Abstract: Method of producing sintered nickel ferrite powder having steps of mixing the particles of iron oxide and nickel oxide with an alkali metal borate mineralizer, compacting the mixture to produce green compact and heating the compact at temperatures less than about 1400° C. Resulting product which may be in the form of a non-consumable electrode for electrolysis of alumina, exhibits satisfactory mechanical properties and electrical properties with enhanced chemical stability while being produced at significantly lower sintering temperatures than previously employed.

Abstract: A method of producing aluminum castings which includes the steps of casting a molten alloy, contacting the surface of the molten alloy with a humidified atmosphere and solidifying the alloy. The method is particularly suited for aluminum-magnesium alloys such as AA 5XXX and 7XXX series alloys. In addition to reducing the thickness of the surface oxide layer formed during casting, the method also provides improved surface quality of cast products and reduces subsequent remedial re-work or scalping. An improved aluminum-magnesium cast alloy product is also disclosed.