Abstract: The phenomenon of "mapping" (surface defects) after electrophoretic painting over phosphate conversion coatings passivated with hexavalent chromium containing passivating compositions can be avoided or reduced by keeping the surface being treated constantly wet from the time it is conversion coated until it is electrophoretically painted, by preceding the passivating step by treatment with an aqueous liquid treatment composition comprising at least one of the following components: (A) a water soluble and/or water dispersible polymer with a weight average molecular weight of at least 500; (B) fluorometallic acids and anions thereof, the molecules of which consist of (i) at least one atom of boron, silicon, zirconium, iron, aluminum, or titanium, (ii) at least four fluorine atoms, and, optionally, (iii) one or more atoms of oxygen, hydrogen, or both; (C) zirconium salts of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid; and (D) alkali metal and ammonium zirconyl carboxylates and carbonates; or by replacing the chromium conta

Abstract: Nickel-metal hydride batteries and electrodes capable of increased power output and recharge rates. The positive and negative electrodes may be formed by pressing powdered metal-hydride active materials into porous metal substrates. The porous metal substrates are formed from copper, copper-plated nickel, or a copper-nickel alloy. The electrode tab are directly attached to the porous metal substrate via a low electrical-resistance connection which includes welding, brazing, or soldering.

Abstract: A process for the anodization of an aluminum material which can form an anodized film free from local destruction or spalling even if supplied with electric current through the surface of the anodized film in the double-power supplied electrolytic process and/or multi-stage power supply electrolytic process to secure the desired quality and properties. A process for the anodization of an aluminum material can be provided, which comprises anodizing the surface of elongated aluminum or aluminum alloy which advances through a power supply part and an electrolytic part, and then supplying electric current to the surface of said anodized web through another power supply part in such a manner that the following relationships among the current density, the electric supply time and the amount of anodized film thus produced are satisfied:(Current density).sup.4/3 .times.(Supply time).sup.3/2 .times.(Amount of anodized film).sup.2/3 .ltoreq.5,100 (1)1.ltoreq.(Supply time).ltoreq.10,0.5.ltoreq.(Amount of anodized film).

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical cell or battery, which has a nonmetal negative electrode (anode). That is, no solid metal active material is used in the cell. Rather than the conventional solid lithium metal anode, the active material of the new anode comprises a compound of vanadium oxide. Accordingly, the lithium cell of the invention comprises a positive electrode and a negative electrode, where the negative electrode comprises a compound of vanadium oxide which in a fully discharged state is represented by the nominal general formula V.sub.6 O.sub.13 or Li.sub.y V.sub.6 O.sub.13, y equal to 0; and, in a fully or partially lithiated, fully or partially charged state, is represented by the nominal general formula Li.sub.y V.sub.6 O.sub.13, where y is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 8. The unique negative electrode of the invention demonstrates exceptional performance without the disadvantages of metallic lithium negative electrodes.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte lithium secondary battery, comprising a cathode containing, as active material, a material that can be doped/undoped with lithium ions, an anode containing, as active material, a carbonaceous material that can be doped/undoped with lithium ions, a separator interposed between the cathode and anode and an electrolyte prepared by dissolving lithium salt in an organic solvent, wherein the anode contains a polymer having carbonate groups represented by the structural formula ?I!: ##STR1## said polymer having a number average molecular weight of not less than 300 and not more than 200,000. The lithium secondary battery has cycle life and high-rate capacity which are improved without reducing low-temperature capacity.

Abstract: A method is described for the liquid phase synthesis of particles. The particles are composed of silicon or germanium and are optionally produced at sizes such that the particles exhibit quantum size effects. The particles are produced from an organometallic (tetra-organosilicon or tetra-organogermanium) precursors which is dissolved in a solvent that transmits a wavelength of light that photolyzes the precursor. The reaction is carried out under an inert atmosphere. A passivating agent is added to arrest particle growth and impart solubility to the particle. Optionally, a dopant is incorporated into the particle in the course of production so as to modify the electronic properties of the semiconductor particle.

Abstract: An aqueous acid bath for galvanic precipitation of copper is disclosed. The copper plating composition comprises at least one polymer phenazonium compound and .beta.-naphtholalkoxylate. A method for using such a bath for deposition of copper coatings is also disclosed. The resultant copper coatings are smooth and bright with substantially no fine roughness or pitting.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for electrolytically coloring an aluminum material which is capable of coloring an anodic oxide film in a gray color and a gray-colored aluminum material obtained thereby. In a method for electrolytically coloring an aluminum material having the anodic oxide film formed on the surface thereof in an electrolytic coloring solution containing an inorganic metal salt, a strongly acidic electrolytic coloring solution containing sulfuric acid, stannous sulfate, nickel sulfate, and ammonium sulfate and having a pH of not more than 2.5 is used as the electrolytic coloring solution. Preferably the electrolytic coloring solution contains sulfuric acid at a concentration in the range of 3 to 30 g/liter, stannous sulfate at a concentration in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 g/liter, nickel sulfate at a concentration in the range of 10 to 100 g/liter, and ammonium sulfate at a concentration in the range of 20 to 100 g/liter.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is provided for the production of copper using a solvent extraction electrowinning process. Process streams formed during the process containing entrained liquids are fed to a cyclone to remove either organic extractant or water (aqueous solutions) from the stream. A raffinate stream fed to a cyclone removes entrained organic phase which organic phase may be recycled to the process. The separated raffinate stream would then typically be recycled to the copper ore leach step to form a pregnant leach solution without the loss of organic solvent and/or the environmental concerns associated with entrained solvent. In a preferred new process, mixers, preferably inline, are used in conjunction with cyclones to provide a solvent extraction electrowinning process which is continuous and efficient and the use of conventional mixers, and particularly settlers, are eliminated.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing 3-exomethylene cephalosporanic acid derivatives for use in the synthesis of cephalosporin antibiotics such as ceftibuten. The process comprises electrochemical reduction of a compound of the formula (IV) ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.3 is ##STR2## is an optional sulfoxide group; n is 2 or 3; R.sup.1 is H and R is H or NHR.sup.2, where R.sup.2 is H or a protecting group selected from C.sub.6 H.sub.5 CH.sub.2 OC(O)--, C.sub.6 H.sub.5 C(O)-- or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkoxy-C(O)--; or wherein R and R.sup.1 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached comprise --C(O)--, and produces the desired 3-exomethylene compounds with low levels of the corresponding 3-methyl tautomers.

Abstract: A method for plating a high impact resistant plastic, particularly a polycarbonate substrate which has been modified with up to about 50 percent by weight of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. The surface of the plastic is first conditioned with a halogenated organic solvent conditioner, preferably 1-3-dichloro-2-propanol, prior to electroless plating and the electrochemical deposition of the desired metal layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a gas diffusion electrode for an electrochemical cell which comprises a catalyst layer formed by binding, by means of poiytotrafluoroethylene, catalyst-supporting carbon black and catalyst-non-supporting carbon black having a fluorinated polyolofine film on substantially whole surface, the catalyst layer being integrated on a substrate, and a process of preparing same.Since the carbon black employed for the formation of the gas network in the catalyst layer of the gas diffusion electrode having the above constitution in accordance with the present invention is completely hydrophobically treated, no electrolyte permeates this portion and the carbon black exhibits high hydrophobicity so that the wet-proofing is maintained even after the long operation period to enable the gas supply to the catalyst particles so as to provide the gas diffusion electrode with a long life and high electrode performances.

Abstract: A pollutant destruction system connects a capacitive corona discharge chamber in a self-resonant circuit with an inductive element. Intermittent energizing signals are furnished from a power supply to induce corona discharges within the chamber, with the resonant circuit responding to the energizing signals by initiating additional corona discharges between energizing signals in a highly energy efficient operation. One or more discharge chambers can be provided in the resonant circuit, with each discharge chamber comprising a dielectric enclosure with a distributed electrode outside and an elongate electrode inside the enclosure. The inner electrode can extend either along the chamber axis, or along the inner chamber wall for better support and heat dissipation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for decomposing toxic compounds so that reaction by-products produced thereby are selectively reduced. A method generally comprises: introducing a carrier gas, having a toxic compound entrained therein, into a packed-bed of ferroelectric pellets; and polarizing the pellets to produce a plasma which decomposes the toxic compound. The pellets are coated with a catalyst selected to react with by-products of the decomposition of the toxic compound and thereby produce non-toxic compounds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out an electrolytic process produces clean gases, such as oxygen and hydrogen. For this purpose, a porous diaphragm is arranged between the cathode and the anode of an electrolyzer, and a liquid electrolyte is fixed in the pores of the cathode and anode. A first gas chamber adjoins the cathode, while a second gas chamber adjoins the anode, and an educt chamber is separated from the first gas chamber by a membrane. An aqueous, non-corrosive solution of salts of inorganic and organic acids or mixtures of water with organic additives is used as an educt, which, compared with the electrolyte, has a higher partial water vapor pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for electrolytic treatment of copper foil, comprising the steps of: (A) applying a voltage across an anode and cathode, wherein the anode and cathode are in contact with an electroplating composition containing a gelatin component; (B) removing organic particulate matter by contacting the electroplating solution containing the organic particulate matter with an adsorbent polymer; and (C) electrolytically treating the copper foil. The electroplating composition can additionally contain an active sulfur-containing component, such as thiourea.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrochemical reaction wherein a controlled amount of a first reagent is generated electrochemically at an electrode in electrical contact with a solution of an electrochemically inert salt, comprising applying a suitable electrical potential to the electrode for a suitable time to generate a controlled amount of the first reagent by electrochemical reaction between the electrode and a species in solution producing a localized thin layer environment comprising the first reagent in the vicinity of the electrode; and monitoring the amount or presence of the first reagent or a further species produced in solution in response to production of the first reagent. The method invention thus involves generating the first reagent in situ at an electrode.

Abstract: A Peltier effect module comprising a plurality of Peltier effect elements arranged in parallel between a pair of substrates where the Peltier effect elements are connected to connection electrodes disposed on the substrates. The array of Peltier effect elements is sealed off by a hollow seal frame surrounding the Peltier effect element array with a seal formed by a bond between both end edges of the seal frame and the substrates. Because the perimeter around the Peltier effect elements is sealed using a seal frame metalically bonded at both ends to the substrates, resistance to moisture penetration is largely determined by the material from which the seal frame is made. Therefore, by appropriately selecting the seal frame materials, the Peltier effect module can be reliably protected for a long period of time against moisture penetration.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a cell block with fuel cells, a heat insulating sleeve and an afterburner chamber between the sleeve and the cell block. The afterburner chamber is connected at two opposite ends via channels to at least one exhaust outlet for exhaust gases. These channels are each closeable by a blocking member, with the combustion chamber of the auxiliary burner communicating with the channel between the afterburner chamber and one of the blocking members. This blocking member is closed during a starting-up phase, while the other blocking member is open.

Abstract: There is provided a battery activating method for an alkaline rechargeable battery, in which the capacity is not decreased even when the battery voltage is decreased by continuous load connection or self discharge. The temperature at the start of charging is set at 30.degree. to 80.degree. C. when activation is performed by charging the alkaline rechargeable battery having a nickel electrode, in which the powder of divalent cobalt compound, for example, CoO powder is contained in an active substance mixture, as a positive electrode.