Abstract: A polymeric binder system and method of making, and a method for extruding thin-walled articles such as thin-walled tubes is provided. The extrusion method comprises providing a polymeric binder system comprising a substantially homogeneous solution of a polymeric binder and an organic solvent, adding a ceramic or metal powder to form a mixture, and evaporating the solvent from the mixture. The remaining mixture is then extruded from a die and heated to burn-off the binder and sinter the article.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an ER elastomer composition comprising natural rubber and polarizable particles dispersed therein, which elastomer can undergo changes in Youngs modulus when subjected to an electric field and having a Youngs modulus of at least about 2 Mpa when not subject to an electric field, wherein the ratio of the electrical conductivity of the particles to the electrical conductivity of the natural rubber is between about 10.sup.4 and 10.sup.10. The invention also include variable stiffness mounts, such as engine mounts, made from the composition.

Abstract: A locating pin for positioning weld nuts relative to sheet metal pieces. The locating pin includes a heat and wear resistant ceramic base having a central opening. The locating pin also includes a heat and wear resistant elastomeric tip attached to the base by a shaft depending from the tip into the central opening of the base. The ceramic and elastomeric materials provide the locating pin with an electrically non-conducting characteristic.

Abstract: A device for augmenting the control of a forced air furnace includes a heat probe which is located in association with a furnace heat exchanger so as to sense the air temperature of air passing across the heat exchanger. The probe is connected via a buffer to an optical controlled switch. A latch is associated with both the probe and the switch such that in response to a high temperature turn off point the optical coupled switch shuts off the furnace solenoid associated with the furnace and maintains the solenoid in an off position until the probe senses a low temperature turn on point. Upon sensing the low temperature turn on point the solenoid is turned back on and is maintained in the on position by the latch until the high temperature point is again reached.

Abstract: This invention relates to an extrusion method of preparing tubular green bodies, in particular those having thin walled thickness, which after burnout and sintering have properties similar or better than those of tubular bodies produced by isostatic pressing and are suitable for use in the sodium/sulfur battery. The method comprises extruding a mixture of 40-60 volume percent of sinterable particulate solids consisting essentially of a particle size distribution of beta"-alumina precursor particulate comprising alpha-alumina and 60-40 volume percent organic sacrificial binder consisting essentially of a thermoplastic block copolymer, plasticizers comprising two oils and two waxes, stiffening thermoplastic polymers and processing aids. In the preferred embodiment, the composition of the particulate comprises 8.85 weight percent Na.sub.2 O, 0.75 weight percent Li.sub.2 O and 90.4 weight percent Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and the temperature of the material is maintained between about 135.degree.-150.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention relates to a compression molding method of preparing dimensionally precise highly contoured green bodies from a mixture of beta"-alumina percursor particulate and sacrificial binder. The binder comprises a thermoplastic block copolymer, oil, wax, stiffening molding, the green body may be heated to drive off the sacrificial binder and thereafter subjected to sintering. Such sintered articles are suitable for use in a sodium-sulfur battery.

Abstract: This invention comprises a method of ultrasonically end-capping a tubular green body which comprises a mixture of 40-60 volume percent sinterable beta"-alumina precursor particulate and 60-40 volume percent organic sacrificial binder wherein said sacrificial binder comprises a thermoplastic elastomer, a plasticizer which may be oil, wax or oil and wax, stiffening polymers, a processing aid and optional components. The tube is preferably formed by extrusion molding. The green body tube may be end-capped by ultrasonic forming or by ultrasonic bonding of an end-cap to the tube. During this process, ultrasonic vibration energy is dissipated as heat energy which melts the thermoplastic binder composition and welds the joining surfaces.

Abstract: The invention comprises a thermally conductive elastomer which may be used at high temperatures, e.g. 240.degree.-260.degree. C., mechanical applications. The elastomer composition comprises organopolysiloxanes, particulates and a viscosity modifier. The organopolysiloxane crosslinks between the vinyl or allyl functionality of an organopolysiloxane polymer and the silyl hydride functionality of an organopolysiloxane oligomer. The particulates comprise silica as well as a thermally conductive metal powder. The addition of a viscosity modifier comprising silicone oil is essential to the inclusion of such high levels of the high levels of particulates.

Abstract: Improvements in molded articles from sinterable particulate solids, improvements in method for making such articles, and novel sacrificial binders for use in making such articles are disclosed. The sacrificial binders used in this invention comprise block polymers having the structural formulaX--B(AB).sub..eta. A].sub..eta. 'wherein "X" is a linking group, A or B, ".eta." is 0 or a positive integer, ".eta.'" is a positive integer greater than 2, "A" is a linear or branched polymer that is glassy or crystalline at room temperature and has its softening point in the range of about 80.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C. and "B" is a polymer different from A that behaves as an elastomer at processing temperatures, a plasticizer which may be oil, wax or oil and wax, and optionally other components.

Abstract: Improvements in molded articles from sinterable particulate solids, improvements in method for making such articles, and novel sacrificial binders for use in making such articles are disclosed. The sacrificial binders used in this invention comprise block polymers having the structural formulaAB--AB--.eta. Awherein ".eta." is 0 or a positive integer, "A" is a linear or branched polymer that is glassy or crystalline at room temperature and has its softening point in the range of about 80.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C. and "B" is a polymer different from A that behaves as an elastomer at processing temperatures, a plasticizer which may be oil, wax, or oil and wax, and optionally other components.

Abstract: Improvements in molded articles which can be converted to porous carbon bodies, improvements in method for making such articles, and sacrificial binders for use in making such articles are disclosed. The sacrificial binders used in this invention comprise block polymers having the structural formulaeAB--AB--.sub..eta. A or X--B(AB).sub..eta. A].sub..eta.'wherein ".eta." is 0 or a positive integer, "A" is a linear or branched polymer that is glassy or crystalline at room temperature and has its softening point in the range of about 80.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C., "B" is a polymer different from "A" that behaves as an elastomer at processing temperatures, ".eta.'" is a positive integer greater than 2, and "X" is a linking group, a plasticizer which may be oil, wax, or oil and wax, and optionally other components.

Abstract: Improvements in molded articles from sinterable particulate solids, improvements in method for making such articles, and novel sacrificial binders for use in making such articles are disclosed. The sacrificial binders used in this invention comprise block polymers having the structural formulaX--[B (AB).sub..eta. A].sub..eta.'wherein "X" is a linking group, A or B, ".eta." is 0 or a positive integer, ".eta.'" is a positive integer greater than 2, "A" is a linear or branched polymer that is glassy or crystalline at room temperature and has its softening point in the range of about 80.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C. and "B" is a polymer different from A that behaves as an elastomer at processing temperatures, a plasticizer which may be oil, wax or oil and wax, and optionally other components.

Abstract: Improvements in molded articles from sinterable particulate solids, improvements in method for making such articles, and novel sacrificial binders for use in making such articles are disclosed. The sacrificial binders used in this invention comprise block polymers having the structural formulaAB--AB--.sub..eta. Awherein ".eta." is 0 or a positive integer, "A" is a linear or branched polymer that is glassy or crystalline at room temperature and has its softening point in the range of about 80.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C. and "B" is a polymer different from A that behaves as an elastomer at processing temperatures, a plasticizer which may be oil, wax, or oil and wax, and optionally other components.