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: A method for welding metal composite materials, including metal-ceramic composites, whereby a weld or filler material is prepared by the in-situ precipitation of ceramic in a metallic matrix. The filler material may comprise boride, carbide, oxide, nitride, silicide, etc., while the matrix metal may constitute a alloy or intermetallic of two or more metals. A strong bond is achieved when welding two conventional metals, a conventional metal and a metal-ceramic composite, or two metal-ceramic composites.

Abstract: A method is taught for the in-situ precipitation of ceramic materials in a metal matrix. By means of the solvent assisted reaction, metal-ceramic composites having highly superior properties may be obtained. The invention involves the reaction of the ceramic forming constituents in a metal solvent medium to provide very finely-dispersed ceramic particles in the metal matrix. Exemplary materials include titanium diboride in an aluminum matrix.

Abstract: Aluminum cells may be produced having cathode surfaces which are wetted by aluminum, said surfaces comprising Refractory Hard Materials in a non-graphitized carbon matrix. Such cells may utilize inclined or drained cathodes as well as non-consumable anodes.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved coating composition for application to aluminum cell cathodes, wherein said composition comprises a Refractory Hard Material, and a thermosetting resinous binder system.The resinous binder system is characterized by a char yield greater than 25 percent, while the coating composition exhibits expansion characteristics such as to adhere to a cathode block at temperatures up to and including those normally encountered in the operation of an aluminum cell. The ablation rate of the carbon system utilized is essentially equal to the combined wear and dissolution rate of the Refractory Hard Material in an aluminum cell environment.

Abstract: A hydraulic cement mix including hydraulic cement, aggregate, sufficient water to effect hydraulic setting of the cement, and an additive comprising a poly(hydroxyalkylated)polyethyleneamine or a poly(hydroxyethyl)polyethyleneimine or mixtures of each or both, the additive being present in an amount sufficient to increase the compressive strength of the hardened mix. Generally, the additive is present in a total amount of up to about 0.25% by weight based upon the weight of the cement, usually in an amount of between about 0.01% and about 0.25% by weight based upon the weight of the cement, preferably in an amount in the range of about 0.02% to about 0.07% by weight.

Abstract: A hydraulic cement mix including hydraulic cement, aggregate, sufficient water to effect hydraulic setting of the cement, and an admixture comprising a mixture selected from an olefin sulfonate, an alkylarylsulfonate, an alkyloamide, an ethoxylated fatty amine, an alkanolamine, and a hydrolyzed starch having a dextrose equivalent value in the range of commercial corn syrups, the admixture being present in an amount sufficient to increase the compressive strength of nonplastic cementitious mixes such as those used in making masonry units, pipe and the like. Generally, the additive is present in an amount between 0.005 and 0.5 weight percent based on weight of cement.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrolytic reduction cells for aluminum production wherein tiles have been placed upon the cathode surfaces to improve the cell operation. These tiles have aluminum-wettable surfaces, which reduce electrical losses and increase cathode life. The tiles are produced from a mixture of refractory hard metal (RHM), a thermosetting resin, carbonaceous fillers and carbonaceous additives. The tiles are physically formed, polymerized and/or cross linked, and carbonized to form a tile which can be inserted into a cell. The tile may have the RHM homogeneously dispersed throughout the tile structure, or it may have the RHM concentrated in layered form.

Abstract: The application of a Refractory Hard Material coating composition to selected areas of the surface of an aluminum cell cathode permits tailoring or control of ledge formation during cell operation. Cell voltage improvements are also noted, resulting in more efficient cell performance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the application of a coating composition containing Refractory Hard Material to a cathode substrate to prepare an aluminum wettable cathode surface.A mixture of Refractory Hard Material and carbon system is applied to a cathode substrate, cured and carbonized to a non-graphitized carbon matrix containing Refractory Hard Material, characterized by strong bonding of said matrix to said substrate and an ablation rate of said carbon matrix similar to the combined rate of wear and dissolution of the Refractory Hard Material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for protecting anode studs by coating the anode studs with an outermost surface layer of titanium diboride, zirconium diboride, titanium carbide, zirconium carbide, or mixtures thereof. The anode studs which are specifically to be protected in this instance are anode studs for electrolytic cells for the production of aluminum. The steel anode stud is conventionally subject to high corrosion rates due to the atmosphere in the aluminum furnace, and the industry has long sought means to protect this stud from corrosion without inhibiting electrical conductivity, while providing high temperature resistance to oxidation, and thermal shock resistance. It is also necessary that any coating applied to the steel anode stud be compatible with the carbon mass which is utilized as the anode per se. In accordance with the present invention, coatings of titanium diboride, zirconium diboride, titanium carbide, zirconium carbide, and mixtures thereof, have been found effective.

Abstract: A composition comprising an agricultural fertilizer and pellets is disclosed. The fertilizer and the pellets are predominantly in the minus six plus thirty mesh size. The pellets consist essentially of at least one hydroxide, oxide or carbonate of calcium, magnesium or both, and constitute from 5 to 90 percent by weight of the composition. The pellets contain at least 2 percent by weight of calcium, magnesium or both in the form of the oxide, the hydroxide or both, calculated as the oxide.

Abstract: A composition for the preparation of concrete block, comprising aggregate, cement, and cement kiln dust.

Abstract: Gunning mixes and other magnesia-based refractory compositions are disclosed which include up about to 10% by weight sulfamic acid as a binder. Sulfamic acid reacts readily with periclase grain and, when employed with boric acid and ceramic sintering aids forms an excellent binder system.

Abstract: An anode assembly for a fused bath cell. The steel stud has an intermediate coating between it and the carbon anode body of a corrosion resistant material of titanium diboride, zirconium diboride, titanium carbide or zirconium carbide. The coating may contain molybdenum disilicide.

Abstract: Recovery of fluoride values from carbonaceous waste cathode materials is achieved by reacting the waste materials with oxygen, water, and sulfur dioxide at temperatures between about 600.degree. C. and 1200.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of storing energy at ambient temperature and recovering same at an elevated temperature which comprises decomposition of a chemical compound at high temperature with a decomposition product being used to form another compound at low temperature. Upon regeneration of the decomposition product from the other compound there is a release of the originally absorbed high temperature thermal energy.

Abstract: A method of storing energy at ambient temperature and recovering same at an elevated temperature which comprises decomposition of a chemical compound at high temperature with a second compound being used to form another product at low temperature. Upon regeneration of the decomposition product from the first compound there is a release of the originally absorbed high temperature thermal energy.

Abstract: It has been found that hydration of aluminum oxide surface coatings to aluminum hydroxide may be curtailed by the presence of corrosion inhibiting amounts of amino phosphonate compounds. Effective inhibitors, such as nitrilotris (methylene) triphosphonic acid, may be applied to aluminum substrates having aluminum oxide surfaces thereupon in concentrations of less than 50% by weight in aqueous solution, and suitably from 1 to about 500 ppm.

Abstract: Fire retardant properties are provided for cellulose insulation materials by the addition of a fire retardant composition comprising from 60 to 85% of bauxite, from 5 to 30% dolomite, and from 5 to 30% boric acid. Loading factors of from about 20 to about 35% fire retardant are effective to meet applicable federal specifications for flame spread and smoldering.