Abstract: This invention relates to structures and processing imparting self-healing characteristics in Iron, Copper, Zinc, Magnesium, Nickel, Titanium, Gold, Silver and their alloys, and other materials including polymers and ceramics. The composite disclosed consists of a matrix with dispersed hollow macro, micro and nanotubes or balloons or fibers encapsulating a lower melting point or liquid healing material; self-healing results from flow of liquid “healing agent” into the crack. Another type of self-healing material is where the cracks are subjected to compressive stresses due to phase transformations in the matrix or reinforcement, including nano structure matrix and nanosize reinforcements. The compressive stresses could be due to shrinkage of shape memory material in the form of fibers, micro and nano size which deform, or reinforcements when expand upon reaction with atmosphere sealing the crack.

Abstract: The invention discloses the internal structures and processes to synthesize the structure of self-healing materials, especially metallic materials, metal matrix micro and nanocomposites. Self-healing is imparted by incorporation of macro, micro or nanosize hollow reinforcements including nanotubes, filled with low melting healing material or incorporation of healing material in pockets within the metallic matrix; the healing material melts and fills the crack. In another concept, macro, micro and nanosize solid reinforcements including ceramic and metallic particles, and shape memory alloys are incorporated into alloy matrices, specially nanostructured alloy matrices, to impart self healing by applying compressive stresses on the crack or diffusing material into voids to fill them.

Abstract: The invention discloses the internal structures and processes to synthesize the structure of self-healing materials, especially metallic materials, metal matrix micro and nanocomposites. Self-healing is imparted by incorporation of macro, micro or nanosize hollow reinforcements including nanotubes, filled with low melting healing material or incorporation of healing material in pockets within the metallic matrix; the healing material melts and fills the crack. In another concept, macro, micro and nanosize solid reinforcements including ceramic and metallic particles, and shape memory alloys are incorporated into alloy matrices, specially nanostructured alloy matrices, to impart self healing by applying compressive stresses on the crack or diffusing material into voids to fill them.

Abstract: The invention discloses the internal structures and processes to synthesize the structure of self-healing materials, especially metallic materials, metal matrix micro and nanocomposites. Self-healing is imparted by incorporation of macro, micro or nanosize hollow reinforcements including nanotubes, filled with low melting healing material or incorporation of healing material in pockets within the metallic matrix; the healing material melts and fills the crack. In another concept, macro, micro and nanosize solid reinforcements including ceramic and metallic particles, and shape memory alloys are incorporated into alloy matrices, specially nanostructured alloy matrices, to impart self healing by applying compressive stresses on the crack or diffusing material into voids to fill them.

Abstract: This composite consists of an aluminum-alloy matrix containing by volume percent, 0.4 to 8.8 alumina, 1 to 4.4 carbon or graphite and 0.5 to 20 nickel-bearing aluminide. The alumina particles have an average size between 3 and 250 &mgr;m and the carbon and graphite particles have an average size between 10 and 250 &mgr;m. The composite is cast by stirring alumina and carbon or graphite contained in a molten aluminum or aluminum-base alloy to form a molten mixture. The molten mixture is cast directly from a temperature above the liquidus of the matrix alloy. While solidifying, carbon or graphite particles delay or hinder the settling of alumina to create a more uniform composite structure. The resulting composite structure contains an aluminum-base alloy, alumina, carbon or graphite and nickel-bearing aluminide dispersoids.

Abstract: Kish graphite can be separated from fume in kish graphite-fume mixtures and can be recovered as a clean usable product by screening the kish graphite-fume mixtures to separate the mixtures into a screen overflow and screen underflow. The screen overflow is mixed with a solution of a washing agent and a surface active agent. The mixture is stirred to thoroughly "wet" the surfaces of the kish graphite. The mixture is filtered. The kish graphite is recovered as a filter cake. The effluent which consists of the washing agent, the surface active agent and fume, is passed to waste. The kish graphite retains its integrity through the separation, recovery, and cleaning steps.