Abstract: A fast response ceramic ignitor which is particularly adapted for use with household current as a replacement for gas pilot lights, the ignitor being formed from pure lanthanum chromite, or lanthanum chromite which has been doped with combinations of niobium, magnesium, or strontium ions in quantities sufficient to provide desired electrical resistivity characteristics.

Abstract: A method of decreasing the electrical resistivity of a rare-earth chromite material by substituting bivalent metal ions for some of the chromium or rare-earth ions therein. The method includes applying a solution containing the bivalent metal ions to the rare-earth chromite under vacuum conditions, drying the solution on the chromite, and diffusing the bivalent metal ion into the rare-earth chromite by firing the chromite in a controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of increasing the magnesia content in dolomite sinter produced from dolomite. Crushed dolomite is calcined to form a physical mixture of particulate magnesium oxide (MgO) and calcium oxide (CaO) and the mixture is hydrated to develop a size differential between the calcium hydroxide and the magnesium hydroxide. The hydroxides are dried without dehydration and separated into two component portions on the basis of size. One portion of the mixture is rich in Ca(OH).sub.2 and the other is rich in Mg(OH).sub.2. The portion of the mixture primarily comprised of Mg(OH).sub.2 is then calcined to form the synthetic sinter.

Abstract: A technique of forming electrodes for magneto-hydrodynamic generators having the composition (La.sub.1.sub.-x Y.sbsb.x ) CrO.sub.3 where Y is strontium, calcium or magnesium and having densities of as high as 97% of theoretical or even higher is provided. Electrodes of such densities offer superior mechanical and electrical properties when employed in magneto-hydrodynamic generators.