Abstract: This invention provides a composition and a process for forming sintered, molded articles having improved dimensional stability. More particularly, this invention pertains to a composition having a sugar additive that increases the solids loading potential of the composition and a process for forming injection molded articles therefrom. Increasing the solids loading potential of the composition, enables the formation of metal or ceramic articles attaining about 98-99% of their theoretical maximum density, without cracking or shrinking significantly during sintering.

Abstract: A method for rapidly manufacturing soft tooling from organic polymer-based resins and reinforcement filler materials for use in an injection molding machine to make complex metal and ceramic parts from powders. The cost to produce the tooling is relatively low and the manufacturing time is relatively short compared to conventional processes for making metal tooling. The finished parts are near-net shape, requiring little or no machining, and have excellent sintered properties.

Abstract: Recycled, reground ceramic powder is mixed with a liquid carrier, a binder and processing additives to form a material useful for molding complex-shaped parts at relatively low pressures in conventional injection molding equipment.

Abstract: A method for rapidly manufacturing metal tooling utilizing injection molding techniques is described. Preferably, steel tooling is manufactured for use in an injection molding machine to produce near-net shape complex parts in high volume. The method is relatively inexpensive compared to conventional techniques for manufacturing complex metal tooling suitable for the rapid fabrication of complex shaped parts by conventional metal, ceramic and plastic processing.

Abstract: Parts from ceramic and/or metal powder(s) are shaped by a process that comprises the steps of (1) forming a mixture comprising ceramic and/or metal powder(s), a gel-forming material chosen from the class of polysaccharides known as "agaroids", a gel-forming solvent, and a gel strength enhancing agent, and said mixture being formed in a blender that provides a shearing action and being heated to raise the temperature of the mixture to about 70.degree. C. to 100.degree. C.; and (2) molding the mixture at a temperature sufficient to produce a self-supporting structure comprising the powder and gel. The parts exhibit excellent green strength and are rapidly fired without cracking, distortion or shrinkage problems.

Abstract: A monolithic silicon nitride ceramic is densified at temperatures lower than 2000.degree. C. and heat treated at temperatures greater than 2000.degree. C. in the presence of at least 6.5 w % of multi-component sintering aids. This monolithic silicon nitride has a highly acicular microstructure characterized by .beta.-Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 grains having an average grain width ranging from about 1 to 1.5 .mu.m and average apparent aspect ratio greater than 1.8, Chevron Notch fracture toughness greater than 9 MPa.multidot.m.sup.1/2, R-curve behavior, high Weibull modulus, excellent damage tolerance, high thermal conductivity, and other desirable properties.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for forming deposits of superconducting ceramics by sequentially electrodepositing layers of metals, of a type and in proportion suitable for forming a superconducting ceramic, to form a precursor metal deposit, followed by oxidizing the precursor deposit to form a superconducting ceramic deposit. Optionally, the electroplating steps are conducted in such a manner that a patterned precursor deposit results, to obtain a patterned superconducting deposit after oxidation.