Abstract: A method for preparing polycrystalline lithium metal oxide fibers of the formula Li.sub.x M.sub.y O.sub.z by filling micromold fibers of a desired inner diameter and length with a mixture composed of the desired metal salts or solutions of salts or alkoxides, solvents, binders, plasticizers, and deflocculants, firing the filled micromold fibers at elevated temperatures but below temperatures of lithium oxide volatilization in air for at least one hour to simultaneously burn-out the micromold and yield the polycrystalline lithium metal oxide fiber.

Abstract: A method is provided which includes infusing oxygen into pitch material without stabilizing the oxygen-infused pitch material. In addition, the invention includes further processing steps (including heat stabilization in either an inert atmosphere or an oxygen-containing atmosphere, deformation, pyrolysis, and/or composite formation) performed after or in conjunction with the oxygenation process. Moreover, the invention includes the composition of matter (in any of a number of different physical forms such as powder, fiber, shaped article, composites) resulting from the practice of this oxygenation process, either alone or in conjunction with the further processing steps. The composition has a homogeneous distribution of oxygen and can be heat stabilized in an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: A method is provided which includes infusing oxygen into pitch material without stabilizing the oxygen-infused pitch material. In addition, the invention includes further processing steps (including heat stabilization in either an inert atmosphere or an oxygen-containing atmosphere, deformation, pyrolysis, and/or composite formation) performed after or in conjunction with the oxygenation process. Moreover, the invention includes the composition of matter (in any of a number of different physical forms such as powder, fiber, shaped article, composites) resulting from the practice of this oxygenation process, either alone or in conjunction with the further processing steps. The composition has a homogeneous distribution of oxygen and can be heat stabilized in an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: Hollow carbon fibers and carbon fibers having a generally C-shaped transverse cross-sectional area are produced by extruding a carbonaceous anisotropic liquid precursor through a spinneret having a capillary with a generally C-shaped cross-sectional area, into a fiber filament, controlling the viscosity of the molten precursor, the pressure of the molten precursor and the linear take-up speed of the filament to yield a fiber filament having a cross-sectional area shaped substantially like the shape of the cross-sectional area of the capillary and further having a line-origin microstructure, rendering the filament infusible, heating the filament in an inert pre-carbonizing environment at a temperature in the range of 600.degree. C. to 1000.degree. C. for 1 to 5 minutes, and heating the filament in an inert carbonizing environment at a temperature in the range of 1550.degree. C. to 1600.degree. C. for 5 to 10 minutes, to substantially increase the tensile strength of the filament.

Abstract: Hollow carbon fibers and carbon fibers having a generally C-shaped transverse cross-sectional area are produced by extruding a carbonaceous anisotropic liquid precursor through a spinneret having a capillary with a generally C-shaped cross-sectional area, into a fiber filament, controlling the viscosity of the molten precursor, the pressure of the molten precursor and the linear take-up speed of the filament to yield a fiber filament having a cross-sectional area shaped substantially like the shape of the cross-sectional area of the capillary and further having a line-origin microstructure, rendering the filament infusible, heating the filament in an inert pre-carbonizing environment at a temperature in the range of 600.degree. C. to 1000.degree. C. for 1 to 5 minutes, and heating the filament in an inert carbonizing environment at a temperature in the range of 1550.degree. C. to 1600.degree. C. for 5 to 10 minutes, to substantially increase the tensile strength of the filament.

Abstract: Special C-shaped carbon fibers, melt spun from mesophase pitch, were used as micro-molds to form nested dual fibers and ceramic fibers. By wetting these carbon fibers in a wet chemical precursor, and subsequently heat treating, ceramic fibers of various compositions were formed. Also, through proper control, carbon-ceramic nested fibers were produced. The ceramic materials were silica, alumina, silicon carbide, hydroxyapatite, and zirconia. The ceramic fibers could be formed with non-circular transverse cross-sectional perimeters.

Abstract: Special C-shaped carbon fibers, melt spun from mesophase pitch, were used as micro-molds to form nested dual fibers and ceramic fibers. By wetting these carbon fibers in a wet chemical precursor, and subsequently heat treating, ceramic fibers of various compositions were formed. Also, through proper control, carbon-ceramic nested fibers were produced. The ceramic materials were silica, alumina, silicon carbide, hydroxyapatite, and zirconia. The ceramic fibers could be formed with non-circular transverse cross-sectional perimeters.

Abstract: Method and composition for applying a surface covering to a wall or like substrate. The surface covering comprises a flexible strip or sheet of substantially dry, semi-hydrated gypsum, bonded to a re-enforcing mesh or lath. The method includes the steps of coating the rear face of the surface covering sheet with aqueous latex adhesive in an amount which will transfer sufficient water from the adhesive to the gypsum to hydrate and set the gypsum, and, at the same time, invert the latex to a tacky, adherent state; and applying the adhesive-coated surface covering to the substrate.