Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium having a discrete track structure enables the discrete track structure to be fabricated in a simple method with good productivity while maintaining satisfactory accuracy of the discrete track structure and holding favorable magnetic separation performance between tracks. The method comprises steps of: forming an aluminum film on a nonmagnetic substrate; executing an anodizing process on the aluminum film to form an alumina layer including nano-holes in a self-organizing manner; forming a resist pattern exposing recording track regions; and depositing a magnetic material in the nano-holes in the recording track regions. The method can further comprise a step of forming recessed parts at positions of the nano-holes to be formed in the anodizing process. The method can further comprise a step of forming a first underlayer of titanium and a second underlayer of gold.

Abstract: A main pole layer is deposited within an opening in a patterned photoresist layer on a substrate. The photoresist is thinned to expose an upper portion of a pole tip region that is then trimmed to a rectangular shape while a lower portion retains an inverted trapezoidal shape. Thereafter, a second trimming process forms a pole tip with a first width in the upper rectangular portion and a second thickness and second width which is less than the first width in the lower portion. A CMP step subsequently thins the upper portion to a first thickness of 0.04 to 0.08 microns while the second thickness remains at 0.16 to 0.32 microns. The bottom surface of the lower portion along the ABS becomes the trailing edge in a recording operation. The pole tip has a consistent first width (track width) that is not influenced by CMP process variations.

Abstract: The invention offers methods for forming multilayer coating film excelling in smoothness, distinctness of image, water resistance and chipping resistance, the methods comprising successively applying onto a coating object a water-based first coloring paint and a water-based second coloring paint, and simultaneously heating and curing the resultant first colored coating film and second colored coating film, in which the water-based first coloring paint comprises hydroxy-containing polyester resin, curing agent, and water-dispersible acrylic resin which is obtained by polymerization of a monomer component comprising 30-100 mass % of C5-22 alkyl-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer and 0-70 mass % of polymerizable unsaturated monomer other than the C5-22 alkyl-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of a substantially flat rigid measurement tool of the type formed of a substantially non-ferrous lightweight anodized metal plate with measurement markings thereon. The inventive method includes the steps of anodizing the metal plate to create a dark anodized layer, forming the flat rigid measurement tool from the anodized metal plate, and creating non-removable substantially white measurement markings by oxidizing selected mark-areas of the dark anodized surface to a depth below the anodized layer. The markings are created by application of a laser energy. The metal plate contains aluminum and the non-removable substantially white markings are formed by oxidized aluminum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing metal workpieces for cold forming by first applying a phosphate layer and then applying a lubricant layer which has a major content in organic polymer material. The phosphate layer is formed by an aqueous acidic phosphating solution having a major content in calcium, magnesium or manganese and phosphate. The lubricant layer is formed by contacting the phosphated surface with an aqueous lubricant composition which has a content in organic polymer material based on ionomer and optionally also non-ionomer the organic polymer material used predominantly being monomers, oligomers, co-oligomers, polymers or copolymers based on ionomer, acrylic acid/methacrylic acid, epoxide, ethylene, polyamide, propylene, styrene, urethane, the ester or salt thereof. The invention also relates to the corresponding lubricant composition, to the lubricant layer produced thereof and to its use.

Abstract: A metallic material is provided that is superior to an iron-based metallic material in all of adhesion, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and corrosion resistance, and a method of manufacturing the metallic material is also provided. A metallic material is provided that includes an iron-based metallic material and an oxide layer formed on the surface of the iron-based metallic material. The oxide layer includes Fe and at least one kind of metal (A) selected from a group consisting of Zr, Ti, and Hf. There is also provided a method of manufacturing the metallic material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an acoustic wave device includes forming a first sealing portion on a substrate having an acoustic wave element thereon so that a functional region, in which an acoustic wave oscillates, of the acoustic wave element acts as a first non-covered portion and a cutting region for individuating acts as a second non-covered portion, forming a second sealing portion on the first sealing portion so as to cover the first non-covered portion and the second non-covered portion, and cutting off the substrate and the second sealing portion so that the second non-covered portion is divided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic head includes the steps of: fabricating a substructure in which pre-head portions are aligned in a plurality of rows by forming components of a plurality of magnetic heads on a single substrate; and fabricating the plurality of magnetic heads by separating the pre-head portions from one another through cutting the substructure. In the step of fabricating the substructure, the resistance of an MR film that will be formed into an MR element by undergoing lapping later is detected to determine the target position of the boundary between a track width defining portion and a wide portion of a pole layer based on the resistance detected, and the pole layer is thereby formed. In the step of fabricating the magnetic heads, the surface formed by cutting the substructure is lapped such that the MR film is lapped and the resistance thereof thereby reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: The method of preparing a lithographic printing plate precursor according to the present invention comprises the steps of: providing an aluminum support; graining and anodizing the aluminum support; without applying a hydrophilic layer on the anodized aluminum support, coating a composition which is photopolymerizable upon absorption of light having a wavelength in the range of from 350 nm to 450 nm and comprising a polymerizable monomer or oligomer, a binder and a photo-initiator on the grained and anodized aluminum support to form a photopolymerizable layer; coating an overcoat on the photopolymerizable layer; characterized in that the ratio of the total solid amount of polymerizable monomer and oligomer to the total solid amount of binder is from 1.0 to 2.0.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a protective coating on a surface to be treated of a light alloy mechanical component of a turbomachine. The method comprises associating a first coating layer resistant to corrosion on the surface to be treated of the mechanical component, and associating a second coating layer resistant to erosion, abrasion and high temperatures on the first coating layer.

Abstract: The invention aims at providing a complex oxide film having a high relative dielectric constant and capacitance having low temperature-dependency, whose film thickness can be arbitrarily controlled, and a manufacturing method thereof, a composite body comprising the complex oxide film and a manufacturing method thereof, a dielectric or piezoelectric material comprising the complex oxide film or composite body, a capacitor or piezoelectric element comprising the complex oxide film having the complex oxide film with low temperature-dependency, and an electronic device equipped with the same, without involving any complicated or large scale equipment. The complex oxide film containing titanium element and calcium element can be obtained by forming a metal oxide film containing titanium element on substrate surface and then allowing a solution containing calcium ion to react with the metal oxide layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic write head having a trailing shield and with a tapered step. The method includes forming a write pole with a non-magnetic trailing gap and first and second non-magnetic side gap layers. A mask is formed having an opening over a portion of the write pole that is configured to define a non-magnetic bump. A non-magnetic bump material is deposited into the opening in a manner that defines a non-magnetic bump having a tapered front edge. A magnetic wrap around shield can then be formed over the non-magnetic bump, so that the bump forms a tapered stepped feature on the wrap-around magnetic shield. The bump location can be controlled by an electric lapping guide, which is defined to be aligned to the bump front edge.

Abstract: Metal objects are treated by anodising the metal object in contact with an acidic solution, and then subjecting the anodised metal object to a reversed voltage (compared to the anodising voltage). The thus-treated metal object is then contacted with a biocidal metal-containing solution. Biocidal metal is deposited on the surface of the metal object, resulting in improved biocidal properties.

Abstract: A multi-step process for notching the P1 pole of the write head element of a magnetic head. In a first step following the fabrication of the P2 pole tip, a layer of protective material is deposited on the approximately vertical side surfaces of the P2 pole tip. Thereafter, a first ion milling step, utilizing a species such as argon, is performed to mill through the write gap layer and to notch into the P1 pole layer therebelow. The removal of redeposited material from the side surfaces of the P2 pole tip is thereafter accomplished and the protective material formed on the side surfaces of the P2 pole tip protects the P2 pole tip during the redeposition clean up step. Thereafter, the protective material is removed from the side surfaces of the P2 pole tip, and a second ion milling step is performed to further notch the P1 pole material.

Abstract: An electrolyte composition for passifying tin plated steel wherein the essential ingredient consists of a mixture of organic hydroxyl acids and phenol organic acids; a method of passifying tin plate steel articles with the composition by electrolysis with a pH of about 7.0-10.0 and preferably a pH of 8.0-9.5; and providing the passified tin plated steel article produces by the method along with the passified articles having an appropriate paint thereon.

Abstract: Methods for improving within wafer and wafer to wafer yields during fabrication of notched trailing shield structures are disclosed. Ta/Rh CMP stop layers are deposited prior to planarization and notch formation to ensure a planar surface for trailing shield structures. These stop layers may be blanket deposited or patterned prior to CMP. Patterned stop layers produce the highest yields.

Abstract: Composite structures are described that have a porous anodic oxide layer such as, for example, a porous anodic aluminum oxide layer. In one aspect, the present invention includes a composite gas separation module having a porous metal substrate; a porous anodic aluminum oxide layer, wherein the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer overlies the porous metal substrate; and a dense gas-selective membrane, wherein the dense gas-selective membrane overlies the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer. A composite filter is described having a porous non-aluminum metal substrate; and a porous anodic aluminum oxide layer, wherein the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer defines pores extending through the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer. Methods for fabricating composite gas separation modules and composite filters and methods for selectively separating hydrogen gas from a hydrogen gas-containing gaseous stream are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a three dimensional structure having a hydrophobic inner surface. The manufacturing method includes anodizing a three dimensional metal member and forming fine holes on an external surface of the metal member, forming a replica by coating a non-wetting polymer material on the outer surface of the metal member and forming the non-wetting polymer material to be a replication structure corresponding to the fine holes of the metal member, forming an exterior by surrounding the replication structure with an exterior forming material, and etching the metal member and eliminating the metal member from the replication structure and the exterior forming material.

Abstract: A method for constructing a magnetic write head for use in perpendicular magnetic recording, the write head having a write pole with a trailing shield. After forming a magnetic write pole such as by masking and ion milling a magnetic write pole layer, a thin layer of alumina is deposited. This is followed by the deposition of a thin layer of Rh. Then, a thick layer of alumina is deposited, having a thickness that is preferably at least equal to the height of the write pole layer. A chemical mechanical polish is then performed until a portion of the Rh layer over the top (trailing edge) of the write pole is exposed. A material removal process such as ion milling is then performed to remove the exposed Rh layer exposing the thin alumina layer there beneath. Since the Rh trailing gap layer is electrically conductive it can also serve as a seed layer for electroplating the magnetic trailing shield.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic write pole and trailing wrap around magnetic shield for use in a perpendicular magnetic data recording system. The method includes the use of a hard mask structure with end point detection material embedded in a hard mask material. The novel hard mask structure provides the mill resistance of a hard mask, with the end point detection advantages of an end point detection layer.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor in which an electrolyte layer containing a conductive polymer is formed by chemical oxidative polymerization on a dielectric oxide film layer formed by anodizing surfaces of a valve metal, an ammonium peroxodisulfate solution adjusted to pH 6 to 8 is used as an oxidant in forming the conductive polymer layer.

Abstract: A fabrication method of a radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna coil is provided. First, a substrate is processed by a surface modified procedure, to form a self-assembly membranes (SAMs) on a surface of the substrate. A catalyst is sprayed on the SAMs of the substrate according to patterning. After that, the first electroless plating procedure is first carried out for the substrate to generate a magnetic metal layer corresponding to the wiring pattern on the catalyst, and the second electroless plating procedure is then carried out for the substrate to generate the metal layer on the magnetic metal layer.

Abstract: A metal implant for use in a surgical procedure is provided with a surface layer that is integral with the metal substrate, and which incorporates a biocidal material. The surface layer may be grown from the metal substrate, by anodising, and the biocidal material incorporated in it by ion exchange. Alternatively the layer may be deposited by electroplating, followed by diffusion bonding so as to become integral with the metal substrate. In either case, silver is a suitable biocidal material; and both the release rate and the quantity of biocidal material should be low to avoid toxic effects on body cells. Electropolishing the surface before formation of the surface layer is also beneficial, and this may be achieved by electropolishing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a structure, which is capable of easily obtaining a structure of the nanometer scale by using an anodic oxidation method. A method of producing a structure with a hole includes: forming first projected structures regularly arranged on a substrate; forming a first anodic oxidating layer on the substrate having the first projected structures, thereby forming first recessed structures at center portions of cells formed by the projected structures on the anodic oxidating layer; removing the first projected structures to form holes; and subjecting the first anodic oxidating layer to anodic oxidation to form holes at positions of the first recessed structures.

Abstract: A multi-layer antimicrobial hydrophilic coating is applied to a substrate of anodized aluminum, although other materials may form the substrate. A silver layer is sputtered onto a thoroughly clean anodized surface of the aluminum to about 400 nm thickness. A layer of crosslinked, silicon-based macromolecular structure about 10 nm thickness overlies the silver layer, and the outermost surface of the layer of crosslinked, silicon-based macromolecular structure is hydroxide terminated to produce a hydrophilic surface with a water drop contact angle of less than 10°. The coated substrate may be one of multiple fins in a condensing heat exchanger for use in the microgravity of space, which has narrow channels defined between angled fins such that the surface tension of condensed water moves water by capillary flow to a central location where it is pumped to storage. The antimicrobial coating prevents obstruction of the capillary passages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a solid body having a superhydrophobic surface structure formed by using a surface treatment of a metal body, a replication process, and a polymer sticking phenomenon to increase efficiency of fluid transfer and prevent foreign materials from being accumulated in the tube, and a superhydrophobic fluid transfer tube using the method. The superhydrophobic fluid transfer tube includes a fluid guider and a solid body provided on a fluid contact surface of the fluid guider and has micrometer-scaled unevenness and nanometer-scaled protrusions.

Abstract: A method for electorless plating of a substrate such as magnesium, aluminium, titanium or an alloy, comprises the steps of forming a very thin film of oxide on the substrate by plasma electrolytic oxidation before depositing a layer comprising nickel on the substrate by electroless nickel deposition.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrolytic capacitor is disclosed. The method includes forming a conductive polymer coating over the dielectric layer by polymerizing a monomer in the presence of an oxidative polymerization catalyst. The conductive polymer coating is formed by dipping the anode in a polymerization solution comprising the monomer, the oxidative polymerization catalyst, and a polar solvent. The polymerization solution has a temperature of less than about 20° C. Cooling the polymerization solution further stabilizes the polymerization solution and prevents premature polymerization of the monomer(s). Thus, the resulting conductive polymer layer can be more intimately positioned with respect to the anode. As a result, the formed capacitor can exhibit better performance.

Abstract: A membrane structure is provided. The membrane structure includes a polymer layer having a plurality of pores; and a ceramic layer disposed on the polymer layer. The ceramic layer has a plurality of substantially unconnected pores. Each of the substantially unconnected pores is in fluid communication with at least one of the pores of the polymer layer. A method of manufacturing a membrane structure is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a polymer layer having a plurality of pores; and disposing a ceramic layer on the polymer layer. Disposing a ceramic layer includes depositing a metal layer on the polymer layer; and anodizing the metal layer to convert the metal layer into a porous layer. At least one of the depositing step and the anodizing step is performed as a continuous process. Alternatively, at least one of the depositing and the anodizing step is performed as a batch process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid electrolytic capacitor having sufficiently low impedance at high frequencies in which a conductive polymer formed on a dielectric oxide film has good adherence to the dielectric oxide film, and a manufacturing method of the solid electrolytic capacitor. The solid electrolytic capacitor of the present invention includes a valve metal; a dielectric oxide film layer formed on a surface of the valve metal; and a solid electrolyte layer, comprising a conductive polymer layer, formed on the dielectric oxide film layer. The conductive polymer layer contains, as an additive, 0.1 wt % to 30 wt % of an organic oligomer having an average degree of polymerization of 2 to 100.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides a solid electrolytic capacitor that comprises: an anode formed of a valve metal or an alloy mainly made of a valve metal; a dielectric layer formed on a surface of the anode; a first conducting polymer layer formed on the dielectric layer, the first conducting polymer layer containing a non-ionic surfactant; a second conducting polymer layer formed on the first conducting polymer layer; and a cathode layer formed on the second conducting polymer layer.

Abstract: A recording element supported by a slider includes a non-magnetic film and a magnetic pole film. The non-magnetic film has a depression whose inner surface is provided with an amorphous electrode film used as a plating seed film. Above the electrode film, the magnetic pole film is grown by plating. The magnetic pole film may be either an electroplated film grown on the electrode film to have a maximum crystal grain size of 20 nm or less or an electroless plated film. This decreases coercive force of the magnetic pole film.

Abstract: There are disclosed an electrode having a large amount of a dye to be supported, having an excellent dye replacement property and having a capability of improving a photoelectric conversion efficiency, a manufacturing method of the electrode and a dye-sensitized solar cell including the electrode. An electrode 11 according to the present invention includes a dye-supported layer 14 laminated on a substrate 12 and including zinc oxide and a dye. The dye-supported layer 14 has at least a plurality of bump-like protrusions formed so that zinc oxide protrudes radially from the substrate 12, or satisfies represented by the following formula (1): 2?I002/I101?12, in which I002 is a peak intensity attributed to a zinc oxide (002) face in X-ray diffraction measurement of the dye-supported layer 14, and I101 is a peak intensity attributed to a zinc oxide (101) face in the X-ray diffraction measurement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a thin-film magnetic head whereby re-deposition and an overlapped part in a region of a magnetoresistive effect multi-layered structure opposite to an air bearing surface can be removed and also a width of a free layer can be narrowed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing metallic workpieces for cold forming by contacting the metallic surfaces thereof with an aqueous acid phosphating solution so as to embody at least one phosphate coating and then coating the phosphate-coated surfaces with at least one lubricant in order to embody at least one lubricant layer. According to the inventive method, the phosphating solution essentially contains only calcium, magnesium, or/and manganese as cations that are selected among cations of main group 2 and subgroups 1, 2, and 5 to 8 of the periodic table of chemical elements in addition to phosphate. Furthermore, an alkaline earth metal-containing phosphating solution is free from fluoride and complex fluoride while the phosphating process is carried out electrolytically. The invention further relates to a metallic workpiece that is coated accordingly as well as the use of workpieces coated in said manner.

Abstract: An exemplary method of manufacturing a metal cover (1) with blind holes (3) therein includes: step (60), preparing a metal substrate; step (62), covering the metal substrate with a protective film formed by electrophoretic deposition; step (64), forming holes in the protective film according to an intended pattern of the blind holes in the metal cover, thus exposing the metal surface through the holes; step (66), etching the metal substrate in the exposed areas to form the blind holes; and step (68), removing a remainder of the protective film from the metal substrate, thereby obtaining the finished metal cover. The method involving etching is relatively low-cost. Additionally, because electrophoretic deposition is used to cover the metal substrate with the protective film, the protective film can be formed on all surfaces of the metal substrate. Thus the method is especially advantageous for manufacturing a metal cover having a three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A film of zinc oxide electrochemically deposited from an aqueous solution is subjected to heat treatment at a temperature equal to or higher than 150° C. and equal to or lower than 400° C. in a nitrogen or inert gas atmosphere that contains oxygen, thereby obtaining a zinc oxide film that is low in electric resistance without impairing the light transmittance of the zinc oxide film.

Abstract: In devices such as flat panel displays, an aluminum oxide layer is provided between an aluminum layer and an ITO layer when such materials would otherwise be in contact to protect the ITO from optical and electrical defects sustained, for instance, during anodic bonding and other fabrication steps. This aluminum oxide barrier layer is preferably formed either by: (1) partially or completely anodizing an aluminum layer formed over the ITO layer, or (2) an in situ process forming aluminum oxide either over the ITO layer or over an aluminum layer formed on the ITO layer. After either of these processes, an aluminum layer is then formed over the aluminum oxide layer.

Abstract: A biomimetically produced bone-analogous coating, comprising organic and inorganic main constituents, is suitable for coating metallic implant materials of any desired surfaces. The coating comprises a collagen matrix mineralized with calcium phosphate.

Abstract: A wire gap film is formed on a flat coplanar surface formed on a bottom pole by a bottom track pole and a thin film coil, first and second magnetic material films constituting a top pole are formed on a flat surface of the thin film coil, and the first and second magnetic material films, write gap film and bottom track pole are partially removed forming a top track pole and trim structure. The thin film coil is formed by first and second thin film coil halves having self-aligned coil windings and have a CVD formed first conductive film, and an electrolytic plating formed second conductive film. A thin insulating film is interposed between successive coil windings of the first and second thin film coil halves. Jumper wirings, formed with the top pole, connect innermost and outermost coil windings of the first and second thin film coil halves respectively.

Abstract: A structure and a method of preventing electrolytic corrosion for a magnesium alloy member (20), the structure wherein a first coated layer (11) formed by electro deposition and a second coated layer (12) formed by distributing PTFE particles on the first coated layer (11) are covered on the surface of a tightening member (1) at least on a surface coming into contact with the magnesium alloy member (20), whereby, the electrolytic corrosion of the magnesium alloy member can be prevented at a low cost by insulating a tightening member such as a steel bolt and a washer from the magnesium alloy member, and an adhesiveness therebetween can be sufficiently assured.

Abstract: On a surface of a bottom pole, a write gap film and first magnetic material film having a high saturation magnetic flux density are formed, and the first magnetic material film is etched to remain a portion extending from an air bearing surface to a throat height zero reference position and a first non-magnetic film is formed in a removed portion. The first non-magnetic material film is polished to obtain a flat surface which is coplanar with a surface of the first magnetic material film. A second magnetic material film having a high saturation magnetic flux density is formed on the flat surface. The second magnetic material film, first magnetic material film, write gap film and bottom pole are partially removed by RIE using a mask formed on the flat surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for treating magnesium alloys aimed at improving the resistance thereof to corrosion. The composition is an aqueous solution with a pH ranging between 7 and 10, containing a niobium salt, hydrofluoric acid, and optionally a zirconium salt, phosphoric acid, and boric acid. The alloy is treated in an electrochemical cell in which said alloy acts as an anode. The cell contains an inventive composition at a temperature between 20° C. and 40° C. as an electrolyte. An initial voltage which is sufficient to create a current density between 1.5 and 2.5 A/dm2 is applied to the cell, whereupon the voltage is progressively increased to a level ranging between 240 and 330 V in order to maintain the initial current density.

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

Abstract: A housing made of a magnesium material is colored by a non-painting process. In this process, an anode oxide film is grown on the surface of the housing by subjecting the housing to anodization. The anode oxide film is colored without a paint being applied to the surface of the film.

Abstract: In a process for producing a semiconductor member, and a solar cell, making use of a thin-film crystal semiconductor layer, the process includes the steps of: (1) anodizing the surface of a first substrate to form a porous layer at least on one side of the substrate, (2) forming a semiconductor layer at least on the surface of the porous layer, (3) removing the semiconductor layer at its peripheral region, (4) bonding a second substrate to the surface of the semiconductor layer, (5) separating the semiconductor layer from the first substrate at the part of the porous layer, and (6) treating the surface of the first substrate after separation and repeating the above steps (1) to (5).

Abstract: A porous silicon structure is stabilized by anodically oxidizing the structure and then subjecting it to chemical functionalization to protect non-oxidized surface regions, preferably in the presence of 1-decene under thermal conditions. This process creates a protective organic monolayer on the surface of the structure, rendering it highly stable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a zinc oxide thin film in which a current is passed between a conductive substrate immersed in an aqueous solution containing at least zinc ions, ammonium ions and zinc ammonia complex ions, and an electrode as an anode immersed in the aqueous solution to form a zinc oxide thin film on the conductive substrate. This method stabilizes formation of the zinc oxide thin film and improves adhesion between the thin film and the substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a decorative plate (1) includes the steps of: preparing a metal substrate and covering selected areas (11, 16) of the substrate with a protective film; anodizing the substrate; and removing the protective film to expose metallic surfaces in the selected areas of the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a coating for protecting a surface from corrosion are provided. The method involves providing a system of layers on a light metal or light metal alloy substrate. The system of layers includes a nonconductive layer adjacent the substrate, followed by a conductive layer, an intermediate layer, and an decorative external layer.