Abstract: A discharge wire usable in an electrification device includes a tungsten wire subjected to mirror finish processing and an oxidized layer formed by heating the surface of the tungsten wire at a temperature in the range 400 to 600° C., wherein the film has a thickness in the range of 0.01 to 0.3 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The invention is a method for manufacturing a steerable catheter having a distal end, proximal end, an outer jacket, a pull wire and a central lumen. The central lumen is maintained in a circular shape without bulges diminishing the useful inter-diameter by using an outer jacket with an elliptical shape and uneven thickness to encase a pull wire. The pull wire friction is also reduced by using one wire of larger diameter to create the lumen for the pull wire of smaller diameter, thus reducing the friction on the pull wire and reducing the locking of the catheter body around the pull wire at bends preventing movement of the pull wire. The distal end of the catheter also has a smooth tip due to heat treating of steel wire braid reinforcement that does not require the addition of bulge forming additional material to control tip shape.

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: An electrically conductive metal element comprises an electrically conductive metal substrate having a layer of Ni—Sn alloy overlying an electrically conductive surface of the substrate and at least one layer of Ag or of Ag containing Sn overlying the Ni—Sn alloy layer. The Ni—Sn alloy(s) has a Sn-content not greater than for Ni3Sn2 for high temperature uses. In a convenient method of forming the element the Sn is applied to one or more layers of Ni in a Ag+Sn mixture and diffused into the Ni layer(s) to form the Ni—Sn alloy layer and at least one layer of Ag or of Ag containing Sn. The element may have a surface layer of SnO2 which can be formed by oxidising residual Sn which migrates to the outer surface of the at least one layer of Ag containing Sn.

Abstract: To provide a plated material having both high heat-resistance and good insertability/extractability. The plated material comprises an undercoating of any one of metals belonging to group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 9 or group 10 of the periodic table or an alloy containing any one of those metals as a main component, an intermediate coating of Cu or a Cu alloy, and a top-coating of Sn or an Sn alloy, the undercoating, the intermediate coating and the top-coating being formed on a surface of an electrically conductive base in this order, and the thickness of the top-coating is 1.9 times or more the thickness of the intermediate coating.

Abstract: A purpose of the present invention is to provide a surface treated steel sheet for a battery container having an excellent anti-alkaline characteristic and a performance for maintaining a discharging level for a long time, a battery container and a product method thereof. In the present invention, after forming a nickel-bismuth alloy layer on a steel sheet, the steel sheet is thermally treated at 300° C. to 650° C. in an inactive gas or a deoxidizing gas for 240 to 600 min so that an iron-nickel diffused layer and nickel-bismuth diffused layer are formed at each boundary surface. A battery is produced by utilizing a battery container made of a steel sheet on which one or more than layers selected from a group of an iron-nickel diffused layer, a nickel layer, a nickel-bismuth diffused layer, an iron-nickel-bismuth alloy layer is formed on the steel sheet.

Abstract: A method of making cookware and bakeware having a stick resistant and mar resistant cook surface comprising the steps of providing a cooking utensil having a cook surface, and cryogenically treating the cooking utensil at one or more selected temperatures comprising −100° F. to −300° F. or lower to harden said cook surface. The cooking utensil may have a bare metal cook surface, or it may be coated with a stick resistant coating such as one of a PTFE, metal nitride or sulfide coating or combinations thereof prior to the cryogenic hardening treatment.

Abstract: A membrane 30 and a method 12 for making the membrane 30comprising the steps of selectively placing a first material 14 upon a substrate 16, depositing a certain material 26 upon a first material 14, and heating the materials 14, 16, 26, thereby forming a membrane 30.

Abstract: An electronic component includes external electrodes formed on a base member, each external electrode including a plurality of layers of which the outermost layer is a tin plating layer. The tin plating layer has a polycrystalline structure, and atoms of a metal other than tin are diffused into the tin crystal grain boundaries. Alternatively, each external electrode includes a plurality of layers including a thick-film electrode formed on the base member, a nickel layer or a nickel alloy layer formed on the thick-film electrode and a tin plating layer formed on the nickel layer or the nickel alloy layer. The tin plating layer has a polycrystalline structure and nickel atoms are diffused into the tin crystal grain boundaries. Methods for fabricating electronic components and a circuit board provided with a plurality of electronic components are also disclosed.

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: 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: 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: 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 protected article includes a substrate, such as a nickel-base superalloy, a protective coating comprising aluminum overlying a surface of the substrate, and an iridium-containing oxygen barrier layer overlying the protective coating. A ceramic thermal barrier coating may overlie the protective coating and the oxygen barrier layer.

Abstract: An Ormosil composite coating that provides good corrosion and abrasion resistance of the underlying substrate. The Ormosil composite coating of the present invention is entrapped with a plurality of inorganic particles of a size greater than 1 micron to produce a coating of a sufficient, desired thickness. The coating of the present invention, generally includes an ormosil composite including a plurality of entrapped inorganic particles wherein each of the plurality of inorganic particles is at least one (1) micron in its maximum dimension but not greater than 75 microns (however, a maximum dimension of 5 microns is preferred).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wear resistant shoe (26) includes upsetting (46) one end portion (38) of cylindrical member to work harden that portion to a substantial depth, machining (48) the cylindrical member portion to finished dimensions and surface hardening (56) a face (28 or 34) of the machined cylindrical member portion. The cylindrical member may comprise rod stock of a diameter less than the greatest diameter of the finished shoe and be upset or swaged to axially reduce and radially increase the dimensions of the one end portion. A hollow region (30) is formed in an opposite rod stock end portion and the periphery (50) of the hollow region is crimped about a rounded end (18) of the piston (20). The cold work done during the swaging or forming process provides a foundation for hardened faces comprising balance (28) and auxiliary balance (34) lands, forms a crude shape of the shoe, and imparts work hardening and wear property improvements.

Abstract: A high strength sucker rod coupling for use with high strength sucker rods, and methods for fabricating the coupling. The coupling is fabricated from a hardened, hollow cylindrical coupling blank. An outer surface of the coupling blank is coated with spray metal alloy, and the coated blank is heated to fuse the spray metal to the outer surface thereby forming a wear layer. This coating decrease brittleness of the wear layer, and limits cracking and subsequent stress riser effects on fatigue performance. The coupling blank is austenitized and liquid quenched to a specified hardness range. Fully cold formed threads are formed on an inner surface of the coupling blank. The fully cold formed threads maintain fatigue properties which are superior to fatigue properties obtained with partially cut, partially rolled threads on prior art high strength couplings.

Abstract: To provide a steel sheet excellent in painting bake hardenability and anti aging property at room temperature: containing, in mass, 0.0001 to 0.20% of C, 2.0% or less of Si, 3.0% or less of Mn, 0.15% or less of P, 0.015% or less of S, and, in addition, 010% or less of Al and 0.001 to 0.10% of N so as to satisfy the expression 0.52Al/N<5 and, further, one or more of 2.5% or less of Cr, 1.0% or less of Mo and 0.1% or less of V so as to satisfy the expression (Cr+3.5MO+39V) ≧0.1, with the balance consisting of Fe and unavoidable impurities; having the value of BE170, evaluated after applying a 2% tensile deformation and then a heat treatment at 170° C. for 20 min., being 45 MPa or more, and any of the value of BH160, evaluated after applying a 2% tensile deformation and then a heat treatment at 160° C. for 10 min., and the value of BH150, evaluated after applying a 2% tensile deformation and then a heat treatment at 150° C. for 10 min.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metallic sheets having an improved antimicrobial property and also related to a method of manufacturing such sheets. More particularly, it relates to the continuous coating on metallic sheets with a resin composition containing antimicrobial additives. The surface of the metallic article is afforded antimicrobial properties by coating a liquid dispersion or solution of fine particles made of an antimicrobial ingredient on the surface of the metallic sheet dispersed in a uniform layer and cured or dried to affix to the metallic surface. The inorganic antibacterial particles are metal component-supporting oxides and zeolite powders. The inorganic antibacterial core particles have at least a primary surface coating of at least one metal or metal compound having antimicrobial properties. Roll coaters apply the coating.

Abstract: A method is provided for making carbon-steel blind slats and products thereof by slitting the carbon-steel sheet into pieces of desired width, trimming the edges, quenching, speedy cooling, tempering, and painting and baking. The blind product made by this method is merited in resilience, lifetime, easy maintenance, heat-resistance, fad-resistance, and is retrievable and reusable to conform to the environment protection conditions.

Abstract: A process of producing a shaped article suitable for use as an automotive body panel intended for finishing by painting and, if necessary, baking. The process comprises obtaining a sheet article made of an aluminum alloy of the 2000 or 6000 series in a T4 or T4P temper and that exhibits an increase in hardness after painting and optionally baking, shaping the sheet article by forming to produce an intermediate shaped article, and subjecting the intermediate shaped article to a thermal spiking treatment prior to painting and optionally baking. The thermal spiking treatment involves heating the intermediate shaped article from ambient temperature to a temperature in a range of 150 to 300° C. with or without holding at that temperature for a period of time to enhance the increase in hardness. The process may also include the painting and optionally baking step. The invention includes the shaped articles, either prior to or after painting and optionally baking, produced by the process.

Abstract: A multi-domained bulk REBa2CU3Ox with low-angle domain boundaries which resemble a quasi-single domained material and a method for producing the same comprising arranging multiple seeds, which can be small single crystals, single domained melt-textured REBa2CU3Ox pieces, textured substrates comprises of grains with low misorientation angles, or thick film REBa2CU3Ox deposited on such textured substrate, such seeds being tailored for various REBa2CU3Ox compounds, in specific pattern and relative seed orientations on a superconductor precursor material which may be placed in contact with a porous substrate so as to reduce the amount of liquid phase in the melt. Because seeds can be arranged in virtually any pattern, high quality REBa2CU3Ox elements of virtually unlimited size and complex geometry can be fabricated.

Abstract: Provided is a ceramic coated product and a coating for it, making it possible to improve corrosion resistance, wear resistance and the like of a material to be treated, and heighten aesthetically commercial value by a thin film forming or producing method using low-priced equipment. An ejection powder and a reactive ejecting gas are ejected onto a surface of a material to be treated comprising a metal product, a ceramic, or a mixture thereof. The ejection powder is heated on the surface of the material to be treated and then is reacted with the reactive ejecting gas. The resultant product is activation-adsorbed onto the surface of the material to be treated and caused to diffuse and penetrate thereinto. Thus, a layer made of a nitride or other compounds is formed.

Abstract: A membrane 30 and a method 12 for making the membrane 30 comprising the steps of selectively placing a first material 14 upon a substrate 16, depositing a certain material 26 upon a first material 14, and heating the materials 14, 16, 26, thereby forming a membrane 30.

Abstract: The invention is a method of forming a conversion coating on an aluminum surface. According to the method, the aluminum surface is conversion coated by first treating the surface with thermal degreasing or aqueous alkaline degreasing and then contacting the treated surface with an aqueous bath solution of KF. The concentration of KF in the solution is 2.0-25.0 wt. % and the temperature is 90-212° F. for at least 5 seconds.

Abstract: A heat treatment method for sliding bearings made of age-hardened aluminum materials includes an aluminum material that is artificially age-hardened for a time that is less than the time specified for reaching a maximum hardness, and a coating of a thermoplastic resin, or a solid lubrication material including a thermoplastic resin as a binder. The coating is placed on a surface of the aluminum material and is calcined.

Abstract: A laminate article consists of a substrate and a biaxially textured protective layer over the substrate. The substrate can be biaxially textured and also have reduced magnetism over the magnetism of Ni. The substrate can be selected from the group consisting of nickel, copper, iron, aluminum, silver and alloys containing any of the foregoing. The protective layer can be selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and nickel and alloys containing any of the foregoing. The protective layer is also non-oxidizable under conditions employed to deposit a desired, subsequent oxide buffer layer. Layers of YBCO, CeO2, YSZ, LaAlO3, SrTiO3, Y2O3, RE2O3, SrRuO3, LaNiO3 and La2ZrO3 can be deposited over the protective layer. A method of forming the laminate article is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for treating the surface of a component prior to coating. The component is made from a Ni based superalloy designed for high temperature service. Both the component and the coating include the elements Al and/or Cr. The process includes depleting the outer surface of the component of any one or a combination of Al, Ti or Cr and thereafter applying the coating directly on the depleted surface. The process minimizes the formation of a brittle gamma prime phase within the interdiffusion zone during service of the component. The process can also be used to renew old damaged coatings.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) and process for treating particulate material or powder (33) of a size capable of being fluidized in a retort (31) mounted for rotation on a pair of end axles (18, 41). Retort (31) is mounted on a tilt frame (5) for tilting movement in a vertical plane. Gas conduits (18A, 18B) are mounted within an axle (18) for the supply and exhaust of gas for retort (31). A conduit (55) mounted within the other axle (41) permits particulate material to be passed into or out of the retort (31) as shown in FIG. 1B. A removable injection assembly (90, FIG. 10) is utilized for the injection of additional particulate material. A removable sampling assembly (95, FIG. 11) is utilized for removing a sample of the particulate material from the retort (31). As the retort (31) is rotated, particles of the particulate material are constantly intermingled with each other and the walls of the retort (31). Microwave energy as shown in FIGS. 13-14 may be utilized to heat or dry materials within the retort (31).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the production of a strip-like metallic composite material by the high-temperature dip coating of a metallic carrier strip, consisting of a metallurgic vessel for receiving the liquid depositing material, through which the carrier strip is capable of being led in a preferably vertical run-through direction by means of pairs of rollers arranged on the entry and the exit side, and of a preheating device for the carrier strip, said preheating device being located upstream of the metallurgic vessel. At the same time, the preheating device (41) is arranged in a housing (61) which is arranged in the entry region upstream of the metallurgic vessel (11) and surrounds the carrier strip (21) and into which the medium coming from a media supply (52) is capable of being introduced via at least one feed (51) led into the housing.

Abstract: A process for making a coated body comprising the steps of: providing a substrate comprising tungsten, carbide and cobalt, and the substrate having at least one surface with eta phase thereon; subjecting the substrate with eta phase on the surface thereof to a conversion treatment at a temperature between about 1250° C. and about 2000° C. under at least a partial vacuum for a duration sufficient as to convert at least a portion of the eta phase to fibrous tungsten carbide grains that the fibrous tungsten carbide grains are at the surface whereby the substrate surface presents a surface roughness, Ra, of greater than 12 microinches; and applying a coating to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming a plain bearing lining on a substrate, the method comprising high velocity oxy-fuel spraying particles of a bearing metal onto the substrate and treating said layer to form it into a lining.

Abstract: An aluminum-alloy article such as a fastener is prepared by providing an aluminum-alloy article precursor that is not in its final heat-treated state, and in one form is in its solution treated/annealed state. A curable organic coating material is also provided. The method includes anodizing the article precursor, preferably in chromic acid solution and without chemical sealing during anodizing, applying the organic coating material to the aluminum-alloy article precursor, and precipitation heat-treating the coated aluminum article precursor to its final heat-treated state, thereby simultaneously curing the organic coating. If the aluminum alloy temper is of the naturally aging type, it is optionally lightly deformed prior to precipitation treatment aging.

Abstract: This invention can form a sufficiently internal oxide layer in a surface layer portion of an iron matrix of a steel sheet by hot rolling a base steel and subjecting to a heat treatment at a temperature range of 650-950° C. in an atmosphere substantially not causing reduction while being adhered with a black skin scale irrespectively of a chemical steel composition or production history, or even when a radiation type heating of a radial tube or the like is used in a recrystallization annealing before a hot dipping treatment, and hence excellent hot-dipping property and conversion treating property can be given to a steel sheet for hot dipping.

Abstract: A method for preparing an aluminum alloy-containing coating composition is described. A slurry containing a selected amount of aluminum is combined with at least one additional slurry containing a selected amount of a second metal which forms an alloy with aluminum. The resulting slurry mixture is applied to a metal substrate, and then heated to form a substantially devolatilized coating. The coating then receives a secondary heat treatment. Related compositions and articles are also described, as are processes for repairing a damaged or worn coating, utilizing the slurry.

Abstract: A multi-layered structure material composed of a substrate of heat resistance material and a plurality of metal layers formed on at least one surface of the substrate through a pin-holeless intermediate metal layer of melting ppoint lower than that of the metal layers.

Abstract: An improved process for chromizing and chrome-siliconizing 400-series stainless steel components, and in particular, 430 stainless steel components, such as boiler panel studs. The process includes the addition of between 0.12%-0.25% by weight of calcium fluoride salt to the conventional 4% by weight of ammonium chloride activator salt to the coating composition used in known diffusion coating processes. In a more preferred embodiment, small amounts of silicon powder, such as between about 0.12%-0.25% by weight, are added to the two salts and the diffusion coating material. A coating composition is provided as well.

Abstract: A laminated ring for use as a belt in transmitting power in a continuously variable transmission is produced by welding opposite ends of a sheet of maraging steel to produce a plurality of rings, and rolling said rings to a predetermined length. The rings are nitrided in a salt-bath nitriding process by dipping the rings in a molten salt containing 38-46% of CNO31 and 1-2% of CN− and heated to a temperature in the range from 480 to 530° C., for a period of time ranging from 10 to 25 minutes. The nitrided rings are finally stacked into a laminated ring.

Abstract: A coated article is prepared by furnishing an nickel-base article substrate having a free sulfur content of more than 0 but less than about 1 part per million by weight. A protective layer is formed at a surface of the article substrate. The protective layer includes a platinum aluminide diffusion coating. The protective layer may be substantially yttrium-free, or have a controlled amount of yttrium. A ceramic layer may overlie the protective layer.

Abstract: A method of preparing a biaxially textured article comprises the steps of providing a metal preform, coating or laminating the preform with a metal layer, deforming the layer to a sufficient degree, and rapidly recrystallizing the layer to produce a biaxial texture. A superconducting epitaxial layer may then be deposited on the biaxial texture. In some embodiments the article further comprises buffer layers, electromagnetic devices or electro-optical devices.

Abstract: A cold spray process (20) for applying an abradable coating (16) to a substrate material (12). A bond coat layer (14) and/or an abradable coating material layer (16) are applied to a substrate (12) by directing particles of the material toward the substrate surface at a velocity sufficiently high to cause the particles to deform and to adhere to the surface. Particles of the bond coat material may first be directed toward the substrate surface at a velocity sufficiently high to clean the surface (24) but not sufficiently high to cause the particles to deform and to adhere to the surface.

Abstract: Provided is a ceramic coated product and a coating for it, making it possible to improve corrosion resistance, wear resistance and the like of a material to be treated, and heighten aesthetically commercial value by a thin film forming or producing method using low-priced equipment. An ejection powder and a reactive ejecting gas are ejected onto a surface of a material to be treated comprising a metal product, a ceramic, or a mixture thereof. The ejection powder is heated on the surface of the material to be treated and then is reacted with the reactive ejecting gas. The resultant product is activation-adsorbed onto the surface of the material to be treated and caused to diffuse and penetrate thereinto. Thus, a layer made of a nitride or other compounds is formed.

Abstract: The magnet has hard magnetic grains (K), with the hard magnetic grains (K) separated from one another in a surface layer of the magnet by a first phase (P1), while the hard magnetic grains (K) in the remaining part of the magnet are separated from one another through a nonmagnetic second phase (P2). The first phase (P1) is more corrosion resistant than the second phase (P2), so that the surface layer serves as corrosion protection. The first phase (P1) has, in addition to elements of which the second phase (P2) consists, at least one further element.

Abstract: Abradable coatings for turbine engine shrouds are formed from biscuits formed of silicon-diffused powdered alloy compositions which are processed with an HF precursor to strip oxides from the coating during processing, the alloy blends comprising MCrAl(Y)n alloys in which n is 0, 1 or more.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sliding member which is coated a film having superior wear resistance, superior scuffing resistance and a superior property not to increase an amount of wear on an opponent material (an opponent attacking property). This object can be achieved by providing a sliding member coated by a Cr—B—N alloy film 4 on an outer surface 3 thereof. In this case, it is preferable that the Cr—B—N alloy film is formed through a physical vapor deposition, particularly ion plating, vacuum deposition, or sputtering. Further, it is preferable that the boron (B) content is within the range of 0.05-20 wt.%.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of coating a high-strength aluminum object with polymer and surface-treating it, for improved corrosion resistance. A polymer composition is coated onto the surface of the aluminum object and is sintered or melted fast, at the same time as solution treatment for precipitation hardening takes place. The polymer composition substantially comprises a fluorine-containing polymer, preferably PTFE. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the polymer coating is sintered or melted fast on the aluminum surface during a time period of approx. 15 minutes at approx. 420 degrees C. After solution treatment and simultaneous surface treatment at elevated temperature, the aluminum object is rapidly cooled to room temperature and precipitation hardened thereafter by means of artificial aging preferably at approx. 120-150 degrees C. for approx. 24 hours.

Abstract: Hot-rolled steel sheet which then can be cold-rolled, coated, the steel in the sheet having the following composition by weight: 0.15%<carbon<0.5% 0.5%<manganese<3% 0.1%<silicon<0.5% 0.01%<chromium<1% titanium<0.2% aluminum<0.1% phosphorus<0.1% sulfur<0.05% 0.0005%<boron<0.08%, the remainder being iron and impurities inherent in processing, the sheet ensuring a very high mechanical resistance after thermal treatment and the aluminum-based coating ensuring a high resistance to corrosion.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode according to this invention comprises the steps of: dissolving a particle surface of said hydrogen-absorbing alloy by a surface-treatment solution; and washing the hydrogen-absorbing alloy with the particle surface dissolved using an alkaline solution at a temperature of 30° C.˜40° C. The metal ions dissolved by the surface-treatment solution can be completely washed away by the alkaline solution so that they will not be precipitated onto the surface of the hydrogen-absorbing alloy again as the hydroxide. In this case, the washing using the alkaline solution of which the temperature exceeds 40° C. dissolves an alloy component as well as the hydroxide. Therefore, the temperature of the alkaline solution used must be controlled at 40° C. or lower. On the other hand, if the temperature of the alkaline solution is lower than 30° C.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing an oxidation-resistant metallic part which exhibits sufficiently good oxidation resistance even in an oxidation atmosphere. The method includes the step of applying mechanical energy to a surface of a metallic part in the presence of particulates, and forming a protective coating in a surface of the metallic part. When the metallic part thus treated is exposed in a high temperature-oxidation atmosphere, the protective coating is oxidized to restrain the proceeding of the oxidation of the metallic part, that is the internally proceeding formation of TiO 2, thus serving a remarkable improvement of the oxidation resistance.

Abstract: A method for post-production precision modification and enhancement of pre-existing shape memory alloy (SMA) forms to precisely alter their chemical composition and properties and produce greater accuracy and versatility. The present process includes carefully controlled electrodeposition or electroless deposition of alloying agents such as Nickel, Copper, or other elements on the surface of the pre-existing SMA form to produce the desired shape memory properties, followed by application of a protective coating, then high temperature heat treatment in combination with gentle physical kneading to speed up the homogenization process (thermal diffusion) and produce rapid diffusion of the plated metal throughout the form. The present method may also use the skin effect of AC current for localized heat treatment of the SMA form and neutron activation tracer analysis for in-line quality control and diagnostics. The process can also be used to impart shape memory properties to non-SMA alloy forms.