Abstract: Flexible metal carbide fabrics are produced by a process that involves the steps of:(a) impregnating a preformed organic polymeric fabric with a solution of a metal compound;(b) heating the impregnated fabric to evolve volatile decomposition products and to leave a carbonaceous relic containing the metal in finely dispersed form; and(c) further heating the relic to 1000.degree.-2400.degree. C. in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to form the metal carbide. Boron carbide and silicon carbide fabrics produced by this process are attractive for high temperature structural applications.

Abstract: Finely-divided metal oxides are prepared by the steps of (a) contacting a compound of a metal with a carbohydrate material to obtain an intimate mixture thereof, (b) igniting this mixture to oxidize the same and to insure conversion of substantially all of said metal compound to a fragile agglomerate of its metal oxide, and (c) pulverizing the product of step (b) to form a finely-divided metal oxide powder having a mean particle size below about 1.0 micron. Certain of the finely-divided metal oxide powders produced by this process have the useful property of sinterability at temperatures significantly lower than metal oxide powders heretofore readily available. The powders are useful in the preparation of high strength compacted shapes for use in high temperature and/or corrosive environment, in the preparation of refractory cements, catalysts, catalysts supports and the like.