Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical bridging material in the form of a dispersion containing particles of an oxidation-resistant electrically conductive material and a dispersing medium, the particles having an average particle size ranging from about 0.1 &mgr;m to about 5 mm. Such a bridging material is useful for establishing electrical conductivity between two electrically conductive surfaces, at least one of the surfaces being covered with an oxide film. Alternatively, the particles can be used as a component of an electrical bridging member adapted to be disposed between the two electrically conductive surfaces for establishing electrical conductivity therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inert electrode material in powder form comprising particles having an average particle size of 0.11 to 100 &mgr;m and each formed of an agglomerate of grains of a ceramic material and grains of a metal or alloy with each grain of ceramic material comprising a nanocrystal of the ceramic material and each grain of metal or alloy comprising a nanocrystal of the metal or alloy. Alternatively, each particle can be formed of an agglomerate of grains with each grain comprising a nanocrystal of a single phase ceramic material, a metal or an alloy. The electrode material in powder form according to the invention is useful for the manufacture of inert electrodes having improved thermal shock and corrosion resistance properties.