Abstract: A method for producing composite insulating coatings on powder particles, the coatings containing an electrically insulating metal compound and an organic polymer. The coatings are deposited preferably by controlled spraying, simultaneous or sequential, of sol precursors of insulating metal compounds and polymer emulsions or solutions onto polymer, metal or ceramic powder particles preferably during the blending or mixing of the particles. The process is useful for mass production of coated iron-based powders used for shaping components by powder metallurgy techniques for magnetic applications. Coated iron based powders can be cold or warm pressed and heat treated to obtain the desired mechanical properties.

Abstract: A novel high-performance binder system is provided for the fabrication of segregation-free iron based powder blends. The blends are prepared by using a binder system comprising thermoplastic resin polyvinylpyrrolidone and a suitable compatible plasticizer such as polyethylene glycol, and optional solid lubricants. The binder system enables the manufacture of segregation-free iron-based powder blends with high flow rate and compressibility, enhanced apparent density, green strength and transverse rupture strength, and low dimensional variations compared to unbonded powder blends and to blends made with PVP or PEG only as the binder.

Abstract: An alloy having a low reactivity towards certain high temperature superconducting materials at temperatures up to about 10.degree. C. lower than the melting point of the alloy. The alloy is a ternary silver-based alloy consisting, by weight, of 0.5-9% palladium, 20-40% gold, balance silver. Using the alloy and a superconducting material of the type R-Ba-Cu-O, where R is yttrium or a rare earth element, composite conductors can be formed at temperatures equal or higher than the temperature of peritectic decomposition of the superconductor. The alloy may also be used as a buffer layer or cladding material on substrates having unacceptably high reactivity towards the superconducting material.

Abstract: A zinc-based alloy comprising about 50 to 90 weight percent zinc and about 10 to 50 weight percent of at least one other metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt and iron. The zinc-based alloy according to the invention is particularly suitable for use as coating material for producing thermal-sprayed coatings having improved corrosion resistance and adherence.

Abstract: There is described a method and an apparatus wherein particles and a carrier gas are injected under pressure into a plasma flame. The particles are completely melted and are theraefter propelled onto a substrate to produce a coating thereon. According to the invention, the speed of the particles is slowed down and the flow of the gas carrier is adjusted, such as by disposing a cyclone ahead of the plasma flame, so as to provide an efficient injection of the particles in the center of the plasma flame.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for coating particles, such as ceramic, metallic and organic cores, with fine powder, such as ceramic, metal, organic or carbon powder. The process comprises providing a mixture comprising the particles and a binder which is capable of slowly melting to viscous state. Then the mixture is tumbled while slowly heating it to enable the binder to reach the viscous state while allowing the particles to be substantially covered with the binder. The next step includes cooling the mixture to about room temperature and thereafter breaking up the particles that may have agglomerated during the tumbling and heating to give individual particles covered with the binder. As a final step, the fine powder is added to the individual binder covered particles and the mixture is tumbled and heated again to the viscous state under conditions effective to provide a coating of the fine powder on the particles.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for synthesizing TiB.sub.2 composite materials containing a metallic phase. The preparation of these composites comprises providing mixtures of titanium alloys which in addition to at least 30 wt. % titanium also contain F, Ni, Al, Mo, Cr, Co, Cu or mixtures thereof, and boron or ferroboron, reacting these mixtures by local igniting and exothermic reaction or by heating or melting, resulting in the synthesis of composite material containing fine TiB.sub.2 crystals dispersed in a fine metallic phase which is derived from the metallic element previously alloyed or combined with the titanium of the titanium alloys or the metallic element or elements contained in the ferroboron. By leaching out the metallic phase, fine TiB.sub.2 powders may be obtained. Parts and coatings can also be obtained. The parts are normally obtained by treating the TiB.sub.2 material by powder metallurgic techniques. Coatings may be obtained by thermo or plasma spray depositing on a substrate.