Abstract: A process is described for producing a superconducting thick layer on a base material by thermally spraying a powder containing bismuth, lead, strontium, calcium and copper in oxidic form. First a powdered starting mixture is prepared which has a composition corresponding to the formula:Bi.sub.1.90-x Pb.sub.x Sr.sub.2-y Ca.sub.2.2-z Cu.sub.3.5-q O.sub.v,in which0.1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.7,0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.4,-0.5.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.+0.5,0.ltoreq.q.ltoreq.1.2 andv is the oxygen content calculated from the starting materials. Then the powder is heated for not less than 1 hour at a temperature of not less than 750.degree. C. in an oxygen-containing atmosphere and cooled again. The powder pre-reacted in this way is applied to a thermally stable substrate in a layer thickness of 0.5 to 7 mm by means of a burner by plasma-jet spraying or by flame spraying. The layer applied is then sintered for a time of not less than 40 hours at a temperature of 842.degree. to 848.degree. C. The layer is cooled to a temperature of 550.

Abstract: An inorganic thin film is deposited on a substrate by sputtering a sputter target by cathode sputtering in the vicinity of the substrate. To produce the target, at least two pulverulent starting components are mixed. The mixture is tempered if a uniform reaction product can be obtained in this process. It is powdered and the powder is deposited on a metallic base by plasma-jet spraying. This produces the target. Preferably, an oxide mixture is tempered which is a starting product for a superconducting ceramic material. In order to convert the thin film deposited to a superconducting state, it is treated for a prolonged time at temperatures of 300.degree.-800.degree. C. in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. The reaction product obtained on tempering may have, for example, the overall composition ZBa.sub.m Cu.sub.n O.sub.x, where 1.5.ltoreq.m.ltoreq.2.5, 2.ltoreq.n.ltoreq.5 and 4.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.

Abstract: On extrusion of thermoplastic melts, flow anomalies occurring in the extrusion dies can be decisively reduced when dies are used whose surfaces coming into contact with the melts are provided with a thermally applied spray coating.

Abstract: It is possible, by means of a flame-spraying or plasma-spraying technique adjusted to suit the particular properties of a plastic, not only to provide nonreinforced plastics with a uniform coating, but also to achieve an excellent hydrophilic surface wettability at the same time.