Abstract: A process for producing ultra-fine particles of calcia-stabilized zirconia in which a precursor mixture (which contains from about 80 to about 96 mole percent of zirconium ion, from about 20 to about 4 mole percent of calcium ion, a nitrogen-containing fuel, and a solvent) is dried and then subjected to a temperature of from about 275 to about 750 degrees centigrade and an atmosphere with a relative humidity of less than about 60 percent, thereby causing the dried particles to react in a vigorous manner and to form a combusted powder.

Abstract: A process for producing ultra-fine barium hexaferrite particles. In the first step of this process, a ceramic precursor material containing barium and trivalent ferric cations, a nitrogen-containing material, a solvent, and an anion capable of participating in an anionic oxidation-reduction reaction with the nitrogen-containing material, is provided. In the second step of the process, droplets of such ceramic precursor material are formed. In the third step of the process, the droplets are dried until particles which contain less than about 15 weight percent of solvent are produced. In the fourth step of this process, such particles are ignited in an atmosphere which contains substantially less than about 60 weight percent of the solvent's saturation value in such atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for producing a sintered body from untra-fine superconductive particles. In the first step of this process, a ceramic precursor material containing yttrium, barium and copper cations, a nitrogen-containing material, a solvent, and an anion capable of participating in an anionic oxidation-reduction reaction with the nitrogen-containing material, is provided; the nitrogen-containing material contains at least three nitrogen atoms, at least one oxygen atom, and at least one carbon atom. In the second step of the process, droplets of such ceramic precursor material are formed. In the third step of the process, the droplets are dried until particles which contain less than about 15 weight percent of solvent are produced. In the fourth step of this process, such particles are ignited in an atmosphere which contains substantially less than about 60 weight percent of the solvent's saturation value in such atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for producing ultra-fine yttrium-iron-garnet particles. In the first step of this process, a ceramic precursor material containing yettrium and ferric cations, a nitrogen-containing material, a solvent, and an anion capable of participating in an anionic oxidation-reduction reaction with the nitrogen-containing material, is provided. In the second step of the process, droplets of such ceramic precursor material are formed. In the third step of the process, the droplets are dried until particles which contain less than about 15 weight percent of solvent are produced. In the fourth step of this process, such particles are ignited in an atmosphere which contains substantially less than about 60 weight percent of the solvent's saturation value in such atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for producing ultra-fine barium titanate particles. In the first step of this process, a ceramic precursor material containing a metal cation, a nitrogen-containing material, a solvent, and an anion capable of participating in an anionic oxidation-reduction reaction with the nitrogen-containing material, is provided; the nitrogen-containing material contains at least three nitrogen atoms, at least one oxygen atom, and at least one carbon atom. In the second step of the process, droplets of such ceramic precursor material are formed. In the third step of the process, the droplets are dried until particles which contain less than about 15 weight percent of solvent are produced. In the fourth step of this process, such particles are ignited in an atmosphere which contains substantially less than about 60 weight percent of the solvent's saturation value in such atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for producing ultra-fine ceramic particles in which droplets are formed from a ceramic precursor mixture containing a metal cation, a nitrogen-containing fuel, a solvent, and an anion capable of participating in an anionic oxidation-reduction reaction with the nitrogen containing fuel. The nitrogen-containing fuel contains at least three nitrogen atoms, at least one oxygen atom, and at least one carbon atom. The ceramic precursor mixture is dried to remove at least 85 weight percent of the solvent, and the dried mixture is then ignited to form a combusted powder.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, there is provided a process for producing a shaped article in which a reaction mixture containing at least two elemental materials is first charged into a die to form a shaped green body. A uniaxial pressure of from about 500 to about 5,000 pounds per square inch of cross-sectional area of the green body is then uniaxially applied to the green body, and the green body is then ignited; during ignition, the uniaxial pressure of from about 500 to about 5,000 pounds per square inch is maintained at a substantially constant level and continually applied to the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A process for producing a dense composite material by combustion synthesis. In the first step of the process, a reaction mixture comprised of an elemental material is provided. The elemental material is charged to a die, a uniaxial pressure of from about 500 to about 5,000 pounds per square inch is applied to the elemental material within the die, and the elemental material within the die is ignited. Prior to, during, and subsequent to the time said elemental material is been ignited, the uniaxial pressure of from about 500 to about 5,000 pounds per square inch is applied to the elemental material within said die.

Abstract: Ceramic precursor mixtures containing a metal cation, a carbohydrate, and an anion capable of participating in an anionic oxidation-reduction reaction with the carbohydrate for continuous or batchwise drying and pyrolyzing to provide ceramic powders.