Abstract: A method of increasing the length of life of heating elements that consist essentially of molybdenum-silicide and alloys of this basic material, when said elements are operated at a low temperature, such as at a temperature ranging from 400-600° C. The invention is characterized in that the heating element material contains Mo(Si1-xAlx)2, where said material is caused to contain sufficient aluminium to substantially prevent the formation of pest.

Abstract: A method of lengthening the useful life of heating elements that are formed essentially from molybdenum silicide and molybdenum tungsten silicide and different alloys of those basic materials, at times when the elements are operated at a relatively low temperature, such as a temperature in the range of 400-800° C. The gaseous atmosphere surrounding the elements as they operate has a water content that is less than about one percent by volume.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method for heating of blanks and other heating of metallic materials in a furnace before working where heat is transferred to a blank in the furnace by radiation. According to the method of the invention an important part of the radiation hits the walls of the furnace and are reflected there before it is transferred to the blank. Preferably the furnace is designed so that head radiation is reflected also at the bottom of the furnace. At least 50% of the radiation which reaches the blank ought to be reflected radiation. The invention is also for a furnace for heating of blanks and other comprising at least one furnace bottom part (1) and at least one furnace top part (4) having side walls (5, 6, 7, 8) where at least parts of the side walls of the top parts are inclined so that opposite walls are inclined towards each other.

Abstract: A method of lengthening the useful life of heating elements that are essentially comprised of molybdenum silicide and molybdenum tungsten silicide and different alloys of these basic materials, when the elements are operated at a relatively low temperature, such as a temperature in the range of 400-800° C., The invention is characterised in that the atmosphere surrounding the elements as they operate is caused to have a water content that is less than about one percent by volume.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method for heating of blanks and other heating of metallic materials in a furnace before working where heat is transferred to a blank in the furnace by radiation. According to the method of the invention an important part of the radiation hits the walls of the furnace and are reflected there before it is transferred to the blank. Preferably the furnace is designed so that heat radiation is reflected also at the bottom of the furnace. At least 50% of the radiation which reaches the blank ought to be reflected radiation. The invention is also for a furnace for beating of blanks and other comprising at least one furnace bottom part (1) and at least one furnace top part (4) having side walls (5, 6, 7, 8) where at least parts of the side walls of the top parts are inclined so that opposite walls are inclined towards each other.

Abstract: An electrical resistance element of a silicide phase according to the formula Mo(Si1−xAlx)2, which phase forms alumina on the surface of the element. The element is intended to be used in connection with sintering of metal powder. Because of its surprisingly good ability to form an alumina layer on the surface, this material has shown to be very resistant against corrosion at high temperatures over 1500° C. in both reducing and oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of handling liquid non-ferrous metals in which the liquid metal is treated while coming into contact with a solid refractory material. The invention is characterised in that the solid material is Ti3SiC2. According to one preferred embodiment, the liquid material is aluminium or aluminium alloys.

Abstract: Molybdenum silicide material with high strength at both room temperature and high temperatures, comprising a composite material, which is made from a mixture including MoSi2 and ZrO2. The mixture includes 5-30 vol-% ZrO2 and 5-15 vol-% MoB, and the content of oxygen, in the form of SiO2 on or in particles of MoSi2, is below 0.5 weight-%. According to a further embodiment, the composite material comprises 3-35 vol-% SiC.

Abstract: A process is provided for forming a material comprising an M3X1Z2 phase comprising the steps of: (a) providing a mixture of (i) at least one transition metal species, (ii) at least one co-metal species selected from the group consisting of aluminum species, germanium species and silicon species, and (iii) at least one non-metal species selected from the group consisting of boron species, carbon species and nitrogen species; (b) heating said mixture to a temperature of about 1000° C. to about 1800° C., in an atmosphere within a substantially enclosed heating zone, for a time sufficient to form said M3X1Z2 phase; wherein the atmosphere has an O2 partial pressure of no greater than about 1×10−6 atm. The process provides a substantially single phase material comprising very little MZx-phase.

Abstract: An electrical resistance element of the molybdenum silicide type including at least one hot zone and at least two lead-in conductors. The hot zone includes an homogenous silicide material that contains molybdenum and tungsten having the chemical formula Mo.sub.x W.sub.1-x Si.sub.2, where x is between 0.5 and 0.75. From 10% to 40% of the total of the silicide material is replaced with at least one of the compounds molybdenum boride or tungsten boride; those compounds are present in the silicide material in particle form.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of electronic and electro-optical components and circuits based on conducting polymers. One or more boundary surfaces in the component between a conducting polymer and another material are formed by melting of the conducting polymer.