Abstract: This invention provides a rare earth-transition metal (RE-TM) alloy structure comprising a RE-TM alloy substrate and a noble metal diffusion barrier disposed thereon. The noble metal diffusion barrier may be provided on the surface of the alloy substrate by an electroplating technique.

Abstract: A protected article has a substrate and a protective structure overlying a surface of the substrate. The protective structure includes a protective layer overlying the surface of the substrate and having an aluminum content greater than that of the substrate, and a bond-coat layer of a bond-coat-layer metal. The bond-coat-layer metal has a bond-coat initial composition having at least about 60 percent by weight platinum, rhodium, palladium, or combinations thereof. There may be a diffusion-barrier layer between the surface of the substrate and the protective layer, and there may be a ceramic thermal barrier coating overlying the bond-coat layer.

Abstract: A gas turbine part comprises a superalloy metal substrate, a bonding underlayer formed on the substrate and comprising an intermetallic compound of aluminum, nickel, and platinum, and a ceramic outer layer anchored on the alumina film formed on the bonding underlayer. The bonding underlayer essentially comprises an Ni—Pt—Al ternary system constituted by an aluminum-enriched ?-NiPt type structure, in particular an Ni—Pt—Al ternary system having a composition NizPtyAlx in which z, y, and x are such that 0.05?z?0.40, 0.30?y?0.60, and 0.15?x?0.40.

Abstract: An article for use in hostile thermal environments, such as a component of a gas turbine engine. The article includes a nickel-base superalloy substrate that is prone to formation of a deleterious secondary reaction zone (SRZ), and an overlay coating having a predominantly gamma prime-phase nickel aluminide (Ni3Al) composition suitable for use as an environmental coating, including a bond coat for a thermal barrier coating. The coating comprises a chromium-containing nickel aluminide intermetallic overlay coating of predominantly the gamma prime phase, in which aluminum is present in the coating in an amount approximately equal to the aluminum content of the superalloy substrate so as to inhibit diffusion of aluminum from the overlay coating into the superalloy substrate.

Abstract: An anisotropic thin-film rare-earth permanent magnet endowed with high magnetic characteristics by rendering a vapor-phase-grown thin film anisotropic in the layering direction. The atomic laminate units are formed by laminating a monoatomic layer of a rare earth element on a substrate of a non-magnetic material having, a flat smoothness and then by laminating an atomic laminate of a transition metal element having a plurality of monoatomic layers of a transition metal element, so that the atomic laminate units of a characteristic construction are laminated in a plurality of layers. As a result, each atomic laminate of the transition metal element has an easy magnetizable axis in the laminate direction of the monoatomic layers and which are sandwiched between a monoatomic layer of a rare-earth element so that an inverse magnetic domain is suppressed to establish a strong coercive force.

Abstract: An alloy including a Pt-group metal, Ni and Al in relative concentration to provide a ?-Ni+??-Ni3Al phase constitution, and a coating including the alloy.

Abstract: Si, Al, Al plus TiN, and IrO2 are used as adhesion layers to prevent peeling of noble metal electrodes, such as Pt, from a silicon dioxide (SiO2) substrate in capacitor structures of memory devices.

Abstract: A lead frame having a structure that can discharge hydrogen adsorbed during deposition and can reduce a galvanic potential difference between plating layers and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The method includes forming a Ni plating layer formed of Ni or a Ni alloy on a base metal layer formed of a metal, forming a Pd plating layer formed of Pd or an Pd alloy on the Ni plating layer, heat-treating the Ni plating layer and the Pd plating layer, and forming a protective plating layer on the heat-treated Pd plating layer.

Abstract: A method of depositing a bond coating to a surface of an article includes the steps of depositing an inner layer of the bond coating consisting of ?-NiAl comprising Fe, Ga, Mo, B, Hf or Zr or ?/?-MCrAlY comprising Fe, Ga, Mo, B, Hf or Zr or ?/??- or ?-MCrAlY, and depositing an outer layer of the bond coating, which is more coarse the in the inner layer, consisting of ?-NiAl comprising Fe, Ga, Mo, B, Hf or Zr or ?/?-MCrAlY comprising Fe, Ga, Mo, B, Hf or Zr or ?/??- or ?-MCrAlY, wherein said elements Fe, Ga, Mo, B, Hf or Zr above mentioned are present individually or in combination. The coating also includes a noble metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium and rhodium in the inner and outer layer or as a separate layer.

Abstract: An overlay coating for articles used in hostile thermal environments. The coating has a predominantly gamma prime-phase nickel aluminide (Ni3Al) composition suitable for use as an environmental coating and as a bond coat for a thermal barrier coating. The coating has a composition of, by weight, at least 6% to about 15% aluminum, about 2% to about 5% chromium, optionally one or more reactive elements in individual or combined amounts of up to 4%, optionally up to 2% silicon, optionally up to 60% of at least one platinum group metal, and the balance essentially nickel. A thermal-insulating ceramic layer may be deposited on the coating.

Abstract: A composite gas separation module includes a porous metal substrate; an intermediate layer that includes a powder having a Tamman temperature higher than the Tamman temperature of the porous metal substrate and wherein the intermediate layer overlies the porous metal substrate; and a dense hydrogen-selective membrane, wherein the dense hydrogen-selective membrane overlies the intermediate layer. In another embodiment, a composite gas separation module includes a porous metal substrate; an intermediate powder layer; and a dense gas-selective membrane, wherein the dense gas-selective membrane overlies the intermediate powder layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a leadframe with a structure made of a base metal (105), wherein the structure consists of a chip mount pad (302) and a plurality of lead segments (303). Covering the base metal are, consecutively, a continuous nickel layer (201) on the base metal, a layer of palladium on the nickel, wherein the palladium layer (203) on the chip side of the structure is thicker than the palladium layer (202) opposite the chip, and a gold layer (204) on the palladium layer (202) opposite the chip. A semiconductor chip (310) is attached to the chip mount pad and conductive connections (312) span from the chip to the lead segments. Polymeric encapsulation compound (320) covers the chip, the connections, and portions of the lead segments, but leaves other segment portions available for solder reflow attachment to external parts.

Abstract: An intermetallic composition suitable for use as an environmentally-protective coating on surfaces of components used in hostile thermal environments, including the turbine, combustor and augmentor sections of a gas turbine engine. The coating contains the gamma-prime (Ni3Al) nickel aluminide intermetallic phase and either the beta (NiAl) nickel aluminide intermetallic phase or the gamma solid solution phase. The coating has an average aluminum content of 14 to 30 atomic percent and an average platinum-group metal content of at least 1 to less than 10 atomic percent, the balance of the coating being nickel, incidental impurities, and optionally hafnium.

Abstract: An intermetallic composition suitable for use as an environmentally-protective coating on surfaces of components used in hostile thermal environments, including the turbine, combustor and augmentor sections of a gas turbine engine. The coating contains the gamma-prime (Ni3Al) nickel aluminide intermetallic phase and either the beta (NiAl) nickel aluminide intermetallic phase or the gamma solid solution phase. The coating has an average aluminum content of 14 to 30 atomic percent and an average platinum-group metal content of at least 1 to less than 10 atomic percent, the balance of the coating being nickel, one or more of chromium, silicon, tantalum, and cobalt, optionally one or more of hafnium, yttrium, zirconium, lanthanum, and cerium, and incidental impurities.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium including an interlayer structure for crystallographically orienting a layer of a hexagonal close-packed (hcp) perpendicular magnetic recording material formed thereon, comprising in overlying sequence from a surface of a magnetically soft underlayer: (1) a first crystalline layer of a material having a first lattice parameter and a strong preferred growth orientation; (2) a second crystalline layer of a material having a second lattice parameter and the same strong preferred growth orientation as the first crystalline layer; and (3) a third crystalline layer of an hcp material, having a [0002] lattice parameter similar to or different from that of the second lattice parameter of the second crystalline layer and a strong <0002> preferred growth orientation, wherein: the second crystalline layer has a lower interfacial energy with the first crystalline layer and a higher interfacial energy with the third crystalline layer, owing to a lower surface energy of th

Abstract: In one embodiment, a peelable circuit board foil (200) has a metal support layer (205) and a conductive metal foil layer (210) bonded by an inorganic high temperature release structure (215) that comprises a co-deposited layer (250) and a metal oxide layer (260). The co-deposited layer comprises an admixture of nickel and one or more of boron, phosphorus, and chromium. In a second embodiment, the peelable printed circuit foil (200) has a crystallized dielectric oxide layer (405) disposed on the metal foil layer and an electrode layer (415) disposed on the crystallized dielectric oxide layer, forming a dielectric peelable circuit board foil (400) that may be adhered to a layer of a flexible or rigid circuit board, after which the metal support layer can be peeled away, leaving a capacitive structure including the metal foil layer, the crystallized dielectric oxide layer, and the electrode layer.

Abstract: A coating suitable for use as an environmentally-protective coating on surfaces of components used in hostile thermal environments, including the turbine, combustor and augmentor sections of a gas turbine engine. The coating is used in a coating system deposited on a substrate formed of a superalloy material. The coating contacts a surface of the superalloy substrate and is formed of a coating material having a tensile strength of more than 50% of the superalloy material. The coating material is predominantly at least one metal chosen from the group consisting of platinum, rhodium, palladium, and iridium, and has sufficient strength to significantly contribute to the strength of the component on which the coating is deposited.

Abstract: A strengthened bond coat for improving the adherence of a thermal barrier coating to an underlying metal substrate to resist spallation without degrading oxidation resistance of the bond coat. The bond coat comprises a bond coating material selected from the group consisting of overlay alloy coating materials, aluminide diffusion coating materials and combinations thereof. Particles comprising a substantially insoluble bond coat strengthening compound and having a relatively fine particle size of about 2 microns or less are dispersed within at least the upper portion of the bond coat in an amount sufficient to impart strengthening to the bond coat, and thus limit ratcheting or rumpling thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for curing a defect in the fabrication of a composite gas separation module and to composite gas separation modules formed by a process that includes the method. The present invention also relates to a method for selectively separating hydrogen gas from a hydrogen gas-containing gaseous stream. The method for curing a defect in the fabrication of a composite gas separation module includes depositing a first material over a porous substrate, thereby forming a coated substrate, wherein the coated substrate contains at least one defect. Then, the coated substrate can be selectively surface activated proximate to the defect, thereby forming at least one selectively surface activated region of the coated substrate. A second material can be then preferentially deposited on the selectively surface activated region of the coated substrate, whereby the defect is cured.

Abstract: Metal-carbon composite powders and methods for producing metal-carbon composite powders. The powders have a well-controlled microstructure and morphology and preferably have a small average particle size. The method includes forming the particles from an aerosol of powder precursors. The invention also includes novel devices and products formed from the composite powders.

Abstract: Discloses is a metal-based resistance heat-generation element. The element comprises a core made of a platinum group metal or refractory metal, and a coating film formed on the core. The coating film has at least two layers including a core-side inner layer of a Re—Cr based ? (sigma) phase and a surface-side outermost layer of an aluminide or silicide. Alternatively, the element may comprise a core made of an alloy containing a platinum group metal or refractory metal and Re and Cr diffused therein, and a coating film formed on the core. The coating film has at least one layer including an aluminide or silicide layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Y-type hexagonal ferrite thin film suitable for high frequency devices, having a crystal structure with the c-axis oriented perpendicular to the surface of the thin film. The present invention also provides a method of producing the Y-type hexagonal ferrite thin film, comprising the steps of preparing a viscous solution containing a metal-organic complex which is formed using a primary component including a Fe+3 ion, and a secondary component including a Ba2+ ion, at least one transition metal ion selected from the group consisting of Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Cu2+ and Mn2+; and optionally at least one metal ion selected from the group consisting of Sr2+, Ca2+ and Pb2+, forming a film having a Y-type ferrite composition on a surface made of noble metal through a coating process using the viscous solution, and burning the film at a temperature of 750° C. or more.

Abstract: A method for forming a plating film, comprising the steps of: applying a plating film onto an object to be plated at a first current density for a predetermined period in a plating bath having a cathode capable of varying current and an anode and; and maintaining the object to be plated at a second current density lower than the first current density. According to the present invention, it is possible to improve solderability of a plating film for conventional lead-free solder by a simple method, which allows the productivity to further enhanced, resulting in a plating film with reduced production costs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a magnetic particle including forming a layer containing an alloy particle that can form a CuAu-type or Cu3Au-type hard magnetic ordered alloy phase on a support, oxidizing the layer, and annealing the layer in a non-oxidizing atmosphere. The invention also relates to a method of producing a magnetic particle including producing an alloy particle that can form a hard magnetic ordered alloy phase, oxidizing the alloy particle, and annealing the particle in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, and a magnetic particle produced by the foregoing production method. Further, the invention relates to a magnetic recording medium comprising a magnetic layer containing a magnetic particle and a method of producing a magnetic recording medium including forming a layer containing an alloy that can form the foregoing hard magnetic ordered alloy phase, oxidizing the layer, and annealing the layer in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: A hydrogen-permeable membrane includes a permeable layer which has a function of making hydrogen permeate therethrough, and a catalyst layer which acts as a catalyst for promoting permeation of the hydrogen in the permeable layer. An area of the catalyst layer which contacts gas is larger than an area of the permeable layer.

Abstract: A method for producing a coated carbon composite material is provided. The resulting coated composite is useful for applications such as rocket nozzles and valve bodies that encounter the high temperature and high flow rates in rocket propulsion and control. A carbon substrate such as graphite is first coated with rhenium. A layer of ruthenium is then deposited on the rhenium. The materials are heated at high temperature so as to melt the ruthenium. The ruthenium melts and penetrates through the rhenium layer and into pores of the carbon substrate. The rhenium and ruthenium are mutually soluble and further form a rhenium/ruthenium alloy. Upon solidification of the rhenium/ruthenium alloy interlayer, a further rhenium coating may be deposited thereon. The rhenium/ruthenium interlayer provides a high strength bond between the carbon substrate and the rhenium coating.

Abstract: A new article of manufacture, for example a faucet or other article of hardware, has a specified decorative color, and is resistant to corrosion, abrasion and attack by chemicals. The article includes a substrate, one or more corrosion resistant layers applied to the substrate, a thin transition layer having a composition that varies systematically from a first composition to a second composition and in which the first composition has, at least in part, the function of corrosion protection, and in which the second composition determines the visible color or that portion of the substrate to which the transition layer is applied.

Abstract: A multilayered hydrogen absorbing body is provided which is formed by laminating at least two types of hydrogen absorbing materials. The degrees of strains cause due to absorption/desorption of hydrogen are different between the hydrogen absorbing materials adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A protective coating forming a thermal barrier is made on a superalloy metal substrate by forming a bonding underlayer on the substrate, the bonding underlayer being constituted by an intermetallic compound comprising at least aluminum and a metal from the platinum group, and by forming a ceramic outer layer which is anchored on a film of alumina present on the surface of the bonding underlayer. The bonding underlayer preferably has a thickness of less than 50 ?m and is made by using physical vapor deposition, e.g. by cathode sputtering, to deposit a plurality of individual layers alternately of aluminum and of a metal from the platinum group, and by causing the metals in the resulting layers to react together exothermally.

Abstract: A fusion welding method is provided for fusion welding at juxtaposed interface surfaces a first member, for example made of a first metal based on at least one of Ru, Rh, Pd, and Pt, with a second member made of a second metal, for example a high temperature alloy based on at least one of Fe, Co, and Ni, including at least one identified element, for example Al, that can form a continuous layer of a brittle intermetallic compound with the first metal that is free of such element. With the interface surfaces disposed in contact, energy is generated at the interface surfaces in a combination of an amount and for a first time selected to be sufficient to heat the interface surfaces to a fusion welding temperature. However, the first time is less than a second time that enables formation at the fusion welding temperature of the continuous layer of the brittle intermetallic compound at the interface surfaces.

Abstract: The invention is a method of bonding a ceramic part to a metal part by heating a component assembly comprised of the metal part, the ceramic part, and a compatible interlayer material such as titanium-nickel alloy placed between the two parts and heated at a temperature that is greater than the eutectic temperature of the interlayer material, where alloys, intermetallics or solid solution formed between the metal part and the metal interlayer material, but that is less than the melting point of either the ceramic part or the metal part. The component assembly is held in intimate contact at temperature in a non-reactive atmosphere for a sufficient time to develop a hermetic and strong bond between the ceramic part and the metal part. The bonded component assembly is optionally treated with acid to remove unwanted materials, to assure a biocompatible component assembly for implantation in living tissue.

Abstract: An alloy composition includes, in atomic percent: about 1 to about 10% of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zr and Hf, balance Ir.

Abstract: A strengthened bond coat for improving the adherence of a thermal barrier coating to an underlying metal substrate to resist spallation without degrading oxidation resistance of the bond coat. The bond coat comprises a bond coating material selected from the group consisting of overlay alloy coating materials, aluminide diffusion coating materials and combinations thereof. Particles comprising a substantially insoluble bond coat strengthening compound and having a relatively fine particle size of about 2 microns or less are dispersed within at least the upper portion of the bond coat in an amount sufficient to impart strengthening to the bond coat, and thus limit ratcheting or rumpling thereof.

Abstract: A turbine engine component comprising a substrate made of a nickel-base or cobalt-base superalloy and a protective coating overlying the substrate, the coating formed by electroplating at least two platinum group metals selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium and iridium. The protective coating is typically heat treated to increase homogeneity of the coating and adherence with the substrate. The component typically further comprises a ceramic thermal barrier coating overlying the protective coating. Also disclosed are methods for forming the protective coating on the turbine engine component by electroplating the platinum group metals.

Abstract: An improved electrode and method for manufacturing the improved electrode wherein the electrode having a fractal surface coating of platinum [which the present inventor refers to as “platinum gray”] with a increase in surface area of at least 5 times when compared to shiny platinum of the same geometry and also having improved resistance to physical stress when compared to platinum black having the same surface area. The process of electroplating the surface coating of platinum gray comprising plating at a moderate rate, i.e., at a rate that is faster than the rate necessary to produce shiny platinum and that is less than the rate necessary to produce platinum black.

Abstract: An article and TBC coating system thereon that in combination exhibit significantly improved spallation resistance. The article comprises a substrate formed of a metal alloy containing ruthenium and one or more refractory elements (e.g., tantalum, tungsten, molybdenum, rhenium, hafnium, etc.). The substrate is protected by a coating system comprising an aluminum-containing bond coat on the surface of the substrate and a ceramic coating bonded to the substrate by the bond coat. The bond coat, preferably an aluminide, is deposited so as to be substantially free of ruthenium, though ruthenium is present in the bond coat as a result of diffusion from the substrate into the bond coat.

Abstract: A coated article is prepared by furnishing an nickel-base article substrate having a free sulfur content of more than 0 but less than about 1 part per million by weight. A protective layer is formed at a surface of the article substrate. The protective layer includes a platinum aluminide diffusion coating. The protective layer may be substantially yttrium-free, or have a controlled amount of yttrium. A ceramic layer may overlie the protective layer.

Abstract: Electrocatalyst powders and methods for producing electrocatalyst powders, such as carbon composite electrocatalyst powders. The powders have a well-controlled microstructure and morphology. The method includes forming the particles from an aerosol of precursors by heating the aerosol to a relatively low temperature, such as not greater than about 400° C.

Abstract: A coating system and a method for its manufacture are provided. An electrically conductive base coat and a porous overcoat lying over the base coat are arranged on a ceramic substrate. At least one additional deposited layer is arranged on the base coat in such a way that the additional layer is formed in the pores of the porous overcoat adjacent to the base coat. The additional layer is deposited either by currentless or electrolytic deposition. For electrolytic deposition of the additional layer, the ceramic substrate sintered with the base coat and the overcoat is submerged in an electrolytic bath and the base coat is connected as a cathode. The currentless deposition takes place from a solution of the metal to be deposited with the addition of a reducing agent.

Abstract: A multi-layer thermal interface structure for placement between a microelectronic component package and a heat sink so that the structure has a total thermal resistance of no greater than about 0.03° C.-in2/W. The structure comprises a plurality of superimposed metallic layers including a core layer of a solid metal or metal alloy of high thermal conductivity preferably composed of aluminum or copper, a second layer having phase change properties and a third layer of nickel separating the solid metal layer from the layer having phase change properties.

Abstract: Magnetic recording media having a magnetic layer with an easy magnetization axis lying about 45° out of plane of the magnetic layer is disclosed. SMNR from this media could be greatly improved from conventional longitudinal and perpendicular recording, because of an increase in the grain anisotropy that could be effectively written due to the angled recording configuration, resulting also in higher thermal stability, therefore, suitable for higher areal density recording.

Abstract: An article protected by a protective coating has a substrate and a protective coating having an outer layer deposited upon the substrate surface and a diffusion zone formed by interdiffusion of the outer layer and the substrate. The protective coating includes platinum, aluminum, no more than about 2 weight percent hafnium, and substantially no silicon. The outer layer is substantially a single phase.

Abstract: A coating system for an article comprising a substrate formed of a metal alloy that is prone to the formation of a deleterious secondary reaction zone (SRZ) as a result of containing more than three weight percent rhenium and at least one additional refractory metal. The coating system comprises an aluminum-containing overlay coating and a diffusion barrier coating between the overlay coating and the substrate. The diffusion barrier coating consists of, in atomic percent, about 20% to about 90% ruthenium, about 2% to about 60% chromium, optionally up to about 50% aluminum, optionally up to about 20% of a platinum-group metal, and the balance at least one of nickel, cobalt, and iron and incidental impurities. The diffusion barrier coating sufficiently inhibits diffusion of aluminum from the overlay coating into the substrate, such that the substrate remains essentially free of SRZ.

Abstract: There is provided a coating liquid for forming a colored transparent conductive film using ruthenium in a fine particle form, which has a satisfactory electromagnetic wave shielding effect, which is excellent in transparency, chemical resistance, and abrasion resistance, and which achieves a neutral transmitted color tone. There are provided a substrate with the colored transparent conductive film and a method for its production, and a display device having the substrate as a front panel. A coating liquid for forming a colored transparent conductive film is one characterized by containing noble metal-supporting ruthenium in a fine particle form wherein a noble metal except for ruthenium is supported in a fine particle form on ruthenium. A method for making the noble metal supported in the fine particle form is a method of adding a reducing agent into a dispersing liquid containing ruthenium particles and then adding thereinto a solvent containing a compound of a noble metal.

Abstract: A spin-valve sensor with pinning layers comprising multiple antiferromagnetic films is disclosed. The multiple antiferromagnetic films are preferably selected from the same Mn-based (Ni—Mn or Pt—Mn) alloy system. The Mn content of the antiferromagnetic film in contact with the reference layer of the spin-valve sensor is selected in order to maximize its exchange coupling to the reference layer, thereby providing a high unidirectional anisotropy field for proper sensor operation. The Mn content of the other antiferromagnetic films not in contact with the reference layer of the spin-valve sensor is reduced in order to maximize the thermal stability and corrosion resistance of the spin-valve sensor for robust sensor operation at high temperatures in disk drive environments.

Abstract: The invention is a magnetic device, i.e., a magnetoresistive sensor or a magnetic tunnel junction device, that has a ferromagnetic structure of two ferromagnetic layers antiferromagnetically coupling together with an improved antiferromagnetically coupling (AFC) film. The AFC film is an alloy of Ru100-xFex where x is between approximately 10 and 60 atomic percent. This AFC film increases the exchange coupling by up to a factor or two and has an hcp crystalline structure making it compatible with Co alloy ferromagnetic layers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a peelable circuit board foil (200) has a metal support layer (205) and a conductive metal foil layer (210) bonded by an inorganic release material (215). The conductive metal foil layer has a an exposed surface (212) that is coated with a high temperature anti-oxidant barrier (220) and has a roughness less than 0.05 microns RMS. In a second embodiment, the peelable printed circuit foil (200) has a crystallized dielectric oxide layer (405) disposed on the exposed surface of the conductive metal foil layer and an electrode layer (415) disposed on the crystallized dielectric oxide layer, forming a dielectric peelable circuit board foil (400) that may be adhered to a layer of a flexible or rigid circuit board, after which the metal support layer can be peeled away, leaving a capacitive structure including the metal foil layer, the crystallized dielectric oxide layer, and the electrode layer.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprising a flexible support and a magnetic layer selected from a cobalt/palladium multilayer film and a cobalt/platinum multilayer film.

Abstract: A thin film based nanoporous alumina template has been developed which allows the in situ removal of an electrically insulating alumina barrier layer at the pore bases. This barrier free nanoporous system has great utility for electrodeposition of a wide variety of nanowire materials. An exemplary multilayer thin film precursor is provided comprising Al (anodization layer), Ti (diffusion barrier) and Pt (active electrode) on a Si substrate. Aluminum anodization in sulfuric acid with a subsequent applied voltage ramping program produces a Pt electrode at the base of the nanopores without the additional steps of alumina removal, barrier layer dissolution, and metal deposition onto the pore bottoms.

Abstract: An R-T-B magnet (R is at least one kind of rare-earth elements including Y, and T is Fe or Fe and Co) has an electrolytic copper-plating film where the ratio [I(200)/I(111)] of the X-ray diffraction peak intensity I(200) from the (200) plane to the X-ray diffraction peak intensity I(111) from the (111) plane is 0.1-0.45 in the X-ray diffraction by CuKal rays. This electrolytic copper-plating film is formed by an electrolytic copper-plating method using an electrolytic copper-plating solution which contains 20-150 g/L of copper sulphate and 30-250 g/L of chelating agent and contains no agent for reducing copper ions and has a pH adjusted to 10.5-13.5.