Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB) includes forming a tridimensional (3D) dielectric substrate on a fiber-reinforced polymer with opposite sides; forming each side with channels and pockets by molding dielectric laminate, and the channels and pockets define a layout for conductive traces and pads of the PCB; forming the channels and pockets in a same side of the 3D dielectric substrate at a uniform depth; forming side walls of the channels and pockets of the 3D dielectric substrate with a draft angle in a range of greater than 0 degrees to about 5 degrees; depositing by electrolytic metallization the conductive traces and pads into the channels and pockets of the 3D dielectric substrate; and the outer surface of those conductive traces and pads are flush with the sides of the 3D dielectric substrate.

Abstract: An article includes a body, which includes a thermoplastic or thermoset material and a plurality of metallic fibers distributed throughout the thermoplastic or thermoset material and has a first subset of the plurality of metallic fibers extending onto a first surface of the body. The manufactured article includes a metallic coating metallically bonded to the first subset of the plurality of metallic fibers. The metal fibers extending onto the first surface are configured to bond with the metallic coating.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed and contemplated herein relate to manufacturing thin film semiconductors. Resulting thin film semiconductors are particularly suited for applications such as flexible optoelectronics and photovoltaic devices. Broadly, methods and techniques disclosed herein include high-temperature deposition techniques combined with lift-off in aqueous environments. These methods and techniques can be utilized to incorporate thin film semiconductors into substrates that have limited temperature tolerances.

Abstract: A method of determining a concentration of hydrogen sulfide in a fluid comprises exposing a sensor to the fluid, the sensor comprising a pair of electrodes defining a gap therebetween and a sensing material bridging the gap between the electrodes, measuring a value of an electrical parameter of the sensor at an applied frequency of greater than about 10 kHz and a voltage of less than about 1.0 volt when the sensor is exposed to the fluid, and determining the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the fluid based at least in part on the measured value of the electrical parameter. Related apparatuses and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tin based anode material for a rechargeable battery comprises nanoparticles of composition SnMxOy wherein M is a further element selected from the group 5 consisting of Ni, Cu, In, Al, Ge, Pb, Bi, Sb, Fe, Co, Ga, with 0?x?0.5 and 0?y?2+2x. The nanoparticles form a substantially monodisperse ensemble with an average size not exceeding 30 nm and a size deviation not exceeding 15%, the nanoparticles optionally being coated with a capping species. A method for preparing the tin based anode material is carried out in situ in a non-aqueous solvent and starts by reacting a tin salt and an organometallic amide reactant and oleylamine.

Abstract: Optical diffusing films are made by microreplication from a structured surface tool. The tool is made using a 2-part electroplating process, wherein a first electroplating procedure forms a first metal layer with a first major surface, and a second electroplating procedure forms a second metal layer on the first metal layer, the second metal layer having a second major surface with a smaller average roughness than that of the first major surface. The second major surface can function as the structured surface of the tool. A replica of this surface can then be made in a major surface of an optical film to provide light diffusing properties. The structured surface and/or its constituent structures can be characterized in terms of various parameters such as optical haze, optical clarity, Fourier power spectra of the topography along orthogonal in-plane directions, ridge length per unit area, equivalent circular diameter (ECD), and/or aspect ratio.

Abstract: A reinforced composite comprises: a reinforcement material comprising one or more of the following: a carbon fiber based reinforcing material; a fiberglass based reinforcing material; a metal based reinforcing material; or a ceramic based reinforcing material; and a carbon composite; wherein the carbon composite comprises carbon and a binder containing one or more of the following: SiO2; Si; B; B2O3; a metal; or an alloy of the metal; and wherein the metal is one or more of the following: aluminum; copper; titanium; nickel; tungsten; chromium; iron; manganese; zirconium; hafnium; vanadium; niobium; molybdenum; tin; bismuth; antimony; lead; cadmium; or selenium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to additives which may be employed in electroless metal and metal alloy plating baths and a process for use of said plating baths. Such additives reduce the plating rate and increase the stability of electroless plating baths and therefore, such electroless plating baths are particularly suitable for the deposition of said metal or metal alloys into recessed structures such as trenches and vias in printed circuit boards, IC substrates and semiconductor substrates. The electroless plating baths are further useful for metallization of display applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for anodizing aluminum alloys, including 7000 series aluminum alloys, and creating metal components, including aircraft landing gear components, from the aluminum alloys.

Abstract: Provided are a method for forming a pattern, and a catalyst and an electronic element using the method. The method for forming a pattern comprises the steps of: preparing, on a surface, a substrate sequentially including a photoconductive material layer and an oxide layer; making an area, on which a pattern is to be formed, on the oxide layer of the substrate, come into contact with an electrolyte; connecting the substrate and the electrolyte to a first electrode and a second electrode connected to a power source, respectively; and selectively irradiating light from a light source to the electrolyte and applying a voltage to the first electrode or the second electrode, thereby directly forming the pattern on the oxide layer of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a compound heat sink. Firstly, providing an artificial graphite sheet, and then performing a surface treatment process on the artificial graphite sheet to form a rugged structure on the artificial graphite sheet as a first embedding structure. Finally, forming a metal layer covering the rugged structure, and performing a pressing bonding process to form a second embedding structure corresponding to the first embedding structure to bond the metal layer and the artificial graphite sheet. Namely, the artificial graphite sheet and the metal layer are bonded by the first and second embedding structures for increasing the bonding strength between two heterogeneous materials as well as reducing the interfacial heat resistance. Thereby, the stability of heat dissipation performance can be improved, and a volumetric heat capacity of the compound heat sink from 1.1 to 3.5 J/(cm3·K) is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical device and manufacture thereof. The optical device of the invention includes a transparent substrate, a seeding layer, a plurality of nano-rods and a protection layer. The seeding layer is formed to overlay an entrance surface and an exit surface of the transparent substrate. The plurality of nano-rods are formed on the seeding layer. The protection layer is formed to completely overlay the plurality of nano-rods.

Abstract: A composite having an electrically conductive substrate and a polymer derived from a vinyl-containing siloxane monomer coating on the substrate. A method of electropolymerizing a vinyl-containing siloxane monomer to form a coating on an electrically conductive substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for coating a surface of a substrate made of nonmetallic material with a metal layer consisting of providing a substrate made of nonmetallic material; subjecting a surface of said substrate to a treatment for increasing the specific surface area thereof; subjecting the resulting surface to an oxidizing treatment; contacting the resulting substrate with a solution containing an ion of a metal from groups IB and VIII of the Periodic Table; obtaining a substrate comprising ions of a metal that are chemically attached to the nonmetallic material constituting the substrate on at least one of its surfaces; subjecting the ions to a reducing treatment to obtain a substrate comprising atoms of a metal that are chemically attached to the nonmetallic material constituting the substrate on a part of at least one of its surfaces; and contacting the resulting surface with a solution containing ions of a metal.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a laminate, such as a conductive pattern, having an excellent adhesion at the interfaces between a layer that serves as a support and a conductive layer containing a conductive material and between the conductive layer and a plating layer. The present invention provides a laminate at least including a support layer (I), a conductive layer (II) having an oxidized surface, and a plating layer (III) formed on the oxidized surface of the conductive layer (II); the present invention also provides a conductive pattern and electric circuit each including such a laminate.

Abstract: A method of rapidly fabricating a graphene-based nanocomposite using oxidation-reduction and a graphene-based nanocomposite fabricated by the same method. A solution in which a graphene oxide is dispersed is prepared. A source material for a metal oxide is added into the solution in which the graphene oxide is dispersed. A nanocomposite is formed by forming the metal oxide on at least one surface of graphene that is reduced using oxidation-reduction between the graphene oxide and the source material for the metal oxide. The reduction voltage of the source material for the metal oxide is 1.0 V or less.

Abstract: A method of preparing hydrotalcite for a PVC stabilizer, which comprises: forming crystals of hydrotalcite represented by a formula of M(II)XM(III)Y(OH)N(Am—)Z. nH2O, wherein M(II) is a divalent metal selected from Mg2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+; M(III) is a trivalent metal selected from Al3+, Fe3+, Cr3+ and Co3+; and Am— is an anion selected from CO32-, OH—, NO3-, SO42- and halides; and depositing zinc (Zn) onto the hydrotalcite by using any one method of electrode-position, chloride ion deposition, and plasma deposition to provide zinc-deposited hydrotalcite.

Abstract: A wheel rim for bicycle of the present invention includes a carbon fiber main body and two strengthen layers. The strengthen layers are made of metal and are attached to two side surfaces of the main body by electroplating. As such, brake pads can rub against the wheel rim on the strengthen layers. Heat dissipation efficiency is enhanced so as to keep the wheel rim away from deformation, and the wheel rim is reinforced as well. Therefore, the wheel rim is made durable.

Abstract: A method is provided for metallization of substrates providing a high adhesion of the deposited metal to the substrate material and thereby forming a durable bond. The method applies novel adhesion promoting agents comprising nanometer-sized particles prior to metallization. The particles have at least one attachment group bearing a functional chemical group suitable for binding to the substrate.

Abstract: A carbon fiber with a conductive finish includes carbon fiber filaments including a metal coating, wherein the carbon fiber filaments have a finish on the metal coating based on at least one polymer binder and containing conductive nanoparticles. The concentration of the metal coating is 8 to 25 wt. % and the concentration of the carbon nanotubes is 0.1 to 1 wt. %, each relative to the weight of the carbon fiber provided with the metal coating and finish. A method for producing fibers of this type is set forth, as well as a fiber-reinforced composite material comprising carbon fibers including carbon fiber filaments, wherein the carbon fiber filaments are coated with a metal, and a polymer-based matrix, wherein the percent by volume of the fibers in the composite material is 30 to 70 vol. % and the composite material additionally contains conductive nanoparticles which are dispersed at least partially in the matrix.

Abstract: A method of metalizing a surface of an insulation substrate includes: applying an ink composition onto the surface to form an ink layer; subjecting the insulation substrate to heat treatment at a temperature of about 500 to 1000 degrees Celsius in a non-reactive atmosphere; plating a metal layer on the ink layer. The ink composition comprises a metal compound and an ink vehicle. The metal compound includes at least one selected from a group consisting of a nano-copper oxide, a nano-cuprous oxide, a compound of formula I, and a compound of formula II, TiO2-? (I), M1M2pOq (II), 0.05??<1.8, where, M1 is at least one element selected from a group consisting of groups 2, 9-12 of the periodic table, M2 is at least one element selected from a group consisting of groups 3-8, 10 and 13 of the periodic table, 0<p?2, and 0<q<4.

Abstract: The present technology generally relates to copper plating solutions. Specifically, the present technology includes a copper plating solution comprising a source of copper ions and a conductivity salt wherein the copper plating solution has a pH between 1.7 and 3.5 as is essentially free of chloride ions. The present technology also relates to a method of using such copper plating solutions.

Abstract: A catalyst precursor resin composition includes an organic polymer resin; a fluorinated-organic complex of silver ion; a monomer having multifunctional ethylene-unsaturated bonds; a photoinitiator; and an organic solvent. The metallic pattern is formed by forming catalyst pattern on a base using the catalyst precursor resin composition reducing the formed catalyst pattern, and electroless plating the reduced catalyst pattern. In the case of forming metallic pattern using the catalyst precursor resin composition, a compatibility of catalyst is good enough not to make precipitation, chemical resistance and adhesive force of the formed catalyst layer are good, catalyst loss is reduced during wet process such as development or plating process, depositing speed is improved, and thus a metallic pattern having good homogeneous and micro pattern property may be formed after electroless plating.

Abstract: A coated overhead conductor having an assembly including one or more conductive wires, such that the assembly includes an outer surface coated with an electrochemical deposition coating forming an outer layer, wherein the electrochemical deposition coating includes a first metal oxide, such that the first metal oxide is not aluminum oxide. Methods for making the overhead conductor are also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermal management hybrid article includes electroplating a copper layer on a graphitic layer, adhering the copper-plated graphitic layer to a plate of aluminum with a nano-copper paste to form a substrate, heating the substrate in a forming gas at a temperature less than 500° C. to melt to recrystallize the nano-copper paste, and cooling the substrate after the heating. A method of manufacturing a thermal management hybrid article includes electroplating a copper layer on a graphitic layer, electroplating copper on a plate of aluminum, and soldering the copper-plated layer on the graphitic layer to the copper-plated plate of aluminum. A method of manufacturing a thermal management hybrid article also includes electroplating a copper layer on a graphitic layer and immersing the copper-plated graphitic layer in molten aluminum to cast the an aluminum layer on the copper layer.

Abstract: A lithium niobate-based electro-optic modulator may include a ridged optical waveguide structure and/or a thinned substrate.

Abstract: A method for processing at least one carbon fiber according to an embodiment may include: electroplating a metal layer over at least one carbon fiber, wherein the metal layer contains a metal, which forms a common phase with carbon and a common phase with copper; and annealing the at least one carbon fiber and the metal layer. A method for processing at least one carbon fiber according to another embodiment may include: electroplating a first metal layer over at least one carbon fiber, wherein the first metal layer contains a metal, which forms a common phase with carbon and a common phase with nickel; electroplating a second metal layer over the first metal layer, wherein the second metal layer contains nickel; and annealing the at least one carbon fiber, the first metal layer and the second metal layer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating one-dimensional metallic nanostructures comprises steps: sputtering a conductive film on a flexible substrate to form a conductive substrate; placing the conductive substrate in an electrolytic solution, and undertaking electrochemical deposition to form one-dimensional metallic nanostructures corresponding to the conductive film on the conductive substrate. The method fabricates high-surface-area one-dimensional metallic nanostructures on a flexible substrate, exempted from the high price of the photolithographic method, the complicated process of the hard template method, the varied characteristic and non-uniform coating of the seed-mediated growth method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating method by electrocatalyzed chemical grafting of a surface of a substrate with a polymeric layer characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a. a substrate is provided, b. a bath containing at least one polymerizable monomer via a radical route, at least one cleavable aryl salt, at least one reducing agent and at least one solvent is provided, in which a potential difference is applied, c. said substrate is immersed in said bath, d. a grafted polymer is obtained on the surface of said substrate. The invention also relates to a substrate obtained according to the coating method by electrocatalyzed chemical grafting, the surface of which is coated with a polymeric layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide textured surfaces to be lubricated, the texturing to enhance the effectiveness of the intended nano-lubrication. The texturing may make asperities and depressions in the surface to be lubricated. This texturing may be executed, for example, by chemical etching, laser etching, or other techniques. This texturing may create locations in the lubricated surface to hold or anchor the intended nano-lubricants, to facilitate the creation of a tribo-film on the surface when the lubricated surface is used under pressure, and resulting in delivery of multiple chemistries from the nano-lubricant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for direct metallization of non-conductive substrates as well as a conductor solution used in such a method. According to the invention, it is proposed to contact a non-conductive substrate surface after activation by a noble metal colloid-containing activator solution with a conductor solution, which comprises a metal that is reducible by a metal of the activator solution, a complexing agent and a reducing agent.

Abstract: A method for making a component for a gas turbine engine comprises forming a non-metal substrate having at least one metal receiving surface. A cathode is formed corresponding to a shape of the at least one metal receiving surface. The cathode is submerged into an ionic liquid plating solution. The solution comprises a source of metal cations and a first ionic liquid solvent. An electrical current is applied through the plating solution to the cathode, thereby depositing metal cations onto the cathode and forming an outer metal element The outer metal element is secured to the at least one metal receiving surface of the non-metal substrate.

Abstract: Provided are a carbonaceous material with less variation in facing relation between graphenes, a process for producing the carbonaceous material, a process for producing exfoliated graphite that enables easy and massive production of graphite flaked more than ever, and the exfoliated graphite. The carbonaceous material contains an intercalation substance intercalated between graphenes of a graphene stack and is expanded graphite which shows in an XRD pattern respective peaks in 7-12° and 18-24° ranges of 2? and in which a peak in 25-27° range has a smaller height than that in 18-24° range and a half width of the peak in 7-12° range is 4 degrees or less. The process for producing the carbonaceous material includes immersing at least a portion of sheet-like graphite or sheet-like pre-expanded graphite into an aqueous electrolyte solution to subject the graphite to an electrochemical treatment.

Abstract: An anode (30) is formed by building a carbon, such as a carbon reinforced carbon composite, or other ceramic substrate (50). A ductile, refractory metal is electroplated on the ceramic substrate to form a refractory metal carbide layer (52) and a ductile refractory metal layer (54), at least on a focal track portion (36). A high-Z refractory metal is vacuum plasma sprayed on the ductile refractory metal layer to forma vacuum plasma sprayed high-Z refractory metal layer (56), at least on the focal track portion.

Abstract: Growing spin-capable multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) forests in a repeatable fashion will become possible through understanding the critical factors affecting the forest growth. Here we show that the spinning capability depends on the alignment of adjacent MWCNTs in the forest which in turn results from the synergistic combination of a high areal density of MWCNTs and short distance between the MWCNTs. This can be realized by starting with both the proper Fe nanoparticle size and density which strongly depend on the sheet resistance of the catalyst film. Simple measurement of the sheet resistance can allow one to reliably predict the growth of spin-capable forests. The properties of pulled MWCNTs sheets reflect that there is a relationship between their electrical resistance and optical transmittance. Overlaying either 3, 5, or 10 sheets pulled out from a single forest produces much more repeatable characteristics.

Abstract: A graphene sheet including an intercalation compound and 2 to about 300 unit graphene layers, wherein each of the unit graphene layers includes a polycyclic aromatic molecule in which a plurality of carbon atoms in the polycyclic aromatic molecule are covalently bonded to each other; and wherein the intercalation compound is interposed between the unit graphene layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for labelling a substrate, in which method at least one luminescent dye is deposited as a first identification feature in at least one transparent marker layer or in at least one functional layer on a surface of the substrate or on a layer which is situated on the surface, wherein the transparent marker layer or the functional layer is provided with a structure in a further step for producing a second identification feature by local destruction, in particular thermally. According to the invention, the deposition of the at least one marker layer or functional layer takes place by means of chemical gas-phase deposition using a flame or a plasma, by means of a sol-gel method or electrochemically.

Abstract: A method of dispersing a metal or metal oxide within a CNT or CNT array, comprising exposing the CNT or CNT array to a solution containing a metal compound in a non-aqueous liquid; and removing the non-aqueous liquid from the CNT or CNT array. Nanoparticles were homogenously deposited within millimeter-long carbon nanotube array (CNTA). After modified with nanoparticles, CNTA changes from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. The hydrophilic composite electrodes present ideal capacitive behavior with high reversibility. The novel, nano-architectured composite demonstrates strong promise for high-performance thick and compact electrochemical supercapacitors.

Abstract: The presently disclosed embodiments are directed to an improved metallization process for making fuser members which avoids the extra steps of metal nanoparticle seeding or special substrate treatment. In embodiments, a metallized substrate, formed by dip-coating or spraying with a metal nanoparticle dispersion which is subsequently thermally annealed, is used for the complete fabrication of the fuser member.

Abstract: High-surface-area carbon nanostructures coated with a smooth and conformal submonolayer-to-multilayer thin metal films and their method of manufacture are described. The preferred manufacturing process involves the initial oxidation of the carbon nanostructures followed by a surface preparation process involving immersion in a solution with the desired pH to create negative surface dipoles. The nanostructures are subsequently immersed in an alkaline solution containing a suitable quantity of non-noble metal ions which adsorb at surface reaction sites. The metal ions are then reduced via chemical or electrical means. The nanostructures are exposed to a solution containing a salt of one or more noble metals which replace adsorbed non-noble surface metal atoms by galvanic displacement. The process can be controlled and repeated to obtain a desired film coverage.

Abstract: A process is provided for metallizing a surface of a substrate with electrolytically plated copper metallization, the process comprising electrolytically depositing copper over the electrically conductive polymer by immersing the substrate in an electrolytic composition and applying an external source of electrons, wherein the electrolytic composition comprises a source of copper ions and has a pH between about 0.5 and about 3.5. In another aspect, a process is provided for metallizing a surface of a dielectric substrate with electrolytically plated copper metallization, the process comprising immersing the substrate into a catalyst composition comprising a precursor for forming an electrically conductive polymer on the surface of the dielectric substrate and a source of Mn(II) ions in an amount sufficient to provide an initial concentration of Mn(II) ions of at least about 0.

Abstract: A cable is provided having a jacket surrounding a core. A carbon-based substrate (CBS) conductor is provided in the core. The CBS conductor includes a CBS network metalized with a metalized layer. A method for manufacturing a carbon-based substrate (CBS) conductor includes providing a CBS network of CBS fibers forming a framework and metalizing at least a portion of the CBS network with a metalized layer. Optionally, the metalized layer may be at least one of a silver metalized layer, a copper metalized layer, a gold metalized layer, a nickel metalized layer, and a tin metalized layer. The CBS network may be one of a yarn, a sheet, and a tape. The CBS conductor may be a signal carrying conductor of the cable or the CBS conductor may surround the core and provide EMI shielding for the core. The cable may further include a contact terminated to the CBS conductor at the first end of the cable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silver complex obtained by reacting at least one silver compound represented by the formula 2 below with at least one ammonium carbamate compound or ammonium carbonate compound represented by the formula 3, 4 or 5 below:

Abstract: A single crystal of zinc oxide which is c-axis oriented with use of electrolytic deposition method is formed on an amorphous carbon layer, after the amorphous carbon layer is provided on an inexpensive graphite substrate. The amorphous carbon layer is provided by oxidizing the surface of the graphite substrate.

Abstract: A composite oxygen transport membrane having a dense layer, a porous support layer and an intermediate porous layer located between the dense layer and the porous support layer. Both the dense layer and the intermediate porous layer are formed from an ionic conductive material to conduct oxygen ions and an electrically conductive material to conduct electrons. The porous support layer has a high permeability, high porosity, and a high average pore diameter and the intermediate porous layer has a lower permeability and lower pore diameter than the porous support layer. Catalyst particles selected to promote oxidation of a combustible substance are located in the intermediate porous layer and in the porous support adjacent to the intermediate porous layer. The catalyst particles can be formed by wicking a solution of catalyst precursors through the porous support toward the intermediate porous layer.

Abstract: Techniques for manufacturing carbon nanotube (CNT) ropes are provided. In some embodiments, a CNT rope manufacturing method optionally includes preparing a metal tip, preparing a CNT colloid solution, immersing the metal tip into the CNT colloid solution; and withdrawing the metal tip from the CNT colloid solution.

Abstract: A transparent conductive material, including a substantially transparent carbon nanotube layer, and a metal layer deposited onto the carbon nanotube layer, in which the metal layer increases an electrical conductance of the transparent conductive material without substantially reducing an optical transmittance of the transparent conductive material.

Abstract: A single crystal of zinc oxide which is c-axis oriented with use of electrolytic deposition method is formed on an amorphous carbon layer, after the amorphous carbon layer is provided on an inexpensive graphite substrate. The amorphous carbon layer is provided by oxidizing the surface of the graphite substrate.

Abstract: A method for the electrochemical plating or marking of metals includes providing a metal surface, providing an electroplating solution at the metal surface, and electroplating the metal surface with the electroplating solution. A top layer of the metal surface comprises an oxide scale. The method can also include masking a portion of the metal surface with a masking material. The electroplating solution can be provided at the metal surface by an electroplating brush, the oxide scale of the metal surface can be comprised primarily of magnetite and hematite, and the material comprising the metal surface can be steel.

Abstract: A material for electroless plating shows good adhesion for a catalyst and does not cause delamination of a catalyst adhering layer from a non-conductive base material in a catalyst adhering step, development step or other step. In a material for electroless plating, having a catalyst adhering layer on a non-conductive base material, the catalyst adhering layer is formed from a hydrophilic and/or water-soluble resin containing hydroxyl group, and a curable layer formed from a resin having hydroxyl group and an isocyanate type compound is provided between the base material and the catalyst adhering layer. The catalyst adhering layer is preferably formed while isocyanate groups of the isocyanate type compound in the curable layer remain.