Abstract: Thin nano structured layers on surfaces of nickel or its alloys for quickly achieving high hydrogen adsorption values (H/Ni˜0.7) through direct metal/gas contact. The said layers are produced by a process comprising the step of oxidising the said surfaces, applying a film of aqueous silica sol to them, subsequent heating in an -oxidising atmosphere and final activation through reduction in a reducing atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synthetic blade-skating pavement, i.e. made of materials different from ice and thus usable without the aid of cryogenic systems. The composition of the invention can be restored by melting the layers affected by wear, it comprises one or more organic paraffinic materials and is characterized in that it has:a) penetration index, measured by needle penetrometer, ranging between 2 and 20 at operating temperature;b) glass transition temperature higher than operating temperature;c) dielectric constant lower than 2.5 at 10.sup.6 Hz;d) viscosity at 200.degree. C. not exceeding over 3000 cps.

Abstract: Material for the paving of rinks suitable for skating with blade-skates, of synthetic type, characterized in that it exhibits a chemical composition gradient between the upper skating surface (A), consisting of hydrocarbons having a melting point of 30.degree.-130.degree. C., and the innermost surface (B) consisting of polymers having high mechanical properties and low brittling point.

Abstract: An immersible probe for determining the oxygen content of a steel bath, having a disposable tip that contains aluminum, calcium, magnesium, titanium, zirconium or a rare earth metal that reacts exothermically with the bath oxygen to cause a temperature rise whose magnitude is proportional to bath oxygen content. In preferred embodiments, the probe tip captures a predetermined volume of the molten metal in a chamber having a closure of the metal of the bath which accordingly melts and exposes the chamber when the probe tip has penetrated beneath the slag. Plural chambers, one with oxidizable metal and one without, may be provided for precise comparison.