Abstract: Abrasive tools suitable for precision grinding of hard brittle materials, such as ceramics and composites comprising ceramics, at peripheral wheel speeds up to 160 meters/second are provided. The abrasive tools comprise a wheel core attached to an abrasive rim of dense, metal bonded superabrasive segments by means of a thermally stable bond.

Abstract: A method for precision cylindrical grinding of hard brittle materials, such as ceramics or glass and composites comprising ceramics or glass, provides material removal rates as high as 19-380 cm.sup.3 /min/cm. The abrasive tools used in the method comprise a strong, light weight wheel core bonded to a continuous rim of abrasive segments containing superabrasive grain in a dense metal bond matrix.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a bonding tool for use primarily in thermo-compression bonding of electronic circuit components and to a method of making the bonding tool. In one form of the disclosure, a holder is provided and has a substrate mounted at an end thereof. The holder is adapted to receive a heating element. A polycrystalline diamond film is disposed on the substrate, the film preferably being deposited by chemical vapor deposition. In a disclosed embodiment the substrate is a material selected from the group consisting of polycrystalline diamond, cemented tungsten carbide, silicon carbide, cubic boron nitride, and tungsten. In a further form of the disclosure, a ceramic substrate is provided which has a favorable thermal conductivity property as well as substantial electrical conductivity sufficient to permit shaping by electrical discharge machining ("EDM").

Abstract: Finely divided silicon carbide materials, particularly powders, whiskers and short fibers, are provided with a titanium nitride surface coating by the process of (i) placing a low carbon diffusivity layer atop the silicon carbon, (ii) placing a titanium metal coating atop the low carbon diffusivity layer, and (iii) nitriding the titanium metal.

Abstract: A superhard form of boron suboxide (B.sub.x O) comprises at least about 95% by weight of polycrystalline B.sub.6 O and has a KHN.sub.100 value of at least about 3800 kg/mm.sup.2. A method for forming the superhard boron suboxide comprises mixing stoichiometric amounts of boron oxide (B.sub.2 O.sub.3) powder and boron powder and subjecting the mixture to a temperature of about 1800.degree. C. to about 2200.degree. C. and a pressure of about 2,000 to about 6,000 psi while encapsulated by boron nitride. The boron powder comprises about 90 to 95% by weight of elemental boron (B), and at least about 1% by weight of a sintering aid, such as Mg.

Abstract: Finely divided silicon carbide materials, particularly powders, whiskers and short fibers, are provided with a titanium nitride surface coating by the process of (i) placing a low carbon diffusivity layer atop the silicon carbide, (ii) placing a titanium metal coating atop the low carbon diffusivity layer, and (iii) nitriding the titanium metal.