Abstract: Metal carbide-containing refractory materials are prepared by pyrolysing blanks comprising reactive metal sources and carbon-containing precursors under fluid pressure, e.g., using hot isostatic pressing techniques. Refractory composites containing ceramic fillers, reinforcing materials such as carbon fillers, excess carbon or excess metal are readily prepared thereby.

Abstract: Centrifugal spinning apparatus includes an annular, usually cup-shaped, spinning member which has a smooth interior surface extending towards the spinning end thereof which has spinning points formed thereon and grooves which extend across the end from the interior surface to the points to direct material in liquid form thereto.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a substantially dry particulate solid in the form of particles with a narrow particle size distribution which comprises atomising a feedstock comprising a solution or dispersion of the solid in a liquid medium into droplets with a narrow size distribution and a volume median diameter from 100 to 250 micrometers in a spray dryer whereby the droplets are converted into the dry particulate solid within the spray dryer.

Abstract: A process for preparing a refractory material comprises subjecting a blank of a precursor composition to pyrolysis under isostatic pressure conditions in the absence of a separate hermetically sealed envelope enveloping the blank, the precursor composition comprising a thermoformable carbon precursor component.

Abstract: A fibrous non-woven material, comprising a coherent mass of hydrophilic fibres spun from a polymer comprising at least 40 mol % 3-hydroxybutyrate residues, a process therefor, and an article comprising the material with a water-impervious backing e.g. a wound dressing.

Abstract: A process wherein solid particles are coated with either liquids or solids while the particles are moving as a uniform layer over the surface of a rotating body and subsequently discharged from the surface by centrifugal force. Two forms of coating apparatus designed to coat prills are shown, the preferred apparatus having a flexible conical disc carrying a layer of existing material which touches the rim of the rotating body from which the solid is discharged.

Abstract: A process for the production of heterogeneous articles such as heterofilaments and fibres containing a plurality of solid phases, comprises supplying a thermoplastic first material in particulate solid form to a surface of rotation of a rotating body so that it travels across said surface towards a discharge zone due to forces generated by the rotation of the body, melting the thermoplastic first material as it travels across the surface, supplying a second solid material to the surface, discharging both materials together from the discharge zone by centrifugal forces, and solidifying the thermoplastic material to form the heterogeneous article. The second material is preferably also thermoplastic and further solids, especially reinforcing fibres, can also be incorporated likewise.

Abstract: A reactant medium is transported across the surface of a body rotating at high speed and discharged therefrom by centrifugal force. A chemical reaction is caused to occur in the medium after the said discharge while the reactant medium is still connected to the surface of the body.

Abstract: A process wherein solid particles are coated with either liquids or solids while the particles are moving as a uniform layer over the surface of a rotating body and subsequently discharged from the surface by centrifugal force. Two forms of coating apparatus designed to coat prills are shown, the preferred apparatus having a flexible conical disc carrying a layer of existing material which touches the rim of the rotating body from which the solid is discharged.

Abstract: A wide variety of chemical processes using thin films of reactants are carried out on the surface of a body rotating at high speed and the products are readily isolated (for example as fine particles or fibres) by using centrifugal force to fling the products from the rim of the body.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of composite products wherein a foam expands in contact with a laminated sheet, one of the layers of which is metallic, the pressure generated during expansion of a foam forces the laminated sheet to adopt a desired configuration and the foam adheres to the laminated sheet. Composite products having a mirror-like appearance may be prepared by the method.