Abstract: An aluminum alloy for casting, made of an Al—Si—Cu—Mg alloy which consists of specific amounts of Si, Cu, and Mg, in addition to specifically desired amounts of titanium, phosphorus, boron, and optional additional chemical elements sodium and strontium, with the balance of the aluminum alloy comprising aluminum and any impurities. When a content of phosphorus is defined as X mass %, the content of phosphorus, a content of Y mass % of sodium, and a content of Z mass % of strontium satisfy the following relationships: 0.45Y+0.24Z+0.003?X?0.45Y+0.24Z+0.01; 0?Y?0.01; and 0?Z?0.03. The aluminum alloy ensures surface smoothness of a cast article by specifying the phosphorus content. This minimizes a surface segregation layer, even in production of a cast article using a molten metal containing a eutectic structure modifier such as sodium.

Abstract: Methods of forming metal matrix nanocomposites are provided. The methods include the steps of introducing a master metal matrix nanocomposite into a molten metal at a temperature above the melting temperature of the master metal matrix nanocomposite, allowing at least a portion of the master metal matrix nanocomposite to mix with the molten metal and, then, solidifying the molten metal to provide a second metal matrix nanocomposite.

Abstract: A pump for pumping molten metal and delivering flux includes a refractory base that can be submerged in molten metal including an impeller chamber, an inlet and an outlet. A refractory shaft sleeve has upper and lower end portions and is fastened to the base at the lower end portion. A motor is disposed near the upper end portion of the shaft sleeve. A refractory shaft extends in the shaft sleeve and is connected to the motor near the upper end portion of the shaft sleeve. A refractory impeller is connected to the shaft and is rotatable in the impeller chamber. A flux feeding device feeds flux into the shaft sleeve. Also featured is a method for delivering flux in the shaft sleeve of the pump and a method for cleaning flux accretions in the shaft sleeve.

Abstract: A method of treating an offgas includes purifying the offgas to remove particulate matter, water, undesirable gaseous components and inert gases to produce a dried carbon oxide gas feedstock, and converting at least a portion of carbon oxides in the dried carbon oxide gas feedstock into solid carbon. In other embodiments, a method includes passing a dried carbon oxide gas feedstock through a multi-stage catalytic converter. A first stage is configured to catalyze methane-reforming reactions to convert methane into carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen with residual methane. A second stage is configured to catalyze the Bosch reaction and convert carbon oxides and hydrogen to solid carbon and water.

Abstract: A method and system for producing an aluminum-silicon alloy are provided and include preheating silica to a predetermined temperature and combining aluminum with the preheated silica to melt the aluminum and produce an aluminum-silicon alloy.

Abstract: A method of production of inexpensive aluminum alloy is provided which enables precipitation of fine particles of Al—Fe—Si-based compounds and primary crystal Si to an aluminum alloy melt which is comprised of Si: 10 to 20 mass %, Fe: 0.5 to 4 mass %, P: 0.003 to 0.02 mass %, and further, if necessary, one or more of Mn, Ni, and Cr or furthermore, if necessary, one or more of Mg, Ti, Cr, Zr, and V, and has a balance of Al and unavoidable impurities. To the melt is added 0.01 to 1 mass %, in terms of silicide, of a substance, which includes fine particles of a metal silicide which are present as a solid phase in the melt, when the Al—Fe—Si-based compound is crystallized.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for hardening an interface of a carbon material by using nano silicon carbide coating. A carbon material-aluminum composite prepared by the disclosed method is light in weight, and has a high dynamic strength, and thus can be applied to currently used cars and aluminum wheels. Furthermore, the composite can be utilized as a material for aircrafts, spacecraft, ships, etc. requiring a high strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a desulfurizing agent of improved oxidation resistance, ignition resistance and productivity, and a method for manufacturing the desulfurizing agent. The desulfurizing agent may include a plurality of magnesium-aluminum alloy grains with grain boundaries, and a compound of one selected from consisting of magnesium and aluminum and one selected from consisting of alkaline metal and alkaline earth metal, the compound exists in the grain boundaries and is not inside but outside of the magnesium-aluminum alloy grains.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a casting aluminum alloy with dispersed carbon nanotubes (CNT), which is molded by charging an oxide-coated CNT in the range of 1 to 5 vol % into a molten Al—Ti—B-based alloy, and stirring the resulting mixture. The aluminum alloy has enhanced elasticity by forming a TiB2 compound in a structure, and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aluminium alloy, and aluminium alloy product consisting at least in part of an aluminium alloy, an ingot formed from an aluminium alloy, and also a method for producing an aluminium alloy. An improved soldering process is achieved by an AlSi aluminium alloy that has the following proportions of alloy components in percentage by weight: 4.5%? Si ??12%, P ?10 ppm, B ?10 ppm, 30 ppm? Ti ?240 ppm,? Fe ??0.8%, Cu ??0.3%, Mn ?0.10%, Mg ??2.0%, Zn ?0.20%, Cr ?0.05%, the remainder being Al and unavoidable impurities, individually at most 0.05% by weight and in total at most 0.15% by weight, wherein the aluminium alloy is free from Si primary particles with a size of more than 10 ?m.

Abstract: A method to introduce ceramic particles into liquid metal through the polymeric precursor route by cross-linking organic precursor into a hard polymer, which is added to the liquid melt for in-situ pyrolysis of the organic into the ceramic phase. The starting material, the organic, for the above process can be in the form of a liquid or a solid. If it is a solid it is usually dissolved into a solvent to create a liquid form. The organic is then cross linked either directly by a thermal process, by adding a catalyst, or by the well known sol-gel process into a hard polymer. It is this hard polymer which is then pyrolyzed into a high temperature ceramic material by the process outlined above.

Abstract: Methods of forming metal matrix nanocomposites are provided. The methods include the steps of introducing a master metal matrix nanocomposite into a molten metal at a temperature above the melting temperature of the master metal matrix nanocomposite, allowing at least a portion of the master metal matrix nanocomposite to mix with the molten metal and, then, solidifying the molten metal to provide a second metal matrix nanocomposite.

Abstract: A method for the separation of a dispersion of molten aluminium and solid inclusions formed from a melt of aluminium containing one or more foreign chemical elements. Molten aluminium surrounding the solid inclusions is at least essentially replaced by a molten salt.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for making aluminum-based composite material. The method includes the following steps. First, a aluminum-based material in semi-solid state is provided. Second, at least one nanoscale reinforcement is added into the aluminum-based material in semi-solid state to obtain a mixture in semi-solid state. Third, the mixture in semi-solid state is heated to a mixture in liquid state. Fourth, the mixture in liquid state is ultrasonically processed. Fifth, the mixture in liquid state is cooled to obtain the aluminum-based composite material.

Abstract: The invention concerns an aluminum-based master alloy for manganese alloying of metal alloys and a method for producing thereof, and use thereof for production of the metal alloys. The master alloy is aluminum and manganese (Al—Mn) alloy in form of splatters, which contains the following components in mass %: Mn 77-93, other components in total 0-5, Al—the rest. The method for producing the master alloy is characterized in that the temperature for adding the manganese to the liquid metal is in the range from 660 to 1600° C., and the cooling rate of the alloy during casting is in the range of 50-1500° C./sec for obtaining splatters of the master alloy. Thickness of splatters is in the range of 1-10 mm. The master alloys AlMn80 and AlMn90 are designed to be used for manganese alloying of metal alloys, whereas the temperature for adding the master alloy in the liquid metal is in the range from 600 to 850° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a special hot-dip plating alloy for a coating on the surface of a titanium alloy part, wherein the hot-dip plating alloy contains the following components by mass percentage: 8-24% of Si, 1.2-3.1% of Zn, 0.02-0.5% of RE, 0.5-3.2% of Mg, 0.05-1% of Fe, 0.05-0.5% of Cu, 1.0-2.0% of Mn, 0.5-2.0% of Cr, 0.02-0.5% of Zr, 1-2% of nano-oxide particle reinforcing agent and the balance of Al and inevitable impurities, and the nano-oxide particle reinforcing agent is selected from one or two of TiO2 and CeO2. The adoption of the hot-dip plating alloy produced by the invention can form the coating which has corrosion resistance and good wear resistance, and is well metallurgically bonded with a matrix on the surface of the titanium alloy.

Abstract: A process for producing particle-reinforced composite materials through utilization of an in situ reaction to produce a uniform dispersion of a fine particulate reinforcement phase. The process includes forming a melt of a first material, and then introducing particles of a second material into the melt and subjecting the melt to high-intensity acoustic vibration. A chemical reaction initiates between the first and second materials to produce reaction products in the melt. The reaction products comprise a solid particulate phase, and the high-intensity acoustic vibration fragments and/or separates the reaction products into solid particles that are dispersed in the melt and are smaller than the particles of the second material. Also encompassed are particle-reinforced composite materials produced by such a process.

Abstract: A composition for releasing sodium or strontium or both into molten aluminium or aluminium-based alloy. The composition is formed by fusing a mixture comprising at least two salts, at least one of the salts having sodium as a cation and/or at least one of the salts having strontium as a cation, at least one of the salts having carbonate as an anion and at least one of the salts having a halide as an anion. The composition may be employed as a modifying flux for altering the microstructure of aluminium and aluminium alloy.

Abstract: A crust breaker and ore feeder device for electrolytic aluminum smelting employs an in-line three-position pneumatic cylinder capable of moving the plunger shaft to a fully raised position, to a fully lowered position, and to an intermediate, partly lowered position. The full stroke is used for a conventional combined ore dispensing and a crust breaking operation; a partial stroke between the fully raised position and the intermediate position permits ore dispensing without a crust breaking; and a partial stroke between the intermediate position and the fully lowered position permits crust breaking operation without ore feeding. The cylinder can take form of a tandem cylinder having upper and lower axially aligned cylinder portions, with rods not connected to one another.

Abstract: The invention concerns an aluminum-based master alloy for manganese alloying of metal alloys and a method for producing thereof, and use thereof for production of the metal alloys. The master alloy is aluminum and manganese (Al—Mn) alloy in form of splatters, which contains the following components in mass %: Mn 77-93, other components in total 0-5, Al— the rest. The method for producing the master alloy is characterized in that the temperature for adding the manganese to the liquid metal is in the range from 660 to 1600° C., and the cooling rate of the alloy during casting is in the range of 50-1500° C./sec for obtaining splatters of the master alloy. Thickness of splatters is in the range of 1-10 mm. The master alloys AlMn80 and AlMn90 are designed to be used for manganese alloying of metal alloys, whereas the temperature for adding the master alloy in the liquid metal is in the range from 600 to 850° C.

Abstract: A method for the purification of a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum and aluminum alloys, wherein said metal is in a liquid phase and is contacted with a salt flux consisting of a binary mixture of NaCl and MgCl2. Preferably, more than 22% by weight of the binary mixture consists of NaCl.

Abstract: A mass of solid aluminium carbide containing product is produced by injecting particulate alumina into a bath (30) of molten aluminium metal; and injecting carbonaceous material, consisting of, containing or yielding carbon, into the bath (30). The bath (30) of molten aluminium metal is maintained at a superheated temperature to heat and react carbon with molten aluminium to produce solid aluminium carbide which mixes with alumina to form a mass (36) containing entrapped gas and entrapped molten aluminium metal and having a bulk or apparent density less than aluminium. The mass is allowed to accumulate as a mass of solid aluminium carbide containing product on the upper surface of the bath. The carbonaceous material is a hydrocarbon material or is produced by pyrolysis, decomposition or cracking of a hydrocarbon material.

Abstract: A method and a device for admixture of powder in a liquid, whereby the method comprises that the liquid in a supply (14), influenced by underpressure in a crucible (12) to which the liquid is to be transferred, flows through a drain tube (6) out of the supply (14), the powder is dosed from a powder receptacle (1) and is driven by a gas, and the mixture of powder and gas is added to the liquid in the drain tube (6) and mixed therewith, whereupon the mixture flows into the crucible (12). The device comprises a supply (14) from which the liquid may flow and a receptacle (1) with powder, whereby a drain tube (6) connects the supply (14) with a receiving receptacle (12) which can be held at an inner underpressure. A device (4) for supply of a driving gas for the powder is connected to a mixing chamber (3) at an outlet from the powder receptacle (1), while the mixing chamber (3) is connected to the drain tube (6) for supply of powder to the liquid flowing in the drain tube.

Abstract: A method of forming a hypoeutectic aluminium silicon alloy including the steps of: forming an aluminium melt including greater than zero and less than about 12 wt % silicon, adding 20-3000 ppm of a eutectic modifying element selected from the group consisting of strontium, sodium, antimony, barium, calcium, yttrium, lithium, potassium, ytterbium, europium and mischmetal; and either adding nucleant particles and/or causing nucleant particles to be formed in the melt, the nucleant particles being selected from the group of TiSix, MnCx, AlP, AlBx and CrBx wherein x is an integer of 1 or 2.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal-carbon nanocomposite material in which aluminum is used as the matrix is disclosed. The manufacturing method comprises mixing a Si-coated carbon nanomaterial (30) and a powdered Mg material (33), heating the mixture to a melting point of the Mg material or higher, and thereafter cooling the mixture to obtain an Mg-carbon nanomaterial (34). A metal-carbon nanomaterial in which Al is used as the matrix is provided by cooling the Mg-carbon nanomaterial and molten Al (40) in a mixed state.

Abstract: A method of making a degradable alloy includes adding one or more alloying products to an aluminum or aluminum alloy melt; dissolving the alloying products in the aluminum or aluminum alloy melt, thereby forming a degradable alloy melt; and solidifying the degradable alloy melt to form the degradable alloy. A method for manufacturing a product made of a degradable alloy includes adding one or more alloying products to an aluminum or aluminum alloy melt in a mould; dissolving the one or more alloying products in the aluminum or aluminum alloy melt to form a degradable alloy melt; and solidifying the degradable alloy melt to form the product. A method for manufacturing a product made of a degradable alloy includes placing powders of a base metal or a base alloy and powders of one or more alloying products in a mould; and pressing and sintering the powders to form the product.

Abstract: A method of dispersing flux in molten metal includes providing a source of flux powder and a source of gas. An impeller is disposed on an end of a shaft inside the impeller chamber of a base made of heat resistant material. The base is submerged in the molten metal and includes a molten metal inlet opening into the impeller chamber and a molten metal discharge passageway extending from the impeller chamber to an exterior of the base. Molten metal is drawn through the inlet opening into the impeller chamber by rotation of the impeller in the impeller chamber. The molten metal is moved out of the impeller chamber through the discharge passageway by the rotation of the impeller. A discharge stream of molten metal travels through the discharge passageway into the molten metal exterior to the base. The gas flows from the gas source into a refractory flux conduit. The flux conduit extends from outside the molten metal into fluid communication with the discharge passageway.

Abstract: A method for producing an aluminum foam product wherein reactive gas producing particles are introduced into an aluminum alloy melt under controlled conditions and subjected to agitation to induce the production of foam-stabilizing by-products, and, under certain conditions, the production of gases used to produce the molten metal foam itself. Foam products produced through this method have intrinsically formed metal oxides and other solid particles dispersed therein and are devoid of the large extrinsically added stabilizing ceramic additions traditionally used in the production of aluminum foams. The invention claims a rapid, single step method for producing an inoculated, foamable melt using low cost precursor materials.

Abstract: The method introduces additives into flowing gas, fluid or fluidized media in a pulsed high pressure manner. The nozzle needle of at least one nozzle is variable and highly precisely moved for the introduction by means of a device and in such a way that additive is dosed exactly in relation to the volume flow of the medium. The pulsating additive stream is injected into the flowing medium by at least one well-aimed nozzle opening. The additives are dosed by means of a pressure that can be variably adjusted by pulse width and pulse frequency. The desired homogenous distribution is obtained by the penetrating injection jet.

Abstract: A method is described for improving neutron absorption in aluminum-based cast composite material, which comprises preparing a molten composite from an aluminum alloy matrix and aluminum-boron intermetallics containing relatively large boron-containing particles, and either (a) heating the composite and holding for a time sufficient to partially dissolve the boron-containing particles and then adding titanium to form fine titanium diboride particles, and casting the composite, or (b) adding gadolinium or samarium to the molten composite or to the aluminum alloy matrix and casting the composite to precipitate fine particles of Gd—Al or Sm—Al within the cast composite, said fine particles filling gaps around the large boron-containing particles with neutron absorbing material.

Abstract: The method introduces additives into a flowing melt or fluidized metallic/ceramic powder media in a pulsed high pressure manner. The nozzle needle of at least one nozzle is variable and highly precisely moved for the introduction by means of a device and in such a way that additive is dosed exactly in relation to the volume flow of the medium. The pulsating additive stream is injected into the flowing medium by at least one well-aimed nozzle opening. The additives are dosed by means of a pressure that can be variably adjusted by pulse width and pulse frequency. The desired homogenous distribution is obtained by the penetrating injection jet.

Abstract: A method for forming a nanocomposite material and articles made with the nanocomposite material are presented.

Abstract: A method for preparing Al—Si alloys by introducing into the molten aluminum, at a temperature of between 700 and 850° C., metallurgical silicon particles having a granulometry of less than 10 mm. The silicon particles, upon reaching the temperature of the molten aluminum, have the property of fragmenting into smaller particles.

Abstract: The process of the present invention is directed to a method for making zinc or zinc-aluminum alloy additions to galvanizing baths. The process involves addition of a wire of zinc or zinc-aluminum alloy introduced directly into a molten galvanizing bath to more rapidly achieve a desired zinc or zinc-aluminum chemistry thereby reducing the time required to make the bath addition.

Abstract: The process of the present invention is directed to a method for making zinc or zinc-aluminum alloy additions to galvanizing baths. The process involves addition of a wire of zinc or zinc-aluminum alloy introduced directly into a molten galvanizing bath to more rapidly achieve a desired zinc or zinc-aluminum chemistry thereby reducing the time required to make the bath addition.

Abstract: A method for preventing oxidation of molten aluminum alloy and magnesium alloy surfaces, the method comprising providing a molten aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy having a molten aluminum or magnesium alloy surface; covering the molten aluminum or magnesium alloy surface with an initial layer of petroleum coke, the initial layer of petroleum coke having an initial layer thickness of about 0.75 inches; oxidizing a portion of the initial layer of petroleum coke to form a working layer of petroleum coke covering the molten metal surface, the working layer of coke having a working layer thickness of about 0.5 inches, and a layer of carbon dioxide immediately adjacent to and contiguous with the working layer of petroleum coke; and adding additional petroleum coke to the working layer of petroleum coke to maintain the working layer thickness at about 0.5 inches.

Abstract: A method for preparing Al—Si alloys by introducing into the molten aluminum, at a temperature of between 700 and 850° C., metallurgical silicon particles having a granulometry of less than 10 mm. The silicon particles, upon reaching the temperature of the molten aluminum, have the property of fragmenting into smaller particles.

Abstract: A process is described for treating molten metal with a particulate treating agent. A melt of a metal, e.g. aluminum, is provided in a treatment vessel such as a ladle and a mixing impeller is positioned substantially below the surface of the molten metal. The impeller comprises a plate with a series of spaced blades extending from the surface of the plate. This impeller is adapted to provide high shear mixing with minimum vortex. While rotating the impeller on a substantially vertical axis, particulate treating agent is fed by way of an injection tube below the surface of the molten metal and into the region between the axis and periphery of the impeller. This causes a high shearing action in the region of the blades whereby the treating agent is quickly broken down into finely divided droplets that are at least partially molten and which are circulated within the molten metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a grain refiner on the basis of an aluminum-titanium-boron prealloy. According to the inventive method, starting materials that contain Ti and B are introduced into an aluminum melt while TiB2 particles are formed, and the prealloy melt produced is allowed to solidify. The prealloy is set in motion at a temperature between the liquidus temperature (TLAl3Ti) of the Al3Ti phase and the solidus temperature (TSV) of the prealloy for a period (&Dgr;td) sufficient to disperse the TiB2 particles in the melt. The melt is simultaneously cooled off at a first rate of cooling (v1) so that the TiB2 particles function as the nuclei for the Al3Ti phase that is formed below the liquidus temperature (TLAl3Ti) and the surface of the TiB2 particles is at least partially covered by an Al3Ti coating.

Abstract: A method to minimize oxidation of metal during melting processes is provided, the method comprising placing solid phase metal into a furnace environ-ment, transforming the solid-phase metal into molten metal phase having a molten metal surface, and creating a barrier between the surface and the environment. Also provided is a method for isolating the surface of molten metal from its environment, the method comprising confining the molten metal to a controlled atmos-phere, and imposing a floating substrate between the surface and the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of coating of steel products such as plate and sheet using an aluminum-zinc coating alloy includes modifying the coating bath with a particulate compound constituent in effective amounts to decrease the spangle facet size of the coated product, improve tension bend rust stain performance, and coated product paintability. Constituents include borides such as titanium boride and aluminum borides, carbides such as titanium carbide, and aluminides such as titanium aluminide. The method produces a coated steel product that does not require temper rolling for painting.

Abstract: A method of coating of steel products such as plate and sheet using an aluminum-zinc coating alloy includes modifying the coating bath with a particulate compound constituent in effective amounts to decrease the spangle facet size of the coated product, improve tension bend rust stain performance, improve coated surface appearance when brushed, and coated product paintability. Constituents include borides such as titanium boride and aluminum borides, carbides such as titanium carbide, and aluminides such as titanium aluminide. The method produces a coated steel product that does not require temper rolling for painting.

Abstract: Disclosed are composition and a method for making a high volume reinforced Al composite by use of a dipping process. Through the method comprising mixing 20-50 wt % of exothermic reaction-causing Ti and C or Ti and B powders, 20-60 wt % of exothermic reaction-controlling diluent powders, and 5-30 wt % of infiltration-aiding Al or Al alloy powders, then preparing mixture powders; preforming the mixture powders into a predetermined shape; fitting the preformed body in a reaction container, followed by dipping in an Al melt of 700-1,100° C.; and separating the synthesized composite from the reaction container after removal from the Al melt, a high volume reinforced Al composite can be prepared from the mixture powders through such exothermic synthesis in a metal melt that reinforced particles are uniformly distributed while restraining the generation of pores. As such, the exothermic reaction-controlling diluent powders are selected from the group consisting of TiC, TiB2, SiC, WC or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and method are described for the removal of light metals; sodium, lithium, calcium and magnesium, from virgin aluminum tapped from a Hall Heroult reduction cell using LiF-modified or LiF+MgF2 electrolyte. The method is performed in a crucible or at a station intermediate between the cells and furnaces in a cast house. Fine particulate aluminum fluoride and/or sodium aluminum tetrafluoride are transported by a gas or gas mixture into the molten aluminum in a manner such that the light metals are preferentially removed or their concentration substantially lowered through: a) the axle of a specially designed spinning impeller; b) partially through the axle of a specially designed spinning impeller and partially through one or more pipes equipped with dispersers for dispersing into the molten metal flow close to the spinning impeller; or c) through one or more pipes equipped with dispersers for dispersing into the molten metal flow close to the impeller fastened to a solid axle.

Abstract: The present invention concerns additives for non-ferrous, liquid metals. The additives consist of compacted bodies of essentially pure iron particles.

Abstract: An improved method of eliminating phosphorus and/or antimony from molten aluminum containing phosphorus and/or antimony is provided, including the step of adding magnesium or calcium to the molten aluminum maintained at a temperature of 650° to 850° C. while blowing chlorine gas or a chloride thereinto, to remove the phosphorus and/or the antimony contained in the molten aluminum.

Abstract: Molten metal (6) in a furnace (5) and containing particles of solid material (not shown) in suspension is cast in moulds (1) conveyed continuously past the mould-filling station shown by a conveyor (4). To maintain the particles in suspension and keep the metal (6) homogeneous throughout the furnace (5), a paddle-wheel rotor (10) driven by a motor (13) keeps the molten metal in constant movement. A curved guide vane (14) is shaped, placed and oriented so as to divert some of the centrifugal flow from the rotor (10) towards the delivery tube (8) for the moulds (1), thus ensuring that the tube (8) is supplied with freshly-agitated metal.

Abstract: Two methods of producing a ceramic reinforced Al-alloy metal-matrix composite are described. The first one comprises the steps of dispersing a ceramic phase (of titanium diboride) in a liquid aluminum or aluminum alloy, mixing the ceramic phase with a cryolite or other fluoride flux powder and melting the mixture together with the aluminum or aluminum alloy phase at a temperature of between 700° and 1000° C. In the second method, the fluoride flux is reduced in situ by either molten aluminum or its alloying elements (Mg, Ca) to yield TiB2 crystallites of different size and size distribution that can be predetermined by fixing the flux and alloy composition and the processing temperature.

Abstract: The present invention concerns additives for non-ferrous, liquid metals. The additives consist of compacted bodies of essentially pure iron particles.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing an aluminium-based matrix melt, having boride particles dispersed therein, which is castable, and yet when cast produces a product having a surprisingly good combination of mechanical properties such as stiffness, strength, and elongation at failure. In the process, precursors for boride particles are reacted within an aluminium-based melt to produce boride ceramic particles such as titanium diboride, the process being carried out under conditions such that the melt remains fluid.