Abstract: A method and system are disclosed of assembling metal particles into nanoparticles. The method includes electromagnetically levitating the metal particles; inductively heating the electromagnetically levitated metal particles beyond their melting point into metal droplets; and wherein an evaporation flux achieved at a surface of the metal droplets result in a supersaturation of metal atoms around the metal droplets leading to nucleation and growth of the nanoparticles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for growing a synthetic diamond. The apparatus for growing a synthetic diamond comprises: a reaction area contained with a high pressure, high temperature apparatus; and a means for pulling a vacuum on the reaction area. The method for growing a synthetic diamond includes the steps of using a reaction area contained within a high pressure, high temperature apparatus; and pulling a vacuum on the reaction area.

Abstract: An improved method of forming a composite body of a metal, intermetallic or ceramic matrix reinforced with niobium filaments, particles, platelets or mixtures thereof, the method comprising admixing the niobium reinforcing material with powders of the matrix component elements, forming the admixture into a desired shape and converting the powders to a matrix reinforced with the niobium material, the improvement wherein the reinforcing material has a surface coating thereon of a compound Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5, wherein the compound NbO reacts during formation of the matrix with a portion of at least one of the powdered elements to form a barrier layer at the reinforcer-matrix interface to prevent further reaction between the reinforcer and the matrix component elements. Also disclosed is a method of treating niobium particles, filaments, platelets or mixtures thereof by exposing the surface thereof to molecular O.sub.2 at temperatures and pressure conditions such that the niobium and molecular O.sub.