Abstract: Multicurved copper films having fine-line elements suitable for radome applications can be improved by cutting the elements with reproducible precision to close tolerance (typically line widths of 3-10±0.25 mil) using an etchant comprising a concentrated saline solution of CuCl2.

Abstract: A process for sealing the surface coating formed by anodizing an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate (for example, aerospace, commercial, and architectural products), the process including the steps of:

Abstract: Multicurved copper films having fine-line elements suitable for radome applications can be improved by cutting the elements with reproducible precision to close tolerance (typically line widths of 3-10±0.25 mil) using an etchant comprising a concentrated saline solution of CuCl2.

Abstract: A process for sealing the surface coating formed by anodizing an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate (for example, aerospace, commercial, and architectural products), the process including the steps of: (a) providing an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate with a surface coating formed thereon by anodizing the aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate; (b) providing a sealing solution comprising a dilute solution of a rare earth metal salt selected from the group consisting of cerium salts and yttrium salts; and (c) contacting the substrate with the sealing solution for a sufficient amount of time to seal the surface coating on the substrate. Also disclosed is a chemical sealing solution for sealing the surface coating formed by anodizing an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate, the solution being a dilute solution of a rare earth metal salt selected from the group consisting of cerium salts and yttrium salts.

Abstract: Increasingly stringent environmental restrictions make it challenging to apply coatings (i.e., paint) by conventional processes like spray painting because of the volatile solvents and hazardous pigments. The environmental scrutiny is particularly focused upon conventional corrosion protection surface treatments, especially chromated primers and conversion coatings. We apply appliqu{acute over (e)}s to provide a vapor barrier over the substrate to provide corrosion protection. We can make curved appliqu{acute over (e)}s on a family of molds of different Gaussian curvature and thereby avoid making a “splash” mold of the surface of interest to create the appliqu{acute over (e)}s. Using curved appliqu{acute over (e)}s reduces ridges, creases, or gaps that sometimes otherwise occur with attempts to a cover a surface with complex curvature with flat (planar) appliqu{acute over (e)}s.

Abstract: Radomes having complexly curved, frequency selective surfaces are made with a high degree of precision to assure part-to-part uniformity in electrical performance using a three-dimensional conformal mask and a precision etch process. The mask has a transparent substrate and a patterned opaque layer on the substrate. We expose photosensitive material overlying a thin film metal layer (generally deposited on a dielectric) through the mask. Metal exposed by patterning the photosensitive material is etched with a CuCl.sub.2 and chloride salt solution, and the remainder of the layer of photosensitive material is removed to complete the patterning.

Abstract: Multicurved copper films having fine-line elements suitable for radome applications can be improved by cutting the elements with reproducible precision to close tolerance (typically line widths of 3-10.+-.0.25 mil) using an etchant comprising a concentrated saline solution of CuCl.sub.2.