Process for the production of pb.sub.x mo.sub.y s.sub.z chevrel-phase

Abstract

A process for the production of at least a one kilogram block of Chevrel-phase Pb.sub.x Mo.sub.y S.sub.z, wherein x=0.9 to 1.2, y=6.0 to 6.4, and z=7 to 8, includes mixing thoroughly stoichiometric quantities of starting materials in powdered form. The starting materials are selected from elemental Pb, Mo and S, sulfides of elemental Pb and Mo, and mixtures thereof. The starting mixture is introduced into a metallic container and evacuated to a pressure to 10.sup.4 Pa or less. The evacuated container is subjected to hot isostatic pressing at a constant pressure selected from a pressure ranging from 100 to 300 MPa, at a heating rate ranging from 10.degree. to 100.degree. C./hr., at a final pressing temperature ranging from 800.degree. to 1200.degree. C., and for a pressing period ranging from 10 to 100 hours, whereby the starting materials react to form the block of Chevrel-phase Pb.sub.x Mo.sub.y S.sub.z. The block is cooled at a cooling rate ranging from 50.degree. to 500.degree. C./hr. while maintaining the constant pressure. The process may include the further steps of filling the metallic container after evacuation with an inert gas; re-evacuating the metallic container to remove the inert gas; and heating the metallic container after re-evacuation at a temperature ranging up to but less than 300.degree., prior to subjecting the metallic container to hot isostatic pressing.