Abstract: Apparatus and method for laser welding in a controllably pure gaseous environment at sub-atmospheric as well as high pressures. A workpiece to be welded is contained within a vessel having a light transmitting means which allows passage of a laser beam into the vessel. A gas stream is introduced to the vessel through a gas inlet means and positioned so that the stream deflects ionized particles from impinging on the light transmitting means. The gas stream simultaneously serves to cool the light transmitting means. Weld debris and spent gas are exhausted through a gas exhaust means which preferably is located adjacent to the workpiece. The apparatus is particularly suited to the laser welding of oxide dispersion strengthened alloys.

Abstract: A nickel-mischmetal-calcium compound is used to store gaseous hydrogen at pressures up to about 15 atmospheres at ambient temperatures. The Ni.sub.5 M.sub.1-y Ca.sub.y compounds have values of y ranging from about 0.2 to about 0.9. Alloys conforming to this formula contain from about 4% to about 27% mischmetal, from about 2% to about 11% calcium, up to about 15% copper, and the balance essentially nickel.

Abstract: A calcium-nickel compound, CaNi.sub.5, is used to store hydrogen at sub-atmospheric pressures. Charging of the calcium-nickel compound with hydrogen can be accomplished at sub-atmospheric as well as at high pressures. Stored hydrogen can be released from a valved vessel containing calcium-nickel by application of a vacuum or by heating.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved silver/silver-chloride reference electrode adapted for use in aqueous corrodent solutions at high temperatures and high pressures. The reference electrode provides a useful standard for measuring electrochemical phenomena related to the corrosion process so that metals can be compared on a thermodynamically useful scale. The formation of bubbles within the reference electrode, which can cause open circuit conditions, is substantially avoided by equalization of internal and external pressure through the use of a heat sealing vent means within the electrode body. Ionic conduction between the electrolyte contained within the reference electrode and the corrodent solution is controlled by a bridge containing tightly gripped fibers which are subjected to additional compression during heating and subsequent pressurization.

Abstract: An article such as a screen printing cylinder prepared from a hard nickel electrodeposit is characterized by improved resistance to embrittlement when exposed to temperatures above about 200.degree. C. Electrodeposits affording improved resistance to embrittlement contain 0.007-1% sulfur and 0.02-5% manganese. The amount of manganese in the electrodeposits is correlated to the amount of sulfur present so that the manganese is present in an amount in excess of the stoichiometric amount required to form manganese sulfide. The electrodeposits which are also characterized by usefully low levels of internal stress are prepared using conventional nickel plating baths modified by the addition of sources of manganese ions and sulfur.

Abstract: A method for coating a metal wire with a thin layer of a second powdered metal. A metal flake powder having a residual surface lubricant from a prior milling operation is placed in the lubricant holding box of a conventional draw bench. The wire to be coated is passed through the metal flake powder and drawn through a conventional drawing die to provide a green-coat wire having a mechanically adherent metal flake powder coating. The green-coat wire is subsequently sintered to metallurgically bond the coating to the wire surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for water atomizing molten metal to provide a low oxygen metal powder. A molten metal stream is introduced to an atomization vessel containing a pressurized inert gas. The metal stream is atomized, by impingement of high pressure water within the atomization vessel. The atomization vessel has an exit aperture located so that the slurry of water and metal powder can exit from the atomization vessel only after deflection within the atomization vessel. Inert gas contained within the atomization vessel and entrapped within the slurry during atomization begins to leave the slurry during deflection, the inert gas returning to the atomization vessel atmosphere. The inert gas removal process continues after passage through the exit aperture and entrance into a closed degassing vessel.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of an iron-titanium-mischmetal alloy which is used for the storage of hydrogen. The alloy is prepared by air-melting an iron charge in a clay-graphite crucible, adding titanium and deoxidizing with mischmetal. The resultant alloy contains less than about 0.1% oxygen and exhibits a capability for hydrogen sorption in less than half the time required by vacuum-melted, iron-titanium alloys.

Abstract: A method for compressing and sintering metal powder into solid form for use as metal coatings and structures. Metal powder is enclosed in a pressure-resistant container in contact with a metal bladder. The bladder contains a heat-decomposable substance which upon heating provides gaseous pressure to expand the bladder and compress and sinter the metal powder. The compressed and sintered metal powder can be used as a metal coating upon a metal surface or as a solid metal article by removal of the surface on which the metal powder was formed.

Abstract: Thermally induced porosity, which can lead to cracking in metal powders after consolidation, is believed to be caused by the entrapment of the inert gas used for atomization within the metal powders. The addition of an activating agent to the molten alloy prior to atomization with an inert gas, such as argon, serves to substantially reduce the porosity of metal powders. Suitable activating agents are characterized by an ability to rapidly diffuse to the surface of a molten metal particle and an affinity for oxygen. Activating agents that are useful for high nickel alloys and highly alloyed steels include magnesium, calcium, lithium, silicon, and rare earths.

Abstract: An alloy particularly directed to use as a wrought filler metal and contains certain percentages of chromium, iron, boron, molybdenum, nickel and optionally carbon, manganese and silicon.

Abstract: A nickel-chromium-titanium filler alloy for inert gas shielded-arc welding of 50% Cr, 50% Ni type alloys. The wrought alloy is characterized by a single phase austenitic microstructure and contains, by weight, from about 42 to about 46% chromium, from about 0.1 to about 1.8% titanium, from about 0.01 to about 0.1% carbon, and up to about 0.1% magnesium with the balance, apart from incidental elements, essentially nickel. The alloy provides sound welds having a two phase microstructure that afford elevated temperature strength and corrosion resistance equal to that afforded by base metals of the 50% Cr, 50% Ni type.

Abstract: A method for producing high strength composite tubing having a corrosion-resistant metal lining. The composite tubing is prepared by extrusion of an assembly having a low alloy steel outer shell and metal powder lining. The metal powder is consolidated during extrusion and high strength is attained by heat treatment.

Abstract: A highly-castable, ductile, corrosion-resistant and weldable stainless steel intended for exposure in marine environments. A highly satisfactory composition of the alloy is 24% Ni, 24% Cr, 4% Mo, 2% Si, 0.2% B and balance iron.

Abstract: Directed to a welding flux and covered welding electrodes, and, more particularly, to covered electrodes having a nickel-chromium-iron alloy core and a special flux coating or covering, which electrode is capable of joining similar and dissimilar metals and which produces, in all positions, sound welds free from cracking and porosity and deposits having excellent corrosion resistance.

Abstract: The presence of one or more of cobalt, iron, arsenic and lead is most substantially reduced in a nickel-containing electrolyte by an electrochemical process utilizing a high current density at the cathode in an electrolytic cell containing specific quantities of chlorides of alkali metals to form a fine nickel hydroxide precipitate. In a subsequent time dependent reaction under controlled pH conditions, nickel hydroxide reacts with the electrolyte to form insoluble precipitates of cobalt, iron, arsenic and lead which are removed from the electrolyte by filtration.