Abstract: A plasma-spray technique using rapid temperature quenching transforms commercially available .beta.-rhombohedral boron in powder form into thick, dense wafers of crystalline .gamma.-tetragonal boron.

Abstract: Process for the formation of precipitation hardened beryllium-nickel, beryllium-iron, and beryllium-cobalt alloys and cermets for structural and bearing use respectively in precision instruments and such alloys and cermets. A beryllium-nickel, -iron, or -cobalt high solute solution at elevated temperature is rapidly cooled to provide a readily machined solid solution. After machining, the alloy is reheated to an intermediate temperature under controlled conditions where precipitation hardening occurs through limited precipitate cluster formation. A cermet is formed in the process with the addition of a ceramic material to the beryllium alloy in the initial steps.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for forming plasma sprayed high density, high coercivity permanent magnet material and permanent magnets formed therefrom. The plasma sprayed permanent magnet material is obtained in a substantially amorphous state resulting from specifically controlled plasma spray parameters. The amorphous deposition possesses high coercivity, density and potential residual magnetism. The as-sprayed magnetic material is preferably heat treated and then densified to nearly maximum theoretical density. The amorphous structure permits retention of substantially all of the coercivity after heat treatment as well as densification to well over 95% of maximum theoretical density.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermally isostatically densifying a sample, including placing the sample to be densified into a pressure vessel filled with a thermally expansive pressurizing medium with the medium intermediate the vessel and sample; and varying the thermal energy of the medium to cause it to expand and exert increased pressure to densify the sample.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the formation of a molded article from powders and powder compacts of a material by pressure compaction of the powders under the influence of a thermally driven differential volume expansion of first and second elements constraining the powders. The volume expansion achieves a trippling of the compaction effect.