Abstract: Methods of forming a nano-supported catalyst on a substrate and at least one carbon nanotube on the substrate are comprised of configuring a substrate with an electrode (102), immersing the substrate with the electrode into a solvent containing a first metal salt and a second metal salt (104) and applying a bias voltage to the electrode such that a nano-supported catalyst is at least partly formed with the first metal salt and the second metal salt on the substrate at the electrode (106). In addition, the method of forming at least one carbon nanotube is comprised of conducting a chemical reaction process such as catalytic decomposition, pyrolysis, chemical vapor deposition, or hot filament chemical vapor deposition o grow at least one nanotube on the surface of the nano-supported catalyst (108).

Abstract: A method for producing an array of oriented nanofibers that involves forming a solution that includes at least one electroactive species. An electrode substrate is brought into contact with the solution. A current density is applied to the electrode substrate that includes at least a first step of applying a first substantially constant current density for a first time period and a second step of applying a second substantially constant current density for a second time period. The first and second time periods are of sufficient duration to electrically deposit on the electrode substrate an array of oriented nanofibers produced from the electroactive species. Also disclosed are films that include arrays or networks of oriented nanofibers and a method for amperometrically detecting or measuring at least one analyte in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to coat an article using a plating process, either electroless or electrolytic, whereby nickel is plated on the article using a solution that includes a suspension of powders or containing one or more of the following elements: Ni, Cr, Al, Zr, Hf, Ti, Ta, Si, Ca, Fe, Y and Ga. Optionally, the coating is then heat treated at a temperature above about 1600° F. for an effective amount of time to allow to homogenize the coating by allowing effective interdiffusion between the species. The level of aluminum may be altered to produce a coating of the predominantly &bgr; phase of the NiAl alloy composition. Optionally, a TBC layer is applied over the predominantly &bgr; phase NiAl alloy composition metallic bond coat.

Abstract: There is provided contact, sliding, fitting-in and ornamental members having a surface treatment structure in which contact resistance is low, and lubricating property and wear resistance are excellent, and capable of being used suitably for any use of contact, sliding, fitting-in or ornament, and a method for manufacturing the same. The surface treatment structure 1 having a plating layer formed on the surface of a substrate 2 comprises a lubrication plating layer 5 made of a plating layer of a metal matrix containing fine particles 4 having lubricating property, and a noble metal plating layer 7 formed on the lubrication plating layer 5. Preferably, an anti-diffusive plating layer 3 made of a metal plating layer is formed under the lubrication plating layer 5, and a joining layer 6 made of a strike plating layer of noble metal is formed between the lubrication plating layer 5 and the noble metal plating layer 7.

Abstract: Process for the electrochemical decomposition of precursors in powder form by introducing a powder batch between two electrodes of an electrolysis cell, electrodes being designed to be liquid-permeable, and the electrolyte flowing through the powder batch perpendicularly to the electrode surfaces, and electrolysis cell suitable therefor, which is essentially characterized in that at least one electrode has a structure which consists of a supporting pierced plate (5), an electrode plate (3) provided with perforations, and a filter cloth (4) arranged between the supporting pierced plate (5) and the electrode plate (3), and in that the cathode (6) is shielded from the cell by means of a liquid-permeable separator (7).

Abstract: Inorganic or organic fine particles which are insoluble to water are added to a metal plating bath, by dispersing the fine particles in a watery medium by the help of an azo-surfactant having an aromatic azo compound residue. Electrolysis is then carried out. According to the present invention, the content of the fine particles present in a composite plating film composed of the fine particles and a metal can be increased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating workpieces. According to said method, an alloy containing at least phosphorus and nickel is precipitated from an electrolyte to produce a functional, especially corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant metallic coating. The aim of the invention is to provide a means of increasing wear resistance and hardness and improving the anti-corrosion effect with a significantly higher rate of incorporation of elementary phosphorus. To this end, an at least quarternary alloy with the components nickel, cobalt, wolfram and phosphorus is electrolytically precipitated in the form of a coating. The invention also relates to a corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant coating with essentially the following composition: 0.5 to 2.0 wt. % wolfram; 1.0 to 2.0 wt % cobalt; 15 to 20 wt. % phosphorus and at least 10 wt. % nickel.

Abstract: An improved electrode and method for manufacturing the improved electrode wherein the electrode having a fractal surface coating of platinum [which the present inventor refers to as “platinum gray”] with a increase in surface area of at least 5 times when compared to shiny platinum of the same geometry and also having improved resistance to physical stress when compared to platinum black having the same surface area. The process of electroplating the surface coating of platinum gray comprising plating at a moderate rate, i.e., at a rate that is faster than the rate necessary to produce shiny platinum and that is less than the rate necessary to produce platinum black.

Abstract: The present invention provides an abrasion-resistant coating which has high oxidation resistance and durability and can be applied easily at a low cost. The abrasion-resistant coating in accordance with the present invention is formed at the tip end of a base material forming a gas turbine blade. The abrasion-resistant coating at the tip end has a thickness of 300 microns. On the tip end, hard particles H consisting of CBN are fixed in a bond coating formed by heating, melting, and solidification of a mixture of a brazing filler metal and M-Cr—Al—Y (M designates a metal element such as Co and Ni). The hard particles H are Ni and Co coated to improve wettability relative to the brazing filler metal, and are arranged so that some of them are partially protruded from the surface of bond coating to exhibit the grindability.

Abstract: The present invention provides electrodeposited copper foil with carrier which has an organic adhesive interface layer permitting control of the lower limit of peel strength between a carrier foil and an electrodeposited copper foil and to a method for producing the electrodeposited copper foil with carrier. In the electrodeposited copper foil with carrier including a carrier foil, an adhesive interface layer formed on the carrier foil, and an electrodeposited copper foil formed on the adhesive interface layer, the carrier foil is formed of a copper foil and the adhesive interface layer contains an organic agent and metallic particles, the organic agent and the metallic particles being in an intermingled state.

Abstract: Provided are a Zn—Mg electroplated metal sheet excellent in corrosion resistance, formability and productivity, and a fabrication process therefor. The Zn—Mg electroplated metal sheet comprises a Zn—Mg electroplated layer including Mg and Zn, the Zn being a main component, formed on at least one surface of a metal substrate material. The Zn—Mg electroplated layer shows more excellent corrosion resistance by including a C component therein. The Zn—Mg electroplated metal sheet can be fabricated by performing electroplating with an acidic aqueous solution including metal salts of Zn and Mg, and in addition, a surface active agent.

Abstract: We have discovered that the formation of particulate inclusions at the surface of an aluminum alloy article, which inclusions interfere with a smooth transition from the alloy surface to an overlying aluminum oxide protective film can be controlled by maintaining the content of mobile impurities within a specific range and controlling the particulate size and distribution of the mobile impurities and compounds thereof; by heat-treating the aluminum alloy at a temperature less than about 330° C.; and by creating the aluminum oxide protective film by employing a particular electrolytic process. When these factors are taken into consideration, an improved aluminum oxide protective film is obtained.

Abstract: A tip of rotor blade which rotates is an abradable surface. An inner wall of a shroud as a jacket for the rotor blade is an abrasive surface. A part of an abrasive particle protrudes from the abradable surface. When the tip of the rotor blade which rotates contacts the inner wall of the shroud, the protruding section of the abrasive particle slides with the abrasive surface so as to be ground. By doing this, a turbine which can maintain an appropriate clearance between the rotor blade and the shroud and can be used for a long period under high-temperature conditions with easy restoration and remaking thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for forming a deposit on the surface of a metallic or conductive surface. The process employs an electrolytic process to deposit a silicate containing coating or film upon a metallic or conductive surface.

Abstract: A method for depositing a coating of a nanostructure material onto a substrate includes: (1) forming a solution or suspension of containing the nanostructure material; (2) selectively adding “chargers” to the solution; (3) immersing electrodes in the solution, the substrate upon which the nanostructure material is to be deposited acting as one of the electrodes; (4) applying a direct and/or alternating current electrical field between the two electrodes for a certain period of time thereby causing the nanostructure materials in the solution to migrate toward and attach themselves to the substrate electrode; and (5) subsequent optional processing of the coated substrate.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for forming a deposit on the surface of a metallic or conductive surface. The process employs an electrolytic process to deposit a mineral containing coating or film upon a metallic or conductive surface.

Abstract: According to the invention, silicon nanoparticles are applied to a substrate using an electrochemical plating processes, analogous to metal plating. An electrolysis tank of an aqueous or non-aqueous solution, such as alcohol, ether, or other solvents in which the particles are dissolved operates at a current flow between the electrodes. In applying silicon nanoparticles to a silicon, metal, or non-conducting substrate, a selective area plating may be accomplished by defining areas of different conductivity on the substrate. Silicon nanoparticle composite platings and stacked alternating material platings are also possible. The addition of metal ions into the silicon nanoparticle solution produces a composite material plating. Either composite silicon nanoparticle platings or pure silicon nanoparticle platings may be stacked with each other or with convention metal platings.

Abstract: A process for galvanic depositing of a dispersion layer on a surface of a work piece, in particular a contact layer on a plain bearing half liner, is described, where an electrolyte with the dispersed phase finely distributed therein is moved opposite the work piece surface to be coated with formation of a flow component parallel to the surface. In order to create advantageous processing conditions, the surface of the work piece to be coated is profiled prior to coating with an average minimum profile depth of 5 &mgr;m and is then coated transversely to a salient profile direction in a flow component of the electrolyte opposite the work piece surface.

Abstract: A fuel-cell electrode and a method of manufacturing the fuel-cell electrode achieves a high catalyst utilization ratio and makes it possible to obtain higher output characteristics with a smaller amount of catalyst. The fuel-cell electrode includes a catalytic layer composed of an ion conductive substance, an electron conductive substance and catalytic activation substances. The catalytic activation substances are electrolytically deposited on the electron conductive substance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microencapsulating or electrodeposited coating of ferromagnetic and soft-magnetic sub-micron or nano sized powderized material comprising use of a rotary flow-through device assisted by an electromagnet within the electrode ring to alternately position the powder at the face of the cathode ring and electroplate the powder and reorient it prior to another repositioning. The invention is also of a process and apparatus for forming a strip, mesh, or film from magnetic powderized material in an organized bipolar arrangement, which is particularly useful for electroforming foils with the magnetic particles positioned in a monolayer within a multilayer metallic foil.

Abstract: A photocatalytic oxidation purification system includes an ultra violet light source and a filter that comprises a pleated wire mesh substrate with a nanophase metal oxide oxidation catalyst suspended on the substrate, wherein the catalyst is applied without an adhesive using an electromechanical plating process. As a fluid containing organic contaminants is directed through the filter in the presence of ultra violet light from the light source, the catalyst oxidizes and decomposes the organic contaminants into environmentally harmless components. Methods of making the purification system including preparing a solution of catalyst and applying the catalyst without adhesive binding material to the filter substrate electromagnetically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite electroless coatings with varying densities of codeposited particles in the plated layer along the surface of the substrate where said variation of densities is directed by the angle of rotation of the substrate during the coating process.

Abstract: In an electrodeposited hard-chromium coat, particularly for a piston ring, which is substantially formed of an electrolyte containing hexavalent chromium, wherein there are cracks in the coat and diamond particles are embedded in these cracks, the diamond particles have a size ranging from 0.25 to 0.5 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a clothing wire which is suitable for fitting to an opening-cylinder base body, wherein a raw wire which is customarily used to produce clothing wire is processed on end to form a wire coil, in which the teeth of the wire are perpendicular to the coil axis and which has a diameter which corresponds to the diameter of the opening-cylinder base body or differs by at most ±5% from the diameter of the opening-cylinder base body, and the wire coil is pushed loosely onto a support device and, together with this device, is introduced into an electroplating unit, the process steps which are customarily used for the chemical deburring of a raw wire and the nickel-diamond coating of a clothed opening cylinder taking place in the electroplating unit, and the clothing wire being removed from the electroplating unit.

Abstract: A painted steel article having a steel surface, being plated with a corrosion-resistant coating. The corrosion-resistant coating contains at least 90% zinc, cobalt, at least one trivalent or higher-valent metal, and at least one colloidal inorganic material. The paint is then electrodeposited directly on the corrosion-resistant coating.

Abstract: Inorganic or organic fine particles which are insoluble to water are added to a metal plating bath, by dispersing the fine particles in a watery medium by the help of an azo-surfactant having an aromatic azo compound residue. Electrolysis is then carried out. According to the present invention, the content of the fine particles present in a composite plating film composed of the fine particles and a metal can be increased.

Abstract: To provide a plate of high resolution and large area. The channel plate configured by including a substrate, a first electrode placed on the top face of the substrate, and a second electrode placed on the bottom face of the substrate, wherein the substrate is a porous element having a plurality of pores extending therethrough, and the porous element is formed by a compound including aluminum, and the porous element has an electron multiplier on a wall surface of the pore.

Abstract: A vacuum metalization process for applying a chrome coating on aluminum and steel substrates, for example vehicle wheels, hub caps, bumpers and the like. The process is environmentally compatible and produces a decorative, wear-resistant chrome finish and comprises four stages: a cleaning or preparation stage, a base coat application stage, a two-step PVD stage, and a topcoat application stage. The surface of the substrate is prepared and pretreated to provide a surface congenial for the adhesion of the base coat and to eliminate any contamination. An organic epoxy, thermosetting powder base coat is applied to smooth the surface to a glass-like finish and to ensure adhesion of the metal coatings. A two part metal coating is then applied via a PVD process, consisting of a Ni/Cr base and a Cr layer. A protective acrylic, thermosetting topcoat is then applied to protect the metal coating layers.

Abstract: The present invention is applicable to composite particles for composite dispersion plating used for forming a self-lubricating composite dispersion coating and a method of plating using such composite particles as well as a plating (coating) using the same. The purpose of the invention is to obtain a composite particle for composite dispersion plating which is comprised of a particle with an excellent capability of reducing the friction and a low or very low specific gravity, and a method of plating using such composite particles. In this invention, each of the composite particles includes a friction-reducing mother or core particle (1) encapsulated with shell particles (2) comprised of the same components as a base metal of a composite dispersion plating bath (5). This provides a composite particle for composite dispersion plating which is comprised of a particle with an excellent capability of reducing the friction and a low or very low specific gravity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatic flotation device for use in a continuous web processing system for continuously processing paper and other flexible materials and a method of making the pneumatic flotation device. The pneumatic floatation device replaces the rolls, idlers and air bars currently used in continuous processing systems. The pneumatic floatation device includes a microporous sheet attached to a suitable pneumatic support structure. The microporous sheet has a smooth exterior layer with regularly spaced pores that enables air to pass therethrough. The interior layer of the sheet is an open structure metal fabric that enables air to move freely along two axes of the sheet parallel to the exterior layer while in contact with the pneumatic support structure. In one preferred embodiment, the pneumatic support structure includes a rigid tube and an airflow device in fluid communication with the microporous sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to am article plated with boron carabide in a nickel-phosphorus matrix, obtained by a plating process comprising the following steps: a) preparation of an electrolytic bath comprising two or more nickel salts, at least one complexing agent, at least one phosphorus salt, and, in addition, an anti-tensioning agent and boron carbide in the form of powder; b) electroplating of the article in the electrolytic bath at a temperature ranging from 40° C. to 70° C., with a current density ranging from 1 to 10 A/dm2; and c) heat treatment of the product thus plated. The plating is used for any article that requires a type of plating which presents high resistance to wear, and in particular for cylinders for the production of corrugated cardboard.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an abrasive article comprising precisely shaped particles. The abrasive article may be a coated abrasive article, a bonded abrasive or a nonwoven abrasive article. The precisely shaped particles may further comprise abrasive grits, fillers, grinding aids and lubricants.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bipolar electrochemical process for toposelective electrodeposition of a catalytic substance on an electrically conductive particulate substrate to produce a catalyst, as well as to the catalyst so produced.

Abstract: A process for galvanic depositing of a dispersion layer on a surface of a work piece, in particular a contact layer on a plain bearing half liner, is described, whereby an electrolyte with the dispersed phase finely distributed therein is moved opposite the work piece surface to be coated with formation of a flow component parallel to the surface. In order to create advantageous processing conditions it is proposed that the surface of the work piece to be coated is profiled prior to coating with an average minimum profile depth of 5 &mgr;m and is then coated transversely to a relevant profile direction in a flow component of the electrolyte opposite the work piece surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to corrosion and wear resistant metallic coatings containing nickel, boron, particles. The coatings are preferably deposited on catalytically active substrates from an electroless coating bath containing nickel ions, a stabilizer, a metal ion complexing agent, particles and a borohydride reducing agent, at a pH of about 10 to about 14.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for making an electrode film for a composite polymer material. A composite plating method is used to form a conductive plate film with microrough surface of 0.01 to 100 microns which will be adhered to a composite polymer material, enhances the adhering performance and reduces the interface electrical resistance.

Abstract: An electrode for electrochemical processes comprising an electrically conductive wire having a coating of a polymer having dispersed in it Magneli phase oxide particles, at least half the mass thereof being constituted by particles with diameters in the range 200 to 1000 &mgr;m. This results in a very substantial increase in conductance compared with the conventional use of particles in the approximate range 1-50 &mgr;m. To avoid breakdown of the rather fragile particles, the energy absorbed in mixing the oxide with the polymer should be restricted to at most 200J/g.

Abstract: A method based on superfinishing for coating elongated metal blanks. The blanks have at least two axially aligned portions with varying cross-sections, wherein particles of a hard substance protruding from the surface of the coating are embedded into a metal lining in a chemical electroplating bath on the surface of a first portion provided with indentations or the like. The exposed surfaces of a second portion remain substantially devoid of hard surface particles, by a plurality of blanks being freely circulated in a rotating drum in a dispersion which is suspended in the electroplating wherein the hard substance particles adhering to the exposed surfaces are removed again by rubbing the blanks against each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manufacturing electrochromic cells. Layers of various inks are printed on substrates by high speed printing means. The electrochromic cells comprise layers of electrode, electrolyte, and counter electrode ink materials which are printed on at least one substrate. When an electrical voltage differential is introduced between the electrode and counter electrode layers, an electrochemical reaction occurs in the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a surface-treated copper foil capable of consistently attaining a percent loss in peel strength in resistance against hydrochloric acid degradation of 10% or less as measured on a copper pattern prepared from the copper foil and having a line width of 0.2 mm, by bringing out the maximum effect of the silane coupling agent employed in copper foil coated with an anti-corrosive layer formed of a zinc-copper-tin ternary alloy. Another object is to impart excellent moisture resistance and heat resistance to the surface-treated copper foil.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises connector contacts having a metal base and a surface finish layer over the base, the surface finish layer being a composite of an electroplated precious metal composition and wear resistant particles dispersed therein. In the preferred embodiment, the precious metal layer is a PdCo alloy and the wear resistant particles are sub-micron sized lubricating particles, e.g. polytetrafluoroethylene particles and a flash coat of gold is provided over the composite layer.

Abstract: A method employed to dry a copper foil having been subjected to various surface treatments, which method comprises irradiating at least one surface-treated side of the copper foil with near infrared rays to dry the copper foil, and an apparatus suitable to the method. The drying of the copper foil having undergone surface treatments can be accomplished by a simple apparatus with low electric power while controlling the heating of the surface of the copper foil so that the drying temperature can be held at 100° C. or higher at which a eutectic alloying of rust preventive metal and copper foil, for example, alloying (brass formation) of zinc and copper on the surface of the copper foil is effected.

Abstract: A low friction, low contact resistance coating for electrical terminal members, especially members made of copper base alloys and low carbon steel alloys and plastics, is formed of a coarse electroplate of tin or silver characterized by grains having an average dimension in the range of about 0.5 to 10 micrometers where such grains carry very small particles of polytetrafluoroethylene or the like having average diameters in the range up to about 0.30 micrometers.

Abstract: There is described an electrodeposited alloy layer, in particular an overlay (2) of a plain bearing, comprising a layered alloy having at least one alloying element in addition to a base metal (3), in whose matrix containing the alloying element in a finely crystalline form inorganic particles with a diameter smaller than 2 &mgr;m are incorporated finely divided. To ensure the finely crystalline structure of the alloying element deposited in the alloy matrix, it is proposed that the inorganic particles used as nucleating agents with a diameter of 0.01 to 1 &mgr;m should have a crystal form at least substantially corresponding to the form of crystallization of the alloying element.

Abstract: An open-pored body (11), in particular a carbon component of an aluminum production cell, which is to be exposed to oxidizing conditions or chemical attack at high temperatures is treated to protect the body against oxidation or corrosion at high temperature by impregnating the surface of the body at about ambient temperature with a hot non-saturated liquid (10). This liquid contains a treating agent at a temperature above the temperature of the body. The concentration of treating agent in the hot liquid is such that when the liquid is cooled, before it reaches the temperature of the body, the liquid saturates and treating agent precipitates. A pressure differential is applied to cause the liquid to impregnate into the surface pores of the body (11) and precipitate a layer of the treating agent from the liquid inside the body by cooling as it impregnates the pores of the body.

Abstract: A method is described for electrodepositing an alloy of Ni-Fe-W-P. The alloy has good corrosion and wear resistance and hence is a possible replacement for hard chromium. The electrodeposition solution contains nickel ions, iron ions, tungsten ions and phosphorous ions, and a reducing agent. The solution yields high iron content, bright level alloy deposits containing up to 40 percent iron. In another aspect of the invention, electrodeposition is carried out on a surface containing a geometric error. A sensor determines the surface topography of the surface. This is compared in a microprocessor to the desired topography. A corrective signal is sent to an electric current source to cause electrodeposition of a quantity of leveling agent sufficient to at least partially correct the geometric error.

Abstract: A slide member having a highly lubricative and highly abrasion-resistant plating layer formed on the sliding surface thereof. The plating layer contains fine particles of graphite selected from flake graphite, vein graphite and/or amorphous graphite in its metallic matrix. The plating layer has a hardness of not less than 550 in terms of Hv and is produced by using a plating solution containing naphthalene sulfanate of formalin condensate as surface active agent. The matrix is preferable to be a Ni—P type metallic matrix and the dispersed fine particles of graphite are preferable having a size of 0.1 to 20 &mgr;m and are contained by 0.1 to 10 wt % relative to the matrix.

Abstract: A process for recycling a reaction system of electroplating passivation of wafers, in which lanthanum hydroxide (La(OH)3) or magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) is added to supplement the lanthanum ion or magnesium ion consumed in an electroplating solution when the pH of the electroplating solution decreases to a range from 0.1 to 0.4.

Abstract: A plurality of particles include a first material. A coating including a second material is formed on surfaces of the particles, until a selected ratio of the volume of the coating relative to the volume of the particles is achieved. A plurality of particles, including the coated particles, are consolidated in a manner such that the particles are caused to be joined to each other, to form an article. The ratio of the volume of the coating relative to the volume of the particles is selected in a manner such that the article is engineered to have a selected volume fraction representing the volume of the second material in the article relative to the volume of the first material in the article. The first material, the second material, and the volume fraction are selected in a manner such that the article is engineered to exhibit a selected intrinsic property.

Abstract: A gas diffusion electrode for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell is prepared by electrodeposition of a catalytic metal in nanocrystalline form on a substrate by contacting an electrically conductive substrate and a counterelectrode with a plating bath containing ions of a metal to be deposited on the substrate and passing a pulsed electric current between the substrate and counterelectrode having pulses that are cathodic with respect to the substrate and have a short on-time and/or a short duty cycle with a frequency from about 10 hertz to about 5000 hertz. In a preferred embodiment the electric current is a modulated reversing electric current having pulses that are cathodic with respect to the substrate and pulses that are anodic with respect to the substrate, the cathodic pulses having a short on-time and/or short duty cycle, the charge transfer ratio of the cathodic pulses to the anodic pulses being greater than one, and the frequency of the pulses ranging from about 10 hertz to about 5 kilohertz.