Abstract: A method of densifying an article formed of reaction bonded silicon nitride is disclosed. The reaction bonded silicon nitride article is packed in a packing mixture consisting of silicon nitride powder and a densification aid. The reaction bonded silicon nitride article and packing powder are sujected to a positive, low pressure nitrogen gas treatment while being heated to a treatment temperature and for a treatment time to cause any open porosity originally found in the reaction bonded silicon nitride article to be substantially closed. Thereafter, the reaction bonded silicon nitride article and packing powder are subjected to a positive high pressure nitrogen gas treatment while being heated to a treatment temperature and for a treatment time to cause a sintering of the reaction bonded silicon nitride article whereby the strength of the reaction bonded silicon nitride article is increased.

Abstract: The invention relates to low-expansion ceramics, the chemical composition of which consists of 1.2 to 20% by weight of magnesia (MgO), 6.5 to 68% by weight of alumina (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3), 19 to 80% by weight of titanium in terms of titanium oxide (TiO.sub.2), 1 to 20% by weight of silica (SiO.sub.2), and 0.5 to 20% by weight of iron in terms of ferric oxide (Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3); the major component of crystalline phase thereof is a solid solution of magnesium oxide-aluminum oxide-titanium dioxide-silicon oxide-iron oxide; the ceramics have a coefficient of thermal expansion of not more than 20.times.10.sup.-7 (1/.degree.C.) in a temperature range of 25.degree. C. to 800.degree. C., a four-point flexural strength of not smaller than 50 kg/cm.sup.2 at room temperature, and a melting point of not lower than 1,500.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention provides a particulate sealing material for use in preparing hermetic seals between ceramic and cermet members, which material comprises at least 70 wt. % refractory oxide and minor quantities of non-vitreous additive comprising SiO.sub.2, MgO and B.sub.2 O.sub.3. This particulate sealing material is conveniently pressed into the form of a coherent element shaped to suit the particular sealing operation concerned, e.g. the sealing of an open end of a ceramic arc tube to a cermet closure therefor. The invention also provides a method of sealing a ceramic component to a cermet member by interposing said sealing material between the opposed faces of the component and member and applying heat and pressure to sinter the sealing material and achieve a seal between the component and member.