Abstract: A rust inhibitor which ensures the simplicity of application typical for a coating process and can demonstrate excellent characteristics similar to those obtained with a metal spraying method. The rust inhibitor is manufactured by admixing zinc and aluminum as fine powders of inorganic metals, which are manufactured with a stamping mill to have a flaky shape, to a modified silicone resin solution. A silane-type silicone resin is used for the modified silicone resin solution. For example, a mixed solution of an organosilane-type silicone resin and an oligomer-type silane coupling agent and the like is used.

Abstract: A surface of a Mg or Mg-alloy housing of the present invention is subjected to wet blast using a mixture containing a chemical conversion treatment agent and an abrasive, whereby a chemical conversion film is formed on the surface of the Mg or Mg-alloy housing. Because of this, a chemical conversion film is formed simply on the surface of a molded product made of Mg or a Mg-alloy to reduce the correction by puttying, whereby a Mg or Mg-alloy housing is provided in which a decrease in yield and an increase in cost can be prevented.

Abstract: An aqueous conversion coating composition for treating metal substrates such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, zinc, zinc alloys, magnesium, magnesium alloys and steel to provide a conversion coating thereon. The conversion coating composition comprises a) a source of aluminum ions; b) a fluoro compound; c) at least one pH adjuster; d) a source of Group VIB metal ions selected from the group consisting of tungstate ions and trivalent chromium ions; and e) optionally, a preservative. The conversion coating composition provides a corrosion resistant coating on the metal surface and improves the adhesion of subsequently applied layers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a processing solution for metal replacement for metal aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The processing solution is used for surface processing of an underlying aluminum material. The processing solution for metal replacement removes an oxide film on the underlying aluminum material and suppresses corrosive attack to it to allow a plating film having high smoothness and good plating appearance to be deposited on the underlying aluminum material. The processing solution for metal replacement at least includes a metal salt capable of being replaced with aluminum, and an alkaline compound. A quaternary ammonium hydroxide is contained in the processing solution for metal replacement as the alkaline compound.

Abstract: A method for reducing corrosion of an aluminum or aluminum alloy material by contacting the surface of the material with an aqueous solution comprising silicon dissolved therein. The aqueous solution can be reactor containment pool cooling water following a loss-of-coolant accident or an aqueous pretreatment solution. The dissolved silicon can comprise a dissolvable compound of silicon and oxygen, such as a silicate compound.

Abstract: A conversion coating composition for coating a metal substrate is provided which imparts corrosion resistance to the underlying metal substrate. The conversion coating composition comprises an aqueous carrier and first and second rare earth element salts. A complete coating system employing the conversion coating composition is also provided as well as methods for conversion coating a metal substrate with the rare earth element conversion coating compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and coating agents used in the method which provide good adherence to and good corrosion protection of metal substrates; the coating coating agents are cross-linkable via radical polymerization. Adhesion promoting compounds are present in the conversion layer in a quantity of about 0.01 to 40 weight percent and contain, on average, one reactive unsaturated group and at least one H-active group per molecule.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy-made part for a vehicular lighting fixture cast by the die-casting method and containing at least silicon is heated, whereby the silicon in the surface layer of the aluminum alloy-made part for a vehicular lighting fixture is oxidized to form a silicon oxide layer. By the heating treatment, the aluminum alloy-made part can achieve an antirust effect.

Abstract: Electrolysis using a suitable electrolyte provides a completely nonsludging zinc phosphate conversion coating process that produces a high quality conversion coating in a very short time. The suitable electrolyte contains at least water, dissolved nitric acid, and dissolved zinc cations and optionally also contains m chemically distinct species of cations other than zinc and n chemically distinct species of anions other than anions derivable by ionization of phosphoric and nitric acids, each of m and n independently being zero or a positive integer.

Abstract: A corrosion-inhibiting pigment comprising a rare earth element and a valence stabilizer combinded to form a rare earth/valence stabilizer complex. The rare earth element is selected from cerium, terbium, praseodymium, or a combination thereof, and at least one rare earth element is in the tetravalent oxidation state. An inorganic or organic material is used to stabilize the tetravalent rare earth ion to form a compound that is sparingly soluble in water. Specific stabilizers are chosen to control the release rate of tetravalent cerium, terbium, or praseodymium during exposure to water and to tailor the compatibility of the powder when used as a pigment in a chosen binder system. Stabilizers may also modify the processing and handling characteristics of the formed powders. Many rare earth-valence stabilizer combinations are presented that can equal the performance of conventional hexavalent chromium systems.

Abstract: A hexavalent chromium-free surface treating agent for Sn- or Al-based coated steel sheet, comprising a trivalent chromium compound (A), a water-dispersible silica (B), a lubricity imparting component (C) made of one or more waxes of polyolefin wax, fluorine-containing wax and paraffin wax, and water, a mass ratio on the solid content basis of the water-dispersible silica (B) to the lubricity imparting component (C), (B)/(C), being within a range from 5/95 to 95/5.

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: A method employing oxide film conversion coatings prepared using ferrate (VI) as the oxidizing agent is disclosed. Metal substrates or surfaces, such as aluminum, aluminum alloys or other metals, are contacted with an aqueous solution comprising ferrate (VI) anions to form a corrosion resistant conversion coating on the surface thereof. The ferrate anion concentration is preferably between about 0.0166% and about 1.66% by weight. The coating process is carried out by dipping, spraying, or painting at temperatures ranging from 25° C. to 100° C. for a period of time ranging from about 1 second to about 5 minutes.

Abstract: A composition for treating the surface of a ferrous metal. The composition comprises aluminum sulfate, boric acid or a boric acid precursor, and polycarboxylic acid or salt thereof. Treatment of the ferrous metal with an aqueous solution of the composition at elevated temperature and low pH provides a coating that imparts lubricity to the metal, thereby facilitating metalworking processes such as drawing for wire production.

Abstract: A method, a composition and a method for making the composition for increasing the corrosion resistance of a magnesium or magnesium alloy surface is disclosed. The composition is a water/organic solution of one or more hydrolyzed silanes. By binding silane moieties to the magnesium surface, an anti-corrosion coating on a magnesium workpiece is produced. A complementary method, composition and method for preparing the composition for treating a metal surface to increase corrosion resistance is disclosed. The composition is an aqueous hydrogen fluoride solution with a non-ionic surfactant.

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: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a process for forming a specific reactive element barrier on a titanium and aluminum containing substrate is provided. The process includes creating a dry air atmosphere with a concentration of water vapor below about 750 ppm at a temperature above about 550° C. contiguous to a surface of the substrate on which the barrier layer is to be formed. The temperature is maintained above 550° C. and the water vapor concentration is maintained below about 100 ppm while the water vapor in the dry air atmosphere is reacted with specific reactive elements at the substrate surface. The reaction forms a specific reactive element oxide barrier layer which is strongly bonded to the substrate surface. The barrier layer includes an aluminum oxide layer at the substrate/barrier layer interface and a second oxide layer at a barrier layer/atmosphere interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming a chromate-free, corrosion resistant coating on a product formed from magnesium or a magnesium alloy and to a solution used for forming the coating. The solution has phosphate and fluoride ions and contains from 1.0 g/l to 5.0 g/l of an active corrosion inhibitor selected from the group consisting potassium permanganate, sodium tungstate, sodium vanadate, and mixtures thereof. The solution may also containing from 0.1 to 1.0 vol % of a surfactant which reduces reaction time. The solution is maintained at a temperature of 120 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and has a pH of 5 to 7. The process for forming the coating broadly comprises degreasing the magnesium or magnesium alloy product in a degreasing solution, cleaning the product in a highly alkaline cleaning solution, deoxidizing the product in a deoxidizing solution, and immersing the product in the coating solution for a time period of 15 minutes to 90 minutes.

Abstract: A metal substrate is anodized in a phosphoric acid anodizing solution. The anodized metal substrate is thereafter contacted with a hexavalent chromium free, trivalent chromium containing acid solution to coat the anodized metal substrate. The coated anodized metal substrate can be adhesively bonded to another such treated metal substrate to form a composite article. The resulting article exhibits excellent bonding and corrosion properties.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy article is cleaned to remove oxides and organic matter from a coatable surface, coated with a composition comprising an organic resin and a fluorine compound, and then heated to an elevated temperature to decompose the organic resin and at least a portion of the fluorine compound. After heating the coated surface is left with a protective oxyfluoride film that prevents blistering and hydrogen pickup and promotes hydrogen degassing from the article.

Abstract: A method, a composition and a method for making the composition for anodizing metal surfaces, especially magnesium surfaces is disclosed. The composition is a basic aqueous solution including hydroxylamine, phosphate anions and nonionic surfactants. A complementary method, composition and method for making the composition for rendering an anodized metal surface, especially a magnesium surface, conductive is disclosed. The composition is a basic aqueous solution including bivalent nickel, pyrophosphate anions, sodium hypophosphite and either ammonium thiocyanate or lead nitrate.

Abstract: The surface of an aluminum alloy high-temperature processed article containing Mg is heated at a high temperature of 200° C. or above, thereafter the surface is etched with an aqueous solution containing a chelating agent, and then at least one surface treatment selected from hydration oxidation treatment, coating type chromating, coating, anodizing, and alternating current electrolysis in an aqueous alkali solution is further carried out. This method can provide a surface-treated aluminum alloy high-temperature processed article having superior anticorrosion and adhesion of coatings and a good surface appearance, and is effective as a pretreatment for further surface treatment.

Abstract: In at least one aspect, the invention relates to an entirely or substantially chromium-free conversion coating composition and process for conversion coating metal surfaces that provides corrosion resistance. In at least another aspect, the present invention relates to an article having a metal surface that is at least partially coated with an entirely or substantially chromium-free conversion coating that provides corrosion resistance. In certain embodiments, the conversion coating composition comprises water and (A) dissolved fluorometallate anions selected from the group consisting of TiF6−2, ZrF6−2, HfF6−2, SiF6−2, AlF6−3, GeF6−2, SnF6−2, BF4−, and mixtures thereof and (B) a water-soluble polymer which is a Mannich adduct of poly(4-vinyl phenol) and N-methyl ethanolamine. In other embodiments, the composition also comprises (C) a water-soluble polymer which is a Mannich adduct of poly(4-vinyl phenol) and N-methyl glucamine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-combustible magnesium alloy, comprising one of elements of Al at 0.1˜3 wt %, La at 0.1˜3 wt %, Nd at 0.1˜3 wt %, or Y at 0.005˜3 wt %; 0.5˜10 wt % of Ca; and the remainder of conventional magnesium alloy. Alternatively, the present invention entails a non-combustible magnesium alloy comprising 0.005˜4 wt % of multiple additives of two or more types of elements selected from the group consisting of Al, La, Nd and Y; 0.5˜10 wt % of Ca; and the remainder of conventional magnesium alloy. The magnesium alloy of the present invention has high oxidation-resistance, which translates into high manufacturability in air or in the generally non-oxidative atmosphere (SO2, Ar, CO2, N2).

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 article made of magnesium or its alloys, some or all of whose surface has a conversion coating, the conversion coating comprising MgO, Mn2O3 and MnO2 plus at least one oxide from the group consisting of vanadium, molybdenum and tungsten; and also a process for producing such an article, and its use.

Abstract: A process for preparing a treated magnesium and/or magnesium alloy component comprising (A) treating the magnesium and/or magnesium alloy component with a surface treating agent containing a phosphate, (B) treating the component with a pre-treating agent used before a corrosion inhibition treatment, (C) treating the component, as required, with a cleaning agent containing surfactant and at least one compound selected from among aromatic carboxylic acids and salts thereof, and thereafter (D) treating the component further as required, with a corrosion inhibitor for magnesium.

Abstract: A method, a composition and a method for making the composition for increasing the corrosion resistance of a magnesium or magnesium alloy surface is disclosed. The composition is a water/organic solution of one or more hydrolyzed silanes. By binding silane moieties to the magnesium surface, an anti-corrosion coating on a magnesium workpiece is produced. A complementary method, composition and method for preparing the composition for treating a metal surface to increase corrosion resistance is disclosed. The composition is an aqueous hydrogen fluoride solution with a non-ionic surfactant.

Abstract: An aqueous acidic solution for forming a rare earth element containing conversion coating on the surface of a metal, said solution being chromate-free and including effective quantities of at least one rare earth element (as herein defined) containing species, an oxidant and at least one accelerator, comprising a metal selected from Groups VA and VIA of the Periodic Table.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-chromium metal surface treating agent which has excellent adhesion with a coating and corrosion resistance, and also has excellent workability and stability. A metal surface treating agent comprising a water-soluble zirconium compound, a water-soluble or water-dispersant acrylic resin and a water-soluble or water-dispersant thermosetting crosslinking agent, wherein said water-soluble zirconium compound has a zirconium content of 500 to 15000 ppm on a mass basis, said acrylic resin has an acid value of solid matter of 150 to 740 mgKOH/g, a hydroxyl value of solid matter of 24 to 240 mgKOH/g, and a solid matter content of 500 to 30000 ppm on a mass basis, and said thermosetting crosslinking agent has a solid matter content of 125 to 7500 ppm on a mass basis.

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: The present invention discloses a method for treating magnesium alloys by chemical conversion. This method can improve corrosion resistance and paint adhesion of magnesium alloys, and produces an admirable appearance. Additionally, the method of the present invention is more environmentally friendly than conventional processes, because non-chromate chemicals are used in acid pickling and chemical conversion. Furthermore, the method of the present invention can be widely applied to the magnesium alloys manufactured by casting and rolling.

Abstract: An aqueous acidic solution for forming a conversion coating on the surface of a metallic material, said solution containing at least one rare earth element (as herein defined) containing species, an accelerator additive selected from the group consisting of metals of Group IB, IIB, IVA, VA, VIA and VIII of the Periodic Table, a peroxidic species and at least one acid selected from the group of mineral acids, carboxylic acids, sulphonic acids and phosphonic acids, wherein said solution contains no more than 20 mg/liter each of fluoride and of phosphate, and the solution is essentially free of chromate.

Abstract: A chromate free conversion coating for Al based metals and methods of use. The compositions comprise (a) water soluble fluoacids of Group IVB metals, (b) fluoboric acid, (c) boric acid, (d) gluconic acid and, optionally (e) an aminosilane adhesion promoter or an organophosphonate corrosion inhibitor. In the method, the requisite metal part is contacted by the composition such as by immersion or spraying or the like.

Abstract: A conversion coating composition and a method of applying the conversion coating composition to magnesium and magnesium alloy articles prior to painting to prevent corrosion. The conversion coating composition comprises a source of vanadate ions, a material comprising phosphorus, and nitric acid or a source of nitrate ions. In addition, the composition may also contain boric acid or a source of borate ions and a source of fluoride ions or a source of fluoroborate ions.

Abstract: A method of coating aluminum and aluminum alloy substrates not only imparts a corrosion resistance comparable or even superior to that afforded by chromate treatment but also improves the adhesion to the coating film, while the luster of aluminum is fully retained, notwithstanding the use of a chromium-free treating solution, resulting in an improved coated article with the coated surface having a metallic luster. The method comprises treating an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate with an acidic solution containing sulfuric acid and 0.2 to 0.4 g/L of a ferric ion and having a pH value of 0.6 to 2.0, subjecting the same to chemical conversion treatment with an acidic coat-forming agent containing 0.01 to 0.125 g/L of a zirconium or titanium ion, 0.01 to 1.0 g/L of a phosphate ion, and 0.01 to 0.5 g/L of a fluoride ion and having a pH value of 1.5 to 4.0, followed by coating.

Abstract: A surface-treated steel sheet includes a steel sheet, an Al—Zn-base alloy plating layer formed on the steel sheet, a chemical conversion film provided on the alloy plating layer, and a concentric layer of a Cr compound that is formed on the alloy plating layer of the chemical conversion film. The surface-treated steel sheet may include a steel sheet, an zinc-base plating layer formed on the steel sheet, and a film that contains chromium and calcium and that is formed on the zinc-base plating layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes and compositions of solutions for chromate-replacement coatings for aluminum and aluminum alloys. A preferred method includes forming a boehmite coating layer that includes Al (III) ions on an aluminum surface, and applying an ionic conversion coating solution to the coating layer. The ionic conversion coating solution comprises hexavalent and trivalent ions. The trivalent ions are selected from the group consisting of Ce, Ga, Mn, Sc, Ti, Te and V. The hexavalent ions are selected from the group consisting of Mn, Mo, Se and W. It is contended that the resulting coatings provide corrosion resistance and self-healing effect in any defects present in the coatings.

Abstract: Pretreated aluminum and aluminum alloys and the process and composition for pretreating said aluminum and its alloys to provide a coating with color recognition for identification purposes and to improved the corrosion-resistance, electrical conductivity, and adhesion properties which comprises pretreating said aluminum and its alloys with an effective amount of an acidic aqueous solution having a pH ranging from about 2.5 to 5.5 comprising water soluble trivalent chromium compounds, alkali metal hexafluorozirconates, divalent zinc compounds, alkali metal fluoro-compounds, and effective amounts of water soluble thickeners, surfactants or wetting agents.

Abstract: Pretreated aluminum and aluminum alloys and the process and composition for pretreating said aluminum and its alloys to provide a coating with color recognition for identification purposes and to improved the corrosion-resistance, electrical conductivity, and adhesion properties which comprises pretreating said aluminum and its alloys with an effective amount of an acidic aqueous solution having a pH ranging from about 2.5 to 5.5 comprising water soluble trivalent chromium compounds, alkali metal hexafluorozirconates, divalent zinc compounds, alkali metal fluoro-compounds, and effective amounts of water soluble thickeners, surfactants or wetting agents.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for treating magnesium alloys by chemical conversion. This method can improve corrosion resistance and paint adhesion of magnesium alloys, and produces an admirable appearance. Additionally, the method of the present invention is more environmentally friendly than conventional processes, because non-chromate chemicals are used in acid pickling and chemical conversion. Furthermore, the method of the present invention can be widely applied to the magnesium alloys manufactured by casting and rolling.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions for post-treating metal coated substrates such as cadmium-plated steel, and zinc-nickel coated substrates and the process for using said compositions to provide a color recognizable coating and to improve the corrosion-resistance, abrasion, electrical, and adhesion properties of the coating. The post-treatment composition comprises an acidic aqueous solution having a pH ranging from about 2.5 to 5.5 and contains effective amounts of trivalent chromium compounds, alkali metal hexafluorozirconates, at least one divalent zinc compound, alkali metal fluoro-compounds, and effective amounts of water soluble thickeners, wetting agents or surfactants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an ultraphobic surface on aluminium as the supporting material and to the resulting surface and its use. According to said method, the surface of an aluminium support is anodized, especially by anodic oxidation, and/or electrochemically pickled in an acid solution with an alternating voltage, treated in hot water or water vapor at a temperature of 50 to 100° C., optionally coated with an adhesion promoter layer and then provided with a hydrophobic or especially oleophobic coating.

Abstract: A method for the surface treatment of aluminum or an aluminum alloy which comprises soaking aluminum or an aluminum alloy in a treating fluid containing ammonium silicofluoride and another aluminum-free fluorine compound to form a film thereon, wherein the treating fluid comprises an aqueous solution further containing at least one substance selected from the group consisting of aluminum fluoride, aluminum hydroxide, aluminum silicate, magnesium aluminate metasilicate and powdered aluminum.

Abstract: An agent suitable for use in preparing metal surfaces, especially surfaces containing aluminum, is provided which contains at least one water-soluble vanadium compound, at least one titanium-containing or zirconium-containing water-soluble complex fluoride, and at least one resin. The agent is capable of forming a strongly rust preventive base coating that is highly adherent for top coats and bonded films.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound, non-chromium conversion coating for a part formed from an aluminum alloy. The coating is formed by providing a first solution containing an anodic inhibitor species, providing a second solution containing a cathodic corrosion inhibitor species, and immersing the part to be coated in a first one of the first and second solutions and thereafter in a second one of the first and second solutions. Suitable anodic inhibitor species include tungstates, permanganates, vanadates, molybdates, and mixtures thereof. Suitable cathodic corrosion inhibitors include cobalt, cerium, other lanthanide elements, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the conversion coating is formed using a cerium containing solution and a tungstate containing solution.

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: The invention relates to a method for treating or pre-treating parts, profiles, strips, or wires comprising surfaces of aluminium, or alloys containing aluminium optionally in the presence of surfaces consisting of other metals or alloys with an acidic, aqueous solution containing fluoride and phosphate. Said method is characterised in that the fluoride is present at least partially as a free fluoride in the solution and that in the bath of phosphating solution, the content of free fluoride is maintained within a concentration range of between 5 and 500 mg/l Ffree and that of aluminium is maintained within a concentration range that is less than or equal to 100 mg/l Al ions (including complexed Al). To achieve this, increases in the aluminium content are reduced to contents of less than or equal to 100 mg/l Al ions in the bath, using a precipitation container outside the phosphating bath by circulating the phosphating solution from the phosphating bath to the precipitation container and vice versa.

Abstract: A deposition process including applying an inoculant to at least a portion of the surface of a metal component, and then forming an intermetallic layer at the inoculant surface, such as by exposing at least the coated surface portion to a deposition environment.

Abstract: A titanium aluminide substrate (4) is vulnerable to air oxidation, limiting the use of this substrate in a variety of industrial applications, including the aircraft and aerospace industries. A bilayer reactive barrier (2) is formed on a titanium aluminide substrate. The barrier layer includes an &agr;-Al2O3 layer (6) from the reaction of oxygen from the disassociation of water with alumina in a gaseous and water vapor atmosphere at high temperatures and low oxygen concentration. During the process, titanium migrates through the &agr;-Al2O3 to a gas/barrier layer surface (14) and is oxidized to form a Ti2O3 layer (8). A surface of the Ti2O3 layer is subsequently oxidized to form a TiO2 layer (12). In this manner, a triple layer barrier is formed in which the immersible TiO2 and &agr;-Al2O3 are separated by Ti2O3. The three layers are bonded to each with a bond strength greater than 4500 kPa.