Abstract: This invention relates generally to materials and processes for making materials and, more particularly, to high performance boride dispersion strengthened materials, including alloy-modified, boride dispersion strengthened materials and techniques for making such materials.

Abstract: A dental material of a metal composition for reinforcing the metal framework of a dental restoration comprising an aggregate combination of metal particles including a first high fusing temperature precious metal component and a second low fusing temperature component which form a porous sponge-like structure upon heat treatment.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of manufacturing a magnet on the basis of Re.sub.2 Fe.sub.14 B. To this end, a shaped body of the said composition is sintered by means of induction heating to a density exceeding 95% of the theoretical maximum density. The method according to the invention enables the manufacture of magnets having excellent properties in a very short time, these properties being: a high energy product, a large remanence, a high density, a large intrinsic coercive force and a small particle size.

Abstract: An improved method is proposed for the preparation of a sintered permanent magnet of a rare earth-iron-boron alloy having remarkably improved magnetic properties and stability by the powder metallurgical process. The scope of the inventive method consists in the particle size classification of the alloy powder for compression molding into a powder compact to be sintered, by which particles having a finer particle diameter and, preferably, a coarser particle diameter than the respective critical values are removed so as to effectively prevent oxidation of the too fine particles and improving the magnetic orientation of the particles as well as the sintering behavior of the particles.

Abstract: Thermoelectric elements with excellent thermoelectric characteristics such as Seebeck coefficient thermoelectromotive force and thermal conductivity can be produced by molding a powder of metal or metal alloy as the raw material and then sintering; by using as such raw material, ultra fine powders containing Fe and Si as main components and having a mean particle diameter of 50 to 5,000 .ANG..

Abstract: The method and material of the present inventioin includes a combination of a high-fusing temperature metal component and a low-fusing temperature metal component which are adapted to be heat treated at a temperature above the melting temperature of the low-fusing temperature metal component, such that a porous, sponge-like structure is formed with a total void volume of 20-80%.

Abstract: A copper-tungsten mixture net-shaped product produced using powder metallurgical techniques with injection molding and liquid phase sintering. The product has a very low leak rate in helium gas, a high thermal conductivity and a rate of thermal expansion which is substantially the same as some glass and ceramic materials.

Abstract: A process for producing a thin film of a base metal on a substrate which comprises thermally decomposing in oxidative atmosphere an organic or inorganic compound containing a base metal compound formed on a substrate to form the oxide of the metal and then reducing the oxide by heat-treating it in reductive atmosphere. A temperature sensor, magnetic sensor, and ceramic wiring substrate utilizing the base metal thin film.

Abstract: The polycrystalline magnetic substance for magnetic refrigeration in or gas refrigeration accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of magnetic alloy fine crystalline powders that include at least one kind of rare-earth element selected from the group of Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb, with the remainder metal consisting substantially of 2 kinds selected from Al, Ni, Co, and Fe, and a metallic binder which forms a compact together with the fine crystalline particles, where the abundance ratio of the metallic binder in the compact is 1 to 80% by volume.

Abstract: A tungsten carbide powder and cemented tungsten carbide article made from the powder are disclosed. The powder has a particle size of greater than 20 micrometers in diameter and no particles less than one-half the average particle size or greater than two and one-half times the average particle size.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a metal matrix containing tungsten grain is roduced from tungsten powders formed by plasma rapid solidification. The powders comprise tungsten and up to 20 weight percent of a metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tantalum, niobium, rhenium, and chromium. The surfaces of the powders are cleaned to reduce the surface oxide thereon, and the powders are coated with at least one metal selected from the group consisting of copper, nickel, cobalt, hafnium and tantalum. The coated powders are formed into a sintered preform which is less than fully dense, and the sintered preform is further consolidated to full density by a technique selected from hot isostatic pressing, rapid omin-directional compaction, and hot extrusion.

Abstract: A superplastic composite material is produced by thoroughly and homogeneously mixing particles or whiskers of silicon nitride and aluminum metal powder in a solvent, then removing the solvent from the resultant mixture, sintering the residual mixture at an elevated temperature, further compressing it at an elevated temperature, then hot extrusion-molding the compressed mixture thereby forming a shaped article, and heat-treating this shaped article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for obtaining a metallurgical bond between a metal material, or a composite material having a metal matrix, and a metal casting, or a metal alloy casting, which comprises carrying out a surface treatment on said material by means of the deposition of a thin layer of a metal, generally different from the metals contained in the material and in the casting, which is capable of increasing the wettability between the metal of the casting and the material, as well as the heat transfer coefficient between said two partners; and a step of casting around the same material, positioned inside a mold, of the metal, or of the metal alloy the same casting is constituted by.

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: Workpieces are very rapidly diffusion coated by heating the packed workpieces at a rate that brings the workpieces to diffusion-coating temperature and then completing the diffusion coating, all in less than 50 minutes, then cooling. Workpiece can have top coating layer of aluminum flake covered by a layer of extremely fine alumina or silica in a magnesium chromate binder, to provide surface having roughness at least about 10 micro-inches smoother than before the top coating. Used aluminized jet engine hot section members can be reconditioned by a fluoridizing treatment that deoxidizes and also removes residual aluminizing, so that the members can then be repaired if necessary and re-aluminized.

Abstract: It is disclosed a method for preparing a large-sized powder metallurgical sintered product having a superior characteristic by charging mixtures of three types of metallic powder composed of coarse particles, middle particles and fine particles into the molding die while vibrating it, heating the charged material together with the molding die, sintering them, and infiltrating metal of low melting point into the sintered body. According to this method, it is possible to get a large-sized sintered body having a superior strength and surface smoothness or a sintered body prohibiting any cracks or slits by arranging the proper particle size.

Abstract: Dense tungsten ingots are prepared by hot isostatically pressing at a temperature of about 1500.degree. to about 1700.degree. C. and a pressure of about 20 to about 30 ksi for about 2 to about 3 hours a refractory container comprising a green tungsten metal compact in contact with a dopant, the tungsten metal of the compact being formed prior to contact with the dopant; the dopant being a material which is insoluble in tungsten and contains molecules having atomic radii greater than the atomic radius of tungsten by at least about 15%.

Abstract: Ingot-derived and sodium-reduced agglomerated tantalum powders having improved flow characteristics and lead pull-out strength that find particular utility in manufacture of anodes for capacitors. Powder size distribution is in the range of -60 to +400 mesh, preferably -60 to +250 mesh, containing less than 5 wt % powder above the upper and below the lower range limits.

Abstract: A composite comprises of a sintered matrix of spinel ferrite and an electrically conductive phase of elemental silver is produced by co-firing a laminated structure of ferrite powder-containing tapes containing a silver metallization-forming material having two end portions wherein only the end portions are exposed.

Abstract: A composite material is disclosed along with the method of making the same. The material comprises a tough grade of cemented carbide granule dispersed with a hard brittle grade of cemented carbide granules to form a matrix. The quantity of hard, brittle cemented carbide granules is between 20% to 60% of the total composition. Such material functions to improve wear resistance without sacrificing toughness.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a sintered body. The process includes the following consecutive steps: (i) mixing and kneading one or more metal powders and/or one or more alloy powder with a binder into a compound, said metal and alloy powders having an average particle size not greater than 30 .mu.m, (ii) injection-molding the compound into a green body; (iii) debinding the green body to form a debound body; and (iv) subjecting the debound body to first-stage sintering at 1,050.degree.-1,250.degree. C. in a reducing or reduced-pressure atmosphere and then to second-stage sintering at a temperature in a range of 1,100.degree.-1,400.degree. C. which is higher than that of the first-stage sintering. This process can provide sintered Ti bodies and sintered magnetic bodies of the Fe-Si type, which have a density ratio of at least 95%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of aluminum alloy components retaining a good fatigue strength when used hot.This process consists of producing an alloy containing by weight 11 to 26% silicon, 2 to 5% iron, 0.5 to 5% copper, 0.1 to 2% magnesium, 0.1 to 0.4% zirconium and 0.5 to 1.5% manganese, subjecting the alloy in the molten state to a fast solidification means, bringing it into the form of parts or components and optionally subjecting the latter to a heat treatment at between 490.degree. and 520.degree. C., followed by water hardening and annealing at between 170.degree. and 210.degree. C.These components are used more particularly as rods, piston rods and pistons.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing ceramic/metal or ceramic/ceramic composite articles is disclosed. The articles can be useful for the production of aluminum in fused salt electrolysis cells, as armour plates for the protection against projectiles, cutting tools, or in abrasion resistance applications. The temperature slope of the process if optimized such that one of the reactants in the manufacturing proceeds through peritectic decomposition at a heating rate of low temperature increase for desirably uniform temperature distribution over the reaction mixture. Then the temperature increase is greatly elevated to obtain a reaction sintering condition for avoiding grain growth of undesired reaction products. Elevated temperature reaction sintering conditions can be maintained to decompose undesired components before they are entrapped by the reaction product.

Abstract: Disclosed are(1) a composite material of aluminum powder containing spherical carbon particles;(2) a composite material of aluminum powder having a good self-lubricity and a high wear resistance and consolidated with a mixture of(i) 100 parts by weight of aluminum particles of about 1 to about 200 .mu.m in mean particle size; and(ii) about 1 and about 100 parts by weight of spherical carbon particles of about 1 to about 50 .mu.m in mean particle size; and(3) a composite material of aluminum powder having a good self-lubricity, a high wear resistance and a high strength and consolidated with a mixture of(i) 100 parts of aluminum alloy particles containing about 0.3 to about 15% by weight of magnesium and having a mean particle size of about 1 to about 200 .mu.m; and(ii) about 1 to about 100 parts by weight of spherical carbon particles having a mean particle size of about 1 to about 50 .mu.m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a heavy tungsten-nickel-iron alloy with high mechanical characteristics comprising the steps of using powders of each of the elements of a FISHER diameter between 1 and 15 .mu.m, mixing the powders in proportions corresponding to the composition of the desired alloy, compressing the powders in the form of compacted items, sintering the compacted items at a temperature of between 1490 and 1650.degree. C. for 2 to 5 hours, treating the sintered compacted items under vacuum at between 1000.degree. and 1300.degree. C., and subjecting the compacted items after treatment under vacuum to at least three cycles of operation, each cycle comprising a working step followed by a heat treatment.

Abstract: A hard metal composite is formed from a mixture of two or more pre-blended, unsintered hard metal composites in which the properties of each constituent are different. The constituent components are selected so that they have different grain sizes, different binder contents, different metal carbide or binders, or some combination of these. Primarily, the constituents are chosen on the basis of their properties and compatability, and are chosen to utilize the superior properties of one of the constituents without detrimentally affecting the desirable properties of the other. As an example, a pre-blended composite having a superior hardness may be dispersed in a second composite having a superior toughness with the resultant material having a hardness which approaches that of the harder constituent yet maintaining the toughness of the matrix constituent.

Abstract: Provided herein are high-strength high-toughness sintered alloy steel and composite alloy steel powder useful for the production thereof. The sintered alloy steel contains, as the alloy components in the final product, Ni, Mo, and/or W, and C, if necessary, said alloy being composed of 0.50-3.50 wt % of Ni, 0.65-3.50 wt % of Mo+1/2W, (and 0.3-0.8 wt % of C, if necessary), and the remainder of Fe and inevitable impurities, and has a density higher than 7.0 g/cm.sup.3 and a tensile strength higher than 130 kgf/mm.sup.2 after quenching and tempering. The composite alloy steel powder is composed of iron powder particles and powdery alloy components attached by diffusion to part of the surface of the iron powder particles, with the content of Ni and the content of Mo+1/2W in the steel powder of particle diameter smaller than 45 .infin.m being in the range of 2.0-4.2 times the average content in the entire steel powder.

Abstract: Earth acid metal powders, such as tantalum or niobium, useful in the production of electrolytic capacitors and other electronic components, are agglomerates of sintered compacts, wherein the mean grain size of the agglomerates is no more than 2.0 .mu.m, determined by the Fisher Sub-Sieve Sizer, and wherein the agglomerates consist of primary individual agglomerated particles of mean grain size of no more than 0.7 .mu.m.

Abstract: High density compacts are made by providing a compactable particulate combination of Class 1 metals selected from at least one of Ag, Cu and Al, with material selected from at least one of CdO, SnO, SnO.sub.2, C, Co, Ni, Fe, Cr, Cr.sub.3 C.sub.2, Cr.sub.7 C.sub.3, W, WC, W.sub.2 C, WB, Mo, Mo.sub.2 C, MoB, Mo.sub.2 B, TiC, TiN, TiB.sub.2, Si, SiC, Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, usually by mixing powders of each, step (1); uniaxially pressing the powders to a density of from 60% to 95%, to provide a compact, step (2); hot densifying the compact at a pressure between 352 kg/cm.sup.2 (5,000 psi) and 3,172 kg/cm.sup.2 (45,000 psi) and at a temperature from 50.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. below the melting point or decomposition point of the lower melting component of the compact, to provide densification of the compact to over 97% of theoretical density; step (3); and cooling the compact, step (4).

Abstract: A method of making high energy Nd-Fe-B magnets having a mass less than 30 grams wherein an alloy of said materials having a grain size less than that desired in the finished magnet is first prepared and subsequently hot worked to the desired configuration with increased magnetic properties and density by introducing into a cavity formed by a die and punch a Nd-Fe-B alloy powder having a particle size of from 45 .mu.m to 250 .mu.m and a grain size of from 100 to 1500 angstroms, compressing the powder at a temperature of from about 550.degree. C. to 750.degree. C. under a die-punch pressure of at least 10 kpsi under a vacuum of less than 200 millitorr to achieve a permanent magnet having a remanence of at least 7 kilogauss.

Abstract: A creep-resistant alloy having a tiered structural arrangement of one or several refractory metals Mo, W, Nb, Ta, V, Cr containing certain doping agents, as well as a process for producing the same. The special doping agents are compounds and/or mixed phases of such compounds selected from the group of oxides, nitrides, carbides, borides, silicates or aluminates having a melting point higher than 1500.degree. C. The size of their grains is .ltoreq.1.5 .mu.m, their proportion in the alloy is comprised between 0.005 and 10% by weight. Unlike in the known state of the art, the use of porassium as doping agent is avoided in this alloy. A good reproducible consolidation and in particular high densities during sintering can thus be obtained. Furthermore, this alloy has better ambient temperature, heat and creep resistance properties than known alloys of refractory metal with a tiered structual arrangement.

Abstract: A sintering metal powder consisting of metal particles having a particle diameter distribution including a plurality of peaks. The larger of the two particle diameters at every adjoining two, respectively, of the peaks has a ratio of between 5 and 10 to the smaller. The height of one of every adjoining two of the peaks has a ratio of between 1 and 5 to that of the other that is not higher than the one peak. The particle diameter at one of every adjoining two of the peaks which is not higher than the other is smaller than that at the other peak. The particle diameter at the highest peak is between 30 and 80 microns. A process for making a sintered product from such a powder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sintered hard metal body having improved heat resistance and higher cutting performance is produced by a process including mixing together at least one hard substance, at least one binder material, and at least one of at least one complex carbide and at least one complex nitride to form a starting mixture each constituent of which is in powdered form. The at least one hard substance is selected from the group consisting of carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides of transition metals of Groups IVB, VB and VIB of the Periodic Table of Elements, is present as at least one of a carbide, a mixed carbide, a nitride, a mixed nitride, a carbonitride, and a mixed carbonitride, and has a cubic crystal form. The at least one binder metal is selected from the group including iron, nickel and cobalt.

Abstract: Self-supporting bodies are produced by reactive infiltration of a parent metal into boron carbide typically resulting in a composite comprising a boron-containing compound and metal. The mass to be infiltrated may contain one or more inert fillers admixed with the boron carbide, or at least one carbon donor material, to produce a composite by reactive infiltration, which composite comprises a matrix of metal and boron-containing compound embedding the filler. In one embodiment of the invention, a parent metal is reactively infiltrated into a mass comprising a boron carbide material mixed with a carbon-containing compound. In this embodiment, a self-supporting composite is formed typically comprising a boron-containing compound, a carbon-containing compound, and metal. The relative amounts of reactants and process conditions may be altered or controlled to yield a body containing varying volume percents of ceramic, metal and/or porosity.

Abstract: An improved flaked tantalum powder and process for making the flaked powder are disclosed. The powder is characterized by having a Scott density greater than about 18 g/in.sup.3 and preferably at least about 90% of the flake particles having no dimension greater than about 55 micrometers. Agglomerates of the flaked tantalum powder, provide improved flowability, green strength and presssing characteristics compared to conventional flaked tantalum powders. The improved flaked tantalum powder can be made by preparing a flaked tantalum and then reducing the flake size until a Scott density greater than about 18 g/in.sup.3 is achieved. The invention also provides pellets and capacitors prepared from the above-described flaked tantalum powder.

Abstract: A high melting metal silicide sputtering target which comprises a fine texture whose stoichiometric composition grains of MSi.sub.2, where M represents a high melting metal, have a maximum grain size of 20 .mu.m, whose free silicon grains have a maximum grain size of 50 .mu.m and whose oxygen content is not more than 200 ppm and has a density ratio to the theoretical density of 99% or more has good film characteristics including the reduction in the number of grains formed on the sputtered film and is useful as an electrode material or a wiring material in semi-conductor devices.

Abstract: The invention includes an isostatic press supply of heat to a workpiece by microwave energy and a method for isostatically pressing a powdered ceramic or powdered metal material that is heated by microwave energy. The isostatic press includes a pressure vessel. A fluid medium is available for supply to the pressure vessel under pressure. The invention further includes a means for transmitting microwave energy into the pressure vessel. The method includes preparing a workpiece comprising a microwave coupler material. Desirably, the workpiece is a composition comprising a powdered coupler or semiconductor and a powdered insulator. The workpiece is immersed in an additional powdered insulator which is transparent to the microwave energy. The workpiece and immersing powdered insulator are contained in a closed, compressible container. The contained, immersed workpiece is then placed into a pressure vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to heavy tungsten-nickel-iron alloys with high mechanical characteristics and a specific gravity between 15.6 and 18. The alloys include a tungsten .alpha.-phase in the shape of butterfly wings with dislocation cells of dimensions between 0.1 and 1 .mu.m, and a nickel-iron bonding .gamma.-phase having a mean free path of less than 15 .mu.m and an Ni/Fe ratio greater than or equal to 2.

Abstract: A apex seal is formed by cold pressing and sintering a mixture of Clevite and tungsten carbide powders to form a seal wherein harder rounded carbide particles are distributed within a softer matrix.

Abstract: Metallization compositions utilizing a (1) relatively refractory flake product, e.g. flake-shaped powder of stainless steel, in combination with (2) a conductive metal such as silver which, upon being fired to melting, is held in the flake type matrix providing an excellent and inexpensive conductor. Termination compounds will comprise ceramic-adhesive frits. Body electrodes will usually comprise organic binders readily removable by thermal oxidation.

Abstract: A method of consolidating a body in any of initially powdered, sintered, fibrous, sponge, or other form capable of compaction, including the steps: providing a bed of flowable particles within a contained zone, the particulate including flowable and resiliently compressible carbonaceous particles; positioning the body in the bed, to be surrounded by the particles; effecting pressurization of the bed to cause pressure transmission via the particles to said body, thereby to compact the body into desired shape, increasing its density; the particles being heated to elevated temperature prior to compacting of the body into desired shape; and the heating of the particles being effected by passing electric current through same, with heat generated in the particles also to be transferred to the body.The electrically heated mass of particles may be fluidized; the particles may consist of graphite; and the body may consist of metal, ceramic, or synthetic resin.

Abstract: A metal-metal matrix composite magnet including a magnetic material such as a neodymium-iron-boron magnetic phase bonded by a metal matrix, preferably copper an a method of making the magnet which involves plating a thin metal layer, for example, a layer having a thickness of less than 1000 angstrom average, from a magnetic phase, pressing the powder, with or without magnetic alignment, into the desired shape and then sintering the pressed powder at a temperature below about 400.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for reducing disparities of mechanical properties in tungsten-nickel-iron alloys containing in % by weight 85 to 99% of tunsten, 1 to 10% of iron, the alloys being obtained from tungsten, nickel and iron powders which have the same or different grain diameter, shape and size distribution, which entails simultaneously adding an effective amount of each of cobalt and manganese powders to tungsten powder or to a mixture of tungsten, nickel and iron powders.

Abstract: A powder of at least one of TiB.sub.2, ZrB.sub.2 and HfB.sub.2 is mixed with at least one of Ti, Zr, Hf, TiB, ZrB and HfB, or with at least one of Ti, Zr, Hf, TiB, ZrB and HfB and a powder of boron, to prepare a mixed powder which can form a sintered product having a boron content of 65 to 67 atom %. Alternatively, a powder of at least one of Ti, Zr, Hf, TiB, ZrB and HfB is mixed with a powder of boron to prepare the mixed powder. The mixed powder may further contain up to a maximum of 30% by weight of a powder of AlN. Then, the mixed powder is sintered to make metal diboride ceramics. The lower-melting metal or compound which the mixed powder contains melts to form a liquid phase and enables the manufacture of a sintered product of high density by a customary sintering operation employing a low temperature. The sintered product having a boron content of 65 to 67 atom % consists solely of metal diboride crystals having a structure of the hexagonal system.

Abstract: The machinability characteristics of P/M ferrous sintered compacts are improved when the compact is prepared from a ferrous powder having a maximum particle size less than about 300 microns, and from at least about 0.01 weight percent of a boron nitride powder comprising agglomerates of irregular-shaped, submicron particles.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the toughness of otherwise brittle powder metallurgy materials are presented. Adding moderate amounts of tough particulate to such brittle material enhances their ductility in excess of that which would be predicted mathematically.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a Wc-Co-Cr alloy which comprises alloying a mixture consisting essentially of in percent by weight of from about 85 to about 90 tungsten carbide, wherein the particle size of the tungsten carbide is less than about 1 micrometer in diameter, from about 9 to about 11 cobalt metal powder, wherein the particle size of the cobalt is from about 1 to about 5 micrometers in diameter, and from about 3.5 to about 4.5 chromium wherein the chromium is provided as chromium carbide to produce a Wc-Co-Cr alloy the alloy capable of being used as a coating wherein the hardness of the coating is from about 1060 to about 1240 DPH carbide hardness and from about 870 to about 980 DPH matrix hardness and wherein the roughness is from about 190 to about 200 AA.

Abstract: Cobalt-bound tungsten carbide metal matrix composites having a unique microstructure are produced by consolidating partially sintered greenware under high pressures, e.g., 120,000 psi, at temperatures less than those used for conventional liquid phase sintering in a relatively short time, e.g., from less than one minute to less than about one hour. The composites have a binder phase which contains less than about 80 weight percent of the tungsten found in a composite prepared from the same or similar compositions via liquid phase sintering. These composites provide cutting tools with both toughness and wear resistance which exceed that of cutting tools made from the same or similar compositions via liquid phase sintering.

Abstract: In a method for producing tungsten-alloyed rods, a particular tungsten electrodes for tungsten inert gas welding, tungsten plasma welding, tungsten plasma fusion cutting and the like, in which pulverulent tungsten with an admixed oxide additive is compacted, sintered, mechanically worked and submitted to a recrystallization treatment, to achieve a hitherto unobtained high lanthanum integration the pulverulent tungsten is alloyed with a highly pure relaxed lanthanum oxide additive of about 1.8 to 2.2% by weight with respect to the total weight the compacting is carried out with a multiphase pressure buildup and the sintering is carried out with a multiphase temperature buildup.

Abstract: A carefully controlled amount of hydrogen is diffused into titanium or its alloys at an elevated temperature above the transformation temperature. After the elevated temperature is maintained for an approprate duration of time, eutectoid transformation is performed in an inert atmosphere, again for an appropriate period of time, during which or alternatively after which the hydrogen is removed and the metal cooled to room temperature. A sintered titanium alloy component of the type intended for use as a joint replacement subjected to such a treatment displays a fatigue strength which is noticeably improved over a similar article with an equiaxed or lamellar microstructure.