Abstract: An anodized layer formation method of an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: (a) providing an aluminum base which has a surface that is made of aluminum; (b) anodizing the surface to form a barrier-type alumina layer; and (c) after step (b), further anodizing the surface to form a porous alumina layer which has a plurality of minute recessed portions. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided that enables formation of a porous alumina layer which has an interpore distance of a desired magnitude with the use of an aluminum base which has a surface that is made of aluminum, irrespective of the surface form.

Abstract: An anodizing apparatus for forming an anodized film on the surface of a workpiece (11) made of aluminum or aluminum alloy includes a treatment tank (1) for containing an electrolytic solution, a cathode plate (2) disposed in the treatment tank, a supporting means (3) for supporting the workpiece so as to be immersed in the electrolytic solution, and a power supply (4) for continuously or intermittently applying a short-period bipolar or unipolar pulse voltage or an alternating voltage to between the workpiece and the cathode plate. The cathode plate (2) is arranged in a crosswise direction with respect to the workpiece (11).

Abstract: In a method for treating an aluminum article (10), flux is applied to an outer surface of the aluminum article (10). The outer surface of the aluminum article (10) is brazed. An oxide layer (36) is formed on the outer surface of the aluminum article (10) by anodizing the aluminum article (10), where a portion of the oxide layer (36) is formed between the flux and the outer surface of the aluminum article (10).

Abstract: The inventive method and device for vacuum-compression micro plasma oxidation relate to electrochemical processing of metal, in particular to micro plasma treatment in electrolyte solutions. The aim of said invention is to develop a method for obtaining qualitatively homogeneous coatings by micro-plasma oxidation on large-sized parts, including irregular shaped parts, or simultaneously on a great number of small parts. The second aim of the invention is to design a device for processing parts, having an extended surface area, by using low-power supplies. The inventive method for vacuum-compression micro-plasma oxidation of parts consists in dipping a processable part into an electrolyte solution pre-filled in a sealed container, in generating micro-plasma discharges on the surface of said part and, subsequently, in forming a coating, wherein the micro-plasma discharges are formed in low-pressure conditions above the electrolyte solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the coating of objects made of valve metals selected from aluminum, magnesium, titanium, niobium and/or zirconium and their alloys with an oxide ceramic layer formed from the metal which has a thin barrier layer as a boundary layer towards the metal whose surface has been coated with polymers, characterized in that said polymers are introduced into the capillary system of the oxide ceramic layer in the form of dimers or halogenated dimers of general formula I wherein R1 represents one or more hydrogen or halogen residues; each R2 represents hydrogen or halogen; and R3 commonly represent a corresponding xylylene residue for completing a dimeric structure; by vacuum coating, followed by polymerizing the dimers.

Abstract: An implant, in particular an intraluminal endoprosthesis, having an implant body (2, 4) containing an aluminum compound, preferably an aluminum alloy and/or aluminum oxide. Improved biocompatibility of the implant is achieved in that at least the part of the surface of the implant body (2, 4) which is formed by the aluminum compound has a first layer (6) which contains an aluminum phosphate. Furthermore, a cost-effective method for producing such an implant is described.

Abstract: An anodizing method for growing an anodized layer on a surface of aluminum in electrolyte is disclosed. The method comprises applying a DC/AC-combined pulse wave between an anode and a cathode. The DC/AC-combined pulse wave is provided by combining a DC pulse wave with an AC wave, and has a peak voltage at a start point of each pulse. The grown anodized layer may be equal to or less than 300 ?m in thickness, and the diameter of a cell in the anodized layer may range between 50 nm and 100 nm. The power supply used for anodizing may comprise a rectifying modulator unit, an AC modulating unit, a pulse wave synthesizing unit, and a control unit.

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 is aimed to fabricate nanoporous anodic oxide ceramic membrane tubes with excellent pore characteristics by anodizing metal tubes located in a cylindrical symmetry with respect to a cathode which itself has a cylindrical symmetry. The membrane tubes may have protruded portions acting as supports and joints. The present invention also deals with stacks and bundles consisted of numbers of the anodic oxide ceramic tubes for filter and dialysis applications.

Abstract: A robotic device has a base and at least one finger having at least two links that are connected in series on rotary joints with at least two degrees of freedom. A brushless motor and an associated controller are located at each joint to produce a rotational movement of a link. Wires for electrical power and communication serially connect the controllers in a distributed control network. A network operating controller coordinates the operation of the network, including power distribution. At least one, but more typically two to five, wires interconnect all the controllers through one or more joints. Motor sensors and external world sensors monitor operating parameters of the robotic hand. The electrical signal output of the sensors can be input anywhere on the distributed control network. V-grooves on the robotic hand locate objects precisely and assist in gripping. The hand is sealed, immersible and has electrical connections through the rotary joints for anodizing in a single dunk without masking.

Abstract: Systems, techniques and applications for nanoscale coating structures and materials that are superhydrophobic with a water contact angle greater than about 140° or 160° and/or superoleophobic with an oil contact angle greater than about 140° or 160°. The nanostructured coatings can include Si or metallic, ceramic or polymeric nanowires that may have a re-entrant or mushroom-like tip geometry. The nanowired coatings can be used in various self-cleaning applications ranging from glass windows for high-rise buildings and non-wash automobiles to pipeline inner surface coatings and surface coatings for biomedical implants.

Abstract: A process for substantially improving the heat transmission and reflection properties of anodized metals is presented along with a method of improving such properties while allowing for such processed anodized metals to be used for food contact.

Abstract: A metal substrate with an insulation layer has a metallic substrate having at least an aluminum base, and an insulation layer formed on the aluminum base of the metallic substrate. The insulation layer is a anodized film of aluminum that has a porous structure having plural pores and a Martens hardness of 1000 N/mm2 to 3500 N/mm2. A ratio of an average pore size of the plural pores to an average wall thickness of the plural pores ranges from 0.2 to 0.5.

Abstract: An anodic oxide film is formed on an aluminium or aluminium alloy work piece by forming an anodic oxide film on the work piece by AC electrolysis followed by subjecting the work piece to DC electrolysis. The AC anodizing step may be conducted at a voltage of 5 to 30V for 30 seconds to 10 minutes and the DC anodizing step may be conducted at a voltage of 5 to 30V for a period of 1 to 20 minutes. The anodic oxide coating is suitable for adhesive bonding of aluminium alloy work pieces.

Abstract: A membrane structure is provided. The membrane structure includes a first layer having a plurality of pores; and a second layer disposed on the first layer. The second layer has a plurality of unconnected pores. At least a portion of the plurality of unconnected pores of the second layer is at least partially filled with a filler such that the first layer is substantially free of the filler. At least a portion of the plurality of unconnected pores of the second layer is in fluid communication with at least one of the pores of the first layer. A method of making a membrane structure is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a first layer having a plurality of interconnected pores; disposing a second layer on the first layer, and filling at least a portion of the unconnected pores of the second layer with a filler such that the first layer is substantially free of the filler.

Abstract: A pellicle frame, including aluminum, aluminum oxide, and a transition metal.

Abstract: A manufacturing process of a high efficiency heat dissipating device includes a plate or cylinder base, and a plurality of fins assembled to the base. The base and the fins are made of aluminum. An oxide layer to improve heat radiating are formed to surface of the base or the fins by an anodizing process. A heat pipe is additionally arranged to conduct the heat from the base to the fins. Or, in a heat dissipating device consists of the heat pipe and the fins, oxide layers are formed to the surfaces of the fins by the anodizing process. By the above structure, a heat radiating effect is improved and a visible appearance, an anti-pollution ability are formed to the heat dissipating device.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a process for producing a composite of an aluminum material and a synthetic resin molding that can be produced at a high efficiency and to provide a stable and fast composite that is large in a peel strength and a mechanical strength. The process for producing a composite according to the present invention is characterized in that an aluminum raw material is oxidized in an electrolytic bath of phosphoric acid or sodium hydride, thereby an anodic oxidation coating provided with innumerable pores 3 having a diameter of 25 nm or more made open in the surface thereof is formed thereon, and a synthetic resin mold 6 is coupled with the anodic oxidation coating 2 in such a condition that the part 6a thereof is intruded in the innumerable pores.

Abstract: An anodizing method of the present invention is characterized in that in a state in which an outer peripheral surface of an aluminum pipe 2 for a photoconductor drum substrate is in contact with an electrolysis solution, a high-frequency voltage of 5 kHz or higher is applied to the electrolysis solution to conduct electrolysis to thereby form an anodic oxide film on the outer peripheral surface of the aluminum pipe 2. With this method, an anodic oxide film can be formed on the surface of the pipe, and an aluminum pipe free from burr-shaped convex defects can be produced. Furthermore, the anodizing for forming an anodic oxide film can be carried out at a higher rate, and an anodic oxide film with less electrolyte elution can be formed.

Abstract: A process for producing a composite of aluminum material and synthetic resin molding with high efficiency; and a stable fast composite exhibiting high peeling resistance and large mechanical strength. The process is characterized in that aluminum material (1) is anodized in electrolytic bath of phosphoric acid or sodium hydroxide to thereby form anodic oxidation coating (2) provided with innumerable pores (3) having a diameter of 25 nm or more made open in the surface thereof is formed thereon, and a synthetic resin mold (6) is coupled with the anodic oxidation coating (2) in such a condition that the portion (6a) of the synthetic resin molding (6) is intruded or anchored in the innumerable pores (3) of the anodic oxidation coating (2). By this process, composite (P) with the above properties can be easily obtained.

Abstract: Methods for producing an anodic aluminum oxide template having a plurality of pores arranged unevenly along substantially parallel lines, embodiments of the method comprising: providing a substrate of a commercial grade aluminum alloy, the substrate having substantially parallel lines formed in at least one surface; and anodizing the commercial grade aluminum alloy substrate to form the anodic oxide template. An anodic aluminum oxide template comprising a plurality of pores arranged unevenly along substantially parallel lines extending across a surface of the anodic aluminum oxide template. An ordered carbon nanotube array comprising carbon nanotubes extending from pores of an anodic aluminum oxide template as defined above and in which the aluminum substrate is intact.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microstructure comprising an aluminum anodized film bearing through micropores, wherein a surface of the microstructure is covered with a protective film for preventing hydration of the aluminum anodized film. The microstructure may be used as a porous alumina membrane filter excellent in filtration rate and its stability with time.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to obtain an aluminum or aluminum alloy member having a uniform and dense anodic oxide film having sufficient corrosion and impact resistances. Provided is an anodic oxide film which has been formed on the surface of aluminum or aluminum alloy, the film comprising cells which have grown in random directions relative to the surface of the aluminum or aluminum alloy and thus have no orientation.

Abstract: A microstructure includes an anodized aluminum layer that has on a surface thereof micropores, at least some of which contain a catalyst, in a micropore array with a degree of ordering of at least 40%. A method of manufacturing the microstructure includes anodizing an aluminum member to form on its surface an anodized layer having micropores, removing the aluminum member, and supporting a catalyst on at least part of the anodized layer. The microstructure is excellent in heat resistance.

Abstract: A method of enhancing thermal management of an electronic device comprising the steps of; forming an ALOX™ interconnect substrate; taking an electronic device; and interconnecting the electronic device to the interconnect substrate to yield a substantial split of thermal and electrical paths in the interconnect substrate.

Abstract: An anodic oxide coating has fewer irregularities and has a nonuniform film thickness, and an anodic oxidation method yields the coating. Specifically, an anodic oxidation method of an aluminum or aluminum alloy member applies a voltage to a process component immersed in a processing bath, the process component made of any of aluminum and aluminum alloy members containing at least any of an impurity and an additive.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode having a nano-hollow array on the surface thereof, the nano-hollow array comprising a plurality of nano-pores or nano-balls, each pore having a diameter of less than 500 nm, formed by a process comprising depositing a uniform metal film on the electrode structure surface at a rate of 2 ? per second or less, annealing the metal film under rapid anneal conditions at a temperature within about 100 degrees of the melting point of the metal film and without subjecting the metal film to a temperature ramp-up to create metal droplets, and anodizing and over-anodizing the metal droplets in the presence of an anodization agent for the metal at from 20 to 200 volts at 0.1 to 2 amps to create nano-pores in the metal droplets or nano-balls to, creating increased surface area and increased electric field around the electrode which enhances speed of fill gas ionization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of anodizing a component, preferably aluminum, is disclosed. The component is placed in an electrolyte solution. A number of pulses are applied to the solution and component. Each pulse is formed by a pattern including having three magnitudes. The third magnitude is less, preferably substantially less, than the first and second magnitudes, and all three magnitudes are of the same polarity. The pulse pattern may include alternations between the first and second magnitudes, and following the alternations, the third magnitude. Other patterns may be provided. The solution is in a reaction chamber, along with at least a portion of the component. The fluid enters the reaction chamber from a transport chamber through a plurality of inlets directed toward the component, preferably at an angle of between 60 and 70 degrees. The inlet is preferably the cathode, and the component is the anode, whereby current flows between the cathode and the anode in another embodiment.

Abstract: A method of providing a corrosion-resistant coating on a surface of an aluminum component comprises anodizing the surface of the aluminum component to form an anodized aluminum oxide layer and sputter coating a sputtered layer on the anodized aluminum oxide layer. A coated aluminum component can be used in a substrate processing chamber and comprises an aluminum body, an anodized aluminum oxide layer formed on the aluminum body, and a sputtered layer comprising aluminum oxide on the anodized aluminum oxide layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microstructure wherein an aluminum member having an aluminum substrate and a micropore-bearing anodized film present on a surface of the aluminum substrate is subjected at least to, in order, a pore-ordering treatment which involves performing one or more cycles of a step that includes a first film dissolution treatment for dissolving the anodized film until a barrier layer has a thickness of 3 to 50 nm, and an anodizing treatment which follows the first film dissolution treatment; and a second film dissolution treatment for dissolving the anodized film so that a ratio of a diameter of a micropore opening “a” to a micropore diameter at a height “a/2” from a micropore bottom “b” (a/b) is in a range of 0.9 to 1.1, whereby the microstructure having micropores formed on a surface thereof is obtained. The manufacturing method enables microstructures having an ordered array of pits to be obtained in a short period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a microstructure, wherein an aluminum substrate is subjected to, in order, (1) a step of subjecting a surface of the aluminum substrate to a first anodizing treatment to form an anodized film having micropores on the surface of the aluminum substrate; (2) a step of partially dissolving the anodized film using an acid or alkali; (3) a step of performing a second anodizing treatment to grow the micropores in their depth direction; and (4) a step of removing a part of the anodized film above inflection points in cross section of the micropores, whereby the microstructure having the micropores formed at a surface of the anodized film is obtained and a microstructure manufactured by the method. The method is capable of obtaining in a short period of time a microstructure having an ordered array of pits without using highly toxic chromic (VI) acid.

Abstract: An electrolyte solution for anodizing a metal and a capacitor comprising the anodized metal. The electrolyte comprises more than about 5%, by weight, and less than about 30%, by weight, water; about 0.1 to 20%, by weight, ionogen and an aprotic polar solvent. The ionogen comprises phosphoric acid and an alkanol amine in an amount, and ratio, sufficient to maintain a pH of about 4 to about 9.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a microstructure, an aluminum member having an aluminum substrate and a micropore-bearing anodized layer present on a surface of the aluminum substrate is subjected at least to, in order, a pore-ordering treatment which involves performing one or more cycles of a step that includes a first film dissolution treatment for dissolving 0.001 to 20 wt % of a material constituting the anodized layer and an anodizing treatment which follows the first film dissolution treatment; and a second film dissolution treatment for dissolving the anodized layer, thereby obtaining the microstructure having micropores formed on a surface thereof. This method enables a microstructure having an ordered array of pits to be obtained in a short period of time.

Abstract: A fluid control device has very fine pores with an average diameter not greater than 10 nm and provides a large flux. The fluid control device comprises an anodized alumina film having fine pores and a silicon based micro-porous film having very fine pores and made from an AlSi mixed film and the fine pores and the very fine pores are at least partly linked with each other. The fluid control device is prepared from a film including at least an aluminum layer and an AlSi mixed film by forming an anodized alumina film having fine pores by way of an anodization process for the aluminum layer part and also forming a silicon based micro-porous film having very fine pores containing silicon as principal ingredient by way of an anodization process or etching process for the AlSi mixed film. The fluid control device can be used as filter or ultrafilter film that allows fluid and gas to pass through it.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and a process for making the article by generating corrosion-, heat- and abrasion-resistant ceramic coatings comprising titanium and/or zirconium dioxide using direct and alternating current on anodes comprising aluminum and/or titanium. Optionally, the article is coated with additional layers, such as paint, after deposition of the ceramic coating.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and a process for making the article by the anodization of aluminum and aluminum alloy workpieces to provide corrosion-, heat- and abrasion-resistant ceramic coatings comprising titanium and/or zirconium oxides, and the subsequent coating of the anodized workpiece with polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”) or silicone containing coatings. The invention is especially useful for forming longer life PTFE coatings on aluminum substrates by pre-coating the substrate with an anodized layer of titanium and/or zirconium oxide that provides excellent corrosion-, heat- and abrasion-resistance in a hard yet flexible film.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an article, comprising: a substrate having a surface comprising aluminum or an aluminum alloy; a sealed anodic coating layer overlying at least part of the surface of the substrate; and a layer of a silicon-containing polymer overlying the sealed anodic coating layer. The article may be useful as a brake or wheel component.

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: A fabricating method of field emission triodes is provided. First, a cathode conductive layer, an insulator layer, and a gate layer are formed on a substrate. An opening is formed in the insulator layer and the gate layer to expose a portion of the cathode conductive layer. A metal layer is formed on the cathode conductive layer. A first anodization is performed so as to form a first metal anodization layer from a portion of the metal layer. After the first metal anodization layer is removed, a second metal anodization layer having a plurality of pores is formed. Thereafter, a catalyst layer is formed in the pores. Then, a plurality of carbon nanotubes are formed in the pores.

Abstract: An anodized coating suitable for formation of highly regulated pores is provided. A method for production of a structure having pores characterized by including the steps of: forming starting points at predetermined intervals in an aluminum alloy formed on a substrate, and forming pores by anodization with the starting points as origins. In another embodiment, first and second aluminum alloy layers are anodized to form pores penetrating into the layers, wherein a diameter of a pore in the first alloy is different from a diameter of a pore in the second alloy. In an additional embodiment, a substrate is anodized to form pores, wherein the substrate contains an additive which changes the diameter within each pore, the amount of the additive continuously changing along the direction perpendicular to the substrate.

Abstract: Using aqueous electrolytes containing complex fluorides or oxyfluorides such as fluorozirconates and fluorotitanates, ferrous metal articles and non-metallic articles having a first coating containing aluminum may be rapidly anodized to form a second protective surface coating. White coatings may be formed on articles using pulsed direct current or alternating current.

Abstract: In an anodized electrode which comprises a substrate, a vacuum deposited porous coating thereon comprising at least one substance selected from valve metals, valve metal oxides and mixtures thereof, and at least one ectrolytically produced anodized layer selected from valve metal oxides and mixtures thereof, the effective surface area is increased prior to deposition of the at least one anodized layer, e.g. by oxidizing the surface of the porous layer and removing thus formed oxide, and/or by roughening the surface of substrate mechanically, chemically and/or electrochemically, prior to vapor deposition.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a metal member, a metal material containing aluminum as a main component is anodized in an anodization solution having a pH of 4 to 10 and containing a nonaqueous solvent having a dielectric constant smaller than that of water and capable of dissolving water, thereby forming a nonporous amorphous aluminum oxide passivation film on a surface of the metal member. The method includes a step of controlling the viscosity of the anodization solution. In the step of controlling the viscosity, the viscosity of the anodization solution is lowered by elevating the temperature of the anodization solution above the room temperature or by adding to the anodization solution a substance having a dielectric constant smaller than that of water and a viscosity lower than that of the nonaqueous solvent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anodizing a component. The component is placed in a container having first and second seal members that seal an annular surface of the component to be anodized. The first and second seal members, the annular surface of the component, and an inner surface of the container form a reaction chamber that holds a reaction medium therein. The reaction medium is supplied to the reaction chamber through a supply passage formed in the container. The reaction medium is drained from the reaction chamber through a drain passage formed in the container.

Abstract: A surface treatment process for a welded metal article includes following steps. Firstly, a metal article with a weld joint region is provided. Secondly, the metal article is anodized to form an anodic oxide layer on a surface thereof. Thirdly, the surface of the anodized metal article is rinsed. Fourthly, at least the anodized surface of the metal article in the region of the weld joint region is activated in a nitric acid solution. Fifthly, the anodized surface (i.e., the anodic oxide layer) of the metal article is dyed. Sixthly, the anodic oxide layer of the metal article is sealed. Finally, the metal article is rinsed.

Abstract: A surface treatment process for a metal article includes the following steps. Firstly, a metal article is provided. Secondly, the metal article is anodized to form an anodic oxide layer on a surface thereof. Thirdly, the surface of the metal article is rinsed. Fourthly, the surface of the metal article is dyed. Fifthly, the now-dyed anodic oxide layer of the metal article is sealed. Finally, the metal article is rinsed using an acetic acid solution.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrical interconnect on an integrated lead suspension or suspension component of the type formed from a laminated sheet of material having a stainless steel layer, a conductive lead layer and an insulating layer separating the stainless steel and conductive lead layers. An aperture is formed through at least the insulating layer to expose the stainless steel layer at an interconnect site. An interconnect mask is applied around the interconnect site. Conductive material is electroplated onto the stainless steel layer at the interconnect site to form a plated interconnect. The mask is then removed. The method is used to form an interconnect bond pad on the same side of the stainless steel layer as the conductive lead layer in one embodiment.

Abstract: A method is provided for electroplating a gate metal or other conducting or semiconducting material directly on a dielectric such as a gate dielectric. The method involves selecting a substrate, dielectric layer, and electrolyte solution or melt, wherein the combination of the substrate, dielectric layer, and electrolyte solution or melt allow an electrochemical current to be passed from the substrate through the dielectric layer into the electrolyte solution or melt. Methods are also provided for electrochemical modification of dielectrics utilizing through-dielectric current flow.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing nanowires (104) is provided, according to which method the nanowires are prepared by anodic etching a semiconductor substrate (10) with an alternating current density, so as to create first regions (4) and second regions (5) with different diameters. Thereafter, the diameters are reduced by preferably repeated oxidation and etching. Finally, the nanowires (104) are dispersed in a dispersion by ultrasonic vibration, through which the coupled nanowires split into individual nanowires of substantially uniform length. The nanowires may then be provided with a surface layer of a suitable material, for instance a luminescent material.

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.