Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming a conductive diamond layer on a surface of a carbon fibre substrate that is used as a component of an electrode for neural stimulation and/or electrochemical sensing. The method comprises functionalising at least a portion of the surface with a functionalising agent to facilitate coating the surface with the conductive diamond layer. The method also comprises providing a diamond precursor and depositing the diamond precursor over the functionalising agent to form the conductive diamond layer. The disclosure also relates to an electrode that is used as a component of an electrode for neural stimulation and/or electrochemical sensing.

Abstract: A placemat (1) and a coaster (2) are provided as a set, each having a similar decorative effect (4), for example a graphic design, and the placemat being made in pieces as a jigsaw puzzle (7). The coaster illustrates the decorative effect to be achieved on the placemat when the pieces are assembled. There may be the same or different decorative effects on opposite surfaces of the placemat and coaster. A package (8) made of plastics material folded into a box form accommodates the separated pieces (19) of the placemat (1) and is formed with a location (15) at which the coaster (2) is held so that it can be seen from the outside of the package.