Abstract: This case relates to tough, wear resistant graded structure composites, to a process for preparing the same and to tools and products fabricated therefrom. The composites have a surface layer e.g. of WC and a binder, an interface layer, e.g. which is a stepwise transition from the surface layer whereby the binder content thereof gradually increases, a substrate layer which is a combination of e.g. an initial high carbon steel layer and finally a base layer of bainitic steel. The composites are substantially non-porous and can be used to fabricate components such as drill bits, wear plates, pump components machine tools, seals, washers, bearings and the like.

Abstract: This case relates to tough, wear resistant graded structure composites, to a process for preparing the same and to tools and products fabricated therefrom. The composites have a surface layer e.g. of WC and a binder, an interface layer, e.g. which is a stepwise transition from the surface layer whereby the binder content thereof gradually increases, a substrate layer which is a combination of e.g. an initial high carbon steel layer and finally a base layer of bainitic steel. The composites are substantially non-porous and can be used to fabricate components such as drill bits, wear plates, pump components machine tools, seals, washers, bearings and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to metal matrix composites containing at least 40% v/v of a hard material such as SiC and a matrix of aluminium, magnesium or alloys of either. The invention also covers a method of making such composites by ball milling powders of the respective components. Other mixing techniques do not enable such a high proportion of hard material to be incorporated into the composite. The composites are useful to produce components resistant to wear.

Abstract: This invention relates to (a) a powder of aluminium or an alloy thereof having at least 0.04% w/w of gallium concentrated on the grain boundaries of the particles in the powder, (b) a method of producing the powder by fragmenting a substrate of aluminium or an alloy thereof coated with gallium under a deforming stress, and (c) a method of forging the powder. The powder can be forged into complex shapes using fewer steps than hitherto possible especially with aluminium powders.