The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 15, 2009
Filed:
Apr. 05, 2006
Raoul Schlesser, Cary, NC (US);
Rafael F. Dalmau, Cary, NC (US);
Vladimir Noveski, Chandler, AZ (US);
Zlatko Sitar, Raleigh, NC (US);
Raoul Schlesser, Cary, NC (US);
Rafael F. Dalmau, Cary, NC (US);
Vladimir Noveski, Chandler, AZ (US);
Zlatko Sitar, Raleigh, NC (US);
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (US);
Abstract
The invention provides a method of forming a dense, shaped article, such as a crucible, formed of a refractory material, the method comprising the steps of placing a refractory material having a melting point of at least about 2900° C. in a mold configured to form the powder into an approximation of the desired shape. The mold containing the powder is treated at a temperature and pressure sufficient to form a shape-sustaining molded powder that conforms to the shape of the mold, wherein the treating step involves sintering or isostatic pressing. The shape-sustaining molded powder can be machined into the final desired shap and then sintered at a temperature and for a time sufficient to produce a dense, shaped article having a density of greater than about 90% and very low open porosity. Preferred refractory materials include tantalum carbide and niobium carbide.