Abstract: Semiconducting carbonaceous pyropolymeric inorganic refractory oxide materials are prepared by utilizing a continuous semi-fluidized bed system comprising a laterally disposed tubular reaction section, a stabilizing section and a cooling section in axial alignment with one another, means for introducing an inorganic refractory oxide into said reaction section and means for introducing a gaseous hydrocarbon pyropolymeric precursor into the reaction section whereby said oxide is contacted with a precursor while maintaining said oxide in a semi-fluidized state.

Abstract: Electrocatalysts which may be used in the preparation of electrodes for electrochemical cells such as fuel cells comprising a refractory inorganic oxide having a carbonaceous pyropolymer forming at least a monolayer on the refractory oxide, the surface of said pyropolymer having at least one catalytically active metal impregnated thereon may be prepared by treating a refractory inorganic oxide with a pyrolyzable organic compound to form at least a monolayer of a carbonaceous pyropolymer on the surface of said refractory inorganic oxide, thereafter impregnating the resulting composite with a complex of a soluble salt of at least one catalytically active metal and a sulfur-containing carboxylic acid, heating the impregnated composite to remove the solvent, reducing the dried composite and thereafter recovering the resultant electrocatalyst.

Abstract: Semiconducting carbonaceous pyropolymeric inorganic refractory oxide materials are prepared by introducing inorganic refractory oxide materials into a reaction section which may comprise a horizontal screw reactor wherein said inorganic refractory oxide materials are contacted with a gasified hydrocarbon thereby maintaining the inorganic refractory oxide material in a semifluidized state. Following this contact, the resultant carbonaceous pyropolymer coated inorganic refractory oxide material is then cooled and recovered.

Abstract: A monolithic electrical resistance heater device is produced from placing a semiconducting coating of carbonaceous pyropolymer on the surfaces of a rigid "honeycomb type" of ceramic substrate and connecting electrodes to spaced, opposing portions thereof. The carbonaceous coating, or layer, is formed from heating an organic pyrolyzable substance in contact with the substrate surfaces at a temperature above about 400.degree. C.

Abstract: A monolithic electrical resistance heater element is produced from mixing particles of a conductive carbonaceous pyropolymer that have been deposited on a refractory metal oxide with a heat unifiable ceramic, such as alumina, cordierite, spodumene, etc., and then forming a resulting rigid "honeycomb type" of semiconductive ceramic substrate. The carbonaceous pyropolymer particles are preferably formed from heating an organic pyrolyzable substance in contact with alumina particles, or other metal oxide particulates, at a temperature above about 400.degree. C.

Abstract: A metal bar with a metal felt covering on each side or therearound and sized externally to be a snug slip fit into slot means provided in a conductive surface monolithic refractory ceramic heater element provide for a convenient and desirable means for distributing current to the conductive surface of the element. As the felt covered electrode means heats up with electric current input to the element and under heat generating conditions, there will be a still tighter bond between the metal felt surfaces of the electrode and the slotted opening in the ceramic element to result in the desired tight contact and an efficient current distribution therefrom.

Abstract: A rigid monolithic catalyst support member is formed by having substantially round pellets of ceramic, or other refractory material, positioned in a staggered or random manner between spaced apart rigid sheetlike members such that there will be a turbulent fluid flow for a stream passing between the layers of such sheet-like members. Typically, the support materials will be of the same type of materials used for making the refractory "honeycomb" members, such as petalite, cordierite, alumina-silicates, alumina-silica-magnesia, zircon-mullite, alpha-alumina, etc.