A program is proposed to determine the feasibility of making rapidly solidified ceramic powders. A unique new concept will be employed which should result in spherical powders less than 3 micrometers in average diameter. Rapid solidification technology has been applied to metals with significant improvements in electrical, mechanical, corrosion and wear resistant properties. It is hoped that equally significant improvements will be found for ceramics. Properties of the new powders will be evaluated and their densification behavior will be determined using press/sinter and hot-pressing techniques. The properties of selected densified parts will be evaluated.
