Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the plasma-electrolytic deposition of a titanium-based non-metallic protective coating on an aluminum-containing material that exhibits excellent resistance to corrosion and high resistance against wear; a coated aluminum-containing metallic article, wherein the coating comprised of oxides and hydroxides of the elements titanium and aluminum has a thickness of at least 15 microns and a cross-section hardness (HV) of at least 800; and a device comprising an arrangement of two adjacent parts at least one being selected from an aluminum-containing metallic material that is coated according to the method and in frictional connection with the other part wherein under operation the frictionally connected parts move relatively to each other, such as, pistons moving in the cylinder within the powertrain of a vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to articles having magnesium-containing metal surfaces with a black, brown or bronze electroceramic coating, chemically bonded directly to the magnesium metal surfaces, the coating having an outer darkly colored layer and an underlying interfacial layer. Articles having a composite coating comprising first sectors of the electroceramic coating and second sectors comprising organic and/or inorganic components different from the electroceramic coating are also provided. The invention further relates to processes of making and using the articles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the plasma-electrolytic deposition of a titanium-based non-metallic protective coating on an aluminum-containing material that exhibits excellent resistance to corrosion and high resistance against wear; a coated aluminum-containing metallic article, wherein the coating comprised of oxides and hydroxides of the elements titanium and aluminum has a thickness of at least 15 microns and a cross-section hardness (HV) of at least 800; and a device comprising an arrangement of two adjacent parts at least one being selected from an aluminum-containing metallic material that is coated according to the method and in frictional connection with the other part wherein under operation the frictionally connected parts move relatively to each other, such as, pistons moving in the cylinder within the powertrain of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing at least one of HC, CO, and NOx emissions from an operating internal combustion engine fueled by hydrocarbon or similar fuels, such as alcohols, wherein a portion of the internal combustion chamber has aluminum and/or titanium containing surfaces coated with a titanium dioxide coating further comprising a dopant in and/or on the adherent titanium dioxide coating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing at least one of HC, CO, and NOx, emissions from an operating internal combustion engine fueled by hydrocarbon or similar fuels, such as alcohols, wherein a portion of the internal combustion chamber has aluminum and/or titanium containing surfaces coated with a titanium dioxide coating further comprising a dopant in and/or on the adherent titanium dioxide coating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing at least one of HC, CO, and NOx emissions from an operating internal combustion engine fueled by hydrocarbon or similar fuels, such as alcohols, wherein a portion of the internal combustion chamber has aluminum and/or titanium containing surfaces coated with a titanium dioxide coating further comprising a dopant in and/or on the adherent titanium dioxide coating.