Abstract: A heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor which comprises a substrate having thereon an anodic oxidation layer, with the printing plate precursor comprising a hydrophilic layer containing at least one kind of fine particles selected from the group consisting of heat-fusible hydrophobic thermoplastic fine particles, finely divided polymers having thermally reactive functional groups and microcapsules in which compounds having heat-reactive functional groups are encapsulated, and with the anodic oxidation layer having a surface over which micropores having an average pore size of 6 to 40 nm are uniformly distributed.

Abstract: A cover structure for an electronic device includes a plastic cover, an aluminum or aluminum alloy layer on the plastic cover, and an oxide layer of aluminum or aluminum alloy on the aluminum or aluminum alloy layer. A method of manufacturing the cover structure includes: (1) injection molding the plastic cover; (2) forming the aluminum or aluminum alloy layer on the plastic cover; and (3) anodizing the aluminum or aluminum alloy layer to form an oxide layer thereof. The method also can include a step of coloring the oxide layer of aluminum or aluminum alloy. The cover structure thus formed has a metallic appearance with decorative colors or patterns, and is resistant to corrosion. The cover structure is not only very aesthetically pleasing to users but also durable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treatment of the surface of a workpiece of aluminum or of an aluminum alloy, which is characterized in that the workpiece is brightened in an aqueous electrolyte by application of an electric d.c. voltage, the electrolyte having the following composition per liter of water: 1 H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) 85 to 340 g/l H3PO4 (phosphoric acid) 850 to 1360 g/l Al (aluminum) 8.5 to 43 g/l.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the continuous anodizing of aluminum foil for use in aluminum electrolytic capacitors. Specifically, etched anode foil is anodized to relatively low voltage in a two-step reel-to-reel process. The process is particularly useful for anodizing highly-etched aluminum foil for use in surface mount aluminum capacitors containing conductive polymer cathode material. The process is economical and provides high foil quality. Specifically, the process for anodizing aluminum foil comprises anodizing the foil in a first electrolyte a solution, passing the foil through an oven, anodizing the foil in a second anodizing solution wherein the first electrolyte solution and second electrolyte solution each comprise about 5 wt % to about 50 wt % glycerine, about 0.01 wt % to about 0.2 wt % ammonium phosphate, and de-ionized water, and wherein the foil is anodized in the first electrolyte solution for at least 3.

Abstract: An electrode consisting of a substrate and a diamond layer applied to the substrate, in which the applied diamond layer is pore-free, and a process for producing a diamond-coated electrode, in which the process comprises at least the following steps: a) cleaning the surface of the substrate; b) seeding the surface of the substrate with a high diamond nucleation density; c) coating the surface of the substrate with diamond.

Abstract: A process for creating surface microporosity on a titanium (or other metal) medical device includes creating a surface oxide layer on the device; placing the device, which is connected to a negative terminal of an electrical power supply, into a calcium chloride bath; connecting the positive terminal of the power supply to an anode immersed in or containing calcium chloride thereby forming an electrolytic cell; passing current through the cell; removing the device from the bath; and cooling and rinsing the device to remove any surface salt. If necessary, the device is etched to remove metal oxide which may have formed during the cooling process. The resulting device has a microporous surface structure. Alternatively, only a designated surface portion of a medical device is made microporous, either by applying a non-oxidizing mask, removing a portion of the oxide layer, or subtracting a portion of a microporous surface.

Abstract: Aqueous, anodically precipitable electrodeposition lacquer, containing A) an aqueous dispersion consisting of anionically modified polyurethane (meth)acrylates (a1) having terminal, ethylenically unsaturated (meth)acrylic double bonds, and reactive thinners (a2) having at least two ethylenically unsaturated (meth)acrylic double bonds, whereby the (meth)acrylic double bonds from the mixture comprising (a1) and (a2) correspond to a bromine number of 20 to 150 g bromine/100 g solids, and B) optionally photo-initiators and/or optionally thermally activable radical initiators, whereby the terminal ethylenically unsaturated (meth)acrylic double bonds from the polyurethane (meth)acrylates are bonded to the anionically modified polyurethane prepolymer via urethane, urea, amide or ester groups, and optionally conventional auxiliary substances and additives, pigments and/or fillers.

Abstract: A method of anodizing an aluminum substrate comprising heating the substrate to a first temperature of 200° C. to about 380° C.; suspending the substrate into a first electrolyte and applying a first anodizing current to the first electrolyte; rinsing the substrate; heating the substrate to a second temperature of 200° C. to about 380° C.; and suspending the substrate into a second electrolyte and applying a second anodizing current to the second electrolyte, wherein the first electrolyte and second electrolyte each comprise an aqueous solution of at least one salt of alpha-hydroxy acid.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for surface treating aluminum products, especially vehicle wheels, to improve their brightness. The method comprises: (a) applying a chemical brightening composition to these products; (b) deoxidizing the surface of these wheel products in a nitric acid-based bath; (c) forming a porous oxide on that with an electrolytic bath containing phosphoric acid; and (d) applying, preferably spraying, a siloxane-based film to that porous oxide. In many instances, intermediate rinsing substeps are performed between these respective main steps.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the manufacture of a substrate for use in the production of lithographic printing plates, the process comprising the steps of:

Abstract: A process for anodizing an Si-based aluminum alloy comprises the steps of subjecting the Si-based aluminum alloy to electrolysis in an electrolyte containing phosphate and fluoride to form an anodized film on the aluminum alloy, infiltrating a photosetting or thermosetting resin in liquid form into microholes in the anodized film, and radiating light or heat at the infiltrated resin to make the resin become hardened. Phosphate makes diameters of the microholes large while fluoride dissolves Si moderately and facilitates growth of the film. As a result, a large amount of the photosetting or thermosetting resin can be infiltrated into the microholes of the film, thereby making a surface of the film flat.

Abstract: A method for making an anode foil for an aluminum electrolytic capacitor which comprises a first anodizing step of forming an anodized film on the surface of an aluminum foil, an immersion treatment step of immersing this aluminum foil in an aqueous solution containing alkaline metal ions, a step of feeding an electric current to the aluminum foil from a current feeding cell 3 having a current feeding solution 6 and a current feeding electrode 5 connected to the anode of a direct-current power source 7, and a second anodizing step of forming by applying a higher voltage than in the first anodizing step.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a method for producing a photocatalytic material which consists of a titanium oxide, exhibits a higher photocatalytic activity and has excellent appearances. The above object is attained by the provision of a method for preparing a photo catalytic material by oxidizing the surface of a substrate consisting of titanium or a titanium alloy, the method comprising a step of anodizing the substrate in an electrolyte containing an organic acid and/or a salt of the organic acid and a step of further oxidizing the anodized substrate in an atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for isolating flaw sites in the dielectric of solid electrolytic capacitor comprising immersing a conductive polymer impregnated capacitor in an electrolyte solution, and then alternately subjecting the conductive polymer impregnated capacitor to a high voltage and a low voltage; wherein the high voltage is between about 10 volts and 50 volts, and the low voltage is between about 0 volts and the voltage corresponding to 90% of the anodization voltage for pellets anodized at less than 20 volts, or the voltage at which the current drops to 50% of the peak voltage current for pellets anodized at voltages greater than or equal to 20 volts. The period of time at or above the anodization voltage is relatively short to prevent damaging the dielectric film.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a silica-based optical device on a silicon substrate is disclosed. The device has a cladding formed in a silicon substrate. The device also has an active region, and that active region is formed on the cladding. The cladding is fabricated by forming a region of porous silicon in the silicon substrate. The porous silicon is then oxidized and densified. After densification, the active region of the device is formed on the cladding.

Abstract: An anode foil treatment method produces a useful high quality oxide with inherently high capacitance at voltages as high as 750 Volts or more. The anode foil treatment method comprises a series of formation and relaxation steps. Oxide layer formation is performed in a forming mixture that includes a high molecular weight dicarboxylic acid that is made into a salt and a strong base. The concentration of the dicarboxylic acid is carefully monitored and kept within a narrow band. The complex by-product of the dicarboxylic salt created during formation process is kept below a fixed maximum level.

Abstract: A component is immersed into an electrolyte with a specific speed and an initial polarizing current intensity is applied, which is high enough to generate on the surface of the treated component, which is immersed in the electrolyte, moving microplasma discharges. The component is held until the formation of a coating of a specific thickness. The lowering phase of the voltage, at which a coating forms, is carried out by lowering the voltage to a value which corresponds with the beginning of the extinction of the microplasma discharges and then maintaining it until the complete extinction of the isolated wandering microplasma discharges. Then the component is taken out of the electrolyte and is cooled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the deposition of light-absorbing polyaniline, particularly on a titanium substrate, the process comprising: a fluoronitric etching, a chemical conversion treatment, a hydrolysis and a deposition of polyaniline by electropolymerization.

Abstract: An anodized pressed valve metal powder pellet is described. The anodized pellet is particularly useful as an anode in an electrolytic capacitor having an improved breakdown voltage. The anodized pellet is formed by periodically holding the pellet at a constant voltage and allowing the current to decay over a period of time, or by turning the formation power supply off altogether during the anodization process. Either way provides an opportunity for heated electrolyte to diffuse from the anodized pellet.

Abstract: A transparent support having formed thereon a transparent conductive film and an organic or inorganic semiconductor thin film that generates an electromotive force by irradiation of light formed on the transparent conductive film, and an aqueous electrolytic solution containing a solvent, a coloring material and a polymer electrodeposition material, whose solubility in the solvent changes depending on the change of pH are prepared; the substrate and a counter electrode connected to the substrate are arranged in such a manner that an surface of the substrate, on which the semiconductor thin film is formed, and the counter electrode are immersed in the aqueous electrolytic solution; the transparent support is selectively irradiated with light; an electrodeposition film having the coloring material and the polymer electrodeposition material is deposited on a part of the support, on which an electromotive force is generated; and the deposited electrodeposition film is brought into contact with an aqueous liquid h

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant and electrically conductive connector shell includes a shell member formed of an aluminum alloy; an anodic surface coating formed on and extending into the shell member, having an approximate thickness between 0.0008 inch and 0.0018 inch; and a conductive metal plating covering and sealing the anodic surface coating. The metal plating can be a single layer of high purity aluminum having a thickness of 0.0002 inch. Alternatively, the metal plating can include a layer of a first metal on the anodic surface coating and having a thickness of at least approximately 0.00002 inch, and a layer of a second metal such as cadmium having a thickness of approximately 0.0002 inch on the layer of first metal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fine pattern includes steps of forming a master substrate having an electrode layer patterned to a predetermined shape, forming peel layers made of a conductive water-repellent thin film on the master substrate, forming the fine pattern made of the electrodeposit resin on the peel layers, impregnating the electrodeposit resin with water, and stripping the fine pattern off the master substrate and transferring the fine pattern on a bonding layer of the media substrate. A color filter and a shading pattern filter are manufactured by the method for manufacturing the fine pattern. The color LCD element includes plastic film substrates, a transparent pixel electrode, a liquid crystal material, and color filters. The color filters are pasted on the plastic film with a bonding film laid therebetween.

Abstract: A plurality of recesses having the same interval and array as those of pores of an alumina film, which are to be formed in anodizing, are formed on a smooth surface of an aluminum plate in advance, and then, the aluminum plate is anodized. With this process, the roundness of the pores of the porous anodized alumina film and the uniformity of pore size are improved, and the pores are regularly arrayed at a predetermined interval. The recesses are formed by pressing a substrate having a plurality of projections on its surface against the aluminum plate surface to be anodized.

Abstract: Capacitor elements made with a solid polymeric electrolyte show reduced leakage current when reformed at about 60-85% of formation voltage during the impregnation phase between successive layers of polymeric electrolyte.

Abstract: The electronic component, specifically a SAW component with conductive structures disposed on a substrate is encapsulated for protection against environmental influences. The electrically conductive structures are sealed with a gas diffusion-constricting protective layer formed with an electrochemical or ion bombardment process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a polyoxide film on a doped polysilicon layer, which is suitable for use as an inter-polysilicon polyoxide film between a doped polysilicon floating gate and a doped polysilicon control gate. The method includes conducting an electrolytic reaction at a room, temperature such that a polyoxide layer is formed on a doped polysilicon layer acting as an anode. The polyoxide layer is preferably further subjected with a rapid thermal processing to improve its electrical characteristics.

Abstract: An electrode is disclosed having a coating on part of the electrode, e.g., a front face, comprising the oxides of tin, antimony, at least one platinum group metal and at least one valve metal. Another part of the electrode, such as a back face, has a coating comprising the oxides of at least one valve metal and at least one platinum group metal. The electrode can be generally plate-shaped and most desirably has at least one chamfered corner. The electrode is particularly useful in a cell wherein brine electrolyte is electrolyzed to prepare a disinfectant solution containing hypochlorite. The disinfectant solution can be especially serviceable, such as in maritime application, for treating water, e.g., freshwater as represented by desalinated water.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming method that (i) yields lower running costs, (ii) produces high resolution and high quality images as it allows for a minimum unit of the image being of molecular size, (iii) provides continuous image gradation, (iv) consists of environmentally friendly manufacturing steps, and (v) offers energy savings, low production cost and high efficiency which results in a versatile process with extensive applications in the related arts.

Abstract: A process for improving the adherence of paint applied after thin-film anodization is characterized in that the anodized metal surfaces are brought into contact with an aqueous solution containing one or more of the following components: (a) 200 to 2000 ppm of a homopolymer or copolymer of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and/or their esters; (b) 200 to 3000 ppm of a poly(vinyl phenol) compound in which at part of the phenol rings carry an alkylamino substituent; (c) 200 to 3000 ppm of hexafluorotitanic acid, hexafluorozirconic acid, and/or their anions.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fine pattern is provided which method makes it possible to well reproducibly and completely strip and transfer the fine pattern, repetitively use a master substrate, and simply form a high-definition and high-density fine pattern with good massproductivity. Further, a color filter and a shading pattern filter are implemented by the fine pattern. A color LCD element with the color filter is provided which enables to output a well color-reproducibly high-quality image with no color or brightness evenness. Moreover, a color LCD element is provided which enables to continuously output a coloring function for a certain length of time after light from a light source or ambient light disappears and form a brighter and more vivid image.

Abstract: An electrodeposition process using an aqueous coating composition comprising a carbamate-functional crosslinking agent and at least one principal resin is described. The carbamate-functional crosslinker is formed by first reacting a polyamine having at least two primary amine groups and at least one secondary amine group with a cyclic carbonate, and then reacting the product of the first reaction with a polyepoxide compound.

Abstract: Disclosed herewithin is a method of fabricating a stent which involves processing a tubular member whereby no connection points to join the edges of a flat pattern are necessary. The method includes the steps of a) removing contaminates from a tubular member, b) coating the outside surface of the tubular member with a photo-sensitive resist material, c) placing the tubular member in an apparatus designed to simultaneously rotate the tubular member while passing a specially configured photographic frame negative between a UV light source and the tubular member, thereby exposing a specified pattern of UV light to the resist coated tubular member, d) exposing the outside surface of the tubular member to a photoresist developer for a specified period of time, e) rinsing the excess developer and uncured resist from the outside surface of the tubular member, f) treating the tubular member with a electro-chemical process to remove uncovered metal.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method of a MIM nonlinear device (50) having a Ta electrode layer (16), an anodic oxidation film (18) and a Cr electrode layer (20), tantalum oxidation film (14) is first formed on the transparent substrate (12). The Ta electrode layer (16) is formed on the tantalum oxidation film (14) and the anodic oxidation film (18) is formed on the Ta electrode layer (16). Then, heat treatment is performed to the substrate. The final temperature drop in the heat treatment process is carried out in the atmosphere that contains water vapor. After that, the Cr electrode layer (20) is formed to complete the MIM nonlinear device (50). By conducting the heat treatment in the atmosphere that contains water vapor, the nonlinear characteristics of the MIM device can be improved as well as the improvement of the resistance characteristic in the OFF state.

Abstract: A colored anodic coating for use on surfaces of substrates, e.g. aluminum substrates in which it is desirable to maintain a high solar absorptance (a) and a high infrared emittance (e), particularly in low earth orbit space environments. This anodic coating is preferably a dark colored coating, and even more preferably a black coating. This coating allows a touch temperature within an acceptable design range to preclude burning of an astronaut in case of contact, but also allows a solar radiation absorption in an amount such that an a/e ratio of unity is achieved. The coating of the invention comprises a first layer in the form of an acid anodized colored anodic layer for achieving a high solar absorptance and a second or high emittance layer in the form of a clear acid anodized layer for achieving a high emittance. The entire coating is quite thin, e.g. 1-2 mils and is quite stable in a hostile space environment of the type encountered in a low earth orbit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing an aluminium foil comprising the steps of roughening an aluminium foil and subsequently anodizing said aluminium foil characterized in that after said anodization said aluminium foil is cleaned using an aqueous bicarbonate containing solution. The present invention further provides a mono-sheet silver salt diffusion transfer material having as a support the alumium foil obtainable from the above defined method. The step of cleaning in the bicarbonate containing solution improves the adhesion of an image receiving layer containing physical development nuclei to the aluminum foil as revealed from the increased amount of silver precipitated in the image receiving layer when the aluminum foil provided with an image receiving layer is used in a diffusion transfer reversal (DTR) process.

Abstract: A process for producing an oxide layer with a pore structure on the surface of a strip or wire of aluminum or an aluminum alloy is such that the strip or wire is passed continuously through an electrolyte and simultaneously anodized under conditions that create pores and at an anodizing voltage creating the desired thickness of oxide layer. In a first stage of the process, in order to form a fine pore structure, the anodizing voltage is set at an initial level (U.sub.1) and subsequently, in a second stage to form a coarser pore structure, raised to a final level (U.sub.2) required to reach the desired thickness of oxide layer.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement having a substrate of doped silicon with channels in a principal face, a selective means for detecting a material, the selective means covering the principal face without filling the channels, and a measuring instrument for registering a physical quantity dependent on the influence of a material is provided. A catalytic layer is particularly used as selective means and a temperature sensor is particularly used as measuring instrument. Alternatively, the sensor arrangement is fashioned as a capacitor having a porous cooperating electrode. The channels are preferably produced by electrochemical etching.

Abstract: An anodic oxide containing impurities at a low concentration and thereby improved in film quality, and a process for fabricating the same. The process comprises increasing the current between a metallic thin film and a cathode until a voltage therebetween reaches a predetermined value, and maintaining the voltage at the predetermined value thereafter.

Abstract: Black- or brown-oxidised copper laminates that are to be integrated into an electrical multilayer laminate in a subsequent process step are electrochemically reduced in order to avoid the formation of so-called "pink rings". To that end, they are connected as the cathode of an electrolysis in a suitable electrolyte. The atomic hydrogen produced in statu nascendi during the electrolysis completely or partially reduces the copper oxide layer on the metallic regions of the copper laminates, whereby the resistance of the surfaces of the metallic regions of the copper laminates to subsequent acid attack is considerably improved. The electrochemical reduction may optionally be coupled with a chemical reduction or precede a chemical reduction.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a substrate useful as a color filter for LCD and having window-shaped coating films and a frame-shaped, functional coating film at the regions not occupied with the window-shaped coating films, which comprises the steps of:(a) forming a functional coating film on a transparent substrate having electrically conductive circuits on a surface thereof,(b) superposing a photomask having a predetermined pattern on the surface of the coating film formed in step (a), and exposing the thus masked coating film to light,(c) subjecting the intermediate product to developing to leave a frame-shaped coating film, and(d) subjecting the resulting substrate formed through steps (a) to (c) to electro-deposition to form electro-deposition coating films on the electrically conductive circuits, enables production of coating films of fine pattern with improved precision.

Abstract: A method of electrocoating an electroconductive substrate utilizes an aqueous electrocoating composition containing an electrodepositable water dispersible film forming polymer and a pigment grind composition. The pigment grind composition contains pigment, electrodepositable water dispersible acrylic polymer and a reactive diluent. The reactive diluent has a number average molecular weight of between about 200 and about 2500 and is selected from polyalkylene glycols, polyalkylene glycol ethers, glycol ether formals or mixtures of these. The pigment grind composition has a volatile organic content of less than two pounds per gallon. The method is particularly suitable for anodic electrodeposition.

Abstract: Water spotting which occurs during rinsing of an electrodeposited photosensitive resist composition on a copper layer of a printed circuit board is reduced by applying an aqueous solution containing a surfactant. The surfactant is preferably a salt of an acylated polypeptide which is solid at ambient room temperature and forms a thin uniform film when the solution is dried.

Abstract: A broad range of colors within the visible spectrum can be obtained by light interference and multiple refraction in an anodized aluminum product, by electrolytically depositing on an aluminum-based substrate an aluminum oxide anodic film separated from the substrate by an aluminum/aluminum oxide interface. The aluminum oxide anodic film comprises at least three superimposed aluminum oxide anodic layers having different porosities and separated by interfaces between each other, the innermost one of said anodic layers having a non porous barrier layer arranged between the bottom of the pores thereof and the aluminum/aluminum oxide interface. Pigmentary inorganic material is deposited within the pores of the superimposed anodic layers and at least in portions of the interfaces between them, the different colors being produced by varying the current and/or time conditions when depositing the innermost one of the aluminum oxide anodic layers.

Abstract: A method for producing protecting layers on a metal selected from aluminum, titanium and zirconium, or alloys thereof, involves at least two anodic oxidation steps producing oxide layers and a thermal treatment which is carried out before or simultaneously with last anodic oxidation step. The treated metal according to the invention is protected even at high temperatures and under conditions of thermal cycling.

Abstract: An ink transfer medium, and a method for manufacturing the medium are provided. The ink transfer medium is of the electrically fusible type, and has an anisotropically electrically conductive layer characterized by greater electrical conductivity in the direction normal to the surface of the layer than in a direction parallel to the surface of the layer. Other layers sequentially provided next to each other, include a resistive layer for converting an electrical signal into heat, a conductive layer, an ink separation layer, and a fusible ink layer. Examples are given illustrating the use of the ink transfer medium. The anisotropically electrically conductive layer may be made by anodizing an aluminum cylinder to form an alumina body defining a plurality of through-pores and electrolytically filling the through-pores with a metal such as nickel or cobalt.

Abstract: Ceramic films and coatings, single or multi-layered, including superlattice, infiltrated with boride, carbide, nitride, oxynitride, and silicide were formed by methods which comprises of an electrochemical coating of a ceramic precursor by a constant or an amplitude-modulated electric current with a DC component in a medium containing at least one of the ionic species for the composition of the ceramic precursor, following single or multiple infiltration in a medium containing at least one of the compounds selected from a B-containing compounds, a C-containing compounds, a N-containing compounds, a Si-containing compounds, and a mixture thereof, by heating means selected from radio-frequency, microwave, thermal, flame, plasma, laser, and a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Electrodepositable compositions comprising active hydrogen-containing ionic resins, capped polyisocyanate curing agents and triorganotin catalysts are disclosed. The catalysts are liquid, can be easily incorporated into the electrodepositable compositions and surprisingly exhibit good catalytic activity at low levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous electrocoating paints which contain 2 to 10% by weight of an anticorrosive pigment based on zinc silicate in combination with 1 to 15% by weight of a very fine quartz powder or cristobalite powder coated with epoxysilane or aminosilane, the percentages by weight being based on the total solids content of the electrocoating paint and the anticorrosive pigment being preparable by fusing together 35 to 65% by weight of ZnO, 15 to 35% by weight of SiO.sub.2 and 0 to 20% by weight of B.sub.2 O.sub.3 and/or 0 to 20% by weight of WO.sub.3 and/or 0 to 20% by weight of MoO.sub.3 and/or 0 to 20% by weight of SnO.sub.2, the components being fused together using at least one of the cited oxides besides ZnO and SiO.sub.2 in such a manner that the percentages by weight always total 100.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for processing an etched surface of a semiconductive or semi-insulating substrate. It further concerns integrated circuits manufactured by this method and an anodic oxidation apparatus for implementing the method. The invention is particularly applicable to the manufacture of integrated circuits with ultrafine details (below 1.mu.) and in particular to manufacturing electro-optical devices. Anodic oxidation with controlled voltage and current is used to peel a constant thickness of oxidation off a surface of the substrate so as to improve the subsequent epitaxial growth.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine valve (100) is provided having a stem (4) onto which a plating or coating of trivalent chromium is electrodeposited and which is then heated at a temperature of at least about 150.degree. F. for at least about 3 hours to provide a wear resistant surface that is superior to coatings of hexavalent chromium heretofor used for such purpose.