Abstract: A ferrous base alloy is disclosed, which is especially adapted for use as a hard facing or coating for poppet valves and the like. The alloy is characterized by the fact that it has an electron vacancy value or Nv number within the range of from about 1.75 to about 2.60.

Abstract: Fluid absorptive bodies for hygienic purposes or the like are formed consisting of an absorptive layer of hydrophil fibers, and a sheath formed at least in part of hydrophil fibers bound together by solid particles of thermoplastic. The hydrophil fibers of the sheath, at least in part, extend into the absorptive layer and the concentration of thermoplastic particles in the sheath decreases steadily from the exterior surface of the sheath to the interior of the absorptive layer. For the purpose of manufacturing such absorptive bodies, a process s preferably employed in which the inner surfaces of a mold corresponding to the contours of the absorbent body are coated with a layer of hydrophil sheathing fleece fibers and solid thermoplastic binder, the mold is filled with absorptive material, and the entire filling is heated, at least to the surface, to the binding temperature of the thermoplastic binder.