Abstract: This invention relates to the fabrication of an improved electrode for an electrostatic atomizing device. The electrode consists of metal oxide-metal composite fragments dispersed and bonded in a metallic matrix. The composite fragments contain submicron metallic fibers uniformally arrayed in a nonconducting (insulating) matrix. The electrostatic atomizing device includes a cell having a chamber disposed therein, a discharge spray means in communication with the cell, at least two electrodes disposed in the chamber and being in liquid contact with the liquid in the chamber, the liquid in the chamber being transported to the discharge spray means and atomized into droplets, and a mechanism for generating by means of the electrodes, a charge through the liquid within the chamber, wherein the charge enamating from the improved electrode is sufficient to generate free excess charge in the liquid within the chamber, and the liquid is atomized into droplets.

Abstract: A method of making a low voltage field device utilizing a preferentially etched unidirectionally solidified composite as the substrate. In the process, the composite is etched so that the electrically conducting rod-like or fiber phase protrudes above the matrix phase. The tip of the exposed fiber phase may be processed further to provide a rounded or needle-like geometry. Next, a layer of insulating material is deposited in a direction approximately parallel to the axes of the fibers to cause the formation of cone-like deposits of insulating material on the fiber tips which shadow the deposit on the matrix around the fibers and produce conical holes in the layer of insulating material about the fibers. Then, an electrically conductive film is deposited in approximately the same direction to produce on the insulating layer a cellular grid having openings corresponding in number and distribution to the fiber sites. Lastly, the cones of insulating material are removed from the fibers.

Abstract: A process for the immobilization and volume reduction of low level radioactive wastes produced from the processing of rare earth recovery processes comprising mixing the waste residue with 0.1 to 50% of a fluxing agent and optionally with 0.1 to 50% silica sand, heating the mixture to a temperature in the range of about 1200.degree. to 1800.degree. C. to form molten glass, and pouring the molten glass into a suitable container to cool and solidify into a vitrified mass. Suitable fluxing agents include sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium borate, sodium perborate, or mixtures thereof.