Abstract: A method for forming an NiCr seed layer based bottom spin valve sensor element having a synthetic antiferromagnet pinned (SyAP) layer and a capping layer comprising either a single specularly reflecting nano-oxide layer (NOL) or a bi-layer comprising a non-metallic layer and a specularly reflecting nano-oxide layer and the sensor element so formed. The method of producing these sensor elements provides elements having higher GMR ratios and lower resistances than elements of the prior art.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electroless or electrolytic process for treating metallic surfaces. The process employs a medium comprising at least one oxygen containing water soluble compound (e.g., stannates, molybdates, vanadates and hydrated cerium compounds) having a controlled and predetermined concentration, temperature and pH wherein the metallic surface is at least partially corroded or solubilized.

Abstract: A method of providing a protective, corrosion-resistant thin coating of a MCrX alloy on a carbon or low-alloy steel pipe or tube where M is one of nickel, cobalt or iron or combination thereof and X is one of molybdenum, silicon, tungsten or combination thereof, and heat treating the coating to metallurgically bond the coating onto a steel substrate of the pipe or tube. The coating may be deposited in one or two layers by plasma transferred arc deposition or may be deposited as a slurry coating or thermal spray coating with sintering of the coating. The steel substrate is prepared for coating by at least one of boring, honing, bright finishing, grit blasting, grinding, chemical pickling or electro-polishing of the substrate.

Abstract: A composition for nitrocarburizing stainless steel parts and a method for producing a nitride or hard case on such parts using the composition, are provided. The composition includes alkali metal cyanate and alkali metal carbonate, wherein the cyanate ion is present in a weight percentage of greater than 45% and less than 55.2%. The composition is fused and maintained between about 750° F. and about 950° F. depending upon the type of stainless steel to be treated. The workpiece is immersed in the fused bath and left in until a satisfactory compound layer or case is formed. With austenitic stainless steel, the piece is immersed from about four hours to about six hours at temperatures between about 750° F. and about 950° F., preferably between 750° F. and 850° F. to maintain corrosion resistance. With 400 series stainless steel, increased corrosion resistance is achieved by immersion for between four and six hours at 950° F.

Abstract: Method for localized aluminide coating applied for the first time or as repair includes creating a contained space by disposing coating material comprising an aluminum source and a halide activator at least partially over and in an out-of-contact relation with a target surface of a metal substrate. Heating the substrate to a temperature to cause the aluminum source to react with the halide activator and the substrate results in diffusion aluminide coating of the targeted surface. An article comprising a target surface of a metal substrate, said surface bounding a contained space, and a coating tape comprising an aluminum source and a halide activator and disposed in an out-of-contact relation at least partially over the contained space whereby, when the substrate is heated to a temperature to cause the halide activator to react with the aluminum source, a diffusion aluminide coating is formed on the target surface.

Abstract: A metallic base material is covered with a coating layer of intermetallic compound, or a plurality of metallic base materials are welded to each other with an intermetallic compound, with reduced energy consumption within a short period of time. First metallic substance 31 in powdery form is piled up on metallic base material 2. Second metallic substance 3 in molten form is delivered onto piling layer 80 of the first substance. Thus, under the control of reaction initiation temperature, coating layer (or building up coating layer) 84 of intermetallic compound having a thickness of hundreds of microns (&mgr;m) to millimeters (mm) is formed on the base material 2 by the self-exothermic reaction between the first substance and the second substance. This method is also useful in the welding of a plurality of metallic base materials to each other with an intermetallic compound. The first substance can be constituted of, for example, Ni, Co or Fe. The second substance can be constituted of, for example, Al or Ti.

Abstract: In a method of producing on the surface of a component which consists of a titanium alloy or an intermetallic phase on the basis of titanium, a protective layer (according to the formula Ti5,0−xAgx+yAl3,0−yO2), a mixture of Ti powder and TiO2 powder, which has been sintered, is applied to the surfaces of the component or, if the titanium alloy includes 40-60 at % Al, a coating of silver is applied to the component and the component is then heat treated at 500 to 900° C. to form the protective layer on its surfaces.

Abstract: A process to pretreat copper surfaces for tight bonding to organic substrates as those found in multilayer printed circuit boards includes first treating the copper with a solution containing hydrogen peroxide, and at least one acid, and at least one nitrogen-containing five-member heterocyclic compound which does not contain sulfur, selenium or tellurium atoms in the heterocycle. Thereafter the copper surfaces are brought into contact with a second solution containing at least one adhesion-promoting compound from the group consisting of sufinic acid, selinic acid, telluric acid, and heterocyclic compounds that contain at least one sulfur, and/or selenium and/or tellurium atom in the heterocycie and also sulfonium, selenonium and telluronium salts.

Abstract: A method to recover components of a sputter target assembly having a target bonded onto a backing plate is described. The method includes hydriding the tantalum or niobium target to a tantalum hydride or niobium hydride, respectively and then separating the tantalum hydride or niobium hydride from the backing plate. Sputter targets are further described as well as subsequent process steps.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the prevention of copper oxidation during copper anneal processes. In one aspect of the invention, copper oxidation is prevented by carrying out the anneal in the presence of one or more organic reducing agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a spin valve structure (1) of the GMR-type. Such a structure includes a stack of a magnetic layer (11a 11b), a nonmagnetic layer (15) and a sense layer (17) of a ferromagnetic material. In order to obtain a spin valve structure having a very good GMR effect the method comprises the following specific steps: oxidation of the ferromagnetic material of the sense layer; deposition of aluminium on the oxidized ferromagnetic material; oxidation of the deposited aluminium using oxygen from the oxidized ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: Oxidation protection of a titanium heat exchanger is provided by a titanium aluminide or solgel coating. The coating protects bare titanium and brazed surfaces of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A gold-free platinum material that is dispersion-strengthened by small, finely dispersed particles of base metal oxide. The base metal is either 0.01-0.5 wt. % Sc or a mixture/alloy of Sc and at least one metal from the group consisting of Zr, Y, and Ce with a total base metal content of 0.05-0.5 wt. %.

Abstract: A method of surface-treating a metal member involves heating, or heating under pressure, the metal member in an aqueous alkaline solution having a pH of 9 or more and containing a manganese compound and a chelating agent dissolved in water, whereby a mold release agent or dirt is removed from the metal member without any pre-cleaning process. The surface treatment forms on the metal member a surface treatment layer providing excellent corrosion resistance. Paint, which adheres well to the surface treatment layer, can provide additional corrosion protection.

Abstract: A method for treating compounds which contain reactive sulfur is disclosed, wherein the treatment produces compounds which contain sulfur in a non reactive form. The method is based on the use of an oxidizing compound selected from the group consisting of water soluble inorganic persulfates, water soluble inorganic and organic adducts of hydrogen peroxide and mixtures thereof. The method is particularly useful in preventing stress corrosion cracking of stainless steel and in preventing auto-ignition of pyrophoric iron sulfide.

Abstract: Liquid compositions for the treatment of metal surfaces comprising:

Abstract: A hydrogen containing material comprises a first compound including hydrogen containing material and fluoride, and a second compound including a metal which becomes highly reactive with hydrogen when the metal becomes a compound including fluorine, and a compound including fluorine. The first compound and the second compound are integrally formed into a one-piece layer on the surface of the hydrogen containing material. The metal which becomes highly reactive with hydrogen when the metal becomes a compound including fluorine is at least one metal selected from a rare earth metal, rare earth alloy, Fe, Al, Mg, Ca, Mn, Zn, Zr, Li, or alloys comprising these elements.

Abstract: A method has been developed for surface modifications of high temperature resistant alloys, such as FeCrAl alloys, in order to increase their resistance to corrosion at high temperatures. Coating it with a Ca-containing compound before heat-treating builds a continuos uniform and adherent layer on the surface of the alloy, that the aluminum depletion of the FeCrAl alloy is reduced under cyclic thermal stress. By this surface modification the resistance to high temperature corrosion of the FeCrAl alloy and its lifetime are significantly increased.

Abstract: A spin electronic material exhibiting a spin-dependent electronic effect includes zincblende TE-VE, where TE stands for V, Cr or Mn and VE stands for As or Sb.

Abstract: This invention relates to a surface treatment method comprising the steps of providing a treating solution containing a specific ammonium compound or aqueous ammonia, and magnesium silicofluoride, heating the treating solution to a temperature of 70 to 100° C., and soaking aluminum or an aluminum alloy in the treating solution; a piston having a surface coated with a film consisting of a mixture of NH4MgAlF6 and MgAlF5. 1.5H2O or a mixture of NH4MgAlF6 and MgAl2F8.2H2O; and a sliding member made of aluminum or the like wherein the whole surface of the sliding member or the sliding surface thereof is coated with a film which consists of either of the aforesaid mixtures, has a cubic crystal structure, and shows no crystalline orientation.

Abstract: A tin layer and a nickel layer are stacked sequentially on a given substrate to form a multilayered film composed of the tin layer and the nickel layer. Then, the multilayered film is heated to a given temperature to form a tin-nickel alloy film through the diffusion of the tin elements of the tin layer into the nickel layer.

Abstract: A method for forming a chromium-rich layer on the surface of a nickel alloy workpiece containing chromium includes heating the workpiece to a stable temperature of about 1100° C., and then exposing the workpiece to a gaseous mixture containing water vapor and one or more non-oxidizing gases for a short period of time. The process conditions are compatible with high temperature annealing and can be performed simultaneously with, or in conjunction with, high temperature annealing.

Abstract: A method of modifying a surface is disclosed. The method includes contacting the surface with a hydridosilane under conditions and for a time sufficient to form a covalent bond between a silicon atom of the hydridosilane and the oxygen atom of a hydroxyl group on the surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns a nickel based powdered metallic material comprising in addition to nickel 0-4.5 wt % of copper, 0-5.0% by weight of iron, whereby the total amount of copper and iron is at least 2.5% by weight, 0.05-5.0% by weight of a carbide forming element 0.5-2.0% by weight of boron, 1.0-4.0% by weight of silicon, 0.5-4.0% by weight of phosphorus, 0.01-0.5% by weight of C and less than 2% by weight of inevitable impurities.

Abstract: A method and system for inhibiting corrosion of aluminum and other metal-containing components and structures exposed to water is disclosed. In one embodiment, the silicate solution is used as a test fluid medium for structural testing of aluminum-alloy or other metal container structures including propellant tanks, in which a structure filled with the medium is then subjected to various structural load testing. In another embodiment, the silicate solution is used as a test medium for proof pressure hydrostatic or load testing of launch vehicle booster tanks. The silicate film protects the underlying base metal surface against corrosion during these tests. The film also protects the base metal surface in normal atmospheric conditions from exposure to humidity and other atmospheric moisture after removal of the test medium from the propellant tank following completion of testing.

Abstract: A composition for nitrocarburizing stainless steel parts and a method for producing a nitride or hard case on such parts using the composition, are provided. The composition includes alkali metal cyanate and alkali metal carbonate, wherein the cyanate ion is present in a weight percentage of greater than 45% and less than 55.2%. The composition is fused and maintained between about 750° F. and about 950° F. depending upon the type of stainless steel to be treated. The workpiece is immersed in the fused bath and left in until a satisfactory compound layer or case is formed. With austenitic stainless steel, the piece is immersed from about four hours to about six hours at temperatures between about 750° F. and about 950° F., preferably between 750° F. and 850° F. to maintain corrosion resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a component (1) comprising an element (2), which contains zirconium or a zirconium alloy and which has a surface (3) on which a corrosion protective layer (4) is formed, the oxide layer (4) comprising zirconium oxide. The component (1) is intended to be in an oxidising environment (6) and said oxide layer (4) has an outer surface (5) towards said oxidising environment (6). The element (2) comprises a layer (10), that borders said surface (3) and comprises hydrogen and at least one metal from the group of lanthanum elements and/or from the group platinum metals and/or yttrium which in its elemental form or as an oxide have the ability to effectively dissociate oxygen and H2O. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the component (1) and a nuclear facility comprising the component (1).

Abstract: This invention is a method for forming a chemical conversion coating on ferrous metal substrates, the chemical solutions used in the coating and the articles coated thereby. By modifying and combining the features of two existing, but heretofore unrelated, coating technologies, a hybrid conversion coating is formed. Specifically, a molecular iron/oxygen-enriched intermediate coating, such as a dicarboxylate or phosphate, is applied to a ferrous substrate by a first oxidation. The intermediate coating pre-conditions the substrate to form a surface rich in molecular iron and oxygen in a form easily accessible for further reaction. This oxidation procedure is followed by a coloring procedure using a heated (about 120-220 F.) oxidizing solution containing alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal nitrate, alkali metal nitrite or mixtures thereof, which reacts with the iron and oxygen enriched intermediate coating to form magnetite (Fe3O4).

Abstract: A method for forming a zinc oxalate coating on the surface of a strip or sheet of metal covered with a zinc or zinc alloy coating other than zinc/iron coatings, with the aid of an aqueous solution consisting of oxalic acid having a concentration of between 5.10−3 and 0.1 mole/l, and at least one compound and/or ion of an oxidant zinc metal having a concentration of between 10−6 and 10−2 mole/l, and possibly a wetting agent. The inventive method enables sheet metal to be treated at very high speeds without using large amounts of oxidant. It facilitates management of treatment baths. The invention can be used in the lubrication of sheet metal, especially for die stamping.

Abstract: A magnetically soft, moldable composite material include powder grains coated with nonmagnetic thermoplastic compounds or with molecular precursors for ceramics or with intermetallic compounds, the magnetic properties of the magnetically soft composite material being adjustable in that fashion. Also described is a method for manufacturing a magnetically soft, shapable composite material coated in that fashion, which can subsequently be processed into shaped parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing coated metal surfaces at a coating speed of at least 25 m per minute during the application of a pre-treating agent to a cleaned and/or pickled metal surface. The inventive method is characterized by applying at least one pre-treating agent to at least one surface of a metal body after cleaning and/or pickling the metal surface to be treated. At least one lacquer layer is applied to a part of the pre-treated surface, the coating produced only by the pre-treating agent and not by the lacquer being used as the treatment layer instead of a priming or pre-treatment layer. The invention further relates to a method for producing coated metal surfaces at a coating speed of at least 25 m per minute during the application of a pre-treating agent to a cleaned and/or pickled metal surface. The inventive method is characterized by applying at least one pre-treating agent to at least one surface of a metal body after cleaning and/or pickling the metal surface to be treated.

Abstract: Corrosion resistant, hydrophilic coatings on the surface of aluminum and aluminum alloys may be formed using aqueous compositions containing fluorometallates such as H2TiF6 or H2ZrF6 and vanadium compounds such as decavanadates. To minimize the odor evolved from the conversion coatings it is preferred for a specified oxide, hydroxide, carbonate, or alkoxide to also be present in or added to the aqueous composition.

Abstract: Ti alloy is embedded in a powder such as graphite and heated with the powder in an oxygen atmosphere. Oxygen atoms are diffused into the Ti alloy to form an oxygen diffusion layer of Ti—O solid solution, thereby increasing wear resistance of the valve. A poppet valve in an internal combustion engine may be made of such Ti alloy.

Abstract: A process for treating a chromium coating and/or the surface of a chromium alloy to increase hardness, and/or to decrease coefficient of friction; chromium alloys and/or chromium coatings with surfaces having increased hardness and/or decreased coefficient of friction; and, components comprising chromium alloys and/or chromium coatings with surfaces having increased hardness and/or decreased coefficient of friction.

Abstract: Method for localized aluminide coating applied for the first time or as repair includes creating a contained space by disposing coating material comprising an aluminum source and a halide activator at least partially over and in an out-of-contact relation with a target surface of a metal substrate. Heating the substrate to a temperature to cause the aluminum source to react with the halide activator and the substrate results in diffusion aluminide coating of the targeted surface. An article comprising a target surface of a metal substrate, said surface bounding a contained space, and a coating tape comprising an aluminum source and a halide activator and disposed in an out-of-contact relation at least partially over the contained space whereby, when the substrate is heated to a temperature to cause the halide activator to react with the aluminum source, a diffusion aluminide coating is formed on the target surface.

Abstract: A method of modifying a surface is disclosed. The method includes contacting the surface with a hydridosilane under conditions and for a time sufficient to form a covalent bond between a silicon atom of the hydridosilane and the oxygen atom of a hydroxyl group on the surface. The hydridosilane has the formula where at least one of Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd is H, and at least one of Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd is not H.

Abstract: A passivation method for the metallic surface of a nickel and iron-based superalloy which is used as the constituent material of reactor or furnace walls is described, in which the superalloy is coated on at least one of its surfaces which comes into contact with a corrosive atmosphere containing either hydrocarbons at high temperature or containing oxidizing gases at high temperature, with at least two successive layers resulting from successive chemical vapour deposition of its one or more constituent elements, the external phase, resulting from chemical vapour deposition of at least one silicon compound and the layer(s) deposited between the superalloy surface, and the external layer resulting from chemical vapour deposition of at least one of a metal or metalloid.

Abstract: A method for reducing in situ the electrochemical corrosion potential and susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking of a nickel-base alloy and boiling water nuclear reactor components formed therefrom when in contact with high temperature water. The method comprises the steps of: adding a metal hydride to the high temperature water; dissociating the metal hydride in the high temperature water to form a metal and at least one hydrogen ion; and reducing the concentration of the oxidizing species by reacting the hydrogen ions with an oxidizing species, thereby reducing in situ the electrochemical corrosion potential of the nickel-base alloy. The method may further include the steps of reacting the metal with oxygen present in the high temperature water to form an insoluble oxide and incorporating the metal into the surface of the nickel-base alloy, thereby reducing the electrical conductivity of the surface of the nickel-base alloy.

Abstract: A wire electrode for machining a piece by electro-erosion includes a metallic core and a cladding having an alloy of manganese and zinc obtained by simultaneous electrolytic deposition at a thickness between 1 and 40 micrometers. The cladding permits a substantial increase of the machining, particularly rough machining, performance, a considerable deformability of the wire, a high resistance to traction and stability of the cladding over time.

Abstract: Security elements used to secure goods, as well as castings or injection-molded parts containing such security elements, for protection against theft are encased in a powder lacquer layer. Security elements for protecting goods contain soft magnetic and hard magnetic components. When a magnetic alternating field is applied to the soft magnetic components, they are excited in order to emit a characteristic signal. The hard magnetic components are located on the soft magnetic components in such a way that the hard magnetic components, in their magnetized state, prevent the emission of the characteristic signal of the security element. In order to protect the security elements, in particular against detachment of the soft magnetic components from the hard magnetic components, the security components are at least partially encased in a layer of powder lacquer.

Abstract: Corrosion resistant metal, either platinum or MCrAlY is bonded to a corrosion sensitive metal such as nickel based superalloys by coating the surface with the corrosion resistant metal particles held in a binder and covering this with a metalide generating tape. This is then heated to cause the formation of the metalide coating on the metal surface, which in turn, bonds the corrosion resistant metal to the surface.

Abstract: A method of improving the post-etch corrosion resistance of aluminum-containing wafers by performing a two-step post-etch passivation sequence which does not involve a plasma. In the first step the pressure is high, relative to typical passivation procedures, and the wafer temperature is relatively low. In the second step, the pressure is ramped down and the wafer temperature is ramped up. This two-step approach results in a more-efficient removal of chlorine from the wafer, and hence improved corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A diffusion aluminide coating having a graded structure is applied over a nickel base superalloy substrate. The coating has an inner region of a diffusion aluminide adjacent to the substrate rich in a reactive element, typically Hf, Si or combinations of the two. The near surface region is a diffusion aluminide which is substantially free of reactive elements. Such coatings when used as bond coats in thermal barrier coating systems exhibit improved spallation performance.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method for application of a chemical process on a component surface is provided. In an embodiment for an apparatus for preparing a component surface for application of a chemical process, the apparatus includes a base, an o-ring retainer, an o-ring, a boot, and a retention ring. The component is mounted on the base. The o-ring is positioned on the o-ring retainer and the o-ring retainer is inserted through an aperture in the component and mated with the base. The assembled component, base, o-ring retainer, and o-ring are positioned within the boot. The retention ring is positioned around the boot.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the protection of high temperature alloys containing iron, nickel and chromium against high temperature corrosion by carburization or metal dusting is achieved by depositing a thin layer of a metal selected from one or more of the noble metals, precious metals, metals from groups IVA, IVB, and group VA, VB of the Periodic Table and mixtures thereof with a thickness in the range of from 0.01 to 10 &mgr;m on the surface to be protected, and annealing the treated surface in an inert atmosphere at a predetermined temperature for a sufficient time to render the treated surface resistant to carburization or metal dusting.

Abstract: A dilution tool (100) and a method to prepare a solution by mixing of two fluids in a filter (130) to form a desired solution. Sealless pumps (141, 142) are driven by a common motor (143) to pump the fluids at a constant ratio of their respective flow rates while the flow rate of the solution varies. The conductivity or resistivity of the solution is measured with a measurement device (166) to determine the concentration.

Abstract: Solder spheres which can avoid blackening during transportation have a substantially uniform coating of a lubricant on the surfaces thereof. They are produced by dipping freshly prepared solder spheres in a lubricant solution with a concentration of from 10 ppm to 1000 ppm followed by collection of the spheres and drying. The lubricant is preferably selected from an aliphatic hydrocarbon lubricant, a higher fatty alcohol or acid lubricant, a fatty acid amide lubricant, a metal soap lubricant, a fatty acid ester lubricant, a fluoroplastic lubricant, a silicone lubricant, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: A rare earth metal-based permanent magnet has a metal oxide film formed on the surface thereof by a sol-gel coating process. The rare earth metal-based permanent magnet is produced by forming a metal oxide film on the surface thereof by a sol-gel coating process. The metal oxide film is thin and dense. The adhesion of the film to the surface of the magnet is excellent. The film exhibits an excellent corrosion resistance. Typical examples of the metal oxide films are Al, Si, Ti and Zr oxide films. An interfacial layer with R (rare earth element) atom chemically bonded with a film forming metal atom through oxygen atom is formed between the metal oxide film and the entire surface of the magnet.

Abstract: A treatment method for hydrophilicity for a heat exchanger which can maintain the deodorizing property and hydrohilicity even after a long-time use, and a heat exchanger thus treated for hydrophilicity by said method are provided.

Abstract: To improve at least one of the hydrophilicity, corrosion resistance, and adhesion by subsequently applied paints, a solid surface, preferably an aluminum alloy surface, is treated with an initial treatment liquid that comprises water and dissolved, dispersed or both dissolved and dispersed polymers that include substantial mass fractions of benzene rings that are substituted with at least one oxygen atom and at least one substituted aminomethylene moiety on each ring, and then treated with a secondary treatment liquid that comprises water and vanadate anions.