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: On the (100) surface of a perovskite of the type ABO.sub.3, a Ruddlerden-Popper AO*(ABO.sub.3).sub.n layer is generated by exposing the perovskite to an oxidizing atmosphere at temperatures above 750.degree. C.

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 for reducing the corrosion potential of steel vessels and piping used in nuclear reactors, in particular steel vessels and piping carrying high temperature water and/or steam which has a concentration of oxygen therein. A metal hydride is added to the water, the hydrogen of such metal hydride combining with oxidizing agents, typically oxygen, present in the water to reduce the concentration of such oxidizing agents. In the preferred embodiment the metal of the metal hydride is a metal that is capable of reacting with oxygen to form a substantially non-water soluble and substantially electrically insulating compound on the surface of the steel, and in particular is one that may react with and become deposited or incorporated into a pre-existing thin oxide film layer on the surface of the steel to thereby render such thin oxide layer substantially non-electrically conducting.

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: A process for blackening the surfaces of a metal alloy surgical needle or a metal alloy surgical instrument. The process consists of exposing the surfaces of a metal alloy surgical needle or surgical instrument to a gaseous plasma for a sufficient amount of time to effectively blacken the surfaces of the needle or instrument.

Abstract: A reduced pressure device the reduced pressure chamber of which is constructed of stainless steel, and includes a passivation film formed on the exposed interior surface thereof. The film has a thickness of more than 50 .ANG. and is composed of two or more layers. One layer contains mainly chrome oxide formed in the vicinity of the interface of the stainless steel and the passivation film. The other layer contains mainly iron oxide formed in the vicinity of the surface of the passivation film. A passivation film may also be used with a thickness of more than 50 .ANG. and containing mainly a mixture of chrome oxide and iron oxide. Lastly a passivation film may also be used with thickness of more than 50 .ANG. and containing mainly chrome oxide.

Abstract: A liquid precursor containing barium, strontium, and titanium, is applied to a first electrode, dried in air at a first temperature of 160.degree. C. and then a second temperature of 400.degree. C., and annealed at a temperature of 800.degree. C. in nitrogen to form a thin film of barium strontium titanate. A second electrode is deposited and then the device is patterned to form a capacitor, and a second anneal is performed at a temperature of 800.degree. C. in nitrogen. In this manner, a high electronic quality thin film of barium strontium titanate is fabricated without a high-temperature oxygen anneal.

Abstract: Amorphous tungsten, cobalt, nickel, molybdenum, iron and alloys thereof can be formed by reducing metal-containing compositions to form the elemental metal wherein the particle size of the elemental metal is less than about 80 microns. This is oxidized in an oxygen-starved environment containing less than 3% oxygen and an inert gas to slowly oxidize the elemental metal. By oxidizing the metal under these conditions, the normal exotherm occurring during oxidation is avoided. The slow oxidation of the metal continues forming an amorphous metal oxide. The amorphous metal oxide can then be reacted in a reducing environment such as hydrogen to form the amorphous elemental metal. This amorphous elemental metal can then be reacted with a carburizing gas to form the carbide or ammonia gas to form the nitride or hexamethylsilane to form the silicide. This permits gas/solid reactions. The amorphous metal can also be used in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: A method of producing oxide surface layers on compact and sintered metals and alloys has the steps of delivering a metal or alloy into a working chamber preheated to temperature from 200.degree. C. to temperature below its melting point so that the metal or alloy is heated in the working chamber in waterless atmosphere to a temperature from 100.degree. C. to below a melting point of the metal or alloy in waterless atmosphere at atmospheric, reduced or increased pressure, and then introducing into the working chamber a water solution of substances which contain alloying elements so that water steam and volatile oxides of the alloying elements are formed directly into the working chamber interact with a surface of the metal or alloy to produce an alloyed surface layer of the metal or alloy.

Abstract: A protective passive oxide layer is formed on the inner surfaces of metal heat pipes or tubes including their end caps, welds and accompanying hardware through the use of an oxygen encapsulation method. After cleaning the tube and its accompanying parts, the tube is reassembled and existing gases within the tube are removed thereby creating a vacuum inside the tube. The tube is then filled with pure oxygen and sealed. After the oxygen is sealed within the tube, the sealed tube is heated thereby forming a passive oxide layer, such as magnetite (Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4) on the inner surface of the tube.

Abstract: The paint adhesion and corrosion resistance of surfaces of aluminum and its alloys, particularly when using a paint based on poly{vinyl chloride}, is improved by using a conversion coating solution having a pH in the range from 1.0 to 3.0 and consisting essentially of water and:(A) an amount of phosphate ions that is stoichiometrically equivalent to at least 5.0 g/L of phosphoric acid;(B) at least 1.0 g/L of hexavalent chromium;(C) at least 0.1 g/L of fluoride ions; and(D) a complex fluoride ion component selected from the group consisting of:(i) at least 4.0 g/L of fluosilicate ions,(ii) at least 0.5 g/L of fluoborate ions,(iii) at least 2.0 g/L of fluozirconate ions, and(iv) at least 2.0 g/L of fluotitanate ions.

Abstract: Shaped refractory ceramic and refractory ceramic composite objects are made from corresponding shaped, oxidation-resistant-metal-bearing objects through exposure to an oxidizing environment without substantial changes in dimensions by providing in the shaped metal-bearing objects a combination of a) metals which when oxidized form a ceramic compound with a larger molar volume than the molar volume of the metals consumed to make the ceramic compound with b) metals which when oxidized form a ceramic compound with a smaller molar volume than the molar volume of the metals consumed to make the ceramic compound.

Abstract: An alloy has less stable oxides, e.g. nickel oxide, chromium oxide, and iron oxide on a surface (FIG. 1 ). The material has specific reaction elements such as titanium and aluminum in a relatively low concentration throughout the alloy. At an elevated temperature, the surface of the alloy is subject to a fluid which reduces the nickel, chromium, and iron oxides and the aluminum or titanium adjacent the surface reduces components of the fluid (FIG. 2 ). The alloy is maintained at the elevated temperature in the presence of the fluid until a barrier film of the specific reactive elements is formed. In one embodiment, the working fluid is a gaseous fluid of hydrogen or an inert gas with water vapor. The hydrogen of the water vapor reduces the less stable oxides and the oxygen oxidizes the specific reaction elements. In another embodiment, the working fluid is a liquid metal other than lithium which carries oxygen.

Abstract: A method of applying a layer of exogenous inorganic oxide to a metal article which method involves heating a coating of a coupling agent for a temperature and for a time sufficient to convert the coating to a layer of exogenous inorganic oxide. Also a method of adhering a metal article to an adhesive and/or a composite and a method of adhering a metal article to a substrate.

Abstract: (A.) A process for forming a cobalt conversion coating on a metal substrate, thereby imparting corrosion resistance and paint adhesion properties. The invention was developed as a replacement for the prior art chromic acid process. The process includes the steps of: (a) providing a cobalt conversion solution comprising an aqueous reaction solution containing a soluble cobalt-III hexacoordinated complex, the concentration of the cobalt-III hexacoordinated complex being from about 0.01 mole per liter of solution to the saturation limit of the cobalt-III hexacoordinated complex, and acetic acid; and (b) contacting the substrate with the aqueous reaction solution for a sufficient amount of time, whereby the cobalt conversion coating is formed. The substrate may be aluminum or aluminum alloy, as well as Cd plating, Zn plating, Zn--Ni plating, and steel. The cobalt-III hexacoordinated complex may be present in the form of [Co(NH.sub.3).sub.6 ]X.sub.3 wherein X is Cl, Br, NO.sub.3, CN, SCN, 1/3PO.sub.4, 1/2SO.sub.

Abstract: A method for forming a protective layer on a copper surface is set forth. The surface of degreased strips or sheets of copper are roughened by mechanical treatment in a controlled manner. The roughened surfaces of the strips or sheets are then chemically treated to bring about a green patination. After the chemical treatment, the strips or sheets are stored in a climate-controlled space.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the corrosion of metals exposed to aqueous mixtures of sulfuric acid and hydrocyanic acid by the use of iron salts.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a hardened outer shell (40) on a refractory metal workpiece (36) preferably heated in a fluidized bed of metallic oxide particles (38) in an environment of an inert gas and a reactive gas with the reactive gas either oxygen or nitrogen. The workpieces (36) are heated in the fluidized bed to a temperature between 800 F. and 1600 F. for a period of over two hours to form hardened outer shell (40) in two layers (42, 44). Outer layer (42) is an oxide or nitride layer having a thickness (T1) between 10 microns and 25 microns. Inner layer (44) is a case hardened layer of the refractory metal having a thickness (T2) between 25 microns and 75 microns. In one embodiment (FIG. 3) workpieces (56) may be cold worked by peening from finely divided metal oxide particles (54) to provide a uniform surface texture for subsequent hardening.

Abstract: (A.) A process for forming a cobalt conversion coating on a metal substrate, thereby imparting corrosion resistance and paint adhesion properties. The invention was developed as a replacement for the prior art chromic acid process. The process includes the steps of: (a) providing a cobalt conversion reaction solution comprising an aqueous, alkaline solution containing a soluble cobalt-III hexacoordinated complex, the concentration of the cobalt-III hexacoordinated complex being from about 0.1 mole per gallon of solution to the saturation limit of the cobalt-III hexacoordinated complex; and (b) contacting the substrate with the aqueous reaction solution for a sufficient amount of time, whereby the cobalt conversion coating is formed. The substrate may be aluminum or aluminum alloy, as well as Cd plating, Zn plating, Zn-Ni plating, and steel. The cobalt-III hexacoordinated complex may be present in the form of [Co(NH.sub.3).sub.6 ]X.sub.3 wherein X is Cl, Br, NO.sub.3, CN, SCN, Y.sub.3 PO.sub.4, SO.sub.4, C.

Abstract: The anti-seizing coating according to the invention relates to the protection of the surfaces of male (7) or female (2) components of an assembly means (1) for metal tubes by threadings coming into contact with one another at the time of screwing.This coating is constituted by a thin lead oxide layer (14) produced by the oxidation of a lead layer, which is itself formed on an underlying layer (13) of a metal such as copper and which has been directly or indirectly deposited beforehand on the surface (4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 6) to be protected against seizing. The invention also relates to the process for producing this coating and the coated assembly means obtained.

Abstract: Metallic articles, and method for making same, having a thin, adherent, chemically formed coating on their surface which preserves the uncoated article appearance and provides a unique combination of functional properties including resistance to chipping and flaking during elevated temperature use, resistance to corrosion from chemicals in the form of gases or aqueous acidic or alkaline solutions including salt spray, organic solvents, oils and vehicle fuels and suitability as a base for paint for parts within the engine compartment of vehicles.

Abstract: Chlor-alkali electrolytic cells can have separators used with metal cathodes. These cells may often be subject to frequent current interruptions. Particularly where the cathode and separator exhibit extended life, these interruptions may be numerous. There has now been developed a method for providing successful and desirable cathode operation even for such extended cell life. During cell shutdown, the cathode and separator are subjected to an elevated temperature heat treatment. After heating, and optionally following any rewetting of the diaphragm, the cathode is ready in the cell for continued, rejuvenated performance.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method of forming a tinted oxide film on the surface of austenite stainless steel. The method comprises electropolishing the surface, oxidizing the surface at a temperature to form the oxide film and then cleaning the film with a weak acid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for treating particles of selenium alloy to reduce fractionation when the particles are subsequently vacuum evaporated onto a substrate which comprises (1) heating particles of an alloy of selenium and an alloying component selected from the group are exposed to oxygen; (2) exposing the particles to water vapor; and (3) subjecting the particles previously exposed to oxygen and water vapor to a vacuum. Also disclosed is a process which comprises (1) providing particles of an alloy of selenium and an alloying component selected from the group consisting of tellurium, arsenic, and mixtures thereof; (2) forming selenium oxide on the surfaces of the particles; (3) converting the selenium oxide on the particle surfaces to selenious acid; and (4) removing the selenious acid from the particle surfaces.

Abstract: A method of providing a surface of titanium or an alloy thereof with a protective coating in which the surface is cleaned and then heated in clean air at a temperature within the range 500.degree.-550.degree. C. for a period of at least four hours.

Abstract: Zinc and zinc alloy surfaces can be given an effective corrosion inhibiting treatment by contact for less than a minute with an alkaline aqueous solution having a pH not more than 11 and containing at least 0.020 g/L of dissolved nickel ions and sufficient ammonia to give a molar ratio of ammonia to nickel ion of at least 6. If the concentration of nickel ions in the treating solution is at least 1.0 g/L, a durable blackening of the surface is also produced. Both the corrosion resistance and the quality of the blackening can usually be further improved by subsequent conventional phosphate conversion coating.

Abstract: A molybdenum metal powder having an outer shell coating of MoO.sub.2 is useful in flame spray or plasma spray processes and is prepared by partially oxidizing molybdenum powder in a carbon dioxide atmosphere at temperatures of up to 1200.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for increasing the resistance to thermal shocks of the oxide layer of metallic heat conductive materials which contain 3% to 10% aluminum, 10% to 26% chromium, up to 3% zirconium and/or titanium and/or hafnium and/or niobium and/or silicon and/or 0.002% to 0.3% total of rare earths and/or yttrium in metallic form or as finely dispersed oxides, the remainder being iron and/or nickel and/or cobalt as well as the trace elements normally present in steels. The materials develop primarily aluminum oxide and/or chromium oxide on the surface when heated in a temperature range of 700.degree. C. to 1350.degree. C. in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. The materials are first heated in an oxygen-free atmosphere under conditions which cause recrystallization in their surface zone. They then are oxidized in an atmosphere which contains oxygen in chemically bound form.

Abstract: Discloses a process for producing oxidic superconductors having advantageously textured oxide structures which involves zone oxidizing elongated metallic precursors of the superconductors.

Abstract: Palladium metal or a palladium alloy which has been treated with boric acid so as to have a ceramic surface which is less susceptible to oxidation.

Abstract: The adhesion of plastic encapsulants to electrical leadframes containing substantial amounts of copper is improved by exposing the leadframes to an active oxygen ambient (e.g., 10-30% H.sub.2 O.sub.2) at temperatures below the leadframe annealing temperature (e.g., room temperature to 100.degree. C.) for a few minutes. There is no need to remove the native oxide. A preliminary degreasing step is desirable but not essential. The treatment strengthens any native oxide present on the leadframes without producing an oxide which is so thick as to interfere with subsequent bonding of electronic components or connecting wires to the leadframe. Delamination between the leadframe and the plastic encapsulant by temperture cycling from -65.degree. to 150.degree. C. is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A novel method of producing a silver, tin-indium oxide contact material is disclosed. The material is fabricated by alloying silver with tin and indium, hermetically joining two sheets of such alloy with a layer of release material therebetween to form a multilayer structure, internally oxidizing the structure at elevated pressure and separating it into component parts. The inventiive process produces a member substantially free of oxide depleted regions about at least one surface.