Abstract: A continuous process for the production of an oriented high modulus profile is provided together with the novel profiles produced thereby. A dry polymer feedstock is melted and extruded through a die to form a profile precursor having a constant cross-section and specific dimensions. Sequential passage of the profile precursor through roller dies reduces its thickness whilst imparting molecular orientation thereto. The profile is cooled under tension to freeze in the molecular orientation thereof.

Abstract: Anti-microbial coatings and powders and method of forming same on medical devices are provided. The coatings are formed by depositing an anti-microbial biocompatible metal by vapour deposition techniques to produce atomic disorder in the coating such that a sustained release of metal ions sufficient to produce an anti-microbial effect is achieved. Preferred deposition conditions to achieve atomic disorder include a lower than normal substrate temperature, and one or more of a higher than normal working gas pressure and a lower than normal angle of incidence of coating flux. Anti-microbial powders formed by mechanical working to produce atomic disorder are also provided. The anti-microbial effect of the coatings or powders may be further activated or enhanced by irradiating with a low linear energy transfer form of radiation such as gamma radiation.

Abstract: Fine-grained, formable Al-Mn alloy sheet is produced from strip-cast slab (e.g. twin-roll-cast slab) by including 1.3-2.3% Mn in the alloy, slab annealing the workpiece by heating it to precipitate most of the Mn in fine intermetallic particles, cold rolling the workpiece to sheet of final gauge with an interanneal performed (between successive cold rolling stages) under nonrecrystallizing conditions to reduce the amount of Mn present in solid solution in the aluminum matrix, and annealing the final sheet.

Abstract: A dispersion strengthened aluminum alloy sheet is produced by casting an Al-Fe 1.1 - 2.5% alloy optionally containing Si up to 2.0% and, optionally, proportions of other specified alloying constituents. The alloy is cast in the form of a slab at a growth rate in excess of 25 cm/min. at a thickness of less than 25 mm so that intermetallics are formed in the slab in the form of fine rods of a diameter of 0.05 - 0.5 micron. These rods are then segmented by reducing the slab by at least 60% by rolling to develop a dispersion of fine intermetallic particles. By final annealing the rolled sheet at a temperature in the range of 250.degree. - 400.degree. C a sheet having a good combination of yield strength and formability is obtained (as indicated by a yield strength of greater than 15 k.s.i. and tensile elongation greater than 15%).

Abstract: Aluminum alloy products having superplastic properties are prepared by casting an aluminum alloy containing calcium and zinc in near-eutectic proportions under conditions that develop a eutectic cast structure of fine Ca-Zn-Al intermetallic rods, and working the cast alloy mass to break up the rods into particles having an average diameter of less than two microns.

Abstract: A dispersion strengthened aluminum alloy is produced by continuously casting an aluminum alloy containing 4 - 15% Si and other optional constituents in the form of a slab at a growth rate in excess of 25 cm/min. to solidify silicon in the form of elongated rods in a size range of 0.05 - 0.5 microns diameter. The cast slab is then subjected to at least 60% reduction to fragment the elongated silicon rods into finely divided particles, at least the final part of the reduction being effected by cold rolling, the cold-rolled sheet being subjected to a final annealing treatment at a temperature in the range of 250.degree. - 400.degree. C.