Advanced Refractory Technologies, Inc.

Thomas J Mroz, Jr

This invention relates to a new family of materials that exhibits improved stability to the chemical environment used in metal ore reduction, and thus provides an opportunity for improving the energy use and efficiency of such processes by their use. More specifically, the inventions relates to an electrode, used in the construction and/or operation of a reduction cell use to produce metal from ore, which is comprised of a compound or compounds described by the chemical formulas M,NX,or M,NX, where M is a transition metal, N is a group 3a, 4a or 5a element, and X is carbon or nitrogen; or a composite containing in part, at least one of such compounds.

Materials for use in electrochemical smelting of metals from ore

Disclosed herein is a silica coated powder that provides improved hydrolysis stability and damage tolerance compared to silica coated powders previously described and commercially available. The improved coated powder of this disclosure is clearly distinguished from other silica coated powders, in that the silica coating of the disclosed product is dense, or contains only closed pores, and as such does not allow for water penetration to the AlN core via permeability or any other means. Further disclosed is the process by which such improved coated powders can be produced. The process utilizes any form of silica coated aluminum nitride, which can be produced by any number of means as described in the literature. Such powders are then subjected to a further heat treatment which causes the closure of porosity and densification of the silica coating. The resulting powder exhibits similar surface area to the original core particle, and can be shown to withstand substantial hydrolysis attack, even by hot, pressurized steam.

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Kenmore, NY, United States of America

Thomas J Mroz, Jr