Abstract: A method of making mesoporous carbon involves combining a carbon precursor and a pore former. At least a portion of the pore former dissolves molecularly in the carbon precursor. The pore former has a decomposition or volatilization temperature above the curing temperature and below the carbonization temperature of the carbon precursor. The carbon precursor is cured, carbonized, and optionally activated, and at the same time the pore former is removed.

Abstract: A method for making antimicrobial, blood-compatible surfaces is provided, articles having surfaces made by this method, and the use of these articles in fields where controlling the spread of microbes and blood-compatibility are important. Such fields include the medical field, where it is critical to eliminate infection causing microbes and reduce the number of dangerous blood clots in patients.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of slippery, hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel coating compositions, and materials composed of a polymeric plastic or rubber substrate or a metal substrate with a coating of a slippery, hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel thereon, such that the coating composition tenaciously adheres to the substrate, are disclosed. The coating compositions and coated materials are non-toxic and biocompatible, and are ideally suited for use on medical devices, particularly, catheters, catheter balloons and stents. The coating compositions, coated materials and coated devices demonstrate low coefficients of friction in contact with body fluids, especially blood, as well as a high degree of wear permanence over prolonged use of the device. The hydrogel coating compositions are capable of being dried to facilitate storage of the devices to which they have been applied, and can be instantly reactivated for later use by exposure to water.

Abstract: An apparatus for modifying an intravascular stent with endothelial cells and/or engineered endothelial cells which may have genetically altered DNA to minimize failure rates includes an external conductor sleeve, an insulating tube held therein, and a pair of insulated end caps, each detachably securable over each end of said insulating tube. Each insulated cap has a substantially centered aperture therethrough and a stent holder extending transversely therefrom to hold opposite ends of the stent therebetween. The insulated end caps and the insulating tube hold a solution containing the endothelial cells inside the insulating tube to surround exposed surfaces of the stent. An insulated internal conductor is received through the apertures.

Abstract: An oxide thin film comprising an oxide represented by ABO.sub.3, wherein A comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of the groups IA, IIA, IIIA, IVB and VB of the periodic table, and B comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of the groups IVA and VA of the periodic table, wherein said oxide thin film has a mixed structure in which crystal grains are dispersed in an amorphous phase or an ultrafine grain phase. The oxide thin film is prepared by preparing an organic solvent solution (1) of a metal alkoxide compound of A and a metal alkoxide compound of B; adding water, or water and a catalyst to the organic solvent solution (1) to prepare a solution (2); mixing the organic solvent solution (1) and the solution (2) to prepare a mixed solution; coating the mixed solution on a substrate to form a thin film; and subjecting the thin film to heat treatment.

Abstract: A microporous carbon film for use as electrodes in energy strorage devices is disclosed, which is made by the process comprising the steps of: (1) heating a polymer film material consisting essentially of a copolymer of polyvinylidene chloride and polyvinyl chloride in an inert atmosphere to form a carbon film; and (2) activating said carbon film to form said microporous carbon film having a density between about 0.7 g/cm.sup.2 and 1 g/cm.sup.2 and a gravimetric capacitance of about between 120 F/g and 315 F/g.

Abstract: Percutaneous implants are disclosed including a portion implantable into a patient, a dermal bonding region capable of forming a bond between the implant and a dermal layer of the patient after the implantable portion is implanted into the patient, and the dermal bonding region including a substrate with a discontinuous coating of particulate bioactive glass wherein the average spacing between the particles of bioactive glass is predetermined and at least about 20 microns prior to implantation into the patient. Also disclosed are bioactive coatings including a substrate and fibers and/or particles of bioactive glass distributed on the substrate with a predetermined average interfiber distance of at least about 20 microns.

Abstract: In a process for coating surgical needles, a leveling coat is applied to a surface of a surgical needle in one step or in several steps to fill in and/or level out surface roughness A slip coating is applied to the leveling coat

Abstract: The invention includes a method for densifying one or more porous preforms, including the edges and surfaces of one or more preform, when using a liquid precursor. The method includes covering at least a portion of the porous preform with an insulating material to insulate at least a part of the preform. The preform is submerged in a precursor liquid which is heat-decomposable. The preform is heated in the precursor liquid at a temperature sufficient to decompose the precursor liquid within the preform and to deposit a decomposition product of the precursor liquid within the preform. The heating of the preform is continued in the precursor liquid until at least part of the insulated portion of the preform, which would not densify in this process without insulation, is densified.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of applying drug-release coatings whereby a polymer can be dissolved in a first solvent (solvent A) to form a polymer system and a drug can be dissolved or suspended in a second solvent (solvent B) to form a drug system. The coating or layer of coating so formed comprises a substantially uniform combination of the drug and polymer. Solvent B can be the same as or different than solvent A. The coating can be applied on a stent body by separately spraying or dipping the polymer system and the drug system onto the devices. The coating can be accomplished by either applying the polymer and drug systems sequentially or simultaneously. In certain embodiments, a drug can be suspended in solvent B. In some cases, three or more systems can be utilized. For instance, a third system containing pure solvent A or B can smooth the coating surface, if the solvent of the third spraying system is compatible with the polymer matrix.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument having a first electrode that includes an elongated, electrically conductive member and a second electrode that includes a layer of electrically conductive material adhered over at least a portion of a distal region of the elongated member and separated therefrom by an insulator. The electrodes receive electrical power in a proximal region of the instrument and apply the power to an object in the body by inducing current flow between the electrodes at the distal region. In a related aspect, the second electrode is configured so that the outer diameter of the distal region is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the distal end of the first electrode. In another aspect, one of the electrodes has a reduced circumferential extent relative to the other electrode to limit an area of current flow between the electrodes and thus restrict the size of the region in which cauterization occurs.

Abstract: A composite material protected by oxidation at intermediate temperatures exceeding 850.degree. C. comprises fiber reinforcement densified by a matrix which includes at least one self-healing phase including a glass-precursor component such as B.sub.4 C or an Si--B--C system, together with excess free carbon (C) at a mass percentage lying in the range 10% to 35%. The, or each, self-healing phase can be interposed between two ceramic matrix phases, e.g. of SiC. While the material is exposed to an oxidizing medium, oxidation of the free carbon promotes oxidation of the precursor and transformation thereof into a glass capable of plugging the cracks in the matrix by self-healing.

Abstract: This invention describes the infiltration methods used to incorporate ceramic additives in carbon/carbon brake disc preforms. Aqueous vacuum infiltration techniques were employed. Both methods were effective in achieving homogeneous dispersion of ceramic additives throughout brake disc thickness. Heat treatment processes were developed to convert oxide additives to more refractory phases. Both temperature and N.sub.2 overpressure were precisely controlled during conversion. By using the additives, infiltration routes, and heat treatment schedules, brake disc friction material performance properties such as friction coefficient, friction coefficient stability, and brake disc wear rate are improved. The disclosed carbon/carbon brake discs can be used in aerospace, automotive and other friction material applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel amorphous carbon-coated carbon fabric which comprises a single ply of a woven carbon fabric comprising interwoven strands of yarn. The yarn strands are formed of bundles of individual fibers and have amorphous carbon disposed between the individual fibers.The present invention also relates to a method of forming an amorphous carbon-coated carbon fabric. The method comprises the steps of (1) impregnating a woven carbon fabric with a resin; and (2) heating the resulting resin-impregnated carbon fabric to a temperature which is sufficient to char the resin to form a residue of amorphous carbon, thereby forming an amorphous carbon-coated carbon fabric material.

Abstract: Method of making an apparatus for inserting intraocular lenses (IOLs) into eyes include a hollow tube including a material and having a plasma exposed interior wall defining a hollow space through which an IOL is passed and an outlet through which the IOL is passed from the hollow space into an eye, and a lubricity enhancing component physically secured to said hollow tube and concentrated at or near the interior wall in an amount effective to facilitate the passage of the IOL through the hollow space.

Abstract: In the present invention method, the surface of articles made of acrylic polymers and methacrylic polymers are converted into thin biomimetic layers by using the process involving at least the following two steps:(a) The polymer surface is contacted, in the presence of water and for a predetermined reaction time necessary to form a continuous surface layer thinner than about 500 microns, with a solution containing one or more tetraalkylammonium hydroxides of the general formula:R.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3 R.sub.4 N.sup.+ OH.sup.-where R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 are the alkyl substituents, in which the sum of the number of carbon atoms is equal to or larger than 8 but smaller than 45; and,(b) The article is removed from the aqueous reaction solution and excess of tetraalkylammonium hydroxide is removed from the polymer surface by washing the polymer with a liquid miscible with the tetraalkylammonium hydroxide.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a laminated item such as a prosthesis or tissue expander having a flexible, expandable membrane surrounding an interior lumen to enhance the strength and performance of the membrane comprises the steps of applying a first layer of a fluid, resilient, stretchable material to a mandrel; allowing the fluid material to drain off the mandrel in a first flow direction; allowing the fluid material to harden to form a resilient, stretchable first layer on the mandrel; applying a second layer of the fluid material on the first layer; changing the orientation of the mandrel to allow the fluid material to drain off the mandrel in a second flow direction, the second flow direction being at an angle to the first flow direction; and allowing the fluid material to harden to form a resilient, stretchable second layer on the first layer.

Abstract: An oxidation resistant fiber-reinforced composite is made by impregnating a fibrous material with a resin containing a linear polymer having a repeating unit with at least one carboranyl group, at least one silyl or siloxyl group and at least one acetylenic group. The linear polymer may then be cured to form a fiber-reinforced thermoset or may be pyrolyzed to form a fiber-reinforced ceramic. For additional protection of the fibrous material against oxidation, the fibrous material may be prewetted or coated, also with a linear polymer containing a linear polymer having a repeating unit with at least one carboranyl group, at least one silyl or siloxyl group and at least one acetylenic group, prior to being impregnated. The coating on the fibrous material may be cured to form a thermoset coating on the fibers or may be pyrolyzed to form a ceramic coating on the fibers.

Abstract: An intumescent coating system and method therefor is disclosed for thermally protecting a substrate having a surface exposed to fire conditions. The coating system of the present invention is provided as having a first component which forms a rigid carbonific char foam having toughness and rigidity, and a second component which forms an insulative carbonific char foam having a density about half the density of the rigid carbonific foam to give insulation properties. The two foam components may be separately provided in a laminate-type arrangement as, respectively, an inner coating layer coated and cured on the surface of the substrate to form an inner film layer, and an outer coating layer coated and cured on the inner film layer to form an outer film layer. Alternatively, the two foams may be provided as being formed from components blended to comprise a single coating layer which is coated and cured on the surface of the substrate to form a film layer.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing ceramic, metallic shaped bodies or layers a castable moldable material mass consisting of sugar and/or urea-containing compounds as well as metal components is produced and from that material mass a shaped body is formed or the material mass is applied to a material structure and the shaped body or material structure is then heated and sintered. The sugar material mass includes for example sugar syrup, sugar or beets, cane sugar, fruits, honey, alcohol-sugar solutions and beer.

Abstract: A method for treating an organic polymer material, preferably a vinylidene chloride/vinyl chloride copolymer (Saran) to produce a flat sheet of carbon film material having a high surface area (.apprxeq.1000 m.sup.2 /g) suitable as an electrode material for super capacitor applications. The method comprises heating a vinylidene chloride/vinyl chloride copolymer film disposed between two spaced apart graphite or ceramic plates to a first temperature of about 160.degree. C. for about 14 hours to form a stabilized vinylidene chloride/vinyl chloride polymer film, thereafter heating the stabilized film to a second temperature of about 750.degree. C. in an inert atmosphere for about one hour to form a carbon film; and finally activating the carbon film to increase the surface area by heating the carbon film in an oxidizing atmosphere to a temperature of at least 750-850.degree. C. for between 1-6 hours.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument having a first electrode that includes an elongated, electrically conductive member and a second electrode that includes a layer of electrically conductive material adhered over at least a portion of a distal region of the elongated member and separated therefrom by an insulator. The electrodes receive electrical power in a proximal region of the instrument and apply the power to an object in the body by inducing current flow between the electrodes at the distal region. In a related aspect, the second electrode is configured so that the outer diameter of the distal region is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the distal end of the first electrode. In another aspect, one of the electrodes has a reduced circumferential extent relative to the other electrode to limit an area of current flow between the electrodes and thus restrict the size of the region in which cauterization occurs.

Abstract: A coated microporous stent and method of coating are disclosed. The inventive stent consists of a tubular member made from a flat sheet assembled together in a tube with the ends of the sheet assembled together through a technique such as surface fusing. Preferably, the stent is made up of a plurality of spaced rows of slots with spaces between adjacent slots within a row staggered with respect to corresponding spaces on adjacent rows. In a first embodiment of a coated stent, a coating is attached to the stent only at a single area of line contact on the outer surface of the stent with the remainder of the coating being larger than the unexpanded stent, but being made of dimensions designed to snugly receive the outer surfaces of the stent when it is expanded within a blood vessel.

Abstract: The fabrication of carbon/carbon composite disks using forced flow-thermal gradient chemical vapor infiltration process using propylene diluted with hydrogen as the reagent is disclosed. The independent variables included concentration of the reagent, total flow rate and preform bottom temperature. The response variables included infiltration time, final porosity, rate of weight gain and deposition rate. The infiltration time and rate of weight gain are affected only by the three independent variables. The densification of the composites is monitored by the back pressure. The composites were cut into slices 1 cm long, 4 mm wide and 2 mm deep to measure the uniformity of densification, which varied very little within a composite. Coating thickness as a function of position increased exponentially from the cold side to the hot side of the composite. The coating thicknesses near the cold side and the hot side are used to calculate the rate constant for the pyrolysis of propylene in the preform.

Abstract: Porous carbonaceous adsorptive membranes are protected or passivated from surface degradation in moist air by oxidizing the surface at relatively mild conditions after initial preparation of the membrane by pyrolysis. Carbon dioxide is a preferred passivating gas. Contact of passivated membranes with moist air at ambient conditions unexpectedly improves membrane effectiveness in separating gas mixtures containing hydrogen and light hydrocarbons.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided prosthetic articles having polyurethane coatings with biologically active compounds incorporated within the interstices of the polymer. Methods for the preparation of such articles are also provided. Thus, a polyurethane coating is applied to a prosthetic article, the coating then swelled (without significantly dissolving the polymer) so that substantial quantities of biologically active compounds can be incorporated within the interstices of the polymer. Upon long term exposure of a prosthetic article of the invention to physiological conditions, the biologically active compound is slowly released by the treated polymer. The biologically active compound is, therefore, released only at the site where it is desired, i.e., where the prosthetic article is positioned.

Abstract: A membrane-coated substrate and method for forming the membrane coating on the substrate that involves providing a porous inorganic monolithic substrate having one or more through channels having inner surfaces, providing solid polymeric film fusible to the substrate, and joining the film to the substrate by applying the film in a softened state to those inner surfaces and applying pressure thereto, so that the film fuses to and coats the inner surfaces of the channels. A workstream is modified by passing it through the membrane-coated substrate to cause modification of the workstream by the membrane coating.

Abstract: The thickness of a polymer coating applied to the interior surface of a stent is precisely controlled by fitting a mandrel within its interior. Fitment of an exterior mold serves to additionally control the thickness of polymer on the exterior surface of the stent. Alternatively, a preformed sheath of polymer is fitted to the interior of the stent whereby the subsequent application of polymer not only causes the exterior to become coated but also causes the sheath to become adhered to the stent.

Abstract: The present invention is a low cost carbon fiber-coating produced via a precursor/solvent solution and the methods and processes for fabricating such a carbon fiber-coating. The carbon fiber-coating comprises a fibrous substrate or fabric material and a carbon coating. The carbon coating prior to carbonization, is comprised of a coating solution made of a precursor dissolved directly within a solvent. Fabrication is achieved by first desizing the fibrous substrate, second immersing the desized fibrous substrate in the coating solution, third evaporating the solvent and curing the precursor via a low temperature pyrolysis in preferably an inert atmosphere, and fourth carbonizing the coating via a high temperature pyrolysis. These steps can be repeated as necessary, depending on the desired final thickness of the carbon coating. Multiple applications of the carbon coating can be used to provide limitless final coating thickness.

Abstract: An improved method for producing low-cost carbon-carbon composites based on melt-impregnation of carbonaceous fiber preforms with low-melting point sugars is provided. Sugars such as fructose, ribose and sucrose are provided as impregnants via either ambient pressure or vacuum processing. Subsequent pyrolysis in air by heating to temperatures in the 325.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. range results in almost complete decomposition of the sugars to carbon. Frothing during the sugar melt-impregnation and pyrolysis process is minimized by the use of extended periods of isothermal pyrolysis or by the use of a catalyst. A hybrid process combining sugar melt-impregnation and pyrolysis with carbonaceous resin impregnation and pyrolysis is also provided as a densification enhancement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of enhancing the biocompatibility of a substrate by providing the substrate with a continuous bio-active surface coating. This method includes applying to the substrate a first coating which includes an aqueous dispersion or emulsion of a polymer containing an organic acid functional group and an excess of a polyfunctional cross-linking agent which is reactive with the organic acid groups of the polymer. A continuous bio-active surface coating is then formed over the dried first coating by applying thereover a bio-active agent containing an organic acid functional group or metal salt thereof. The first and second coatings are then dried to covalently bond the organic acid functional groups of the bio-active agent to the polymer through the excess unreacted polyfunctional cross-linking agent.

Abstract: A medical device having a surface graft matrix comprising carboxyl-functional groups located on the device, the surface graft matrix comprising an outer portion; and one or more biomolecules covalently coupled to the surface graft matrix, wherein a majority of the biomolecules are located in the outer portion of the surface graft matrix. The surface graft matrix can also be loaded with a pharmaceutical agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new polymeric silaborocarboazanes, a process for their preparation and their use.

Abstract: A fiber preform is partially infiltrated with a ceramic material.A porous solid polymer is formed by reaction forming the infiltrated preform which is then pyrolized. Microporous carbon in the composite matrix is converted into silicon carbide.

Abstract: A refractory composite structure is formed which comprises a ductile refractory metallic layer with a roughened surface which is tightly bonded to a refractory composite structural shell. The roughened surface is preferably dendritic in form and produced by chemical vapor deposition techniques. The refractory composite structural shell is preferably a carbon-carbon composite formed by applying a carbon filament preform to the roughened surface, infiltrating the preform with a carbon matrix precursor, and carbonizing the precursor.

Abstract: Disclosed herewith is a process of forming an aerogel composite which comprises introducing a gaseous material into a formed aerogel monolith or powder, and causing decomposition of said gaseous material in said aerogel in amounts sufficient to cause deposition of the decomposition products of the gas on the surfaces of the pores of the said aerogel.Also disclosed are the composites made by the process.

Abstract: A method for making a carbon composite material includes coating a carbon-fiber meshed cloth substrate with a liquid form of a carbon source and carbonizing the coating on the coated substrate by heating the coated substrate to a carbonizing temperature. The thickness of the coating on the substrate is such that, upon carbonization of the coating, the carbonized coated substrate retains porosity and a discernible surface texture.

Abstract: The substrate (30) is placed in an enclosure (34) and is heated by direct electromagnetic coupling with an induction winding (38) to enable a temperature gradient to be established within the substrate, so that the substrate has a higher temperature in its portions remote from its exposed surfaces than in the vicinity of its exposed surfaces. A reaction gas constituting a precursor for the material to be infiltrated is admitted into the enclosure, with the formation of the material being favored in those portions of the substrate that are at higher temperature. According to the invention, the substrate is constituted by a fibrous fabric for which the ratio .rho..sub.r /.rho..sub.c of transversal electrical resistivity over longitudinal electrical resistivity is not less than 1.3, and the ratio .lambda..sub.r /.lambda..sub.c of transversal thermal conductivity over longitudinal conductivity is not less than 0.

Abstract: A method of making chemically modified carbon-based composite materials for engineering purposes from a precursor containing graphite fluoride by using halocarbons or elemental sulfur as chemical agents that diffuse into the lamellar crystal structure of the graphite fluoride and permit defluoridation at a controlled rate upon heating, to produce a graphite fluoride-free intermediate carbon material and, upon further heating to form a chemically modified carbon that is further heated in the presence of a specified one of several chemical elements to form a composite including a coating of the specified element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions derived from polymers containing metal-nitrogen bonds, which compositions exhibit, among other things, desirable oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance and hydrolytic stability when exposed to adverse environments, whether at ambient or at elevated temperatures, and which may be useful as, for example, protective coatings on surfaces.

Abstract: A carbon-carbon composite is provided comprising a preform containing interwoven mats of graphitized vapor grown carbon fibers. The mat comprises semi-aligned, semi-continuous vapor grown carbon fibers which have been interwoven in situ during growth. The preferred method of producing the carbon-carbon composite includes the steps of densifying the preform by depositing pyrolytic carbon into the interstices of the preform by chemical vapor infiltration or pitch infiltration. The resulting carbon-carbon composite has a thermal conductivity of between about 900 W/m-K and 1000 W/m-K and is useful as a component in electronic devices, aircraft, spacecraft, and other thermal management applications.

Abstract: High strength fiber reinforced ceramic composites having low dielectric constants stable against high temperatures are made possible by post oxidation of 35-60 volume percent ceramic matrix enveloping 20-60 volume percent ceramic fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mineral eluting material for drinking water with granite as raw material and manufacturing method thereof and a structural body of mineral eluting material. The mineral eluting material includes granite crushed to sizes of 0.075.about.0.145 mm, submerged in 3.about.10% glucose solution for 24 hours, baked at 380.degree..about.400.degree. C. for 12.about.24 hours, and cooled at room temperature in a tightly sealed vessel. The structural body according to the present invention is manufactured by piling up granular granite and silver activated charcoal in 2-10 layers respectively and alternately in a cylindrical column. Water having passed the structural body according to the present invention comprising granular granite contains no impurities and abounds in minerals.

Abstract: Fiber material for adsorbing contaminants is prepared according to the steps of preparing coating a glass or mineral fiber substrate with a resin, cross-linking the resin, heating the coated fiber substrate and resin to carbonize the resin, and exposing the coated fiber substrate to an etchant to activate the coated fiber substrate.

Abstract: In order to produce lightweight mirror structures or other reflecting components, preformed silicon elements of sufficient wall thickness are applied to a CFC or CMC substrate structure with the dimensions of the component to be produced, at a temperature in the range 1300.degree. C. and 1600.degree. C. either in vacuum or in a protective atmosphere. In this way a mirror structure or reflector is formed directly. It is possible to work at temperatures in the range of 300.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. when the silicon is applied in the form of a preform such as a wafer, which is joined to the substrate by way of a zone of a melt eutectic incorporating a nonferrous metal, which is preferably gold. The surfaces are subsequently coated.

Abstract: A composite porous ceramic hollow fiber obtained by dipping a porous ceramic hollow fiber into a carbon precursor-forming solution, picking up and drying the dipped porous ceramic hollow fiber, heating the thus deposited carbon precursor-forming film, thereby obtaining a carbon precursor thin film, and heating the carbon precursor thin film at a carbon precursor thermal decomposition temperature, thereby forming a carbon thin film on the porous ceramic hollow fiber has a permeance about 100 to about 1,000 times as high as that of an organic thin film and a separation coefficient as high as that of the organic thin film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceramic coating composition comprising a preceramic material such as silicon oxide precursors, silicon carbonitride precursors, silicon carbide precursors, and silicon nitride precursors and a flux material such as B.sub.2 O.sub.3, PbO.sub.2, P.sub.2 O.sub.5, and Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3. The present invention also relates to a substrate such as an electronic device having said coating applied and ceramified thereon.

Abstract: A method for forming a carbon composite valve for internal combustion engines.

Abstract: This invention is in the general field of surgical instruments. It relates specifically to catheters which may be used in cardiovascular and endovascular procedures to deliver diagnostic, therapeutic, or vaso-occlusive agents to a target site within a human or animal body which is accessible by a system of natural passageways within that body. The catheters are coated in such a way that they are exceptionally slippery and the coating is very durable. The invention also relates to methods of coating the catheters and to methods of applying lubricious coatings by forming a sheet of the coating on the substrate and simultaneously drying and crosslinking through heat and radiation.

Abstract: Thermally sprayed coatings made from carbides of metals having greater carbon affinity than Cr in the presence of free carbon, or thermally sprayed coatings made from carbides of metals having smaller carbon affinity than Cr are heat treated in a chromium halide containing atmosphere which also contains hydrogen gas, whereby activated metallic Cr is precipitated in a fine particulate form, which is allowed to act on the thermally sprayed coatings, whereupon a Cr.sub.23 C.sub.6 -form carbide is created not only on the coating surface but also in its interior, particularly within pores, to form a modified layer, thereby compositing the thermally sprayed coatings.