Abstract: A carbonyl iron powder (CIP) premix composition suitable for metal injection molding is provided herein. The composition comprises (a) CIP having a particle size in the range of about 0.2-7 microns, preferably about 0.2-5 microns, and a narrow particle size distribution; and (b) an alloying material, having a particle size in the range of about 0.02 to 5 microns, preferably about 0.03 to 3.0 microns, and a narrow particle size distribution, comparable to the CIP, and present in an amount of about 0.1-60% by weight of the composition, preferably 0.5-50%. The alloy material substantially covers the surface of the iron particles and is adhered thereto by attractive forces. Preferably the alloy material includes elemental metal powders which are smaller in particle size than the CIP.The premix composition is prepared by intensive mixing of its powder components, e.g.

Abstract: A microwave absorbing article of low density comprises a hollow or solid glass microsphere having a diameter of 1-100 microns, and, deposited thereon, a succession of layers of particulate iron material interspersed by a passivated iron skin.

Abstract: A fluidized bed method and apparatus involving a grounded electrically conductive bed for controlling or eliminating electrostatic charges therein and high surface area charge dissipators.

Abstract: This application discloses a method and apparatus for conducting various metal treatment processes including nitriding, carbonitriding, nitrocarburizing, surface activation, and selective oxidation in any desired sequence in the same fluidized bed furnace. The apparatus comprises a fluidized bed furnace having a humidifier system including a humidifier and superheater and the method involves exposing a metal workpiece sequentially to at least two separate metal treatment atmospheres in a fluidized bed furnace.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for surface coating of workpieces in fluidized beds under atmospheric or slightly higher pressure is disclosed. The process comprises submerging the workpiece(s) in the fluidized bed, mixing a metal halide with an inert gas to form the fluidizing gas, feeding to the fluidized bed another gas which is capable of reacting with the metal halide in the fluidized bed and coating the workpiece(s). The workpiece(s) are maintained at a temperature in the range of from 1600.degree. F. to 2000.degree. F. until it is evenly coated. The apparatus comprises a saturator vessel for saturating the inert gas with the metal halide and a fluid bed reactor. There are several advantages that the present invention offers over the prior art, namely, the coating can be performed in a relatively short period of time, 4 to 5 hours and that atmospheric pressure can be used, eliminating the need for a costly vacuum system.

Abstract: This application disclosed a method and apparatus for conducting various metal treatment processes including nitriding, carbonitriding, nitrocarburizing, surface activation, and selective oxidation in any desired sequence in the same fluidized bed furnace. The apparatus comprises a fluidized bed furnace having a humidifier system including a humidifier and superheater and the method involves exposing a metal workpiece sequentially to at least two separate metal treatment atmospheres in a fluidized bed furnace.