Abstract: This invention relates to a phosphorous-containing organic binder compound for refractory ceramics, a process for the preparation of the binder compound, a pre-mixed, ready-to-use refractory/binder material having a long shelf-like, a method of using the pre-mixed refractory material, and a high strength refractory body produced from the pre-mixed refractory material.

Abstract: Magnesia pellets are formed from finely-divided, highly reactive, lightburned magnesia (MgO) particles by granulating such powders in conventional equipment using either an organic liquid or an organic liquid-binder mixture. The organic liquid may be an alcohol or a ketone the alkyl groups of which, independently, can have from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Magnesium chloride and water are among disclosed binders which may be used in combination with said organic liquid. The organic liquid should be more than about 80% of any admixtures with water.

Abstract: A method is taught for the in-situ precipitation of second phase materials, such as ceramic or intermetallic particles, in a substantial volume fraction of solvent metal matrix. The invention involves the propagating reaction of the second phase-forming constituents in a solvent metal medium to provide a porous composite of finely-dispersed second phase particles in the metal matrix. Exemplary materials include titanium carbide or titanium diboride in an aluminum matrix.

Abstract: This invention relates to a metallic-second phase composites comprising a matrix of titanium aluminide with discrete titanium silicide particles dispersed therein. The second phase dispersoid is stabilized during the process of in-situ formation by the presence of zirconium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the formation of whisker reinforced metal matrix composites in which complex boride or carbide whiskers are distributed throughout a metal, metal alloy, or intermetallic matrix. Exemplary complex boride whiskers include TiNbB, TiTaB, TiVB, NbHfB, and TiNbMoB. Exemplary complex carbide whiskers include TiNbC, TiVC, TiZrC, TiHfC, and TiTaC. A method for the in-situ formation of complex boride and complex carbide whiskers within metallic matrices is disclosed which involves reacting a mixture of individual complex ceramic-forming constituents in the presence of a metal to precipitate the desired complex ceramic whiskers in a metal matrix.

Abstract: A method is taught for the introduction of in-situ precipitated second phase materials, such as ceramic or intermetallic particles in a metal matrix, to a host metal. When an initial solvent-assisted reaction is utilized, metal-second phase composites having highly superior properties may be obtained. The invention may utilize the reaction of the second phase-forming constituents in a solvent metal medium to provide an intermediate material of finely-dispersed second phase particles in an intermediate metal matrix, in the form of a porous mass or sponge. Any desired loading of second phase in the final composite may be achieved by the admixture of this preformed intermediate material having a relatively high content of particulate material, with a molten host metal. Exemplary materials include titanium diboride in an aluminum matrix and titanium carbide in an aluminum matrix.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making in-situ precipitated second phase in an intermetallic matrix, which composite is rapidly solidified to form a product. The invention also relates to a rapidly solidified product comprising a second phase in both a stable particulate form and a metastable flake form dispersed in an intermetallic matrix.

Abstract: A method is taught for the formation of intermetallic-second phase composite materials. The method involves the formation of a first metal-second phase composite comprising a relatively high loading of discrete, second phase particles distributed throughout a metal matrix, dilution of the first composite into an additional amount of metal to form a second composite comprising a lower loading of second phase particles within an intermediate metal matrix, and introduction of the second composite into another metal which is reactive with the intermediate metal matrix of the composite to form an intermetallic. A final intermetallic-second phase composite is thereby formed comprising a dispersion of discrete second phase particles throughout a final intermetallic matrix. The final intermetallic matrix may comprise a wide variety of intermetallic materials, with particular emphasis drawn to the aluminides and silicides. Exemplary intermetallics include Ti.sub.3 Al, TiAl, TiAl.sub.3, Ni.sub.3 Al, NiAl, Nb.sub.

Abstract: A method is taught for the in-situ precipitation of second phase materials, such as ceramic or intermetallic particles, in a metallic matrix. By means of the Direct Addition Process, metal-second phase composites having highly superior properties may be obtained. Compacts of second phase-forming constituents and solvent metal are directly added to a molten metal bath to precipitate the second phase in-situ. Exemplary materials include titanium diboride or titanium carbide in an aluminum matrix.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite material comprising an in-situ precipitated second phase in an intermetallic matrix, and to the process for making such a composite.

Abstract: Certain benzophenone derivatives having acentric crystalline space groups are disclosed as second-order nonlinear optical materials. The second harmonic signal of such derivatives is enhanced for compounds containing an electron-donating group attached to one of the benzene rings and which is para relative to the carbonyl group of the benzophenone derivative. Benzophenone hydrazone, 4-aminobenzophenone, and 4-amino-3-nitrobenzophenone are exemplary benzophenone derivatives according to the invention. Also disclosed are nonlinear optical devices which include single crystals of the benzophenone derivatives.

Abstract: A solar energy transfer spoiler assembly, comprises of a base for supporting the remaining elements of the assembly, an azimuth and elevation drive mechanism, a moving structure frame, a plurality of energy collecting elements, a first spoiler and a second spoiler. The first end of the base is fixedly secured to the ground, and the second end is attached to the azimuth and elevation drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is comprised of an azimuth drive motor and gearing, and the elevation drive motor and gearing. The moving structure is rotatably attached to the azimuth and elevation gears for free gimboling movement by the drive mechanism. The moving structure is a rectangular shaped frame having disposed thereon a plurality of energy collecting elements. Attached to the leading edge of the moving structure frame is the first spoiler or pair of spoilers if the frame is of the split unit design.

Abstract: Smut may be removed from the surface of aluminum or aluminum alloys by a deoxidizer comprising nitric acid, a halate salt, and, optionally, an activator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for optical switching, frequency conversion, and protection of sensory organs and optical and electronic sensors which comprises at least one layer comprising a polymerized transition metal poly-yne.

Abstract: Intermetallics capable of use as structural elements, exhibiting relatively high ductility and low brittleness, comprise ternary and quaternary TiAl.sub.3 alloys of the general formulae Al--Ti--M and Al--Ti--M--M', wherein M is selected from Cu, Ni, and Fe, M' is selected from V, Nb, and Ta. Such materials exhibit cubic, Ll.sub.2 crystal structures.

Abstract: A calibration procedure for vector network analyzers utilizing a known standard, an unknown standard and a pair of offsets bearing a known length ratio (2:1) between them whereby measurements taken on the standards and their combinations with the offsets result in self-verifying redundant equations which furnish: (1) error terms according to well-known flow graph models, (2) the reflection of the unknown standard, (3) the transmission factor of the waveguiding medium from which the offsets are realized regardless of the waveguide's loss or dispersion, and (4) a figure of merit (corruption coefficient) for the quality of the acquired raw data without the necessity for computing the error terms, connecting verification standards or otherwise completing the calibration process.

Abstract: A transmission line comprising a multi-layer dielectric slab structure including: a dielectric substrate layer (30) having a thickness d.sub.s and permittivity .epsilon..sub.s ; a conductive ground plane (31) on the bottom surface of the dielectric substrate layer (30); a dielectric guiding layer (32) having a thickness h and permittivity .epsilon..sub.g, where .epsilon..sub.g >.epsilon..sub.s, attached to the top surface of dielectric substrate layer (30); at least one elongated and relatively narrow dielectric loading strip layer (33) having a width W, thickness d.sub.1, and permittivity .epsilon..sub.1, where .epsilon..sub.g >.epsilon..sub.1, attached to the top surface of the dielectric guiding layer (32); and a conductive coating (34) on the top surface of the dielectric loading strip layer (32). Such a structure permits single mode propagation over a relatively wide frequency band.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making in-situ precipitated second phase in a metal matrix which mixture is rapidly solidified to form a product. The invention also relates to a rapidly solidified product.

Abstract: A transmission line comprising a multi-layer dielectric slab structure including: a dielectric substrate layer (30) having a thickness d.sub.s and permittivity .epsilon..sub.s ; a conductive ground plane (31) on the bottom surface of the dielectric substrate layer (30); a dielectric guiding layer (32) having a thickness h and permittivity .epsilon..sub.g, where .epsilon..sub.g >.epsilon..sub.s, attached to the top surface of dielectric substrate layer (30); at least one elongated and relatively narrow dielectric loading strip layer (33) having a width W, thickness d.sub.1, and permittivity .epsilon..sub.1, where .epsilon..sub.g >.epsilon..sub.1, attached to the top surface of the dielectric guiding layer (32); and a conductive coating (34) on the top surface of the dielectric loading strip layer (32). Such a structure permits single mode propagation over a relatively wide frequency band.

Abstract: An aqueous magnesium oxide suspension is disclosed which comprises from about 15 to about 50 percent by weight MgO, based on the combined weight of water, MgO, suspension aid, and anti-hydration agent. Suspension aids such as Xzanthan gum and guar gum are utilized in the presence of a lignin sulfonate anti-hydration agents to provide a highly stable concentrated suspension, useful as a base for fertilizers, animal feeds, etc.