Abstract: A process for preparing olefins and diolefins in high productivity which involves contacting an aliphatic hydrocarbon, such as butane, with a heterogeneous catalyst composition containing reactive oxygen under reaction conditions sufficient to produce a more highly unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon, such as 1,3-butadiene. The catalyst composition contains a glassy silica matrix of specified surface area and macro-porosity into which are encapsulated domains of a catalyst component containing oxides of magnesium and molybdenum. The catalyst has high crush strength and is useful in transport reactors.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for forming a coating on a substrate. A metal layer is placed onto the substrate either by plasma spray deposition or by applying a metal foil and then subjecting it to rapid omnidirectional compaction. The metal is then reacted with a source of carbon, nitrogen, or a combination thereof, such that a metal carbide, nitride, or carbonitride layer is formed. The product is a densified coated ceramic composition.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for forming a ceramic coating on a substrate. A metal layer is placed onto the substrate by means such as sputtering. After a carbon-containing foil is applied to the metal-coated substrate, it is subjected to rapid omnidirectional compaction. The resulting product is a densified coated ceramic composition which exhibits improved mechanical properties.