Abstract: A process for forming pliable elements curable by hot pressing to form high temperature resistant elements is disclosed. In this process, a metal, a metal compound, or a mixture thereof, which has some water of hydration, is mixed with orthophosphoric acid in an amount sufficient to form a resultant mixture having a pH value no greater than 0.85. A refractory material is added to the mixture and a resultant pliable curable material is formed. An element of a preselected configuration is formed from the pliable curable material. The element is dried at a temperature less than about 100.degree. C. for a period of time sufficient to form a pliable curable element having a stable unitary mass. The pliable element is cured by "false melt" processing techniques.

Abstract: A process for forming elements for use in high temperature environments includes the following steps. The process mixes metal and/or metal compounds with orthophosphoric acid and adds a filler to form a moldable material. The moldable material is dried at a temperature less than about 100 degrees to form a stable unitary mass and thereafter the temperature is increased to its "false melt" temperature. Pressure is then subjected on the element while maintaining the element at its false melt temperature for densifying the element to a preselected porosity and deforming the element to preselected final dimensions.