Abstract: Systems and methods for the synthesis of lubricant-containing microcapsules are disclosed. Embodiments of composite nickel and copper coatings containing capsules with liquid lubricating oil cores are also disclosed. In certain embodiments, microcapsules can be incorporated into a metal plating solution to perform composite electrodeposition to obtain self lubricant metallic coatings. In some embodiments, much lower friction coefficient (˜0.8) and far better wear resistance was obtained with the copper/microcapsules composite.

Abstract: A method for the electrochemical plating or marking of metals includes providing a metal surface, providing an electroplating solution at the metal surface, and electroplating the metal surface with the electroplating solution. A top layer of the metal surface comprises an oxide scale. The method can also include masking a portion of the metal surface with a masking material. The electroplating solution can be provided at the metal surface by an electroplating brush, the oxide scale of the metal surface can be comprised primarily of magnetite and hematite, and the material comprising the metal surface can be steel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a functionalized particle includes a n inorganic particle with diazonium functional group attached. In some embodiments, the largest dimension of the inorganic particle ranges between about 10 nm and 1000 ?m. In another embodiment, a substrate with a hydrophobic surface includes a substrate, and a first plurality of inorganic particles with at least one diazonium functional group attached to the substrate. The largest dimension of the first plurality of inorganic particles ranges between about 10 nm and 1000 ?m. One embodiment includes a second plurality of particles with at least one phenol functional group attached to the inorganic particle. In a further embodiment, a fluorinated functional group is attached to the second plurality of particles. In some embodiments, the material has a hydrophobic surface with a water contact angle greater than about 150°.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the synthesis of lubricant-containing microcapsules are disclosed. Embodiments of composite nickel and copper coatings containing capsules with liquid lubricating oil cores are also disclosed. In certain embodiments, microcapsules can be incorporated into a metal plating solution to perform composite electrodeposition to obtain self lubricant metallic coatings. In some embodiments, much lower friction coefficient (˜0.8) and far better wear resistance was obtained with the copper/microcapsules composite.

Abstract: A method for the electrochemical plating or marking of metals includes providing a metal surface, providing an electroplating solution at the metal surface, and electroplating the metal surface with the electroplating solution. A top layer of the metal surface comprises an oxide scale. The method can also include masking a portion of the metal surface with a masking material. The electroplating solution can be provided at the metal surface by an electroplating brush, the oxide scale of the metal surface can be comprised primarily of magnetite and hematite, and the material comprising the metal surface can be steel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a functionalized particle includes a n inorganic particle with diazonium functional group attached. In some embodiments, the largest dimension of the inorganic particle ranges between about 10 nm and 1000 ?m. In another embodiment, a substrate with a hydrophobic surface includes a substrate, and a first plurality of inorganic particles with at least one diazonium functional group attached to the substrate. The largest dimension of the first plurality of inorganic particles ranges between about 10 nm and 1000 ?m. One embodiment includes a second plurality of particles with at least one phenol functional group attached to the inorganic particle. In a further embodiment, a fluorinated functional group is attached to the second plurality of particles. In some embodiments, the material has a hydrophobic surface with a water contact angle greater than about 150°.