Abstract: A negative electrode active material is composed of a silicon material coated with a carbon layer containing a Group 4 to 6 metal. A method for producing a negative electrode active material includes a step of decomposing a compound containing the Group 4 to 6 metal and a carbon source by heating in the presence of a silicon material, the compound, and the carbon source.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cathode active material, according to the inventive concept includes: disposing a lithium transition metal oxide and a washing liquid into a reaction chamber; contacting the lithium transition metal oxide with the washing liquid to wash the lithium transition metal oxide and form a washed lithium transition metal oxide; disposing a layered double hydroxide into the reaction chamber to form a coating of the layered double hydroxide on a surface of the washed lithium transition metal oxide to provide a coated lithium transition metal oxide; and heat treating the coated lithium transition metal oxide to form a cathode active material, wherein the cathode active material comprises a layered double oxide coated lithium transition metal oxide, and wherein the contacting the lithium transition metal oxide with the washing liquid and the forming of the coated lithium transition metal oxide are consecutively performed in a single space.

Abstract: There is provided a Cr-containing austenitic alloy having a chromium oxide film with a thickness of 5 nm or larger on the surface, wherein the content of Mn in a base metal is, by mass percent, less than 0.1%. The chemical composition of the base metal desirably consists of, by mass percent, C: 0.15% or less, Si: 1.00% or less, Mn: less than 0.1%, P: 0.030% or less, S: 0.030% or less, Cr: 10.0 to 40.0%, Ni: 8.0 to 80.0%, Ti: 0.5% or less, Cu: 0.6% or less, Al: 0.5% or less, and N: 0.20% or less, the balance being Fe and impurities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new composition and medical implant made therefrom, the composition comprising a thick diffusion hardened zone, and preferably further comprising a ceramic layer. The present invention relates to orthopedic implants comprising the new composition, methods of making the new composition, and methods of making orthopedic implants comprising the new composition.

Abstract: There is provided a Cr-containing austenitic alloy tube, wherein a chromium oxide film with a thickness of 0.05 to 1.5 ?m having the relationship defined by Formula (i) is formed on the inner surface of the tube, wherein the average concentration of C in the depth range of 5 to 10 ?m from the inner surface is lower than the concentration of C in a base metal; 0.4??1/?2?2.5??(i) wherein ?1 and ?2 are thicknesses (?m) of the chromium oxide film at both ends of tube, respectively.

Abstract: Oxide, oxysulfide, or phosphate host particles with a self-assembled organo-phosphonate monolayer covalently bonded thereto are disclosed. Methods for coating the host particles and use of rare earth ion-doped particles in imaging methods and photodynamic therapy methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides titanium material for a separator for solid polymer fuel cell use comprised of titanium which has a surface layer part where conductive compound particles are affixed, which is excellent in contact resistance between the separator surface and carbon paper and in durability, and which is low in cost and superior in recyclability and a method of production of the same. This titanium material for separator use has on the surface of the titanium base material a film comprised of the titanium compound particles made of titanium carbide, titanium nitride, or titanium carbonitride and titanium oxide. The film has a thickness of 0.1 to 1 ?m, the coverage rate is an area percentage of 20% or more, and the contents of carbon and nitrogen in the film total 5 to 40 at %. The titanium material for a separator is produced by annealing or shot blasting and pickling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blackening treatment method for a black Cr—Co alloy plating film, the method comprising bringing a black Cr—Co alloy plating film having a Cr content of 1 to 15 wt. % into contact with a blackening treatment solution comprising an aqueous solution with a pH value of ?1 to 5. According to the present invention, the blackish color of a less blackish plating film formed from a plating bath containing trivalent chromium is enhanced to further improve decorativeness. Furthermore, the corrosion resistance of the film can be more improved by performing electrolytic chromate treatment after blackening treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides tantalum alloys, methods for forming tantalum alloys having a luminous, black, ceramic surface, and articles, such as, but not limited to, jewelry and watches, formed from the tantalum alloys.

Abstract: Composite coating materials comprising a hard carbide phase and a metallic binder that are resistant to molten metals such as aluminum are disclosed. The hard carbide phase of the composite coatings may comprise tungsten carbide, and the metallic binder may comprise a nickel-based alloy. A thin oxide layer comprising oxides of the binder metal may be provided on the surface of the composite coating. The composite coatings exhibit desirable non-wetting behavior when exposed to molten metals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an anti-infective coating on implants that contain titanium or are composed of titanium. The aim of the invention is to provide a coating method with which it is possible, for implants made of titanium or that contain titanium, to combine the optimization of the mechanical properties achieved with the anodic oxidation type II with the optimization of the anti-infective properties. According to the invention, the implants are anodically oxidized in an alkaline solution, then metal having anti-infective properties is electrodeposited on said surface, and afterwards the oxide layer containing metal is solidified.

Abstract: A stainless steel-and-resin composite includes a stainless steel part and a resin part bonded to the stainless steel part. The stainless steel part has a porous film resulted from anodizing formed thereon. The porous film defines pores with an average diameter of about 100 nm-500 nm. The resin part is integrally bonded to the surface of the stainless steel part having the porous film, with portions of the resin part penetrating in the pores. The resin part mainly comprises crystalline thermoplastic synthetic resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dense-coverage, adherent phosphorous-based coating on the native oxide surface of a material. Disclosed phosphorous-based coatings include phosphate and organo-phosphonate coatings. The present invention also provides further derivatization of the phosphorous-based coatings to yield dense surface coverage of chemically reactive coatings and osetoblast adhesion-promoting and proliferation-promoting coatings on the native oxide surface of a titanium material.

Abstract: Provided is an aluminum or aluminum alloy material having a surface treatment coating film on a surface of a substrate formed by an aluminum or aluminum alloy. The aluminum or aluminum alloy material has: a substrate formed by an aluminum or aluminum alloy; and a first protective layer and a second protective layer in the order on a surface of the substrate, wherein the first protective layer is a conversion coating film including vanadium and at least one or more types of metals selected from titanium, zirconium, and hafnium, the second protective layer is an organic coating film having a composition that includes (1) a chitosan derivative and a solubilizing agent, (2) a modified polyvinyl alcohol formed by graft polymerization of a hydrophilic polymer to a side chain of polyvinyl alcohol, and (3) a water-soluble crosslinking agent.

Abstract: Provided is a rolled copper foil or electrolytic copper foil for an electronic circuit to be used for forming a circuit by etching, wherein the copper foil comprises a nickel or nickel alloy layer with a lower etching rate than copper formed on an etching side of the rolled copper foil or electrolytic copper foil, and a heat resistance layer composed of zinc or zinc alloy or its oxide formed on the nickel or nickel alloy layer.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and a process for making the article by generating corrosion-, heat- and abrasion-resistant ceramic coatings comprising titanium and/or zirconium dioxide using direct and alternating current on anodes comprising aluminum and/or titanium. Optionally, the article is coated with additional layers, such as paint, after deposition of the ceramic coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an antibacterial coating which is composed of silver, to medical tools and to implants comprising such a coating and to a method as well to an apparatus for the production of such a coating. The medical tools or the dental or orthopaedic implant comprises a metal or metal alloy having a treated surface wherein the treated surface is at least partially converted to an oxide film by plasma electrolytic oxidation using a colloid-dispersed system and wherein the converted surface is partially covered by islands formed by colloid-dispersed silver-particles of the colloid-dispersed system. An Ag—TiO2 coating shows excellent properties in terms of antibacterial efficacy (even against multi-resistant strains), adhesion and biocompatibility. The life-time of an implant in a human body is increased. The antibacterial coating can be used in the field of traumatology, orthopaedic, osteosynthesis and/or endoprothesis, especially where high infection risk exists.

Abstract: A superhydrophobic structure that may have a titanium substrate and nanoporous titanium oxide layer grown on the titanium substrate by anodization. The titanium oxide layer may have a plurality of nano-tube structures that create a microscopically rough surface on the titanium substrate. A hydrophobic coating may be deposited over the titanium oxide layer to create a superhydrophobic surface on the titanium substrate. The titanium oxide layer may provide a photocatalytic reaction with oxygen in surrounding air to oxidize organic contaminants on the superhydrophobic surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a heat insulating laminate structure having an excellent solar radiation shielding capability as well as an excellent radio wave transparency. The method includes placing a transparent laminate film between two transparent substrates, the transparent laminate film having on at least one side of a transparent polymer film a laminated layer structure in which a metal oxide layer containing an organic component and a metal layer are laminated and grooves having widths of 30 ?m or less are formed with dividing the metal layer; bonding the two substrates to each other through the transparent laminate film under application of a pressure; and promoting division of the metal layer in the transparent laminate film by the applied pressure to increase an overall surface resistance.

Abstract: Metal and metal alloys with sealed anodic oxide coatings with at least partial crystallinity are disclosed. Associated articles are correspondingly disclosed. The sealed anodic coatings exhibit steam, superheated steam, alkaline and acidic resistance. The crystalline sealed anodic oxide coating can be prepared by impregnation of pores of a metal or metal substrate with metal precursor species, conversion of the metal precursor species into metal hydroxides, thermal treatment to dry out moisture and to promote phase transformation of the metal hydroxide product into metal oxides solids and bonding with metastable metal oxide substance in the pore structure of the metal or metal alloy substrate, and hydrothermal sealing, to create sealed anodic coating.

Abstract: An alloy having from about 5 to about 15 wt % Ta, from 0 to about 5 wt % Nb, from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % Zr, and the balance Ti is disclosed. The alloy is particularly intended for medical devices, such as implants for the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resin-metal bonded article which is improved in adhesion between a copper component and a PPS or PBT resin. Also disclosed is a method for producing such a resin-metal bonded article. The resin-metal bonded article is obtained by bonding the resin component onto the surface of the copper component through a copper component bonding surface where there is copper oxide in the following range: 10%?Cu2O/(Cu2O+CuO)?75%. Preferably, this resin-metal bonded article further contains a triazine thiol derivative in the resin-component-side bonding surface of the copper component.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for protecting a metal substrate from corrosion. The method comprises generating an acid catalysed sol-gel which is combined with a polyaniline solution before coating onto a metal substrate. The coating is then cured and optionally activated by subjecting the coating to alkaline conditions. The resultant metal substrate coating comprises an inter-mediate layer having a composition resultant from the reaction of the sol-gel layer with the substrate such that the sol-gel coating is chemically bonded to the substrate via the intermediate layer.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and a process for making the article by the anodization of aluminum and aluminum alloy workpieces to provide corrosion-, heat- and abrasion-resistant ceramic coatings comprising titanium and/or zirconium oxides, and the subsequent coating of the anodized workpiece with polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”) or silicone containing coatings. The invention is especially useful for forming longer life PTFE coatings on aluminum substrates by pre-coating the substrate with an anodized layer of titanium and/or zirconium oxide that provides excellent corrosion-, heat- and abrasion-resistance in a hard yet flexible film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device comprising a substrate based essentially on nitinol and, arranged thereon at least partially, a covering or a coating based on at least one polyphosphazene derivative having the general formula (I), a process for its production, and the use of the device as an artificial implant, vascular or nonvascular stent, catheter, thrombolectomy or embolectomy catheter, fragmentation spindle or catheter, filter, vascular connector, hernia patch, oral, dental or throat implant or urether.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for depositing multi-component and nanostructured thin films. Various parameters are monitored during the process to produce the structure of the thin films, on one hand the residence time of the gas mixture in the reactor is controlled by the pumping rate, on the other side to generate the plasma direct current (DC) or radio frequency (RF) sources are used, plus the combination of three unbalanced magnetrons allows alternative emission of elements that make up the multi-component and nanostructured films. The process is monitored by an optical emission spectrometer (EOE) and a Langmuir probe (SL), the EOE can follow the emission corresponding to the electronic transitions of atoms and molecules in the plasma. Emissions occur in the visible, infrared and ultraviolet domains. The relationships between spectral networks of different elements have been identified that ensure structural characteristics of thin films.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device comprising a substrate based essentially on nitinol and, arranged thereon at least partially, a covering or a coating based on at least one polyphosphazene derivative having the general formula (I), a process for its production, and the use of the device as an artificial implant, vascular or nonvascular stent, catheter, thrombolectomy or embolectomy catheter, fragmentation spindle or catheter, filter, vascular connector, hernia patch, oral, dental or throat implant or urether.

Abstract: An FeO layer including fine crystal grains having random orientation is formed as inner layer scale on the surface of the steel wire rod containing C: 0.05-1.2 mass % (hereinafter referred to as “%”), Si: 0.01-0.50%, Mn: 0.1-1.5%, P: 0.02% or below, S: 0.02% or below, N: 0.005% or below, an Fe2SiO4 layer with the thickness: 0.01-1.0 ?m is formed in the boundary face between the FeO layer of the inner layer scale and steel, and the thickness of the inner layer scale is 1-40% of the total scale thickness. In another aspect, the maximum grain size of the crystal grain of the inner layer scale is 5.0 ?m or below and the average grain size is 2.0 ?m or below.

Abstract: A method of making a drug eluting stent comprises forming a porous stent body surface layer by ion implantation, applying a layer of ceramic particles on the porous layer and compressing the layer of ceramic particles. The layer of ceramic particles can be compressed to successively higher densities. Drugs can be loaded into the layer of ceramic materials at a relatively low density before the layer of ceramic materials is compressed to a higher density to achieve a desired low drug release rate.

Abstract: A transparent conductive oxide (TCO) based film is formed on a substrate. The film may be formed by sputter-depositing, so as to include both a primary dopant (e.g., Al) and a co-dopant (e.g., Ag). The benefit of using the co-dopant in depositing the TCO inclusive film may be two-fold: (a) it may prevent or reduce self-compensation of the primary dopant by a more proper positioning of the Fermi level, and/or (b) it may promote declustering of the primary dopant, thereby freeing up space in the metal sublattice and permitting more primary dopant to create electrically active centers so as to improve conductivity of the film. Accordingly, the use of the co-dopant permits the primary dopant to be more effective in enhancing conductivity of the TCO inclusive film, without significantly sacrificing visible transmission characteristics. An example TCO in certain embodiments is ZnAlOx:Ag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new composition and medical implant made therefrom, the composition comprising a thick diffusion hardened zone, and preferably further comprising a ceramic layer. The present invention relates to orthopedic implants comprising the new composition, methods of making the new composition, and methods of making orthopedic implants comprising the new composition.

Abstract: Thermally stable diamond bonded construction comprise a diamond bonded body including a thermally stable region, comprising a plurality of diamond grains bonded together by a reaction product of the diamond grains with a reactant such as Si, and a polycrystalline diamond region, comprising intercrystalline bonded diamond and a catalyst material. The body further comprises a ceramic compound formed by reaction of an Nb, Zr, Ti, or Mo getter material with a gaseous element generated during HPHT sintering of the diamond bonded body. The diamond bonded body may comprise from 0.1 to 15 percent by weight of the ceramic compound. The diamond bonded body can be formed during a single HPHT process operated at different temperatures when the reactant has a melting temperature above the catalyst material. The construction may include a metallic substrate attached to the diamond bonded body to facilitate use as a wear or cutting element.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to form a chromium-oxide film excellent in corrosion resistance without containing an oxide film of other metal onto the optional metallic material. The chromium-oxide passivation film excellent in corrosion resistance without containing the oxide film of other metal can be formed inexpensively and in a short time, and a fluid supplying system for supplying fluid hard in corrosivity in safety is able to be provided. This invention comprises a step of forming the passivation film consisting of a chromium oxide by giving heat treatment in an oxidizing atmosphere after coating chromium on metallic material of which surface roughness (Ra) of a coat surface is not more than 1.

Abstract: Methods for bonding adherent phosphorous-containing coating layers to oxide surfaces on substrates wherein the substrates with oxide surfaces are selected from: (a) oxidized iron, titanium, silicon, tin and vanadium; (b) indium tin oxide; and (c) substrates with oxide layers deposited thereon, wherein the substrates on which oxide layers are deposited are selected from ceramics, semiconductors, metals, plastics and glass, and the method contacts the oxide surface with a carrier conveying an organo-phosphonic acid coating composition and heats the oxide surface and carrier at a sufficient temperature while maintaining contact for a sufficient time to bond a layer of the organophosphonic acid to the oxide surface. Coated articles prepared by the inventive method are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a substrate processing apparatus equipped with a metallic component, with at least a part of its metallic surface exposed to an inside of a processing chamber and subjected to baking treatment at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure. As a result of this baking treatment, a film which does not react with various types of reactive gases, and which can block the out diffusion of metals, is formed on the surface of the above-mentioned metallic component.

Abstract: The invention aims at providing a complex oxide film having a high relative dielectric constant and capacitance having low temperature-dependency, whose film thickness can be arbitrarily controlled, and a manufacturing method thereof, a composite body comprising the complex oxide film and a manufacturing method thereof, a dielectric or piezoelectric material comprising the complex oxide film or composite body, a capacitor or piezoelectric element comprising the complex oxide film having the complex oxide film with low temperature-dependency, and an electronic device equipped with the same, without involving any complicated or large scale equipment. The complex oxide film containing titanium element and calcium element can be obtained by forming a metal oxide film containing titanium element on substrate surface and then allowing a solution containing calcium ion to react with the metal oxide layer.

Abstract: A negative electrode material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprising an alloy including silicon and a transition metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, vanadium, molybdenum, tungsten, iron, and nickel; and a silicon oxide film and an oxide film of the transition metal formed on a surface of the alloy wherein the alloy includes an A phase including silicon and a B phase including a crystalline alloy of silicon and the transition metal. The negative electrode material has a silicon oxide film and an oxide film of the transition metal on the surface of the alloy wherein the thickness ratio of the transition metal oxide film to the silicon oxide film is at least 0.44 and smaller than 1.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave shielding filter that has low electric conductivity, high visible light transmittance and good durability, a method of manufacturing the electromagnetic wave shielding filter, and a PDP apparatus including the electromagnetic wave shielding filter. The electromagnetic wave shielding filter includes a laminate structure including multiple stacks each consisting of a niobium oxide layer, a first protective layer having a ZnO as a main component, and a metal layer sequentially laminated in that order, the multiple stacks formed by repeatedly laminating the respective layers at least three times, and a niobium oxide layer formed on the laminate structure.

Abstract: The wear-resistant ceramic coating is a coating formed with a first thin film nitride layer formed by laser nitriding and a second thin film layer of titanium nitride or other ceramic material formed by physical vapor deposition. For example, the coating may be formed on a Ti-6Al-4V alloy by first directing a CO2 laser beam towards the surface of the alloy while subjecting the surface to a flow of pressurized pure nitrogen. This process results in the formation of a first nitride layer approximately 80 microns in thickness by laser melting. The first layer is polished to a smooth surface. Then a thin film (about two micrometers) of titanium nitride is applied over the first layer by physical vapor deposition, e.g., by sputtering at 260° C. Similar coatings may be applied to other titanium alloys, such as Ti-5Al-2.5Fe, or to other metals, such as high-speed steel (HSS).

Abstract: To provide a chemical conversion-treated metal sheet excellent in the corrosion resistance and coating adhesion, free from elution of chromium oxide and small in the environmental load, there is provided a chemical conversion-treated metal sheet comprising a metal sheet having on at least one surface thereof an inorganic film, wherein the inorganic film is a film comprising as a main component one or both of a metal oxide and a metal hydroxide exclusive of Cr and the film contains F.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and a process for making the article by the anodization of aluminum and aluminum alloy workpieces to provide corrosion-, heat- and abrasion-resistant ceramic coatings comprising titanium and/or zirconium oxides, and the subsequent coating of the anodized workpiece with polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”) or silicone containing coatings. The invention is especially useful for forming longer life PTFE coatings on aluminum substrates by pre-coating the substrate with an anodized layer of titanium and/or zirconium oxide that provides excellent corrosion-, heat- and abrasion-resistance in a hard yet flexible film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for a complex oxide film having a high relative dielectric constant and a thickness which can be arbitrarily controlled, which is obtained, without using any large-scale equipment, by forming a metal oxide layer containing a first metal element on substrate surface and then allowing the layer to react with a solution containing a second metal ion to thereby form a complex oxide film containing the first and second metal elements, and a production method thereof. Further, the invention relates to a dielectric material and a piezoelectric material containing the complex oxide film, a capacitor and a piezoelectric element including the material, and an electronic device comprising the element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the coating of objects made of valve metals selected from aluminum, magnesium, titanium, niobium and/or zirconium and their alloys with an oxide ceramic layer formed from the metal which has a thin barrier layer as a boundary layer towards the metal whose surface has been coated with polymers, characterized in that said polymers are introduced into the capillary system of the oxide ceramic layer in the form of dimers or halogenated dimers of general formula I wherein R1 represents one or more hydrogen or halogen residues; each R2 represents hydrogen or halogen; and R3 commonly represent a corresponding xylylene residue for completing a dimeric structure; by vacuum coating, followed by polymerizing the dimers.

Abstract: Methods for bonding adherent phosphorous-containing coating layers to oxide surfaces on substrates wherein the substrates with oxide surfaces are selected from: (a) oxidized iron, titanium, silicon, tin and vanadium; (b) indium tin oxide; and (c) substrates with oxide layers deposited thereon, wherein the substrates on which oxide layers are deposited are selected from ceramics, semiconductors, metals, plastics and glass, and the method contacts the oxide surface with a carrier conveying an organo-phosphonic acid coating composition and heats the oxide surface and carrier at a sufficient temperature while maintaining contact for a sufficient time to bond a layer of the organophosphonic acid to the oxide surface. Coated articles prepared by the inventive method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stainless steel pipe includes a base metal containing 20-35 mass % of Cr, and a Cr-depleted zone is formed in the surface region of the pipe. The Cr concentration in the Cr-depleted zone is at least 10%, and the thickness of the Cr-depleted zone is at most 20 micrometers. A Cr-based oxide scale layer having a Cr content of at least 50% and a thickness of 0.1-15 micrometers may be provided on the outer side of the Cr-depleted zone. An Si-based oxide scale layer with an Si content of at least 50% may be provided between the Cr-based oxide scale layer and the Cr-depleted zone. The pipe is particularly suitable for use in petroleum refineries or petrochemical plants, such as for use as a pipe of a cracking furnace of an ethylene plant.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising an aqueous mixture containing acid-stable particles and one or more fluoroacids. The amount of the acid-stable particles in the coating composition is from 0.005% to 8% by weight on a dry weight basis. The acid-stable particles can be selected from aluminum-modified silica particles, nonaluminum-modified silica particles, and organic particles selected from anionically stabilized polymer dispersion particles. The invention is also directed to a coating on a metal substrate. The coating contains acid-stable particles attached to the metal substrate through a metal-oxide matrix. The metal-oxide matrix comprises a metal selected from titanium, zirconium, silicon, hafnium, boron, aluminum, germanium, or tin.

Abstract: A chromium(VI)-free, chromium(III)-containing and substantially coherent conversion layer on zinc or zinc alloys presenting, even in the absence of further components such as silicate, cerium, aluminum and borate, a corrosion protection of approx. 100 to 1000 h in the salt spray test according to DIN 50021 SS or ASTM B 117-73 until first attack according to DIN 50961 Chapter 10; being clear, transparent and substantially colorless and presenting multi-colored iridescence; having a layer thickness of approx. 100 nm to 1000 nm; and being hard, adhering well and being resistant to wiping.

Abstract: A method for diffusing titanium and nitride into a base material having a coating thereon using conventional surface treatments or coatings. The method generally includes the steps of providing a base material having a coating thereon; providing a salt bath which includes sodium dioxide and a salt selected from the group consisting of sodium cyanate and potassium cyanate; dispersing metallic titanium formed by electrolysis of a titanium compound in the bath; heating the salt bath to a temperature ranging from about 430° C. to about 670° C.; and soaking the base material in the salt bath for a time of from about 10 minutes to about 24 hours. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, titanium and nitride may be diffused into a base material without a coating. The treated base material may further be treated with conventional surface treatments or coatings.

Abstract: A nitridation treated stainless steel article (such as a bipolar plate for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell) having lower interfacial contact electrical resistance and better corrosion resistance than an untreated stainless steel article is disclosed. The treated stainless steel article has a surface layer including nitrogen-modified chromium-base oxide and precipitates of chromium nitride formed during nitridation wherein oxygen is present in the surface layer at a greater concentration than nitrogen. The surface layer may further include precipitates of titanium nitride and/or aluminum oxide. The surface layer in the treated article is chemically heterogeneous surface rather than a uniform or semi-uniform surface layer exclusively rich in chromium, titanium or aluminum.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an ultra-thin copper foil with a carrier which comprises a release layer, a diffusion preventive layer and a copper electroplating layer laminated in this order, or a diffusion preventive layer, a release layer and a copper electroplating layer laminated in this order on the surface of a carrier foil, wherein a surface of the copper electroplating layer is roughened; a copper-clad laminated board comprising the ultra-thin copper foil with a carrier being laminated on a resin substrate; a printed wiring board comprising the copper-clad laminated board on the ultra-thin copper foil of which is formed a wiring pattern; and a multi-layered printed wiring board which comprising a plural number of the above printed wiring board being laminated.