abstract |
This invention relates generally to a novel directed metal oxidation process which is utilized to produce self-supporting bodies. In some of the more specific aspects of the invention, a parent metal vapor is induced to react with a solid oxidant to result in the directed growth of a reaction product which is formed from a reaction between the parent metal vapor and the solid oxidant. The inventive process can be utilized to form bodies having substantially homogeneous compositions, graded compositions, and macrocomposite bodies. |