Abstract: The present invention uses a two-step anodizing process to produce a colored anodized coating on the surface of an aluminum part. In accordance with this invention, a thin hard anodized coating layer is first formed on the surface of the aluminum part and then growing a softer a clear anodized coating layer on the surface of the aluminum part underneath the hard coat layer. The soft coat is essentially colorless and suitable for color finishing. This invention drastically improves the wear resistance of the aluminum part while maintaining a desired amount of clarity for effective electrolytic coloring.

Abstract: Pistons reciprocating in cylinders of a hydrocarbon-fueled internal combustion engine tend to trap air and unburned fuel between the top of the piston head and its enclosing cylinder wall. The circumferential side surface (or land) of the piston head above its upper piston ring groove is provided with a thin coating of porous aluminum oxide. Particles of an oxidation catalyst for the engine's fuel are electrolytically deposited in the pores of the oxide coating. During engine operation the oxide-supported catalyst particles promote combustion of the entrained fuel.

Abstract: Pistons reciprocating in cylinders of a hydrocarbon-fueled internal combustion engine tend to trap air and unburned fuel between the top of the piston head and its enclosing cylinder wall. The circumferential side surface (or land) of the piston head above its upper piston ring groove is provided with a thin coating of porous aluminum oxide. Particles of an oxidation catalyst for the engine's fuel are electrolytically deposited in the pores of the oxide coating. During engine operation the oxide-supported catalyst particles promote combustion of the entrained fuel.

Abstract: A separator plate for a fuel cell stack includes an electrically non-conductive base plate having a reactant flow field formed in a reactant surface thereof. An electrically conductive layer is bonded to the reactant surface of the base plate.

Abstract: The quality of painted surfaces of polymeric articles is improved by depositing a coating of a metal such as zinc or zinc alloy on the surface of the article to be painted. For example, zinc is electrodeposited on a conductive surface of the article. The metal coated polymeric surface provides a good base for electrostatic deposition of either liquid or powder paint and the metal surface prevents the formation of defects in the painted surface during heating of the article to dry or cure the paint film.

Abstract: The quality of painted surfaces of polymer composites is improved by first forming an electroless metal coating on the molded surface of the composite and then electroplating a coating of zinc or zinc alloy on the metallized composite surface. The “galvanized” composite surface provides a good base for electrostatic deposition of either liquid or powder paint and the zinc surface prevents the formation of defects in the painted surface during heating of the composite to dry or cure the paint film.

Abstract: The present invention uses a two-step anodizing process to produce a colored anodized coating on the surface of an aluminum part. In accordance with this invention, a thin hard anodized coating layer is first formed on the surface of the aluminum part and then growing a softer a clear anodized coating layer on the surface of the aluminum part underneath the hard coat layer. The soft coat is essentially colorless and suitable for color finishing. This invention drastically improves the wear resistance of the aluminum part while maintaining a desired amount of clarity for effective electrolytic coloring.

Abstract: The surface of a molded fiber reinforced polymer matrix article is prepared for subsequent metallization and painting by coating the molded article, preferably while it is still in its mold, with a layer of calcium carbonate-filled, but fiber-free polymer. The calcium carbonate-filled coating is then etched to dissolve particles of calcium carbonate from the surface layer to form fiber-free micro-pores in the surface layer. This porous provides an improved base for the deposition of a metal layer for receiving adherent paint layers and preventing “out-gassing” of the composite body during baking of the paint layers.

Abstract: The quality of painted surfaces of polymeric articles is improved by depositing a coating of a metal such as zinc or zinc alloy on the surface of the article to be painted. For example, zinc is electrodeposited on a conductive surface of the article. The metal coated polymeric surface provides a good base for electrostatic deposition of either liquid or powder paint and the metal surface prevents the formation of defects in the painted surface during heating of the article to dry or cure the paint film.

Abstract: The quality of painted surfaces of polymer composites is improved by first forming an electroless metal coating on the molded surface of the composite and then electroplating a coating of zinc or zinc alloy on the metallized composite surface. The “galvanized” composite surface provides a good base for electrostatic deposition of either liquid or powder paint and the zinc surface prevents the formation of defects in the painted surface during heating of the composite to dry or cure the paint film.

Abstract: A conical sheath of air emitted from a vortex plenum adjacent the outer edge of a rotating bell spray apparatus is effective to optionally help atomize the coating material, and to carry the atomized material forwardly toward a confluence on the axis of the rotating head where tubulent mixing of the particles occurs, and the particles are sprayed forwardly for deposition in a uniform thickness film of a uniform population mix of particles sizes. Forward air and tangential air components are admitted to the plenum and are independently controlled so that different spray characteristics are obtained, the tangential air providing a swirl moment to the conical air sheath which enlarges the size of the deposited film pattern. The forward velocity determines the atomization ability of the sheath air and the particle velocity in the spray pattern. Electrostatic and non-electrostatic operations are intended.