Abstract: The invention describes a process for the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of alkali metal chloride, in particular sodium chloride, by the membrane process with an aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxide, in particular sodium hydroxide, as catholyte, where the temperature of the alkali metal chloride solution in the anode half-element and/or the volume flow rate of the alkali metal chloride solution in the anode half-element are set in such a way that the difference between the temperature of the alkali metal hydroxide solution at the entry into the cathode half-element and the temperature of the alkali metal hydroxide solution at the exit from the cathode half-element are not greater than 15° C.

Abstract: A free machining aluminum alloy contains an effective amount of one or more high melting point constituents that provide enhanced machining capability. The high melting point constituents occupy from about 0.1 to about 3.0 volume percent of the aluminum alloy. The constituents can be any material that is essentially insoluble in the aluminum alloy matrix so as to form a discontinuity and one that will resist deformation during machining to enhance the formation of voids between the matrix and the free machining constituents. The constituents include elements, nitrides, oxides, borides, carbides, silicides, aluminides and combinations thereof that have a high melting point and high strength and low solubility in aluminum at the elevated temperature so that the constituents resist deformation during the machining operation. The free machining aluminum alloy can be formed as a workpiece and subjected to any machining operation.

Abstract: A process for forging large components of Alloy 718 material so that the components do not exhibit abnormal grain growth includes the steps of: a) providing a billet with an average grain size between ASTM 0 and ASTM 3; b) heating the billet to a temperature of between 1750° F. and 1800° F.; c) upsetting the billet to obtain a component part with a minimum strain of 0.125 in at least selected areas of the part; d) reheating the component part to a temperature between 1750° F. and 1800° F.; e) upsetting the component part to a final configuration such that said selected areas receive no strains between 0.01 and 0.125; f) solution treating the component part at a temperature of between 1725° F. and 1750° F.; and g) aging the component part over predetermined times at different temperatures. A modified process achieves abnormal grain growth in selected areas of a component where desirable.