Abstract: The invention provides an aluminum-base composite material. The aluminum-base material contains a uniform distribution of carbide particles and lubricating phase particles such as carbon or graphite. The carbide particles increase hardness for improved wear resistance. The lubricating phase particles provide improved wear resistance and especially improve unlubricated wear resistance under increased loads. Finally, a dispersoid of nickel aluminide intermetallic phase may also be used to provide additional hardness and wear resistance. The composite is formed by introducing carbide particles and lubricating phase such as graphite into a molten aluminum alloy to neutraliize buoyancy and to form an aluminum-base mixture. Mixing the aluminum-base mixture to uniformly distribute carbide and carbon particles throughout the molten aluminum. Carbide and carbon particles counteract each other to remain uniformly distributed throughout the aluminum-base alloy despite prolonged holding or cooling times.

Abstract: The invention produces a light metal alloy composite having a nickel coated graphite or carbon with a nickel-containing intermetallic phase within a portion of a casting. A mold is provided to cast a light metal into a predetermined shape. A nickel coated carbon phase structure is placed into a portion of the mold. The light metal is cast into the mold around the carbon structure to wet an interface between the light metal and the nickel coated carbon structure. A nickel-containing intermetallic phase is formed in the light metal proximate the nickel coated carbon to provide increased wear resistance. The light metal is then solidified to form the metal matrix composite.

Abstract: A technique for substantially reducing nitrogen oxide (NO.sub.x) emissions in internal combustion engine exhaust gases. The NO.sub.x laden stream is contacted with a As catalytic material supported on a metal plated Ni foam substrate in the presence of a reducing agent. The NO.sub.x is reduced to nitrogen, water and/or carbon, and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The invention produces a light metal alloy composite having a nickel coated graphite or carbon with a nickel-containing intermetallic phase within a portion of a casting. A mold is provided to cast a light metal into a predetermined shape. A nickel coated carbon phase structure is placed into a portion of the mold. The light metal is cast into the mold around the carbon structure to wet an interface between the light metal and the nickel coated carbon structure. A nickel-containing intermetallic phase is formed in the light metal proximate the nickel coated carbon to provide increased wear resistance. The light metal is then solidified to form the metal matrix composite.

Abstract: A novel process for the production of nickel hydroxide wherein particulate nickel is reacted with oxygen in the presence of liquid water at a temperature of at least 180.degree. C. The invention also includes the nickel hydroxide product so produced.

Abstract: A gas turbine having internally cooled thermal barrier coated turbine blades is disclosed. The turbine blades are made from an alloy substrate exhibiting a low coefficient of thermal expansion, an intermediate bond coating and an exterior ceramic coating. Cooling fluid is supplied from the shaft of the compressor where it flows into and out of the turbine blade. Thermal barrier coated turbine blades result in more efficient gas turbine designs.

Abstract: A normally aspirated compounded, overcharged (supercharged) four stroke internal combustion engine, preferably diesel, which is particularly useful in adiabatic (low heat rejection) versions. An auxiliary expansion piston and compression piston reciprocate at least twice as fast as the combustion pistons to increase the volumetric efficiency of the engine as well as to overcharge the air charge within the combustion cylinders. Increased efficiency and simplified construction result.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for removing the oxide surface from water atomized metal powders containing an oxidizer capable of oxidizing chromium from a trivalent to a soluble hexavalent state, whereby chromium oxides are removed from the metal powder surface. The powder is then treated with a dilute acid solution essentially devoid of hydrofluoric acid to remove other hydrated oxides from the metal powder surface. The powder is then water washed and dried.

Abstract: A composite structure and a method of producing said composite structure from a combination of copper and a low coefficient of thermal expansion nickel-iron alloy is disclosed wherein the copper clads the nickel-iron sheet and is interposed through the central nickel-iron sheet in such a fashion as to provide a substantially isotropic heat transfer path.

Abstract: A piston-cylinder combination for internal combustion engines made from a varying bonded combination of two or more alloys having dissimilar coefficients of thermal expansion. By regulating the volumetric percentages of the alloys vis-a-vis their location within the piston and cylinder wall, the degree of thermal expansion experienced during operation may be controlled. The concept is especially useful for low heat rejection engines.

Abstract: A structure comprising a base of an age-hardened alloy having on at least part of the surface thereof a layer of precious metal. The precious metal, e.g. gold, contains amounts of nickel grading downwardly from the inner surface of the precious metal layer such that the outer surface contains about 1% to about 10% nickel. The process of making such a structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A technique for presenting and fixturing small items that are coated by vapor deposition techniques. The objects are caused to be moved within the plasma stream to effect full coverage. The coating, if titanium nitride, is gold colored and is, for example, useful for coinage applications.

Abstract: A low coefficient of expansion alloy is coated with a thermal barrier coating having a low coefficient of expansion compatible with the alloy. The alloy, preferably a 900 series iron-base alloy, includes an oxidation resistant intermediate bond coating and a zirconia containing thermal barrier. An article of manufacture made from this material could be utilized in heat engines where close tolerances are mandated.

Abstract: A method of producing a composite material from a mixture of copper and a low coefficient of thermal expansion nickel-iron alloy (Invar) powder is disclosed wherein advantageously at least part of the copper is deposited on the Invar powder prior to processing. Processing includes cold compacting to a green strip or other configuration, annealing in the temperature range of 550.degree.-750.degree. C. and working the annealed material at a temperature in that range to high density.

Abstract: A copper converting process starting with white metal or a mixture of white metal and metallic copper in which oxidizing gas contacts the molten copper mass either at or near the top surface of the molten mass while the mass is sparged with an inert gas from at or near the bottom of the mass and sparging is continued after contact with the oxidizing gas ceases.

Abstract: A process for autogenously smelting sulfidic copper material in the presence of a calcareous flux in which slag cleaning to provide metallic copper is employed. Such metallic copper provided by slag cleaning is usefully employed as a coolant in the autogenous smelting operation.

Abstract: A process for removing sulfur dioxide from industrial gas streams by scrubbing the gas with an aqueous slurry including 2CaO.Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 (dicalcium ferrite). The 2CaO.Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 is present in lime slags or flotation tailings derived from non-ferrous smelting operations.

Abstract: A process for producing a composite material comprising a base having a nickel surface and a gold layer metallurgically bonded to the nickel of the base and having sufficient nickel to increase the hardness of the gold layer but insufficient to significantly destroy the distinctive color of the gold layer comprises depositing the gold layer on the nickel and annealing the composite structure to provide the metallurgical bond between the nickel and gold and to interdiffuse said metals, and the composite structure obtained by said process. The composite material is particularly useful as a coinage structure.

Abstract: A process for producing a composite material comprising a base having a nickel surface and a gold layer metallurgically bonded to the nickel of the base and having sufficient nickel to increase the hardness of the gold layer but insufficient to significantly destroy the distinctive color of the gold layer comprises depositing the gold layer on the nickel and annealing the composite structure to provide the metallurgical bond between the nickel and gold and to interdiffuse said metals, and the composite structure obtained by said process. The composite material is particularly useful as a coinage structure.