Abstract: A roughened bond coat comprises a screen that includes interwoven wires defining openings and a metallic material disposed on the screen. The screen and metallic material form a roughened bond coat possessing an uneven, undulated, and irregular surface. The metallic material may be one of a slurry and a powder, and applied by coating and spraying, respectively. A thermal barrier coating system, which is formed with and incorporates the roughened bond coat, exhibits greater adhesion of a thermal barrier coating and bond coat due to an increased interfacial surface area provided by the uneven, undulated, and irregular surface.

Abstract: A rubber-steel cord composite comprising a steel cord having, in a planar image of the steel cord formed by X-rays passing through the steel cord, a fraction R of the total area occupied by filaments of from 0.45 or more to 0.95 or less in an arbitrarily selected portion of the steel cord having a length of 15 mm in an axial direction of the cord, is provided. The length of 15 mm in an axial direction of the cord means a length of 15 mm in an axial direction of an actual cord and the fraction R of the total area occupied by the filaments is expressed as R=F/A, wherein A represents the total area of the cord and F represents the area of the cord occupied by the filaments.

Abstract: A metallic fabric for manufacturing a hollow body is welded at two edge areas and according to the present invention a metallic strip is welded on in the vicinity of the welded seam, whereby the width of the welded seam is narrower than the width of the metallic strip. An elastic material which flattens out vibrations of the hollow body and ensures protection of the welded seam is arranged between the metallic strip and the metallic fabric.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metallic fiber in which from a convergent extended wire, which is formed by a metallic fiber and a matrix member which is formed of a metallic material and whose dissolvability is higher than the dissolvability of the metallic fiber, the matrix member is continuously dissolved and removed by an electrolytic processing in a plurality of electrolytic tanks which are arranged in the conveying direction of the convergent extended wire, wherein: the convergent extended wire is passed through electrolytes in the plurality of electrolytic tanks, which are arranged in the shape of a gentle convex arch at the vertical direction upper side which includes the conveying passage of the convergent extended wire, the convergent extended wire is passed above a plurality of feeding devices which are provided at the outer sides of the electrolytes and which are disposed in the same arch-shape so as to correspond to the electrolytic tanks, in each of the plurality of electrolytic tanks, the metallic

Abstract: A laminated structural panel is formed of top, bottom, and one or more intermediate layers of material having low strength at high temperature and with perforated high temperature, high strength materials interleaved between the top, bottom and intermediate layers. Brazing material is clad on the top and bottom layers and the intermediate layer or layers may be entirely of brazing material or clad on both sizes with brazing material, such that when the assembled stack is subjected to high temperature in a high vacuum environment brazing material is caused to melt and fill the perforations in the high strength material. A particular application is for structural panels, used as shelves in manufacturing electronic chips or displays where aluminum is advantageous because it does not outgas or release particles under the high temperature, high vacuum environment used to make the product. Aluminum, however, does not maintain its strength and stiffness at the high temperatures involved.

Abstract: A steel suitable for a fabric with or without painting and has good corrosion resistance with reproducibility, even if the steel is composed mainly of ordinary carbon steel or low alloy steel, wherein the surface of the steel is coated with rust comprising one or more selected from Ti, Nb, Ta, Zr, V and Hf in the total amount of 0.01 wt % or more. In the steel, the fraction of &agr;-FeOOH and an amorphous rust is 35 wt % or more, and the fraction of &bgr;-FeOOH is 20 wt % or less.

Abstract: A method of preparing a beta titanium-composite laminate comprising providing a first layer of beta titanium alloy having a yield strength to modulus of elasticity ratio and adhering a first layer of composite having a strength to modulus of elasticity ratio to the layer of beta titanium alloy, thereby forming a beta titanium-composite laminate, where the yield strength to modulus of elasticity ratio of the first layer of beta titanium alloy matches the strength to modulus of elasticity ratio of the first layer of composite such that the first layer of beta titanium alloy will reach its stress limit and the first layer of composite will reach its stress limits at about the same total strain.

Abstract: A method of treatment or inhibition of tumors involves administering a compound to a subject. The compound is one in which one or more of the eight phenyl substituents in the compound [M(dppe).sub.2 ].sup.+, in which M is selected from Au(I), Ag(I) and Cu(I), is substituted by 2, 3, or 4 pyridyl substituents. The compound has anti-tumor activity and an octanol/water partition coefficient between 0.01 and 25.5. The compound has selective toxicity to cancer cells, including cisplatin resistant human carcinoma cells lines.

Abstract: The invention provides a hybrid laminate and skin panels of hybrid laminate structure that are suitable for a supersonic civilian aircraft. The hybrid laminates include layups of layers of titanium alloy foil and composite plies, that are optimally oriented to counteract forces encountered in use, that are bonded to a central core structure, such as titanium alloy honeycomb. The reinforcing fibers of the composite plies are selected from carbon and boron, and the fibers are continuous and parallel oriented within each ply. However, some plies may be oriented at angles to other plies. Nevertheless, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a substantial majority of, or all of, the fibers of the hybrid laminates are oriented in a common direction. The outer surfaces of the laminates include a layer of titanium foil to protect the underlying composite-containing structure from the environment, and attack by solvents, and the like.

Abstract: A cylinder-liner blank which preferably consists of a hypereutectic aluminum/silicon alloy and is cast into a crankcase. A special surface treatment achieves better material bonding of the liner in the crankcase. The blank has a roughness of 30 to 60 .mu.m on its outside, in the form of pyramid-like or lancet-like protruding material scabs or material accumulations. To obtain this roughness, the surface is blasted with particles which are broken so as to have sharp edges and consist of a brittle hard material, preferably high-grade corundum, with an average grain size of about 70 .mu.m. A fine fraction is formed and is continuously separated off. The average grain size is maintained by adding new particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a textile fabric comprising bundles of metal filaments obtained by bundled drawing whereby the bundles in the sheet consist of filaments running substantially parallel and whereby the fabric has a thickness of preferably less than 1 mm. The fabric is obtained by processing a number of drawn composite wires, in which the bundled metal filaments are embedded in a composite matrix, into a fabric by weaving, knitting or braiding and subsequently removing the composite matrix from the fabric. The fabric can also contain plain wires besides the metal filament bundles.

Abstract: Textile fabrics are formed of bundles of machined metal filaments disposed in nearly parallel arrangement in the bundles. The machined filaments have a predominantly quadrilateral cross-section, and an equivalent filament diameter of between 15 and 150 .mu.m, where the equivalent diameter is the diameter of a circle having the same surface area as the surface area of a filament cross-section.

Abstract: Shape-memory fibers are incorporated into a metal matrix material with a level of fiber-to-matrix bonding so that upon localized failure of matrix under load, the strains in fibers debond them from the matrix to the extent that fibers do not all rupture at the location of matrix failure. The pull-out process of fibers ruptured away from the matrix failure location provides the composite material with substantially increased ductility and energy absorption capacity after localized failure of the matrix. Pre-tensioning of shape-memory fibers impose sustained stresses on matrix which enhance the strength and energy absorption capacity of the composite material. The shape-memory fibers may be incorporated into a metal matrix at their end so that fibers pull out from the matrix under load and provide an energy-absorbing assembly.

Abstract: Process for depositing at least one thread or tape (3a, . . . 3d), generally a metal thread or tape, in particular made of magnetic material having a high permeability for an antitheft protection system, on a thin sheet (2) especially a plastic, paper or aluminum sheet, this sheet (2) being able to be joined to another sheet (1) with the thread or tape (3a, . . . 3d) sandwiched between them, the sheet (2) thus furnished with the thread or tape being intended subsequently to be wound up into a reel. The thread or tape (3a. . . 3d) is placed on the sheet (2) along a line (S) which is sinuous with respect to the longitudinal direction (D) of the sheet, the parameters (p, a) of the sinuosity being chosen so that, in a reel formed with the sheet, in one and the same plane passing through the axis of the reel, the thread or tape sections lying in two adjacent turns in the reel and in one and the same plane passing through the axis of the reel are offset transversely.

Abstract: A method of making a casting reinforced with a reinforcement insert, such as a fiber reinforced metal matrix composite insert or intermetallic insert therein, wherein a preformed fiber reinforced metal matrix composite reinforcement insert is clad or covered with a material that is effective to avoid the aforementioned adverse reactions between the insert/melt and any exposed insert fibers/matrix, the clad insert is suspended in the mold cavity, a melt is introduced into the mold cavity about the clad insert, and the melt is solidified about the clad insert to provide a casting of the solidified melt having the clad insert disposed therein to reinforce the casting.

Abstract: Currently, fiber/metal laminate sheets are limited in width due to restrictions in the width of thin metal sheets available. This invention solves that problem by providing an integral splice concept and a method for manufacturing a laminate employing the inventive concept. Specifically, a fiber/metal laminate sheet is provided having at least two metal plies and at least one fiber layer. Each of the metal plies comprises at least two metal sheets which are arranged side-by-side and have sheet metal breaks therebetween. All of the sheet metal breaks lie within the integral splice. An important feature of the invention is that the sheet metal breaks in each metal ply are staggered widthwise across the laminate with respect to the sheet metal breaks in the remaining metal plies, in accordance with a predetermined metal break staggering pattern, thereby maximizing the bond engagement of the discontinuous metal plies with the adjacent fiber layers.

Abstract: A titanium matrix composite laminate (42) includes alternating layers of a titanium matrix foil (12) and a fiber mat (14). The titanium matrix foil (12) is formed from a super alpha titanium alloy having a beta phase stabilizer equivalency of at least thirteen. The beta phase stabilizer is selected from the elements molybdenum, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, halfnium, tungsten or some combination thereof. The fiber mat (14) is formed of silicon carbide (SiC) and has a carbon coating. Once a layup (16) of the alternating layers is formed, it is placed in a mold (22). Heat and pressure are then applied in a step called consolidation (40). The result is a titanium matrix composite laminate (42).

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a fiber reinforced metal matrix composite comprising fibers embedded in a metal in which the process comprises forming a body with a layer of aligned fibers between at least two layers of metal foil and densifying said layers wherein the layer of aligned fibers comprises metal particles interposed between individual fibers, the metal particles being compatible with the metal foil. A preform for a fiber reinforced metal matrix composite is also claimed which comprises a resin and a layer of aligned fibers, the layer having metal particles interposed between adjacent fibers and the layer and particles being bonded together with the resin.

Abstract: The invention provides a hybrid laminate and skin panels of hybrid laminate structure that are suitable for a supersonic civilian aircraft. The hybrid laminates include layups of layers of titanium alloy foil and composite plies, that are optimally oriented to counteract forces encountered in use, that are bonded to a central core structure, such as titanium alloy honeycomb. The reinforcing fibers of the composite plies are selected from carbon and boron, and the fibers are continuous and parallel oriented within each ply. However, some plies may be oriented at angles to other plies. Nevertheless, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a substantial majority of, or all of, the fibers of the hybrid laminates are oriented in a common direction. The outer surfaces of the laminates include a layer of titanium foil to protect the underlying composite-containing structure from the environment, and attack by solvents, and the like.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an element made of composite material comprising an organic matrix which is reinforced with mineral or organic fibres, as well as at least one assembly with partial superposition of at least two electrically conductive elongate members, which assembly is essentially embedded in the matrix so as to ensure electrical continuity through the element, at least one junction piece, with a conductive coating or made of a conductive metal or alloy, being interposed between superposed portions of said elongate members of each assembly and held in permanent contact with these portions in the composite material by soldering, which links the piece to the elongate members and is preferably carried out during the heat treatment for forming the composite element.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of combining wires and fibers to fabricate fiber reinforced composites is disclosed. The fibers are drum wound on an adhesive-coated substrate followed by coating with a barrier layer to preserve the fiber spacing. A layer of the adhesive material is then applied to the fiber wrap and wire is wound therearound. A series of increasingly viscous tacky materials can then be applied to the wire wraps so that all gaps between the wires are filled. The inventive method can be used to form standard wire/fiber preforms, variable spacing wire/fiber preforms, ring preforms and wire only preforms which can be processed into fiber reinforced composite materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite material combining a magnesium alloy containing zirconium with a carbon reinforcement, as well as to its production process.According to the invention, such a composite material is prepared by the infiltration of a reinforcement formed from graphite or carbon fibres by a liquid magnesium alloy containing 0.3 to 1% by weight zirconium at a temperature of 650.degree. to 850.degree. C.Under these conditions, on said fibres is formed a zirconium carbide layer containing magnesium in solid solution and e.g. complying with the formula ZrC.sub.x Mg.sub.y with 0.3<x<1 and 0.02<y<0.12, which leads to the wetting of the fibres by the melted magnesium and to a good adhesion between the fibres and the matrix, without any deterioration to the mechanical characteristics of the fibres.

Abstract: A pressure resistant sintered non-woven multilayer metal fiber web is particularly useful for high pressure filtration applications (e.g., polymer filtration). The web has a porosity of between 50% and 74%, a weight of between 750 and 1600 g/m.sup.2, and a fiber diameter in each successive layer of between 1.2 to 2 times less than the fiber diameter in the previous layer. The web may be covered with an outer permeable layer at one, or both, of its planar sides.

Abstract: A superconductive article is made from interwoven superconductive, metallic tapes. The interwoven tapes are electrically interconnected by a plurality of superconductive interconnections that extend between the interwoven tapes. Articles of the invention may be formed from tapes comprising superconductive Nb.sub.3 Sn having Nb.sub.3 Sn interconnections.

Abstract: An unwoven metal fabric suitable for use as a battery electrode, a catalyst or a filter, and a method of manufacturing such fabric. An unwoven carbon fabric made up of carbon fibers bound together by a resin is heated to carbonize the binder resin and thus to impart electrical conductivity to the resin, and at the same time finely roughen the surfaces of the carbon fibers and the resin. A plating layer is directly formed on the unwoven carbon fabric thus formed by electroplating. Then, the unwoven carbon fabric is removed by roasting to provide an aggregate of metal fibers joined together and having their voids communicating with one another.

Abstract: A beta titanium-fiber reinforced composite laminate comprising at least one layer of beta titanium alloy and at least one layer of fiber reinforced composite, wherein the layer of beta titanium alloy has a yield strength to modulus of elasticity ratio that is substantially similar to the strength to modulus of elasticity ratio of the first layer of fiber reinforced composite.

Abstract: Currently, fiber/metal laminate sheets are limited in width due to restrictions in the width of thin metal sheets available. This invention solves that problem by providing an integral splice concept and a method for manufacturing a laminate employing the inventive concept. Specifically, a fiber/metal laminate sheet is provided having at least two metal plies and at least one fiber layer. Each of the metal plies comprises at least two metal sheets which are arranged side-by-side and have sheet metal breaks therebetween. All of the sheet metal breaks lie within the integral splice. An important feature of the invention is that the sheet metal breaks in each metal ply are staggered widthwise across the laminate with respect to the sheet metal breaks in the remaining metal plies, in accordance with a predetermined metal break staggering pattern, thereby maximizing the bond engagement of the discontinuous metal plies with the adjacent fiber layers.

Abstract: A continuous fiber-reinforced Ti-based composite material comprises a Ti alloy matrix containing 3 to 7% by weight of Al, 2 to 5% by weight of v, 1 to 3% by weight of Mo, 1 to 3% by weight of Fe, 0.06 to 0.20% by weight of 0, and the balance of Ti and unavoidable impurities, and SiC continuous fibers arranged within said matrix in one direction.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a composite material including a magnesium alloy containing zirconium with a graphite or carbon fiber reinforcement is provided. The material is prepared by infiltration of the reinforcement by a liquid magnesium alloy containing 0.3 to 1% by weight zirconium at a temperature of 650.degree. to 850.degree. C. Under these conditions, a zirconium carbide layer containing magnesium in solid solution is formed on the fibers. This results in wetting of the fibers by melted magnesium and good adhesion between the fibers and the matrix, without any deterioration in the mechanical characteristics of the fibers.

Abstract: A reinforced material for an automobile connecting rod prepared by rolling a straight-interwoven stainless steel wire mesh of about 100 to 200 mesh into a cylindrical shape, carbonitriding the stainless steel wire mesh, and placing the stainless steel wire mesh into a mold with a molten aluminum alloy is disclosed.

Abstract: A negative electrode, and hydrogen storage cell incorporating the negative electrode, wherein the negative electrode is a porous mat of conductive fibers. These fibers, which are capable of reversible hydrogen storage, have high aspect ratios, typically greater than 1,000, and have diameters in the range of about 1 micron to about 20 microns. The porous mat negative electrode may optionally be sintered.

Abstract: A steel cord (10) adapted for the reinforcement of elastomers, comprises individual steel filaments (12, 14). Some of these steel filaments (12) have a difference in torsion saturation level in comparison with other steel filaments (14). All of the individual steel filaments have a predetermined number of residual torsions and are preferably free of residual torsions. Such a steel cord is manufactured by making use of two false twisters.

Abstract: A method for preparing deagglomerated fibres and/or particles and for providing the fibres and/or particles with a substantially uniform protective coating, the fibres and/or particles being of a material selected from the group consisting of carbides oxides, nitrides, silicides, borides, metals and graphite, including SiC, TiC, ZrC, WC, NbC, AlN, TiN, BN, Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, MgO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, SiO.sub.2, ZrO.sub.2, Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, steel, tungsten, molybdenum and carbon, the method comprising (a) preparing an inorganic colloid sol, and (b) mixing the fibres and/or particles are deagglomerated and substantially homogeneously distributed. The fibres and/or particles, e.g. SiC whiskers provided with an aluminum oxide coating by treatment with an aluminum hydroxide-based sol, are used for the preparation of metal matrix composite materials, e.g. based on aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for preparing a molded thermoplastic fiber reinforced article having on at least one surface thereof a metal film and to a mold article prepared therefrom. The process comprises applying a first thermoplastic resin to at least one surface of a fiber mat core, then applying a metal film to at least one surface of the substrate of fiber mat core and thermoplastic resin and then molding the combination thereof under heat and pressure, preferably compression molding to form the finished article. A second thermoplastic resin may be applied to at least one surface of the combination of fiber mat core and first thermoplastic resin. Either the first and/or the second thermoplastic resin may be in film or molten form. If either or both are in film form, then it is preferable that the fiber mat core be heated prior to applying the film form of thermoplastic resin or at least the combination to preferably heated prior to molding thereof.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite is produced by closely aligning together a sheet of hydrided or hydrogenated alloy with a filament preform at a relatively low temperature. The resulting metal matrix will have a minimum of excessive chemical reactions at the alloy-filament interface thereby allowing the composite to achieve theoretical mechanical property values.

Abstract: An internally reinforced hollow structure is described which comprises a layer of titanium metal matrix composite applied to the internal surfaces of structural segments comprising the hollow structure, the segments then being joined to form the desired hollow structure.

Abstract: A laminated metal composite of low flow stress layers and high flow stress layers is described which is formed using flow constraining elements, preferably in the shape of rings, individually placed around each of the low flow stress layers while pressure is applied to the stack to bond the layers of the composite together, to thereby restrain the flow of the low flow stress layers from the stack during the bonding. The laminated metal composite of the invention is made by the steps of forming a stack of alternate layers of low flow stress layers and high flow stress layers with each layer of low flow stress material surrounded by an individual flow constraining element, such as a ring, and then applying pressure to the top and bottom surfaces of the resulting stack to bond the dissimilar layers together, for example, by compression rolling the stack.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced titanium alloy and intermetallic matrix composites having improved stability and tensile strength properties at elevated temperatures. The base reinforced fibers are pre-coated with a tailorable tri-layer coating, such as Ti--TiN--Ti. Preferably the TiN layer is graded so as to have metal-rich outer surfaces, such as titanium-rich TiN, providing excellent bonding affinity for the base titanium layer, bonded to the surface of the fibers, such as silicon carbide, and for the outer titanium layer, bonded to the titanium aluminum matrix, and a compound core, such as stoichiometric TiN, providing a stable interfacial barrier against chemical reactions, whereby the tensile strength and resistance to cracking of the composite is preserved even at elevated temperatures of 900.degree. C. or higher.

Abstract: A generally elongated, thin, metal sheet heat insulator (1) having at least two generally elongated, thin, metal sheets (3, 4, 5, 6 and 7) disposed generally one above the other in a spaced apart relationship and a metal separator (2) therebetween contacting both sheets for maintaining the spaced apart relationship. The improvement of the invention has distinct, non-woven, substantially open, metal separators (2) having a substantial Z-direction dimension (27) and have substantially parallel upper and lower contact surfaces (27, 29) spaced apart in the Z-direction (27) with a contact surface area of each contact surface less than about 30% of a planar area (48) of the separator parallel to the X and Y-dimensions of the separator.

Abstract: Engine components are thermally insulated with composite layers for improved engine efficiency. A metallic insulation layer is affixed to the metallic substrate of each component, and a layer of heat and corrosion resistant metal overlies and is bonded to the insulation layer. One preferred embodiment incorporates a preformed sheet layer of stainless steel sintered to a layer of metallic insulation attached to the component body substrate. An alternate embodiment incorporates a plasma-sprayed stainless steel layer over the insulation layer. A preferred process for making the engine component includes casting the component body in a mold containing a preformed insulation composite formed of a layer of stainless steel sheet sintered to a layer of metallic insulation.

Abstract: A foil web is arranged for positioning over a barbecue grill structure to effect the dissipation of grease and the like to drip uniformly to underlying briquets and meter such grease in a manner to effect its dissipation and vaporization upon contact with an underlying heating structure. The web includes a matrix of apertures coextensive with the web of specific sizing to effect such dissipation.

Abstract: Engine components are thermally insulated with composite layers for improved engine efficiency. A metallic insulation layer is affixed to the metallic substrate of each component, and a layer of heat and corrosion resistant metal overlies and is bonded to the insulation layer. One preferred embodiment incorporates a preformed sheet layer of stainless steel sintered to a layer of metallic insulation attached to the component body substrate. An alternate embodiment incorporates a plasma-sprayed stainless steel layer over the insulation layer. A preferred process for making the engine component includes casting the component body in a mold containing a preformed insulation composite formed of a layer of stainless steel sheet sintered to a layer of metallic insulation.

Abstract: An abradable layer for labyrinth seals of a turbo-engine, particularly a gas turbine is provided. The labyrinth is made of a layered composite material with a core and a shell and embedments. A process for the manufacturing of this abradable layer is provided. In this case, the core is made of a felted or three-dimensionally crosslinked fiber body made of iron base, nickel base or cobalt base alloys and the shell consists of one or several precious metals or precious-metal alloys. Each core is completely surrounded by the shell material, in which case the embedments consist of oxidation-stable sliding materials of the oxide, carbide or nitride group with a hexagonal crystal lattice layer structure.

Abstract: An improved PWB thermal plane assembly having a low CTE and high thermal conductivity comprising a first and second outer layer of aluminum, at least one intermediate layer comprising a metal matrix reinforced with graphite fibers and a layer of aluminum disposed about the outside edge of said outer and intermediate layers.

Abstract: Composite structures having a higher density, stronger reinforcing niobium based alloy embedded within a lower density, lower strength niobium based alloy are provided. The matrix is preferably an alloy having a niobium and titanium base according to the expression:Nb--Ti.sub.27-40.5 --Al.sub.4.5-10.5 --Hf.sub.1.5-5.5 Cr.sub.4.5-8.5 V.sub.0-6,where each metal of the metal/metal composite has a body centered cubic crystal structure, andwherein the ratio of concentrations of Ti to Nb (Ti/Nb) is greater than or equal (.gtoreq.) to 0.5, andwherein the maximum concentration of the Hf+V+Al+Cr additives is less than or equal (.ltoreq.) to the expression:16.5+(5.times.Ti/Nb),and the reinforcement may be in the form of strands of the higher strength, higher temperature niobium based alloy. The same crystal form is present in both the matrix and the reinforcement and is specifically body centered cubic crystal form.

Abstract: Composite structures having a higher density, stronger reinforcing niobium based alloy embedded within a lower density, lower strength niobium based alloy are provided. The matrix is preferably an alloy having a niobium and titanium base according to the expression:Nb--Ti.sub.32-45 --Al.sub.3-18 --Hf.sub.8-15and the reinforcement may be in the form of strands of the higher strength, higher temperature niobium based alloy. The same crystal form is present in both the matrix and the reinforcement and is specifically body centered cubic crystal form.

Abstract: Composite structures having a higher density, stronger reinforcing niobium based alloy embedded within a lower density, lower strength niobium based alloy are provided. The matrix is preferably an alloy having a niobium and titanium base according to the expression:Nb-Ti.sub.35-45- Hf.sub.10-15,and the reinforcement may be in the form of strands of the higher strength, higher temperature niobium based alloy. The same crystal form is present in both the matrix and the reinforcement and is specifically body centered cubic crystal form.

Abstract: Reinforced metallic or intermetallic alloy matrix composite materials which are reinforced by the incorporation of preferably small-diameter ceramic fibers infiltrated within a metal bonding layer. The bonding layer comprises a foil, such as copper, which forms a molten eutectic alloy with the major metal of the matrix alloy, such as titanium, and infiltrates the fibers to form a unitary reinforced composite.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating a silica optical fiber in a fiber-drawing installation. The apparatus is disposed at the outlet of a fiber-drawing oven to raise the optical fiber to a temperature greater than 1000.degree. C. The apparatus is constituted by a microwave generator coupled to a resonant cavity formed by a helically-wound metal wire helix fixed at opposite ends to two short circuit metal plates respectively, with the optical fiber running substantially along the axis of the helix and the helix concentric about the running fiber.

Abstract: An improved solder is provided by imbedding solder with metallized fibers. he improved solder is then used to bridge a nonmetallic gap between two separated metallic surfaces by placing the improved solder on the gap and then applying heat to cause the improved solder to melt and flow and bridge the gap and connect the two separated metallic surfaces.