Abstract: A method of producing a powder suitable for additive manufacturing and/or powder metallurgy applications from a precursor particulate material comprising: subjecting the precursor particulate material to at least one high shear milling process, thereby producing a powder product having a reduced average particle size and a selected particle morphology.

Abstract: A composite lay up tool comprising a metal faceplate (12) on a support member (13), wherein the faceplate has been formed by cold-gas dynamic spraying of particles of the metal onto a substrate and wherein the support member is compatible with the faceplate and comprises a casting of a ceramic composition. A process for forming the tool is disclosed. In one aspect, a castable ceramic composition comprises a binder and an aggregate component mixable with water to form a slurry ready for casting, wherein the aggregate component is one of, or a mixture of, fused silica and a particulate metal alloy, and the binder and aggregate component are present in the proportions 10-50 wt % and 90-50 wt % based on the dry weight of the composition.

Abstract: A method of producing a powder suitable for additive manufacturing and/or powder metallurgy applications from a precursor particulate material comprising: subjecting the precursor particulate material to at least one high shear milling process, thereby producing a powder product having a reduced average particle size and a selected particle morphology.

Abstract: A method of producing a powder suitable for additive manufacturing and/or powder metallurgy applications from a precursor particulate material comprising: subjecting the precursor particulate material to at least one high shear milling process, thereby producing a powder product having a reduced average particle size and a selected particle morphology.

Abstract: A composite lay up tool comprising a metal faceplate (12) on a support member (13), wherein the faceplate has been formed by cold-gas dynamic spraying of particles of the metal onto a substrate and wherein the support member is compatible with the faceplate and comprises a casting of a ceramic composition. A process for forming the tool is disclosed. In one aspect, a castable ceramic composition comprises a binder and an aggregate component mixable with water to form a slurry ready for casting, wherein the aggregate component is one of, or a mixture of, fused silica and a particulate metal alloy, and the binder and aggregate component are present in the proportions 10-50 wt % and 90-50 wt % based on the dry weight of the composition.

Abstract: A method of producing a powder suitable for additive manufacturing and/or powder metallurgy applications from a precursor particulate material comprising: subjecting the precursor particulate material to at least one high shear milling process, thereby producing a powder product having a reduced average particle size and a selected particle morphology.

Abstract: A composite lay up tool comprising a metal faceplate (12) on a support member (13), wherein the faceplate has been formed by cold-gas dynamic spraying of particles of the metal onto a substrate and wherein the support member is compatible with the faceplate and comprises a casting of a ceramic composition. A process for forming the tool is disclosed. In one aspect, a castable ceramic composition comprises a binder and an aggregate component mixable with water to form a slurry ready for casting, wherein the aggregate component is one of or a mixture of fused silica and a particulate metal alloy, and the binder and aggregate component are present in the proportions 10-50 wt % and 90-50 wt % based on the dry weight of the composition.

Abstract: A method of improving the wear resistance of a polymer is disclosed comprising the steps of evenly dispersing an ultrafine inorganic particulate material in the polymer at a loading rate of 0.01 to 20 wt % of the total weight of the particulate polymer composite. The mixing or dispersing is preferably carried out under sub-atmospheric pressure conditions to ensure little or no bubbles form in the mixture prior to curing.

Abstract: A coating system, for use in reducing air burn oxidation of a carbon anode of an aluminium electrolytic smelter, includes a pre-coat and a top coat which together enable protection of the anode when applied thereover. The pre-coat contains finely divided carbonaceous material dispersed in a solution of a suitable binder. The top coat contains finely divided particulate material, comprising at least one of alumina and cryolite, dispersed in a solution of a suitable binder.

Abstract: A process for the production of dense polycrystalline silicon carbide shaped articles; includes (a) heating a powder compact containing silicon carbide and alumina or a precursor thereof to an intermediate temperature, and maintaining the said intermediate temperature for an extended dwell, and then (b) heating the product of step (a) to a higher temperature for sufficient time to produce a dense polycrystalline silicon carbide product.

Abstract: A process for the production of dense polycrystalline silicon carbide shaped articles, includes the steps: (a) heating a powder compact containing silicon carbide and alumina or a precursor thereof together with a secondary sintering assist, to an intermediate temperature for an extended dwell, and then (b) heating the product of step (a) to a higher temperature for sufficient time to produce a dense polycrystalline silicon carbide product. The secondary sintering assist includes one or more rare earths or their precursors, for example scandia, yttria or dysprosia.