Abstract: A golf club head comprising a face portion and a main body portion, wherein at least the face portion or a face of the face portion comprises an amorphous alloy having a glass transition range. The amorphous alloy preferably has a composition represented by the general formula X.sub.a M.sub.b Al.sub.c (where X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zr and Hf, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Ti and Cu, and a, b and c are, in atomic percentages, 25.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.85, 5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.70 and 0<c.ltoreq.35), and comprises at least 50% by volume thereof being an amorphous phase. The golf club head has a high strength and yet has a low elastic modulus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for forming an amorphous alloy material capable of showing glass transition, which comprises holding the material between frames arranged in combination; and heating the material at a temperature between its glass transition temperature (Tg) and its crystallization temperature (Tx) and, at the same time, producing a pressure difference between opposite sides of the material, whereby the material is brought into close contact against a forming mold disposed on one side of the material. As an alternative, the forming mold is brought into close contact against the amorphous material in a direction opposite to the pressing direction for the amorphous material. By the above processes, precision-formed products of amorphous alloys can be manufactured and supplied at low cost.

Abstract: Hard magnetic materials of the present invention contain at least one element of Fe, Co and Ni as a main component, at least one element M of Zr, Nb, Ta and Hf, at least one rare earth element R and B. The texture of the materials has at least 70% of fine crystalline phase having an average grain size of 100 nm or less, and the residue having an amorphous phase, the fine crystalline phase mainly composed of bcc-Fe or bcc-Fe compound, Fe--B compound and/or R.sub.2 Fe.sub.14 B.sub.1.

Abstract: A method of producing a hard magnetic alloy compact at low cost, in which an alloy that contains not less than 50% by weight of an amorphous phase and exhibits hard magnetism in a crystallized state is solidified and molded at around its crystallization temperature under applied pressure by utilizing the softening phenomenon occurring during a crystallization process. The resulting compact has high hard magnetic characteristics and can be applied as permanent magnet members such as in motors, actuators, and speakers.

Abstract: An aluminum-based alloy having the general formula Al.sub.100 -(a+b)Q.sub.a M.sub.b (wherein Q is V, Mo, Fe, W, Nb, and/or Pd; M is Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and/or Cu; and a and b, representing a composition ratio in atomic percentages, satisfy the relationships 1.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.8, 0<b<5, and 3.ltoreq.a+b.ltoreq.8) having a metallographic structure comprising a quasi-crystalline phase, wherein the difference in the atomic radii between Q and M exceeds 0.01 .ANG., and said alloy does not contain rare earths, possesses high strength and high rigidity. The aluminum-based alloy is useful as a structural material for aircraft, vehicles and ships, and for engine parts; as material for sashes, roofing materials, and exterior materials for use in construction; or as materials for use in marine equipment, nuclear reactors, and the like.

Abstract: Quasi-crystalline aluminum alloy ultrafine particles are produced by a gas-phase reaction and consist of at least one alloy element from the group of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Pd, for example palladium (Pd) in an amount represented by 20 atomic %.ltoreq.Pd.ltoreq.30 atomic %, and the balance of aluminum. Palladium has a catalyst power, and the ultrafine particles have a large specific surface area, because they have a particle size d.ltoreq.200 nm. Such ultrafine particles have a high catalytic activity in a methanol decomposing reaction and also have a good retention of catalytic activity.

Abstract: An Fe-based soft magnetic alloy having a high saturated magnetic flux density and having a composition represented by formula (I) below:(Fe.sub.1-a Q.sub.a).sub.b B.sub.x T.sub.y T'.sub.z (I)wherein Q represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co and Ni; T represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo and W, with Zr and/or Hf being always included; T' represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Pd and Pt; a, b, x, y and z are real numbers satisfying relationships below:0.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.05,0.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.93 atomic %,0.5.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.16 atomic %,4.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.10 atomic %,0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.4.5 atomic %provided that when 0<z.ltoreq.4.5 atomic %, Q represents Co and 0<b.ltoreq.92 atomic %; and when z=0, 0.5.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.8 atomic % and 4.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.9 atomic %.

Abstract: A hard thin film having fine crystalline ceramic particles dispersed in a metallic matrix phase is disclosed. The production of the film is effected by first depositing a substantially amorphous film on a substrate and then heat-treating the deposited film. Deposition of the film on the substrate is carried out by using a source of evaporation having a composition represented by the general formula: Al.sub.a M.sub.b, wherein M stands for at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Ta, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, W, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu and "a" and "b" respectively stand for atomic % in the ranges of 60.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.98.5 and 1.5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.40, providing a+b=100. Deposition is effected by a physical vapor deposition process in an atmosphere of an inert gas containing a reaction gas while controlling the feed rate of the reaction gas into a chamber in such a manner that the partial pressure of the react/on gas is kept constant or varied continuously or stepwise.

Abstract: A catalyst for methanol reforming which consists of an alloy represented by the general formula TM, wherein T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, Y, Nb and Zn; and M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of elements (Cu, Ag and Au) belonging to group IB of the periodic table and elements (Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir and Pt) belonging to group VIII of the periodic table, said alloy having a surface comprising an oxide including the element T and, dispersed therein, fine metal particles composed of the element M. The catalyst is produced by preparing an alloy having an amorphous phase and/or a microcrystalline phase from a molten composition of TM, and subsequently heating the alloy at 50.degree. to 700.degree. C. in an oxidizing atmosphere or an atmosphere like that in which methanol reforming is performed. Using the catalyst, methanol reforming can be efficiently performed at relatively low temperatures.

Abstract: A high-strength aluminum-based alloy consisting of a composition represented by the general formula: Al.sub.bal Q.sub.a M.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein Q is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn and Cr; M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, and Cu; X is at least one of rare earth elements including Y, or Misch metal (Mm); and a, b and c are, in atomic percentages, 1.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.7, 0.5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.5, and 0<c.ltoreq.5, the aluminum-based alloy containing quasicrystals in the structure thereof. The quasicrystals may be of an icosahedral phase (I phase), a decagonal phase (D phase), or a crystalline phase akin thereto and the structure may comprise the quasicrystalline phase and a phase formed of any one of an amorphous phase, aluminum, and a supersaturated aluminum solid solution or a composite (mixed phase) thereof.

Abstract: Alloy powder which is low in price and is unlikely to be oxidized on the surface, and a dispersion-type conductor using the alloy powder in which electromigration is not likely to occur. Melt of copper and silver is cooled at a high cooling speed of 10.sup.5 .degree.C./s or higher. Alloy powder having a composition expressed by a chemical formula Cu.sub.x Ag.sub.1-x (where 0.80.ltoreq..times..ltoreq.0.99) is obtained. Also, a dispersion-type conductor is produced by dispersing 100 parts by weight of the alloy powder in between 5-100 parts by weight of a binder. Thus, the low-priced alloy powder and the dispersion-type conductor of high quality and high reliability can be obtained.

Abstract: A high strength aluminum-based alloy, which having a composition of the general formula: Al.sub.bal Q.sub.a M.sub.b X.sub.c T.sub.d, wherein Q represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Cr, V, Mo and W; M represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Cu and Fe; X represents at least one element selected from rare earth elements including Y or Mm; T represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr and Hf; and a, b, c and d represent the following atomic percentages: 1.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.7, 0>5, 0>c.ltoreq.5 and 0>d.ltoreq.2, and contains quasi-crystals in the structure thereof. The alloy of the present invention is excellent in the hardness and strength at both room temperature and a high temperature, and also in thermal resistance and ductility.

Abstract: Ultrafine amorphous metal particles which combine the properties of ultrafine particles with those of an amorphous alloy and a method for the production thereof are disclosed. The ultrafine amorphous metal particles are produced by a method which comprises discharging a plasma arc against a raw metal capable of forming a carbide in a reaction gas using an inert gas as a main component thereof and containing a hydrocarbon gas, and allowing the metal which has been consequently vaporized to contact the reaction gas which has been consequently converted into a plasma, thereby inducing formation of a solid solution of carbon atoms in the vaporized metal and quenching the solid solution in the reaction gas to confer an amorphous structure thereon. As the raw metal, at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mo, Nb, Ta, Ti, Zr, Al, Si, and Cr is preferably used.

Abstract: Ultrafine whiskery or columnar ceramic particles, a method for producing the ultrafine particles, and a sintered article obtained by sintering the ultrafine ceramic particles are disclosed. The ultrafine ceramic particles are produced by thermally melting a matrix alloy of a composition of Al--M.sup.1, wherein M.sup.1 stands for at least one metallic element selected from the group consisting of Cr, Co, and Fe, or Al--M.sup.1 --M.sup.2, wherein M.sup.2 stands for at least one metallic element selected from the group consisting of Au, Cu, Dy, Er, Ga, Ge, Gd, Hf, Ho, Lu, Mn, Mo, Nb, Nd, Ni, Pr, Re, Sb, Sc, Si, Sn, Ta, Tb, Ti, Tm, V, W, Y, Zn, or Zr, in a nitriding atmosphere containing nitrogen and causing the vaporized raw material to react with the nitrogen in the atmosphere.

Abstract: A dispersion-strengthened aluminum alloy having a composite structure containing a matrix of .alpha.-aluminum and a precipitation deposited phase of an intermetallic compound with the intermetallic compound in a volume ratio of not more than 35 vol. %, has both high strength and high toughness. The precipitation phase of the intermetallic compound has an aspect ratio of not more than 3.0, the .alpha.-aluminum has a crystal grain size which is at least twice the grain size of the precipitation phase of the intermetallic compound, and the crystal grain size of the .alpha.-aluminum is not more than 200 nm. It is possible to obtain an aluminum alloy having the aforementioned limited structure by carrying out first and second heat treatments on gas-atomized powder containing at least 10 vol. % of an amorphous phase or a green compact thereof and thereafter carrying out hot plastic working.

Abstract: A deformed ultra fine grain is comprised of a spherical body and a tail-like projection projecting from the surface of the spherical body. The tail-like projection exhibits a separating effect on the adjacent deformed ultra fine grains and therefore, aggregation of the ultra fine grains is avoided. Bulk quantities of the deformed ultra fine grains are produced by evaporating a metal by a plasma arc in a controlled atmosphere having a gas that combines with the material of the spherical body to form the tail-like projection.

Abstract: A soft magnetic bulky alloy according to the present invention is obtained by forming under pressure a powder and granule material mainly made of a Fe-M-B based amorphous alloy containing Fe, B and M where M is at least one element selected from a group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo and W. In the soft magnetic bulky alloy, an amorphous alloy phase and a bcc phase with fine grain sizes of 30 nm or below are present in a mixed state, or the bcc phase with fine grain sizes of 30 nm or below is mainly present. The present invention also discloses a method of manufacturing such a soft magnetic bulky alloy.

Abstract: Ultrafine particles of aluminum nitride having a morphologically anisotropic structure of columns, plates, or whiskers such that the ratio of thickness or width to length or the ratio of thickness to width or length of particle is not less than 1 are produced by thermally melting a binary alloy of metallic aluminum and a rare earth element in a nitriding atmosphere containing nitrogen. By this method are produced composite ultrafine particles which substantially comprise ultrafine particles of aluminum nitride having the morphologically anisotropic structure and ultrafine particles of the rare earth nitride which functions as a sintering auxiliary therefor. The composite ultrafine particles or an aggregate thereof are usable as a raw material for the production of a sintered article, a reinforcing material for various metal-based composite materials, a blast powder, and the like.

Abstract: Alloy powder which is low in price and is unlikely to be oxidized on the surface, and a dispersion-type conductor using the alloy powder in which electromigration is not likely to occur. Melt of copper and silver is cooled at a high cooling speed of 10.sup.5 .degree. C./s or higher. Alloy powder having a composition expressed by a chemical formula Cu.sub.x Ag.sub.1-x (where 0.80.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.0.99) is obtained. Also, a dispersion-type conductor is produced by dispersing 100 parts by weight of the alloy powder in between 5-100 parts by weight of a binder. Thus, the low-priced alloy powder and the dispersion-type conductor of high quality and high reliability can be obtained.

Abstract: A high-strength aluminum alloy consisting of an amorphous phase containing quasicrystals constituted of aluminum as the principal element, a first additive element consisting of at least one rare earth element and a second additive element consisting of at least one element other than aluminum and rare earth elements, and a crystalline phase consisting of the principal element and the first additive element and the second additive element contained in a supersaturated solid solution form, the amorphous phase containing quasicrystals being contained in a volume percentage of 60 to 90%. The contents of the additive elements preferably fall within a hatched range in the figure, still preferably within a range covered with dot-dash lines in the figure.