Abstract: An object comprising a chromium-based coating on a substrate is disclosed, wherein the chromium is electroplated from an aqueous electroplating bath comprising trivalent chromium cations, wherein the chromium-based coating comprises 87-98 weight-% of chromium, 0.3-5 weight-% of carbon, and 0.1-11 weight-% of nickel and/or iron, and wherein the chromium-based coating has a Vickers microhardness value of 1000-2000 HV, and wherein the chromium-based coating does not contain chromium carbide. Further is disclosed a method for its production, and an aqueous electroplating bath.

Abstract: There is provided an electrolyte for the electrodeposition of chromium comprising: (A) water; (B) at least one chromium salt; and (C) at least one complexing agent, wherein the molar ratio of components B:C is in the range of 1:1 to 1:50. There is also provided a method for electrodepositing chromium metal onto a conductive substrate.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an electroplating bath for depositing chromium which comprises at least one trivalent chromium salt, at least one complexing agent, at least one halogen salt and optionally further additives. Moreover, the invention refers to a process for depositing chromium on a substrate using the mentioned electroplating bath.

Abstract: A method of treating a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a layer deposited from a trivalent chromium electrolyte, is described. The method includes the steps of providing an anode and the chromium(III) plated substrate as a cathode in an electrolyte comprising (i) a trivalent chromium salt; and (ii) a complexant; and passing an electrical current between the anode and the cathode to passivate the chromium(III) plated substrate. The substrate may be first plated with a plated nickel layer so that the chromium(III) plated layer is deposited over the nickel plated layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and plating baths for electrodepositing a dark chromium layer on a workpiece. The trivalent chromium electroplating baths comprise sulphur compounds and the methods for electrodepositing a dark chromium layer employ these trivalent chromium electroplating baths. The dark chromium deposits and workpieces carrying dark chromium deposits are suited for application for decorative purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to electroplating baths and methods for electrodepositing a dark chromium layer on a workpiece. The trivalent chromium electroplating baths comprise sulphur compounds and the methods for electrodepositing a dark chromium layer employ these trivalent chromium electroplating baths. The dark chromium deposits and workpieces carrying dark chromium deposits are suited for application for decorative purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and plating baths for electrodepositing a dark chromium layer on a workpiece. The trivalent chromium electroplating baths comprise sulphur compounds and the methods for electrodepositing a dark chromium layer employ these trivalent chromium electroplating baths. The dark chromium deposits and workpieces carrying dark chromium deposits are suited for application for decorative purposes.

Abstract: An nickel plating layer (5a) intended for corrosion current distribution is formed over a body (2), and a 0.05 to 2.5 micrometers thick surface chrome plating layer (6) made of trivalent chromium is formed on the surface thereof using basic chromium sulfate as a source of metal. Further on the same, a not less than 7 nm thick chromium compound film (7) is formed by cathode acidic electrolytic chromatin. The corrosion distribution nickel plating layer (5a) has a function of forming a microporous structure, a microcrack structure, or the both of the same in the surface chrome plating layer (6).

Abstract: Methods, equipment, and reagents for preparing organic compounds using custom electrolytes based on different ionic liquids in electrolytic decarboxylation reactions are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anode system for conventional electrolysis cells, a process for the production thereof and its use for the deposition of electrolytic coatings. The anode system is characterized in that the anode (2) is in direct contact with a membrane (3) which completely separates the anode space from the cathode space. This anode system is therefore a direct-contact membrane anode.

Abstract: Methods of making write poles for perpendicular magnetic recording write heads. The bevel angle of the write pole for a perpendicular magnetic recording write head affects the performance of the write head. By forming reinforcement layer on the polymeric underlayer mask to enhance the mask durability during ion mill and tapering the polymeric underlayer above the non-magnetic mill mask layer using oxygen and nitrogen based reactive ion etch process, the bevel angle of the magnetic write pole can be increased greatly to meet the demands of the next and future generations of magnetic recording write heads.

Abstract: Provided are device, method, and medium for generating an audio fingerprint and retrieving audio data. The device for generating an audio fingerprint includes: a coefficient extracting section partially decoding audio data in a compression area and extracting MDCT (Modified Discrete Cosine Transform) coefficients; a coefficient selecting section selecting an MDCT coefficient robust to noises from the extracted MDCT coefficients; a modulation spectrum generating section transforming the selected MDCT coefficient by the use of a Fourier transform method and generating a modulation spectrum; and a bit conversion section quantizing the generated modulation spectrum and generating an audio fingerprint. As a result, it is possible to accurately and rapidly retrieve the audio data recorded in a variety of environments. Since elements based on MP3 are used, it is possible to apply to MP3 applications in various manners.

Abstract: An aqueous acidic trivalent chromium electrolyte comprising trivalent chromium ions and a complexing agent for maintaining the trivalent chromium ions in solution is provided in which the aqueous electrolyte comprises additives capable of producing a coating on a substrate having a desired dark hue. The additives typically comprise a dispersion of colloidal silica and an additional additive selected from thiocyanate ions and/or iron ions. The electrolyte is used in a method of producing the desired dark-hued decorative chromium coating on a substrate by electrodeposition.

Abstract: An electrodeposited crystalline functional chromium deposit which is nanogranular as deposited, and the deposit may be both TEM and XRD crystalline or may be TEM crystalline and XRD amorphous. In various embodiments, the deposit includes one or any combination of two or more of an alloy of chromium, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur; a {111} preferred orientation; an average crystal grain cross-sectional area of less than about 500 nm2; and a lattice parameter of 2.8895+/?0.0025 A. A process and an electrodeposition bath for electrodepositing the nanogranular crystalline functional chromium deposit on a substrate, including providing the electrodeposition bath including trivalent chromium, a source of divalent sulfur, a carboxylic acid, a source of nitrogen and being substantially free of hexavalent chromium; immersing a substrate in the bath; and applying an electrical current to electrodeposit the deposit on the substrate.

Abstract: A method of preparing an aqueous composition of a chromium III compound, comprising adding hydrogen peroxide to a mixture comprising water and a chromium VI compound in the presence of at least one acid according to the formula H2GF6, in which G is a Group IV-B element. The composition may contain less than 500 ppm of alkali metal ions and less than 200 ppm of halide ions, relative to chromium and may test negative for chromium VI using s-diphenylcarbazide. The composition may be used for treating a metal surface, among other applications.

Abstract: An electroplating bath and a process for electrodepositing a crystalline chromium deposit on a substrate, in which the electroplating bath comprising trivalent chromium and a source of divalent sulfur, and substantially free of hexavalent chromium; immersing a substrate in the electroplating bath; and applying an electrical current to deposit a crystalline chromium deposit on the substrate, wherein the chromium deposit is crystalline as deposited, and/or has a lattice parameter of 2.8895+/?0.0025 ?, and/or the crystalline chromium deposit has a {111} preferred orientation.

Abstract: A crystalline chromium deposit having a lattice parameter of 2.8895+/?0.0025 ?, and an article including the crystalline chromium deposit. An article including a crystalline chromium deposit, wherein the crystalline chromium deposit has a {111} preferred orientation. A process for electrodepositing a crystalline chromium deposit on a substrate, including providing an electroplating bath comprising trivalent chromium and a source of divalent sulfur, and substantially free of hexavalent chromium; immersing a substrate in the electroplating bath; and applying an electrical current to deposit a crystalline chromium deposit on the substrate, wherein the chromium deposit is crystalline as deposited.

Abstract: A method is provided for imparting corrosion resistance onto a surface of a substrate. The method comprises contacting the surface of the substrate with an electrolytic plating solution comprising (a) a source of deposition metal ions of a deposition metal selected from the group consisting of zinc, palladium, silver, nickel, copper, gold, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, chrome, and alloys thereof, (b) a pre-mixed dispersion of non-metallic nano-particles, wherein the non-metallic particles have a pre-mix coating of surfactant molecules thereon; and applying an external source of electrons to the electrolytic plating solution to thereby electrolytically deposit a metal-based composite coating comprising the deposition metal and non-metallic nano-particles onto the surface.

Abstract: A chromium plating bath containing trivalent chromium ions and hexavalent chromium ions is prepared by a method including the steps of: (A) mixing chromic acid and an organic acid in an aqueous solution containing these acids and reducing chromic acid by the organic acid so as to prepare an aqueous solution not containing hexavalent chromium ions; (B) adding a pH adjustor to the aqueous solution not containing hexavalent chromium ions so as to adjust pH to a value of 1 to 4; and (C) further adding chromic acid to the aqueous solution not containing hexavalent chromium ions and having undergone the pH adjustment so as to prepare an aqueous solution containing trivalent chromium ions and hexavalent chromium ions. The chromium plating bath containing both trivalent chromium ions and hexavalent chromium ions can be prepared while easily and assuredly adjusting the contents (content ratio) of trivalent chromium ions and hexavalent chromium ions to predetermined values (a predetermined value).

Abstract: There is disclosed articles for and methods of confining volatile materials in the void volume defined by crystalline void materials. In one embodiment, the hydrogen isotopes are confined inside carbon nanotubes for storage and the production of energy. There is also disclosed a method of generating various reactions by confining the volatile materials inside the crystalline void structure and releasing the confined volatile material. In this embodiment, the released volatile material may be combined with a different material to initiate or sustain a chemical, thermal, nuclear, electrical, mechanical, or biological reaction.

Abstract: An electrodeposited crystalline functional chromium deposit which is nanogranular as deposited, and the deposit may be both TEM and XRD crystalline or may be TEM crystalline and XRD amorphous. In various embodiments, the deposit includes one or any combination of two or more of an alloy of chromium, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur; a {111} preferred orientation; an average crystal grain cross-sectional area of less than about 500 nm2; and a lattice parameter of 2.8895+/?0.0025 A. A process and an electrodeposition bath for electrodepositing the nanogranular crystalline functional chromium deposit on a substrate, including providing the electrodeposition bath including trivalent chromium, a source of divalent sulfur, a carboxylic acid, a source of nitrogen and being substantially free of hexavalent chromium; immersing a substrate in the bath; and applying an electrical current to electrodeposit the deposit on the substrate.

Abstract: An electrode for an electrical-discharge surface-treatment method is molded with a metallic powder or a metallic compound powder having an average grain diameter of 6 micrometers to 10 micrometers. A coat on a surface of a workpiece is formed with a material constituting the electrode or a substance that is generated by a reaction of the material due to a pulse-like electrical discharge. The coat is built up with a material containing metal as a main constituent under conditions of a width of a current pulse for the pulse-like electrical discharge in a range of 50 microseconds to 500 microseconds and a peak of the current pulse equal to or less than 30 amperes.

Abstract: Methods and structures for the fabrication of wrap around and trailing shield structures are disclosed. Capped seed layers having a dual layer structure are utilized, improving photo resist adhesion and plated shield adhesion, without the need to deposit, then remove, traditional inorganic anti-reflection coatings prior to shield plating.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of corrosion-resistant and decorative coatings and layer systems for substrates of metals, preferably light metals. Also, method for the production of a coating and a layer system for substrates of metal, with which a decorative and corrosion-resistant, heavy-duty surface can be produced, including applying an adhesion layer (e.g., by chromatization) and a lacquer layer and a plasma etching process for the pre-treatment and improved adhesion of the subsequent layers, or PVD layers from oxides or metals. Providing PVD layers of a metal or metal alloys, and copper, nickel chromium which are chiefly galvanically applied are also preferably included.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming a Re—Cr alloy film consisting of Re in the range of 60 to 90% by atomic composition. The method comprises performing an electroplating process using an electroplating bath containing an aqueous solution which includes a perrhenate ion and a chromium (VI) ion. The present invention allows a Re—Cr alloy film usable as a corrosion-resistant alloy coating for a high-temperature component or the like to be formed through an electroplating process using an aqueous solution, so as to provide heat/corrosion resistances to the component, even if it has a complicated shape, in a simplified manner at a low cost.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming: a Re—Cr alloy film consisting of Re in the range of greater than 0 (zero) to less than 98% by atomic composition, and the remainder being Cr except inevitable impurities; a Re-based film consisting of 98% or more, by atomic composition, of Re, with the remainder being Cr and inevitable impurities; or a Re—Cr—Ni alloy film consisting of Re in the range of 50 to less than 98% by atomic composition, Cr in the range of 2 to less than 45% by atomic composition, and the remainder being Ni except inevitable impurities. The method comprises performing an electroplating process using an electroplating bath containing an aqueous solution which includes a perrhenate ion and a chromium (III) ion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the electrolytic coating of materials, in particular metallic materials, whereby a chromium alloy is deposited from an electrolyte, comprising at least chromic acid, sulphuric acid, an isopolyanion-forming metal, a short-chain aliphatic sulphonic acid, the salts and/or halo-derivatives thereof and fluorides. According to the invention, an alloy can be deposited, which can comprise a high proportion of isopolyanion-forming metal as a result of the combined addition of the short-chain aliphatic sulphonic acid with the fluorides and is nevertheless smooth and lustrous. In comparison with the alloy coatings known in the state of the art, in particular chrome/molybdenum alloys the above is a definite advantage. Furthermore, the presence of fluorides in particular leads to the above deposited coatings having a significantly higher hardness.

Abstract: Aqueous electroplating solutions and methods are provided for the codeposition of zinc and chromium. The solutions include effective amounts of zinc, chromium, and hydroxyl ions. The solutions further include an effective amount of one or more ions of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, or a combination thereof other than sodium and potassium, to in major part balance the hydroxyl ions. A preferred alkali metal is rubidium.

Abstract: Stainless steel coatings are formed on metallic substrates by employing the metallic substrates as a cathode in an aqueous electrolyte containing chromium, nickel and iron in specified concentrations or ratios. A coumarin leveling agent is preferably used. A product is obtained having a coating comprising, in weight ratios, weight ratios chromium 6-15:nickel 3-5:iron 32-39; the product has the appearance and many of the properties of monolithic stainless steel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the electrolytic coating of materials, in particular metallic materials, whereby a chromium alloy is deposited from an electrolyte, comprising at least chromic acid, sulphuric acid, an isopolyanion-forming metal, a short-chain aliphatic sulphonic acid, the salts and/or halo-derivatives thereof and fluorides. According to the invention, an alloy can be deposited, which can comprise a high proportion of isopolyanion-forming metal as a result of the combined addition of the short-chain aliphatic sulphonic acid with the fluorides and is nevertheless smooth and lustrous. In comparison with the alloy coatings known in the state of the art, in particular chrome/molybdenum alloys the above is a definite advantage. Furthermore, the presence of fluorides in particular leads to the above deposited coatings having a significantly higher hardness.

Abstract: A metal plating bath and method for plating a metal on a substrate. The metal plating bath contains hydroxylamines that inhibit the consumption of additive bath components to improve the efficiency of metal plating processes. The additive bath components are added to metal plating baths to improve brightness of plated metal as well as the micro-throwing and macro-throwing power of the bath. In addition to brighteners, the additive bath components may include levelers, suppressors, hardeners, and the like. The hydroxylamines that inhibit additive consumption may be employed in metal plating baths for plating copper, gold, silver, platinum, palladium, cobalt, cadmium, nickel, bismuth, indium, tin, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium and alloys thereof.

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

Abstract: The use of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts of alkyl and alkanol sulfonic acids as additives in pure metal and metal alloy sulfate electroplating baths has a number of unexpected benefits including wider useful current density range, improved appearance and in the case of tin improved oxidative stability. The metals and alloys include but are not limited to tin, nickel, copper, chromium, cadmium, iron, rhodium, ruthenium, iron/zinc and tin/zinc.

Abstract: To establish a technique of further improving the oxidation resistance of the glossy surface of a copper foil that has a composite layer containing chromium, zinc, and phosphorus on its glossy surface is achieved by a copper foil having excellent oxidation resistance characterized by a composite layer containing chromium, zinc, phosphorus, and nickel formed on the glossy surface of the foil and also to a method of manufacturing the same by electrolysis.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the continuous chromium-plating of elongated members such as bars and the like: the bar to be plated is fed and rotated through at least one tubular shaped chromium-plating anode into which an electrolytic solution suitable for depositing a layer of chromium on the bar, as the latter advances through the said anode, is supplied. The electrolytic solution is supplied into the anode from the bottom upwards, through sets of holes over the bottom and the upper surfaces of the anode; the bottom holes communicate with a pressure balancing and flow distribution chamber for the electrolytic solution. This results in an electrolytic flow upwardly directed in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal axis of the bar, the temperature of which may be controlled by changing the flow rate of the electrolytic solution circulating inside the anode.

Abstract: An aqueous solution for the reductive deposition of metals comprising, besides water, (A) a phosphine of the general formula (1)  in which R1, R2, and R3 denote lower alkyl groups, at least one of which being hydroxy-or amino-substituted lower alkyl group, and (B) a soluble compound of a metal or a compound of a metal solubilized through the formation of a soluble complex by said phosphine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for applying a stabilization layer to at least one side of copper foil comprising contacting said side of said copper foil with an electrolyte solution comprising zinc ions, chromium ions and at least one hydrogen inhibitor. This invention also relates to copper foils treated by the foregoing process, and to laminates comprising a dielectric substrate and copper foil treated by the foregoing process adhered to said dielectric substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of coating a tin article with a non-hexavelant trivcalent chromium oxide and/or hydoxide in which the tin article is contacted with a trivalent chromium protective coating composition having an acid pH of about 2.0 to 3.0 which is free of chromium complexing agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for applying a stabilization layer to at least one side of copper foil comprising contacting said side of said copper foil with an electrolyte solution comprising zinc ions, chromium ions and at least one hydrogen inhibitor. This invention also relates to copper foils treated by the foregoing process, and to laminates comprising a dielectric substrate and copper foil treated by the foregoing process adhered to said dielectric substrate.

Abstract: A process for galvanic deposition of chromium coatings is provided in which the base material is subjected to a galvanic chromium plating bath to form a hard chromium coating with beaded or columnar type surface structure, and the beaded or columnar type surface structure is subsequently filled and smoothed with galvanically applied black chromium. The resulting combined coatings yield increased wear resistance, lower friction values, even without lubricants, and increased corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A process for producing a Zn--Cr alloy-electroplated steel plate, comprising immersing a steel plate in an acidic bath containing Zn.sup.+2 ions and Cr.sup.+3 ions and subjecting the steel plate to electroplating in the bath, wherein 0.01 g/-20 g/l of an additive comprising one or more members selected from the group consisting of polyethyleneoxyphenol derivatives with a sulfonic group (--SO.sub.3 H), sulfate group (--SO.sub.4 H), amino group (--NH.sub.2), carboxyl group (--COOH), nitro group (--NO.sub.2) or halogen (--F, --Cl, --Br or --I) as a substituent in the benzene ring, alkyl sulfonic acid compounds and polyethyleneoxyalkyl sulfonic acid compounds are added to the bath. The plating process makes it possible to produce Zn--Cr alloy-properties steel plates at a low cost without the additives having any adverse effect on the properties of the plating.

Abstract: A chromium plating method using a plating bath comprising trivalent chromium and an electrode which is an anode comprising an electrode substrate of titanium, tantalum, zirconium, niobium or an alloy thereof, coated with an electrode catalyst comprising at least iridium oxide and, optionally, at least one of titanium, tantalum, niobium, zirconium, tin, antimony, ruthenium, platinum, cobalt, molybdenum, tungsten or an oxide thereof. The anode may be placed directly in the chromium plating bath or may be placed in an anode chamber partitioned from the chromium plating bath with an ion-exchange membrane. The chromium plating method may be a barrel plating method.

Abstract: A corrodible iron-based work such as a cylinder rod is subjected to hard chrome plating, heat-treatment by high frequency heating or baking at a temperature of not less than 150.degree. C. (e.g. 170.degree. to 600.degree. C.), resin impregnation treatment and finish buffing in that order to produce a corrosion-inhibited member. In the impregnation step, a thermosetting resin may be impregnated under subatmospheric pressure. After the impregnation step, the thermosettable resin or sealant may be cured in a curing step. The present invention provides for an remarkably high degree of corrosion resistance even though the thickness of the hard chrome plating layer is small.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of manufacturing a plated steel sheet with a Zn--Cr alloy plating, including the steps of preparing a plating bath having a pH of 1 to 3 by adding 50 to 250 g/l of ammonium sulfate to a sulfuric acid plating bath and forming a Zn--Cr alloy plating film on a steel sheet using the resultant plating bath.

Abstract: A surface of copper foil is protected from oxidation and tarnishing by electrodepositing on the surface a protective layer containing metallic zinc and one or more compound of tri-valent chromium, which protection layer is easily removable by dissolution in a dilute aqueous alkaline solution and which preferably has a zinc to chromium weight ratio of 1:1 or greater. An electrodeposited copper foil especially suited for multilayer printed circuit boards has such a protective layer electrodeposited on the matte side thereof and an electrodeposited copper bonding treatment on the shiny side thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing nanocrystalline materials, and in particular nanocrystalline nickel having an average grain size of less than about 11 nanometers and ternary and quaternary nickel-iron alloys, such as NiFeCr and NiFeCrMn alloys, having a grain size less than about 100 nm is described. The nanocrystalline nickel is electrodeposited onto the cathode in an aqueous acidic electrolytic cell by application of a pulsed D.C. current. The ternary and quaternary Nickel-Iron alloys and other binary, ternary and quaternary alloys may be produced by D.C. electroplating or by pulsed D.C. electroplating. The cell electrolyte also contains a stress reliever, such as saccharin, which helps to control the grain size. The novel products of the invention find utility as wear resistant coatings, hydrogen storage materials, magnetic materials and as catalysts for hydrogen evolution.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of manufacturing a plated steel sheet with a Zn--Cr composite plating, wherein a total of 0.01 to 300 g/l of at least one type of salt having a pH buffering action in a pH range of 2 to 6 in a bath containing only zinc are added to an acidic Zn--Cr composite plating bath containing zinc ions and trivalent chromium ions to prepare a plating bath, and plating film is formed on a steel sheet using the resultant plating bath.

Abstract: Process for simultaneous electrodeposition of at least a two component alloy system of cobalt and chromium on a substrate, by providing an aqueous solution of divalent cobalt and trivalent chromium ions and containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, at a pH of about 3 to about 5, electrolyzing the solution in an electrolyte cell containing an anode and a cathode, and codepositing cobalt and chromium on the cathode, e.g. titanium, as substrate. According to a preferred embodiment molybdenum-containing ions are also added to the electrolyte, resulting in codeposition of an alloy of cobalt, chromium and molybdenum. In another embodiment, a calcium phosphate ceramic such as hydroxyapatite (HA)is added to the above electrolyte solution, resulting, e.g. , in a codeposit of the calcium phosphate material, e.g. HA, and an alloy of cobalt, chromium and molybdenum.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for increasing oxidation protection and decreasing the nonuniformities in an electrodeposited layer of a treated copper foil or treated copper-based alloy foil, comprising depositing a protective anti-oxidation coating onto at least one surface of said foil from a solution comprising arsenic. The invention also encompasses the copper foil or copper-based alloy foil coated to improve appearance and oxidation resistance of the foil.

Abstract: Functional chromium and chromium-alloy deposits are obtained from an electroplating solution having substantially the composition: 22 g/l Cr.sup.+3 ; 250 g/l KCl; 63 g/l H.sub.3 BO.sub.3 ; 30 g/l HCO.sub.2.sup.= ; 15 g/lKBr; and 120 ppm of a wetting agent. The plating solution provides improved efficiency, stress values and appearance over the prior art, and is tolerant of metallic iron and ionic iron and ammonium.