Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling the level of oxygen in molybdenum metal powder, which comprises agglomerating and sintering the molybdenum powder, classifying the resulting agglomerated and sintered molybdenum powder to obtain a particle size of from about -200 to about +325 mesh, contacting the resulting classified powder with a sufficient amount of an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide containing from about 1% to about 10% by weight of hydrogen peroxide to yield a molar ratio of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 :Mo of from about 2 to about 5 for sufficient time to achieve an oxygen content in the powder of from about 1% to about 15% by weight wherein the major portion of the oxygen is on the surface of the agglomerates, and removing the resulting hydrogen peroxide-treated molybdenum powder agglomerates from the resulting solution.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing composite agglomerates of molybdenum and molybdenum carbide (Mo.sub.2 C). The process involves forming a relatively uniform mixture of non-agglomerated molybdenum powder and carbon powder having a particle size of no greater than the particle size of the molybdenum powder. The amount of carbon powder is proportional to the amount of molybdenum carbide desired in the composite agglomerate. A slurry is formed of the mixture, an organic binder, and water with the amount of the binder being no greater than about 2% by weight of the mixture; and the powders are agglomerated from the slurry. The agglomerated powders are then classified to remove the major portion of the agglomerates having a size greater than about 170 mesh and less than about 325 mesh from the balance of the agglomerates. The balance of the agglomerates in which the particle size is -170 +325 mesh is then reacted at a temperature of no greater than about 1400.degree. C.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for introducing a controlled level of oxygen into agglomerated molybdenum metal powder, involving heating the powder at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient time in the presence of water vapor, and a non-oxidizing atmosphere with the amount of non-oxidizing atmosphere being controlled to produce a partially oxidized molybdenum powder.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for introducing a controlled level of oxygen into agglomerated molybdenum plasma spray powder. The method involves forming a relatively uniform mixture of agglomerated powders consisting essentially of molybdenum and one or more oxygen containing compounds of molybdenum wherein said mixture has an oxygen content of greater than about 10% by weight and reducing the mixture at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient time to remove a portion of the oxygen therefrom and form a molybdenum powder having an oxygen content of no greater than about about 10% by weight.

Abstract: Free flowing powders, such as for flame spray applications, are produced by spray drying a slurry of finely divided particles of the metal in a solvent-binder system to produce agglomerates, wherein the binder is a soluble compound of the metal. These agglomerates possess sufficient green strength to be screened and exhibit higher apparent densities than comparable powders agglomerated with conventional organic binders. When these powders are heated in a reducing atmosphere above the decomposition temperature of the binder, the binder converts to base metal and harmless by-products, such as nitrogen and water thus avoiding contamination of the product, equipment and work area usually associated with conventional organic binders.

Abstract: Free flowing powders, such as for flame spray applications, are produced by spray drying a slurry of finely divided particles of the metal in a solvent-binder system to produce agglomerates, wherein the binder is a soluble compound of the metal. These agglomerates possess sufficient green strength to be screened and exhibit higher apparent densities than comparable powders agglomerated with conventional organic binders. When these powders are heated in a reducing atmosphere above the decomposition temperature of the binder, the binder converts to base metal and harmless by-products, such as nitrogen and water thus avoiding contamination of the product, equipment and work area usually associated with conventional organic binders.

Abstract: Plasma flame spray coatings exhibiting improved hardness and wear resistance are produced from flame spray powders comprising spray dried agglomerates of finely divided molybdenum and alumina powder subparticles, wherein the diameters of the agglomerates are at least two times the maximum diameter of the subparticles.