Abstract: The present invention describes coating processes and the resultant coated articles for use in high temperature sodium environments, such as those found in liquid metal fast breeder reactors and their associated systems. The substrate to which the coating is applied may be either an iron base or nickel base alloy. The coating itself is applied to the substrate by electro-spark deposition techniques which result in metallurgical bonding between the coating and the substrate. One coating according to the present invention involves electro-spark depositing material from a cemented chromium carbide electrode and an aluminum electrode. Another coating according to the present invention involves electro-spark depositing material from a cemented chromium carbide electrode and a nickel-base hardfacing alloy electrode.

Abstract: A panel of neutron shielding material comprises outer sheathing layers of aluminum having therebetween alternate thin layers or plies of aluminum and metallurgically bonded uniform mixtures of aluminum particles and particles of a neutron absorbing material, preferably boron carbide (B.sub.4 C) in which the layers have their major dimensions extending substantially parallel to the outer aluminum layers. In a modified construction, the alternate layers or plies may extend perpendicular to the outer aluminum layers or plies. The assembly is hot rolled to a final thickness, usually about one quarter or one eighth inch, metallurgically bonding the aluminum sheets, strips, and/or particles and the aluminum and boron carbide particles into a continuous mass.

Abstract: The watch case has its body fashioned of hard metal of hardness preferably greater than 1400 Vickers. The body is overlaid by a two layer coating. The chemical composition of the two layers is identical and comprises the combination of a metal and an element whose atomic number is less than 9. The first layer is deposited by CVD and the second by PVD. If the metal is titanium and the element nitrogen there is obtained on the body of the scratch proof case a perfectly adhering hard coating of gold color.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cermet having high toughness and high hardness, which exhibits excellent impact resistance and wear resistance when used in cutting tools. A mixed powder is prepared which consists essentially of: titanium nitride, from 25 to 50 percent by weight; titanium carbide, from 10 to 30 percent by weight; at least one selected from the group consisting of tantalum carbide, niobium carbide, and zirconium carbide, from 5 to 25 percent by weight; tungsten carbide, from 10 to 25 percent by weight; and at least one selected from the group consisting of Co and Ni, and Al if required, from 7.5 to 25 percent by weight in total. The above mixed powder is compressed into a green compact. The green compact is sintered in a nitrogen atmosphere under a pressure within a range from 0.1 to 100 torr, and at a temperature within a range from 1400.degree. to 1550.degree. C.

Abstract: A composite material bonded by an amorphous metal. In one embodiment, a bonded piece is bonded to a substrate by a layer of amorphous metal interposed between the piece and the substrate. In another embodiment, a bonded composite material is formed with pieces of a second phase distributed throughout the volume of an amorphous matrix. In both embodiments, the second component of the composite is preferably a very hard material of low ductility, so that the composite material is useful in tooling applications. The solid composite material is formed by solid state processing, wherein the pieces are placed in contact and then consolidated at a temperature which does not exceed the crystallization temperature of the amorphous metal.

Abstract: A silicon carbide-to-metal joint includes a thin layer of metal adherent to the ceramic material, a compliant layer of metal overlying the thin metal layer and a brazing alloy in contact with the metal to which the ceramic material is joined.A method for preparing a silicon carbide surface for joining by metallic brazing to a metal includes the steps of applying a thin layer of metal adherent to the ceramic surface followed by application of a compliant layer of metal.Also described is an easily brazable silicon carbide article which includes a silicon carbide substrate, a thin electrically conductive adherent metal layer overlying the substrate and a compliant metal layer overlying the thin metal layer.

Abstract: A master suitable for the manufacture of electroplated negative metal copies. The master comprises a preform which on at least one side has a layer of electroplated aluminum. The surface has a precisely machined profile and is coated with a titanium nitride layer.

Abstract: Material pairing for highly stresses machine parts with sliding friction between two surfaces, particularly for parallel-plate slide valves in a corrosive environment, wherein the one surface is formed by a hard cobalt alloy applied as hard-face welding, and the other surface is formed by a low-alloy, low-chromium steel which is tempered and nitrided.

Abstract: A ceramic part is joined to a metal part by means of a molybdenum copper composite interlayer disposed between, and brazed to, the ceramic part and the metal part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve cross head adapted for mechanically translating valve opening impulses from the rocker arm of an internal combustion engine to the valve stem of the internal combustion engine. The cross head has a metal body portion and a ceramic wear pad. The ceramic wear pad includes a chemical vapor deposited transition metal film on the surface thereof whereby to permit adhesion thereof by brazing or soldering between the wear pad and the body portion.

Abstract: A sprayed-on wear-resistant coating which is carried on a substrate constituted by a machine part surface, has an inner face oriented towards the substrate and an outer face oriented away from the substrate. The coating consists of a material whose structure and/or composition continuously varies from the inner face of the coating towards the outer face thereof.

Abstract: An article is disclosed consisting essentially of a ceramic substrate bonded to a metal or ceramic member by a brazing alloy. In these processes, the ceramic surface is prepared such that it is relatively defect free prior to brazing.

Abstract: A semi-conductor device comprising sintered aluminum nitride having a high thermal conductivity, which comprises at least 65% by weight of aluminum nitride, and at least one of beryllium, a beryllium compound, lithium and a lithium compound.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new and improved material and device for improved selective absorption of light energy for use in photothermal applications and a method and apparatus for manufacturing same.The device includes a layer of thermal infrared radiation reflecting material containing a transition metal or stainless steel. A solar radiation absorbing layer is deposited over the infrared reflecting layer. This layer comprises either amorphous boron or an amorphous alloy of boron and silicon, boron and germanium or boron and molybdenum.Finally, a solar radiation antireflecting material layer is deposited over the solar radiation absorbing layer. This layer comprises an amorphous alloy of nitrogen and either silicon or boron.

Abstract: A wear part with high wear and abrasion resistance combined with unlimited weldability and good mechanical strength or toughness, comprising a composite part of hard metal portion, a cast metal alloy body portion and attached thereto to joining portion, characterized in that the joining portion consists essentially of a weldable steel which by casting is bonded to the cast metal alloy body portion to a combined mechanical-metallurgical bond is provided, as well as a method for forming such a wear part.

Abstract: High-temperature joints formed from metallized ceramics are disclosed wherein the metal coatings on the ceramics are vacuum sputtered thereon.

Abstract: A padlock shackle made of an inner core of ductile nickel-titanium alloy, outer casing of hardened stainless steel, and an intermediate layer of a composite of tungsten carbide particles in a nickel-titanium alloy matrix which is bonded to the nickel-titanium alloy core and mechanically bonded to the stainless outer casing.

Abstract: A ceramic-aluminum alloy composite in which residual stress between the ceramic and aluminum components is substantially eliminated and strong cohesion is provided between the components of the composite over a wide temperature range. The composite of the invention is an integral combination of a ceramic element, a metallized layer, a cladding layer and an aluminum alloy layer. The metallized layer and the cladding layer are formed in that order on the surface of the ceramic element. The aluminum alloy layer is formed adjacent the cladding layer by pouring and solidification of a molten aluminum alloy. The metallized layer is a thin metal layer formed by any of vapor deposition of a metal, a high-melting metal method, and an activated metal method. The cladding layer is a three-layer laminated structure having top and bottom layers of Cu, Ag or Al and an intermediate layer of a metal dissimilar to the top and bottom layers. The ceramic element is preferably one of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, SiC, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, ZiO.

Abstract: An article comprising a substrate having a hard and corrosion-proof coating thereon. The coating includes a thin metallic layer having an ultrafine distribution of hard materials and a particular compact morphology.

Abstract: Coatings are disclosed (a) which are useful by themselves to substantially improve the surface properties of substrates to which they are applied and (b) which are useful as subcoats to substantially improve the bonding of coatings of nitrides, carbides and borides of titanium, hafnium and zirconium to such substrates. The coatings which are disclosed are novel materials characterized by a microcrystalline, single-phase, solid solution structure comprising:(a) about 20 to 70% by weight of at least one element from the group consisting of cobalt and nickel;(b) about 8 to 35% by weight of chromium;(c) about 3 to 20% by weight of at least one element from the group consisting of molybdenum and tungsten; and(d) about 0.5 to 10% by weight of at least one element from the group consisting of carbon, nitrogen and boron.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced metal composite material comprising a metal or alloy as the matrix and an inorganic fiber as the reinforcing material, characterized in that at least one element selected from the group consisting of elements belonging to the fourth or higher periods of the group (IA) in the periodic table, elements belonging to the fifth or higher periods of the group (IIA) in the periodic table, and Bi and In in the form of simple substance or organic or inorganic compound is incorporated into either one or both of the matrix metal or the reinforcing material in an amount of 0.0005 to 10% by weight (calculated in terms of the element) so as to enhance the mechanical strength of the composite material.

Abstract: An ornamental composite material has a covering of an Ni-, Au-, Ag- or Cu-base alloy, and a core of a mineral powder aggregate. A layer of a metal different from the metals of the alloy of the covering can be clad on the inner surface of the covering as needed. The ornamental composite material is preferably used for various parts of a spectacle frame.

Abstract: A silicon carbide electrical insulator material of low dielectric constant comprising an electrically insulating sintered body containing silicon carbide as a main constituent and an element providing electrical insulating properties in sintered state, wherein the sintered body comprises an element selected from V family in the periodic table and the carrier concentration within the crystal grain of silicon carbide is 5.times.10.sup.17 cm.sup.-3 or less.

Abstract: A bearing element having an adherent score-resistant coating on its surface comprising a carbonized layer of an organic resin in which the layer is carbonized by ion implantation. The ion implantation is controlled to not only provide graphite-like and diamond-like structures in the carbonized coating but to also produce chemical bonding between carbon atoms of the resultant coating and atoms of the bearing surface.

Abstract: The surface of a metal article which is exposed to the atmosphere and abrasion during normal use of the article is protected from scratches and/or corrosion during such use by a thin transparent abrasion-resistant film of an inert non-metallic material such as SiO.sub.2, SiC, Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, TiO.sub.2, MgO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5, Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5, GeO.sub.2, spinel and selected colorless glass compositions. The protective film is preferably deposited by RF-sputtering techniques and undesirable coloration of the article by optical interference effects from incident light rays is avoided by properly correlating the film thickness with the refractive index of the particular material used to form the film. The invention permits the use of thinner gold plating on such items as articles of expensive jewelry and bracelets and cases for fine wristwatches without detracting from the quality, durability or appearance of the merchandise.

Abstract: A metal-ceramics composite material is produced by forming a metal film comprised of three layers on a ceramic substrate, and laminating a metal member thereon, the metal film comprising first layer of Group IV a metal, second layer of Group VIa metal and third layer of Group Ib metal, wherein the first and second layers are formed by gas deposition technique and the Group Ib layer may be formed by gas deposition technique or electrochemical plating. An additional Group VIII metal layer may be interposed between Group VIa layer and Group Ib layer by gas deposition technique.

Abstract: The surface of a metal article which is exposed to the atmosphere and abrasion during normal use of the article is protected from scratches and/or corrosion during such use by a thin transparent abrasion-resistant film of an inert non-metallic material such as SiO.sub.2, SiC, Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, TiO.sub.2, MgO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5, Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5, GeO.sub.2, spinel and selected colorless glass compositions. The protective film is preferably deposited by RF-sputtering techniques and undesirable coloration of the article by optical interference effects from incident light rays is avoided by properly correlating the film thickness with the refractive index of the particular material used to form the film. The invention permits the use of thinner gold plating on such items as articles of expensive jewelry and bracelets and cases for fine wristwatches without detracting from the quality, durability or appearance of the merchandise.

Abstract: A ceramic body having a metallized layer which comprises a ceramic substrate and a metallized layer fired on the substrate to be integrated or further comprises a conductive layer consisting of a noble metal or noble metal alloy to be joined onto the metallized layer, the composition of the metallized layer being one or more of a silicide of transition metals belonging to Groups V and VI of periodic table; one or more of a boride of lanthanum and a boride of transition metals belonging to Groups IV, V and VI of periodic table; or a high melting point metal or alloy unmelted at a firing temperature of the ceramic substrate and containing, based on 100 parts by weight of the metal or alloy, 0.5-25 parts by weight of niobium, 0.5-10 parts by weight of yttrium, 0.5-10 parts by weight of tantalum, 0.5-25 parts by weight of mixture of niobium and yttrium, 0.5-25 parts by weight of mixture of yttrium and tantalum, 0.5-25 parts by weight of mixture of niobium and tantalum, 0.

Abstract: Ceramics incorporating fibrous crystals of silicon carbide, optionally, in combination with an electroconductive substance have high electroconductivity and are amenable to electric discharge machining.

Abstract: The surface of a metal article which is exposed to the atmosphere and abrasion during normal use of the article is protected from scratches and/or corrosion during such use by a thin transparent abrasion-resistant film of an inert non-metallic material such as SiO.sub.2, SiC, Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, TiO.sub.2, MgO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5, Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5, GeO.sub.2, spinel and selected colorless glass compositions. The protective film is preferably deposited by RF-sputtering techniques and undesirable coloration of the article by optical interference effects from incident light rays is avoided by properly correlating the film thickness with the refractive index of the particular material used to form the film. The invention permits the use of thinner gold plating on such items as articles of expensive jewelry and bracelets and cases for fine wristwatches without detracting from the quality, durability or appearance of the merchandise.

Abstract: Improved adherence of oxide wear layers on hard metal or cemented carbide substrates is obtained by providing a thin surface-oxidized bonding layer comprising a carbide or oxycarbide of at least one of tantalum, niobium or vanadium, optionally adding aluminum to the bonding layer, and finally providing an outer oxide wear layer.

Abstract: A workpiece of a highly heat-resistant steel containing nickel or of a nickel-base alloy is provided with a hard coating containing titanium. An intermediate layer of an intermetallic phase Ni.sub.3 Ti intervenes between the core material and the hard coating. The deposition of the intermediate layer of the hard coating is achieved by means of separation in a gaseous phase.

Abstract: A programmable memory element for a programmable read only memory. The programmable memory element includes a Nichrome fusible link with a first metallization layer formed in contact with the Nichrome fusible link. An insulating layer is formed over the first metallization layer and over a portion of the Nichrome. The insulating layer is formed by first chemically vapor depositing a relatively thin layer of silicon dioxide at atmospheric pressure and then chemically vapor depositing a thicker layer of silicon nitride over the thin silicon dioxide layer, such silicon nitride layer being chemically vapor deposited in a vacuum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for chromizing metallic pieces such as steel pieces and to chromized metallic pieces obtained thereby, said metallic pieces, particularly steel, comprising a chromized surface layer with a hardness at least equal to 1200 Vickers degrees and a thickness at least equal to 12 microns as well as an adjacent sub-layer with a hardness less than that of the core of said piece. The chromized surface layer has a depth preferably at least equal to 20 microns, more preferably 30 microns, and the hardness of the sublayer presents a maximum variation of 25 Vickers degrees with respect to that of the core of said piece.

Abstract: A bearing structure having a substrate and a bearing surface of alternating, spaced, hard metal and soft metal areas is disclosed. The hard metal is metallurgically bonded to the base metal substrate by rapidly melting in a predetermined pattern a powdered hardfacing composition disposed on a bearing precursor surface of the base metal substrate. The melting is accomplished by scanning with a laser beam, or like high intensity, concentrated energy source. The melt is allowed to solidify rapidly. Gaps formed between isolated areas of the solidified hard metal are filled with a melt of a soft metal. After solidification of the molten soft metal, the resulting composite structure is machined to a desired depth to provide the composite bearing surface.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced metal composite material comprising a metal or alloy as the matrix and an inorganic fiber as the reinforcing material, characterized in that at least one element selected from the group consisting of tin, cadmium and antimony in the form of simple substance or organic or inorganic compound is incorporated into the matrix metal in an amount of 0.0005 to 10% by weight (calculated in terms of the element) so as to enhance the mechanical strength of the composite material.

Abstract: A method for making a drill bit and product resulting therefrom in which carbide elements are coated with carbide and nitride materials such as those of titanium as by chemical vapor deposition after which the elements are cast in molten steel.

Abstract: A surface-coated blade member for cutting tools comprises a metal substrate of a super hard alloy and a coating on at least one surface of said substrate, said coating being composed of a layer of vapor deposited titanium on the surface of said metal substrate and at least one layer of vapor deposited titanium compound on said layer of titanium, and said layer of titanium compound being selected from the group consisting of titanium carbide, titanium nitride, titanium carbo-nitride, titanium oxy-carbide and titanium oxy-carbo-nitride, said layer of titanium being no larger than 2 .mu.m thick and said layer of titanium compound being 0.5 to 10 .mu.m thick.

Abstract: Method is provided for improving performance alloy structures improved in corrosion and erosion and wear resistance characteristics by the incorporation of an interdispersed phase and a ternary or quaternhary alloy of platinum, rhodium or palladium, the alloy base metal and an alloying element such as aluminum in the structure surface with the use of relatively less of the precious metals for a given depth of case by virtue of the conjoint incorporation of the interdispersed phase.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is a method for the anti-wear treatment of the surface of steel parts having a carbon content of at least 0.15% and the coating obtained thereby. The method is characterized by the fact that an addition of sulfur, by depositing of a metal sulfide for example, and a vapor-phase chromizing are carried out in sucession on the surface to be treated.The coating obtained is characterized by the presence of a layer of chromium sulfide on the surface and by the partial recrystallization of the underlying M.sub.7 C.sub.3 chromium carbide layer.The invention can be applied to any moving mechanical system which is subject to abrasion. The invention has importance because it increases the resistance to wear and the life of the system treated while limiting the wear of the untreated opposing part as a result of friction.

Abstract: Molybdenum thin films deposited by pyrolytic decomposition of Mo(CO).sub.6 attain, after anneal in a reducing atmosphere at temperatures greater than 700.degree. C., infrared reflectance values greater than reflectance of supersmooth bulk molybdenum. Black molybdenum films deposited under oxidizing conditions and annealed, when covered with an anti-reflecting coating, approach the ideal solar collector characteristic of visible light absorber and infrared energy reflector.

Abstract: A composite cylinder for use in injection molding or extrusion operations, wherein a lining having excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance is applied to the inside of an outer housing by a centrifugal casting process utilizing an alloy having tungsten-carbide particles in a nickel-chromium based alloy matrix. The casting alloy has a composition of up to about 57 weight percent tungsten carbide, with the balance a mixture of nickel and chromium and possibly minor amounts of other elements, but without any significant amount of cobalt. Particularly satisfactory results are obtained from an alloy having a composition by weight of 46-57 percent tungsten carbide, 28-40 percent nickel, 5.1-9.5 percent chromium, 1.5-2.9 percent iron, 1.5-2.9 percent silicon, 1.0-2.3 percent boron and 0.5 percent maximum carbon, the total of constituents being 100%.

Abstract: Workpieces (11), such as semiconductor wafers, are treated in a plasma reaction apparatus (10). The wafers are loaded onto a workholder (18), where they become seated in contact with facing surfaces of a plurality of spaced, parallel plates (19, 21). Plasma is generated in each of the spaces (23) between two adjacent ones of the plates by coupling such adjacent plates to opposite terminals (31, 32) of an R-F generator (29). Each of the plates is comprised of a base structure (41) of a thermally stable, conductive material, such as graphite. The base structure is covered with a first layer (43) of a hard material, such as silicon carbide to impart wear resistance to the graphite. The layer (43), in turn, is covered by an outer, conductive layer (44) which, in the described embodiment is a layer of aluminum.

Abstract: A thin film capacitor having a dual bottom electrode is provided. The bottom electrode comprises a first layer of metal and a second layer of platinum, said metal of the first layer being of the nature of forming a stable intermetallic phase with the platinum during heat treatment. The metal of the first layer is typically selected from the group consisting of Hf, Zr, and Ta. The thin film capacitor is suitable for the decoupling capacitor of VLSI.

Abstract: A method providing for the non-wetting of predetermined portions of articles exposed to molten filler metals during soldering or brazing operations wherein predetermined areas of said elements are provided with a layer of chemical vapor deposited titanium carbide with an overlayer of titanium nitride or with a layer of titanium diboride to resist wetting of the coated areas by the filler metals. Articles coated by the non-wetting titanium compounds include circuit board support brackets and other elements used in immersion soldering machines, and heating elements for soldering operations such as soldering tips for various types of heated soldering tools and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural member made from a metallic material aving an upper surface exposed to dangers of electric charge accumulations during operation in an apparatus such as a high vacuum apparatus operating with a charge carrying beam wherein the upper surface is formed with a conductive or semiconductive compound of the metallic material which is also present in the body of the structural member and is in electrical contact with the body of the structural member, thereby preventing undesirable charge accumulation on the surface.

Abstract: A thin film of magnetic recording material is sputter deposited over a base layer of gold and tantalum on a polished substrate. A protective layer of gold and tantalum is deposited overlaying the magnetic recording film. A solid lubricant layer such as carbon, preferably in the form of graphite, gold, silver, tin, molybdenum disulfide, and tungsten disulfide is sputter deposited or ion plated over the protective layer to reduce wear. The recording contacting portion of the recording head is similarly coated with a solid lubricant material. Other suitable protective materials include tantalum, niobium, tungsten and nitrides and carbides of such metals. In a preferred method for making such recording members, the layers are successively sputter deposited in an evacuated sputter chamber, whereby the recording layers and protective coatings are formed in a continuous process requiring only one pump down.

Abstract: A wear resistant coating on ceramic or metallic substrates is provided by coating the substrate with a titanium based alloy and then converting the titanium to titanium carbide, titanium nitride, titanium carboxynitride or titanium boride.

Abstract: A flexible multilayered membrane switch having electrically conducting contacts comprising Ti.sub.2-x N or Ta.sub.2-x N, to reduce oxidation of the surfaces of the contacts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of deposition of a coating of a gold compound on a solid substrate. In a vacuum chamber (1), the substrate is fixed on a first substrate electrode (2). A composite target (5) essentially consists of gold and at least one of the metal compounds, such as nitride, carbide and boride of the metals of group IV b of the periodic classification of elements and tantalum. A high-purity argon atmosphere at pressure ranging between 4.times.10.sup.-4 and 3.times.10.sup.-2 Torr is then established in the chamber. The deposition of the coating is then carried out by ionic deposition or evaporation in vapor phase at a given rate. The invention may find application to coat articles of jewelry or of watch cases.