Abstract: A solder joint and a method of making the same is described. The solder joint includes, a first metal part; a second metal part; and solder material disposed between the first and second metal parts; such that the solder material forms a joint with the first and second metal parts; and the solder material has a plurality of abrasive particles disposed therein. The method includes contacting the solder material with the abrasive particles; placing the solder material and the abrasive particles between the first and second metal parts to form a layered structure; applying a compressive force on the layered structure; applying ultrasonic vibration for a predetermined time to the layered structure to remove the passive oxide layer of the metal part; and applying heat to the layered structure to cause the solder material to melt and flow between the metal parts and form a bond with the metal parts.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for making nano structures such a nanoheater. In one embodiment, the nanoheater element comprises a first reactive member and interlayer disposed in communication with at least a portion thereof. Preferably, contact between the first and second reactive members of the nanoheater element can yield at least one exothermic reaction. A nanoheater device of the invention can optionally comprise a substrate on which the first reactive member is positioned in combination with other components. The invention also provides a nanoheater system comprising a plurality of nanoheater elements. Exemplary nanoheater elements and systems can be used to perform a method of the invention in which heat is produced. Methods includes processes for fabricating nanostructures such as layered devices, nanorods and nanowires.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of fabricating nanostructures using a replacement reaction. In a preferred embodiment, metal particles in an inert atmosphere undergo a replacement reaction to form a layer on the metal particle which is removed to form a high surface area nanostructure. A preferred embodiment includes the fabrication of heater elements, powders and heater assemblies using the nanostructures.

Abstract: A vibratory powder consolidation process is provided in which a powder material is subjected to vibratory energy while under static compressive loading. The process provides rapid, full-density powder consolidation with minimum or no structural degradation.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for making nano structures such a nanoheater In one embodiment, the nanoheater element comprises a first reactive member and interlayer disposed in communication with at least a portion thereof. Preferably, contact between the first and second reactive members of the nanoheater element can yield at least one exothermic reaction. A nanoheater device of the invention can optionally comprise a substrate on which the first reactive member is positioned in combination with other components. The invention also provides a nanoheater system comprising a plurality of nanoheater elements. Exemplary nanoheater elements and systems can be used to perform a method of the invention in which heat is produced. Methods includes processes for fabricating nanostructures such as layered devices, nanorods and nanowires.

Abstract: Precursor-based methods for the production of metal-matrix composite (MMC) coatings on steel and aluminum substrates for improved wear, corrosion and oxidation resistance have been made. Wire and surface precursors are deposited on the substrate by controlled thermal processing using plasma-arc, laser and high-density infrared radiation. The temperature distribution during the formation for coating is controlled by a real tine adaptive control method. The wire precursors produced by continuous pressure infiltration of SiC or mullite fiber with aluminum were used. Steel substrates double-layer plated with binary metals including nickel and aluminum are also thermal-processed to in-situ produce compound such as nickel aluminide coatings.

Abstract: Precursor-based methods for the production of metal-matrix composite (MMC) coatings on steel and aluminum substrates for improved wear, corrosion and oxidation resistance have been made. Wire and surface precursors are deposited on the substrate by controlled thermal processing using plasma-arc, laser and high-density infrared radiation. The temperature distribution during the formation for coating is controlled by a real tine adaptive control method. The wire precursors produced by continuous pressure infiltration of SiC or mullite fiber with aluminum were used. Steel substrates double-layer plated with binary metals including nickel and aluminum are also thermal-processed to in-situ produce compound such as nickel aluminide coatings.

Abstract: Bulk rapidly solidified magnetic materials having a density of greater than 90%, a thickness of at least 250 microns, and preferably a low oxygen content, are produced by a liquid dynamic compaction process which, depending upon the chosen operating conditions, can yield materials ranging from crystalline to partially crystalline to amorphous. The materials so produced are directly useful, i.e. without having to be reduced to a powder and consolidated into a shape, to produce permanent magnets.

Abstract: A dampening water feed roller, characterized by a process of manufacturing which comprises forming a flame sprayed layer of a ceramic material composed of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, TiO.sub.2, or a mixture of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and TiO.sub.2 on the peripheral surface of a metallic roller, subjecting the flame sprayed ceramic layer to a pore-occluding treatment with a hydrophilic SiO.sub.2 type inorganic pore-occluding agent, and grinding the treated layer to surface roughness of not more than 1.6 S. The roller permits supply of the dampening water without using the additives such as isopropyl alcohol in the dampening water.

Abstract: A tap hole mix for a blast furnace and the like containing essentially no binder comprising either water or one or more of tar, pitch and asphalt with or without the addition of a resin, which comprises refractory materials composed of grains of one or more of clay, chamotte, alumina, silicon carbide and the like and a carbonaceous material, a hardener comprising a novolak-type phenol resin to which a substance which produces formaldehyde by the thermal decomposition or a thermosetting resin is added in a definite proportion, and an alcoholic solvent. The present inventive tap hole mix is rapidly hardened or set, has excellent corrosion resistance and does not cause the occurence of unpleasant smoke and abnormal dusts.