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.