Abstract: Reinforcing Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 ceramics with preoxidized SiC whiskers improves flexural strength and WEIBULL modulus over that of comparable bulk Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 ceramics or Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 ceramics reinforced with neat SiC whiskers. Hot isostatic pressing further improves the physical properties of said ceramics.

Abstract: Reinforcing Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 ceramics with preoxidized SiC whiskers improves flexural strength and WEIBULL modulus over that of comparable bulk Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 ceramics or Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 ceramics reinforced with neat SiC whiskers. Hot isostatic pressing further improves the physical properties of said ceramics.

Abstract: A device is provided for taking samples of a pressurized gas or liquid product, comprising a first through flow duct for the product to be sampled, a second through flow duct for a carrier gas or liquid, a communication conduit between said two ducts and a controllable means for normally closing and temporarily opening said communication passage. For injecting and vaporizing a liquid in analysis circuit, the device further comprises means for heating at least the downstream part of said communication conduit, i.e. that by which this latter is connected to said second duct through which said carrier gas or liquid flows.

Abstract: Silicon nitride sintered bodies which contain no more than 15% by weight metallic non-oxide compounds as silicon nitride high temperature grain growth inhibitors and total amount of 4-25% of MgO and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 as densifying aids in MgO/Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 weight ratio being 19 to 2.

Abstract: Rheometer for effecting measurement of rheological properties in a medium, comprising a hollow body (2) having an inner chamber (3) with a lower zone (3A) and an upper zone (3B) of enlarged diameter. An inner shaft (9) is located in the inner chamber (3) and is driven by a magnetic coupling (12A-13) through a cap (4) for hermetically sealing the hollow body (2). A rotor (18) is provided on the inner shaft (9) and is displaceable in a longitudinal direction between an upper position where it is located in the upper zone (3B) and a lower position where it is located in its position for measurement. A stirrer (10-11) is keyed to the lower part of the inner shaft (9) and is receivable within the rotor (18).

Abstract: A powder composition suitable for the pressureless thermal sintering of articles which may be used in aluminium electro-thermics contains titanium boride with boron and titanium hydride as densifying additives. During sintering these additives form titanium boride. As this is identical to the substance of the sintered article the additives therefore do not constitute impurities in the sintered article.

Abstract: This device comprises (a) a removable compact cell which can be accurately weighed. A sample is introduced into this cell, with the cell equipped with a magnetic stirrer and with at least one measuring gauge. This cell has a sliding cover plate for varying its volume. The device includes (b) a pressurizing unit whose temperature can be controlled and which is provided with a housing for receiving the cell. In combination with the above, there is provided (c) a calibrated hydraulic press operatively associated with the sliding cover plate to compress the fluid contained in the cell.