Abstract: A method of forming fiber reinforced aluminum phosphate bonded material having improved strength at elevated temperatures. The method comprises the steps of: (a) preparing a slurry by blending alumina and aluminum phosphate solution, the slurry being substantially free of silica; (b) providing a fiber substrate coated with a metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, tungsten, molybdenum, platinum, copper, silver, gold, palladium, cobalt, chromium and titanium; (c) infiltrating the slurry into the fiber substrate; and (d) curing the infiltrated substrate to form a fiber reinforced aluminum phosphate bonded composite material. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fiber substrate is made from SiC fibers and the refractory metal is electrolessly coated nickel.

Abstract: An improved valve metal electrolytic capacitor is disclosed, such as an aluminum electrolytic capacitor, as well as a method of making same wherein the improvement comprises forming a hydration resistant composite layer on the valve metal, including a valve metal oxide dielectric layer, by anodizing the valve metal in an aqueous phosphorus-containing organic electrolyte selected from the class consisting of phosphonic acid, phosphinic acid and mixtures of the same dissolved in an aqueous liquid to provide an electrolytic capacitor with increased resistance to hydration.

Abstract: A recording medium comprising a substrate, a memory layer supported by the substrate, and a liquid crystal lubricant overlying the recording medium. The recording medium preferably has a wear layer over the memory layer. The liquid crystal lubricant comprises a cholesteric liquid crystal and cholestryl oleyl carbonate is particularly preferred. The lubricant may be applied to the recording medium by dipping in a dilute solution containing a volatile solvent and then evaporating the solvent, leaving a thin lubricant film over the wear layer.