Abstract: Mica-containing ceramic composite having excellent characteristics such as capability of machining work, a small thermal expansion coefficient, high heat-shock resistant temperature difference as well as high heat deformation temperature, is prepared by: a) preparing powder mixture by blending 20 to 50% by weight of mica powder, 15 to 40% by weight of zinc oxide powder, 10 to 20% by weight of silica powder, 8 to 20% by weight of boric acid powder, and 4 to 20% by weight of cordierite powder; b) heating the powder mixture at a temperature of from 940.degree. C. to 1,050.degree. C. to prepare baked product; c) pulverizing the baked product into very fine powder to thereby obtain a shaping material; d) adding an organic binder to the shaping material to prepare a shaping composition; and e) shaping the shaping composition into a shaped body and heating a shaped body at a temperature ranging from 940.degree. C. to 1,050.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for producing dense bodies from mixtures of materials with significantly different electrical resistivities. A mixture of electrically conducting powder and a dielectric or semiconducting powder is subjected to pressure and an intense electric current pulse of sufficiently short duration such that the heating is largely confined to the material of superior electrical conductivity. Densification is achieved under pressure prior to the attainment of thermal equilibrium within the mixture. Diamond/titanium diboride and boron carbide/titanium carbide composites are typical of the process.

Abstract: Monolithic bodies of sinterable materials are formed by a sintering process in which little or no shrinkage of the body occurs during sintering. In the method, large particles are placed in particle-to-particle contact with finer size powder particles at the interstices to form a molded shape which is then fired. During firing, the large particles are substantially stable, but the fine powder particles sinter to bond the large particles together. The method is especially useful for producing large and/or intricately shaped bodies. The method is also especially useful for making monolithic bodies using large hollow spherical particles.

Abstract: A process for producing a rare earth-iron-boron magnet, which includes the steps of: (1) charging a melt spun powder of a rare earth-iron-boron magnet into at least one cavity, which is confined by a pair of electrodes inserted into a hole of an electrically non-conductive ceramic die; (2) subjecting the melt spun powder to a non-equilibrium plasma treatment, under a reduced atmosphere of 10.sup.-1 to 10.sup.-3 Torr, while applying a uniaxial pressure of 200 to 500 kgf/cm.sup.2 to the melt spun powder in the direction connecting the electrodes interposed between a pair of thermally insulating members, thereby fusing the melt spun powder; and (3) heating the fused melt spun powder to a temperature higher than or equal to its crystallization temperature by transferring a Joule's heat generated in the thermally insulating members by passing a current through the members to the melt spun powder thereby causing the plastic deformation of the melt spun powder to form a rare earth-iron-boron magnet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a formed structural element of fiber material bonded with synthetic resin such that a fine-grained or flowable synthetic resin bonding agent is sprinkled on or sprayed on a nonwoven fabric made entirely or predominantly of natural fibers. The nonwoven fabric which is permeated with synthetic bonding agent is fragmented, whereupon the parts are stored in a tower on a perforated female mold which belongs to a molding press and are precompressed on the female mold by means of an air stream that is suctioned through the perforations. To produce formed structural elements with a stable shape, the synthetic resin bonding agent, after a similarly perforated male mold has been placed on top and pressed on, is hardened by means of a hot air stream that is conducted through the perforations in the male mold and the female mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively sintering a layer of powder to produce a part comprising a plurality of sintered layers. The apparatus includes a computer controlling a laser to direct the laser energy onto the powder to produce a sintered mass. The computer either determines or is programmed with the boundaries of the desired cross-sectional regions of the part. For each cross-section, the aim of the laser beam is scanned over a layer of powder and the beam is switched on to sinter only the powder within the boundaries of the cross-section. Powder is applied and successive layers sintered until a completed part is formed. Preferably, the powder comprises a plurality of materials having different dissociation or bonding temperatures.

Abstract: A ceramic composition which can be extrusion or injection molded to ceramic greenbodies comprises a sinterable powder mixed within a polyacetal binder and further includes a dispersing aid comprising a polyester oligomer formed by self condensation of a hydroxy fatty acid in which the hydroxy group is attached to an internal carbon atom of the fatty acid. The dispersing aid also acts as a stabilizer for the polyacetal binder during compounding with the powder.

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus and method for hot isostatic compaction of compactible material in a heated and pressurized environment within a pressure vessel, having a compaction container which can be hermetically sealed over a load, and which can transmit pressure from the pressure vessel to the load sealed in the container, a compaction die which can be hermetically sealed within the container, the die having an interior wall area which defines within the die an internal cavity having a width measured along a first axis, the die interior wall area extending along a second axis transverse to the first axis to generally define the height of the die cavity, the die having a wall thickness measured along the first axis, and a punch arrangement for applying compacting force to the compactible material and having a width essentially equal to the die cavity width such that when the punch arrangement is loaded oriented along the first axis within the die cavity, respective ends of the punch arrangement cont

Abstract: A fiber-organic composition includes from about 5% to 50% by volume of uniformly dispersed, non-planar or three dimensionally random oriented inorganic fibers or whiskers, and a thermoplastic material such as paraffin wax. The composition also includes surfactants to promote wetting and dispersion of the inorganic fibers or whiskers. These materials are subjected to high shear mixing to form a uniform randomly oriented three-dimensional dispersion of the inorganic fibers or whiskers. After molding the mixture in such a manner so as not to disrupt the uniform, three-dimensional orientation of the fibers or whiskers, a majority of the thermoplastic material is removed leaving a shaped body or preform having sufficient strength for handling. The shaped body or preform can then be infiltrated with molten metal or the like to form a metal matrix composite.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively sintering a layer of powder to produce a part comprising a plurality of sintered layers. The apparatus includes a computer controlling a laser to direct the laser energy onto the powder to produce a sintered mass. The computer either determines or is programmed with the boundaries of the desired cross-sectional regions of the part. For each cross-section, the aim of the laser beam is scanned over a layer of powder and the beam is switched on to sinter only the powder within the boundaries of the cross-section. Powder is applied and successive layers sintered until a completed part is formed. Preferably, the powder comprises a plurality of materials having different dissociation or bonding temperatures.

Abstract: A method of producing a dense compact of ultra-fine powder employs low temperatures and high pressures to produce a very dense, nearly ideally packed compact from a starting nano-sized powder. The final product is capable of being easily hot-pressed or sintered to full density.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a sintered ceramic material using the heat generated in a thermit reaction as a heating source, a pre-heating is applied preceding to the sintering step or a mixture comprising: (A) at least one ceramic powder, (B) at least one non-metallic powder selected from the group consisting of carbon, boron and silicon, and (C) a metal powder and/or a non-metallic powder other than the above-mentioned (B) is used. Homogeneous and dense sintered ceramic material or sintered composite ceramic material can be obtained by this method, and the fine texture thereof, and the phase constitution, the phase distribution and the like of the composite ceramic phase can be controlled sufficiently.

Abstract: A process for producing a cylindrical reinforcing fibrous molding by sealing openings at opposite ends of a porous cylindrical disintegratable mold, immersing the mold into an aqueous solution of a molding material containing reinforcing fibers and an inorganic binder, and depositing the molding material onto the outer peripheral surface of the mold by applying suction within the mold to form a molding blank; pressing the molding blank against the mold to adjust the shape of the molding blank; disintegrating the mold to remove it from the blank; and heating the molding blank to partially bond the reinforcing fibers with the inorganic binder.

Abstract: Method of making selected phases of nanocrystalline ceramic materials. Various methods of controlling the production of nanocrystalline alpha alumina and titanium oxygen phases are described. Control of the gas atmosphere and use of particular oxidation treatments give rise to the ability to control the particular phases provided in the aluminum/oxygen and titanium/oxygen system.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fine porous member provides that vacant space within the porous member is sufficiently finely small such that the thermal conductivity of the member is lower than that of stationary air. In the method, a fine particle powder together with an ultrafine particle powder preliminarily subjected to a surface treatment for prevention of cohesiveness and employed at least as a part of the fine particle powder, are molded into the fine porous member, whereby the vacant space between the respective particles are made finely small to a remarkable extent and the porous member is provided as highly adapted to be used as a heat insulator.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a member having a cross-sectional area which varies along its length, the member is produced by filling a cavity 6 in a die 5 with powdered material and compressing it. The die includes portions 8, 9 and 10 at different heights around the opening 7 so as to enable the amount of powdered present in the cavity to be varied along its length without compromising the shape of the final item to be manufactured.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a glass or glass-ceramic matrix composite article is disclosed which serves to eliminate the need for an expensive vacuum hot press and to significantly reduce the time required for densification. A preform composed of a mixture of chopped or continuous fibers such as carbon or silicon carbide and glass powder is heated to a temperature sufficiently high to soften the glass powder to a deformable state. Thereupon, the preform is deformed between dies which are at a temperature below that of the preform. A resultant composite article assumes the configuration of the shaped die cavity and is cooled by the natural loss of heat to the dies.

Abstract: Method for producing an elongated sintered article, characterized by the steps including filling powder material in a pipe, carrying out plastic deformation of the pipe filled with the powder material, and heating the pipe filled with the powder material to burn and/or sinter the powder material.The method of the present invention is advantageously applicable to production of wire or rod of ceramics, particularly so called new ceramics or fine ceramics, sintered alloys or their combination, which are difficult of shaping or moulding by conventional process such as wire-drawings, rolling or extrusion of powder material and are difficult of machining or processing after the powder material is sintered.

Abstract: In connection with a device for casting lead grids for electric battery plates, a highly porous ceramic mold lining, preferably of zirconium oxide, is prepared by flame-spraying. Such a lining can include a thin surface coating on a profiled, basic metallic mold or a separately prepared insert plate which is retained to a metallic mold molder. The ceramic surface coating may be accurately formed in place, or may be formed as an over-spray which is then reduced in thickess. Formation of the surface coating may be accomplished by placing masks on the basic metallic mold during the flame spraying, for those areas of the grid which tend to accumulate material, or by adjusting an initially coarse profile of the ceramic layer to the exact profile of the casting by a material-removing treatment.

Abstract: A fiber-organic composition includes from about 5% to 50% by volume of uniformly dispersed, non-planar or three dimensionally random oriented inorganic fibers or whiskers, and a thermoplastic material such as paraffin wax. The composition also includes surfactants to promote wetting and dispersion of the inorganic fibers or whiskers. These materials are subjected to high shear mixing to form a uniform randomly oriented three-dimensional dispersion of the inorganic fibers or whiskers. After molding the mixture in such a manner so as not to disrupt the uniform, three-dimensional orientation of the fibers or whiskers, a majority of the thermoplastic material is removed leaving a shaped body or preform having sufficient strength for handling. The shaped body or preform can then be infiltrated with molten metal or the like to form a metal matrix composite.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a rugged, flexible, superconducting wire comprising: mixing a superconducting material, such as YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x, with a metallic powder to form a metal/superconductor mixture; and loading a metal shell or tube with the metal/superconductor mixture to form a superconducting wire. The superconducting wire may also be cold drawn and annealed to form a very dense wire. The metallic powder is either copper, copper alloy, aluminum or other face centered cubic element. Additionally, a superconducting wire may be formed by encapsulating a superconducting filament within a metal shell.

Abstract: A method of coating ceramic powders, e.g. Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, with a sintering aid and of utilizing such coated powders to form green and sintered ceramic bodies comprises treating a dispersion of the powder with a solution of a sintering aid forming compound at a pH such that the zeta potential of the ceramic powder is of opposite charge with respect to the sintering aid in solution such that the sintering aid forming material is chemisorbed as a uniform monomolecular layer on the surface of the ceramic powder.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of encapsulating a material to be processed by warm or hot isostatic pressing, and an apparatus suitable for practicing the method, which basically includes the steps of (a) enveloping a processing material in the form of loose or compacted powder with a metal foil of 30 .mu.m in thickness, and (b) welding overlying and underlying metal foil portions to encapsulate said material in said metal foil in sealed state.

Abstract: Process for shaping any desired metallic and/or ceramic component, in which a dry powder is filled loosely into a ceramic mold, which elastically/plastically yields or cracks and breaks under the influence of shrinkage stresses during sintering, and is sintered. Variants for the mold: thin, resilient shells made of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, SiO.sub.2 or MgO; special glass which cracks in a network-like manner; a mold having predetermined breaking points, ceramic shell disintegrating into fragments; flexible green ceramic sheeting; green ceramic composition with shrinkage during sintering.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively sintering a layer of powder to produce a part comprising a plurality of sintered layers. The apparatus includes a computer controlling a laser to direct the laser energy onto the powder to produce a sintered mass. The computer either determines or is programmed with the boundaries of the desired cross-sectional regions of the part. For each cross-section, the aim of the laser beam is scanned over a layer of powder and the beam is switched onto sinter only the powder within the boundaries of the cross-section. Powder is applied and successive layers sintered until a completed part is formed. Preferably, the powder comprises a plurality of materials having different dissociation or bonding temperatures. The powder preferably comprises blended or coated materials.

Abstract: A method for making a compact for a densified cutting insert, an easily machinable material is cut to the desired form, a plastic molding material having specific properties is contacted with the shaped machinable material, hardened to form a mold, and the resulting mold is used to form a compact for a cutting insert having the desired configuration which compact may be subsequently densified.

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus and method for hot isostatic compaction of compactible material in a heated and pressurized environment within a pressure vessel, having a compaction container which can be hermetically sealed over a load, and which can transmit pressure from the pressure vessel to the load sealed in the container, a compaction die which can be hermetically sealed within the container, the die having an interior wall area which defines within the die an internal cavity having a width measured along a first axis, the die interior wall area extending along a second axis transverse to the first axis to generally define the height of the die cavity, the die having a wall thickness measured along the first axis, and a punch arrangement for applying compacting force to the compactible material and having a width essentially equal to the die cavity width such that when the punch arrangement is loaded oriented along the first axis within the die cavity, respective ends of the punch arrangement cont

Abstract: An iron ore or mill scale is crushed to form a powder having an average particle diameter not exceeding 12 microns. The powder is heated at a temperature of 600.degree. C. to 900.degree. C. in the presence of oxygen to form an iron oxide containing at least 98.0% of Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3. The iron oxide is mixed with strontium oxide or carbonate. The mixture is calcined to form strontium ferrite. The calcined product is pulverized, the crushed material is molded in a magnetic field, and the molded product is sintered to yield a magnet of strontium ferrite having a high level of performance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the production of composite material parts by aligning reinforcing fibers through application of electric fields. The fibers are in the form of rods preimpregnated with a matrix material or coated with a sizing, and aligned within a dielectric alignment fluid. By providing appropriate electrodes, an electric field is created which mimics the stress lines exhibited by the final composite part when under stress. The reinforcing fibers align to the electric field, thereby aligning to the stress lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively sintering a layer of powder to produce a part comprising a plurality of sintered layers. The apparatus includes a computer controlling a laser to direct the laser energy onto the powder to produce a sintered mass. The computer either determines or is programmed with the boundaries of the desired cross-sectional regions of the part. For each cross-section, the aim of the laser beam is scanned over a layer of powder and the beam is switched on to sinter only the powder within the boundaries of the cross-section. Powder is applied and successive layers sintered until a completed part is formed. Preferably, the powder is deposited to the target area of the laser and attains high bulk density during sintering.

Abstract: A method for consolidating or densifying material selected from metal, ceramic or mixtures thereof to form a densified compact article, which process includes (a) arranging the sample to be consolidated or densified in a general configuration within a temperature controlled high pressure chamber completely surrounded by a pre-glass material which forms a glass at elevated temperature in close proximity and surrounded by a heating element within the pre-glass material and having at least one temperature measuring device in close proximity to the sample all located within a shell; (b) externally heating the arrangement produced in step (a) at an elevated temperature for a time effective to remove moisture, volatiles, impurities, volatile oxides or mixtures thereof; (c) heating the sample produced in step (c) to produce fusion of the pre-glass at between about 500.degree. to 1600.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for the synthesis of an oxide high-temperature superconductor of defined composition by sintering of the starting oxides, wherein sintering is effected in a chemically and phyically closed system by generating a preset oxygen partial pressure through the use of peroxide additives, and the oxidic starting mixture is chemically shielded against the container material and stabilized thermodynamically.

Abstract: This invention relates to new and useful hard, dense, composite materials made from metallic nitrides such as titanium nitride when combined with aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride and a process comprising the steps of: (1) mixing constituent materials using kerosene as a mixing medium; (2) screening, settling, filtering, and washing the mixture in acetone; (3) filling and sealing said materials in a latex mold; (4) isostatically pressing the material into a compacted powder; and (5) sintering the compacted powder in a gas atmosphere at 1,850.degree. C. for two hours.

Abstract: Shaped parts are formed from a powder having the desired chemistry of the finished part by mixing the powder with a thermosetting condensation resin that acts as a binder. The resin may be partially catalyzed, or additives or surfactants added to improve rheology, mixing properties, or processing time. Upon heating, the inherently low viscosity mixture will solidify without pressure being applied to it. A rigid form is produced which is capable of being ejected from a mold. Pre-sintered shapes or parts are made by injection molding, by using semi-permanent tooling, or by prototyping. Binder removal is accomplished by thermal means and without a separate debinding step, despite the known heat resistance of thermosetting resins. Removal is due to the film forming characteristic of the binder leaving open the part's pores, by providing oxidizing conditions within the part's pores as the part is heated, and by insuring that the evolving resin vapor diffuses through the pores by heating the part in a vacuum.

Abstract: The method of consolidating a powder material to form a composite part includes forming a pattern which is a scaled-up version of the part to be formed; employing the pattern to produce a flexible mold with interior conformation matching the pattern exterior; introducing a previously formed shape, insert or body into the mold; introducing consolidatable powder material into the mold; compacting the mold to thereby compress the powder and previously formed shape into a preform which is to be consolidated; separating the preform from the mold; providing a bed of pressure transmission particles, and positioning the preform in the bed; and compacting the preform in the bed of particles by transmission of pressure to the preform via the bed, to thereby consolidate the preform into a dense, desired shape part.

Abstract: Electrodes and especially graphite electrodes for metallurgical purposes are supported during the sintering process in a granular support material consisting of coal-mining debris which preferably is thermally distilled, expanded clay or clinker.

Abstract: In the method of invention, the formability is imparted to the slurry of a metal or ceramic powder by employing a porous mold and removing the dispersion medium through the evaporation or thermal decomposition thereof, or by using a silazane oil as the dispersion medium and curing it by heating. Since the phase change usually accompanying volume change does not occur in the dispersion medium, strain and deformation rarely occur in the molded body. As result, the sintered body obtained has high dimensional accuracy.

Abstract: A molded solid body of incinerated waste material and a method of making the same, which is formed by binding ash-like incinerated waste material with solidifiable molten plastic waste material and extruding a mixture of the same into a bar-like shape. The molded solid body is dense and rigid having a high rate of specific gravity so that it can consistently remain at a particular location regardless of environmental pollution when disposed in the sea and also, be used as a structural material for concrete and asphalt construction. According to the making method, two kinds of waste materials are processed at one time and reduced in volume to a rate ranging from 1/10 to 1/20, whereby the efficiency for transportation and disposal can be improved greatly.

Abstract: A transfer tube is produced comprised of a high density ceramic oxide tube having directly bonded to its outer surface wall a low density ceramic oxide shell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a polycrystalline sandwich compact comprising a polycrystalline diamond or CBN core interposed between outer support layers. The method comprises providing an assembly comprising a mass of diamond or CBN particles, a pair of compression disks, and two metal layers, one of each of which is interposed between said mass and each said compression disk. When said mass comprises diamond particles, a source of sintering aid/catalyst for diamond sintering also is provided in the assembly and optionally for CBN particles a source of sintering aid/catalyst for CBN sintering is provided in said assembly. The assembly then is subjected to HP/HT sintering for forming a sintered polycrystalline diamond or CBN core having two metal-derived support layers adherently bound thereto.

Abstract: Method for producing an elongated sintered article, characterized by the steps including filling powder material in a pipe, carrying out plastic deformation of the pipe filled with the powder material, and heating the pipe filled with the powder material to burn and/or sinter the powder material.The method of the present invention is advantageously applicable to production of wire or rod of ceramics, particularly so called new ceramics or fine ceramics, sintered alloys or their combination, which are difficult of shaping or moulding by conventional process such as wire-drawing, rolling or extrusion or powder material and are difficult of machining or processing after the powder material is sintered.

Abstract: High purity fused silica particles are made by heating relatively low density silica flour in a high temperature flame. The silica flour feed rate, flame temperature, and collection zone temperature are adjusted to produce an aggregate of surface-bonded fused silica particles. The aggregate is shaped like a honeycomb and can be ground autogenously without introducing impurities into the final product.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for fabricating UO.sub.2 pellets from highly active uranium dioxide powders, comprising the steps of (1) uniformly adding at least one pore-former agent in the range of 0.3 to 1.4% by weight to uranium dioxide powders as a starting material, the pore-former agent decomposing and sublimating below 600.degree. C. and having an average particle size in the range of 5 to 500 .mu.m, (2) compacting the uranium dioxide powders including the pore-former agent to form green pellets, and (3) sintering the green pellets to form sintered UO.sub.2 pellets having large grain size crystals. According to the present invention, UO.sub.2 pellets having the sintered density in the range of 94 to 97% TD are fabricated from highly active UO.sub.2 powder when the pellets have large crystalline grain sizes exceeding 20 .mu.m. Accordingly, the fission gasses generated during irradiation is restrained to the inside pellet thereof to enhance the safety of the irradiation.

Abstract: Conductor in strip, sheet or wire form with an electrical conductivity of at least 0.85.times.10.sup.6 .OMEGA..sup.-1 cm.sup.-1 at 77.degree. K. composed of a composite material of a metal matrix (1) and particles (2) composed of a high-temperature superconductor of the type RE Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.6.5-7.5 embedded therein and arranged rectilinearly in the longitudinal direction, RE generally denoting a rare earth metal. Preferably RE=yttrium and specifically the substance YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7 and the particle diameter=0.1-100 .mu.m, more narrowly 0.2-20 .mu.m. Optionally an additional metal sheath which envelops the body forming the matrix (1).

Abstract: A method of producing a composite comprising a self-supporting polycrystalline material obtained by oxidation reaction of a molten parent metal with a vapor-phase oxidant comprising infiltrating a filler exhibiting inter-particle pore volume with a parent metal under conditions which control the respective rates of said metal infiltration and said oxidation reaction.

Abstract: An air permeable sheet-like structure comprising 5% to 50% by weight of reinforcing fibres, and between about 5 and about 50 millimeters long, and from 50% to 95% by weight of wholly or substantially unconsolidated particulate non-cross-linked elastomeric material, and in which the fibrous and elastomeric components are bonded into an air permeable structure.

Abstract: A method in which various kinds of powdered or granular materials such as metal, ceramic and the like are put into a metal cylindrical container which can be plastically-deformed, or in the space between a container and a core or a substrate, the surroundings are sealed so that the powdered or granular materials do not leak out, the container is locally pressed by a small roller, and the locally pressed treatment is provided to the whole container region. Therefore, the internal powdered or granular materials are pressurized to a uniform density without regard to selective parts, and the materials are formed to various shapes by means of the local pressing.

Abstract: A method for charging a press for making brakeshoes and the like utilizes an intermediate mold to carry the precompacted powder. The intermediate mold is positioned on the press mold and the powder engaged by the raised press ram and a lowered ejection ram so that the powder trapped between the rams is transferred to the press mold. The intermediate mold is then removed, a counterpressure plate is applied and the press operation ensues.

Abstract: A method of making an inorganic slurry, forming the inorganic slurry into a useful article and method of removing the solvent medium from the formed article. The slurry contains an inorganic powder, water, dispersant, thermally gelable polymeric binder and optionally a plasticizer. The method comprises admixing the inorganic powder, water and dispersant to form a blend. The blend is a ball milled, heated, and admixed with a thermally gelable polymeric binder to form a slurry mixture, then the mixture is cooled. The slurry mixture can be extruded to form useful articles, such as metal or ceramic tapes. Additionally, the invention is also a method of final shaping and removing solvents from the formed article. A heated calendar roll stack assembly is used to rapidly remove the solvent from the article. When sintered, the resulting article is very dense and exhibits substantially no voids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and implementation, including apparatus comprising a two-stage, single-unit, and energy-efficient rotary drum-type granulator-dryer device having a granulator section and a separate dryer section in a new and novel combination designed for continuously granulating and/or ammoniating, and subsequently drying, respectively, a variety of materials together with specific processes for effecting such granulating and/or ammoniating, and subsequent drying.