Abstract: A silicon carbide fiber reinforced barium modified magnesium aluminosilicate matrix composite is described having high strength and thermal stability at temperatures in excess of 1200.degree. C. The matrix material contains about 5% to about 14% magnesium oxide and about 5% to about 25% barium oxide. While any suitable ratios of fiber to matrix can be used, the composite for most applications for example, in the heat engine area, will contain approximately 20% to 50% by volume silicon carbide fibers.

Abstract: Anodes having NiCo.sub.2 O.sub.4 catalyst used in the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen and oxygen result in anode voltage requirements of less than about 1500 millivolts at 100 milliamperes per square centimeter of anode area. Typically, oxygen evolving anodes comprised of lead or carbon steel are utilized in the electrolysis of water to produce oxygen resulting in high voltage requirements. Anodes containing NiCo.sub.2 O.sub.4 catalyst require substantially reduced voltages and perform well in the conventional alkaline electrochemical production environment.

Abstract: A low temperature processable, thermoplastic polyimide and methods for making and using the same. The polyimide has repeating polymer units of the formula ##STR1## wherein n is 2 to about 20 and the molecular weight of the polymer chain is about 5,000 to about 50,000. The polymer is made by reacting 4,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(o-phthalic anhydride) with a diamine having the formula H.sub.2 N(CH.sub.2).sub.n NH.sub.2 wherein n is 2 to about 20 to form a polyamic acid. The polyamic acid is imidized to form the polyimide described above. The polyimide is particularly adapted to use as a hot melt adhesive by placing it between two articles and applying heat and pressure.

Abstract: Gas depolarized anodes used in the electrohydrodimerization of acrylonitrile to adiponitrile result in anode voltage requirements of less than about 400 millivolts at 100 milliamperes per square centimeter of electrode area. Typically, oxygen evolving anodes characterized by high theoretical voltages and high overvoltages are utilized in the hydrodimerization of acrylonitrile to adiponitrile. Gas depolarized anodes requiring substantially reduced voltages perform well in the conventional electrochemical adiponitrile production environment.

Abstract: A method for reducing the energy required in a dehydrogenation reaction particularly adapted to methods for transporting and storing thermal energy. The equilibrium of a hydrogenation-dehydrogenation equilibrium reaction system is shifted by removing at least a portion of the generated equilibrium reaction hydrogen and reacting the removed hydrogen with oxygen to produce water and heat and adding the produced water and heat into the equilibrium reaction system. This method has particular use in hydrogenation-dehydrogenation equilibrium reaction systems useful for transporting and storing thermal energy.

Abstract: Gas depolarized cathodes having hydrophobic barrier layers for circulation electrolyte electrochemical cells; methods of making said cathodes; and methods of electrolyzing solutions of halide containing compounds using said electrodes. Typically, in electrochemical cells cathodes are oriented vertically resulting in significant electrolyte pressure against the cathode. The barrier layer comprising fluorocarbon polymer and carbon results in substantially no electrolyte leakage through the cathode when the electrolyte pressure is up to three pounds per square inch above ambient.