Abstract: The present invention describes a technique for sample preparation and analysis of ceramics and oxides. The technique involves mixing the ceramic or oxide powder with a conducting powder such as gallium, indium or silver and adding a small amount of dopant. The dopant comprises approximately 5-30% by weight of the sample and is selected from the group comprising thoria, yttria or ytterbia. It is theorized that the addition of the dopant provides a source of electrons that stabilizes the plasma in the glow discharge mass spectrometer which allows for impurity analysis in the part-per-million range.

Abstract: A microscratch-test method for measuring adhesion between a first material and a second material adhered to one another at an interface and forming an article. The method involves polishing a planar surface of the article generally normal to the interface and exposing the interface and the first and second materials. A static load of predetermined mass is applied to a starting point on the first or second material in a direction generally normal to the planar surface, using a load means of a third material harder than the first and second materials. The load means is moved across the planar surface from the starting point in a straight line generally toward and across the interface at an angle relative to the interface of between 90.degree. and about 20.degree.. These steps are repeated, varying the mass. The starting point for each repetition is spaced apart from other starting points but is approximately equidistant with other starting points from the interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for intercalating small graphite flakes with a metal halide. Graphite and a metal halide are placed in two chambers 12, 14 of a rotary vapor transport reactor assembly 10 and heated. The reactor is charged with a halogen gas and rotated by motor 24 during synthesis to produce a homogenous and uniform intercalated product.

Abstract: Improved fluorescent lamps utilize phosphors which comprise a major amount of a particulate phosphor such as a cool white alkaline earth halophosphate coated with a minor amount of a protective coating consisting of NaCs.sub.2 PrCl.sub.6.