Abstract: A cable (20) which may be used for communications, for example, include transmission media (24-24), each having a plastic composition of matter disposed thereabout. The insulation (26) comprises a polyvinyl chloride composition which includes a lubricant and a lead-free stabilization system. The stabilization system includes a calcium-zinc constituent in combination with an antioxidant-metal deactivator complex which provides a sacrificial function to prevent the formation of calcium or zinc chloride which would affect adversely the electrical properties of the insulated conductor. A jacket (28) typically is disposed about a plurality of the transmission media and comprises a non-lead stabilized plastic composition of matter.

Abstract: A powder composition of iron-based powder particles to which is bonded a polymeric material is prepared by making a dry admixture of the iron-based particles and particles of the polymer, wetting the admixture with a solvent for the polymeric material, and removing the solvent to leave a flowable powder composition. The powder compositions can be compression molded, generally at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the polymer, to form magnetic core components.

Abstract: A composition comprising an acid resistant substrate in the form of fibers or particles coated with electrically conductive, doped tin oxide.

Abstract: A composite is comprised of reinforcement fibers having a continuous coating of a metal diboride form the group consisting of titanium diboride, zirconium diboride, hafnium diboride, aluminum diboride, and mixtures thereof, and a molten silicon infiltration formed silicon carbide matrix. The reinforcement fibers are fibers from the group consisting of elemental carbon, silicon carbide, and mixtures thereof. A method for forming the fiber reinforced composite comprises depositing a continuous coating of the metal diboride on the fibers. A carbonaceous material is admixed with the coated fibers so that at least 5 volume percent of the mixture is the fibers. The mixture is formed into a preform having an open porosity ranging from about 25 volume percent to about 90 volume percent of the preform. The preform is heated in an inert atmosphere or partial vacuum, and infiltrated with molten silicon to produce an infiltrated product having the composition of the composite.

Abstract: This invention offers a unique method to fabricate unique, straight, curved, or coiled tubes as small as 1 micron (0.000004 inches) in diameter with wall thicknesses starting at less than 0.01 microns. These tubes can be made from many of the materials that can be applied to a surface of carbon, glass, or other tube forming fibers and then made to withstand the environment used to remove the fiber. A monolithic piece can be formed where the tubes are channels or holes.

Abstract: The invention provides silicon carbide fiber-reinforced, reaction-bonded silicon carbide composites suitable for high temperature applications in which the silicon carbide fiber is coated with AlN, BN or TiB.sub.2. The composites offer superior fracture toughness which is ascribed to fiber pullout. The invention also includes a process for making the composites.

Abstract: This invention relates to the improvement of rubber-to-metal adhesion and adhesion retention in sulfur vulcanizable, metal reinforced rubber compositions via the use of substituted pyrimidine and triazine adhesion promoters of Structure (I). ##STR1## wherein A is N or C-H, X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group consisting of chloro, ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 may be hydrogen, chloro, acyl, or C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl; R.sub.2 may be hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl, chloro, hydroxy, alkoxy, or anilino; R.sub.3 may be hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or phenyl; R.sub.4 may be hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl, cyclohexyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 hydroxylalkyl, or C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkoxyalkyl; R.sub.5 may be hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, cyclohexyl, or C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 hydroxyalkyl; with the proviso that Z may not be chloro when both X and Y are chloro.

Abstract: An electric cable contains a cable insulation having high resistance to the formation or growth of water trees and having high aging resistance and good processibility and consisting of an ethylene polymer and from 0.5 to 40% by weight of an ethylene copolymer ionomer which contains, in addition to predominant amounts of ethylene, a C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 -alkenecarboxylic acid or a C.sub.4 -C.sub.6 -alkenedicarboxylic acid or -dicarboxylic anhydride as copolymerized units, some of the carboxyl groups or carboxylic anhydride groups having been converted into ammonium salts of tertiary amines.

Abstract: A composite material the characteristics of which can be modulated by preimpregnation of a continuous fiber.It is characterized in that it is comprised of a sheath and a core consisting of continuous fibers, a powder and a filler the melting temperature of which is higher than at least the highest melting temperature of the other constituents of the material.Applicable notably in the radioelectric fields and to radomes in particular.

Abstract: The invention provides plastic material for wrapping or carrying food such as meat and vegetables without causing propagation of bacteria and germs.The plastic material includes: a synthetic resin; and carbon fibers which are grown on fine powder of a refractory metal or a derivative thereof by thermolysis of hydrocarbons or vapor growth and plated with a metal laminate. A synthetic resin having sufficient flexibility is used as a base thereof when the plastic material is applied to a wrapping film, whereas a solid and tough synthetic resin is used when the plastic material is applied to a food-carrying member like a container or a tray. The metal laminate of the material gives excellent germicidal power to the material, and the ordered graphite structure of the carbon fibers gives sufficient strength to the material.

Abstract: A fibrous electrically-conductive filler comprises fibrous aluminum borate as a core material and a layer of a electrically-conductive substance which covers the core material or comprises fibrous aluminum borate as a core material, a layer of titanium oxide which covers the fibrous aluminum borate and a layer of a electrically-conductive substance which covers the titanium oxide layer. The fibrous electrically-conductive filler can be prepared by a process comprising the step of directly forming a layer of a electrically-conductive substance doped with antimony or fluorine on the surface of fibrous aluminum borate, or the steps of forming, on the surface of the fibrous aluminum borate, an intermediate layer of titanium oxide in an amount ranging from 2 to 50% by weight on the basis of the weight of the fibrous aluminum borate and then forming a layer of a electrically-conductive substance doped with antimony or fluorine on the surface of fibrous aluminum borate.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a coated reinforcement material comprising a Si-containing reinforcement having a coating of the general formula:Al.sub.x O.sub.y N.sub.zwhereinx is up to about 60 atomic % of the coating;y is from about 20 atomic % to about 55 atomic % of the coating; andz is from about 5 atomic % to about 45 atomic % of the coating, with the proviso that x+y+z=100.The invention further relates to a high strength, high temperature performance composite comprising a Si-containing reinforcement material having a coating comprising aluminum, oxygen and nitrogen, said coated reinforcement material in combination with a matrix material.

Abstract: An electrically conductive material includes a polymeric substrate containing a group which can capture cuprous ion, a first sulfide consisting of copper sulfide, a second sulfide selected from silver sulfide and palladium sulfide, and a third sulfide selected from sulfides of Bi, Zn, In, V, Si, Sb, Al, Mn, Rb, Li, Tl, W, Ti, Cr, Mo, Y, Ge, Yb, La, Sm, Be, Sn, Zr, Mg, Ba, Nd, Cd and Ga, wherein the first, second and third sulfides are bound to the polymeric substrate. This material may be produced by treating the substrate with an aqeuous bath containing sources of the first, second and third metals and thiocyanate.

Abstract: Silicon carbide filaments are coated to protect them from attack by a titanium matrix material when incorporating them into a metal matrix composite. The coating method comprises coating the filaments firstly with a carbon layer and then with a titanium carbide or boride layer whose carbon or boron content decreases progressively from its interface with the carbon layer to its exterior surface. A layer of titanium or a titanium based alloy may be provided on the titanium carbide or boride layer to facilitate incorporation into a metal matrix. Preferably, the layers are applied by sputter ion plating.

Abstract: The invention relates to reinforcing and/or process fibers based on plant fibers, obtainable thereby that plant fibers from which the wood components have been removed are treated with an aqueous solution of at least one metal compound selected among metal oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, sulfates, thiosulfates, sulfites, silicates or phosphates, subsequently washed and treated with an inorganic or organic binding agent or the fibers which have not been washed are neutralized with a mineral acid or that plant fibers from which the wood components have been removed are treated with an oxidation agent or that non-pretreated plant fibers are treated at 250.degree. to 350.degree. C. with the controlled addition of air so that carbonization of the fibers takes place.

Abstract: A bituminous sheet or web coating material (1) is on the one side provided with a heat activatable adhesive layer (3) optionally covered by a plastic film (5), wherein the adhesive layer is provided with a pattern of close grooves (4) with intermediate unbroken ridges, and a process for forming a coating on a support is performed by heating such coating material (1) to decomposition of said plastic film (5) and activation of the adhesive layer (3), the activated adhesive layer (3) being pressed against the support, e.g. a roof.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a coated reinforcement material comprising a SiC reinforcement having an outer core coating of the general formula:Ti.sub.x M.sub.y B.sub.zwherein M is at least one of V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Zr, and Hf; x is between about 30 and 60 atomic percent; y is between about 5 and 30 atomic percent; z is between about 35 and 60 atomic percent; and x+y+z=100. The invention further relates to a high strength, high temperature performance composite comprising a ternary boride coated SiC reinforcement material and titanium alloy matrix material.

Abstract: A composition for a polyvinyl chloride based plenum cable jacketing material comprising: polyvinyl chloride resin, a phosphate ester based plasticizer, a brominated aromatic ester plasticizer, epoxidized soybean oil, alumina trihydrate, ammonium octamolybdate; zinc molybdate, a lead based stabilizer, and stearic acid and paraffin lubricants that are efficacious in polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: Refractory filaments in the form of a multifilament tow or fabrics woven therefrom are coated with protective oxide coatings to provide reinforcing materials that are useful in creating refractory composites. The refractory filaments are contacted with a liquid medium which contains a metal oxide or metal oxide precursor so that a substantially continuous coating of metal oxide or metal oxide precursor forms on the surface of each of the filaments. The filaments are then treated to substantially remove residual components of the liquid medium other than the metal oxide or metal oxide precursor. The coated filaments are stabilized, the above steps optionally are repeated to increase the coating thickness, and the coated filaments are heated to convert the metal oxide or metal oxide precursor into substantially continuous, uniform metal oxide coatings on the filaments.

Abstract: An optical cable portion (10), resident within a cable closure (14), is caused to receive a water blocking arrangement which is effective to prevent water, which enters an internal cable portion (24) through an unintended cut (21) in an outer jacket (18) of a cable portion (20), from entering an interior of the cable closure. A plurality of water blocking materials (30 and 32) are coaxially disposed about the outer jacket and a core tube (26) of the cable portion, respectively, and cooperate with a heat shrinkable plastic tube (34) which substantially covers the water blocking materials to prevent the movement of water from the internal cable portion past the water blocking materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reproducible and aesthetically pleasing granite-like simulated stone appearance to a thermoplastic substrate by blending therewith a concentrate comprising: a cellulosic short fiber or flock; and at least one dispersant aid. Thus, the present invention also relates to a method for imparting a simulated stone appearance to a thermoplastic substrate and to simulated stone articles comprising a major amount of a substrate thermoplastic and a minor stone simulating amount of a cellulosic short fiber or flock.

Abstract: A composition useful in the manufacture or cable comprising:(i) a copolymer comprising ethylene and one or more alpha-olefins having a density equal to or less than 0.915 gram per cubic centimeter;(ii) a metal hydrate flame retardant compound;(iii) a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene triblock copolymer; and(iv) optionally, an impact polypropylene copolymer or polypropylene.

Abstract: Bead wire comprising a core head wire plated with a Cu/Sn deposit wherein the deposit has a Sn content of 9 to 13% by weight and a Cu content of 91 to 87% by weight and the deposit is in an amount of 0.65 to 0.85 g per kilogram of the core bead wire. The bead wires of the present invention provides excellent adhesion between the plated bead wire and the rubber layer.

Abstract: A pelletizer feed roller comprises a metal core having a ceramic layer with a rough outer surface bonded to the core. The outer surface of the ceramic layer is sealed with a penetrating sealer containing organic solvent and phenolic resin to prevent moisture contamination of the ceramic layer without adversely affecting the coefficient of friction of the feed roller.

Abstract: Coated reinforcement material for metal matrix composites comprising a carbon or silicon-containing reinforcement having a coating of the general formula:A.sub.100-x M.sub.xwherein A is at least one of Y, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu; M is at least one of Mo, W or Re; and x is from about 10 to about 90.

Abstract: A method of toughening a fiber/matrix ceramic composite consisting of non-oxide based ceramic fibers immersed in a ceramic matrix. The method includes, prior to immersing the fibers in the matrix, applying a metallo-organic solution of a noble metal to the fibers to form a coating of the solution on the fibers, evaporating the solvent from the solution and oxidizing the residual organic compounds whereby the coating becomes a pure noble metal and immersing the coated fibers in the matrix. The applying, evaporating, oxidizing and immersing steps are characterized by a limited raising of the temperature of the fibers. The coating is ductile so as to blunt advancing cracks in the matrix.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a coated reinforcement material comprising a SiC reinforcement having a coating of at least three layers, wherein the layers are alternately A-material layers of the general formula:Al.sub.x O.sub.y N.sub.zwherein x is up to about 60 atomic % of the coating;y is from about 20 atomic % to about 55 atomic % of the coating; andz is from about 5 atomic % to about 45 atomic % of the coating, with the proviso that x+y+z=100, and B-material layers comprising a metal alloy, such that the first and last layers of the coating are A-material layers. The invention further relates to a high strength, high temperature performance composite containing the above-specified coated reinforcement.

Abstract: Steel cables are utilized for reinforcing a wide variety of rubber articles. For instance, pneumatic tires are normally reinforced with steel tire cords. It is important for such reinforcing cables to exhibit good fatigue and corrosion resistance. It has been unexpectedly found that the fatigue and corrosion resistance of such cables can be improved by incorporating syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene into the interstices between the steel filaments in such cables. This invention more specifically relates to a cable for reinforcing rubber articles having improved fatigue and corrosion resistance which is comprised of a plurality of steel filaments and syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene, wherein the syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene is dispersed within interstices between said steel filaments.

Abstract: A field emission cathode of bio-molecular or eutectic composite microstructure having rod-like tips protruding from a uniform base and covered with a thin layer of semiconductor material for producing macroscopic beam current densities without formation of surface plasma.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite is produced by rapidly solidifying an aluminum base alloy directly into wire. The wire is arc sprayed onto at least one substrate having thereon a fiber reinforcing material to form a plurality of preforms. Each of the preforms has a layer of the alloy deposited thereon, and the fiber reinforcing material is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 75 percent by volume thereof. The preforms are bonded together to form an engineering shape.

Abstract: An absorbent article using, as a surface material (or a liquid-permeable top sheet), a nonwoven fabric is disclosed, the nonwoven fabric containing at least 10% by weight of a conjugate fiber comprising first and second parts differing from each other, wherein the second part covers at least a part of the first part, at least the first part contains an inorganic component in a proportion higher than that contained in the second part, and the content of the inorganic component in the first part is at least 1.5% by weight based on the weight of the first part. The nonwoven fabric has excellent cutting properties while retaining satisfactory strength, absorbency and touch.

Abstract: A steel cord for reinforcing rubber. It is made of three steel filaments all having different diameters from one another. The small-diameter and medium-diameter ones of the three filaments have internal stresses adapted to be released when the cord is cut at both ends thereof. Owing to these stresses, the diameter of the cord is adapted to increase after it is cut at both ends. At the same time, the medium-diameter and small-diameter filaments retract inwardly from the ends of the large-diameter and medium-diameter ones, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to animal fiber for use as wadding characterized in that a far infrared radiating substance is affixed to the animal fiber together with a water repellent agent. The animal fiber for use as wadding of the present invention has a voluminous and comfortable feeling, suppresses decomposition of proteins such as beta-keratin, prevents a foul odor inherent in such proteins and has an excellent durability. Further, it is capable of enhancing health as well as therapeutic treatment though an effect of far infrared rays.

Abstract: A process is provided for obtaining an article which is made of a carbon-containing composite material and which is protected against oxidation. The composite material, which is obtained by densifying a porous fibrous texture with a matrix and which exhibits a residual internal porosity, is impregnated under a vacuum with an alkaline compound in a liquid solution. The article is dried and heat-treated at a temperature sufficient to cause the alkaline compound to line the surfaces of the internal pores, thereby constituting the residual porosity and forming a continuous auto-cicatrizing internal protective coating. An additional external protective layer comprised of a wear- and oxidation-resistant material may be applied.

Abstract: A novel method is presented for synthesizing ultrafine fiber composite materials by laser induced coevaporation of a metallic target and a ceramic target in the presence of a heated tungsten filament, within a reducing environment. The species produced by rapid condensation from the resultant laser plume, along with the products derived from the chemical transport reactions involving the heated filament, form layers of composite material comprising a metal matrix and a random weave fiber network. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, composite layers are formed on a nickel alloy substrate surface at a rate of about 1 micron per second. The matrix of the composite films is either aluminum or tungsten and the dispersed phase is amorphous silica fibers. The diameter of the fibers are between 25 and 120 nm depending on the laser beam materials interaction time.

Abstract: A cast cable connection comprising a molded plastic cable splice and a plastic wrapping, the splice containing a halogen-free synthetic resin and fire-retardant additives which will not generate toxic and/or corrosive products on exposure to flame, the wrapping comprising a halogen-free composition capable of maintaining a substantially continuous coat-like structure upon fire exposure, again without generating toxic and/or corrosive products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and useful composite fiber. The composite fiber is comprised of non-organic particulates bound to an organic polymer in fiber form. Many non-organic substances are serviceable and valve metal oxides are highly suitable. The organic polymer fiber is advantageously derived from fluorine-containing polymer. The composite fibers can serve as a filter, for instance as a filter-packing material for column chromatography, or can be suitable for separations, e.g., battery separations. The fiber may be compressed, or compressed and sintered, and thereby be useful as bearings or gaskets.

Abstract: Fibers useful as surface materials for paper diaper, napkin for menstruation, etc. are provided, which fibers comprises a polyolefin or a polyester having a mixture of (A) a fatty acid diethanolamide, (B) a polyether-modified silicone, (C) a sorbitan fatty acid ester and (D) a metal salt of an alkylsulfonate in mixing proportions of (A): 30-60%, (B): 20-55%, (C): 10-25% and (D): 5-10%, each % by weight based on the mixture, adhered onto the surface of fibers comprising a polyolefin or a polyester, in 0.2-1.0% by weight based on the fibers.

Abstract: It has been found that the properties of poly(vinyl chloride) based polymers are substantially enhanced through the use of a specific plasticizer system. In particular, the use of specific triarylphosphates in combination with specific diarylphosphates in specific proportions not only plasticizes the PVC polymer but produces a transparent, flame retardant heat resistant, easily worked polymer. These materials are used so that the diarylphosphate is 30-45% of the total concentration of the phosphates and such that 45 to 70 parts of the phosphates are present per 100 parts of the polymer.

Abstract: An article comprising a non-conductive substrate which is coated with a sub-micron thickness of an oxidizable metal and overcoated with a microporous layer of an inorganic electrically insulative material. Optionally, the oxidizable metal-coated substrate may be sulfurized and/or further coated with (i) a promoter metal which is galvanically effective to promote the corrosion of the oxidizable metal, discontinuously coated on the oxidizable metal coating, and/or (ii) a salt, to accelerate the galvanic corrosion reaction by which the oxidizable metal coating is oxidized, prior to overcoating with the microporous insulative layer. Also disclosed is a related method of forming such articles, comprising chemical vapor depositing the oxidizable metal coating on the substrate and contacting the metallized substrate with a sol gel dispersion of the inorganic electrically insulative material which then is dried under suitable conditions to form the microporous layer on the substrate.

Abstract: A ceramic honeycomb structure containing SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and MgO primarily in the form of cordierite, mullite and corundum having a compositional gradient in the direction of the channels of the honeycomb and having extensive microcracking provides high resistance to thermal shock, and is useful as a substrate for catalysts.

Abstract: High performance, metallic coated staple fibers and nonwoven insulating webs made up of such fibers are produced. The process includes providing a nonwoven substantially two-dimensional web of fibers wherein at least a portion of 50 percent of the fibers are exposed to one or the other side of the web. This web is metallized with a low emissivity metal(s) and/or alloy(s) to produce a coated web wherein at least 50 percent of the surface area of the web fibers are coated with metal and or alloy. The coated web is shredded into individual, staple fibers which are thereafter united to produce a nonwoven, lofty three-dimensional insulating web having a density of between about 0.02 to 2 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: A coated material obtained by applying a coat containing a metallic powder and/or a coloring pigment to a substrate and further applying a topcoat clear coating thereon, wherein said topcoat clear coating is a heat-hardening coat which contains a composition comprising a hydroxyl group-containing resin, a hydrolyzable silyl group-containing polymer and a hardening catalyst as the main component. This coated material is excellent in, for example, appearance, acid resistance, staining resistance, adhesiveness and hardness.

Abstract: A tape-formed or sheet-formed insulating material for use in windings and coils of electrical machines includes an insulating layer in the form of a homogeneous film of an organic polymer or in the form of a felt of a paper of fibres of an organic polymer and a protective layer coated on at least one side of the insulating layer which protects the insulating layer against degradation caused by corona. The protective layer comprises an organic polymer containing at least 10 percent by volume of a powdered filler in the form of chromium oxide, iron oxide or a mixture of chromium oxide and iron oxide. The filler preferably has an intrinsic resistivity of 10.sup.4 -10.sup.8 ohm m. The thickness of the protective layer and the total thickness of the protective layer, respectively, are preferably smaller than the thickness of the insulating layer and the resistivity of the protective layer is preferably in excess of 10.sup.10 ohm m.

Abstract: A flame retardant and smoke suppressed polymeric composition comprising a radiation curable copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate containing 50-85% by weight of vinyl acetate having intimately admixed therewith a flame retarding and smoke suppressing amount of a finely divided filler mixture consisting essentially of a first filler selected from hydroxides and carbonate of di- and tri-valent metals and a second filler which is zinc borate, the composition may be shaped into a desired article, such as a sheath of an electric wire, which may be radiation cured.

Abstract: A flame retardant comprising a mixture of 10 to 90% by weight of powder A and 90 to 10% by weight of powder B of magnesium hydroxide, the powder A containing 40 to 70% by weight of a powdered double salt of magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate and 60 to 30% by weight of powdered basic magnesium carbonate; and a flame-retardant resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin and 30 to 300 parts by weight of the flame retardant. Preferably, the double salt is huntite, and the basic magnesium carbonate consists essentially of hydromagnesite. It is preferred to treat the flame retardant, in the form of a powder mixture, with a surface treatment agent. The flame-retardant resin composition is adapted for use as a sheath or insulation for an electric wire or cable, a fire-arresting material, or a wall material.

Abstract: A composite comprised of a ceramic matrix and a plurality of layers of boron nitride coated fibrous material, said coated fibrous material comprising at least about 10% by volume of said composite, and said matrix having a thermal expansion coefficient which ranges from lower than that of said coated fibrous material to less than about 15% higher than that of said coated fibrous material.

Abstract: An electrically conducting material including a cyanic group-containing material having adsorbed thereby copper sulfide. The cyanic group-containing material is in the form of powder or shaped body such as fiber, film, plate, rod or like and is formed of a synthetic polymer such as polyacrylonitrile or a polyamide having introduced thereinto cyanic groups; a naturally occurring polymeric substance such as cotton having introduced thereinto cyanic groups; or a low molecular compound such as phthalonitrile. The electrically conducting material may be prepared by treating the cyanic group-containing material with a source of monovalent copper ions and a sulfur-containing compound to form copper sulfide adsorbed by the cyanic group-containing material.

Abstract: The present patent application relates to stable, finely-dispersed, aqueous single-component silicone catalysts which have been obtained by combining a silicone dispersion which is free to essentially free of lower monohydric alcohols and has been prepared in a conventional manner in the presence of long-chain liquid alcohols having 6 to 18 carbon atoms and with the use of known epoxyamine prepolymers as emulsifiers with a separately prepared, conventional nonionic or cationic dispersion of organometallic compounds.In addition, a process for the preparation of this emulsion and the use thereof are described.The catalysts according to the invention are distinguished by not having a flashpoint or having a flashpoint above 65.degree. C. and nevertheless having excellent stability, in particular mechanical stability.

Abstract: A thermally stable metal coated carbonaceous fiber batting, fiber tow, yarn or fabric which maintains loft, has some degree of resiliency and some degree of stability in the presence of various concentrations of oxygen at elevated temperatures said fibers having a reversible deflection ratio of greater than 1.2:1 and an aspect ratio greater than 10:1.