Abstract: A method of preparing a magnesium alloy substrate for an electroless electro-deposition surface treatment includes cleaning the magnesium alloy substrate in a wet solution, whereby a magnesium hydroxide layer is formed on an outer surface of the magnesium alloy substrate, and heating the magnesium alloy substrate to a temperature sufficient to convert the magnesium hydroxide layer to a magnesium oxide layer.

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: The electrolysis solution for electrolytic ceramic coating includes water, a water-soluble zirconium compound, a complexing agent, carbonate ion, and at least one member selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal ion, ammonium ion and an organic alkali. Te zirconium compound is included at a concentration (X) in terms of zirconium of 0.0001 to 1 mol/L, the complexing agent is included at a concentration (Y) of 0.0001 to 0.3 mol/L, the carbonate ion is included at a concentration (Z) of 0.0002 to 4 mol/L, a ratio of the concentration (Y) of the complexing agent to the concentration (X) in terms of zirconium (Y/X) is at least 0.01, a ratio of the concentration (Z) of the carbonate ion to the concentration (X) in terms of zirconium (Z/X) is at least 2.5, and the electrolysis solution has an electrical conductivity of 0.2 to 20 S/m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a coating on the surface of a substrate by plasma-electrolytic oxidation. Improved corrosion protection for lightweight metals, in particular for magnesium or magnesium alloys, is achieved by the process. Furthermore, biocompatible protective layers can also be produced on these materials, with the option of controlling degradation of the substrate. The layers are amorphous. They are produced by plasma-electrolytic oxidation in which the substrate is dipped as electrode together with a counterelectrode into an electrolyte liquid and a sufficient electric potential for generating spark discharges at the surface of the substrate is applied, wherein the electrolyte comprises clay particles dispersed therein. Substrates can therefore be any machine components, automobile components, railroad components, aircraft components, ships' components, etc.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the corrosion behavior of cast magnesium alloy articles in which the magnesium alloy comprises an average composition of more than about 5 per cent by weight of aluminum. A microstructure with regions of varying aluminum content is developed during solidification. The microstructure comprises magnesium-rich grains generally surrounded by an aluminum-enriched phase on the boundaries between adjacent grains. The magnesium-rich grain interiors are then selectively chemically or electrochemically attacked to leave a more corrosion resistant aluminum-enriched surface on the articles. The corrosion resistance of the articles may be further enhanced by one or more of anodizing, aluminizing or painting the corrosion-resistant aluminum-enriched surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) treatment of magnesium alloy products, which contains a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution as a main component, the composition comprising, based on the weight of sodium hydroxide contained in the sodium hydroxide solution: 1-20 wt % of sodium fluoride (NaF); 1-15 wt % of trisodium phosphate (Na3PO4); 1-10 wt % of sodium pyrophosphate (Na4P2O7); 1-20 wt % of aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3); 1-20 wt % of sodium fluorosilicate (Na2SiF6); 1-10 wt % of potassium hydroxide (KOH); 1-15 wt % of potassium acetate (C2H3O2K); and 1-10 wt % of rare earth metal powder. The disclosed composition can form a firm, dense and uniform oxide film on the surface of a magnesium alloy product.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer includes an ion source, which includes a coating or surface formed of a metallic carbide, a metallic boride, a ceramic or DLC, or an ion-implanted transition metal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a coating on the surface of a substrate by plasma-electrolytic oxidation. Improved corrosion protection for lightweight metals, in particular for magnesium or magnesium alloys, is achieved by the process. Furthermore, biocompatible protective layers can also be produced on these materials, with the option of controlling degradation of the substrate. The layers are amorphous. They are produced by plasma-electrolytic oxidation in which the substrate is dipped as electrode together with a counterelectrode into an electrolyte liquid and a sufficient electric potential for generating spark discharges at the surface of the substrate is applied, wherein the electrolyte comprises clay particles dispersed therein. Substrates can therefore be any machine components, automobile components, railroad components, aircraft components, ships' components, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a membrane and such membrane. The method comprises the steps of: providing a container with electrolyte; placing a structure in the container; and providing at least two electrodes with a potential difference to achieve a plasma electrolytic oxidation on the structure. Preferably, the structure comprises a metallic structure, with the metallic structure chosen from the group of Titanium, Aluminium, Magnesium, Zirconium, Zinc and Niobium, and/or an alloy.

Abstract: The electrolysis solution for electrolytic ceramic coating includes water, a water-soluble zirconium compound, a complexing agent, carbonate ion, and at least one member selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal ion, ammonium ion and an organic alkali. Te zirconium compound is included at a concentration (X) in terms of zirconium of 0.0001 to 1 mol/L, the complexing agent is included at a concentration (Y) of 0.0001 to 0.3 mol/L, the carbonate ion is included at a concentration (Z) of 0.0002 to 4 mol/L, a ratio of the concentration (Y) of the complexing agent to the concentration (X) in terms of zirconium (Y/X) is at least 0.01, a ratio of the concentration (Z) of the carbonate ion to the concentration (X) in terms of zirconium (Z/X) is at least 2.5, and the electrolysis solution has an electrical conductivity of 0.2 to 20 S/m.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for the surface treatment of magnesium or a magnesium alloy by anodization to form an anodized oxide coating on the magnesium or magnesium alloy. The method comprises: removing impurities and an oxide layer present on the surface of magnesium or a magnesium alloy using a strongly alkaline aqueous solution (pretreatment); and immersing the pretreated magnesium or magnesium alloy in an alkaline electrolyte and applying a direct current having a current density of 3 A/dm2 or less to the electrolyte to form a magnesium oxide coating (microarc plasma anodization).

Abstract: A stent includes a magnesium layer, a ceramic layer formed over the magnesium layer, and a magnesium compound layer interposed between the magnesium layer and the ceramic layer. The initial corrosion of the stent can be delayed, and the stent has excellent biocompatibility and thus can reduce side effects during cell proliferation and differentiation.

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: 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: This invention provides a method for coating a ceramic film on a metal, which can form dense films on various bases of metals such as magnesium alloys. The formed ceramic film has excellent abrasion resistance, causes no significant attack against a counter material, and has excellent corrosion resistance. The method comprises electrolyzing a metallic base in an electrolysis solution using the metallic base as a working electrode while causing glow discharge and/or arc discharge on the surface of the metallic base to form a ceramic film on the surface of the metallic base. The electrolysis solution contains zirconium oxide particles having an average diameter of not more than 1 ?m, satisfies the following formulae (1) to (3): 0.05 g/L?X?500 g/L (1), 0 g/L?Y?500 g/L (2), and 0?Y/X?10 (3); and has a pH value of not less than pH 7.0.

Abstract: An exemplary housing includes a light metal base and a ceramic film. The light metal base has an outer surface. The ceramic film is formed on the outer surface of the light metal base by micro-arc oxidation process. A method for making the present housing is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of anodising magnesium material which includes anodising the magnesium while it is immersed in an aqueous electrolyte solution having a pH above 7, and in the presence of a phosphate, the electrolyte solution also containing a sequestering agent. The method may further include the provision of a plasma suppressing substance within the electrolyte solution. Furthermore, the electrolyte solution may also preferably include a tertiary amine such a TEA, and the current passed through the electrolyte solution may preferably be a straight DC current.

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: 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: Using pulsed current and relatively low average voltages, articles containing light metals such as magnesium may be rapidly anodized to form protective surface coatings. The anodizing solutions employed may contain phosphate, permanganate, silicate, zirconate, vanadate, titanate, hydroxide, alkali metal fluoride and/or complex fluoride, optionally with other components present.

Abstract: Process for obtaining a ceramic coating on the surface of a metal having semiconducting properties, such as aluminium, titanium, magnesium, hafnium, zirconium and their alloys, by a physico-chemical transformation reaction of the treated metal. This process consists in immersing the metal workpiece to be coated in an electrolytic bath composed of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, such as potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, and of an oxyacid salt of an alkali metal, the metal workpiece forming one of the electrodes, and in applying a signal voltage of overall triangular waveform to the electrodes, that is to say a signal having at least a rising slope and a falling slope, with a form factor that can vary during the process, generating a current which is controlled in its intensity, its waveform and its ratio of positive current to negative current.

Abstract: Using aqueous electrolytes containing complex fluorides or oxyfluorides such as fluorozirconates, fluorotitanates, and fluorosilicates, articles containing light metals such as magnesium and aluminum may be rapidly anodized to form protective surface coatings. White coatings may be formed on aluminum articles using pulsed direct current or alternating current. When the article to be anodized is comprised of magnesium, pulsed direct current having a relatively low average voltage is preferably used.

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

Abstract: Using pulsed current and relatively low average voltages, articles containing light metals such as magnesium may be rapidly anodized to form protective surface coatings. The anodizing solutions employed may contain phosphate, pennanganate, silicate, zirconate, vanadate, titanate and/or complex fluoride, optionally with other components present.

Abstract: Using pulsed current and relatively low average voltages, articles containing light metals such as magnesium may be rapidly anodized to form protective surface coatings. The anodizing solutions employed may contain phosphate, permanganate, silicate, zirconate, vanadate, titanate, hydroxide, alkali metal fluoride and/or complex fluoride, optionally with other components present.

Abstract: Using pulsed current and relatively low peak ceiling voltage, articles containing light metals such as magnesium may be rapidly anodized to form protective surface coatings. The anodizing solutions employed may contain phosphate, permanganate, silicate, zirconate, titanate and/or complex fluoride, optionally with other components present.

Abstract: A method, a composition and a method for making the composition for anodizing metal surfaces, especially magnesium surfaces is disclosed. The composition is a basic aqueous solution including hydroxylamine, phosphate anions and nonionic surfactants. A complementary method, composition and method for making the composition for rendering an anodized metal surface, especially a magnesium surface, conductive is disclosed. The composition is a basic aqueous solution including bivalent nickel, pyrophosphate anions, sodium hypophosphite and either ammonium thiocyanate or lead nitrate.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant article of a magnesium material having the gloss of the metal substrate surface comprises an anodic oxide film formed on the external surface of an article of magnesium or a magnesium alloy, which never changes the gloss of the metal substrate and a colorless or colored transparent electrodeposition coating film on the anodic film. Such an article can be prepared by immersing an article of magnesium or a magnesium alloy in an electrolyte containing a phosphate and an aluminate to thus form an anodic oxide film through anodization of the surface of the article and forming a colorless or colored transparent electrodeposition coating film on the anodic film through electrodeposition coating.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for the anodization of magnesium or magnesium based alloys using an electrolytic solution containing ammonia, amines or both. The use of such an aqueous electrolytic solution in at least preferred forms alters the conditions under which anodization can occur to provide a more than satisfactory coating on the magnesium material with reduced cycle times.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming oxide coatings on bodies of aluminum and aluminum alloys are described. The process includes forming an electrolyte bath in an inert container. At least two reactive metal bodies are suspended in the bath. The bodies are connected to electrodes which, in turn, are connected to a multiphase AC circuit. A multiphase power (preferably three-phase between three bodies) potential is imposed between each of the bodies. The bodies are moved in the electrolyte bath relative to each other until micro-arcs occur on the surfaces of the bodies, whereby to commence oxidation of the bodies. The imposition of the potential between each of the bodies is continued until the desired thickness of oxide is formed on the bodies.

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

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a magnesium-containing article to form a cathodic protective coating on such article. This is done by electrochemically treating the article, acting as a cathode, in an alkaline solution, preferably at a temperature of between 40 and 80.degree. C., with a cathodic current density of 5-200 mA/cm.sup.2. The treatment produces a magnesium-containing article having a protective coating of magnesium hydride of predetermined thickness with a high count of hydrogen particles.

Abstract: A method for making high power electrochemical charge storage devices, provides for depositing an electrically conducting polymer (16), (18), onto a non-noble metal substrate (10), which has been prepared by treatment with a surfactant. Using this method, high power, high energy electrochemical charge storage devices may be fabricated with highly reproducible low cost.

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 method for surface-treating a substrate made of a magnesium-based metal material is disclosed, which includes immersing the substrate in an electrolyte composed of an aqueous solution containing at least one component selected from the group consisting of hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates of alkali metals or alkali earth metals, and a film-forming stabilizer, and conducting an electrolysis to form an anodic oxide film on a surface of the substrate. The film-forming stabilizer includes one component selected from salts of mineral acids, fluorides, silicates and silicofluorides and an additional component selected from ethylene glycol, trihydroxypropane, dihydroxyethyl ether and sodium hydroxybenzoate. Further, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided the substrate which is surface-treated by the method.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for the anodization of magnesium in magnesium based alloys using an electrolytic solution containing ammonia. The use of such an electrolytic solution alters the manner in which the anodization occurs to provide a coating on the magnesium material without spark formation.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for forming a ceramic coating on a valve metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, zirconium, titanium, hafnium and alloys of these metals. The process comprises the steps of (a) immersing the metal as an electrode in an electrolytic bath comprising water and a solution of an alkali metal hydroxide; (b) providing an opposite electrode immersed in or containing the electrolyte liquid; (c) passing a modified shaped-wave alternate electric current from a high voltage source of at least 700 V through a surface of the metal to be coated and the opposite electrode, thereby causing dielectric breakdown, heating, melting, and thermal compacting of a hydroxide film formed on the surface of the metal to form and weld a ceramic coating thereto, and (d) changing the composition of the electrolyte while the ceramic coating is being formed, the change being effected by adding an oxyacid salt of an alkali metal.

Abstract: A method for making high power electrochemical charge storage devices, provides for depositing an electrically conducting polymer (16), (18), onto a non-noble metal substrate (10), which has been prepared by treatment with a surfactant. Using this method, high power, high energy electrochemical charge storage devices may be fabricated with highly reproducible low cost.

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 method of producing oxide ceramic layers on Al, Mg, Ti, Ta, Zr, Nb, Hf, Sb, W, Mo, V, Bi or their alloys by a plasma-chemical anodical oxidation in a chloride-free electrolytic bath having a pH value of 2 to 8 and a constant bath temperature of -30.degree. to +15.degree. C. A current density of at least 1 A/dm.sup.2 is maintained constant in the electrolytic bath until the voltage reaches a predetermined end value.

Abstract: Method for coating a rectifier metal (aluminum) with alkali metal molybdenate/alkali metal silicate or alkali metal tungstenate/alkali metal silicate comprises immersing a rectifier metal (anode) and a cathodic metal in an electrolytic solution and imposing voltage potential between the two electrodes. The voltage is first raised to about 240 to about 260 volts during an oxidation stage, and thereafter to about 380-420 volts to form the desired coating.Unique electrolytic solutions are provided for the electrodeposition method.

Abstract: A two-step process for the coating of magnesium and its alloys is disclosed. The first step comprises immersing the magnesium workpiece in a first electrochemical solution comprising about 3 to 10 wt-% of a hydroxide and about 5 to 30 wt-% of a fluoride having a pH of at least about 12. By controlling a current density to about 10 to 200 mA/cm.sup.2, an increasing voltage differential is established between an anode comprising the pretreated article and a cathode also in contact with the electrolytic solution. Next, the article is immersed in an aqueous electrolytic solution having a pH of at least about 11 and which solution is prepared from components comprising a water soluble hydroxide, a fluoride source and a water soluble silicate in amounts to result in an addition of about 2 to 15 g of a hydroxide per liter of solution, about 2 to 14 g of a fluoride per liter of solution and about 5 to 40 g of a silicate per liter of solution. Again, by controlling the current density to about 5 to 100 mA/cm.sup.

Abstract: A two-step process for the coating of magnesium and its alloys is disclosed. The first step comprises immersing the magnesium workpiece in a first electrochemical solution comprising about 3 to 10 wt-% of a hydroxide and about 5 to 30 wt-% of a fluoride having a pH of at least about 12. By controlling a current density to about 10 to 200 mA/cm.sup.2, an increasing voltage differential is established between an anode comprising the pretreated article and a cathode also in contact with the electrolytic solution. Next, the article is immersed in an aqueous electrolytic solution having a pH of at least about 11 and which solution is prepared from components comprising a water soluble hydroxide, a water soluble fluoride source and a water soluble silicate in amounts to result in an addition of about 2 to 15 g of a hydroxide per liter of solution, about 2 to 14 g of a fluoride per liter of solution and about 5 to 40 g of a silicate per liter of solution.

Abstract: A two-step process for the coating of magnesium and its alloys is disclosed. The first step comprises immersing the magnesium workpiece in an aqueous solution comprising about 0.2 to 5 molar ammonium fluoride having a pH of about 5 to 8 and a temperature of about 40.degree. to 100.degree. C. The second step is an electrochemical treatment of the pretreated article in an aqueous electrolytic solution having a pH of at least about 12.5 and which solution comprises about 2 to 12 g/L of a aqueous soluble hydroxide, about 2 to 15 g/L of a fluoride-containing composition selected from the group consisting of fluorides and fluorosilicates, and about 5 to 30 g/L of a silicate. This process results in a superior coating which has increased abrasion and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A method for forming a ceramics film on the surface of a substrate comprises performing spark discharge in an electrolytic bath, wherein the electrolytic bath comprises an aqueous solution of a water-soluble or colloidal silicate and/or an oxyacid salt to which ceramics fine particles and/or specific fine particles are dispersed and the spark discharge is carried out in the electrolytic bath while ensuring the suspended state of the ceramics particles and/or the specific fine particles in the electrolytic bath. The method makes it possible to effectively form, on the surface of a metal substrate, ceramics films having a variety of color tones as well as excellent insulating properties and hardness. Moreover, it further makes it possible to effectively form a composite ceramics film having excellent wear resistance on the surface of a metal substrate.

Abstract: A metallized web of barrier packaging material e.g. metallized plastic film, is made transparent to microwaves (without loss of its barrier properties) by passing it through an electrolyte in a bath to anodize the metal and convert it to its oxide and/or hydroxide.