Abstract: A chemically linked catalyst-binder hydrogel material comprised of a water-insoluble chemical hydrogel is useful in, for example, fuel cells, batteries, electrochemical supercapacitors, semi-fuel cells etc. The water-insoluble chemical hydrogel is prepared by a chemical cross-linking reaction between a polymer (such as PVA or chitosan or gelatin) and an aqueous cross-linking agent such as glutaraldehyde, which is catalyzed by protic acid under ambient conditions of temperature and pressure.

Abstract: An aqueous solution for depositing an inorganic corrosion resistant coating on a metal substrate is disclosed. The aqueous solution comprises a film-forming agent, a supplemental anion, and a substrate activator. The film-forming agent is a vanadate salt that forms the corrosion resistant coating. The supplemental anion accelerates the rate at which the corrosion resistant coating is formed. The substrate activator serves to remove any existing oxides from the metal substrate prior to the formation of the corrosion resistant coating. The present invention additionally covers objects so coated and methods of application.

Abstract: An aqueous solution for depositing an inorganic corrosion resistant coating on a metal substrate is disclosed. The aqueous solution comprises a film-forming agent, a supplemental anion, and a substrate activator. The film-forming agent is a vanadate salt that forms the corrosion resistant coating. The supplemental anion accelerates the rate at which the corrosion resistant coating is formed. The substrate activator serves to remove any existing oxides from the metal substrate prior to the formation of the corrosion resistant coating. The present invention additionally covers objects so coated and methods of application.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface modification method that provides beneficial changes in surface properties, can modify a surface to a greater depth than previous methods, and that is suitable for industrial application. The present method comprises applying a thin-film coating to a surface of a substrate, then subjecting the coated surface to an ion beam. The ion beam power pulse heats the coated surface, leading to alloying between the material in the coating and the material of the substrate. Rapid cooling of the alloyed layer after an ion beam pulse can lead to formation of metastable alloys and microstructures not accessible by conventional alloying methods or intense ion beam treatment of the substrate alone.

Abstract: Corrosion protective coatings for metallic materials, particularly aluminum and aluminum alloys, produced with simple, low-cost equipment and materials other than toxic metals or metal salts, or metal cyanides. The metallic material is cleaned, degreased, and deoxidized, the surface is converted to a substantially alkaline condition, and the surface is chemically sealed with inorganic metal compounds.

Abstract: Aluminum and aluminum alloys are protected from corrosion by immersion in an alkaline lithium or alkaline magnesium salt solution. Immersion in the salt solution causes the formation of a protective film on the surface of the aluminum or aluminum alloy which includes hydrotalcite compounds. A post film formation heat treatment significantly improves the corrosion resistance of the protective film.

Abstract: Aluminum and aluminum alloys are protected from corrosion by immersion in an alkaline lithium or alkaline magnesium salt solution. Immersion in the salt solution causes the formation of a protective film on the surface of the aluminum or aluminum alloy which includes hydrotalcite compounds. A post film formation heat treatment significantly improves the corrosion resistance of the protective film.