Abstract: A description is given of superconducting substances having a content of Bi, Sr, Ca and Cu, and of processes for their preparation from the metal oxides within a range which is specified by the overall composition Bi.sub.a (Sr,Ca).sub.b -Cu.sub.6 O.sub.x, where a=3-24 and b=3.23-24, with an Sr/Ca atomic ratio of 1:9-9:1 and a Bi:(Ca+Sr) atomic ratio of 0.3-1.5. The transition temperature is at least 60 K. The principal phase crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. The pure compounds Bi.sub.4 (Sr,Ca).sub.4 Cu.sub.2 O.apprxeq..sub.12 and Bi.sub.4 (Sr,Ca).sub.6 Cu.sub.4 O.apprxeq..sub.20.

Abstract: Black crystal compositions having the empirical composition Bi.sub.a Sr.sub.b Cu.sub.c O.sub.d are described where a+b+c=1, A=0.36-0.557, b=0.098-0.496, c=0.1-0.4 and d=approximately 1+a/2. These compositions have a superconducting transition temperature T.sub.c for superconductivity of greater than 20 K and contain a principal phase which crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. They can be prepared from the mixture of the oxides in the atomic ratio stated by heating to 700.degree.-1000.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the currentless deposition of lectropositive metal layers on to appropriate less electropositive metals by contacting an object to be coated with a coating bath, wherein a coating bath is used which contains a metal complex obtained by reacting a monovalent electropositive metal halide with a base, which is capable of complex formation with the electropositive metal, and a hydrohalic acid.The present invention also provides a coating bath for the currentless deposition of electropositive metal layers on to less electropositive metals, wherein said bath contains an electropositive metal complex obtained by reacting a monovalent electropositive metal halide with a base which is capable of complex formation with the electropositive metal and a hydrohalic acid.

Abstract: .beta.-zinc diphosphide monocrystals (.beta.-ZnP.sub.2) (whiskers) having a diameter of at least 7 mm are made. To this end, a quartz ampoule is filled up to 70-90% its volume with polycrystalline .beta.-ZnP.sub.2 ; the ampoule is sealed and drawn in upright position at a velocity of 0.5-2.5 mm/day during a period of 24-120 days through a kiln; the temperature outline from below to above in the kiln is defined by a lower inlet temperature of 580.degree.-780.degree. C., a mean maximum temperature of 800.degree.-950.degree. C. and an upper outlet temperature of 350.degree.-400.degree. C.; the ampoule coming from the furnace is crushed and .beta.-ZnP.sub.2 condensed into a monocrystal via the gas phase by sublimation into the upper ampoule portion is removed.

Abstract: A new crystalline modification of germanium is described, as well as a method of manufacturing it. This new crystalline germanium modification has an orthorhombic structure and graphite-like properties.