Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a high temperature coating comprising applying to a surface a precursor polymer which decomposes to a substantially pure product selected from the group consisting of a refractory metal carbide and a refractory metal boride, and exposing the precursor polymer to conditions effective to decompose the precursor polymer to said substantially pure product.

Abstract: A method for preventing radioactive contamination of porous surfaces comprising providing an apparatus for handling radioactive material comprising a porous surface; exposing the porous surface to a vacuum; depositing a flowable precursor material onto the porous surface, wherein the porous surface comprises pores and the vacuum is effective to substantially fill the pores with the flowable precursor material; subjecting the flowable precursor material to energy sufficient to convert the flowable precursor material to an effective sealant film comprising amorphous carbon. In a preferred embodiment, the porous surface is an anodized aluminum surface.

Abstract: A component comprising an anodized aluminum surface comprising a diamond-like carbon sealant. In a preferred embodiment, the diamond-like carbon sealant substantially fills pores in the anodized aluminum surface, and the pores are substantially free of gas. The anodized aluminum surface and sealant form an interface which preferably is substantially free of imperfections attributable to water molecules remaining adsorbed to the surface during application of said sealant.

Abstract: A method of producing silicon nitride ceramics and silicon nitride ceramic composites. A mixture comprising a polysilazane and an additive effective to increase coupling between the mixture and electromagnetic energy is converted to a preceramic intermediate. The preceramic intermediate is treated with electromagnetic energy and thereby converted to a silicon nitride ceramic and/or a silicon nitride ceramic composite.

Abstract: The surfaces of silicon protrusions from hypereutectic alloy bearing surfaces are converted to a highly stable metal silicides which are more effectively lubricated by conventional polar lubricant additives.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-toxic, biodegradable olefin isomers which may be used as lubricants, rate of penetration enhancers, and/or spotting fluids for water-based drilling muds. When used as a spotting fluid additive, the olefin isomers preferably are supplemented with functional additives, namely emulsifiers, viscosifiers, surfactants, and/or brine. When used as lubricants and/or rate of penetration enhancers, the olefin isomers preferably are used alone or in combination with surfactants.