Some variations provide a metal matrix nanocomposite composition comprising metal-containing microparticles and nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are chemically and/or physically disposed on surfaces of the microparticles, and wherein the nanoparticles are consolidated in a three-dimensional architecture throughout the composition. The composition may serve as an ingot for producing a metal matrix nanocomposite. Other variations provide a functionally graded metal matrix nanocomposite comprising a metal-matrix phase and a reinforcement phase containing nanoparticles, wherein the nanocomposite contains a gradient in concentration of the nanoparticles. This nanocomposite may be or be converted into a master alloy. Other variations provide methods of making a metal matrix nanocomposite, methods of making a functionally graded metal matrix nanocomposite, and methods of making a master alloy metal matrix nanocomposite. The metal matrix nanocomposite may have a cast microstructure. The methods disclosed enable various loadings of nanoparticles in metal matrix nanocomposites with a wide variety of compositions.

Some variations provide a metal matrix nanocomposite composition comprising metal-containing microparticles and nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are chemically and/or physically disposed on surfaces of the microparticles, and wherein the nanoparticles are consolidated in a three-dimensional architecture throughout the composition. The composition may serve as an ingot for producing a metal matrix nanocomposite. Other variations provide a functionally graded metal matrix nanocomposite comprising a metal-matrix phase and a reinforcement phase containing nanoparticles, wherein the nanocomposite contains a gradient in concentration of the nanoparticles. This nanocomposite may be or be converted into a master alloy. Other variations provide methods of making a metal matrix nanocomposite, methods of making a functionally graded metal matrix nanocomposite, and methods of making a master alloy metal matrix nanocomposite. The metal matrix nanocomposite may have a cast microstructure. The methods disclosed enable various loadings of nanoparticles in metal matrix nanocomposites with a wide variety of compositions.

The present invention relates to a nickel-based self-fluxing alloy, a glass manufacturing member, a mold, and a glass gob transporting member having an improved slipperiness against a glass gob. A nickel-based self-fluxing alloy used in a glass manufacturing member for transporting or molding glass with a viscosity of log η=3 to 14.6, comprises: boron (B) in an amount of ranging from 0 percent to 1.5 percent by mass; hard particles; and silicon (Si). Preferably, the amount of boron (B) ranges from 0 percent to less than 1.0 percent by mass. Preferably, the hard particles contain at least one of a carbide, a nitrides, an oxide and a cermet. Preferably, the nickel-based self-fluxing alloy comprises at least one metal selected from Group 4, 5 and 6 elements in an amount of ranging from 0 percent to 30 percent by mass.

A contact material mainly composed of an Ag alloy, includes: an Ag alloy; and at least one main additive existing as a phase different from the Ag alloy and selected from the group consisting of tin oxide, nickel, nickel oxide, iron, iron oxide, tungsten, tungsten carbide, tungsten oxide, zinc oxide, and carbon, wherein when a metal atom constituting the main additive or the main additive is carbon, the Ag alloy contains a solid solution element having a vacancy binding energy lower than a vacancy binding energy that is a binding energy between the metal atom included in the main additive and a vacancy in an Ag metal, or a binding energy between carbon included in the main additive of carbon and a vacancy in an Ag metal, in an amount of 0.01 wt. % or more.

A component of a downhole tool utilized in oil and natural gas exploration and production comprises inorganic hydrolysable compound-containing materials. The inorganic hydrolysable compounds grant the component the degradability/dissolution in aqueous environment. The inorganic hydrolysable compounds include, but not are limited to, hydrolysable carbides, nitrides, and sulfides, such as aluminum carbide (Al.sub.4C.sub.3), calcium carbide (CaC.sub.2), magnesium carbide (Mg.sub.2C.sub.3 or MgC.sub.2), manganese carbide (Mn.sub.3C), aluminum nitride (AlN), calcium nitride (Ca.sub.3N.sub.2), magnesium nitride (Mg.sub.3N.sub.2), aluminum sulfide (Al.sub.2S.sub.3), aluminum magnesium carbide (Al.sub.dMgC.sub.2), and aluminum zinc carbide (Al.sub.4Zn.sub.2C.sub.3).

A three-dimensional shaped article production method according to the invention is a method for producing a three-dimensional shaped article by stacking layers formed in a predetermined pattern, wherein a series of steps including a composition supply step of supplying a composition containing a plurality of particles to a predetermined part, and a bonding step of bonding the particles by irradiation with a laser light is performed repeatedly, and the composition supply step includes a step of forming a first region using a first composition containing first particles as the composition, and a step of forming a second region using a second composition containing second particles which are different from the first particles as the composition, and the bonding of the particles in the first region and the bonding of the particles in the second region are performed by irradiation with laser lights with a different spectrum.

A low voltage circuit breaker is provided. The low voltage circuit breaker includes a contact system with a first contact and a second contact that are electrically connectable and disconnectable relative to one another. The first contact includes a body having a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is arranged on the second layer and is configured to come in contact with the second contact for providing the electrical connection with the second contact. The first layer has a first material composition having an Ag content that is higher than an Ag content of a second material composition of the second layer. Further, the first material composition has a WC content that is lower than a WC content of the second material composition.

A laminate includes a base substrate, and a coating layer formed on the base substrate. The coating layer includes a copper alloy portions derived from precipitation-hardening copper alloy particles and hard particle portions which are harder than the copper alloy portions, the hard particle portions are derived from hard particles, and the parts bond with each other via an interface. Each of the hard particle portions has a non-spherical shape. A sliding member includes the laminate in at least one sliding portion. A method for manufacturing a laminate includes a step of spraying a mixture in a non-molten state including precipitation-hardening copper alloy particles and hard particles having a non-spherical shape and being harder than the copper alloy particles onto a base substrate, to form a coating layer on the base substrate.

Process for formation of composite coatings and composite coatings formed thereby. A process for formation of a metal-matrix composite coating on a surface of a substrate is provided. The substrate is an aluminum alloy. The metal-matrix composite coating is formed on the substrate through laser deposition using filler materials comprising aluminum, silicon and graphite. The particles forming the metal-matrix composite coating are formed in-situ from the filler materials. A metal-matrix composite coating obtained by the laser deposition process with in-situ formation of particles is also provided.

A laminate includes a base substrate, and a coating layer formed on the base substrate. The coating layer includes a copper alloy portions derived from precipitation-hardening copper alloy particles and hard particle portions which are harder than the copper alloy portions, the hard particle portions are derived from hard particles, and the parts bond with each other via an interface. Each of the hard particle portions has a non-spherical shape. A sliding member includes the laminate in at least one sliding portion. A method for manufacturing a laminate includes a step of spraying a mixture in a non-molten state including precipitation-hardening copper alloy particles and hard particles having a non-spherical shape and being harder than the copper alloy particles onto a base substrate, to form a coating layer on the base substrate.