Abstract: A method of impregnating the surface of a ceramic disk for use in a faucet valve to fill the pores of the ceramic plate and reduce the coefficient of friction between cooperating plates which control the fluid flow through the faucet valve. The plates are impregnated by subjecting the plates to a carburizing gas under heat over an extended period of time. The process causes a carbon matrix to fill the pores of the ceramic plate. Thereafter, the plates are lapped and polished to remove any excess deposits from the plate surface. The process forms a pair of cooperating plates for use in a faucet valve which eliminate sticking or lock-up of the valve assembly.

Abstract: In inserting a bar of metal into a refractory crucible of a conventional vacuum furnace, a covering is placed over the leading end of the bar to reduce scoring of the crucible and the production of chips or particles of refractory material. The covering is softer than the refractory crucible and has shock absorbing properties. The covering is disintegrated upon heating of the bar and turns into constituent components which have no adverse effect on the chemical composition of the molten metal to be poured from the crucible. In the preferred practice the covering is a preformed boot which fits the leading end of the bar and is formed of an expanded unsaturated aliphatic or substituted aliphatic hydrocarbon polymer such as expanded polyethylene.