Abstract: Spray atomization of molten metal and/or intermetallic matrix composites reinforced with ceramic particles is practiced by atomizing the matrix into micron sized droplets and depositing the semisolid droplets in a bulk deposition upon a temperature controlled substrate. The semiliquid droplets are injected with refinement particles while in a range of 0 to 40% by volume solid phase and deposited on the substrate surface while in a 40 to 90% by volume solid phase. Refined grain morphology, increased solid solubility, nonequilibrium phases, absence of macro segregation, and elimination of the need to handle fine reactive particles are all achieved by performing the spray deposition process under a controlled atmosphere. Materials fabricated by the process exhibit unusual combinations of properties, such as spatially varying properties.

Abstract: An iron-based powder mixture for powder metallurgy, comprising: an iron-based powder, and from 0.05 to 0.50% by weight of a thermoplastic resin powder which comprises 50% or more by weight of units of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic esters, methacrylic esters, and aromatic vinyl compounds, and whose average primary particle size is from 0.03 to 5 .mu.m, whose average agglomeration particle size is from 5 to 50 .mu.m, and whose average molecular weight measured by the specific viscosity of a solution is from 30000 to 5000000.

Abstract: Thermally sprayable powders for the formation of abradable seals and abradable seals formed by thermally spraying the powders include an alloyed metal phase material and a solid lubricant ceramic phase material. The alloyed metal phase material includes a major amount of a matrix metal which can be one or more of Ag or Cu, at least one melting point depressing metal which can be one or more of Si, B, Mn, or Al, and at least one oxidation resistant metal which can be one or more of Al, Cr, or Si. The solid lubricant ceramic phase is preferably hexagonal boron nitride, molybdenum sulphide, graphite, talc, bentonite or mica. Abradable seals formed by thermally spraying the powders are suitable for use with Ti alloy blades at temperatures up to 700.degree. C.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an iron base Si--Mn alloy or an iron base Si--Mn--Ni alloy which can be easily crushed and can be manufactured in large quantity, and alloy powder thereof.An iron base Si--Mn--Ni alloy having good crushability and alloy powder thereof, comprising:C: 0.40 to 1.20% by weight,Si: 5.0 to 12.0% by weight,Mn: 19.0 to 42.0 % by weight, or Ni: not more than 30% by weight, and the balance being Fe, with the following equations satisfied: Si.gtoreq.11.89-2.92 C-0.077 Mn, Vickers hardness (Hv).gtoreq.550, and area ratio of dendrite structure .ltoreq.50%.An iron base Si--Mn--Ni alloy having good crushability and alloy powder thereof, comprising:C: 0.40 to 1.20% by weight,Si: 5.0 to 12.0% by weight,Mn: 19.0 to 42.0% by weight, or Ni: not more than 30% by weight, and the balance being Fe, with the following equations satisfied: Si.ltoreq.8.3 C+0.14 Mn, and relative permeability (.mu.).ltoreq.1.10.

Abstract: A container packed with a mixture of powders classified respectively into two or at least three particle-size distribution groups which are different in average particle size, the powders comprising a hydrogen absorbing alloy singly or the combination of such an alloy and a substance not absorbing hydrogen. The mixture is at least 0.03 to not greater than 0.50 in the ratio d.sub.2 /d.sub.1 wherein d.sub.1 is the average particle size of the powder having the particle-size distribution of the largest average particle size, and d.sub.2 is the average particle size of the powder having the particle-size distribution of the second largest average particle size. The weight ratio of the powder to the total weight of the powders is greater when that powder has a particle-size distribution of larger average particle size.

Abstract: A consumable billet for melting and casting a metal matrix composite component is made of a consolidated powder metal matrix composite having a titanium or titanium alloy matrix reinforced with particles. The preferred billet is a blended and sintered powder metal composite billet incorporating titanium carbide or titanium boride into a Ti--6Al--4V alloy.

Abstract: Copper-tungsten alloys used for materials of electrode, electric contacts, package materials for semiconductors, heat sink and their manufacturing methods. The copper-tungsten alloy contains preferably 5 to 30 wt. % of copper, 0.002 to 0.04 wt. % of phosphor, the remaining portion being substantially all tungsten, and it is preferable to contain in these alloys 0.1 to 0.5% of cobalt, nickel or iron or else any combined two out of these three.

Abstract: Abradable coatings for turbine engine shrouds are formed from biscuits formed of silicon-diffused powdered alloy compositions which are processed with an HF precursor to strip oxides from the coating during processing, the alloy blends comprising MCrAl(Y).sub.n alloys in which n is 0, 1 or more.

Abstract: A method and system for synthesizing nanocrystalline material. A system includes a chamber, a nonconsumable cathode shielded against chemical reaction by a working gas not including an oxidizing gas, but including an inert gas, a consumable anode vaporizable by an arc formed between the cathode and the anode, and a nozzle for injecting at least one of a quench and reaction gas in the boundaries of the arc.

Abstract: A synthetic gasket material for use in a high-pressure press includes a major proportion of clay mineral powder having sufficient lubricity to flow in a high-pressure press, a minor proportion of at least one hard material powder having a sufficiently greater hardness than the clay mineral to retard flow of the clay mineral and form a seal during pressing in a high-pressure press, and a sufficient amount of binder to form an integral body. The synthetic gasket material is formed by thoroughly mixing together in desired proportions the clay mineral, hard material, and binder. The mixture is compacted into a body near net geometry and having a desired configuration to facilitate use in the high-pressure press. The compacted body is heated for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to remove non-crystallographic water.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a porous metal sheet having pores forming a pattern, comprising the steps of supplying metal powders to a peripheral surface, of at least one pattern roller of a pair of rollers, on which a pattern including a large number of concaves is formed; dropping metal powders to the concaves and accumulating metal powders on the peripheral surface of the pattern roller except the concaves; and rolling directly the metal powders accumulated on the peripheral surface of the pattern roller by rotating a pair of the rollers. It is preferable to laminate porous metal sheets or solid metal sheets manufactured by a method other than the above-described method on the metal sheet manufactured by the above-described method.

Abstract: A magnetic-abrasive powder includes a magnetic component of a powder of a magnetic material, an abrasive component of a powder of an abrasive material, and an adhesive which adhesively connects particles of the magnetic material with particles of the abrasive material.

Abstract: Ferrous powder particles are coated with vaporized phosphorus in a fluid-bed reactor to obtain homogeneous coatings of phosphorus. The coated powders are useful feed for pressed structural parts, exhibiting improved green density, compressibility and sintered density thus improving magnetic and tensile properties.

Abstract: Composite materials are disclosed comprising a continuous matrix with composite reinforcements therein. The composite materials may include a continuous metal, metal alloy or intermetallic matrix with intermetallic matrix composite reinforcements dispersed therein. Suitable metals for the continuous matrix include Al, Ti, Cu and Fe, and alloys and intermetallics thereof. The composite reinforcements comprise ceramic particles dispersed in a continuous intermetallic matrix. Suitable intermetallics include alumnides of Ti, Cu, Ni, Mg and Fe, while suitable ceramics include refractory metal borides, carbides, nitrides, silicides and sulfides. In one embodiment, the ceramic particles are formed in-situ within the intermetallic matrix of the composite reinforcements. The composite materials are produced by powder metallurgical techniques wherein powders of the continuous matrix component and powders of the composite reinforcement are blended and consolidated.

Abstract: A sputtering target contains a target material including as constituent elements Ag, In, Te and Sb with the respective atomic percents (atom. %) of .alpha., .beta., .gamma. and .delta. thereof being in the relationship of 0.5.ltoreq..alpha.<8, 5.ltoreq..beta..ltoreq.23, 17.ltoreq..gamma..ltoreq.38, 32.ltoreq..delta..ltoreq.73, .alpha..ltoreq..beta., and .alpha.+.beta.+.gamma.+.delta.=100, and a method of producing the above sputtering target is provided. An optical recording medium includes a recording layer containing a phase-change recording material which includes as constituent elements Ag, In, Te and Sb with the respective atomic percents of .alpha., .beta., .gamma. and .delta. thereof being in the relationship of 1.ltoreq..alpha.<6, 7.ltoreq..beta..ltoreq.20, 20.ltoreq..gamma..ltoreq.35, 35.ltoreq..delta..ltoreq.70, and .alpha.+.beta.+.gamma.+.delta.=100, and is capable of recording and erasing information by utilizing the phase change of the recording material in the recording layer.

Abstract: A heat-resistant platinum material with more than 99.5% by weight platinum, with high long-term creep resistance and low grain growth at high temperature contains 0.1 to 0.35% by weight zirconium and/or zirconium oxide and 0.002 to 0.02% by weight boron and/or boron oxide.

Abstract: An iron-based powder for producing impact-resistant components by powder compacting and sintering contains, in addition to Fe, 0.3-0.7% by weight of P, 0.3-3.5% by weight of Mo, and not more than 2% by weight of other alloying elements. A method of powder-metallurgically producing impact-resistant steel components comprises using an iron-based powder which, in addition to Fe, contains 0.3-0.7% by weight of P, preferably 0.35-0.65% by weight of P, 0.3-3.5% by weight of Mo, preferably 0.5-2.5% by weight of Mo, and not more than 2% by weight, preferably not more than 1% by weight, of other alloying elements; compacting the powder into the desired shape; and sintering the compact.

Abstract: Cores that are relatively unreactive with titanium and titanium alloys during casting are prepared from yttria slurries, which may contain other refractory materials, an acid and an inert organic solvent.

Abstract: Aluminum nitride powder, aluminum nitride platelets, powdered solid solutions of aluminum nitride and at least one other ceramic material such as silicon carbide, and composites of aluminum nitride and transition metal borides or carbides are prepared by combustion synthesis at low gaseous nitrogen pressures. Porous bodies of aluminum nitride or composites of aluminum nitride and transition metal borides or carbides are also prepared by combustion synthesis at these pressures. The porous bodies are suitable for infiltration, either as formed or after being coated with at least one layer of a silicate material, by polymers or metals. The powders are also suitable for preparing dense sintered bodies. The aluminum nitride powder is also used to prepare AlN sintered bodies.

Abstract: The quaternary Zintl material (Et.sub.4 N).sub.4 ?Au(Ag.sub.1-x Au.sub.x).sub.2 Sn.sub.2 Te.sub.9 ! that contains 1-D semiconducting chains composed of four metallic elements is prepared by treating ethylenediamine extracts of a pentanary K--Au--Ag--Sn--Te alloy with Et.sub.4 NI.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mixed raw material which is capable of producing a porous metal sintered product having high porosity and fine and uniform pores. The mixed raw material for producing a porous metal sintered product is a composition including 0.05 to 10% of water-insoluble hydrocarbon organic solvent having 5 to 8 carbon atoms, 0.05 to 5% of surfactant, 0.5 to 20% of water-soluble resin binder, 5 to 80% of metallic powder having an average particle size of 0.5 to 500 .mu.m, optionally 0.1 to 40% of combustible agent for accelerating pore formation, and optionally, 0.1 to 15% of plasticizer consisting of at least one of polyhydric alcohols, oils and fats, ethers and esters, with a balance of water.

Abstract: A packaged electronic structure includes an electronic device, and a package to which the electronic device is affixed. At least a portion of the package is made of a composite material of aluminum nitride dispersed in aluminum. The composite material is preferably prepared by mixing powders of the aluminum nitride and aluminum, and thereafter pressing and sintering the mixture.

Abstract: A process of forming a sintered article for powder metal comprising blending carbon and ferro alloys and lubricant with compressible elemental iron powder, pressing said blended mixture to form sintering said article, and then high temperature sintering said article in a reducing atmosphere to produce a sintered article having a high density from a single compression.

Abstract: Aluminum nitride powder, aluminum nitride platelets, powdered solid solutions of aluminum nitride and at least one other ceramic material such as silicon carbide, and composites of aluminum nitride and transition metal borides or carbides are prepared by combustion synthesis at low gaseous nitrogen pressures. Porous bodies of aluminum nitride or composites of aluminum nitride and transition metal borides or carbides are also prepared by combustion synthesis at these pressures. The porous bodies are suitable for infiltration, either as formed or after being coated with at least one layer of a silicate material, by polymers or metals.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a material which is used to coat or create a surface for machine cutting tools, all types of drill bit teeth, saw teeth, bearing surfaces valve seats, nozzles and the like, thereby producing surfaces which are highly abrasion and erosion resistant. Furthermore, this invention includes some of the possible methods for producing such a material given that the methods and apparatus required provide a significant cost reduction over those required for producing prior art surface materials with similar abrasion and erosion resistant properties. More specifically, the material set forth can be formed at relatively low temperatures and relatively low pressures by sintering mixtures for a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to an additive for improving the machinability of iron-based powder compositions. The additive contains calcium fluoride particles which are included in an amount of 0.1-0.6% by weight in the powder composition. The invention further relates to powder compositions containing the additives indicated, as well as sintered products produced from the powder compositions.

Abstract: A high heat resisting and high abrasion resisting aluminum alloy and aluminum alloy powder have superior toughness, abrasion resistance, high temperature strength, and creep resistance and are useful to form engine parts for automobiles, airplanes, etc. The high heat resisting and high abrasion resisting aluminum alloy comprises 2 to 15 wt % of Ni, 0.2 to 15 wt % of Si, 0.6 to 8.0 wt % of Fe, one or two of 0.6 to 5.0 wt % of Cu and 0.5 to 3 wt % of Mg, the total amount of Cu and Mg being equal to or less than 6 wt %, one or two of 0.3 to 3 wt % of Zr and 0.3 to 3 wt % of Mo, the total amount of Zr and Mo being equal to or less than 4 wt %, 0.05 to 10 wt % of B, and the balance of Al and unavoidable impurities, and is produced by powder metallurgy.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of binder removal from a green body before sintering or the like wherein the green body is initially heated to a temperature above the melting or flow point of the binder to liquify the binder and, at the elevated temperature, a small portion of the green body is brought into intimate contact with a non-supporting porous body of lower capillarity potential for the liquid binder. The liquid is drawn from all parts of the green body to the region of contact between the porous body and the green body and enters the body of lower capillarity potential preferentially, removing liquid from the green body through the surface of the green body only at said region of contact. The draining is continued with or without further increase in temperature until the green body is opened or becomes permeable.

Abstract: A nitrogenous Al--Si powder metallurgical alloy contains at least 4 wt % and at most 15 wt % of nitrogen, with the remaining part consisting essentially of Al, Si and an unavoidable component. Consequently, a highly safe material which is lightweight and has a density of at most 3.0 g/cm.sup.3, a thermal expansion coefficient in the range of 5 to 10.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree.C., and a thermal conductivity coefficient of at least 0.2 cal/cm.multidot.sec.multidot..degree.C. has been obtained.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant material for the construction of a member destined to contact molten metal comprises a matrix of a refractory metal and a powder of the oxide of at least one metallic element selected from the group consisting of the same metallic element as the molten metal and metallic elements having lower levels of free energy for the formation of an oxide than the molten metal, the powder of the oxide being dispersed and disposed in the matrix. The refractory metal is W, Mo, Ta, Nb, or Re. The metal oxide is selected from the rare earth metal oxides, namely the oxides of the same metallic elements as the molten metals, and the oxides of Ti, Cr, and Zr.

Abstract: The material for permanent magnet according to the present invention comprises an acicular iron powder having successively on the surface (1) a coated layer of aluminum phosphate, (2) a diffused, layer of rare earth element or a diffused layer of rare earth element.multidot.boron or a diffused layer of rare earth element.multidot.boron.multidot.nitrogen, and (3) a coated layer of aluminum phosphate.The material for permanent magnet can be produced by (a) a step of mixing and covering an acicular goethite (FeOOH) crystal with aluminum phosphate, (b) a step of preparing an acicular iron powder coated with a layer of aluminum phosphate by reducing under hydrogen atmosphere at 300.degree.-500.degree. C. the acicular goethite (FeOOH) crystal covered by the aluminum phosphate, (c) a step of diffusing a rare earth element or a rare earth element and boron into the surface layer of aluminum phosphate by heating under argon atmosphere at 650.degree.-1000.degree. C.

Abstract: A sintered bearing alloy for high-temperature application containing from more than 5 to 10 weight percent h-BN particles having a size of 100 to 500 .mu.m, which are dispersed in the matrix of stainless steel. Granulated h-BN powder is mixed with austenitic stainless steel powder and the resultant blended powder is formed into a green compact by compression, after which the green compact is sintered.

Abstract: A method is described for the manufacture of a sintered ferrous-based material having improved machinability, the method comprises the steps of making a mixture of a ferrous-based powder, the mixture including a compound containing at least one metal from the group comprising manganese and the alkaline-earth series of metals; at least one sulphur donating material; pressing the powder mixture and sintering the pressed mixture so as to cause the formation by reaction during sintering of at least one stable metal sulphide within the sintered material. Materials and articles made by the method are also described.

Abstract: A material for friction components made by a process including the steps of providing a first powder consisting of grains of a comparatively harder material with a comparatively higher coefficient of friction and an average grain size of from 60 to 100 microns, and a second powder consisting of grains of comparatively softer material with a comparatively lower coefficient of friction and an average grain size of from 60 to 100 microns; mixing the first powder and the second powder to form a powder mixture having a total volume; and subjecting the powder mixture to a pressure and temperature sufficient for the grains of the first powder to be intermixed with the comparatively softer material of the second powder so that the comparatively harder material substantially fills an intergranular space between the grains of the first powder to form the material for the friction components, the comparatively harder material occupying from 1/3 to 4/5 of the total volume of the powder mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a friction material for use in manufacturing various friction bearing components such as brakes, clutches, couplings, transmission systems and the like. The composition of the friction material includes a base friction material and a metal sulfide-iron powder alloy mixture which is added to the base material and further mixed prior to compression molding the desired component.

Abstract: A sinterable powder mix for the production of a tungsten-based cemented carbide material, said powder mix comprising at least 70% by weight of WC, from about 2 to about 15% by weight of an iron group metal binder, and optionally up to about 15% by weight of one or more carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides of metals of the groups IVb, Vb and VIb of the periodic table; characterized in thatsaid powder mix comprises from about 1 to about 8% by weight of Ta(Nb) oxide and powdered elemental carbon in about the stoichiometric amount required for the reaction:Ta(Nb).sub.2 O.sub.5 +7C.fwdarw.

Abstract: The invention relates to cobalt metal powders as a binder metal for the production of diamond and/or hard-metal tools and/or wear-resistant coatings and to composite sintered articles produced therefrom.

Abstract: A high-rigidity composite material having a Young's modulus larger than 25,000 kgf/mm.sup.2 is disclosed, in which particles are dispersed in a matrix of a ferritic steel, and the degree of accumulation of {111} planes in a plane perpendicular to a given direction, in terms of X-ray diffraction intensity, is 30 times larger than that of equiaxial polycrystals.

Abstract: A method of producing a composite powder by providing particles of, e.g., molybdenum, silicon and carbon, in a proportion relative to each other so as to possess an overall chemical composition in that segment of the ternary diagram of FIG. 1 designated A, and subjecting the particles to a mechanical alloying process under conditions and for a time sufficient to produce the composite powder. Also disclosed is a method of forming a substantially silica-free composition of matter comprising a matrix substance of MoSi.sub.2 having SiC dispersed therein, the method comprising consolidating the above-described composite powder. Also disclosed is a method of forming oxidation- and wear-resistant coatings by subjecting the composite powder whose composition lies in segment A to a metallurgical process such as plasma spraying. A method of forming a composite material of uniformly dispersed particles of silicon carbide in a silicide or an alloy silicide matrix, particularly molybdenum disilicide, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a molded ceramic article comprises the first step mixing powdery raw materials and a liquid additive, thereby obtaining a mixed raw material, the second step press-molding the mixed raw material obtained in the first step in a hydrostatically applied condition of pressure, thereby removing an excess of the liquid additive to obtain a preform, and the third step calcining the preform obtained in the second step to obtain a molded ceramic article. The molded ceramic article comprises, as a principal component, copper and, as essential components, Cr and Ni within composition ranges of 0.1.ltoreq.Cr<2 wt. % and 0.1.ltoreq.Ni<10 wt. % and further at least one additive component selected from the group consisting of the following composition ratios: the following composition ratios: 0<Fe<5 wt. %, 0.ltoreq.Co<5 wt. %, 0.ltoreq.Al<10 wt. % 0.ltoreq.Ti<20 wt. %, 0.ltoreq.Mo<3 wt. %, 0.ltoreq.Si<3 wt. % 0.ltoreq.V<3 wt. % 0.ltoreq.Mg<1 wt. % and 0.ltoreq.

Abstract: A compacted, single phase or multiphase composite article. Particles for use in the compacted article are produced by providing a precursor compound containing at least one or at least two metals and a coordinating ligand. The compound is heated to remove the coordinating ligand therefrom and increase the surface area thereof. It may then be reacted so that at least one metal forms a metal-containing compound. The particles may be consolidated to form a compacted article, and for this purpose may be used in combination with graphite or diamonds. The metal-containing compound may be a nonmetallic compound including carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides of a refractory metal, such as tungsten. The metal-containing compound may be dispersed in a metal matrix, such as iron, nickel or cobalt. The dispersed nonmetallic compound particles are no larger than about 0.1 micron in particle size and have a volume fraction greater than about 0.15 within the metal matrix.

Abstract: A sintered titanium alloy is composed of a titanium matrix or titanium alloy matrix and hard particles dispersed in the matrix, the sintered titanium alloy comprises: 4-8 mass % of aluminum (Al); 2-6 mass % of vanadium (V); 0.15-0.8 mass % of oxygen (O); at least one element selected from the group consisting of 0.2-9 mass % of boron (B), 0.5-3 mass % of at least one of molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), tantalum (Ta), zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb), and hafnium (Hf), 0.05-2 mass % of at least one of Ia Group elements, IIa Group elements, and IIIa Group elements, 0.05-0.5 mass % of at least one of halogens; with the balance being titanium (Ti) and inevitable impurities.

Abstract: An iron-based powder for making wear-resisting and heat-resisting components by compacting and sintering consists of, in addition to Fe, 3-15% by weight of Mo and/or 3-20% by weight of W, the total amount of Mo+W being in the range off 3-20% by weight; 0.2-1.0% by weight of P; 0.5-1.5% by weight of C. A component is powder-metallurgically made of this iron-based powder by compacting the powder into the desired shape and sintering the compact at a temperature below about 1150.degree. C.

Abstract: A composite lead-free bullet is disclosed comprising a heavy constituents selected from the group of tungsten, tungsten carbide, carballoy, and ferro-tungsten and a second binder constituent consisting of either a metal alloy or a plastic blend.

Abstract: A cermet crucible for metallurgically processing metals having high melting points comprising a body consisting essentially of a mixture of calcium oxide and erbium metal, the mixture comprising calcium oxide in a range between about 50 and 90% by weight and erbium metal in a range between about 10 and 50% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention provides an Al-Si based sintered alloy of high strength and high ductility, a method for production thereof and use thereof. The alloy comprises 1-45% of Si, 0.1-20% of an element of Group IIIa, 0.01-5% of at least one element of Groups IVa and Va, the balance of substantially Al. This alloy can further contain at least one of 0.01-5% of Cu, 0.01-5% of Mg, 2.0% or less of Fe, 1.5% or less of Mn and 1.5% or less of Co and the oxygen content is reduced to 0.15% or less by sintering under vacuum. The present invention is applied to automobile parts such as a piston and scroll compressors. The alloy has a tensile strength of about 40 kg/mm.sup.2 or higher and an elongation of 1.5% or more at 150.degree. C.

Abstract: Metal particulates and porous metal media, which have enhanced resistance to undesirable oxidation, and methods of producing the same are provided. The porous metal media comprise sintered metal particulates each typically having a core and a surface and a diameter in the range of 0.25 to 50 micrometers, the particulates comprising at least about 60 wt. % of a base metal including at least one of iron and nickel, at least about 11 wt. % chromium and no more than about 0.03 wt. % carbon. The surfaces of the particulates are enriched with at least one treatment element in an amount and depth sufficient to enhance the resistance of the particulates to undesirable oxidation. The invention also includes a fine metal filter medium formed from sintered metal fibers, which has enhanced resistance to corrosion and/or to high temperature oxidation.

Abstract: An article made of an ultra fine grained cemented carbide material and a process for making the same.

Abstract: A composite electrode for electrochemical processing having improved high temperature properties, and a process for making the electrode by combustion synthesis. A composition from which the electrode is made by combustion synthesis comprises from about 4% to about 90% by weight of a particulate or fibrous combustible mixture which, when ignited, is capable of forming an interconnected network of a ceramic or metal-ceramic composite, and from about 10% to about 60% by weight of a particulate or fibrous filler material capable of providing the electrode with improved oxidation resistance and maintenance of adequate electrical conductivity at temperatures above 1000.degree. C. The filler material is molybdenum silicide, silicon carbide, titanium carbide, boron carbide, boron nitride, zirconium boride, cerium oxide, cerium oxyfluoride, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing a substantially silica-free composition of matter comprising a matrix of MoSi.sub.2 having SiC dispersed therein, the matrix being reinforced with a particulate ductile refractory metal, the method comprising providing a composite of the particulate ductile refractory metal and a substantially silica-free composite mechanical alloy powder comprising MoSi.sub.2 and SiC having a composition in that segment of the ternary diagram of FIG. 1 designated A, and consolidating the composite of particulate ductile refractory metal and mechanical alloy powder; the coefficient of thermal expansion of the MoSi.sub.2 matrix having SiC dispersed therein being substantially equivalent to that of the particulate ductile refractory metal. The composition of matter formed by the method and an article of manufacture comprising the same are also disclosed.