Abstract: The disclosure describes a method of reducing or preventing the growth of microbes on the surface of an object, wherein the object is of such material that it can act as a working electrode. The method comprises the steps of providing a counter electrode, and a reference electrode. The object is used as the working electrode. A first electrical current is passed through the working and counter electrodes. The first current through the counter electrode is varied such that a first electric potential of the working electrode is constant relative to the electric potential of the reference electrode. In some embodiments, a second electrical current is passed through the counter electrode such that a second electric potential of the working electrode is constant relative to the electric potential of the reference electrode.

Abstract: An organic light-emitting display apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the display apparatus includes i) a substrate and ii) an organic light-emitting device formed on the substrate, the organic light-emitting device including a stack structure including a first electrode, an organic light-emitting layer, and a second electrode. The apparatus may further include a sealing layer formed on the substrate so as to cover the organic light-emitting device, the sealing layer including an inorganic layer and a porous layer interposed between the sealing layer and the organic light-emitting device. One embodiment can reduce a stress due to a sealing inorganic layer so as to maintain characteristics for a long time in a severe environment and not affect an organic light-emitting device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for evaluating corrosion resistance of coated metals substrates, such as autobodies at an accelerated rate. An anode and cathode coated with protective coating being tested are exposed to an electrolyte in a chamber of a corrosion resistance evaluator. These coatings are provided with predetermined and standardized defects, such as micro-holes to accelerate the corrosion of the underlying metal substrate in a predictable and repeatable manner. The coated cathode/anode pair is subject to a start-up period followed by series preset DC voltages modulated in triangular, truncated triangular or trapezoidal manner for preset durations that are interspaced with recovery periods. The impedance data collected are then used to arrive at the corrosion performance resistance of the coating applied over the cathode/anode pair. The foregoing evaluator substantially reduces the time required to test corrosion from several days (40 plus days) to few days (about two days).

Abstract: For fast and secure determination of the quality of a metal coating as well as of an electrolyte for depositing a metal, in particular for electrolytic deposition of nickel such as of semi-gloss nickel and bright nickel and for analytical control of the deposition electrolyte, a method of inspecting a metal coating is provided, which involves the following method steps: a) depositing the metal coating from a deposition electrolyte onto a working electrode; b) electrolytically dissolving the metal coating through anodic polarization of the working electrode with respect to a counter electrode, which is in electrolytic contact with the working electrode; c) recording an electrical dissolution potential at the working electrode over time, said potential occurring during a dissolution of the metal coating; and d) determining a time-averaged vale of the dissolution potential.

Abstract: Electrochemical methods for probing solid polymer electrolyte surface coatings on electrically conducting, active, three-dimensional electrode materials for use in lithium-ion batteries, to quantitatively determine the conformity, uniformity, and the presence of pinholes, and/or other defects in coatings, without requiring the detachment of the coating from the electrode or otherwise inducing damage to the coating, are described. Coated electrodes are submersed in an electrolyte solution containing a redox-active probe species which does not induce electrochemical damage to either the working electrode or the solid polymer electrolyte surface coating. For coated Cu2Sb working electrodes, molecules including a water-soluble redox active viologen moiety have been found to be effective.

Abstract: The thickness of a palladium coating on copper (or another substrate) is measured by passing a cathodic current through a predetermined area of the coating in contact with an electrolytic solution and measuring the potential as a function of time. Protons from the electrolytic solution are electrochemically reduced to palladium hydride at cathodic potentials less negative than required for evolution of hydrogen. As formation of the PdH0.58 beta-phase throughout the Pd coating is completed, the cathodic potential increases rapidly to a cathodic potential plateau corresponding to evolution of hydrogen gas on the PdH0.58 surface. This step in the cathodic potential provides an endpoint time for the measurement. The absolute thickness of the Pd coating is calculated from the integrated cathodic charge passed up to the endpoint time and the predetermined area of the coating in contact with the electrolytic solution.

Abstract: A method for isolating microstructural regions or features on a surface for electrochemical experimentation comprising polishing a metal sample, coating the metal sample with a photoresist, selecting a region of interest of the metal sample, exposing the region of interest with light energy, developing the exposed photoresist and creating a developed region.

Abstract: For fast and secure determination of the quality of a metal coating as well as of an electrolyte for depositing a metal, in particular for electrolytic deposition of nickel such as of semi-gloss nickel and bright nickel and for analytical control of the deposition electrolyte, a method of inspecting a metal coating is provided, which involves the following method steps: a) depositing the metal coating from a deposition electrolyte onto a working electrode; b) electrolytically dissolving the metal coating through anodic polarisation of the working electrode with respect to a counter electrode, which is in electrolytic contact with the working electrode; c) recording an electrical dissolution potential at the working electrode over time, said potential occurring during a dissolution of the metal coating; and d) determining a time-averaged vale of the dissolution potential.

Abstract: The inventive concept provides a wafer test method and a wafer test apparatus. The wafer test method can recognize the amount of residuals generated in a sidewall of the metal-containing layer pattern and the extent of corrosion of a sidewall of the metal-containing layer pattern using the measured electric resistance by supplying an electrolyte so that the electrolyte is in contact with a portion of the metal-containing layer pattern in a predetermined chip region and measuring an electric resistance between a first electrode which is electrically in contact with the other portion of the metal-containing layer pattern and a second electrode which is in contact with the electrolyte in the predetermined region. Thus, a wafer test method and a wafer test apparatus can be embodied by an in-line method without dividing a wafer into each chip.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for carrying a liquid, the device comprising a microfluidic channel having an interior wall and a polyelectrolyte film on the interior wall whereby liquid carried by the channel contacts the polyelectrolyte film, the polyelectrolyte film having a thickness of about 1 to about 1000 nanometers and comprising an interpenetrating network of a predominantly positively charged polymer and a predominantly negatively charged polymer, the predominantly positively charged polymer, the predominantly negatively charged polymer or both containing (i) a pH insensitive positively or negatively charged repeat unit having a pKa greater than 9 or less than 3, and (ii) a pH sensitive repeat unit, the pH sensitive repeat unit having a pKa of 3 to 9, whereby the pH of liquid in the microfluidic channel may be used to control the velocity or direction of electroosmotic flow of the liquid within said microfluidic channel.

Abstract: A sealing ring assembly and an improved method for mounting a sealing ring into an electrochemical cell used for Electrochemical Capacitance Voltage (ECV) profiling measurements. The ring is located in a holder having at least one secondary bore providing fluid communication between a forward face of the holder and the central bore of the ring, directed parallel to but tangentially offset relative to the inner wall of the central bore so as to impart a degree of rotational flow to electrolyte entering the sealing ring through the or each secondary bore which effectively removes gas bubbles and refreshes the electrolyte. The holder facilitates ring removal with a much reduced risk of damage to the delicate sealing surface.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring water and oxygen permeation rates of a protective layer in an organic electronic device are provided. The device includes: a glass substrate; a pair of electrode layers facing each other and deposited on the glass substrate; a calcium layer deposited on the glass substrate; a water and oxygen permeable substrate deposited on the calcium layer; a target protective layer of an organic electronic device, which is deposited on the water and oxygen permeable substrate; and a sealing material applied along an edge of the target protective layer, wherein one ends of the pair of electrode layers are buried in the calcium layer and the other ends are electrically connected to an external resistance measuring device.

Abstract: A detection system for monitoring an engineered structure includes an array of sensors disposable in a predetermined pattern on the engineered structure and disposable between a surface of the engineered structure and a protective coating substantially covering the surface. The detection system also includes a controller in communication with the array of sensors for retrieving data from the sensors. The controller communicates with the sensor array via an optical fiber backbone. The array of sensors can remotely provide data corresponding to at least one of a degree of cure of the protective coating, a health of the cured protective coating, and a corrosion rate of the engineered structure at each of the sensors.

Abstract: A method for conducting an accelerated life test of a polymer coated metallic sample includes placing the sample below the water surface in a test tank containing water and an oxygen containing gas. Cathodic polarization of the metallic portion of the sample is increased. This can be by using a voltage source or a sacrificial anode. Dissolved oxygen in the test tank water is also increased. Dissolved oxygen can be increased by providing oxygen under pressure to the tank or through an aerator under the water surface. Temperature can also be regulated to accelerate the test speed. Delamination of the sample is periodically tested through a peel test or by other means. The invention also provides a reaction model independent method for calculating activation energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to the analysis of the performance and properties of electrochemical processes, and specifically, to electrolytic solutions and electrode processes. The invention discloses a device and a method for obtaining qualitative and quantitative information for the kinetics of the electrode reactions, the transport processes, the thermodynamic properties of the electrochemical processes taking place in the cell. When a deposition reaction takes place, the device provides also valuable information about the relationship between the current density and deposit properties including but not limited to the deposit color, luster, and other aspects of its appearance. The device disclosed herein typically is comprised of a multiplicity of cathodic or anodic regions where one or more electrochemical reactions take place simultaneously, but at a different rate.

Abstract: A device for detecting an end point of electro-plating comprises a mandrel having a substrate and a patterned conductive layer with a main conductive area and an insulated conductive area on the substrate, an insulation region interposed between the main conductive area and the insulated conductive area, and a sensor electrically connected to the insulated conductive area for detecting a signal which indicates the end point of electro-plating.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a noble metal concentration in a sample that is representative of a noble metal concentration in either a volume of water circulated through a nuclear reactor or a surface of a nuclear reactor component exposed to the volume of water. The system comprises: at least one standard having a predetermined concentration of the noble metal disposed its surface; an electrolyte bath for immersing one of the sample and the standard therein; an auxiliary electrode connectable to one of the sample and the standard; a power source connectable to a reference electrode and one of the standard and the sample; and a current measurement device capable of measuring a current passing between the auxiliary electrode and one of the sample and the standard.

Abstract: A high throughput electrochemical test method for determining the resistance to corrosion of a metal article coated with a resinous coating which comprises: (a) making, as the working electrode in an electrochemical cell which also comprises a reference electrode, a counter-electrode and an electrolytic solution, one or more metal articles comprising a plurality of coated areas thereon, with the proviso that a portion of the coating does not exist on the metal thereby allowing for the ultimate passage of electrical current to the metal without the coating being a barrier to such passage; (b) impressing a series of direct current electrical potentials upon each of the respective coated areas in sequence and upon the respective associated working electrode to enable current to flow between the metal article in the electrochemical cell and the counter-electrode; and (c) measuring the current flow as the direct current potential is varied relative to the reference electrode to generate a potentiodynamic scan o

Abstract: A hand-held or permanently attached corrosion sensor is described that uses electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS, also known as AC impedance) to detect coating and structural degradation caused by excessive moisture uptake of coated and uncoated composite laminations or honeycomb or adhesively bonded structures. The hand-held sensor is pressed against the surface of the structure or specimen to be inspected. Alternatively, the sensor electrode may be permanently or temporarily attached. An EIS spectrum can then be obtained in the field or under arbitrary conditions and the degree of moisture uptake or coating or material degradation can be determined from the resultant spectrum. There are no restrictions on the configuration of the structure being inspected. The area of detection is controlled by controlling the extent and degree of wetness of the surface. A dry surface will provide a localized measurement; a wet surface will allow inspection of the wetted area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quality, e.g., thickness, porosity, or corrosion rate, of a coating inside a hollow body having an opening. The method comprises attaching a probe from a coating measuring device to one end of an extender arm having a flexible portion therein, placing the probe inside the hollow body through the opening, and making the desired measurements of the coating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quality, e.g., thickness, porosity, or corrosion rate, of a coating inside a hollow body having an opening. The method comprises attaching a probe from a coating measuring device to one end of an extender arm having a flexible portion therein, placing the probe inside the hollow body through the opening, and making the desired measurements of the coating. The apparatus includes a flexible extender arm for use with a coating measuring device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quality, e.g., thickness, porosity, or corrosion rate, of a coating inside a hollow body having an opening. The method comprises attaching a probe from a coating measuring device to one end of an extender arm having a flexible portion therein, placing the probe inside the hollow body through the opening, and making the desired measurements of the coating.The apparatus includes a flexible extender arm for use with a coating measuring device.

Abstract: A sinusoidal voltage is appied to a zirconium alloy clad fuel rod. The current is measured and the impedance is determined to provide a check for the compactness and adhesion of an oxide surface layer on the fuel rod.

Abstract: An electrolytic test machine is used for a corrosion resistance test for a test material comprised of a metal blank and a coating film. The electrolytic test machine is constructed so that an adverse influence, due to chlorine gas generated during a test, can be inhibited. The electrolytic test machine includes an electrolytic cell in which an aqueous solution of NaCl is stored so that a test material is immersed in the aqueous solution of NaCl. An electrode is immersed in the aqueous solution of NaCl. A DC power source supplies electric current between the electrode and the test material. A chlorine gas treating device collects chlorine gas which is generated with electrolysis of the aqueous solution of NaCl and which is released out of the aqueous solution of NaCl along with the aqueous solution of NaCl. The chlorine gas treating device includes a treating pipe line, a suction pump mounted on the treating pipe line, and a chlorine gas purifying member.

Abstract: A process for promoting corrosion of a test material, is provided including the steps of immersing, in an electrolytic liquid, a test material which is comprised of a metal blank and a coating film formed on the metal blank, and allowing a DC current to flow between the metal blank and an electrode in the electrolytic liquid while reversing the polarity of the metal blank alternately from positive to negative and vice versa, thereby causing the coating film to be at least partly peeled off the metal blank in one state of polarity and promoting corrosion of the metal blank in the reversed state of polarity. The process may also be conducted with a metal blank having a damaged portion of the coating film which exposes a portion of the surface of the metal blank underlying the coating film.

Abstract: A method and circuit (14) for monitoring an electroplating operation of an electroplating machine (10) of the type having a first electroplating cell (18) for depositing nickel onto an integrated circuit leadframe (12) and a second electroplating cell (19) for subsequently depositing palladium onto the leadframe (12). A first current (30) is applied in the first electroplating cell (18) to form a nickel deposit on the leadframe (12) and a second current (31) is applied in the second electroplating cell (19) to from a palladium deposit on the nickel deposit. The second current (31) is greater than the first current (30) if the electroplating machine (10) is operating normally. The first current (30) and second current (31) are compared in a comparator (44) during the electroplating operation, and if the second current (31) is less than the first current (30), an error signal is generated on an output line (50). If desired, the electroplating machine (10) may be stopped in response to the error signal.

Abstract: A process for purifying and refining platinum group metals such as platinum, iridium, palladium, rhodium and the like by an electrochemical process using ammonium chloride as the electrolyte to form ammonium chloride platinum group salts as a "slime" followed by the use of ammonia hydroxide to dissolve and separate said salts from other materials in the slime. A further step to precipitate the platinum metals from the ammonia hydroxide may be employed.

Abstract: An electrode is mounted in a vertical manner in an electrolytic liquid in an electrolytic cell. A harmful gas collecting hood is disposed within the electrolytic cell to cover the entire upper portion of the electrode. One end of a bottom surface of the hood lies at a higher location than the other end of the bottom surface of the hood. An inlet of a harmful gas treating pipe line is disposed in the vicinity of that portion of the bottom surface of the hood which lies at the higher location thereof. A harmful gas generated around the electrode is smoothly guided to the inlet by a guide effect of the hood and sucked into the inlet.

Abstract: An electrolytic test machine includes an electrolytic cell in which an electrolytic liquid is stored so that a test material is immersed in the electrolytic liquid. An electrode is immersed in the electrolytic liquid. A DC power source supplies a current between the test material and the electrode. A treating pipe line extends from the electrolytic cell to collect a harmful gas which is generated from the electrolytic liquid during supplying of a current and which is released out of the electrolytic liquid, along with the electrolytic liquid. A harmful gas purifying device is disposed in the treating pipe line. The harmful gas purifying device includes a catalyst for purifying the harmful gas, and a determining device for determining the replacement time of the catalyst.

Abstract: A method for indicating the concentration of a substance in solution includes passing an alternating voltage between a first electrode structure having coated thereon a polymer and a second separate counter electrode in the solution. The polymer is in one of an oxidized and a reduced state, between which states its conductivity varies. Changes in the conductivity of the polymer coating are measured, the measurement being representative of the state of the polymer and thereby of the concentration of the substance in the solution. Electrodes for use in this method are also described.

Abstract: Metal formed on a semiconductor wafer is brought into contact with ions adapted to corrode the metal, and subjected to constant-current electrolysis using a galvanostat. The electrode potential of the metal is measured. There are obtained (i) the relationship between current value and time of pitting corrosion and (ii) the critical current value, based on which the metal is evaluated for surface smoothness, the pitting corrosion resistance of metal surface, resistance to pitting corrosion, the segregation amount and concentration of trace metal contained in the metal, and the grain size or grain boundary length of the metal.

Abstract: The organic coating deposited on a metallic substrate is quantitatively euated by measurement of electrical signals through an electrochemical cell having an electrode separated from the deposited coating by a porous pad within which a liquid medium is absorbed. Quality determining parameters of the coating are rapidly calculated through a data processor to which electrical current and phase shift measurements are fed together with data from the electrochemical cell. The method may be used to evaluate the quality of the coating on the steel hull of a marine vessel exposed to seawater.

Abstract: A coating analysis apparatus is suitable for analyzing four physical properties including the internal stress of a coating, the thickness of a coating, the current efficiency of electroplating and the corrosion rate of a coating. The apparatus comprises a testing cell filled with an electrolyte solution or an electroplating solution; a programmable power supply for supplying power to electroplate or electrolyze a specimen; and a microprocessor for controlling the programmable power supply to supply the power and analyzing the four physical properties.

Abstract: A planar, solid-state electrochemical oxygen sensor having a substrate, conductive strips deposited on the substrate, and a dielectric layer insulating portions of the conductive strips except those portions which define a working electrode and at least one second electrode. The working electrode may be defined by an open printed region of the dielectric, or by a needle-punched or laser-burned hole or opening in the dielectric which exposes a small region of one of the conductive strips. A solid electrolyte contacting the electrodes is covered by a semipermeable membrane which may comprise an acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer or an acrylate-based copolymer. A sample chamber is defined by the membrane, a cover member, and a gasket therebetween, and has a volume of from about 1 to about 2 N.L. The gasket is formulated from the highly cross-linked polymerization product of epichlorohydrin. All sensor components are selected such that a sensor operable for at least 2 days under normal conditions is produced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for testing solder mask material for suitability with an electroless plating process. The Emix potential of the electroless bath is measured. A test substrate including the mask material is then immersed in an electrolyte, and a constant potential at least equal to the Emix potential is applied to a pair of electrodes also immersed in the electrolyte. The test substrate is then inspected to determine adherence of the mask material.