Abstract: A method for coating a metal strip using a coating metal, in particular for coating a steel strip using zinc or a zinc/nickel compound, by means of at least one electroplating cell through which current flows and which contains an electrolyte through which the metal strip is passed, the current effecting the deposition of a layer of coating metal on the metal strip, and the current being controlled by a so-called monitor controller that has a process model and a controller part. The current is controlled in such a way that a layer of a desired thickness is deposited on the metal strip, the controller part being adjusted to the altered state of the coating plant in the event of changes in the state of the coating plant, in particular when a new metal strip enters or the coating falls below a minimum intended layer thickness.

Abstract: A transport system for the implementation of electrolytic deposition, coating or etching; and more particularly, an apparatus for selective electrolytic metallization and deposition utilizing a fluid head arrangement. A method is provided for making and maintaining an electrical contact with a product being processed in a transport system employed for selective electrolytic metallization and deposition, coating or etching. The method of making and maintaining an electrical contact with a product being processed may be utilizing a fluid head arrangement.

Abstract: A method and system for electroplating a metal coating onto a continuous part, such as the leadframe stock used in packaging integrated circuits, whereby the method comprises plating metal from a series of plating baths having the same or compatible chemical composition, supplying a continuous electrical connection between the D.C. power supply via a rotating contact held in intimate contact with the cathode, and cooling the contact by using the plating solution itself.

Abstract: A bath of pH higher than 4 containing more than 1 mole/liter of Zn.sup.++ ions and at least one polyethylene glycol polymer of the general formula R.sup.1 --O(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O).sub.n --R.sup.2, in which n.ltoreq.13 and in which the concentration of polymer in the bath is adapted to incorporate in the coat an organic compound having a content by weight greater than 0.1%, expressed as weight of carbon per unit weight of the coat. The bath is adapted to high current densities, and the coat applied on the steel sheet imparts both a leveling effect and an improvement of corrosion resistance.

Abstract: Defects in metal strips in a continuous electroplating process caused by surface anomalies in the conductor roll are reduced and/or eliminated by spraying a large volume water on the electroplated surface before it contacts the conductor roll. The water must be sprayed in a volume of at least 0.01 gallon per inch of strip width per minute per conductor roll.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a zinc oxide film on a sheet substrate including a tank containing an aqueous electrolytic solution containing at least nitrate ions and zinc ions, conveyer means for continuously feeding and conveying an elongated electroconductive sheet substrate having two major surfaces in a direction while dipping a lengthwise portion of the sheet substrate in the electrolytic solution, a counter electrode immersed in the electrolytic solution so as to be opposite to the lengthwise portion of the sheet substrate, and a power supply disposed so as to pass a current between the sheet substrate and the counter electrode, wherein the conveyer means include a plurality of rollers and an endless belt wound about the rollers so as to have a conveyer surface contacting and covering one of the major surfaces of the lengthwise portion of the sheet substrate dipped in the electrolytic solution while moving together with the sheet substrate.

Abstract: A method for electroplating of a substrate traveling in a substrate direction. The method comprises directing a first fluid stream and a second fluid stream respectively across the first and second width portions of the substrate. The first and second fluid streams do not flow substantially cocurrently with nor countercurrently to the substrate direction.

Abstract: A polymeric yarn to be coated with electroless nickel is pretreated with an acid and a surfactant to render the yarn surfaces water wettable and not substantially mechanically degraded. All surfaces of yarn formed of polymeric monofilament fibers are coated with a layer of electroless nickel which can also include an electrolytic metal such as copper on the nickel. The yarn is passed through an electroless Ni aqueous bath under little or no tension so that the electroless Ni can coat all of the monofilament surface substantially uniformly. The nickel coated yarn then can be coated with electrolytic metal such as copper in an electrolytic metal plating step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of correcting warpage of a steel strip caused by a current-carrying roll and an opposite backup roll, which hold the steel strip therebetween, in a horizontal electroplating line, wherein the opposite backup roll is formed to be smaller than the current-carrying roll, and the backup roll is offset relatively to the opposite current-carrying roll in the movement direction of the steel strip by a constant value predetermined according to operation conditions. The offset amount is preferably within the range of 5 to 35 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electro-depositing of a material on at least one side of a metal strip. The apparatus includes at least one casing having a first container section adapted to store under pressure a liquid including the material, a second container adapted to receive a portion of the liquid from the first container section, and a panel. The panel includes an active portion that is electrically polarized at a first polarity, at least one first outlet through which the liquid stored under pressure in the first container section is output in a direction toward the metal strip when the metal strip is conveyed past the panel, and at least one second outlet through which the liquid stored in the second container section is output in a direction toward the conveyed metal strip. The first outlet can be a slit which extends at an angle with respect to the direction in which the strip is conveyed, and the second outlets can be slits which extend traverse to the direction in which the strip is conveyed.

Abstract: Process for electrolytic treatment of continuous running material in which the material runs through an electrolytic liquid and electric potential is applied to the material. In order to guarantee freedom from differential potential in the material to be treated in any form of electrolytic treatment, the differential potential in the treated material is measured after electrolytic treatment and at least the same degree of inverse compensating potential is applied to the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an element, and a method for making the element, of a photovoltaic solar cell with an elongated, rod-like, wire-like, thread-like, or band-like electrode, which is provided on its surface with at least one photovoltaically active coating and is characterized in that the electrode consists of an electrically conductive material, in particular of impure silicon having a poly-crystalline, or a mono-crystalline structure and the coating consists of a mono-crystalline or poly-crystalline photovoltaically active material on the surface of the electrode, said material preferably being silicon having a certain doping (p- or n-doping), which, for instance, is applied continuously by means of a drawing plate or die.

Abstract: A continuous strip is electrochemically processed in an electrolytic processing bath using either a thin flexible or resilient dielectric wiping blade or an open web, plastic mesh to wipe bubbles of gas from the surface, sever dendritic material, if such is present, and to remove a surface layer of partially depleted electrolytic solution, replacing with fresh solution and to stabilize strip portions extending between support rolls. The resilient dielectric wiper blade is preferably used with perforated anodes which allow fresh electrolytic solution to flow into the space between the anodes and the strip surface after being expelled by passage of the strip past the wiping blade. The wiping blades may also be angularly oriented with respect to the strip to increase the wiping effectiveness.

Abstract: An electrogalvanizing process, in which a strip is moved past an anode, plating solution is made to flow at a speed V with respect to the moving strip, and an electric current of current density J greater than 50 A/dm.sup.2 is passed between the strip and the anode, which comprises carrying out the deposition under conditions such that:J/J.sub.lim is less than or equal to 0.15;J.sup.2 /J.sub.lim is less than or equal to 22 A/dm.sup.2 ;where J.sub.lim is the limiting current density, corresponding to the current density plateau in the current versus potential curve characteristic of the plating solution flowing at the speed V in the vicinity of the strip. An electroplating cell of the radial type for implementing the process, in which cell the anode bed is continuous, is disclosed. The process facilitates the high-speed deposition of zinc which has low rugosity and is free of edge dendrites.

Abstract: A process is disclosed, as well as apparatus useful therefor, for continuously electroplating a strip of reticulated foam using multiple electroplating zones that each contain electroplating bath. In each zone there is a cathode and an anode. In at least one electroplating zone there is an insoluble anode, typically as the sole anode. In some of the electroplating zones soluble anodes may be used. As a first cathode, there can be provided a cathode roll outside of the electroplating bath. The reticulated foam is guided in the bath past the anodes, as well as past cathodes, e.g., including a cathode roll which may be positioned outside of the bath. The resulting electroplated foam emerging from the bath has an improved electroplate weight distribution and the process achieves enhanced efficiencies and economies of operation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a photovoltaic device comprising a metal layer, a first transparent conductive layer, a semiconductor layer, and a second transparent conductive layer sequentially stacked on a substrate comprising iron, comprises the steps of forming the metal layer by electro-deposition of the metal layer from a solution and forming the first transparent conductive layer by electro-deposition of the first transparent conductive layer from a solution.

Abstract: A method of surface-roughening a copper foil by subjecting at least one side of the copper foil to electro-plating using an alternating current, wherein a sulfuric acid bath or a sulfuric acid-copper sulfate bath is used as an electrolyte.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing emitter material (3) on a wire cathode by means of electrodeposition. An amount (13) of a suspension comprising an alkaline-earth compound is transferred by a drop holder (11) which is positioned around the wire (2), by movement in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the wire (2), whereafter an electric voltage is applied to the drop holder (11) and the wire (2) to deposit the emitter material (3) on the wire (2), after which the drop holder (11) is withdrawn from the wire (2) again. During the electrodeposition process the drop holder (11) and the wire (2) can be moved with respect to each other along sections of the wire (2) where the emitter material (3) has to be deposited.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprised of a tank for holding electrolytic solution, and a drum rotatable about a horizontal axis having a non-conductive cylindrical outer surface disposed within the tank, and a plurality of elongated, like anodes arranged about the outer surface of the drum. The anodes together form a generally continuous cylindrical surface spaced from, and generally conforming to, the outer surface of the drum. Each of the anodes has at least one end projecting through the tank. A plurality of power sources is provided together with connection means for connecting groups of one or more of the projecting ends of the anodes to each power source.

Abstract: A resilient dielectric wiper blade is mounted between electrodes and a workpiece, particularly in an anodizing operation, to wipe bubbles of oxygen from the anodic work surface, to remove a surface layer of excessively heated electrolytic solution and replace with fresh cooler solution, and in the case of flexible strip processing, to stabilize the strip between cathodes. The resilient dielectric wiper blade is preferably used with perforated electrodes to facilitate removal of overheated electrolytic solution and replace with freshly circulated solution.

Abstract: In a method of continuously coating a conductive substrate such as brass wire to produce a desired cross-sectional size of coated material, the wire is drawn through a first die to produce an oversize wire, electroplate in a bath, and then drawn through a final die to reduce its area to the desired size and produce a controlled surface finish. The wire may be cleaned in an acid bath and rinsed in a rinsing bath prior to the electroplating bath. A further rinsing bath and dryer may be interposed upstream of the final die.

Abstract: Process for continuous manufacture of an electrical conductor consisting of an at least partially aluminium-based central core coated by continuous electrodeposition with at least one metal layer, including pretreatment of the surface of the core, characterized in that the following are subsequently performed successively on the core,a) an electrochemical deposition of copper in an aqueous bath maintained at a temperature of between 20.degree. C. and 60.degree. C., containing KCN, CuCN, K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 and KNaC.sub.4 H.sub.4 O.sub.6 with a current intensity of between 1 and 10 A/dm.sup.2 ;b) rinsing at ambient temperature;c) an electrochemical deposition of tin in an aqueous bath maintained at a temperature of between 20.degree. C. and 60.degree. C., containing essentially tin dissolved in methanesulphonic acid and, optionally, additives, with a current intensity of between 1 and 100 A/dm.sup.2 ;d) rinsing with water at 60.degree. C.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a new method for producing a three dimensional object, particularly suited to microfabrication applications. The method includes the steps of providing a substrate with a conducting interface, an electrode having a feature or features that are small relative to the substrate, and a solution. The solution has a reactant that will either etch the substrate or deposit a selected material in an electrochemical reaction. The electrode feature is placed close to but spaced from the interface. A current is passed between the electrode and the interface, through the solution, inducing a localized electrochemical reaction at the interface, resulting in either the deposition of material or the etching of the substrate. Relatively moving the electrode and the substrate along a selected trajectory, including motion normal to the interface, enables the fabrication of a three dimensional object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode preferably an insoluble electrode for an electrolytic cell. The electrode is located within an enclosure defining a chamber, a wall of said enclosure being formed by a membrane allowing ions to pass therethrough. The enclosure has an opening for feeding electrolyte, an opening for evacuating electrolyte and means conducting the upward current of electrolyte with a velocity in the vicinity of the electrode of at least 0.01 m/s. The invention relates also to plants and processes using such electrode for the plating or deplating of metal strips.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for the electrolytical coating of an object of steel on one or both sides. Preferably, the object is a steel strip with zinc or a zinc iron alloy. Zinc or a zinc iron alloy is deposited on the object when the object is connected to form the cathode of a galvanic cell in an aqueous solution of zinc chloride and iron chloride with a pH of 0.1 to 3.0. The zinc chloride solution has a concentration of 50 to 1000 g/l for the deposition of metallic zinc. A partial flow of electrolyte solution is past continuously into a column filled with metallic zinc, where the trivalent iron formed there during the electrolysis is reduced to a bivalent iron, and metallic zinc is dissolved simultaneously therewith. The invention also describes an apparatus for the electrolytical coating of an object of steel.

Abstract: A process is recited for plating elongated current collectors with indium. The current collectors have particular utility in alkaline electrochemical cells, particularly zinc/manganese dioxide alkaline cells containing "zero-added" mercury. The process of the invention involves electroplating conductive wire with indium and then drawing the plated wire to a lesser diameter. The drawn plated wire may then be cut to the desired lengths, typically in the shape of a nail, for use as current collectors within the alkaline cell.

Abstract: A method of making, for cathode ray tubes and the like, an inner shield material that has superior magnetic characteristics and rust resistance. The method does not require conventional blackening processes. Sheet steel or strip is nickel-plated with a nickel-iron diffusion layer and then annealed. The annealing improves the magnetic characteristics. The sheet is cold-rolled prior to annealing to provide a roughened surface, which decreases the chances of sticking during the annealing process. In one embodiment the sheet is pickled, cold-rolled, annealed, cold rolled again, nickel plated, and then annealed again. Annealing between the first and second cold-rolling operations improves the magnetic characteristics.

Abstract: In a device for electrolytically coating one side of metal strips (2), the metal strips to be coated are guided around a rotary cathodic current roller (1), which they contact, and a partially cylindrical, insoluble anode (3) is arranged approximately concentrically around the current roller, at a distance thereof. The interval (4) between the section (21) of the strip guided on the current roller (1) and the anode (3) is delimited in the area of the strip edges (22) by seals (5) which can be oriented in a direction parallel to the axis of the roller. The electrolyte flows through the interval (4).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing continuous reel-to-reel passivation of a stainless steel wire usable in an underwater electromechanical or optical cable of a mine hunting sonar or similar marine system, which supplies the stainless steel wire, under tension, immerses a first portion of the stainless steel wire in 10-20% nitric acid bath at ambient temperature; applies a current from a DC power supply to the immersed first portion of the stainless steel wire, advances the stainless steel wire, under tension, to repeat the immersing and current supplying on a second portion of the stainless steel wire, washes the first portion of the stainless steel wire in a flowing water wash, dries the first portion of the stainless steel wire with forced air, advances the stainless steel wire, under tension, to repeat the washing and drying on the second portion of the stainless steel wire, and stores the stainless steel wire under tension.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making copper wire directly from a copper-bearing material, comprising: (A) contacting said copper-beating material with an effective amount of at least one aqueous leaching solution to dissolve copper ions into said leaching solution and form a copper-rich aqueous leaching solution; (B) contacting said copper-rich aqueous leaching solution with an effective amount of at least one water-insoluble extractant to transfer copper ions from said copper-rich aqueous leaching solution to said extractant to form a copper-rich extractant and a copper-depleted aqueous leaching solution; (C) separating said copper-rich extractant from said copper-depleted aqueous leaching solution; (D) contacting said copper-rich extractant with an effective amount of at least one aqueous stripping solution to transfer copper ions from said extractant to said stripping solution to form a copper-rich stripping solution and a copper-depleted extractant; (E) separating said copper-rich stripping solu

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous electrolytic treatment of wire-shaped objects comprising an electrolyte bath and means for conducting the objects predominantly horizontally through the bath past a succession of anodes and cathodes, wherein the objects follow a zigzag path of travel in sliding contact with the successive current-transmitting electrodes that are immersed in the electrolyte and connected to one and the same pole of the power source.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a nickel alloy electroplated cold-rolled steel sheet excellent in press-formability and phosphating-treatability, which comprises the steps of: (a) cold-rolling a hot-rolled steel sheet at a reduction ratio of from 60 to 85% to prepare a cold-rolled steel sheet consisting essentially of: up to 0.06 wt. % carbon, up to 0.5 wt. % silicon, up to 2.5 wt. % manganese, up to 0.1 wt. % phosphorus, up to 0.025 wt. % sulfur, up to 0.10 wt. % soluble aluminum, up to 0.05 wt. % nitrogen, and the balance being iron and incidental impurities; then, (b) subjecting the cold-rolled steel sheet to a continuous annealing treatment which comprises heating the cold-rolled steel sheet to a recrystallization temperature and then slowly cooling same; then, (c) forming, on at least one surface of the annealed cold-rolled steel sheet, a nickel alloy electroplating layer having a plating weight of from 5 to 60 mg/m.sup.

Abstract: An improved process for reflowing tinplate by treating a matte finish of tinplate with a flux, and reflowing the fluxed matte tinplate to produce bright tinplate, wherein the flux is a naphthalenesulfonic compound, preferably having the a naphthalene ring which is substituted with at least one --SO.sub.3 M group where M is hydrogen, an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal and is optionally substituted with at least one hydroxy group. The flux is preferably applied to the matte tinplate in an aqueous solution which may contain an acid. The most preferred fluxes are 2-naphthol-6,8-disulfonic acid, 1-naphthol-3,6-disulfonic acid, and dipotassium 2-naphthol-6,8-disulfonate.

Abstract: A noise-damping composite is formed by providing a sandwich of a viscoelastic layer between two metal skins, the viscoelastic layer including electrically conductive particles distributed therein. The sandwich is passed through a series of cells of an electro-galvanizing line, in each cell the sandwich passing through the nip formed between a charged electrically conductive contact roller and an electrically insulating pressure roller for applying sufficient pressure to insure conductivity from the metal skin engaging the contact roller through the viscoelastic layer to the other metal skin, so that the galvanizing metal is plated on only the outer surfaces of the two metal skins.

Abstract: A blackened steel strip having improved blackness is produced in an efficient manner by anodizing a zinc alloy-plated steel strip in a solution containing 5 to 100 g/l of ClO.sub.3.sup.- and 10 to 300 g/l of SO.sub.4.sup.2- at pH 0.5 to 2.5 at a temperature of 30.degree. to 75.degree. C. and with a quantity of electricity of 10 to 300 C/dm.sup.2, and forming an acrylic resin chromate layer on the anodized steel strip to a thickness of 0.3 to 2.5 .mu.m. The solution may contain 5 to 100 g/l in total of at least one co-additive selected from Cl.sup.-, NO.sub.3.sup.-, H.sub.2 O.sub.2, Ni.sup.2+, Co.sup.2+, Fe.sup.2+, and Mn.sup.2+. The acrylic resin chromate layer contains 2 to 10 parts by weight of in the form of a chromate Cr per 100 parts by weight of acrylic resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making copper foil from copper-bearing material comprising:(A) contacting said copper-bearing material with an effective amount of at least one aqueous leaching solution to dissolve copper ions into said leaching solution and form a copper-rich aqueous leaching solution;(B) contacting said copper-rich aqueous leaching solution with an effective amount of at least one water-insoluble extractant to transfer copper ions from said copper-rich aqueous leaching solution to said extractant to form a copper-rich extractant and a copper-depleted aqueous leaching solution;(C) separating said copper-rich extractant from said copper-depleted aqueous leaching solution;(D) contacting said copper-rich extractant with an effective amount of at least one aqueous stripping solution to transfer copper ions from said extractant to said stripping solution to form a copper-rich stripping solution and a copper-depleted extractant;(E) separating said copper-rich stripping solution from

Abstract: According to this process, the strip runs through a bath of at least one electrolytic cell and two metal layers are successively deposited onto its surface by adjusting the current feeding the electrolytic cell so that the average value of the current density at the surface of the strip is less than a value called the limiting diffusion current of the ions of the metal to be deposited. In addition, during the formation of the first metal layer, the current is adjusted so as to prevent the appearance of localized overcurrents at the surface of the strip, it being possible for these overcurrents to exceed the limiting diffusion current. Such a process find particular application for electrogalvanizing.Application to an electrogalvanising process.

Abstract: A wire plating cell comprises an enclosed housing into which plating solution is pumped at a high velocity so as to create substantial fluid pressure therein. The plating cell contains a plurality of consumable anodes through which a wire passes axially and through which plating solution flows transversely. Current densities of at least 200 amps per square foot are obtained. Use of a highly concentrated plating solution in the cell results in high-speed, high quality wire plating. The invention particularly applies to the plating of nickel onto steel wire at current densities of up to 14,500 amps per square foot.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of a polymeric shaped article containing an electrically conductive polymer wherein a base shaped article possessing electrically conductive properties is moved along an anode, at least part of the article being in contact with the anode, in the presence of an electrolyte-containing medium containing monomer units, which on polymerization form an electrically conductive polymer and wherein a voltage is applied between the anode and a second electrode which is in contact with the electrolyte-containing medium. It has appeared that, in the method according to the invention, the shaped article does not adhere to the electrode so that the method may be practiced continuously. A further advantage of the shaped article failing to adhere to the electrode is that the method according to the invention generates very little waste.

Abstract: In a process for the electrolytic deposition of metal on one side of a strip, preferably a steel strip which forms the cathode, the section (7) of the strip to be coated is guided through a gap between two parallel anodes (3,4) which are insoluble in the electrolyte (6). A voltage can be applied to the anodes (3,4) independently of each other. One of the two anodes is subdivided perpendicular to the direction of motion of the strip into several sections (41, 42, 43, 44) electrically insulated from each other. Voltages are selectively and independently applied to the anode sections to prevent the side of the strip facing the anode sections from being permanently coated and to prevent passivation of the anode sections.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for forming a porous sheet comprising a plurality of porous sheets such as foamed sheet, mesh sheet and nonwoven fabric sheet. These sheets are adhered and layered to each other either by a melting or with an adhesive or by layering without each other with adhering these sheets to each other. Then, the porous sheet thus layered is plated at a high current density by forcibly applying plating liquid to the layered sheet in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto in a plating tank, or by vacuum evaporation while the layered sheet is being transported inside the vapor deposition vacuum container enclosed by a cooking tank through a cooling roller mounted therein. The metallic porous sheet formed according the above-described method is preferably used as the electrode of a battery.

Abstract: Composite-coated flat-rolled sheet metal substrate subject to surface oxidation, after surface cleaning and oxidation removal is cathodically E-coated with minimal organic coating to stabilize such surface to prevent oxidation prior to application of protective organic coating finish to provide a total coating weight on each surface selected in the range of about 3 to about 20 mg/in.sup.2 of organic coating per surface. Such E-coat being applied to such substrate after removal of surface oxidation so as to enhance coating adhesion of end product protective organic coating. Lubricant for draw processing is embodied in the protective organic coating as a "blooming compound" or can be precoated after such organic coating to enable draw-processing of articles such as a unitary cup-shaped can body while maintaining desired full surface protective organic coating to meet requirements for such article.

Abstract: A method of producing an absorber layer for solar cells by electrolytic dispersion deposition.

Abstract: Processes and techniques are described for concurrent electroplating of yttrium, barium and copper from aqueous solution onto a desired substrate (e.g., nickel, nichrome or silver). Compounds of these elements are dissolved in solution and then placed in a plating cell in which the cathode is the substrate on which the elements are to be deposited. After the elements have been deposited, they are oxidized to provide the desired perovskite structure. The process may be continuous or non-continuous.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for producing copper wire by electrolytically engrossing a copper starting wire. Basically the invention utilizes an electrolytic tank employing a pair or pairs of shafts positioned externally of the tank upon which a minimum of one but generally at least two starting wires are transported on each pair for transfer of the wires through the tank. Multiple tanks, e.g., 10 to 1000 or more, may be used in a single facility for refining or electrowinning processes depending on the quantity of copper wire desired to be produced.

Abstract: A continuous multi-layer plating line for steel sheet which includes a hot-galvanizing apparatus to form a galvanized coating and optionally to alloy the coating and an electroplating apparatus to form an electroplated coating on the galvanized coating. Between the hot-galvanizing apparatus and the electroplating apparatus, a post-galvanizing surface treatment apparatus effective for removing surface oxide contaminants and activating the surface of the galvanized coating is disposed and the galvanized steel sheet is treated thereby prior to electroplating. The post-galvanizing surface treatment may be carried out by applying an alkali solution or an acid which can dissolve aluminum oxide to the galvanized coating, by alkali electrolysis, by cathodic electrolysis, by cooling the galvanized steel sheet with an alkali solution, or by skin-pass rolling using an alkali solution or an acid which can dissolve aluminum oxide as a skin-pass roling liquid.

Abstract: A method for continuously manganese-electroplating or manganese-alloy-electroplating a steel sheet, which comprises the steps of: using a manganese electroplating solution or a manganese alloy electroplating solution, using an insoluble anode, and causing a DC electric current to flow between the insoluble anode and a steel sheet during travelling through the electroplating solution while replenishing the manganese electroplating solution or the manganese alloy electroplating solution with manganese ions or manganese alloy ions, thereby forming a manganese plating layer or a manganese alloy plating layer on at least one surface of the steel sheet. As the insoluble anode, a hydrogen gas diffusing insoluble anode is used.

Abstract: Lead frames for microchips and other integrated circuit dies are produced by a continuous manufacturing method and apparatus in which silver spot plating is done prior to etching away unwanted portions of the lead frame substrate. A flexible substrate of a metal alloy is fed continuously from a reel, then spot plated with silver, coated with a photosensitive material, and exposed to intensive light in an exposure chamber using a photoresist or masking tool of predetermined design. The exposed photosensitive material is developed chemically, etched in acid, and placed in a chemical solution to remove any remaining unwanted material. The strip is then dried, cut to predetermined lengths and boxed for shipment. If necessary, the strip is downset and taped before packaging. In a presently preferred process, the metal alloy substrate is 42 alloy (Fe+Ni), and the selective spot plating is silver 100 to 150 microinches thick.

Abstract: A bilayer oxide film which comprises a preferably porous layer containing aluminum oxide and a non-porous layer comprising an oxide of a valve metal, e.g. tantalum. The layers are integral. The film is produced by forming a coating of aluminium or an anodizable aluminum alloy on a valve metal (or alloy), anodizing the resulting structure in an electrolyte (preferably one capable of converting the aluminum (or alloy) to a porous oxide film) in the presence of an adhesion-reducing agent (e.g. fluoride ions) that makes the resulting anodized bilayer film easily detachable from the remaining valve metal. The bilayer film is then detached from the valve metal, e.g. by adhering a flexible plastic film to the bilayer and using the film to peel off the bilayer from the valve metal. The resulting bilayer can be used for a variety of purposes, e.g. as a vapor or oxygen barrier useful for packaging, or as a coating containing magnetic particles used to make a magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for electrolytic refining of copper and the production of copper wires for electrical purposes on a continual basis which produces round copper wires directly from impure copper anodes and to treat such wires in order to impart the desired characteristics as electrical conductors. The apparatus handles copper anodes of customary size refining them at normal current densities of less than 55 amps/foot.sup.2 onto starting wires of adequate tensile strength which is done continuously, the wire being provided to an electrolytic bath and, after withdrawal from the bath, the wires are finished by drawing and annealing.