Abstract: A system for purification of high value metals comprises an electrolytic cell in which an anode formed of a composite of a metal oxide of the metal of interest with carbon is electrochemically reduced in a molten salt electrolyte.

Abstract: A method for producing a pure metal M or metal alloy MxNy, of interest, which comprises electrolyzing a molten salt electrolyte of an alkali-metal or alkaline-earth metal halide AX or AX2, with an anode formed of graphite or made of a composite of a metal oxide of the metal of interest and carbon, to discharge the alkali or alkaline-earth metal A, at the cathode, and to discharge nascent chlorine gas at the anode, whereby to produce a halide of the metal of interest MXn and/or NXn, and metallothermically reducing the metal halide MXn and/or NXn either separately or combined, with the alkali or alkaline-earth metal A, obtained cathodically to produce the metal M or the metal alloy MxNy of interest in particulate form.

Abstract: A reduced-weight container or vessel for storage, transportation and processing gases and liquids under pressure has a plurality of hollows formed in the outer wall, resulting in a reduced weight without compromising the structural integrity.

Abstract: Low cost spherical titanium and titanium powder alloy powder is produced by impinging a stream of an inert gas, such as argon, on the surface of a molten pool of titanium or sponge and alloying elements.

Abstract: A penetrator comprising a layered composite of at least one high density metal and at least one reactive metal material such as a reactive metal.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing Ti alloy structures using a SFFF manufacturing process with a welding torch as a high energy source, which comprises using as a feed a feed wire made from Ti sponge and alloying powders, or forming a Ti alloy in-situ in the melt.

Abstract: A method of material treatment in which the surface of a metal substrate is converted to a composite structure of the metal and its nitride or carbide utilizing a high temperature chemically active thermal plasma stream, and the product obtained from that method. The complex thermal plasma contains controllable additions of active gas, liquid or solid substances. The surface layer obtained is functionally graded to the substrate resulting in an excellent bond that resists delamination and spalling, and provides a significant increase in hardness, wear and erosion resistance, and corrosion resistance, and a decrease in coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A system for purification of high value metals comprises an electrolytic cell in which an anode formed of a composite of a metal oxide of the metal of interest with carbon is electrochemically reduced in a molten salt electrolyte.

Abstract: A cermet armor material for highly effective ballistic performance which is comprised of a layer of base metal in which is deposited a layer or layers of ceramic and a compatible metal such that the deposited metal in combination with the base metal forms a continuous matrix around the ceramic particles. The body has a structure which is continuously graded from a highest ceramic content at the outer surface (strike face) decreasing to zero within the base substrate, and contained no abrupt interfaces.

Abstract: A method for production of titanium particles or other metal of interest by a metallothermic reduction reaction of TiCl4 or other metal chloride in a reaction zone which comprises conducting the reaction in a fluidized bed reaction zone, and recycling particles to the reaction zone to build up particle size.

Abstract: A cermet armor material for highly effective ballistic performance which is comprised of a layer of base metal in which is deposited a layer or layers of ceramic and a compatible metal such that the deposited metal in combination with the base metal forms a continuous matrix around the ceramic particles. The body has a structure which is continuously graded from a highest ceramic content at the outer surface (strike face) decreasing to zero within the base substrate, and contained no abrupt interfaces.

Abstract: A method of winning a metal from its oxide ore by heating the ore in a partial vacuum or under an inert atmosphere in the presence of a reductant. The resulting product may be further reduced electrochemically to produce a purer metal.

Abstract: A fabrication technique is described for producing lighter weight and improved wear and erosion resistant gun barrels. The barrels are produced in an unconventional manner from the inside bore to the outside diameter of the barrel and combine a refractory metal, metal alloy, or ceramic composite inner liner with a metal matrix composite (MMC) or titanium or other suitable high strength, lightweight metal or metal alloy outer shell. A unique aspect of the invention is that there is a compositional gradation from the liner at the inside bore to the overwrap which extends to the outside diameter of the barrel. A process is also described to produce barrels with a refractory metal liner with improved wear and erosion resistance by depositing the refractory metal on the ID of a pre-fabricated barrel.

Abstract: A system for purification of high value metals comprises an electrolytic cell in which an anode formed of a composite of a metal oxide of the metal of interest with carbon is electrochemically reduced in a molten salt electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising a body of proton donor electrolyte in effective contact with first and second electrodes one of which consists essentially of a fullerene in contact with a conductive material. By the application of an electric current across the electrodes the cell can be used to hydrogenate the fullerene, thereby storing hydrogen and electric energy.