Abstract: A chemical pretreatment method is used to produce boron carbide-, boron-, and boride-reactive metal composites by an infiltration process. The boron carbide or other starting constituents, in powder form, are immersed in various alcohols, or other chemical agents, to change the surface chemistry of the starting constituents. The chemically treated starting constituents are consolidated into a porous ceramic precursor which is then infiltrated by molten aluminum or other metal by heating to wetting conditions. Chemical treatment of the starting constituents allows infiltration to full density. The infiltrated precursor is further heat treated to produce a tailorable microstructure. The process at low cost produces composites with improved characteristics, including increased toughness, strength.

Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment, an arcuate magnet is formed by selectively hot working a composition including iron, neodymium and/or praseodymium, and boron such that an edge of the arcuate has greater apparent coercivity than a central region and the central region has a higher remanence than the edge.

Abstract: Method for the production of a wear resistant part of a soil working tool comprising forming a mixture of 67-90% by volume of iron particles consisting of at least 97% Fe and 10-33% by volume of hard particles having a desired particle size distribution, and subsequently pressing the mixture at a pressure of at least 3500 kp/cm.sup.2 to form a compact, sintering the compact at a temperature of 900.degree.-1200.degree. C., and optionally sinter forging the sintered compact. The sintered part consists of an iron matrix in which hard particles with a predetermined particle size distribution are embedded.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing composite powder particles consisting essentially of a matrix phase and a reinforcement phase. The process involves entraining agglomerated particles in a carrier gas, the agglomerated particles consisting essentially of titanium diboride and particles of a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum and aluminum based alloys. The agglomerated particles are fed through a high temperature zone having a temperature sufficient to allow the metal particles to melt, coalesce together, and encapsulate the titanium diboride particles. The metal is then resolidified, resulting in the formation of the composite powder particles wherein the matrix phase consists essentially of the metal and the reinforcement phase consists essentially of the titanium diboride particles.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing a reaction sintered composite article which comprises at least one ceramic component. The method comprises preparing a particulate mixture of precursor powders leading to the formation of said composite material upon reaction sintering, pressing said particulate mixture to a self-sustaining body, heating said body up to a temperature below the temperature at which the reaction sintering is initiated, comminuting the heat treating body, selecting particles of a suitable grain size distribution, pressing said particles into shapes of desired size and configuration, and heating said shapes up to a temperature at which the reaction sintering is initiated. The reaction sintered body comprises borides, carbides, nitrides or silicides of a transition metal of the groups IVb, Vb or VIb of the periodic table (comprising titanium, hafnium, zirconium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum and tungsten), and a metal oxide.

Abstract: A wear resistant iron alloy article is preferably formed by compacting and sintering a predominantly iron powder mixture containing additions of carbon, copper and nickel boride. The product microstructure comprises hard borocementite particles dispersed in a martensite or pearlite matrix. The particles have a cross-sectional dimension greater than 1 micron and are present in an amount preferably between 10 and 30 volume percent to improve wear resistance.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for synthesizing TiB.sub.2 composite materials containing a metallic phase. The preparation of these composites comprises providing mixtures of titanium alloys which in addition to at least 30 wt. % titanium also contain F, Ni, Al, Mo, Cr, Co, Cu or mixtures thereof, and boron or ferroboron, reacting these mixtures by local igniting and exothermic reaction or by heating or melting, resulting in the synthesis of composite material containing fine TiB.sub.2 crystals dispersed in a fine metallic phase which is derived from the metallic element previously alloyed or combined with the titanium of the titanium alloys or the metallic element or elements contained in the ferroboron. By leaching out the metallic phase, fine TiB.sub.2 powders may be obtained. Parts and coatings can also be obtained. The parts are normally obtained by treating the TiB.sub.2 material by powder metallurgic techniques. Coatings may be obtained by thermo or plasma spray depositing on a substrate.

Abstract: A ZrB.sub.2 -containing sintered cermet comprising zirconium diboride partially substituted by at least one member selected from the group consisting of chromium boride, molybdenum boride and tungsten boride, and a binding component containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of metals of Group VIII of the periodic table.

Abstract: A method for producing high technology ceramics with minimal porosity comsing the steps of filling a can with a constituent powder of a ceramic, creating a vacuum in the can and maintaining the vacuum throughout the entire process; outgassing the powder in the can by placing a furnace around the area of the can that encloses the powder and heating the furnace to at least 100.degree. C.; removing the furnace after a minimum of five minutes of heating; cold rolling the can in a rolling system; igniting the powder so a localized propagation reaction front is created; and hot rolling the can in the rolling system so the propagation reaction front is maintained between the rolls of the rolling system.

Abstract: A diamond sintered body for tools contains a diamond content in excess of 93 percent and not more than 99 percent by volume and a residue including at least one of a metal or a carbide selected from groups IVa, Va and VIa of the periodic table and an iron group metal of 0.1 to 3 percent by volume in total and pores at least 0.5 percent and not more than 7 percent by volume.

Abstract: A method for consolidating powder utilizing slurry extrusion or rolling techniques. A metallic powder, binder and boron containing activator are mixed together to form a slurry. The slurry is introduced into an active forming apparatus whereupon it is formed into an object of predetermined shape and sintered.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a sliding member: to be operated under a high load and high sliding speed; having high impact resistance and high break-in property; to be highly resistant and stable under boundary lubricating conditions, and; to be engaged with the swash plate made of iron or aluminum in a swash plate type compressor. The sliding member of the present invention comprises:a base comprising an iron-based alloy; anda bearing layer, consolidated with the base by fusion and formed by applying on said base a powder coating having a thickness of not more than 0.5 mm, and then baking said coating, said powder consisting of an iron family element and an additive component which includes from 3 to 30% by weight of boron.

Abstract: A cubic boron nitride-based very high pressure-sintered material very excellent in both toughness and wear resistance and adapted to be employed in cutting tools for milling hard steels and like machining purposes. The very high pressure-sintered material consists essentially of: 1-20 percent at least one compound selected from the group consisting of titanium carbide and titanium carbo-nitride; 1-20 percent at least one compound selected from the group consisting of CoAl, NiAl, and (Co, Ni)Al; and 75-97 percent cubic boron nitride and inevitable impurities. The very high pressure-sintered material may further contain 1-10 percent at least one metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt and nickel.

Abstract: A method for forming an iron alloy article having increased toughness comprises compacting and sintering a powder mixture composed of predominantly iron powder and carbon powder and containing a powder of a liquating nickel boride compound. Limited nickel diffusion into the iron structure during sintering produces metastable retained austenite in regions about pores in the product structure that retards crack formation and thereby improves mechanical properties.

Abstract: A refractory hard metal-metal composite is formed by impregnating a porous refractory hard metal article with molten metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of porous products of boron or boron compounds.This process comprises the following stages:(1) suspending the boron powder in a solution of an alkali metal salt, hydroxide and/or oxide,(2) then separating the powder from the suspension liquid by settling,(3) drying the thus separated powder to obtain an agglomerated powder, and(4) subjecting the thus obtained agglomerated powder to at least two heat treatments performed at different temperatures, the final stage of the heat treatment being performed at a temperature of 1500.degree. to 2200.degree. C. and the first stage being performed at a temperature below that of the final stage.The heat treatment can be performed in three stages, as shown in the attached graph.

Abstract: Amorphous metal powders or ribbons are fabricated into solid shapes of appreciable thickness by the application of compaction energy. The temperature regime wherein the amorphous metal deforms by viscous flow is measured. The metal powders or ribbons are compacted within the temperature range.

Abstract: A cermet is produced by providing a bulk reaction mixture of particulate reactants plus elemental metal, which reaction mixture is in admixture with a ceramic diluent that is the same as ceramic material formed during sintering of the reaction mixture. Sintering produces a boride-oxide ceramic with the oxide being a metal oxide of the elemental metal. However, the elemental metal is present in the reaction mixture in substantial excess over that amount stoichiometrically required. Sintering is conducted under inert atmosphere, generally after pressing. The invention is particularly directed to boride-based ceramics containing aluminum, which materials are suitable as components of electrolytic cells for the production of aluminum by molten salt electrolysis.

Abstract: Hard, tough, lightweight boron-carbide-reactive metal composites, particularly boron-carbide-aluminum composites, are produced. These composites have compositions with a plurality of phases. A method is provided, including the steps of wetting and reacting the starting materials, by which the microstructures in the resulting composites can be controllably selected. Starting compositions, reaction temperatures, reaction times, and reaction atmospheres are parameters for controlling the process and resulting compositions. The ceramic phases are homogeneously distributed in the metal phases and adhesive forces at ceramic-metal interfaces are maximized. An initial consolidation step is used to achieve fully dense composites. Microstructures of boron-carbide-aluminum cermets have been produced with modulus of rupture exceeding 110 ksi and fracture toughness exceeding 12 ksi.sqroot.in. These composites and methods can be used to form a variety of structural elements.

Abstract: Permanent magnetic materials of the Fe-B-R type are produced by:preparing an metallic powder having a mean particle size of 0.3-80 microns and a composition of, by atomic percent, 8-30% R (rare earth elements), 2-28% B, and the balance Fe, compacting, sintering at a temperature of 900-1200 degrees C., and aging at a temperature ranging from 350 degrees C. to the temperature for sintering. Co and additional elements M (Ti, Ni, Bi, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Al, Sb, Ge, Sn, Zr, Hf) may be present.

Abstract: Disclosed are extruded dispersion strengthened metallic materials which are substantially free of texture as well as a method for producing such materials. The method comprises extruding a billet of dispersion strengthened metallic powder material comprised of one or more metals and one or more refractory compounds said powder material having a mean grain size less than about 5 microns and whose grain size is substantially stable at the extrusion conditions, through a die having an internal contour such that the material is subjected to a natural strain rate which is substantially constant as it pass through the die.

Abstract: Permanent magnet materials of the Fe-B-R type are produced by:preparing a metallic powder having a mean particle size of 0.3-80 microns and a composition of 8-30 at % R, 2-28 at % B, and the balance Fe,compacting, andsintering, at a temperature of 900-1200 degrees C.Co up to 50 at % may be present. Additional elements M (Ti, Ni, Bi, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Al, Sb, Ge, Sn, Zr, Hf) may be present. The process is applicable for anisotropic and isotropic magnet materials.

Abstract: A cermet is produced by providing a bulk reaction mixture of particulate reactants which react to produce a self-sustaining ceramic body, and carrying out the reaction with the bulk reaction mixture in contact with molten metal which moderates the reaction and infiltrates the resulting ceramic body. The method is particularly applicable for boride-based ceramics infiltrated with aluminum, suitable as components of electroytic cells for the production of aluminum by molten salt electrolysis.

Abstract: The alloy of the invention comprises 75 to 90% by weight of a mixture of carbides, for example WC and TiC, and 10 to 25% of a binder. This binder comprises Co, Ni and Ru, representing together 7 to 15% of the alloy, as well as Mo.sub.2 C. This alloy is useful for the production of decorative articles having a density similar to that of stainless steel.

Abstract: A process for producing composite materials which comprises subjecting particles of a malleable matrix material, i.e., a metal or alloy or the components of a matrix alloy and particles of a reinforcing material such as a carbide or an oxide or an intermetallic to energetic mechanical milling under circumstances to insure the pulverulent nature of the mill charge so as to enfold matrix material around each of said reinforcing particles to provide a bond between the matrix material and the surface of the reinforcing particle. The process is exemplified by the use of aluminum alloy as the matrix material and silicon carbide as the reinforcing particles. Reinforcing particles are present in an amount of about 0.2 to about 30 volume percent of total matrix and reinforcing particles. The invention is also directed to the product of the process.

Abstract: A sintered ferrous alloy which is high in wear resistance and relatively weak in the tendency to abrade another metal material with which the sintered alloy makes rubbing contact. The sintered alloy is produced by compacting and sintering 100 parts by weight of a powder mixture of 5-35 parts by weight of a Fe-Cr-B-Si alloy powder, which contains 10-35% of Cr, 1.0-2.5% of B and 0.5-3.0% of Si, such an amount of a Cu-P alloy powder that the powder mixture contains 0.2-1.5% of P and 1.0 to 20.0% of Cu, and the balance of a cast iron powder. Preferably the cast iron powder contains 2.5-3.5% of C, 1.8-2.2% of Si and 0.6-1.0% of Mn. For example, the sintered alloy is suitable for rocker arm tips in automotive engines.

Abstract: The solid cathodes built into reduction cells for aluminum production have at least one workface which can be wet by the precipitated metal. The starting materials, which contain titanium, boron and carbon in powder form, are first intimately mixed in such proportions that the sum of the powdered carbon and any carbon extracted from the substrate is in excess with respect to the amount required by the starting materials to form titanium diboride. This mixture is heated under a neutral or reducing atmosphere to 1600.degree.-2200.degree. C. and held for 5-45 min at this temperature. The reaction product containing pores and channels is then heated further, to 2250.degree.-2600.degree. C., and held there for 10-60 min to form a compact titanium diboride/carbon eutectic. Subsequently, the solid cathode is cooled to room temperature.

Abstract: A method of producing high performance permanent magnets is disclosed in which particles of a master alloy consisting of Fe.sub.2 B having a maximum particle size of 50 microns is admixed with Fe powder and particles of a rare earth capable of combining with Fe and B to form a tetragonal compound of Fe.sub.14 R.sub.2 B type. The admixture is compacted and a magnetic material is formed of the master alloy, Fe powder and rate earth particles which includes a major phase of at least one intermetallic compound of the Fe-R-B type having a crystal structure of the substantially tetragonal system and while the particle size of the crystal structure is controlled by sintering the compacted admixture at a temperature of about 700.degree. C. to 1000.degree. C. for from a fraction of an hour to 36 hours. The magnetic material is then annealed at a temperature of about 550.degree. C. to 650.degree. C. for a fraction of an hour to 2 hours.

Abstract: Boron, oxygen, or a mixture thereof, is used as a sintering aid in sintering Mo-Ti alloys. Compounds formed between these sintering aids and the Mo or Ti have thermal expansion coefficients consistent with that of alloys of Mo and Ti. An hermetic member may be made using these constituents. The hermetic member may be used to seal an assembly such as a high pressure sodium lamp.

Abstract: Low levels of carbon in nickel based brazing alloys containing controlled levels of iron and boron and optionally chromium and silicon yield lower melting points, improve the contact angle and yield harder brazed joints than similar alloys without carbon addition.

Abstract: A process for the production of valve metal powder, which is doped with boron or boron compounds, for electrolytic capacitors having a low relative leakage current and a high specific charge. The doping with boron or boron compounds in amounts of up to 0.5 percent by weight, relative to the metal content, can take place either during the production of the metal powder or the green valve metal anodes.

Abstract: An improved diamond compact of the present invention comprises 20 to 85% by volume of diamond grains with a grain size of at least 3 .mu.m and the balance of a binder consisting of 20 to 95% by volume of ultra-fine diamond grains with a grain size of at most 1 .mu.m, at least one member with a grain size of at most 1 .mu.m, selected from the group consisting of carbides, carbonitrides, nitrides, borides of Group 4a, 5a and 6a elements of Periodic Table, solid solutions thereof and mixed crystals thereof and at least one member selected from the group consisting of iron group metals.

Abstract: A highly wear-resistant sintered ferrous alloy which consists essentially of 2.0-8.0% of Cr, 0.1-1.0% of B, 1.0-2.5% of Si, 0.3-1.2% of Mn, 1.2-3.8% of C, by weight, and the balance of Fe. The alloy is produced by compacting and sintering a powder mixture, which is preferably prepared by mixing 75-90 parts by weight of a cast iron powder with 25-10 parts by weight of a Fe--Cr--B--Si alloy powder.

Abstract: The solid cathodes built into reduction cells for aluminum production have at least one workface which can be wet by the precipitated metal. The starting materials, which contain titanium, boron and carbon in powder form, are first intimately mixed in such proportions that the sum of the powdered carbon and any carbon extracted from the substrate is in excess with respect to the amount required by the starting materials to form titanium diboride. This mixture is heated under a neutral or reducing atmosphere to 1600.degree.-2200.degree. C. and held for 5-45 min at this temperature. The reaction product containing pores and channels is then heated further, to 2250.degree.-2600.degree. C., and held there for 10-60 min to form a compact titanium diboride/carbon eutectic. Subsequently, the solid cathode is cooled to room temperature.

Abstract: A method of preparing electrical contacts and electrical contact materials comprises the steps of blending a conductive metallic component, such as silver, with nickel and zirconium diboride which is substantially completely free of oxides, pressing the powder mixture to form a pre-sintered compact, and thereafter liquid phase sintering the compact to a densified body.The zirconium diboride is mixed with about 2 weight percent of a reducing agent, preferably mixed carbon and boron powders, and heated to remove oxides from the surface of the zirconium diboride powder particles prior to the steps of pressing and sintering.

Abstract: A tungsten-free hard alloy consists of titanium diboride, titanium carbide and a binder. As the binder the tungsten-free hard alloy contains at least one of metals of subgroup IB of the periodic system inactive relative to boron or an alloy based on one of such metals. The components of the tungsten-free hard alloy are present in the following proportions, percent by mass:titanium diboride--40 to 60binder--3 to 30titanium carbide--the balance.The tungsten-free hard alloy of the above-specified composition has a porosity of below 1%.A process for producing a tungsten-free hard alloy comprises preparation of the starting charge by intermixing powders of titanium, boron and carbon, compression of the charge local ignition thereof to initiate the exothermal reaction of titanium with boron and carbon which further proceeds spontaneously under burning conditions being propagated through the charge at the account of the heat transfer from a heated layer of the charge to a cold one.

Abstract: New nickel rich metal alloys containing copper along with specific amounts of boron are disclosed. The alloys are subjected to rapid solidification processing (RSP) techniques which produce cooling rates between .about.10.sup.5 .degree. to 10.sup.7 .degree. C./sec. The as-quenched ribbon, powder, etc. consists primarily of a metastable crystalline solid solution phase. The metastable crystalline phases are subjected to suitable heat treatments so as to produce a transformation to a stable multiphase microstructure which includes borides. This heat treated alloy exhibits superior mechanical properties with good corrosion and/or oxidation resistance for numerous engineering applications.

Abstract: New copper-rich metal alloys containing nickel along with certain specific amounts of boron are disclosed. The alloys are subjected to a rapid solidification processing (RSP) technique which produces cooling rates between .about.10.sup.5.degree. to 10.sup.7 .degree. C./sec. The asquenched ribbon, powder, etc. consists primarily of a metastable crystalline solid solution phase. The metastable crystalline phases are subjected to suitable heat treatments so as to produce a transformation to a stable multiphase microstructure, which includes borides. This heat treated alloy exhibits superior mechanical properties with good corrosion and/or oxidation resistance for numerous engineering applications.

Abstract: There is presented an electrical contact material consisting of an alloy of gold and a compound selected from a group consisting of a carbide, a boride, or a silicide of a refractory element. The compound of the refractory element is selected from a group consisting of WC, Hfb.sub.2, TiB.sub.2, ZrB.sub.2, WSi.sub.2, and TiSi.sub.2. The resulting alloys have a hexagonal crystal structure and exhibit high wear resistance, low contact resistance, low electrical noise, and a homogeneous uncontaminated microstructure.