Abstract: At least one embodiment relates to a method for transforming at least part of a valve metal layer into a template that includes a plurality of spaced channels aligned longitudinally along a first direction. The method includes a first anodization step that includes anodizing the valve metal layer in a thickness direction to form a porous layer that includes a plurality of channels. Each channel has channel walls and a channel bottom. The channel bottom is coated with a first insulating metal oxide barrier layer as a result of the first anodization step. The method also includes a protective treatment. Further, the method includes a second anodization step after the protective treatment. The second anodization step substantially removes the first insulating metal oxide barrier layer, induces anodization, and creates a second insulating metal oxide barrier layer. In addition, the method includes an etching step.

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 is grown by anodizing at a voltage between 50 and 150 V, and the biocidal material incorporated in it by ion exchange. This produces a significantly harder surface than anodizing at low voltage, and generates pits containing ion-absorbing material.

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 anodizing, 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: 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 superhydrophobic structure that may have a titanium substrate and nanoporous titanium oxide layer grown on the titanium substrate by anodization. The titanium oxide layer may have a plurality of nano-tube structures that create a microscopically rough surface on the titanium substrate. A hydrophobic coating may be deposited over the titanium oxide layer to create a superhydrophobic surface on the titanium substrate. The titanium oxide layer may provide a photocatalytic reaction with oxygen in surrounding air to oxidize organic contaminants on the superhydrophobic surface.

Abstract: A method for anodizing and dyeing a metallic article including a decorated surface to be dyed, includes steps as follows: anodizing the metallic article to form an anodization layer on the decorated surface by an anodizing treatment, in which the anodization layer is porous with a number of holes; sealing the anodization layer of the metallic article anodized by a first sealing treatment in a first sealing solution, in which a contacting time of the anodization layer and the first sealing solution changes gradually along a predetermined direction, and thereby a depth of the holes of the anodization layer after sealing changes gradually along the predetermined direction; and coloring the metallic article sealed in a dyeing treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for a complex oxide film having a high relative dielectric constant formed on a substrate surface by wet-treatment method and a production process of the complex oxide film comprising a step of washing the complex oxide film with an acid solution of pH 5 or less to thereby reduce salts in the film. Further, the invention relates to a dielectric material and a piezoelectric material containing the complex oxide film, a capacitor and a piezoelectric element including the material, and a electronic device comprising the element.

Abstract: The invention aims at providing a complex oxide film having a high relative dielectric constant and a high voltage resistance, 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 advantageous to improve voltage resistance, and an electronic device equipped with the same, without involving any complicated or large scale equipment. The complex oxide film can be obtained by forming a metal oxide film containing a titanium element on a substrate surface and then allowing a solution containing strontium ion to react with the metal oxide film. A capacitor including the complex oxide film as dielectric material and a piezoelectric element including it as piezoelectric material can be produced.

Abstract: A complex oxide film is provided having a high relative dielectric constant and capacitance having low temperature-dependency. The film thickness can be arbitrarily controlled. A manufacturing method thereof, a composite body comprising the complex oxide film and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The complex oxide film containing titanium element and calcium element can be obtained by forming a metal oxide film containing titanium element on a substrate surface and then allowing a solution containing calcium ion to react with the metal oxide layer. A capacitor including the complex oxide film as dielectric material and a piezoelectric element including it as piezoelectric material can be produced.

Abstract: To provide an anodic oxidation method, a titanium oxide film manufacturing method and a catalyst carrying method which is suitable, for example, for anodic oxidation of aluminum, titanium and catalyst carrying on the surface of alumite (registered trademark), capable of generating an oxide film at a low cost and rapidly by eliminating the use of a strongly acid or strongly basic electrolytic solution and using a carbonated water as an electrolytic solution, capable of controlling the sealing treatment of oxide film through a simple method, capable of effecting the oxide film dyeing and catalyst carrying rationally and easily, and capable of effecting the catalyst carrying safely and surely without eroding a base material. An object (3) to be treated is electrolyzed in an electrolytic solution received in a treatment vessel (1) serving the object (3) as an anodic electrode. It is an anodic oxidation method in which an oxide film is generated on the surface of the object (3).

Abstract: A titanium/titanium alloy-and-resin composite includes a titanium/titanium alloy substrate, a nano-porous oxide film formed on the substrate, and resin compositions coupled to the surface of the nano-porous oxide film. The nano-porous oxide film has nano pores and includes at least two layers of different three dimensional meshed structures. The resin compositions contain crystalline thermoplastic synthetic resins. A method for making the titanium/titanium alloy-and-resin composite is also described.

Abstract: A titanium/titanium alloy-and-resin composite includes a titanium/titanium alloy substrate, a nano-porous oxide film formed on the substrate, and resin compositions coupled to the surface of the nano-porous oxide film. The nano-porous oxide film has nano pores. The resin compositions contain crystalline thermoplastic synthetic resins. A method for making the titanium/titanium alloy-and-resin composite is also described.

Abstract: A cathode containing a metal substrate that possesses a micro-roughened surface imparted by spark anodization is provided. The surface is formed by contacting the substrate with an electrolytic solution and applying a voltage to form a dielectric sub-oxide layer. The voltage is raised to a sufficiently high level to initiate “sparking” at the surface of the substrate, which is believed to create high local surface temperatures sufficient to etch away the substrate. This results in the formation of a “micro-roughened” surface having a plurality elevated regions. These elevated regions can increase the effective surface area and thus allow for the formation of capacitors with increased cathode capacitance for a given size and/or capacitors with a reduced size for a given capacitance. The elevated regions may also exhibit excellent adhesion to additional electrochemically-active materials and provide enhanced stability in certain liquid electrolytes.

Abstract: A titanium electrosurgical instrument, such as a scalpel (20), and electrosurgical devices, e.g., needle (40), and Bovie tips (40), are provided with a silane coating (30) directly against the solid titanium metal (26, 43, 73) of the body tissue-contacting distal ends (24, 47, 70) thereof whereby to impart advantageous non-stick properties thereto.

Abstract: A metal object is treated to form an integral surface layer by: (a) immersing the metal object in an anodising electrolyte, and passivating the metal to form an anodised layer on the metal object; (b) continuing the application of a potential to modify the surface layer; (c) then treating the metal object with a chemical reducing agent so a hydrous metal oxide is formed; and (d) then contacting the metal object with a solution containing a biocidal material so as to incorporate biocidal material into the surface layer.

Abstract: A method for the biomimetic treatment of an osteointegrative interface on a substrate of biocompatible metal of titanium, tantalum, or their alloys, includes performing a first anodic spark deposition (ASD) treatment of the osteointegrative interface in a calcium glycerophosphate solution, performing a second ASD anodic deposition treatment of the osteointegrative interface in a calcium hydroxide solution and performing an immersion of the osteointegrative interface in a potassium or sodium hydroxide solution.

Abstract: A method for selectively dissolving the beta (?) phase of a titanium alloy out of the surface of the alloy, thereby leaving behind a nano-scale porous surface having enhanced bonding properties with either a biological tissue, such as bone, or an adhesive material, such as a polymer or ceramic by immersing the alloy in an ionic aqueous solution containing high levels of hydrogen peroxide and then exposing the alloy to an electrochemical voltage process resulting in the selective dissolution of the beta phase to form a nano-topographic metallic surface.

Abstract: An article has an anodised titanium or titanium alloy surface layer containing pores which form recesses opening to the outside of the layer. A wetting-resistant coating is formed on the anodised surface layer. The coating penetrates the pores but retains the recesses to make the surface of the article hydrophobic and thereby restrict accumulation of ice.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a nanotubular titania substrate having a titanium dioxide surface comprised of a plurality of vertically oriented titanium dioxide nanotubes containing oxygen vacancies. The method generally comprises the steps of anodizing a titanium metal substrate in an acidified fluoride electrolyte under conditions sufficient to form a titanium oxide surface comprised of self-ordered titanium oxide nanotubes, dispersing gold nanoparticles onto the titanium oxide surface, annealing the titanium oxide surface with the gold nanoparticles thereon in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, and depositing carbon onto the annealed titanium oxide surface. The invention also relates to a hybrid gold/carbon electrode formed by the method.

Abstract: The invention aims at providing a complex oxide film having a high relative dielectric constant and a high voltage resistance, 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 advantageous to improve voltage resistance, and an electronic device equipped with the same, without involving any complicated or large scale equipment. The complex oxide film can be obtained by forming a metal oxide film containing a titanium element on a substrate surface and then allowing a solution containing strontium ion to react with the metal oxide film. A capacitor including the complex oxide film as dielectric material and a piezoelectric element including it as piezoelectric material can be produced.

Abstract: A method of treating metallic workpieces with an anodizing solution, compositions of the anodizing solution and the coatings prepared with this anodizing solution for anodizing metallic surfaces, especially surfaces of magnesium, magnesium alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, are disclosed. The compositions are basic aqueous solutions comprising a water-soluble inorganic hydroxide, phosphorus and oxygen containing anions, at least one surfactant and an alkaline buffer based on at least one alkaline hydrolyzed silane, on at least one alcohol showing at least one alkaline radical group or on a mixture of them.

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 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: 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 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: Provided are a dye-sensitized solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same, which includes: a lower electrode formed of a titanium metal or a titanium alloy; a titanium oxide electrode having a nanotube structure formed on the lower electrode; a metal oxide layer formed on the titanium oxide electrode along a step difference of the nanotube, having a larger band gap than titanium oxide, and having a dye adsorbed on a surface thereof; a counter electrode spaced a predetermined distance apart from the metal oxide layer; and an electrolyte filled between the metal oxide layer and the counter electrode. The titanium oxide electrode having a nanotube structure, which has a large specific surface area, may increase absorption of solar light and allow easy adsorption of a dye due to the metal oxide layer, thereby improving photo current and voltage characteristics of the solar cell.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes an assembly of metal oxide comprising valve metal oxide nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the coating of objects made of valve metals or their alloys with a thin barrier layer consisting of the metal and an oxide ceramic layer provided thereon whose surface has been coated with fluoropolymers, characterized in that the fluoropolymers are introduced into the capillary system of the oxide ceramic layer in the form of a solution by vacuum impregnation, followed by removing the non-wetting portions of the solution and drying.

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 method for reducing or avoiding semiconductor wafer peripheral defects and contamination during and following electrodeposition including providing a wafer chuck assembly sealably attached to a back side of a semiconductor wafer leaving an exposed peripheral portion of the back side of the semiconductor wafer the backside parallel to a front side of the semiconductor wafer comprising a process surface; contacting at least the semiconductor process surface with a process solution; and, simultaneously directing a pressurized flow of gas onto the exposed peripheral portion such that the pressurized flow of gas covers the exposed peripheral portion including being radially directed outward toward the periphery of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte comprises an organic solvent and a solute, and also has an electrolytic conductivity that is greater than or equal to 1 mS/cm but less than or equal to 100 mS/cm. This solute preferably includes at least one of a carboxylate and a salt of inorganic oxoacid. In addition, the non-aqueous electrolyte preferably comprises water in a proportion of 1 to 10 wt %. In an MIM nonlinear element (20), an insulated film (24) is formed by anodic oxidation using the above non-aqueous electrolyte. In addition, the insulated film comprises at least one of carbon atoms and atoms of families 3 to 7 that were originally the central atoms of the salt of inorganic oxoacid, and has a relative permittivity of 10 to 25. With this MIM nonlinear element, the capacitance is sufficiently small, the steepness of the voltage-current characteristic is sufficiently large, and also the resistance is sufficiently uniform over a wide range of voltages.

Abstract: A process for forming a zinc oxide film including immersing an electroconductive substrate having a surface including a plurality of linear projections in an aqueous solution containing at least nitrate ions and zinc ions to form a zinc oxide film on the electroconductive substrate by a liquid-phase deposition. The plurality of linear projections may preferably provide an uneven surface which has a center-line average surface roughness Ra(X) of 15-300 nm when scanned in a direction parallel to the linear projections, a center line average surface roughness Ra(Y) of 20-600 nm when scanned in a direction perpendicular to the linear projections, and an Ra(X)/Ra(Y) ratio of at most 0.8. The thus formed zinc oxide film is provided with an uneven surface suitable for an optical-confinement layer of a photo-electricity generating device excellent in photoelectric performances.

Abstract: A process for improving the adherence of paint applied after thin-film anodization is characterized in that the anodized metal surfaces are brought into contact with an aqueous solution containing one or more of the following components: (a) 200 to 2000 ppm of a homopolymer or copolymer of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and/or their esters; (b) 200 to 3000 ppm of a poly(vinyl phenol) compound in which at part of the phenol rings carry an alkylamino substituent; (c) 200 to 3000 ppm of hexafluorotitanic acid, hexafluorozirconic acid, and/or their anions.

Abstract: Acid-doped, polyaniline-based polymers are formed into fibers, films, and coatings with a solvent of at least one bicyclic terpene. Such a solvent system is characterized by a drying temperature of less than 150.degree. C. and a relatively low toxicity.

Abstract: A process for sealing anodized metals without using any heavy metals comprises a first step in which the anodized metal is contacted for a period of between 3 and 30 minutes (for an anodized layer thickness of 20 .mu.m) with an aqueous solution which has a temperature from 15.degree. to 35.degree. C. and a pH between 5.0 and 6.5 and contains from 0.1 to 3 g/l of lithium ions and from 0.1 to 5 g/l of fluoride ions and a second step in which the anodized metal is contacted for a period from 5 to 30 minutes (for an anodized layer thickness of 20 .mu.m) with water or an aqueous solution of substances which prevent the formation of a sealing coating, the solution having a pH from 5.5 to 8.5 and a temperature from 80.degree. to 100.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for polishing a metal surface, typically based on Al, Mg, Ta, Ti, Zr, Hf or their alloys, comprises a first conventional polishing step by chemical or electrolytic means and a second electrolytic micro-polishing step by anodizing in a mineral, organic or mixed acid solution to form a oxide layer of the barrier type having a thickness between 100 and 500 nm.

Abstract: A thin film diode (8) between a data line (12) and a drive electrode (13), which is free from breakage in an upper layer film (4), is formed on one inner surface of a glass substrate (1) sealing a liquid crystal of a liquid crystal display device. To form such a thin film diode, a lower layer film (2) is formed on the glass substrate (1) such that the lower layer film (2) overlaps with the upper layer film (4) and the lower layer film (2) has a plurality of differences in level. An insulating film (3) is formed by oxidizing the surface of the lower layer film (2) with an anodic oxidation technique. The upper layer film (4) is formed, thereby completing the thin film diode. Alternately, an insulating film material (7,7') may be formed either on the lower layer film (2) or on the peripheral region thereof in the form of a film, and the insulating film (3) may be formed by oxidizing the insulating film material (7,7').

Abstract: A method of producing composite oxide ceramic fluorine polymer layers on articles of aluminum, magnesium, titanium or their alloys, particularly of light metal components, includes introducing particles of fluorine polymers into the capillary system of an oxide ceramic layer. The particles have a particle size which at least in one dimension is smaller than the diameter of the capillaries. The article is then subjected to alternating pressure conditions.

Abstract: A process for producing a released film made of at least two layers, one or more of which has been formed by a vapor deposition technique. The process involves anodizing a metal substrate comprising a valve metal or valve metal alloy to form an anodic oxide layer on the substrate, the anodization being carried out in the presence of an adhesion-reducing agent (e.g. fluoride) which makes the anodic layer detachable from the valve metal, coating the anodic layer with one or more layers of desired materials by a vapor deposition technique (e.g. sputtering or vacuum evaporation, etc.) to form a film of desired structure which is releasable from the metal substrate, and then detaching the releasable film from the metal substrate. The film can, if desired, be transferred to another substrate by attaching the other substrate to the releasable film before the releasable film is detached from the metal substrate.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a solid state electrolytic capacitor having on an anode a dielectric coating layer and a solid state electrolytic layer, comprises the steps of forming a conductive polymer compound layer as the solid state electrolytic layer, and subsequently forming the dielectric coating layer by anodizing.

Abstract: Color change devices which are capable of undergoing a color change on bending. The devices comprise a flexible substrate having a color generating metal (e.g. a valve metal such as Ta or Nb) at at least one surface and an intimately contacting optically thin anodic film covering the color generating metal and generating a visible color by light interference and absorption effects. The thin anodic film is produced by anodizing the color generating metal in the presence of an adhesion-reducing agent (e.g. a fluoride) for weakening the normally tenacious bond between the anodic film and the metal. Devices of this kind capable of being activated by bending, as well as by separation of the constituent layers, are produced by carrying out the anodization step in the presence of a particular concentration of the adhesion reducing agent from a narrow range (e.g. 40-350 ppm of fluoride).

Abstract: A method for the formation of an electrolyte layer of solid electrolytic capacitors is provided. The method comprises: (1) forming an oxide film with dielectric properties on the surface of a porous electrode made of a valve metal, the electrode being electrically connected to an anode lead made of a valve metal, (2) impregnating the electrode, on which the oxide film has been formed, with a solution of manganese nitrate, (3) electrostatically depositing electrolyte powder particles on the surface of the electrode which has been impregnated with the solution, and (4) pyrolyzing the manganese nitrate to manganese dioxide to form an electrolyte layer on the surface of the oxide film.

Abstract: A method for the making of an integrated type of LC component comprises the following steps;the coiling of an elongated element made of a metal with valve effect, the ends of which constitute two electrodes;the anodization of the element to form a dielectric layer;impregnation by an electrolyte, andthe positioning of a third electrode in a known way.Application to integrated passive components.

Abstract: Process for producing color change devices incorporating areas of contrasting appearance, and the devices so produced. The process involves masking limited areas of a layer of a color generating metal (e.g. Ta or Nb, especially commercially sputtered Ta foil), with a mask made of a material which permits anodization of an underlying surface and permits penetration of fluoride as an adhesion-reducing agent at levels employed in the process. The masked metal layer is anodized to form an anodic film on the metal, the anodization being carried out in an electrolyte containing fluoride at a concentration high enough to (a) weaken the adhesion of the anodic film to the underlying metal over the entire area of the film, and (b) to introduce voids in the anodic film in areas not covered by the mask to reduce the density, and thus the refractive index, of the film in these areas compared to areas covered by the mask. Finally the mask is removed.