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Abstract

Hydronium bonded polycrystalline shaped articles may be produced by the simple expedient of selecting a hydronium containing powder prepared by one of a plurality of prior art methods and then intermingling the hydronium powder with ortho-phosphoric acid to obtain a viscous mixture (resembling the consistency of toothpaste). The mixture is then formed into a predetermined shape, for example a disc or tube, and the shaped polycrystalline ceramic is allowed to cure. Curing may take place at an elevated temperature below 100.degree. C. for approximately 3 hours either as a step subsequent to forming, or as part of the forming step in 30 minutes at 120.degree. C. The result is bonded hydrogen conducting -hydronium, H.sub.3 O+, solid rigid structure with a smooth finish copying the mold from which it was shaped. Specifically, the hydronium containing powders are selected from the group of poly antimonic acid and precursor powders generally known as Nasicons and preferably being selected from the group of powders consisting of sodium .beta./.beta.'-alumina, sodium/potassium .beta./.beta.'-alumina, sodium zirpsios, Gasicon and Yasicon.

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First Claim