Abstract: The hydrogen storage alloy has, as a main phase thereof, a bcc structure phase having a composition represented by TixCryVzXw wherein 3/2?y/x?3/1, 50?z?75 mol %, 0?w?5 mol %, and x+y+z+w=100 mol %, and X represents any one or more selected from Al, Si, and Fe. The hydrogen storage device is a device using the alloy. The preparation process of a hydrogen storage alloy includes the steps of: melting/casting raw materials mixed to give the composition represented by TixCryVzXw; heat-treating an ingot obtained in the melting/casting step; and subjecting the heat-treated ingot to a hydrogen storing/releasing treatment at least once to activate the ingot.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing an energy gas at a lower temperature and in a larger amount, as well as an energy gas storage material capable of easily taking out the energy gas. A process for producing an energy gas including a MG processing step of co-grinding a mixture of a carbon-, hydrogen-, and oxygen-containing compound, an alkali metal or compound thereof, and an alkaline earth metal or a compound thereof, thereby obtaining a MG processing product and a heating step of heating the MG processing product in an inert atmosphere, as well as an energy storage material obtained by the MG processing described above. The MG processing step preferably including adding a transition metal or a compound thereof to the mixture and co-grinding the mixture.

Abstract: Methods for making hydrogen storage tanks may include disposing a substantially solid block of hydrogen-absorbing alloy within an activation vessel. Hydrogen gas may then be introduced into the activation vessel under conditions that will cause the hydrogen-absorbing alloy to absorb hydrogen and crack or break apart. Preferably, a substantially powdered hydrogen-absorbing alloy is formed thereby. Thereafter, the substantially powdered hydrogen-absorbing alloy can be transferred from the activation vessel to a hydrogen storage tank without substantially exposing the powered hydrogen-absorbing alloy to oxygen. The hydrogen-absorbing alloy is preferably ingot-shaped when introduced into the activation vessel. Further, the substantially powdered hydrogen-absorbing alloy is preferably produced by continuously breaking the ingot-shaped hydrogen-absorbing alloy within the activation vessel due to volume expansion caused by the hydrogen-absorbing alloy having absorbed hydrogen.

Abstract: Methods for making hydrogen storage tanks may include disposing a substantially solid block of hydrogen-absorbing alloy within an activation vessel. Hydrogen gas may then be introduced into the activation vessel under conditions that will cause the hydrogen-absorbing alloy to absorb hydrogen and crack or break apart. Preferably, a substantially powdered hydrogen-absorbing alloy is formed thereby. Thereafter, the substantially powdered hydrogen-absorbing alloy can be transferred from the activation vessel to a hydrogen storage tank without substantially exposing the powered hydrogen-absorbing alloy to oxygen. The hydrogen-absorbing alloy is preferably ingot-shaped when introduced into the activation vessel. Further, the substantially powdered hydrogen-absorbing alloy is preferably produced by continuously breaking the ingot-shaped hydrogen-absorbing alloy within the activation vessel due to volume expansion caused by the hydrogen-absorbing alloy having absorbed hydrogen.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite casting comprises a metal matrix composite and a processed member inserted in the metal matrix composite by enveloped casting. By the processed member which is easier to process than the metal matrix composite, a processed portion of a predetermined shape can be formed in the metal matrix composite. That is, by a simple processing such that the processed member is removed from the metal matrix composite or the processed portion is formed in the processed member itself, the processed portion having a desired shape can be easily formed in the metal matrix composite.

Abstract: An electrode for a sealed nickel/metal hydride battery and a method of manufacturing the same, which is capable of suppressing a decrease in the charging reserve of a hydrogen-storage alloy electrode (negative electrode) and an increase in the internal pressure of the battery, is provided. The hydrogen-storage alloy electrode is formed using a tackifier or a binder which is prepared from an organic polymer material containing the ether linkage (--O--), for example, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide , or polybutylene oxide. The specified material is suitably hydrophilic, and it exhibits an oxidation resistance which is much higher than that of a conventional material containing the hydroxyl group (--OH). Therefore, the specified material is especially resistant to oxidation and decomposition at the positive electrode of the battery and can significantly reduce the production of hydrogen attributed to the oxidation and decomposition.

Abstract: A lead-free solder alloy comprises 0.8 to 5.0% inclusive by weight of Ag, not less than 0.1% by weight of In, not less than 0.1% by weight of Bi, the total amount of In and Bi being not more than 17% by weight and the balance of Sn and inevitable impurities. The other lead-free solder alloy further contains 0.1 to 10% by weight of Sb. These solder alloys have low melting point and narrow melting range, and furthermore, they show excellent wettability and mechanical characteristics.

Abstract: A fiber and fibrous material for producing composite materials, fiber-reinforced metals, fiber-reinforced plastics and fiber-reinforced ceramics, in which short fibers, whiskers or powders made of heat resistant material are deposited on continuous fibers made of heat resistant material.The composite materials, such as fiber-reinforced metals, plastics, and ceramics, contain the fibrous material in a matrix, and have improved control of the fiber volume ratio and mechanical characteristics. Processes for producing the fiber, fibrous materials and composite materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous material for composite materials, a fiber-reinforced metal produced therefrom, and a process for producing same. The fibrous material is composed of continuous filament fibers selected from heat resistant substances and short fibers, whiskers, or powders selected from heat resistant substances. The fiber-reinforced metal is composed of the fibrous material and a matrix metal, has a reduced anisotropy of mechanical properties, and can be made at my desired fiber volume ratio.