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: Disclosed is a spin-valve sensor employing one or more in-situ oxidized films as cap and/or gap layers in order to achieve an increased GMR coefficient and improved thermal stability. A fabrication method comprises depositing multilayer metallic films on a wafer in ion-beam and DC-magnetron sputtering modules of a sputtering system, and then transferring the wafer in a vacuum to an oxidation module where in-situ oxidation is conducted. When the method is used to form a cap layer, the cap layer may only be partially oxidized. A magnetic-field annealing may be subsequently conducted without the substantial occurrence of interface mixing and oxygen diffusion during the anneal process. The resulting spin-valve sensor exhibits an increased GMR coefficient, possibly due to induced specular scattering of conduction electrons and improved thermal stability mainly due to the protection of an underlying sensing layer from interface mixing and oxygen diffusion during the annealing process.

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: An article having a protective coating is fabricated by providing an article substrate having a substrate surface; and thereafter producing a flattened protective coating on the substrate surface. The step of producing the flattened protective coating includes the steps of depositing a protective coating on the substrate surface, the protective coating having a protective-coating surface, and processing the protective coating to achieve the flattened protective-coating surface. The protective coating is thereafter optionally controllably oxidized. The article substrate and protective coating have an average sulfur content of less than about 10 parts per million by weight at depths measured from the protective-coating surface to a depth of about 50 micrometers below the protective-coating surface.

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: A process of forming a ceramic coating on a component. The process generally entails placing the component in a coating chamber containing oxygen and an inert gas, heating a surface of the component to a temperature of about 100 to about 150° C., and then generating a metal vapor from at least one metal target using a microwave-stimulated, oxygen-containing sputtering technique. The metal vapor is then caused to condense on the component surface to form a metal layer, after which the metal layer is treated with a microwave-stimulated plasma to oxidize the metal layer and form an oxide layer having a columnar microstructure. The generating, condensing and treating steps can be repeated any number of times to form multiple oxide layers that together constitute the ceramic coating.

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: Oxidation protection of a titanium-based alloy is provided with improved fatigue properties by a titanium aluminide coating of between 2 to 12 microns by diffusing the Al into the Ti at a temperature below the melting point of the Al. The coating is gas deposited and protects the titanium-based alloys from oxidation at high temperature utilization.

Abstract: A nickel-base superalloy protected by a thermal barrier-coating is prepared by depositing a bond coat layer overlying and contacting the substrate, depositing a ceramic layer overlying and contacting the bond coat layer, thereby forming a coated substrate, placing the coated substrate into a heating apparatus operating with an oxidizing atmosphere, and heating the coated substrate in the heating apparatus to a temperature of from about 1850° F. to about 2100° F., for a time of at least about 30 minutes. A layer of alpha alumina is formed on the bond coat layer, between the bond coat layer and the ceramic layer.

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 hydrogen peroxide solution is applied onto the surface of a metallic member to oxidize the metallic member and to form the oxide film. At this time, a light beam is irradiated towards the metallic member through the hydrogen peroxide solution to promote oxidization of the metallic member. The light beam is one of a visible ray, a laser beam, and an ultraviolet ray.

Abstract: A process for producing a homogeneous oxide layer on metal components includes uniformly heating the components, in all their regions, in a vacuum chamber and, after a predetermined temperature has been reached, exposing the components to an oxygen-containing gas for a predetermined period and at a predetermined pressure. The metal components are coated with MCrAlY or PtAl. The preheating temperature is between 750 and 850° C., preferably, approximately 800° C. Preferably, the thickness of the homogeneous oxide layer is between 0.01 and 5 &mgr;m. The heating is preferably by electron radiation. The predetermined period is approximately 10 minutes, and the predetermined pressure is between 1×10−3 and 8×10−2 mbar.

Abstract: An article protected by a thermal barrier coating system is fabricated by providing an article substrate having a substrate surface, and thereafter producing on the substrate surface a protective coating having a polished, pre-oxidized protective coating surface. The protective coating is produced by depositing the protective coating on the substrate surface, the protective coating having a protective coating surface, thereafter polishing the protective-coating surface, and thereafter controllably oxidizing the protective-coating surface. The protective-coating surface may optionally be controllably roughened by grit blasting after polishing and before controllably oxidizing. A thermal barrier coating may be deposited overlying the polished, pre-oxidized protective-coating surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an etch and mar resistant low VOC clear coating composition most suitable for use as a top clear coat in multi-layered OEM or refinish automotive coatings. The coating composition includes isocyanate, carbonate and melamine components. The isocyanate component includes an aliphatic polyisocyanate. The composition may be formulated as a two-pack or one-pack coating composition, wherein the isocyanate functionalities are blocked with a blocker such as a mono-alcohol.

Abstract: An article protected by a protective coating system is fabricated by providing an article substrate having a substrate surface; and thereafter producing a protective coating having a flattened, pre-oxidized protective-coating surface on the substrate surface by depositing a protective coating on the substrate surface, the protective coating having a protective-coating surface, processing the protective coating to achieve a flattened protective-coating surface, and controllably oxidizing the protective-coating surface. A thermal barrier coating may be deposited overlying the flattened, pre-oxidized protective coating.

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: The invention relates to a method of treating a liquid gallium or gallium alloy surface for prolonged use as a liquid mirror. The method of the invention comprises the steps of (a) contacting the surface of liquid gallium or gallium alloy with an aqueous solution of a halogenic acid to cause dissolution of any gallium oxide present on the surface, thereby obtaining an oxide-free liquid gallium or gallium alloy surface covered with a layer of the acid solution; (b) adding to the acid solution an aqueous solution of a surfactant present in an amount to form a single bimolecular layer of surfactant at an interface between the liquid gallium or gallium alloy and water; and (c) allowing a uniform passivating oxide layer to gradually form on the oxide-free liquid gallium or gallium alloy surface, the passivating oxide layer having surface irregularities smaller than 40 nm.

Abstract: A method of coating a catalyst layer on a metallic substrate includes preparing a metal oxide and binder slurry to coat onto a metal surface and forming a catalytic layer over the slurry coated surface. The slurry may be made from a binder containing, for example, fully dissolved alumina in the presence of excess nitric acid. The binder may then be mixed with a metal oxide mixture to form the metal oxide-binder slurry. The metal oxide mixture may contain aluminum oxide or partially hydrated aluminum oxide. The metal oxide-binder slurry can be used to coat the surfaces of a variety of metals such as aluminum, titanium, nickel, cobalt, chromium, iron, copper, etc., or their alloys that include brass, as well as stainless steel with or without Al as a component.

Abstract: A gas turbine component, such as a turbine disk or a rotating seal, is fabricated by furnishing a substrate shaped as a gas turbine component made of a nickel-base superalloy, and oxidizing the substrate to produce an oxidized substrate having thereon a layer comprising an oxide and having a thickness of at least about 500 Angstroms. The step of oxidizing is performed prior to entry of the component into service and in an atmosphere that does not contain combustion gas. The oxidized gas turbine component is thereafter placed into service.

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 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 forming an oxidation barrier including at least partially immersing a semiconductor device structure in an electroless plating bath that includes at least one metal salt and at least one reducing agent. The reaction of the at least one metal salt with the at least one reducing agent simultaneously deposits metal and a dopant thereof. The oxidation barrier may be used to form conductive structures of semiconductor device structures, such as a capacitor electrode, or may be formed adjacent conductive or semiconductive structures of semiconductor device structures to prevent oxidation thereof. The oxidation barrier is particularly useful for preventing oxidation during the formation and annealing of a dielectric structure from a high dielectric constant material, such as Ta2O5 or BST.

Abstract: The invention relates to TiAl-base alloys with excellent oxidation resistance, and a method for producing the same. The TiAl-base alloy of the invention comprises a substrate and a surface part formed on the substrate, the surface part comprising at least one element of Cr, Nb, Ta and W and having a surface condition capable of forming a dense film of an oxide of the element or Al2O3 in high-temperature oxidizing atmospheres. The method of the invention comprises heating a TiAl-base alloy material having an Al content of from 15 at. % to 55 at. % in the presence of an oxide having a smaller negative value of standard free energy of formation than that of alumina. The method of the invention provides TiAl-base alloys with excellent oxidation resistance.

Abstract: A method of anodizing valve metals with a borate polyester solution formed by the combining 2-methyl-1,3-propane diol and boric acid and heating to about 130 to about 160° C. The heating drives off water produced by esterification. A substrate is immersed in the borate polyester electrolyte solution at a temperature of about 25° C. to about 85° C. and an anodizing voltage is applied.

Abstract: A process for forming a diffusion aluminide-hafnide coating on an article, such as a component for a gas turbine engine. The process is a vapor phase process that generally entails placing the article in a coating chamber containing a halide activator and at least one donor material. The donor material collectively consists essentially of at least 0.5 weight percent hafnium and at least 20 weight percent aluminum with the balance being chromium and/or cobalt.

Abstract: Highly oriented HgBa2Ca2Cu3O8+&dgr; on Ni-tapes with a buffer layer of Cr/Ag or Cr/(Ag—Pd) have been described with a high transition temperature are described along with, one and two step methods of manufacture.

Abstract: The coating structure having a corrosion resistance of the invention contains a formation film formed on the surface of an aluminum alloy material. The formation film is subjected to a zirconium phosphate treatment. Because the zirconium phosphate reacts with an oxide film on the surface of the aluminum alloy to form a zirconium boehmite layer and to increase the adhesion of the coating material, a corrosion resisting structure is obtained without need of a sealing treatment while restraining the increase of the product cost. Also, a primer layer is formed on the outer surface of the formation film and the primer layer is composed of phosphomolybdic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the surface treatment of stainless steel and/or of a nickel alloy. It also relates to the use of such a process and to a stainless steel treated by the process or of a treated nickel alloy. It is envisaged that the treatment is carried out with peroxide or with a water/peroxide mixture or with a peroxide solution.

Abstract: A method for producing narrow wires including titanium oxide of high crystallinity and diameter of the order of nanometer, in particular whiskers of titanium oxide, and including a first step of preparing a base having a titanium-including surface, second step of discretely depositing a material other than titanium over the above surface, and third step of thermally treating the above surface, obtained by the second step, in a titanium-oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: An Fe—B—R based permanent magnet and metal pieces are placed into a treating vessel, where they are vibrated and/or agitated, whereby a metal film is formed on the surface of the magnet. A sol solution produced by the hydrolytic reaction and the polymerizing reaction of a metal compound which is a starting material for a metal oxide film is applied to the metal film and subjected to a heat treatment to form a metal oxide film. Therefore, it is possible to form, on the surface of the magnet, a corrosion-resistant film which can be produced easily and at a low cost without carrying-out of a plating treatment or a treatment using hexa-valent chromium and which has an excellent adhesion to the surface of the magnet and can exhibit a stable high magnetic characteristic which cannot be degraded even if the magnet is left to stand for a long period of time under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions of a temperature of 80° C. and a relative humidity of 90%.

Abstract: A conductive substrate of an electrophotographic photoconductor has magnesium suicide precipitated therein as an impurity compound. The conductive substrate has an aluminum oxide film of minimum thickness deviation, and an aluminum base which exhibits a light scattering effect. An electrophotographic photoconductor using such a conductive substrate suppresses interference fringes caused by the interference action of a semiconductor laser light. Furthermore, irregular printing density and the formation of black spots is eliminated. A method for making such a conductive substrate includes annealing an aluminum base doped with silicon and magnesium to precipitate out Ms2Si, followed by anodizing a surface of the aluminum base to form an aluminum oxide film. A charge generation layer and a charge transport layer are formed on the aluminum oxide film to complete the electrophotographic photoconductor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a flexible laminate, comprising a first flexible polymeric film; a copper layer having a microcracking prevention layer on at least one side the microcracking prevention layer sufficient to prevent microcracks in a copper layer having a thickness of up to about 18 &mgr;m during at least 50,000,000 bending cycles and/or a copper layer having a thickness of up to about 35 &mgr;m during at least 20,000,000 bending cycles of the flexible laminate; and a second flexible polymeric film.

Abstract: A steel suitable for a fabric with or without painting and has good corrosion resistance with reproducibility, even if the steel is composed mainly of ordinary carbon steel or low alloy steel, wherein the surface of the steel is coated with rust comprising one or more selected from Ti, Nb, Ta, Zr, V and Hf in the total amount of 0.01 wt % or more. In the steel, the fraction of &agr;-FeOOH and an amorphous rust is 35 wt % or more, and the fraction of &bgr;-FeOOH is 20 wt % or less.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic tunnel-junction magnetic sensor includes a first ferromagnetic layer, an insulation barrier layer formed on the first ferromagnetic layer and including therein a tunnel oxide film, and a second ferromagnetic layer formed on the insulation barrier layer, wherein the insulation barrier layer includes a metal layer carrying the tunnel oxide film thereon such that the tunnel oxide film is formed of an oxide of a metal element constituting the metal layer, and wherein the insulation barrier layer has a thickness of about 1.7 nm or less but larger than 1 molecular layer in terms of the oxide forming the tunnel oxide film.

Abstract: The inner surface of a high temperature nickel chromium alloy product such as ethylene furnace tubes is cleaned with high temperature hydrogen to prepare the surface for the deposition, diffusion and modification of metals. A first layer of chromium or chromium and silicon is deposited and diffusion heat treated or covered by the second layer of aluminum, magnesium, silicon and manganese and third layer of rare earth metals such as yttrium and zirconium. Each layer or the combination of layers is diffusion heat treated at sufficient time and temperature to cause a diffusion depth ranging from 50 microns to 150 microns with a maximum of 250 microns. The surface is then heated to convert the immediate surface to a spinel and further pretreated with argon and nitrogen to stabilize the surface oxides. The surface of the final coating can be polished to minimize sites for carbon buildup. When ethylene is produced using furnace tubes which are coated in this manner less coking occurs.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a welded shaped body of platinum material dispersion-hardened by finely divided small particles of base metal oxide, especially such a body provided with at least one inside wall, such as a tube. The base metal oxide is one or more oxides of the elements yttrium, zirconium and cerium. The method includes shaping and welding of at least one part, especially a sheet, of an alloy of platinum and base metal, to a preform body, e.g. a tube. The preform body is then subjected to heat treatment in an oxidizing medium until the minimum degree of oxidation of the base metal reaches 75 wt %. The preform body is then formed into the desired product.

Abstract: There is provided a surface alloyed component which comprises a base alloy with a diffusion barrier layer enriched in silicon and chromium being provided adjacent thereto. An enrichment pool layer is created adjacent said diffusion barrier and contains silicon and chromium and optionally titanium or aluminum. A reactive gas treatment may be used to generate a replenishable protective scale on the outermost surface of said component.

Abstract: This invention provides color development methods of metallic titanium used for manufacture of black titanium or titanium tinted in other chromatic colors. In one method, metallic titanium is treated with an alkali solution. It enables colored titanium rich in color variation with high efficiency, irrespective of the material configuration. The brightness of black is further reduced by conducting a nitriding process, after this process. In another method, the metallic titanium is oxidized after forming the titanium nitride film on its surface by nitriding it. Black titanium is produced with low brightness. In this way, colored titanium with various tones is produced. Moreover, the close adherence of the film with colors developed thereon is enhanced.

Abstract: The invention provides a steel product having superior weathering which is coated with a rust layer containing 50 or more weight % of non-crystalline rust, a method of producing the steel product, and a method of forming weathering protective rust on a material surface of the steel product. A material of a steel product is placed in an atmosphere in which the dew point is kept constant and the temperature of the steel product material is repeatedly varied between a temperature range of 5.degree. C. or more higher than the dew point and a temperature range of 5.degree. C. or more lower than the dew point. Weathering protective rust is thereby formed on the material surface of the steel product and a steel product having superior weathering is obtained. Preferably, the atmosphere contains 15 to 50 volume % of oxygen gas, and the temperature of the steel product is varied at a rising rate of 0.1 to 2.degree. C./minute and a lowering rate of 0.01 to 2.degree. C./minute.

Abstract: Process for stainless steel pickling consisting in placing the material to be treated in a bath kept at a temperature ranging from 30.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. and containing:a) HClb) Fe.sup.3+c) HFd) emulsifiers, wetting agents, polishing agents, acid attack inhibitors;the bath being fed continuously with:an air flow equal to at least 3 m.sup.3 /h per m.sup.3 bath min. and an oxidizer quantity adjusted to the bath redox potential to be kept at 250 mV min.

Abstract: Surface preoxidation of the substrate is carried out by bringing the substrate into contact with an oxidizing gas excited by a cold plasma, the substrate being situated in the flowing afterglow of the cold plasma used to excite the oxidizing element and being heated to an oxidation temperature of less than 500.degree. C. A metal oxide is formed at the surface of the preoxidized substrate by heterogeneous oxidation of a metal halide with a gas mixture including an oxidizing element activated by a cold plasma. The oxidizing gas mixture is brought into contact with the halide as directly as possible in the vicinity of the substrate arranged in the far flowing afterglow of the cold plasma. The cold plasma is preferably generated by microwaves. The process can be used in particular for producing a protective coating on a cladding tube of a nuclear fuel rod.

Abstract: A method of blackening a magnetic shield for use in a color CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) is disclosed. A plurality of magnetic shield members are stacked with clamps inserted in their holes beforehand or with the intermediary of cut and raised portions or lugs thereof. Therefore, efficient work is promoted in relation to a blackening furnace and other facilities, work space, the number of steps of forming a blackening film, etc. In addition, oxygen flows evenly between the adjacent shield members, forming blackening films of high quality.

Abstract: A process for forming a conversion coating on the surface of a metal, including: contacting the metal with an acidic solution containing an oxidant in order to initiate growth of a metal oxide cell structure on the metal surface; contacting the metal with water for a period of time sufficient to thicken the oxide and form a metal oxide containing layer of a desired thickness; and treating the metal with one or more rare earth elements in order to impregnate and substantially seal the metal oxide.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an electroless method of antiquing a zinc or pewter component and to products produced using the method. In its simplest form, the method includes: contacting the metal component with an oxidizing solution; rinsing the metal component to stop the formation of additional oxide; and buffing the component to achieve the desired antique look. In a preferred form of the invention, the oxidizing solution includes copper chloride, selenious acid, hydrochloric acid and sodium tetradecyl sulfate. The preferred method further includes various cleaning, rinsing and drying steps, as well as the application of a protective lacquer or other coating to seal the oxide formed on the metal component.

Abstract: An aqueous liquid chromate free composition for forming a protective coating on metals, particularly aluminum, is made by reacting cobalt(II) cations, carboxylate anions, at least one other type of coordinate complexing agent for cobalt(III) cations, and an oxidizing agent in an aqueous solution in which the molar ratio of carboxylate anions to cobalt(II) cations is from 0.10 to 6.8 and the aqueous solution contains no more than 1% of each of ammonia, ammonium ions, and nitrite ions.

Abstract: A hot rolling method of steel products comprises rolling steel products while forming a film of an oxalate (such as iron oxalate, calcium oxalate and the like) on the roll surfaces which have contact with the steel products to be rolled and a hot rolling roll for steel products which has an oxalate film on the roll surfaces having contact with the steel products to be rolled. The oxalate film is effective in preventing steel products, particularly stainless steel products, from seizing between the rolls and the steel products to be rolled, preventing wear of the rolls, and preventing the deterioration of both the rolls and the steel products, when the steel products are subjected to hot rolling.

Abstract: An environmental coating and a method for forming the coating on a nickel aluminide component designed for use in a hostile thermal environment, such as turbine, combustor and augmentor components of a gas turbine engine. The environmental coating includes a metal that has been diffused into the surface of the nickel aluminide component, and an aluminum oxide layer on the surface of the nickel aluminide component. According to this invention, the metal is one or more noble metals, chromium and/or an MCr alloy, and forms a diffusion region comprising noble metal-aluminides and/or chromium-aluminides. The environmental coating optionally contains up to about 1.0 atomic percent of at least one oxygen-active element, such as yttrium, hafnium, zirconium and/or cerium. According to the invention, the environmental coating need only consist of the diffusion region and the aluminum oxide layer, and therefore does not require additional environmentally-resistant layers (e.g.

Abstract: A one-sided oxidized silver-cadmium object is formed. One side of a silver-cadmium object is covered with a non-silver-cadmium shield to enable the one side to resist oxidation. Then the object is oxidized under conditions that leave substantially unoxidized a layer of the object adjacent the one side. An oxidized silver-cadmium object has a non-silver-cadmium, oxidation-resistant shield attached to one side of the object, the object having a substantially unoxidized layer adjacent the one side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a titanium article of manufacture having an oxidation resistant surface and a process for producing such article wherein said titanium has an aluminized surface layer formed on it by the vapor deposition of aluminum on the titanium followed by oxidizing the surface layer.

Abstract: A copper conductor is formed which is included as a component in microelectronic devices. The conductor is formed by forming a metal layer on the surface of a microelectronic substrate, forming a copper layer on the metal layer, and annealing the metal and copper layers. The annealing step diffuses at least some of the metal layer through the copper layer to the surface thereof where the diffused metal forms a protective metal oxide at the surface of the copper layer. As a result, the metal oxide layer passivates the copper layer.