Abstract: A bioactive coated substrate includes a base substrate, a first interlayer disposed over the base substrate, an outermost bioactive layer disposed on the first interlayer, and a topcoat layer disposed on the outermost bioactive layer. Characteristically, a plurality of microscopic openings extending through the topcoat layer and the outermost bioactive layer expose the first interlayer and the outermost bioactive layer. A method for forming the bioactive coated substrate is also provided.

Abstract: Methods for producing durable oxide coatings on various substrates are provided. The method involves depositing an oxidizable metal layer, such as zirconium, aluminum, titanium, magnesium, or niobium, onto a substrate using physical vapor deposition techniques, including sputtering, evaporation, or cathodic arc deposition. The oxidizable metal layer is subsequently treated using anodization or micro-arc oxidation (MAO) to convert at least a portion of the layer into a robust oxide coating. The MAO process employs high voltages and current densities in an electrolytic bath containing water, salts, and additives to enhance surface properties. The resulting oxide layer provides exceptional hardness, corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and aesthetic finishes, including a black appearance. The method is compatible with diverse substrates, including metals, alloys, and plastics, enabling applications in aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, and decorative industries.

Abstract: A coated article includes a doped TFMG layer and/or undoped TFMG layer disposed over and optionally contacting a substrate. A top layer is disposed over and optionally contacts the TFMG layer. The top layer includes a metal-containing layer and/or a carbon-containing layer. The coated article can also include a doped TFMG layer and an undoped TFMG layer with a leveling primer layer.

Abstract: A bioactive coated substrate includes a base substrate, an indicator layer disposed over the base substrate, and a bioactive layer disposed on the indicator layer. Characteristically, the indicator layer has color sufficiently different from the bioactive layer to be visually perceived by a user when the bioactive layer wears away.

Abstract: A method for forming an article coated with an antimicrobial coating includes a step of depositing a mixed metal layer over a substrate. Characteristically, the mixed metal layer includes copper and an oxidizable metal. The mixed metal layer is oxidized in an electrolyte solution by anodization or by applying a sufficient voltage to a surface of the mixed metal layer sufficient to form an electrical discharge that oxidizes at least a portion of the mixed metal layer to form an antimicrobial copper-containing layer that includes a mixture of oxides of copper and the oxidizable metal.

Abstract: A coated article having an antimicrobial coating is provided. The coated article includes a substrate and at least one adhesion layer disposed over the substrate. The at least one adhesion layer includes a component selected from the group consisting of a copper oxide, a zirconium oxide, and combinations thereof. Advantageously, an antimicrobial copper suboxide layer disposed over the at least one adhesion layer.

Abstract: A method for making a coated article is provided. The method includes a step in which a liquid silicon-containing composition is applied onto a surface of an article to form an uncured silicon-containing layer. The uncured silicon-containing is cured (or allowed to cure) to form a silicon-containing quasi-ceramic layer disposed over and optionally contacting the surface of the article. Characteristically, the silicon-containing quasi-ceramic layer includes a plurality of siloxane units. Advantageously, the silicon-containing quasi-ceramic layer can also include a plurality of metallosiloxane units. A metal-containing layer is applied by physical vapor deposition onto the silicon-containing quasi-ceramic layer.

Abstract: A bioactive coated substrate includes a base substrate, an outermost bioactive layer disposed over the base substrate, and a topcoat layer disposed on the outermost bioactive layer. Characteristically, the topcoat layer defines a plurality of pinholes that expose the outermost bioactive layer. A method for forming the bioactive coated substrate is also provided.

Abstract: A bioactive coated substrate includes a base substrate, a first interlayer disposed over the base substrate, an outermost bioactive layer disposed on the first interlayer, and a topcoat layer disposed on the outermost bioactive layer. Characteristically, a plurality of microscopic openings extending through the topcoat layer and the outermost bioactive layer expose the first interlayer and the outermost bioactive layer. A method for forming the bioactive coated substrate is also provided.

Abstract: A die-cast mold for die casting aluminum includes a first die having a first mold surface, a first multilayer coating disposed over the first mold surface, a second die having a second mold surface, and a second multilayer coating disposed over the second mold surface. The first multilayer coating includes a first base layer and the second multilayer coating includes a second base layer. The first die and the second die mate to form a mold cavity. Characteristically, the first base layer and the second base layer are each independently composed of a zirconium nitride or a zirconium carbide.

Abstract: A bioactive coated substrate includes a base substrate, an indicator layer disposed over the base substrate, and a bioactive layer disposed on the indicator layer. Characteristically, the indicator layer has color sufficiently different from the bioactive layer to be visually perceived by a user when the bioactive layer wears away.

Abstract: A bioactive coated substrate includes a base substrate, a bioactive metal-containing layer disposed over the base substrate, and an electroplated chromium layer disposed on the bioactive metal-containing layer. The electroplated chromium layer defines a plurality of cracks or pores that expose the bioactive metal-containing layer.

Abstract: A coated substrate includes a substrate, a zirconium-containing layer disposed over the substrate, and one or more copper alloy layers disposed over the substrate. Variations include coated substrate with a single copper alloy layer, alternating copper layers, or a combined copper alloy/zirconium-containing layer.

Abstract: A bioactive coated substrate includes a base substrate, an outermost bioactive layer disposed over the base substrate, and a topcoat layer disposed on the outermost bioactive layer. Characteristically, the topcoat layer defines a plurality of pinholes that expose the outermost bioactive layer. A method for forming the bioactive coated substrate is also provided.

Abstract: A coated substrate includes a substrate, a zirconium-containing layer disposed over the substrate, and one or more copper alloy layers disposed over the substrate. Variations include coated substrate with a single copper alloy layer, alternating copper layers, or a combined copper alloy/zirconium-containing layer.

Abstract: A method of making a coated substrate comprises depositing a base layer onto a substrate to form a first coated substrate. A chromium nitride layer is then deposited onto the first coated substrate to form a second coated substrate. The chromium nitride has an atomic percent of nitrogen less that about 45 atom percent.

Abstract: An article, particularly a metallic article, is coated with a multi-layer coating having the color or appearance of dark copper. The coating comprises a chromium, refractory metal or refractory metal alloy adhesion promoting layer, a titanium-zirconium alloy nitride or titanium-zirconium alloy carbonitride protective and color layer, and a titanium-zirconium alloy oxide or titanium-zirconium oxynitride color enhancing layer.