Abstract: The present invention allows the obtaining of a condenser having high electrostatic capacitance by optimizing the anodic oxidation treatment voltage and particle size of the metal powder for the condenser during production of an electrolytic condenser anode body, and forming an anodic oxide film of a thickness that is suitable for the particle size of the metal powder. In the present invention, an electrolytic condenser anode body is produced by using the metal powder containing 50 wt % or more of particles, in which the primary particle diameter as determined by image analysis is within the range of 2.7×Vf to 10×Vf (units: nm), when the anodic oxidation treatment voltage during formation of an anodic oxide film on an anode sintered body composed of the metal powder is Vf (units: V).

Abstract: Pressed material such as anodes are described and formed from oxygen reduced oxide powders using additives, such as binders and/or lubricants. Methods to form the pressed material are also described, such as with the use of atomizing, spray drying, fluid bed processing, microencapsulation, and/or coacervation.

Abstract: A low cost titanium, titanium alloy material, or Ti matrix composite comprising clean and divided titanium turnings that are blended with titanium, titanium alloy powder, and/or ceramic powder and consolidated is provided. A method of making the material is also provided. The low cost material is formed into preshapes, such as a billet, which is subsequently used as feedstock for extrusion, forging, casting, or rolling.

Abstract: A reaction-bonded &agr;-alumina filter element is provided. The filter element includes a monolith of porous material having multiple passageways extending from one end face to an opposing end face. The monolith is extruded from a mixture containing at least aluminum metal and alumina powders in a proportion such that on sintering the volume change of the monolith is minimized. The filter body can be used as a filter or as a membrane support for crossflow or dead end flow filter elements. A method for making the filter element is also provided.

Abstract: A method of making a ceramic discharge chamber comprising forming a plurality of preform chambers by assembling at least two ceramic components. The preform chambers are axially aligned within a tube, comprised of an alumina cermet. The tube containing the preform chambers is then fired at a temperature of at least 900° C.

Abstract: An inert anode 50, for use in an electrolytic cell 12 for producing metals such as aluminum, is made by providing chemical source materials 100 such as at least two of metal salts, metal particles, or metal oxides and dissolving them to form a solution or a slurry 110, followed by adding a base 120 and adjusting the pH so that a gel 130 is formed which is dried and calcined 150, 160, 190 to provide a blend of metal oxide powder 200 which can be pressed and sintered 220 to form an inert anode 50.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) anode includes the steps of: forming a Ni coating solution for coating a surface of alumina powder by mixing nickel acetate and ethanol in a predetermined ratio, adding distilled water to the mixture in a predetermined ratio and refluxing the resultant; coating a pre-treated surface of alumina powder with the Ni coating solution; mixing a pure Ni powder and Ni-coated alumina powder obtained in the Ni coating step, and then forming a green sheet of an electrode from the mixture of pure Ni powder and Ni-coated alumina powder; and drying and sintering the electrode in a reducing atmosphere. Thus, various problems in manufacturing conventional anodes of Ni-metal alloy powder can be solved, and an anode for an MCFC having greatly enhanced creep resistance and electrode performance can be obtained.

Abstract: A composite ceramic-metal material has an Al2O3 matrix interpenetrated by a network of a ductile metal phase with a higher meltin temperature than aluminum and which makes up 15 to 80 vol. % of its total volume. The Al2O3 matrix forms a coherent network that makes up 20 to 85 vol. %, and the material contains 0.1 to 20 atom % aluminide. To produce this composite material, a green body shaped by powder metallurgy and which contains a finely divided powdery mixture of Al2O3 and optionally other ceramic substances, as well as one or several metals or metal alloys different from aluminum and to which 0.1 to 20 atom % aluminum are added, in relation to the metal proportion, is sintered. The composition is selected in such a way that maximum 15 vol. % aluminide phase can be formed in the finished sintered body.

Abstract: The present invention allows the obtaining of a condenser having high electrostatic capacitance by optimizing the anodic oxidation treatment voltage and particle size of the metal powder for the condenser during production of an electrolytic condenser anode body, and forming an anodic oxide film of a thickness that is suitable for the particle size of the metal powder. In the present invention, and electrolytic condenser anode body is produced by using the metal powder containing 50 wt % or more of particles, in which the primary particle diameter as determined by image analysis is within the range of 2.7×Vf to 10×Vf (units: nm), when the anodic oxidation treatment voltage during formation of an anodic oxide film on an anode sintered body composed of the metal powder is Vf (units: V).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of metallic and metal-ceramic composite components by powder injection molding of a system comprising a metal composite powder, a binder and optionally a ceramic component, where the metal composite powder used is mixed with a protecting liquid in an inert atmosphere before the mixing with the binder. The invention furthermore relates to molybdenum/copper and tungsten/copper composite powders which have a primary metal particle size of predominantly <2 &mgr;m, an oxygen content of <0.8% by weight and optionally a ceramic component, to the use of these composite powders for the production of composite components by powder injection molding, and to a process for the preparation of composite powders in which oxides of molybdenum or tungsten and of copper are mixed, dry-ground and reduced using hydrogen at a temperature of from 800 to 1050° C., and a ceramic component is optionally admixed with the resultant metal composite powder.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gas sensor, including a substrate electrode layer forming step, and a surface electrode layer forming step. The gas sensor includes first and second processing spaces, an oxygen concentration detection element, an oxygen pumping element, an oxidation catalyst and a combustible gas component concentration detection element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a shaped body from metal foam, comprising the following steps:

Abstract: An electrically conductive titanium dioxide sputter target with an electrical resistivity of less than 5 &OHgr;-cm, which contains as an additive at least one doping agent or a mixture of doping assents in an amount of less than 5 mole %. The doping agent or agents are selected from the group including indium oxide, zinc oxide, bismuth oxide, aluminun oxide, gallium oxide, antimony oxide, and zirconium oxide. This treatment renders the titanium dioxide sputter target suitable for use in a direct-current sputtering process without any negative effects on the properties of the coating.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed at providing a platinum material in which creep strength is elevated by improving a metal grain shape in an oxide-dispersion strengthened platinum material in which zirconium oxide is dispersed, and providing a process for producing the platinum material. The present invention provides an oxide-dispersion strengthened platinum material in which zirconium oxide is dispersed in platinum and which can be obtained through rolling and thermal recrystallization, in which platinum grains constituting the platinum material have an average grain size in a rolling direction in the range of 200 to 1500 &mgr;m and an average grain aspect ratio of 20 or more.

Abstract: A method for producing an indium-tin-oxide sintered body comprising the steps of; molding a powder comprising indium, tin and oxygen, and sintering the molded article in oxygen gas-containing atmosphere, wherein the halogen content of the powder comprising indium, tin and oxygen is 0.02% by weight or less, the concentration of oxygen in the oxygen gas-containing atmosphere is 90% or more during the sintering, the partial pressure of moisture contained in the oxygen gas-containing atmosphere is 800 Pa or less during the sintering, and the molded article is maintained at a temperature in the range from 1500 to 1650° C. for 1 hour or more for the sintering.

Abstract: A cobalt-chromium-boron-platinum sputtering target alloy having multiple phases. The alloy can include Cr, B, Ta, Nb, C, Mo, Ti, V, W, Zr, Zn, Cu, Hf, O, Si or N. The alloy is prepared by mixing Pt powder with a cobalt-chromium-boron master alloy, ball milling the powders and HIP'ing to densify the powder into the alloy.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a process for producing an oxide-dispersion strengthened platinum material which allows zirconium oxide to be more finely dispersed in a platinum material, and to further improve creep strength in an oxide-dispersion strengthened platinum material.

Abstract: Methods to at least partially reduce a niobium oxide are described wherein the process includes heat treating the niobium oxide in the presence of a getter material and in an atmosphere which permits the transfer of oxygen atoms from the niobium oxide to the getter material, and for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to form an oxygen reduced niobium oxide. Niobium oxides and/or suboxides are also described as well as capacitors containing anodes made from the niobium oxides and suboxides. Anodes formed from niobium oxide powders using binders and/or lubricants are described as well as methods to form the anodes.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed at providing a platinum material in which creep strength is elevated by improving a metal grain shape in an oxide-dispersion strengthened platinum material in which zirconium oxide is dispersed, and providing a process for producing the platinum material.

Abstract: The dielectric constant of low loss tangent glass-ceramic compositions, such as cordierite-based glass ceramics, is modified over a range by selective addition of high dielectric constant ceramics, such as titanates, tantalates and carbides and metals, such as copper. The low loss tangent is retained or improved over a range of frequencies, and the low CTE of the glass-ceramic is maintained. BaTiO3, SrTiO3 and Ta2O5 produce the most effective results.

Abstract: Shaped bodies containing particulate iron materials, such as cast pellets, briquettes and the like, with sufficient strength to withstand temperatures of up to at least 1000° C. can be obtained by using a fully hydrated high-alumina cement as the binder. The strength of the pellets at elevated temperatures can be further enhanced by adding small amounts of bentonite, silica fume or other suitable supplementary cementing materials, and super plasticizer. The iron particulate materials, typically having a size range of from about 0.01 mm to 6 mm, include ore fines, sinter fines, BOF and EAF dusts, mill scale, and the like. Powdered carbonaceous material, such as ground coal or coke, may also be added to the pellets. The shaped bodies are suitable for use in blast furnaces, basic oxygen furnaces, and in DRI processes.

Abstract: A dispersion-strengthened material is described which comprises aluminium or aluminium alloy containing a substantially uniform dispersion of ceramic particles to confer dispersion strengthening which is inherently stable at high working temperatures, the ceramic particles having a diameter of less than 400 nm, and preferably in the range 10 nm to 100 nm. Suitable ceramic dispersoids include Al2O3, TiO2, Al3C4, ZrO2, Si3N4, SiC, SiO2.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing an intermetallic compound-based composite material containing a reinforcing material and an intermetallic compound. The process includes infiltrating a metal powder into the gaps of a reinforcing material to form a preform and impregnating the preform with an Al melt to give rise to a spontaneous combustion reaction between the metal powder and the Al melt to convert the Al melt into an aluminide intermetallic compound. The Al melt and the metal powder are used in such amounts that they do not remain after the spontaneous combustion reaction. The process can produce an intermetallic compound-based composite material of large size and complicated shape in reduced steps.

Abstract: Oxide dispersion strengthening of porous metal articles includes the incorporation of dispersoids of metallic oxides in elemental metal powder particles. Porous metal articles, such as filters, are fabricated using conventional techniques (extrusion, casting, isostatic pressing, etc.) of forming followed by sintering and heat treatments that induce recrystallization and grain growth within powder grains and across the sintered grain contact points. The result is so-called “oxide dispersion strengthening” which imparts, especially, large increases in creep (deformation under constant load) strength to the metal articles.

Abstract: The invention improves the thermal conductivity of the material powder to be fired and also makes it possible to produce an amorphous magnetically soft body within a shortened period of time. The amorphous magnetically soft body is produced by preforming the material powder into a body first, and heating the preformed body without pressing. Stated more specifically, an amorphous magnetically soft body is produced from a material powder comprising a powder of an amorphous magnetically soft alloy, a glass having a softening point lower than the crystallization starting temperature of the alloy and a binding resin, by pressing the material powder in a preforming die to prepare a preformed body by the binding property of the resin, and firing the preformed body without pressing at a temperature higher than the softening point of the glass and lower than the crystallization starting temperature of the alloy to join the particles of the alloy with the glass.

Abstract: A method for producing an indium-tin-oxide sintered body comprising the steps of;

Abstract: A method for recycling copper oxide includes: a first step in which a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution is added to acidic copper chloride waste etchant produced in the PCB industry, to obtain copper hydroxide slurry; and a second step in which the slurry obtained in the first step is heated and sintered to thereby prepare a needle-form copper oxide. Since copper oxide has a purity of more than 99.0 wt % and the needle-form crystal morphology, so that it has an excellent filtering ability and homogeneous particle size distribution.

Abstract: There is provided a copper-based sliding alloy excellent in wear resistance and anti-seizure property. A phase of 2 to 30 wt. % lead is dispersed in the copper alloy. This lead phase contains 0.1 to 6 vol. % hard particles such as SiC, SiO2, Si3N4, Al2O3, TiC, WC and TiN having an average particle size of 5 to 25 &mgr;m. Because hard particles are included in the lead phase, wear resistance is excellent and anti-seizure property is improved. The lead phase, which is soft, serves as a cushion and the attack on a mating member by hard particles is reduced. Further, the falling-off of lead is minimized because the lead phase also includes the hard particles.

Abstract: A high temperature Nb-base alloy material which contains a ductile Nb-base metal phase to secure the toughness of the alloy at a normal temperature, and yet it can provide a dense oxide film in a high temperature oxidative atmosphere, thereby it can maintain excellent oxidation resistance even when the coating is broken, i.e. it has self repairing function, is provided. The high temperature oxidation resistant alloy material is constructed by adding a trace amount of metal Mg which is necessary to form a dense oxide film comprising MgO as a main component on the surface in an elevated temperature oxidative atmosphere, to a composite phase alloy comprising not less than 10% by volume of a Nb-base solid solution metal phase represented by atomic ratio as Nb—(15-40%)Ti—(5-20%)Al and the remainder of one or more kinds of intermetallic compound phases or ceramic phases having high oxidation resistance.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an aluminum-based composite plate is disclosed. The method comprises the step of producing an aluminum-based composite billet. The billet production step includes reducing, by magnesium nitride, an oxide-based ceramic as a porous molded body. The reduced oxide-based ceramic has improved wettability. An aluminum alloy is then caused to infiltrate into porous sections of the reduced oxide-based ceramic to thereby provide the aluminum-based composite billet. The billet is extrusion molded into a flat plate form by using an extrusion press. Plates of desired shapes are punched from the molded flat plate by using a press.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a friction member by mixing powders of copper/tin-contained metal, ceramic and graphite, and performing high pressure molding and sintering. This manufacturing method produces a high-performance friction member of copper/tin-contained metal, in which segregation of tin is suppressed. Basically, the friction member manufacturing method includes the steps of: mixing powders of copper/tin-contained metal, ceramic, and graphite with each other to form a powder; molding the mixed powders under a pressure larger than 3 MPa; and sintering a molded object.

Abstract: A powder metallurgical process of preparing iron aluminide useful as electrical resistance heating elements having improved room temperature ductility, electrical resistivity, cyclic fatigue resistance, high temperature oxidation resistance, low and high temperature strength, and/or resistance to high temperature sagging. The iron aluminide has an entirely ferritic microstructure which is free of austenite and can include, in weight %, 20 to 32% Al, and optional additions such as ≦1% Cr, ≧0.05% Zr or ZrO2 stringers extending perpendicular to an exposed surface of the heating element, ≦2% Ti, ≦2% Mo, ≦1% Zr, ≦1% C, ≦0.1% B, ≦30% oxide dispersoid and/or electrically insulating or electrically conductive covalent ceramic particles, ≦1% rare earth metal, ≦1% oxygen, and/or ≦3% Cu.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to aluminum containing iron-base alloys useful as electrical resistance heating elements. The aluminum containing iron-base alloys have improved room temperature ductility, electrical resistivity, cyclic fatigue resistance, high temperature oxidation resistance, low and high temperature strength, and/or resistance to high temperature sagging. The alloy has an entirely ferritic microstructure which is free of austenite and includes, in weight %, over 4% Al, ≦1% Cr and either ≧0.05% Zr or ZrO2 stringers extending perpendicular to an exposed surface of the heating element or ≧0.1% oxide dispersoid particles. The alloy can contain 14-32% Al, ≦2% Ti, ≦2% Mo, ≦1% Zr, ≦1% C, ≦0.1% B, ≦30% oxide dispersoid and/or electrically insulating or electrically conductive covalent ceramic particles, ≦1% rare earth metal, ≦1% oxygen, ≦3% Cu, balance Fe.

Abstract: A process for producing a shaped article, comprising: preparing a first powder having high strength and rigidity after completion of forming, and a second powder having abrasion resistance and surface hardness after completion of forming; compacting those powders to provide a forming material comprising a base part comprising the first powder and a supplemental part comprising the second powder; and forming the forming material into a shaped article by plastic processing, thereby producing a shaped article in which the base part and the supplemental part have different characteristics. The first powder preferably comprises a rapidly-solidified alloy powder and the second powder preferably comprises at least one member selected from among Al2O3, Si3N4, BN, SiC, Al4C3, Al8B2O15 and B2O or a mixture of the member and the first powder which may be the same one actually used as the first powder or another one having a different compositions from that of the actually used first powder.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing alloy electrode characterized in that the electrode consists mainly of a mixture of a first hydrogen absorbing alloy powder A formed on surfaces of particles thereof with a surface layer 22 containing metallic copper or a copper oxide and a second hydrogen absorbing alloy powder B formed on surfaces of particles thereof with a surface layer 24 containing metallic cobalt or a cobalt oxide. The copper-coated hydrogen absorbing alloy powder A affords improved electric conductivity, and the cobalt-coated hydrogen absorbing alloy powder B gives improved ability to absorb and desorb hydrogen, whereby the electrode is improved in different battery characteristics, such as cycle characteristics, high-rate discharge characteristics and infernal pressure characteristics, at the same time.

Abstract: A composite material is composed of a matrix and dispersed components which form a discontinuous three-dimensional network structure in the matrix. It permits the dispersed components to fully exhibit the characteristic properties without any loss of mechanical properties. A process for producing the above-mentioned composite material includes preparing a raw material powder such that granules of desired shape for the matrix are discontinuously covered with components of desired shape for the dispersed phase, molding the raw material powder into a desired shape, and heating the molded article.

Abstract: A nuclear fuel based on UO2, ThO2 and/or PuO2 having improved retention properties for fission products. The fuel comprises a metal such as Cr or Mo able to trap oxygen in order to form an oxide having a free formation enthalpy equal to or below that of the superstoichiometric oxide or oxides (U, Th)O2+x and/or (U, Pu)O2+x (O<x≦0.01). Thus, it is possible to trap oxygen atoms released during the fission of U, Th and/or Pu. This leads to an increase in the retention level of the fission products and a possibility of obtaining a high burn-up of nuclear fuel elements.

Abstract: A sintered electrode of high-melting metal (for example tungsten) is produced from spherical metal powder having a well defined particle size. The mean particle size is from 5 to 70 &mgr;m. The particle size distribution covers a range from at most 20% below to at most 20% above the mean particle size.

Abstract: A process for preparing complex-shaped, ceramic-metal composite articles, comprising: (a) contacting a non-wettable powder that is non-wetting to a metal to be used for infiltration with a shaped ceramic body to form a layer of the non-wettable powder on one or more surfaces of the shaped ceramic body, wherein the shaped ceramic body has a region where there is no layer of the non-wettable powder, and (b) infiltration the shaped ceramic body with the metal through the region or regions where there is no layer of the non-wettable powder, such that a complex-shaped ceramic-metal composite comprising one or more metal phases and one or more ceramic phases is formed, wherein the article has substantially the net shape of the shaped ceramic body and undesirable regions of excess metal on the surface and undesirable phases within the complex-shaped ceramic-metal composite article near the surface are located only in the region or regions where there is no layer of the non-wettable powder.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing ceramic metal composite bodies, the ceramic metal composite bodies and their use. The process is based on molten infiltration and the simultaneous or delayed exchange reaction of ceramic or metal ceramic un-fired bodies or sintered bodies which may consist of nitrides or carbides as well as metals, with molten metal of additional metals, whereby new nitride, carbide and intermetallic phases are formed which have improved wear and high-temperature characteristics. These ceramic metal composite bodies can be used for tribological applications.

Abstract: A process for making composite materials, namely reinforced Al-metal matrix composites based on either: (I) Al—W intermetallic phase and Al2O3 ceramic whiskers, or (II) Al—Mo intermetallic phase and Al2O3 ceramic whiskers. This process involves the oxidation of aluminum using tungsten oxide in powder form for product I, and that of aluminum and molybdenum oxide in powder form for product II. Product I contains an Al—W intermetallic phase, some sapphire whiskers, and a continuous Al-metal matrix. Product II contains an Al—Mo intermetallic phase, sapphire whiskers, and a continuous Al-metal matrix. The alumina whiskers are formed as a result of two reactions. They are: (i) the oxidation between the pre-mixed Al and the oxide, and (ii) the oxidation of Al with the atmospheric environment in the presence of the oxide, which acts as a catalytic agent for the reaction. These newly invented products are hard, strong and light.

Abstract: A dielectric sputtering target of high strength comprising a sintered barium, strontium titanate body, which is oxygen deficient, of the formula: Ba1-xSrxTiO3-y, wherein 0<x<1 and 0<y≦0.03, the sintered body having a mean grain size of 0.3 to 5 &mgr;m, a maximum grain size of 20 &mgr;m or less, a relative density of 95% to 99%, a purity of 4N or more, a K content of 1 ppm or less, a Na content of 2 ppm or less, an Al content of 5 ppm or less, a Si content of 20 ppm or less, an Fe content of 2 ppm or less and a mean flexural strength of 150 MPa or more.

Abstract: Disclosed are a metallic interconnection material for solid oxide fuel cells and a preparation method thereof. The metallic interconnection material has two fine microstructural phases in which 5-25% by volume of LaCrO.sub.3 is dispersed at the grain boundaries of Cr particles. It can be prepared by mixing 75-95% by volume of a Cr powder and 5-25% by volume of an LaCrO.sub.3 powder, together with a solvent and a binder, in a mill, molding the mixture into a predetermined shape after drying, and sintering the molded shape at approximately 1,500.degree. C. for 10 hours in an Ar atmosphere with 5 vol % of hydrogen to give an LaCrO.sub.3 -dispersed Cr alloy. The LaCrO.sub.3 -dispersed Cr alloy shows high electric conductivity by virtue of the growth inhibition of Cr particles during sintering and high chemical stability by virtue of the presence of the rare earth metal, La, meeting meet the requirements for the interconnection materials for solid oxide fuel cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a pore free powder metallurgical alloy article starting with a minor portion of Sn powder and a major portion of In.sub.2 O.sub.3 powder and comprising the steps of: substantially uniformly distributing and fixing the Sn powder on the surface of the In.sub.2 O.sub.3 powder by mixing and milling the powders in the presence of a process controlling agent such as an alcohol to form alloyed powders, and compacting the so alloyed powders at high temperature to form the article. The article has a good electrical conductivity and is usable as a target for plasma sputtering ITO compositions.

Abstract: A homogeneous sintered composite made by press-forming a homogeneous mixture of powders of an agglutinating component, a second component having a melting point higher then the agglutinating component, and an exothermically reactive component to form a compact; heating the compact, then inducing an exothermic reaction of the reactive substance which generates sufficient additional heat to melt the agglutinating component without melting the high melting point component. For electronic microcircuit heat-dissipation applications the agglutinating component is a high thermal conductivity metal, and the high melting point component has a low thermal expansivity, whose proportions are adjusted to match the thermal expansion characteristics of microcircuit material. To reduce porosity, the reacted compact is pressed again while the agglutinating component is still in the liquid phase. For low weight applications the second material has high specific thermal conductivity.

Abstract: This invention is directed to metal-matrix composites which include a substantially continuous phase of metal and reinforcing ceramic particulate substantially uniformly dispersed therein and comprising at least two of barium titanium, titanium dioxide, and titanium nitride. The composite may include other reinforcing ceramic particulate materials like metal carbides such as titanium carbide and other titanates like calcium titanate. The reinforcing particulate can comprise up to about 70 volume percent of the composite and have an average particle diameter of between about 0.1 micron and 100 microns. In forming the composite, the metal powder employed has an average particle diameter between about 1 and 20 microns. The composite is useful to manufacture, e.g., automotive parts such as brake rotors and structural components.

Abstract: A multiple cell thermionic converter having a generally tubular member of electrically conductive refractory metal with an internal cavity and a tubular envelope of electrically conductive refractory metal disposed in surrounding relationship to such generally tubular member. Electrically insulating ceramic material is disposed upon sections of facing surfaces of the envelope and tubular member, which is in the form of a body that has a central zone of plasma-sprayed refractory metal oxide selected from the group consisting of scandia, hafnia, zirconia and alumina, and a pair of flanking outer zones made of mixtures of the refractory oxide and particulate refractory metal. Refractory metal electron emitters and collectors are supported upon the ceramic bodies and juxtaposed in pairs with an annular gap therebetween to form a plurality of thermionic cells.

Abstract: The tool includes at least one cutting edge formed by a compacted mixture of carbide containing alloy steel and an oxide containing ceramic material, preferably zirconium oxide in an amount of 0.01-15 wt % of the mixture, preferably in the region of 1 to 6 wt %, advantageously in the region of 3 wt %. The mixture may additionally include particles of a hard or abrasive material, such as silicon carbide or aluminum carbide or a boride/carbide such as aluminum titanium diboride-titanium carbide.

Abstract: Methods for the manufacture of nanostructured metals, metal carbides, and metal alloys are presented, such metals including nanostructured aluminum, chromium, iron, molybdenum, vanadium, and steel. Preferably, the nanostructured steel is of the M50 type, and comprises iron, molybdenum, chromium, vanadium and carbon. Synthesis of M50 steel further comprising nanostructured aluminum, aluminum oxide, or aluminum nitride is also described. In accordance with an important feature of this invention, the grain size of the metals and metal alloys is in the nanometer range. In accordance with the method of the present invention, the nanostructured metals, metal carbides, and metal alloys are prepared via chemical synthesis from aluminum, iron, molybdenum, chromium and vanadium starting materials. Decomposition of metal precursors or co-precipitation or precipitation of metal precursors is followed by consolidation of the resulting nanostructured powders.

Abstract: In a method of powder metallurgical manufacturing of a composite material containing particles in a metal matrix, said composite material having a high wear resistance in combination with a high toughness, the powder particles (I) of a first powder of a first metal or alloy having a high content of hard particles (HT) dispersed in the matrix of said first powder particles, are dispersed in a second powder consisting of particles (II) of a second metal or alloy having a low content of hard particles dispersed in the matrix of said second powder particles, wherein a mutual contact between the hard particles and/or between the particles of said first powder is substantially avoided, and the mixture of said first and second powders is transformed to a solid body through hot compaction.