Abstract: A process for dispersion strengthening of atomized alloy particles by internal oxidation is substantially improved by providing atomized particles substantially free of oxide surface film to enhance the efficiency of the internal oxidation step. The atomized alloy particles can be produced by dry collection to prevent oxide film formation, or alternatively, the oxide surface film can be removed by mechanical action removal or by chemical leaching.

Abstract: A process is described whereby steel wire is made into killed twisted strand or cord having essentially no retained tensile, bending or torsional stresses which comprises twisting a plurality of steel wires to form a strand or cord, austenitizing and simultaneously homogenizing the alloy, quenching the homogenized steel strand or cord along a straight path during martensitic transformation to provide a quenched martensitic structure, essentially to the exclusion of retained austenite and, thereafter, tempering the quenched martensite to provide optimum strength and ductility. The twisted strand or cord resulting from the mechanical and heat treatment possesses nearly optimized strength properties of the alloy employed, while having no retained tensile, bending or torsional stresses and is suitable for application in steel reinforced composite and in particular as tire cord.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing cylindrical products having a range of hardness through a cross section such as a roll. The method includes conventional forging and heat treatment steps with or without the addition of a rapid water quench derived from direct impingement of a quench medium on the product as it rotates in a horizontal position, followed, as a final heat treatment, by subjection either to direct flame impingement in a horizontal, rotating condition or flame heat in a vertical furnace while rotating, again followed, preferably, by a drastic quench, and, also preferably an extremely low temperature deep freeze operation to thereby convert substantially all austenite to martensite. The invention makes possible the production of rolls capable of usage from original diameter to scrap diameter without reconditioning.