Abstract: A method for forming a carbide coating of Group IVA, VA and VIA transition metals and their alloys. The metal to be coated is heated in a bath of molten alkali or alkaline earth metal containing carbon. There is also provided a method for preparing a metal surface for carburization by heating the metal in a nitrogen-containing atmosphere.

Abstract: Shoes for horses are fabricated from a plastic material which is reinforced by kinked metal wire. The shoes are lightweight, readily formable, have good wear properties and are much easier on the horse than metal shoes. The reinforced plastic material is also useful for fabrication of hoof pads.

Abstract: Waste materials containing metal oxides and/or metals and their salts are converted to useful products. The waste materials are combined in such proportions that when heated, they form a composite that becomes molten and pourable at temperatures below about 1600.degree. C. Provision is also made for converting some of the metal oxides in the molten material to free metal which is then separated from the molten material. A modified cupola can be used to generate the temperature and reducing conditions suitable for carrying out the process.

Abstract: Titanium and titanium alloy substrates are provided with a dense coating of a titanium silicide. The titanium silicide coating substantially increases the oxidation resistance of the substrate. The siliciding method includes the steps of: Forming a substantially molten pool of a siliciding alloy; contacting the substrate with the siliciding alloy; maintaining the substrate in contact with the siliciding alloy at a temperature at or above a minimum predetermined temperature to form a titanium silicide coating on the substrate; and separating the coated substrate from the siliciding alloy. The siliciding alloy includes a minimum effective concentration of silicon and a lithium metal flux.

Abstract: A method for resistance welding a metallic porous body, comprised of a plurality of metallic components arranged in a three dimensional matrix so as to have interconnecting pores or voids formed between said components, to a metallic substrate. The porous body and substrate each define a faying surface. The porous body is impregnated with an electrically conductive material to a predetermined distance from its faying surface, thereby defining an impregnated zone and an unimpregnated zone. The faying surfaces of the substrate and porous body are brought into physical contact so that the unimpregnated zone is disposed between the impregnated zone and faying surface of the porous body. An electrical current is passed through the porous body and the substrate, across the faying surfaces thereby forming a metallurgical bond between the faying surfaces.

Abstract: A method for decomposing the cyanide radical in cyanide-bearing wastes or materials. The cyanide radical of cyanide compounds contained in cyanide-bearing wastes or materials is chemically decomposed. In the preferred embodiment, the cyanide-bearing waste or material and water are introduced into a closed retort. The closed retort is heated and maintained at a temperature above a critical temperature and the cyanide radical is decomposed by reaction with water. At least two new compounds are formed, one of which contains the carbon constituent and the other of which contains the nitrogen constituent of the cyanide radical. The gaseous components which form in the closed retort are vented therefrom and may be condensed. The nongaseous components which form in the closed retort are accumulated therein and removed periodically.

Abstract: A waste treatment method for metal hydroxide electroplating sludges. Metal hydroxide sludges from the treatment of electroplating waste waters are rendered environmentally safe. The sludges are first dewatered and heated to a temperature sufficient to cause the metal hydroxides to convert to metal oxides. Predetermined quantities of silica and soda, or sources thereof, are mixed with the metal oxides. The mixture is further heated to a temperature sufficient to cause fusion of the mixture and form a slag-like composition having the metal oxides in chemical solution. The slag-like composition is then cooled to ambient temperature. The structure of the cooled slag-like composition is predominantly crystalline, having the metal oxides in solid solution in either a precipitate phase or a silicate matrix. The slag-like composition is resistant to corrosion even in an acidic environment.