Abstract: A method and system for forming a thin patterned metal film on a substrate are presented. The method includes applying an ink composition on a pre-treated surface of the substrate, wherein the ink composition includes at least metal cations; and exposing at least the applied ink composition on the substrate to a low-energy plasma, wherein the low-energy plasma is operated according to a first set of exposure parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous, alkaline electrolyte for electrochemically depositing a zinc-, iron-, manganese-containing layer onto surfaces of metal piece goods, in particular piece goods made of iron and/or steel, characterized in that the electrolyte contains: zinc ions in an amount of 4-60 g/L; iron ions in an amount of 0.5-30 g/L; manganese ions in an amount of 0.1-15 g/L. The invention also relates to a method for electrochemically depositing a zinc-, iron-, manganese-containing layer onto one or more surfaces of a metal piece good. The invention also relates to a metal piece good comprising a zinc-, iron, manganese-containing layer electrochemically deposited onto a surface of the metal piece good in accordance with the inventive method.

Abstract: Provided is a method for forming a multilayer coating film, comprising simultaneously curing an uncured base coating film, an uncured effect coating film, and an uncured clear coating film. In this method, an effect pigment dispersion (Y) contains water, a rheology control agent (A), and a flake-effect pigment (B), and has a solids content of 0.5 to 10 mass %; the flake-effect pigment (B) is an interference pigment in which a transparent or translucent base material is coated with a metal oxide; and the flake-effect pigment (B) is contained in an amount of 30 to 90 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the total solids content in the effect pigment dispersion (Y).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention is to provide an electrodeposition coating composition and an electrodeposition coating method that enable the formation of a cured electrodeposition coating film that develops excellent throwing power and exhibits a good appearance. An electrodeposition coating composition of the present invention comprising: at least one compound (A) selected from the group consisting of a zinc compound (A-1) and a bismuth compound (A-2); an aminated resin (B); and a curing agent (C), wherein a milligram equivalent (MEQ (A)) of an acid per 100 g of a resin solid content in the composition is 27 or more; a coulombic efficiency of the composition is 30 mg/C or less; a film resistance of a 15-?m-thick uncured electrodeposition coating film formed using the composition is 400 k?·cm2 or more; and a coating film viscosity of an electrodeposition coating film obtained from the composition is 3000 Pa·s or less at 50° C.

Abstract: An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fuel cell separator having a low contact resistance due to a tin oxide film and having an excellent corrosion resistance. An embodiment is a method for manufacturing a fuel cell separator including a stainless steel substrate. The method includes forming the tin oxide film on a surface of the stainless steel substrate; and attaching phosphoric acid or phosphate to at least a defective portion in the tin oxide film.

Abstract: Provided are a coil having excellent insulation properties, a rotating electrical machine equipped with the same, and a method for manufacturing the same. The coil (60) has a covered portion where a conductive body (602) is covered with an insulating film (612) and a stripped portion where the insulating film is stripped off, and the stripped portion is electrophoretically coated with a resin material (601). The coil (60) may have a configuration wherein segment conductors (28) each having a covered portion and stripped portion are included, connection parts are formed by the stripped portions of two different segment conductors (28) being connected at coil ends (62), and the thickness of the resin material (601) is no more than the thickness of the insulating film (612) at the boundary portion (630) between the covered portion and the stripped portion.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to find a method for producing a cationic electrodeposition coating composition that is excellent in storage stability, low-temperature curability, finished appearance, and corrosion resistance, and to provide a coated article excellent in these properties. The method for producing a cationic electrodeposition coating composition comprises mixing three components, i.e., an aqueous dispersion of an amino group-containing epoxy resin (A), an aqueous dispersion of a blocked polyisocyanate compound (B), and a pigment dispersion paste (C), wherein the aqueous dispersion of a blocked polyisocyanate compound (B) comprises a blocked polyisocyanate compound (b) and an emulsifier.

Abstract: A process of producing a component includes providing a substrate having an electrically conductive surface in the form of an electrically conductive layer; subdividing the layer with the aid of a laser process into a first electrically autonomous region and a second electrically autonomous region, wherein an electrically insulating region is formed in the electrically conductive layer to electrically separate the electrically autonomous regions; forming an electrical potential difference between the first electrically autonomous region and the second electrically autonomous region; and applying an electrically charged substance or an electrically charged substance mixture onto the first electrically autonomous region and/or the second electrically autonomous region, wherein the electrically autonomous region and/or an amount of the applied electrically charged substance or of the electrically charged substance mixture are adjusted by the electrical potential difference.

Abstract: A method for preparing an emulsion for a cationic electrodeposition coating composition at an emulsification field, wherein the method includes synthesizing a base resin for a cationic electrodeposition coating composition, removing the base resin in a liquid state from a reaction vessel and then changing the resin into a solid state, and optionally, adjusting a size of the resin into an predetermined size, and emulsifying the resin at the emulsification field by adding water and an optional solvent, a neutralizing agent, a curing agent or additives, wherein the base resin is an aminated resin and has a softening point of 20-90° C., and wherein the adjusted shortest size of the base resin is 40 cm or less. Furthermore, the present application relates to a method for transporting a resin for cationic electrodeposition coating composition.

Abstract: Provided is an organic tin-free cationic electrodeposition coating composition which does not contain organic tin compound and can sustain a superior coating curability under currently used baking conditions, and to a catalyst for the composition. A catalyst for electrodeposition coating composition containing a bismuth compound (A), wherein: the bismuth compound is a compound having a ligand prepared from a ?-diketone represented by Chemical Formula (1) is provided.

Abstract: Coatings for filling cracks within anodic films formed from, for example, a laser marking process are described. The cracks generally have widths of nanometers in scale and can extend from an external surface of an anodic film to an underlying metal substrate. The coatings fill the cracks to prevent liquid and contaminants from entering the cracks and reaching the metal substrate, thereby preventing corrosion of the underlying metal substrate. The coatings can be hydrophobic such that water is wicked away from the cracks. In some cases, the coatings are fluoropolymer coatings. Methods include spray-on techniques that provide a thin and uniform layer of the coating. The spray-on technique can be configured to spray on a fluoropolymer precursor onto the anodic film such that the fluoropolymer precursor diffuses into and polymerizes into the fluoropolymer coating within the cracks.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide a membrane that is a product of a phenol crosslinked with one or more compounds containing an allyl group. The phenol may be electropolymerized with the allyl-containing compounds to form the crosslinked polymer. Suitable allyl-containing compounds include allylphenol, allylalcohol, allylamine, and allylcarbamide. A membrane may have one type of allyl-containing compound, or, alternatively, two or more types of compounds. As used in an analyte sensing device, a membrane formed from a crosslinked phenol may provide improved interference exclusion, peroxide response, stability, and/or solvent resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a polymer from the polymerization of 2-octyl acrylate of renewable origin and optionally at least one other monomer, as a binding agent in or for the production of a coating composition.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for plating high strength steel such as advanced high strength steel (AHSS) after irradiating the high strength steel with at least one of laser light and plasma to remove Si/Mn/Al oxides from the surface of the high strength steel, modify the surface of the high strength steel, or make the surface of the high strength steel suitable for a post process such as a zinc plating process. For this, a plating method includes heating high strength steel; treating a surface of the high strength steel with plasma to remove at least one of a Mn oxide, an Al oxide, and an Si oxide formed on the surface of the high strength steel during the heating of the high strength steel; and plating the surface-treated high strength steel.

Abstract: A method of a preparing double-layer antimicrobial coating comprises: placing a plastic substrate into a PVD vacuum equipment for a vacuum process; rinsing and activating the substrate when the vacuum level reaches 10?2; coating a metal film onto the activated substrate by the vacuum process; spraying an antimicrobial intermediate coating onto the metal film; and then coating an antimicrobial metal film by PVD to obtain a double-layer antimicrobial layer. The coating has two antimicrobial layers, and includes bores because the density of the coated film layer produced by PVD is low, so that the antimicrobial agent of the antimicrobial intermediate coating can pass through the bores and move to the surface of the coating and the surface of the antimicrobial coating, so as to kill the bacteria or suppress their grown. The method is very suitable for the sanitary, electronics, electrical appliances and the automobile industry.

Abstract: A process for applying a coating on aluminum substrates by anionic or cationic electrodeposition of an electrodeposition coating including an aqueous dispersion of one or more lanthanide series elements having a +3/+4 oxidation state and phosphated epoxy resin made by phosphating a polyepoxide with both phosphoric acid and an organophosphonic acid and/or an organophosphinic acid. The coating has a reduced tendency to form pinholes.

Abstract: Process for fabrication of all-solid-state thin film batteries, said batteries comprising a film of anode materials (anode film), a film of solid electrolyte materials (electrolyte film) and a film of cathode materials (cathode film) in electrical contact with a cathode collector, characterized in that: a first electrode film (cathode or anode) is deposited by electrophoresis on a conducting substrate or a substrate with at least one conducting zone, said substrate or said at least one conducting zone possibly being used as a collector of said electrode current (anode or cathode current) of the micro-battery, the electrolyte film is deposited by electrophoresis on said first electrode film, a second electrode film (anode or cathode) is deposited on the electrolyte film either by electrophoresis or by a vacuum deposition process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide electrochromic devices and materials and processes for forming such electrochromic devices and materials. In one embodiment, an electrochromic device contains a lower transparent conductor layer disposed on a substrate, wherein an upper surface of the lower transparent conductor layer has a surface roughness of greater than 50 nm and a primary electrochromic layer having planarizing properties is disposed on the lower transparent conductor layer. The upper surface of the primary electrochromic layer has a surface roughness less than the surface roughness of upper surface of the lower transparent conductor layer, such as about 50 nm or less.

Abstract: An electrically conductive composite is disclosed that includes a dielectric material having a first side and a second side, conductive particles within the dielectric material layer, and a discontinuous layer of a conductive material on a first side of the dielectric layer. The conductive particles are aligned to form a plurality of conductive paths from the first side to the second side of the dielectric material, and each of the conductive paths is formed of at least a plurality of conductive particles. The discontinuous layer includes a plurality of non-mutually connected portions that cover portions of, but not all of, the first side of the dielectric material such that exposed portions of the underlying first side of the dielectric material remain exposed through the discontinuous layer, yet the discontinuous layer facilitates the electronic coupling together of a plurality of the conductive paths from the first side to the second side of the dielectric material.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating metal substrates, including ferrous substrates, such as cold rolled steel and electrogalvanized steel. The methods include contacting the metal substrates with a conditioning composition including a free fluoride source and then depositing a pretreatment composition including a Group IIIB and/or IVB metal on a portion of the substrate contacted with the conditioning composition. Also disclosed are electrophoretically coated substrates treated by the methods.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a copper surface treatment method capable of keeping certainly a bonding strength between a copper surface and a resist, or between a copper surface and an insulating resin without forming irregularities having sizes of more than 1 ?m on the copper surface, and a copper treated with the method. The surface treatment method, comprising: a first step of forming, on a copper surface, a nobler metal than the copper discretely; a second step, subsequent to the first step, of forming copper oxide on the copper surface by oxidation with an alkaline solution containing an oxidizing agent; and third step of dissolving the copper oxide so as to be removed, thereby forming irregularities on the copper surface.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for depositing improved zirconium oxide conversion coatings, as well as compositions capable of depositing an adherent zirconium oxide conversion coating on a substrate in the absence of prior cleaning are provided.

Abstract: A non-volatile bistable nano-electromechanical switch is provided for use in memory devices and microprocessors. The switch employs carbon nanotubes as the actuation element. A method has been developed for fabricating nanoswitches having one single-walled carbon nanotube as the actuator. The actuation of two different states can be achieved using the same low voltage for each state.

Abstract: A method of producing a surface-treated metal material, comprising: surface treating a metal material using a treatment liquid (1), which comprises from 10 to 10,000 ppm of tin ions and has a pH of 1.0 or greater, and subjecting the metal material that has undergone surface treatment with the treatment liquid (1) to an additional chemical conversion treatment using a treatment liquid (2), which comprises zirconium ions and/or titanium ions.

Abstract: A micro-drill and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The micro-drill comprises: a substrate having a surface, an ultra-nanocrystalline diamond film including a plurality of ultra-nanocrystalline diamond grains, which is formed on the surface of the substrate; wherein the substrate is a tungsten carbide substrate and a size of each ultra-nanocrystalline diamond grain is in a range from 1 to 30 nm.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube-based electrode materials for rechargeable batteries have a vastly increased power density and charging rate compared to conventional lithium ion batteries. The electrodes are based on a carbon nanotube scaffold that is coated with a thin layer of electrochemically active material in the form of nanoparticles. Alternating layers of carbon nanotubes and electrochemically active nanoparticles further increases the power density of the batteries. Rechargeable batteries made with the electrodes have a 100 to 10000 times increased power density compared to conventional lithium-ion rechargeable batteries and a charging rate increased by up to 100 times.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a circuit board includes the steps of: forming a first wiring layer on a substrate; forming an insulating layer on the surface of the first wiring layer by means of electrophoretic deposition; forming a second wiring layer on the insulating layer and the surface of the substrate; and performing the follow-up procedures, such as forming a solder mask; thereby reducing the thickness of the circuit board and increasing the density of the circuit layout.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the corrosion-protective pretreatment of metal components, which at least partially comprise metal surfaces made of iron, using a chromium-free aqueous treatment solution, which contains fluoro-complexes of zirconium and/or titanium and phosphate ions in a specific ratio range to one another, and a metal component which is pretreated accordingly, and the use thereof for the application of further corrosion-protective coatings and/or lacquer systems. The method is suitable in particular as a pretreatment for electrophoretic painting of metal components, which are provided in the form of non-closed hollow bodies.

Abstract: A cathodic electrodeposition coating material comprising (A) at least one water-dispersible organic binder containing cationic groups, where the cathodic electrodeposition coating material has been admixed with 0.005%-0.5% by weight, based on the solids content of the cathodic electrodeposition coating material, of (B) an organic, tetravalent titanium, zirconium or hafnium complex having one or more oxygen-containing ligands.

Abstract: Cleaned metal surfaces are coated with an aqueous anti-corrosion treatment. The anti-corrosion treatment includes an organofunctional silsesquioxane and a fluoro metallic acid such as H2TiF6, H2ZrF6, as well as others and blends. The metal surface can be rinsed immediately after coating, making this anti-corrosion treatment suitable for preparing a metal surface for electrocoating.

Abstract: A power storage device including a negative electrode having high cycle performance in which little deterioration due to charge and discharge occurs is manufactured. A power storage device including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode is manufactured, in which the negative electrode includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer, and the negative electrode active material layer includes an uneven silicon layer formed over the negative electrode current collector, a silicon oxide layer or a mixed layer which includes silicon oxide and a silicate compound and is in contact with the silicon layer, and graphene in contact with the silicon oxide layer or the mixed layer including the silicon oxide and the silicate compound.

Abstract: A wavelength conversion structure comprises a phosphor layer comprising a first part and a second part formed on the first part, wherein the first part and the second part have a plurality of pores, a first material layer formed in the plurality of pores of the first part, a second material layer formed in the plurality of pores of the second part and a plurality of phosphor particles, wherein the plurality of phosphor particles is distributed in the first material layer and the second material layer.

Abstract: A method of producing metallic medical supplies includes supplying a metallic material as a base material; treating the base material by carrying out any one of electrochemical treatment, chemical treatment, thermal and/or mechanical treatment or a combination of two or more of these treatments to form a film having micro pores and/or micro unevennesses having a density of 5? 104/mm2 on a surface of the base material; and carrying out iodine-impregnation treatment to impregnate the film with iodine or iodine compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating metal substrates, including ferrous substrates, such as cold rolled steel and electrogalvanized steel. The methods include (a) contacting the substrate with a pretreatment composition including a group IIIB or IVB metal and an electropositive metal, (b) contacting the substrate with a post rinse composition and (c) electrophoretically depositing an electrodepositable coating composition to the substrate, wherein the post rinse composition improves the throwpower of the subsequently applied electrodepositable coating composition. The present invention also relates to coated substrates produced thereby.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing light emitting diode packaging lens and packages made by using the method are disclosed in the present invention. By using electrophoretic deposition, one or more layers of phosphors are coated onto one surface of a cup which has a curved portion. The cup is used for the packaging lens. Thickness of phosphor layer can be controlled and distribution of phosphor particles is uniform. Therefore, light emitting diode packages with the lens can be a uniform light source.

Abstract: A working electrode includes a conducting layer, a carbon nanotube layer electrophoretically deposited on the conducting layer; and a gold nanoparticle layer sputter-deposited on the carbon nanotube layer. A sensor chip having the working electrode and a method of fabricating the working electrode are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating metal substrates, including ferrous substrates, such as cold rolled steel and electrogalvanized steel. The methods include (a) contacting the substrate with a pretreatment composition including a group IIIB or IVB metal and an electropositive metal, (b) contacting the substrate with a post rinse composition and (c) electrophoretically depositing an electrodepositable coating composition to the substrate, wherein the post rinse composition improves the throwpower of the subsequently applied electrodepositable coating composition. The present invention also relates to coated substrates produced thereby.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems, arrangements, and techniques for electrophoretic deposition of a plating material on a surface of a substrate. Example systems may include one or more of a substrate for receiving the plating material, a gel, a source element, and a conductive layer.

Abstract: A power storage device including a negative electrode having high cycle performance in which little deterioration due to charge and discharge occurs is manufactured. A power storage device including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode is manufactured, in which the negative electrode includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer, and the negative electrode active material layer includes an uneven silicon layer formed over the negative electrode current collector, a silicon oxide layer or a mixed layer which includes silicon oxide and a silicate compound and is in contact with the silicon layer, and graphene in contact with the silicon oxide layer or the mixed layer including the silicon oxide and the silicate compound.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed herein is a hollow core coaxial cable, having a dielectric capillary with an inside wall and an outside wall, an inner conductive layer on the inside wall of the hollow core coaxial cable and an outer conductive layer on the outside wall of the hollow core coaxial cable, the conductive layers may be patterned. Further disclosed is a method of making the hollow core coaxial cable. Further disclosed are holey fiber coaxial cables, having a holey fiber capillary having an inside wall and an outside wall, an inner conductive layer on the inside wall of the hollow core coaxial cable and an outer conductive layer on the outside wall of the hollow core coaxial cable, the conductive layers may be patterned.

Abstract: This invention teaches a method of coating a vehicle wheel to increase wear resistance which, in its preferred embodiment, includes the steps of providing a vehicle wheel and applying a wear resistant coating between/intermediate a primer and a topcoat. The wear resistant coating is applied to at least the tire bead flange of the vehicle wheel but may be applied to any area of the wheel. It is advantageously comprised of a MIL-P-53022B Type II lead and chromate free, corrosion inhibiting epoxy primer with an addition of 3% polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and is formulated in such a manner so as to allow “wet on wet” application over a cured MIL-P-53084 primer. This application method improves adhesion through surface to surface covalent reaction between the polymerization of polyurethane top coat and the polymerization of intermediate epoxy polyamide wear resistant coating.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to manufacture an electrode. The metal oxide of different sizes (or metal oxide secondary particle of similar size) is formed on a transparent substrate by electrophoresis deposition. Subsequently, the metal oxide layer is compressed and dipped in dye to complete an electrode applied in a solar cell. Furthermore, the step of dipping the metal oxide in dye can be earlier than the electrophoresis deposition, thereby reducing the dipping period and dipping temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a vehicle body, which, without removing protrusions on an electrophoretic coating, improves the coating quality. The outer surface of the vehicle body is sanded prior to a pre-treatment, where the vehicle body is degreased and washed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for passivating metal substrates, including ferrous substrates, such as cold rolled steel and electrogalvanized steel. The methods comprise the steps of depositing an electropositive metal onto at least a portion of the substrate, followed immediately by electrophoretically depositing on the substrate a curable, electrodepositable coating composition. The present invention also relates to coated substrates produced by the above methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for passivating metal substrates, including ferrous substrates, such as cold rolled steel and electrogalvanized steel. The methods comprise the steps of autodepositing copper, silver, a IIIB metal and/or IVB metal onto at least a portion of the substrate, and simultaneously and/or immediately subsequently electrophoretically depositing on the substrate a curable, electrodepositable coating composition; wherein the copper, silver, IIB metal and/or IVB metal and the curable, electrodepositable coating composition are both contained within a single bath composition. The present invention also relates to coated substrates produced by the above methods.

Abstract: A method of a preparing double-layer antimicrobial coating comprises: placing a plastic substrate into a PVD vacuum equipment for a vacuum process; rinsing and activating the substrate when the vacuum level reaches 10?2; coating a metal film onto the activated substrate by the vacuum process; spraying an antimicrobial intermediate coating onto the metal film; and then coating an antimicrobial metal film by PVD to obtain a double-layer antimicrobial layer. The coating has two antimicrobial layers, and includes bores because the density of the coated film layer produced by PVD is low, so that the antimicrobial agent of the antimicrobial intermediate coating can pass through the bores and move to the surface of the coating and the surface of the antimicrobial coating, so as to kill the bacteria or suppress their grown. The method is very suitable for the sanitary, electronics, electrical appliances and the automobile industry.

Abstract: A surface treatment with a zirconium ion that enables sufficient throwing power and superior anti-corrosion properties to be exhibited when thus surface treated metal base material is subjected to cation electrodeposition coating is provided. A metal surface treatment liquid thereof for cation electrodeposition coating includes zirconium ions, copper ions, and other metal ions, and having a pH of 1.5 to 6.5, in which: the other metal ions are at least one selected from the group consisting of tin ions, indium ions, aluminum ions, niobium ions, tantalum ions, yttrium ions and cerium ions; the concentration of zirconium ions is 10 to 10,000 ppm; the concentration ratio of the copper ions to the zirconium ions is 0.005 to 1 on a mass basis; and the concentration ratio of the other metal ions to the copper ions is 0.1 to 1,000 on a mass basis.

Abstract: Some articles such as automobile components that have been constructed from steel and/or aluminum alloy parts are now being fitted with magnesium parts whose surfaces may need to be protected against corrosion. To do this an e-coating pre-film may be formed on the part's magnesium surfaces by exposing it to a conventional e-coating emulsion. And there is no need to supply a current or potential to the part or component. Magnesium's high reactivity with acidic or neutral aqueous mediums is itself a sufficient driving force to facilitate the deposition of an e-coating pre-film. At the same time any steel or aluminum alloy parts will remain unaffected. The article with a protective e-coating pre-film formed solely on its magnesium surfaces may now be advanced through a paint-line that includes conventional processes aimed at treating the component's steel and aluminum alloy parts. The process may be practiced where the magnesium surface comprises a magnesium-containing conversion or anodized coating.

Abstract: Mixed-metal automotive vehicle bodies-in-white comprising ferrous metal surfaces, zinc surfaces, aluminum alloy surfaces, and magnesium alloy surfaces are cleaned and immersed in an aqueous bath comprising an adhesion promoter and an aqueous electrocoat bath (the adhesion promoter may be in the electrocoat bath. The adhesion promoter, which may be a cerium salt, is selected to react with each metal in the body surfaces to form an oxide layer that provides corrosion resistance for the surface and adherence for the deposited polymeric paint coating. The body is cathodic in the electrocoat deposition.

Abstract: A first electro-optic display comprises first and second substrates, and an adhesive layer and a layer of electro-optic material disposed between the first and second substrates, the adhesive layer comprising a mixture of a polymeric adhesive material and a hydroxyl containing polymer having a number average molecular weight not greater than about 5000. A second electro-optic display is similar to the first but has an adhesive layer comprising a thermally-activated cross-linking agent to reduce void growth when the display is subjected to temperature changes. A third electro-optic display, intended for writing with a stylus or similar instrument, is produced by forming a layer of an electro-optic material on an electrode; depositing a substantially solvent-free polymerizable liquid material over the electro-optic material; and polymerizing the polymerizable liquid material.