Abstract: The invention relates to a casting flux for steels or alloys on an iron, nickel or cobalt basis which make heavy demands on the degree of oxidic purity for continuous or ingot casting and contain as the main components calcium oxide (CaO), aluminium oxide (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3) and strontium oxide (SrO), the characterizing feature of the invention being that the chemical composition lies within the following limits (in % by weight):20 to 40% CaO,15 to 30% SrO,0 to 6% Mgo,0 to 8% MgF.sub.2,0 to 8% CaF.sub.2,0 to 8% NaF0 to 6% LiFresidue Al.sub.2 O.sub.3,the flux having a total content not exceeding 15% of oxygen-yielding compounds, such as SiO.sub.2, FeO, MnO, K.sub.2 O, Na.sub.2 O, P.sub.2 O.sub.5, Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 and B.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: Method for the investigation of the condition of a corrodible surface coated with a polymer, wherein the corrosion potential at the corrodible surface is measured without contacting either the corrodible surface or the polymer coating by means of a Kelvin probe which measures the potential between the corrodible surface and a probe electrode. The potential difference reflects the corrosion potential and, thus, the corrosion condition of the polymer coated surface.

Abstract: Crack-free, dense and either amorphous or crystalline, nonoxide monolithic ceramic shaped articles are produced at relatively low temperatures, by shaping a powder (P) of an infusible, organometallic ceramic precursor polymer (Pi) into a green body having a relative density of at least 65%, and thence pyrolyzing such shaped green body.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for the continuous production of rollable sheet metal directly from molten metal comprising two cooled rollers mounted for rotation opposite one another in a substantially horizontal plane, each connected to a drive, and which are maintained a certain distance apart to form a gap of a width corresponding to the desired sheet thickness. Molten metal is poured between the two rollers in order to form a pool of molten metal above the gap. To achieve uniform operating conditions the width of the gap is adjusted automatically in dependence on the rolling force or the speed of rotation of the rollers is adjusted in accordance with the rolling pressure, for regulating the depth or volume of the molten pool.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a ceramic formed body comprising a ceramic matrix and at least one phase of ceramic incorporation material dispersed therein, characterized by a dense, microcrack-free ceramic base matrix and compressive zones incorporated therein which consist of a mixture of the base matrix material with unstabilized zirconium dioxide particles which are predominantly monoclinic at ambient temperature.The present invention is also concerned with a process for the production of such ceramic formed bodies and with the use thereof as constructional elements in the hot region of heat engines.