact between one end of a single nanowire and a volume of variable resistance material in a memory cell. Electronic systems include such memory devices.

Abstract: A fine particle comprising a core and a coating, wherein the coating comprises a substantially monomolecular layer of organic molecules. The fine particle being produced by a process comprising introducing a core material into a plasma stream, thereby vaporizing some or all of the core material; cooling the core material downstream from where the core material was introduced thereby creating particles of the core material; and coating the particles of the core material with organic molecules in an injection zone, wherein the injection zone is downstream of a region where the particles of core material are formed, or wherein the cooled particles of core material are coated with organic molecules in a coating chamber by applying a liquid coating material and/or a solution of coating material to the core material; where in the coating chamber is downstream of a region wherein the particles of core material are formed.

Abstract: An oxygen absorbing agent has excellent oxygen absorbing properties and can absorb oxygen in an atmosphere, even under a moisture-free or substantially moisture-free atmosphere. The oxygen absorbing agent includes an alloy obtained by subjecting an alloy (X) including (A) at least one transition metal selected from the group consisting of manganese, iron, platinum, and copper group metals and (B) at least one metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, zinc, tin, lead, magnesium, and silicon, to treatment with an alkali aqueous solution to elute and remove at least a part of the component (B) in the alloy (X), wherein the alloy (Y) has an X-ray diffraction profile satisfying a diffraction peak relationship.

Abstract: A system for making a material having domains with insulated boundaries is provided. The system includes a droplet spray subsystem configured to create molten alloy droplets and direct the molten alloy droplets to a surface, a spray subsystem configured to direct a spray of an agent at deposited droplets on the surface. The agent creates insulation layers on the deposited droplets such that the droplets form a material having domains with insulated boundaries on the surface.

Abstract: There is provided an oxygen absorbing agent that can have a capability of absorbing oxygen in an atmosphere even when the atmosphere is free or substantially free from moisture. The oxygen absorbing agent comprises a metal, the metal having been obtained by subjecting an alloy comprising (A) at least one transition metal selected from the group consisting of manganese, iron, platinum, and copper group metals and (B) at least one metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, zinc, tin, lead, magnesium, and silicon to treatment with an acidic or alkaline aqueous solution to elute and remove at least a part of the component (B).

Abstract: Energy-saving lamps contain a gas filling of mercury vapour and argon in a gas discharge bulb. Amalgam spheres are used for filling the gas discharge bulb with mercury. A tin amalgam having a high proportion by weight of mercury in the range from 30 to 70% by weight is proposed. Owing to the high mercury content, the amalgam spheres have liquid amalgam phases on the surface. Coating of the spheres with a tin or tin alloy powder converts the liquid amalgam phases on the surface into a solid amalgam having a high tin content. This prevents conglutination of the amalgam spheres during storage and processing.

Abstract: A method for gas atomization of oxygen-reactive reactive metals and alloys wherein the atomized particles are exposed as they solidify and cool in a very short time to multiple gaseous reactive agents for the in-situ formation of a protective reaction film on the atomized particles. The present invention is especially useful for making highly pyrophoric reactive metal or alloy atomized powders, such as atomized magnesium and magnesium alloy powders. The gaseous reactive species (agents) are introduced into the atomization spray chamber at locations downstream of a gas atomizing nozzle as determined by the desired powder or particle temperature for the reactions and the desired thickness of the reaction film.

Abstract: Provided is an aerosol method, and accompanying apparatus, for preparing powdered products of a variety of materials involving the use of an ultrasonic aerosol generator including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers underlying and ultrasonically energizing a reservoir of liquid feed which forms droplets of the aerosol. Carrier gas is delivered to different portions of the reservoir by a plurality of gas delivery ports delivering gas from a gas delivery system. The aerosol is pyrolyzed to form particles, which are then cooled and collected. The invention also provides powders made by the method and devices made using the powders.

Abstract: A constricting chamber having first and second ends, the chamber comprising: an interior surface formed between the first and second ends, disposed circumferentially around and defining an interior space and a longitudinal axis of the chamber; a frusto-conical surface disposed between the first and second ends and narrowing as it extends away from the first end and into the second end; an ejection port disposed at the second end and substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis; a cover disposed at the first end, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and comprising a center substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis; an injection port disposed on the cover proximate the center, and configured to receive a reactive mixture into the chamber; and an annular supply portion disposed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and comprising supply port(s) configured to supply conditioning fluid into the chamber in an annular formation along the interior surface.

Abstract: A process is described for making metal nanoparticles comprising (a) forming a liquid melt of a first metal having the composition of the desired nanoparticles and a second metal; (b) quenching the melt to form a solid; and (c) removing the second metal from the solid and forming the nanoparticles comprising the first metal.

Abstract: Methods for functionalizing the surface of nanomaterials to improve processing and product manufacturing. These methods are useful for oxides, nitrides, carbides, borides, metals, alloys, chalcogenides, and other compositions.

Abstract: A process for encapsulating metal microparticles in a pH sensitive polymer matrix using a suspension containing the polymer. The process first disperses the metal particles in a polymeric solution consisting of a pH sensitive polymer. The particles are then encapsulated in the form of micro-spheres of about 5-10 microns in diameter comprising the pH sensitive polymer and the metal ions (Ni2+, Cu2+) to be coated. The encapsulated matrix includes first metal particles homogeneously dispersed in a pH sensitive matrix, comprising the second metal ions. A high shear homogenization process ensures homogenization of the aqueous mixture resulting in uniform particle encapsulation. The encapsulated powder may be formed using spray drying. The powder may be then coated in a controlled aqueous media using an electroless deposition process. The polymer is removed when the encapsulated micro-spheres encounter a pH change in the aqueous solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Fe—Si—La alloy having the following atomic composition: (La1-a-a?MmaTRa?)1[(Fe1-b-b,CobMb,)1-x(Si1-cXc)x]13(CdNeH1-d-e)y(R)r(I)r, in which Mm is a mixture of lanthanum, cerium, neodymium and praseodymium in a weight proportion of 22 to 26% of La, 48 to 53% of Ce, 17 to 20% of Nd and 5 to 7% of Pr, wherein said mixture may include up to 1 wt % of impurities, TR is one or more elements of the rare earth family other than lanthanum, M is one or more d-type transition element from layers 3d, 4d and 5d, X is a metalloid element selected from Ge, Al, B, Ga and In, R is one or more element selected from Al, Ca, Mg, K and Na, I is one or two elements selected from O and S, with: 0?a<0.5 and 0?a?<0.2; 0?b?0.2 and 0?b?<0.4; 0?c?0.5 and 0?d?1; 0?e?1 and f?0.1; 0.09?x?0.13 and 0.002?y?4; 0.0001?z?0.01; the indicia b, d, e, x and y being such that the alloy further meets the following condition: 6.143b(13(1?x))+4.437y[1?0.0614(d++e)]?1 Eq.1 d*y?0.005 Eq.2.

Abstract: Dumbbell-shaped or flower-shaped nanoparticles and a process of forming the same, wherein the process comprises forming a mixture of a nanoparticle with a precursor in a first solvent, wherein the nanoparticle comprises a hydrophobic outer coating; heating the mixture; cooling the mixture to room temperature; modifying the hydrophobic outer coating into a hydrophilic outer coating; precipitating a solid product from the mixture, and dispersing the product in a second solvent. The nanoparticles comprise any of a semiconducting, magnetic, and noble metallic material, wherein the nanoparticles comprise a first portion comprising any of PbSe, PbS, CdSe, CdS, ZnS, Au, Ag, Pd, and Pt, and wherein the precursor comprises any of a cationic, neutral or particulate Au, Ag, Pd, Pt, or transition metal (Fe, Co, Ni) precursors of Fe(CO)5, Co(CO)8, Ni(CO)4 or their analogues. The first and second solvents comprise any of alkanes, arenes, ethers, nitrites, ketones, and chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention provides a noble metal particle with an improved methanol-oxidation property. This noble metal particle has a platinum particle and ruthenium particles deposited on only part of the surface of the platinum particle. This noble metal particle suitably can be produced by precipitating the ruthenium particles out of the solution so that the ruthenium particles are deposited on only part of the surface of the platinum particle by further adding a ruthenium salt into the solution and reducing the ruthenium salt after the reduction of the platinum salt in the solution essentially is completed. This noble metal particle is suitable as a catalyst to be supported on an electrode of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell typified by a direct methanol fuel cell.

Abstract: A method of making dispersion-strengthened alloy particles involves melting an alloy having a corrosion and/or oxidation resistance-imparting alloying element, a dispersoid-forming element, and a matrix metal wherein the dispersoid-forming element exhibits a greater tendency to react with a reactive species acquired from an atomizing gas than does the alloying element. The melted alloy is atomized with the atomizing gas including the reactive species to form atomized particles so that the reactive species is (a) dissolved in solid solution to a depth below the surface of atomized particles and/or (b) reacted with the dispersoid-forming element to form dispersoids in the atomized particles to a depth below the surface of said atomized particles. The atomized alloy particles are solidified as solidified alloy particles or as a solidified deposit of alloy particles.

Abstract: Provided is an aerosol method, and accompanying apparatus, for preparing powdered products of a variety of materials involving the use of an ultrasonic aerosol generator (106) including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (120) underlying and ultrasonically energizing a reservoir of liquid feed (102) which forms droplets of the aerosol. Carrier gas (104) is delivered to different portions of the reservoir by a plurality of gas delivery ports (136) delivering gas from a gas delivery system. The aerosol is pyrolyzed to form particles, which are then cooled and collected. The invention also provides powders made by the method and devices made using the powders.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing lithium metal powder is provided. The method includes the steps of heating lithium metal to a temperature above its melting point, agitating the molten lithium metal, and contacting the lithium metal with a fluorination agent to provide a stabilized lithium metal powder.

Abstract: A process is described for making metal nanoparticles comprising (a) forming a liquid melt of a first metal having the composition of the desired nanoparticles and a second metal; (b) quenching the melt to form a solid; and (c) removing the second metal from the solid and forming the nanoparticles comprising the first metal.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for producing powder particles of extremely small, highly uniform spherical shape and high sphericity, composed of metal including single metals and alloys, including nanocomposite structures, using a self-assembling procedure. The invention further includes the produced spherical particles. The metal spherical particles are produced whereby molten metal, alloys or composites are directed onto a fast-rotating disk in an atmosphere containing one or more inert gases and small amounts of an oxidizing gas and the molten metal drops are dispersed as tiny droplets for a predetermined time using centrifugal force within a cooling-reaction gas, and then cooled rapidly to form solid spherical particles. The spherical particles comprise a crystalline, amorphous or porous composition, having a size of 1-300 ?m±1% with a uniformity of size being ?60-70% and a precise spherical shape of less than or equal to ±10%.

Abstract: Tantalum powder capable of providing a small-sized tantalum electrolytic capacitor while maintaining capacity is described. Tantalum powder in the present invention can be characterized in that the CV value is from 200,000 to 800,000 ?FV/g, when measured by the following measuring method. Pellets are produced by forming tantalum powder such that the density is 4.5 g/cm3, then the pellets are chemically converted in a phosphoric acid aqueous solution of concentration 0.1 vol. % at a voltage of 6V and a current of 90 mA/g, and the chemically converted pellets are used as measuring samples to measure the CV value in a sulfuric acid aqueous solution of concentration 30.5 vol. % at a temperature of 25° C. under a frequency of 120 Hz and a voltage of 1.5V.

Abstract: A system and method of separating metal powder from a slurry of liquid metal and metal powder and salt is disclosed in which the slurry is introduced into a first vessel operated in an inert environment when liquid metal is separated from the metal powder and salt leaving principally salt and metal powder substantially free of liquid metal. The salt and metal powder is transferred to a second vessel operated in an inert environment with both environments being protected from contamination. Then the salt and metal powder are treated to produce passivated powder substantially free of salt and liquid metal. The method is particularly applicable for use in the production of Ti and its alloys.

Abstract: Nickel powder batches including coated nickel-containing particles and methods for producing the same. The coated nickel-containing particles having have a small particle size, narrow size distribution and a spherical morphology. The present invention is also directed to devices incorporating the coated nickel-containing particles.

Abstract: Provided are silver-containing powders and a method and apparatus for manufacturing the silver-containing particles of high quality, of a small size and narrow size distribution. An aerosol is generated from liquid feed and sent to a furnace, where liquid in droplets in the aerosol is vaporized to permit formation of the desired particles, which are then collected in a particle collector. The aerosol generation involves preparation of a high quality aerosol, with a narrow droplet size distribution, with close control over droplet size and with a high droplet loading suitable for commercial applications.

Abstract: A protective passivation layer is formed on the surface of an aluminum mass, such as bare aluminum particles, creating a protected aluminum mass. Formation of the protective layer onto the aluminum mass may occur from an in-situ process.

Abstract: Nickel powder batches and methods for producing nickel powder batches. The powder batches include particles having a small particle size, narrow size distribution and a spherical morphology. The present invention is also directed to devices incorporating the nickel metal powders.

Abstract: Electrocatalyst powders and methods for producing electrocatalyst powders, such as carbon composite electrocatalyst powders. The powders have a well-controlled microstructure and morphology. The method includes forming the particles from an aerosol of precursors by heating the aerosol to a relatively low temperature, such as not greater than about 400° C.

Abstract: A method for forming a nanocomposite material and articles made with the nanocomposite material are presented.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming fluxless solder balls includes forming solder balls from a supply of solder. A coating is formed on the solder balls for limiting naturally occurring oxide growth on the solder balls before significant natural oxide growth on the solder balls has occurred. The coating allows the solder balls to be soldered without using flux.

Abstract: Disclosed are metal alloy particles containing substantially no lead, each exhibiting a plurality of different melting points including an original lowest melting point (a) and a highest melting point, wherein each of the metal alloy particles exhibits the original lowest melting point (a) at least at a surface portion thereof, and wherein, when each metal alloy particle is heated at a temperature equal to or higher than the original lowest melting point (a) to melt at least a surface portion of each metal alloy particle, followed by cooling to room temperature to thereby solidify the melted portion of each metal alloy particle, the resultant solid metal alloy particle having experienced the melting and solidification exhibits an elevated lowest melting point (a′) higher than the original lowest melting point (a).

Abstract: A process and apparatus prepares and collects metal nanoparticles by forming a vapor of a metal that is solid at room temperature, the vapor of the metal being provided in an inert gaseous carrying medium. At least some of the metal is solidified within the gaseous stream. The gaseous stream and metal material is moved in a gaseous carrying environment into or through a dry mechanical pumping system. While the particles are within the dry mechanical pumping system or after the nanoparticles have moved through the dry pumping system, the vaporized metal material and nanoparticles are contacted with an inert liquid collecting medium.

Abstract: A method for forming a nanocomposite material and articles made with the nanocomposite material are presented.

Abstract: A process and apparatus prepares and collects metal nanoparticles by forming a vapor of aluminum or copper metal that is solid at room temperature, the vapor of the metal being provided in an inert gaseous carrying medium. At least some of the metal is solidified within the gaseous stream. The gaseous stream and metal material is moved in a gaseous carrying environment into or through a dry mechanical pumping system. While the particles are within the dry mechanical pumping system or after the nanoparticles have moved through the dry pumping system, the vaporized metal material and nanoparticles are contacted with an inert liquid collecting medium.

Abstract: A process and apparatus prepares and collects aluminum and copper metal nanoparticles by forming a vapor of a metal that is solid at room temperature, the vapor of the metal being provided in an inert gaseous carrying medium. At least some of the metal is solidified within the gaseous stream. The gaseous stream and metal material is moved in a gaseous carrying environment into or through a dry mechanical pumping system. While the particles are within the dry mechanical pumping system or after the nanoparticles have moved through the dry pumping system, the vaporized metal material and nanoparticles are contacted with an inert liquid collecting medium.

Abstract: A two-stage method for producing ultra-fine and environmentally stable solid powders from a metal composition including a reactive alloying element. The method includes the steps of: (a) operating a first-stage heating and atomizing means to provide a stream of super-heated fine-sized metal liquid droplets into a chamber of a second-stage atomizing means with the second-stage atomizing means containing a supply of an atomizing fluid medium composed of at least a reactive gas and an inert gas at a predetermined proportion; (b) operating the second-stage atomizing means by directing the atomizing fluid medium into the chamber to impinge upon the stream of super-heated metal liquid droplets to further break up the metal liquid droplets into ultra-fine particles and to allow the reactive gas to react with the reactive alloying element for forming a protective layer on the exterior surface of the particles; and (c) cooling the particles to form ultra-fine solid powders.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage bed system which includes a pressure container, a hydrogen storage alloy disposed within the pressure container, and an integrated thermal management system integrally disposed within the pressure container. The integrated thermal management system includes heat generation means, cooling means, and heat distribution means.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage bed system which includes a pressure container, a hydrogen storage alloy disposed within the pressure container, and an integrated thermal management system integrally disposed within the pressure container. The integrated thermal management system includes heat generation means, cooling means adapted to use an aerosol coolant, and heat distribution means.

Abstract: Provided is an aerosol method, and accompanying apparatus, for preparing powdered products of a variety of materials involving the use of an ultrasonic aerosol generator (106) including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (120) underlying and ultrasonically energizing a reservoir of liquid feed(102) which forms droplets of the aerosol. Carrier gas (104) is delivered to different portions of the reservoir by a plurality of gas delivery ports (136) delivering gas from a gas delivery system. The aerosol is pyrolyzed to form particles, which are then cooled and collected. The invention also provides powders made by the method and devices made using the powders.

Abstract: A powder metallurgical process of preparing a sheet from a powder having an intermetallic alloy composition such as an iron, nickel or titanium aluminide. The sheet can be manufactured into electrical resistance heating elements having improved room temperature ductility, electrical resistivity, cyclic fatigue resistance, high temperature oxidation resistance, low and high temperature strength, and/or resistance to high temperature sagging. The iron aluminide has an entirely ferritic microstructure which is free of austenite and can include, in weight %, 4 to 32% Al, and optional additions such as ≦1% Cr, ≧0.05% Zr ≦2% Ti, ≦2% Mo, ≦1% Ni, ≦0.75% C, ≦0.1% B, ≦1% submicron oxide particles and/or electrically insulating or electrically conductive covalent ceramic particles, ≦1% rare earth metal, and/or ≦3 % Cu.

Abstract: A process of producing granules of a reactive metal. The process comprises providing a source of molten reactive metal (41), forming discrete droplets (53) of the molten metal, contacting the droplets while still substantially molten with a fluidized bed of particles (12) maintained at a temperature substantially below the solidus temperature of the metal and freezing the droplets as discrete granules of the reactive metal in the fluidized bed. The invention also provides apparatus for carrying out the method and product produces by the method, including a magnesium-containing additive for aluminum alloying. The use of a fluidized bed for cooling and freezing the droplets avoids problems encountered in prior methods and also makes it possible to provide coatings of various kinds on the surfaces of the granules, if desired.

Abstract: Platinum powders and methods for producing platinum powders. The powders preferably have a small particle size, narrow size distribution and a spherical morphology. The method includes forming the particles by a spray pyrolysis technique. The invention also includes novel devices and products formed from the platinum powders.

Abstract: Organically functionalized metal nanoparticles are produced by mixing a metal precursor with an organic surface passivant and reacting the resulting mixture with a reducing agent to generate free metal while binding the passivant to the surface of the free metal to produce organically functionalized metal particles.

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 method of producing coated powder material is provided. In the method, molten metal or metal alloy is caused to fall in a stream (3) and is then atomized into a spray. A liquid or solid material of different composition is introduced and caused to contact the stream or spray so that a coating is formed over all or part of the surface of the atomized droplets. The coating may be the introduced material or a reaction product.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing coated metal granules is disclosed. The apparatus includes a source of molten metal, a device for forming droplets of the molten metal, a bed of particles for receiving the droplets and a means for introducing a gas to fluidize the bed, cooling equipment to maintain the bed below the solidus temperature of the metal, and a separator for separating solidified granules of the metal from particles of the bed. This apparatus can produce an alloying additive which comprises magnesium granules 1-10 mm in size, at least partially coated with particles of a chloride salt which are attached to the granules by being physically embedded into a surface of the granules. The salt particles remain unmelted or only partially melted during formation of the additive.

Abstract: A method for producing a hydrogen storage alloy electrode comprising the step of treating a hydrogen storage alloy by immersing it in an alkaline solution containing cobalt ion or copper ion at a high temperature at a stage wherein the alloy is in powder state before formed into an electrode and/or at a stage wherein the alloy has been formed into an electrode. By this treatment, a hydrogen storage alloy electrode having an excellent high-rate discharge performance at a low temperature is obtained.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a powder for sendust core is disclosed which is used in power supplies, converters and invertors, and in which the sendust powder is manufactured by applying the atomizing process, and the powder is coated with a special ceramic mixture insulator, so that the core loss would be small after forming a product. The method for manufacturing the powder for a sendust core includes the steps of: preparing a sendust alloy melt composed of (in wt %) 4-13% of Si, 4-7% of Al, and balance of Fe under an inert atmosphere; spouting water with a pressure of 1500-3500 psi to a flow of said sendust alloy melt through four or more nozzles having a diameter of 10-20 mm, so as to form a relatively regular polyhedral powder; adding 0.1-1.0 wt % of kaoline to the powder, and heat-treating it at a temperature of 700.degree.-850.degree. C. for 30 minutes or more under a reducing atmosphere; and carrying out a wet coating on the heat-treated powder by using 0.

Abstract: A method of producing coated powder material is provided. In the method, molten metal or metal alloy is caused to fall in a stream (3) and is then atomized into a spray. A liquid or solid material of different composition is introduced and caused to contact the stream or spray so that a coating is formed over all or part of the surface of the atomized droplets. The coating may be the introduced material or a reaction product.