Abstract: In the treatment of domestic and municipal waste water environmental pollutants, such as ammonia, oxides of nitrogen, organic matter which gives rise to what is known as chemical oxygen demand (COD) [and biological oxygen demand (BOD)], and solid matter, should be removed from the waste water In a typical treatment process the waste water is treated to remove ammonia, firstly by nitrification—the biological oxidation of ammonia (NH3) to nitrite (NOD2?) and then to nitrate (NOD3?)—and, secondly, by de-nitrification—the conversion of the formed nitrite or nitrate to nitrogen gas (N2). Domestic and municipal waste water normally contains bacteria which will perform this treatment.

Abstract: In contrast to current industrial practice where alloying powders are added to starting powder metallurgy compositions either as powder mixtures or fully prealloyed powders, the present invention posits a diffusion bonded nickel-copper precursor additive mixture for direct one step addition to the starting powder metallurgy master blend composition. Segregation and dusting are substantially reduced and the mechanical properties of the resultant compact are improved.

Abstract: A composition for use with alloys including extra-fine nickel powder dispersed with a hydrophobic inorganic dispersant which is preferably high-purity silica treated with hexamethyldisilazane (fumed silica). The composition breaks and prevents the agglomeration of the nickel powder, thereby preventing weaknesses in alloys, like steel for example, formed with the nickel powder. A method for making an alloy with the composition includes mixing the nickel powder with other metals and/or nonmetals and the hydrophobic fumed silica to form an alloy blend, pressing the alloy blend, and sintering the alloy blend.