Abstract: A tantalum-containing nickel base superalloy having a .gamma.' phase has greatly improved maximum tensile strength which is substantially independent of the frequency of the stress is processed by forging above the .gamma.' solvus temperature and annealing above the recrystallization temperature of the alloy.

Abstract: A wear resistant coating includes a mixture or compound of Cobalt and Phosphorous either alone or mixed with one or more alloys to provide a coating for metallic surfaces rendering the metallic surfaces more resistant to wear. A preferred combination of Cobalt and Phosphorous utilized in the present invention consists of 89%, by weight, Cobalt and 11%, by weight, Phosphorous, which combination is at approximately the "eutectic" ratio, that is, that combination of Cobalt and Phosphorous exhibiting the lowest melting point. The 89Co-11P alloy is mixed with a second alloy including, by weight, about 61.1%Co, 8%Cr, 2.5%Si, 0.04%C, and 28%Mo. Preferred environments of application of the inventive coating include surgical blades, files and burrs, guide slots, drills and drill guides, surgical instruments and medical prostheses and for abrasive particles. The subject coatings have achieved a micro-hardness of 1500 DPH (Diamond Pyramid Hardness), approximately equal to the Rockwell C75 hardness.