Abstract: The present invention relates to Cu33Al17 alloys and Cu33Al17-based bulk alloys and coatings that exhibit significantly increased hardness characteristics compared to traditional copper-aluminum alloys.

Abstract: A solder alloy comprises Sn, Ag, Cu, and Mn and has a melting temperature of about 211 degrees C. A solder joint and solder process embody the solder alloy as well as solder balls and solder paste made therefrom to provide a solidified joint that includes three different intermetallic phases and a Sn metal phase. An exemplary Sn—Ag—Cu—Mn alloy consists essentially of about 3 to about 4 weight % Ag, about 0.80 to about 1.0 weight % Cu, and about 0.05 to about 0.15 weight % Mn, and balance consisting essentially of Sn.

Abstract: A highly wear resistant sintered, hot pressed, or otherwise compacted ceramic composite material is described, consisting of two discrete phases of the form AlxMgyB14 where x and y?1 or like hard, orthorhombic compounds, and TiB2 or like Group IVB transition metal di-borides, and with an unexpectedly high content of transition metal di-boride in the range from 40 to 90 percent (28 to 85 volume percent).

Abstract: A composite of M/AlMgB14 or M alloy/AlMgB14 is synthesized, where M=Al, Ti, W, or Cu. Small particles and/or fibers of AlMgB14 are distributed throughout a metal matrix to strengthen the resulting composite.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ductile binder phase for use with AlMgB14 and other hard materials. The ductile binder phase, a cobalt-manganese alloy, is used in appropriate quantities to tailor good hardness and reasonable fracture toughness for hard materials so they can be used suitably in industrial machining and grinding applications.

Abstract: Performance and reliability of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) components enhanced dramatically through the incorporation of protective thin film coatings. Current-generation MEMS devices prepared by the LIGA technique employ transition metals such as Ni, Cu, Fe, or alloys thereof, and hence lack stability in oxidizing, corrosive, and/or high temperature environments. Fabrication of a superhard, self-lubricating coating based on a ternary boride compound AlMgB14 is described in this letter as a potential breakthrough in protective coating technology for LIGA microdevices. Nanoindentation tests show that hardness of AlMgB14 films prepared by pulsed laser deposition ranges from 45 GPa to 51 GPa, when deposited at room temperature and 573 K, respectively. Extremely low friction coefficients of 0.04-0.05, which are thought to result from a self-lubricating effect, have also been confirmed by nanoscratch tests on the AlMgB14 films.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ductile binder phase for use with AlMgB14 and other hard materials. The ductile binder phase, a cobalt-manganese alloy, is used in appropriate quantities to tailor good hardness and reasonable fracture toughness for hard materials so they can be used suitably in industrial machining and grinding applications.