Abstract: A cermet composite material is made by treating at an elevated temperature a mixture comprising a compound of iron and a compound of at least one other metal, together with an alloy or mixture of copper and a noble metal. The alloy or mixture preferably comprises particles having an interior portion containing more copper than noble metal and an exterior portion containing more noble metal than copper. The noble metal is preferably silver. The cermet composite material preferably includes alloy phase portions and a ceramic phase portion. At least part of the ceramic phase portion preferably has a spinel structure.

Abstract: A process for galvanic deposition of chromium coatings is provided in which the base material is subjected to a galvanic chromium plating bath to form a hard chromium coating with beaded or columnar type surface structure, and the beaded or columnar type surface structure is subsequently filled and smoothed with galvanically applied black chromium. The resulting combined coatings yield increased wear resistance, lower friction values, even without lubricants, and increased corrosion resistance.