Some use high alumina boats as charge carriers in the conventional pusher type high temperature sintering furnace with reducing atmosphere, while others use molybdenum or its alloys as the charge carrier. A boat with heat treated material exits the furnace as another with fresh material enters at the other end by being pushed. In long furnaces, the pushing force is high and likely to cause welding together of the metallic boats. What can be done to prevent boats sticking together when used at very high temperatures? How can the friction and pushing force be reduced? What kind of coatings are recommended?