Abstract: Grinding media, including shaped media such as spheres or rods ranging in size from about 0.5 micron to 100 mm in diameter, are formed from a multi-carbide material consisting essentially of two or more carbide-forming elements and carbon, with or without carbide-forming elements in their free elemental state. The media have extremely high mass density, extreme hardness, and extreme mechanical toughness.

Abstract: Green ceramic formulations comprising an atactic polypropylene-containing binder are suitable for tape casting and can be effectively removed during thermal processing in reducing atmospheres. The binder may be removed in substantially dry reducing atmosphere. The tapes may be used for forming ceramic substrates and metallized ceramics such as those used in electronic packaging.

Abstract: Superconductors having a composition Bi.sub.2-a-b-c Sn.sub.a Pb.sub.b Sb.sub.c Sr.sub.2 Ca.sub.n-1 Cu.sub.n O.sub.2n+4 can be made by firing the appropriate mixtures of designated oxides or carbonates. In the composition a=about 0.001-0.4, b about 0-0.4, c about 0-0.4, and n 2 or 3. The addition of Sn improves the superconductive properties of comparable compositions that lack Sn. For example, Bi.sub.1.6 Sn.sub.0.4 Sr.sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x (x=ca 10), calcined at 830.degree. C. for 15 hours shows superconductivity by magnetic susceptibility tests at about 77.degree. K. whereas Bi.sub.2 Sr.sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.10 prepared under the same conditions but lacking Sn, shows nothing at this temperature.

Abstract: Green ceramic formulations comprising a polyisobutylene binder are suitable for tape casting and can be effectively removed during thermal processing in reducing atmospheres. The binder may be removed in substantially dry reducing atmosphere. The tapes may be used for forming ceramic substrates and metallized ceramics such as those used in electronic packaging.

Abstract: Metallization formulations containing a mixture of AlN and metal are used to form hermetic vias in AlN dielectric bases for electronic packaging. The metal may be W, Mo, or mixtures thereof. The metallization may be cofired with the AlN dielectric base. The metallization is especially useful for making electrically conductive hermetic through-vias in AlN bases.

Abstract: The processes of the invention involve the formation of an initial reactant mixture by combining sources of SiO.sub.2, B.sub.2 O.sub.3, aluminum, and carbon. The mixture may then optionally be shaped or compacted. The reactant mixture is then heated to start a reaction which is described by the formula:4 C+3 SiO.sub.2 +2 B.sub.2 O.sub.3 +8 Al.fwdarw.4 Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 +B.sub.4 C+3 SiC.Depending on the actual reactant mixture compositions and reaction conditions, other reactions may also occur.

Abstract: Improved process for making Tl-Ca-Ba-CuO superconductors. A solution of the monocarboxylates (e.g., acetates) of Ca, Ba, and Cu is dried, calcined, mixed with Tl.sub.2 O.sub.3, and the mixture is heated to make a superconductor. The method minimizes introduction of contaminants. Novel compositions result.

Abstract: Improved process for making Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu oxide superconductors. A solution of the nitrated of Ca, Ba, and Cu is reacted with a quaternary ammonium carbonate in a slurry (heel) of Tl.sub.2 O.sub.3. Carbonates of Ca, Ba, and Cu precipitate homogeneously on the Tl.sub.2 O.sub.3 particles. Solids are recovered, dried, and heated to make a superconductor. The method minimizes introdution of contaminants. Novel compositions result.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is provided comprising a polycrystalline cubic aluminum oxynitride having a density of at least 98% of theoretical density, and being transparent to electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range from 0.3 to 5 micrometers with an in-line transmission of at least 20% in this range.A method of preparing the optically transparent aluminum oxynitride is also provided comprising the steps of forming a green body of substantially homogeneous aluminum oxynitride powder and pressureless sintering said green body in a nitrogen atmosphere and in the presence of predetermined additives which enhance the sintering process. Preferred additives are boron and yttrium in elemental or compound form.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is provided comprising a polycrystalline cubic aluminum oxynitride having a density of at least 98% of theoretical density, and being transparent to electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range from 0.3 to 5 micrometers with an in-line transmission of at least 20% in this range.A method of preparing the optically transparent aluminum oxynitride is also provided comprising the steps of forming a green body of substantially homogeneous aluminum oxynitride powder and pressureless sintering said green body in a nitrogen atmosphere and in the presence of predetermined additives which enhance the sintering process. Preferred additives are boron and yttrium in elemental or compound form.