APPLICATIONS OF FREEZE-DRYING IN METALLURGY AND MATERIALS SCIENCE.

Over the last five years a number of examples of the freeze-dry processing of inorganic compounds have been shown to be technically possible. Fine metal or ceramic powders, dispersion-hardened alloys or dispersed second phase composite materials are typical products that may be obtained. There are appreciable experimental difficulties associated with the use of the process for certain comounds, however, these may be overcome, or minimised, if sufficient control is exercised.