Abstract: A process for the oxygenation of ceramic high T.sub.c superconductors is disclosed. The superconductor is formed from a sintered powdered ceramic. Microchannels are formed in the ceramic material by embedding in the powder a plurality of wires or fibers formed of a material which is thermally removable during the sintering process to leave thin, continuous, tubular channels. After sintering, the ceramic is exposed to oxygen in a high temperature, high pressure environment. The microchannels aid in the transport of oxygen into the interior of the material by providing passages along which the oxygen travels prior to diffusing into the material. The lengths of the diffusion paths in the material are thereby greatly shortened. In another embodiment, the channels are formed after sintering and prior to oxygenation by drilling, punching, or etching.

Abstract: A carbide phase on a porous or impervious carbon substrate is provided by chemically reacting the substrate with a concentrated solution of a carbide forming element in compound dissolved in a suitable solvent. The carbon substrate is heated to a temperature at which the compound decomposes and chemically reacts with the carbon substrate to form the desired carbide phase.

Abstract: A method for rapidly providing an impervious carbon substrate such as carbon fibers with a carbide coating, in atmospheric pressure, so as to provide a carbide layer bound to the carbon substrate. A carbide layer on the impervious carbon substrate is provided by coating the substrate with a concentrated solution of a carbide forming element in compound dissolved in a suitable solvent. The carbon substrate is heated to a temperature at which the carbide forming element in compound decomposes and chemically reacts with the carbon substrate to form the desired carbide layer.

Abstract: A method for rapidly providing a porous or impervious carbon substrate with a carbide phase, in atmospheric pressure, so as to provide maximum binding between the carbide and the carbon substrate. A carbide phase on the porous or impervious carbon substrate is provided by chemically reacting the substrate with a concentrated solution of a carbide forming element in compound dissolved in a suitable solvent. The carbon substrate is heated to a temperature at which the compound decomposes and chemically reacts with the carbon substrate to form the desired carbide phase.