Patent ID: 7332028
Filing Date: 2008-02-19
Classification: C30B

Abstract:
1. A method of handling a composition comprising placing a composition into contact with a material wherein said composition is in the molten state and said composition comprises at least 80% by weight of a rare-earth halide of formula A e Ln f X (3f+e) wherein Ln represents one or more rare earth elements, X represents one or more halogen atoms chosen from Cl, Br and I, and A represents one or more alkali metals chosen from K, Li, Na, Rb and Cs, e and f representing values such that: e, which may be zero, is less than or equal to 2f, f is greater than or equal to 1, wherein said material comprises at least 20% carbon by weight, the surface of said material that is in contact with said composition comprises at least 20% carbon by weight and said composition in the molten state coming into contact with said material is at a temperature above 500° C.