Abstract: A workpiece has a glossy coating layer disposed thereon. A barrel plating device is electrified with an alternating current, which has a voltage between 1V and 100V, a current density between 0.02 A/dm2 and 50 A/dm2, and a frequency between 1 Hz to 60 KHz. The alternating current is rectified by a low ripple DC rectifier into a direct current whose ripple coefficient is between 0.3% and 26%. Thereby, a surface of the workpiece is electroplated with the glossy coating layer, which contributes to a glossy and even effect on the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A system and process for reducing cosmetic defects such as black lines, and otherwise improving the final cosmetic appearance of anodized parts is disclosed. The process can include degreasing an aluminum or other metal part in a neutral to low alkaline solution having a mild detergent, chemically polishing the metal part with a specialized solution having one or more additives at an increased temperature for a reduced amount of time, and anodizing the metal part at a reduced voltage and for a reduced amount of time. An activating step can also be performed as part of the overall process. Tap water rinse, deionized water rinse, desmut, seal and bake procedures can also be performed on the metal part.

Abstract: There are provided a monocrystalline copper oxide (I) nanowire array manufacturing method using low-temperature electrochemical growth, and more particularly, to a manufacturing method allowing easy vapor deposition at low temperatures and also a monocrystalline copper oxide (I) nanowire array manufacturing method using low-temperature electrochemical growth which retains characteristics such as large-area growth, high-crystallinity nanowire, uniform radial distribution, easy length, radius adjustment, and the like. A monocrystalline copper oxide (I) nanowire array manufacturing method of the present invention includes a step of manufacturing a nanopore alumina layer (anodized alumina (AAO)) from a high-purity aluminum (Al) sheet by using a two-step anodic oxidation method; and a step of manufacturing a monocrystalline copper oxide (I) nanowire array by using the nanopore alumina layer as a nanopore molding flask by means of a low-temperature electrochemical growth method.

Abstract: Indium compositions including hydrogen suppressor compounds and methods of electrochemically depositing indium metal from the compositions onto substrates are disclosed. Articles made with the indium compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a carbonaceous material with less variation in facing relation between graphenes, a process for producing the carbonaceous material, a process for producing exfoliated graphite that enables easy and massive production of graphite flaked more than ever, and the exfoliated graphite. The carbonaceous material contains an intercalation substance intercalated between graphenes of a graphene stack and is expanded graphite which shows in an XRD pattern respective peaks in 7-12° and 18-24° ranges of 2? and in which a peak in 25-27° range has a smaller height than that in 18-24° range and a half width of the peak in 7-12° range is 4 degrees or less. The process for producing the carbonaceous material includes immersing at least a portion of sheet-like graphite or sheet-like pre-expanded graphite into an aqueous electrolyte solution to subject the graphite to an electrochemical treatment.

Abstract: Provided is an electrolytic copper foil having a surface roughness Rz of 2.0 ?m or less, wherein a foil thickness difference in the width direction is 1.5% or less. Also provided is the electrolytic copper foil, wherein the foil thickness difference in the width direction is 1.3% or less. Further provided is the electrolytic copper foil, wherein a variation in the roughness in the width direction (Rzmax?Rzmin)/Rzavg is 15% or less. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrolytic copper foil having low surface roughness, wherein the formation of an “elongation wrinkle” and a discolored streak along the length direction is suppressed by allowing the thickness to be uniform in the width and length directions.

Abstract: A carbon electrode of an embodiment includes: a graphene having a graphene skeleton, carbon atoms in the graphene skeleton being partially substituted by a nitrogen atom, wherein the graphene contains an oxygen atom, and the carbon electrode is doped with a cation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for safe and reliable electronic circuitry that can be employed in ingestible compositions. The ingestible circuitry of the invention includes a solid support; a conductive element; and an electronic component. Each of the support, conductive element and electronic component are fabricated from an ingestible material. The ingestible circuitry finds use in a variety of different applications, including as components of ingestible identifiers, such as may be found in ingestible event markers, e.g., pharma-informatics enabled pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of diazonium salts for the formation of thick layers on at least one surface of a substrate. The diazonium salts used in the invention have the following formula (I): wherein R is a group that can be electrochemically reduced in a reversible manner to a cathodic potential between 0 and ?1.5 V, E is a spacer chain consisting of at least one aromatic cyclic group having between 5 and 6 links, optionally containing at least one heteroatom preferably selected from N, S, O or P and optionally substituted by at least one group selected from the C1-C5 alkyls and the halogens, r is 1 or 2, m is a whole number between 1 and 5 inclusive, p is a whole number between 1 and 5, and B is a counter-ion. The invention can be especially applied to the field of gas sensors.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, inter alia, devices that include a film of antimicrobial titanium oxide. This film may be anatase phase and may be of sufficient thickness to confer a visually perceptible color on the devices. The devices may be implants, supports, or even fasteners. Also provided are methods of fabricating such devices, as well as kits that feature the disclosed devices.

Abstract: Nano-sized particles of carbon black and various metal ions are mixed to form substantially homogenous solutions or dispersions. The nano-sized particles of carbon black and metal ions are electroplated on various types of substrates as composites of one or more metals and substantially uniformly dispersed nano-sized particles of carbon black within the metals.

Abstract: Metal and metal alloys with sealed anodic oxide coatings with at least partial crystallinity are disclosed. Associated articles are correspondingly disclosed. The sealed anodic coatings exhibit steam, superheated steam, alkaline and acidic resistance. The crystalline sealed anodic oxide coating can be prepared by impregnation of pores of a metal or metal substrate with metal precursor species, conversion of the metal precursor species into metal hydroxides, thermal treatment to dry out moisture and to promote phase transformation of the metal hydroxide product into metal oxides solids and bonding with metastable metal oxide substance in the pore structure of the metal or metal alloy substrate, and hydrothermal sealing, to create sealed anodic coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to an element (10) including a body (11, 18, 18?) comprising at least one recess (12) forming the pattern cavity for a decoration (13), said at least one recess being entirely filled by a galvanic deposition (16) in order to form an element (10) inlaid with at least one metallic decoration (13) with improved visual quality. According to the invention, the element (10) includes a device for fixedly securing said at least one metallic decoration communicating with said at least one recess in order to improve the securing of said at least one decoration against said element. The invention concerns the field of timepieces or pieces of jewellery.

Abstract: An electroformed sheath for protecting an airfoil includes a sheath body and a mandrel insert is provided. The sheath body includes a leading edge. The sheath body includes a pressure side wall and an opposed suction side wall, which side walls meet at the leading edge and extend away from the leading edge to define a cavity between the side walls. The sheath body includes a head section between the leading edge and the cavity. The mandrel insert is positioned between the pressure side and suction side walls, and includes a generally wedge-shaped geometry. A method for protecting an airfoil includes: 1) securing a mandrel insert to a mandrel; 2) electroplating a sheath body onto the mandrel and the mandrel insert; 3) removing the mandrel from the sheath body so that a sheath cavity is defined within the sheath body; and 4) securing the airfoil within the sheath cavity.

Abstract: A magnesium alloy member having mechanical properties and corrosion resistance and a method of manufacturing the magnesium alloy member are provided. A magnesium alloy member has a base material made of a magnesium alloy, and an anticorrosive film formed on the base material. The base material is a rolled magnesium alloy including 5 to 11% by mass of Al. By using a base material including a large amount of Al, a magnesium alloy member having excellent mechanical properties and high corrosion resistance can be produced. In addition, by using a rolled material, the number of surface defects at the time of casting is small, and the frequency of compensation processes such as undercoating and puttying can be reduced.

Abstract: An article is provided, the article including a substrate having a surface with a first wettability characteristic. A nano-structure array is formed on the surface of the substrate to provide a nano-structured surface having a second wettability characteristic. A thin-layer surface coating is formed on the nano-structured surface, the thin-layer surface coating being configured to tune the nano-structured surface to a target wettability characteristic.

Abstract: An article is provided, the article including a substrate having a surface, a nano-structure array formed on the substrate, the nano-structure array including a plurality of nano-structures extending from the surface of the substrate, and a cover layer formed on and around the nano-structures to anchor the cover layer to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for preparing a composite material comprising electrically conductive or semiconductive nano-objects of elongate shape and an electrically conductive polymer matrix, said method comprising a step consisting in electrochemically deposing said matrix on said nano-objects using a pulsed galvanostatic technique. The present invention also concerns the composite material thus obtained and uses thereof.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel method for forming an electrolytic copper plating film having excellent adhesion on the surface of a rare earth metal-based permanent magnet. The method of the present invention as a means for achieving the object is characterized in that after a magnet is immersed in a plating solution, a cathode current density of 0.05 A/dm2 to 4.0 A/dm2 for performing an electrolytic copper plating treatment is applied thereto over 10 seconds to 180 seconds to start the treatment.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a wiring substrate from which a metal film cannot be detached easily. A process for forming a metal film comprises a step (X) of applying an agent containing a compound (?) onto the surface of a base and a step (Y) of forming a metal film on the surface of the compound (?) by a wet-mode plating technique, wherein the compound (?) is a compound having either an OH group or an OH-generating group, an azide group and a triazine ring per molecule, and the base comprises a polymer.

Abstract: Provided is a flat Ni particle which has a large specific surface area, permitting efficient binder removal when the flat Ni particle is used for internal electrodes of a laminated ceramic electronic component. The flat Ni particle has a thickness t (m), a specific gravity ? (g/m3), and a radius r (m), and a specific surface area S1 (m2/g), such that the specific surface area S1 is adapted to have a relationship of 1.5×S0<S1<1.9×S0 with a theoretical specific surface area in the case of assuming a surface to be completely smooth, represented by S0=2/(?×t)+2?2/(?×r)(m2/g).

Abstract: A method of forming a nano-structure (100?) involves forming a multi-layered structure (10) including an oxidizable material layer (14) established on a substrate (12), and another oxidizable material layer (16) established on the oxidizable material layer (14). The oxidizable material layer (14) is an oxidizable material having an expansion coefficient, during oxidation, that is more than 1. Anodizing the other oxidizable material layer (16) forms a porous anodic structure (16?), and anodizing the oxidizable material layer (14) forms a dense oxidized layer (14?) and nano-pillars (20) which grow through the porous anodic structure (16?) into pores (18) thereof. The porous structure (16?) is selectively removed to expose the nano-pillars (20). A surface (I) between the dense oxidized layer (14?) and a remaining portion of the oxidizable material layer (14) is anodized to consume a substantially cone-shaped portion (32) of the nano-pillars (20) to form cylindrical nano-pillars (20?).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electro-deposited copper-alloy foil excellent in infrared laser processability which enables uniform etching rate along a thickness direction in following etching process. To achieve the object, an electro-deposited copper-alloy foil obtained from electrolyzing of an electrolytic solution, wherein the electro-deposited copper-alloy foil has tin content of 8% by mass to 25% by mass is employed. In the electro-deposited copper-alloy foil, a grain in a crystal structure is preferably a columnar grain longitudinal along a thickness direction.

Abstract: A nano-structure (100, 100?) includes an oxidized layer (14?), and at least two sets (24, 24?) of super nano-pillars (20) positioned on the oxidized layer (14?). Each of the at least two sets (24, 24?) of super nano-pillars (20) includes a plurality of super nano-pillars (20), where each set (24, 24?) is separated a spaced distance from each other set (24, 24?).

Abstract: In order to increase the electrochemical stability of a cathode material for lithium cells, the cathode material includes an iron-doped lithium titanate. A method for manufacturing a lithium titanate includes: a) calcinating a mixture of starting materials to form an iron-doped lithium titanate; and b) at least one of electrochemical insertion and chemical insertion of lithium into the iron-doped lithium titanate.

Abstract: An article includes an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate, an anodic layer formed on the substrate, and an electroplating layer formed on the anodic layer. The anodic layer includes a barrier layer formed on the substrate, and a porous layer formed on the barrier layer. The anodic layer defines a plurality of through pores. A method for making the article is also provided.

Abstract: Nanostructured films including a plurality of nanowells, the nanowells having a pore at the top surface of the film, the pore defining a channel that extends downwardly towards the bottom surface of the film are provided. Also provided are methods including exposing a growth substrate to an anodizing bath, applying ultrasonic vibrations to the anodizing bath, and generating a current through the anodizing bath to form the nanostructured film. The nanostructured films may be formed from TiO2 and may be used to provide solid state dye sensitized solar cells having high conversion efficiencies.

Abstract: An electroplating method includes at least the following steps: providing a plastic substrate; forming a preliminary layer containing metal powder and paint on the plastic substrate; laser irradiating the preliminary layer to form an intermediate layer having the metal powder exposed thereon; and electroplating an electroplated layer on the intermediate layer. This electroplating method is simple and can be applied to all kinds of plastic substrate.

Abstract: A wear resistant ceramic coated aluminum alloy article. The article is made by a method including the steps of: a) immersing the article in an aqueous electrolyte containing from about 1.5 to about 2.5 grams per liter of alkali metal hydroxide and from about 6.5 to about 9.5 grams per liter of alkali metal silicate. No more than 1 g per liter of alkali metal pyrophosphate is present and no more than about 0.05 percent of hydrogen peroxide is present, and b) applying an alternating current through the electrolyte using the article as one electrode where a second electrode includes at least one of an electrically conductive container or an immersed separate electrode, where applied EMF is selected to provide a current density of from about 15 to about 25 A/dm2, for a sufficient time to obtain a wear resistant ceramic coating having a thickness of from about 125 to about 150 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention provides for safe and reliable electronic circuitry that can be employed in ingestible compositions. The ingestible circuitry of the invention includes a solid support; a conductive element; and an electronic component. Each of the support, conductive element and electronic component are fabricated from an ingestible material. The ingestible circuitry finds use in a variety of different applications, including as components of ingestible identifiers, such as may be found in ingestible event markers, e.g., pharma-informatics enabled pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A surface treatment for metal surfaces can be used to create one or more desired effects, such as functional, tactile, or cosmetic effects. In one embodiment, the treatment involves selectively masking a portion of the surface using a photolithographic process. The mask can protect the masked portion of the surface during subsequent treatment processes such as texturizing and anodization. The mask can result in the creation of a surface having contrasting effects. A pattern can be formed by the contrasting effects in the shape of a distinct graphic, such as a logo or text.

Abstract: An article having a metal surface is treated to have one or more desired effects, such as desired functional properties or a desired cosmetic appearance. The surface is anodized to create an oxide layer having pores therein and a metal deposition process is performed to deposit multiple different metals within the pores. A pretreatment act, such as degreasing, chemical etching, chemical polishing, and desmutting can also be conducted on the surface prior to anodization. The surface can also be dyed, sealed, and polished.

Abstract: A metal surface treated to have two anodized layers or regions may be used in electronic devices. The surface treatment may include performing a first anodization process to create a first anodized layer, removing the first anodized layer at select locations, and performing a second anodization process to create a second anodized layer at the select locations. The first and second anodized regions may have different decorative properties, such as color, and different structural properties, such as degree of abrasion resistance. One of the anodization processes may be hard anodization and the other may be standard anodization.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are functionalized polymers comprising ethylene and substituted ethylene segments, which have been crosslinked using a multifunctional thiol to enhance their crosslinking ability. These functionalized polymers are useful as film forming resins in cathodic electrocoating compositions. Also disclosed herein are aqueous dispersion compositions comprising the functionalized polymers and a process for coating various electrically conductive substrates.

Abstract: An anodized member includes a metal, and an anodic oxide coating that is formed on the surface of the metal. The surface of the anodic oxide coating includes a high-concentration layer that has a sealing metal content of 1.5 mmol/g or more. The high-concentration layer has a thickness of 0.15 ?m or more.

Abstract: An electrodeposited nano-twins copper layer, a method of fabricating the same, and a substrate comprising the same are disclosed. According to the present invention, at least 50% in volume of the electrodeposited nano-twins copper layer comprises plural grains adjacent to each other, wherein the said grains are made of stacked twins, the angle of the stacking directions of the nano-twins between one grain and the neighboring grain is between 0 to 20 degrees. The electrodeposited nano-twins copper layer of the present invention is highly reliable with excellent electro-migration resistance, hardness, and Young's modulus. Its manufacturing method is also fully compatible to semiconductor process.

Abstract: A complimentary polymer or “dual-polymer” electrochromic device and methods of preparing the same are provided.

Abstract: Free standing articles or articles at least partially coated with substantially porosity free, fine-grained and/or amorphous Co-bearing metallic materials optionally containing solid particulates dispersed therein, are disclosed. The electrodeposited metallic layers and/or patches comprising Co provide, enhance or restore strength, wear and/or lubricity of substrates without reducing the fatigue performance compared to either uncoated or equivalent thickness chromium coated substrate. The fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings comprising Co are particularly suited for articles exposed to thermal cycling, fatigue and other stresses and/or in applications requiring anti-microbial properties.

Abstract: Provided is a method of forming a uniform graphene layer on a substrate (metal- or conductive-polymer-coated, ITO) by doping expanded graphite using various kinds of dopants (Lewis acid) to grant a positive charge thereto, dispersing the doped expanded graphite in an organic solvent using ultrasonic waves to obtain a solution in which the graphene is dispersed in the organic solvent, and electrically applying a negative voltage to the solution.

Abstract: A Vanadium chemistry flow cell battery system is described. Methods of forming the electrolyte, a formulation for the electrolyte, and a flow system utilizing the electrolyte are disclosed. Production of electrolytes can include a combination of chemical reduction and electrochemical reduction.

Abstract: A method for treating a surface of a metal implant includes a polishing step, a grafting step. The polishing step includes polishing a surface of a metal implant to remove an uneven, natural oxide layer on the surface of the metal implant and to generate an even oxide layer on the surface of the metal implant. The grafting step includes grafting an anti-adhesion macromolecule on an outer face of the even oxide layer. A covalent bond between the anti-adhesion macromolecule and oxygen atoms on the outer face of the even oxide layer is formed, thus that a macromolecular anti-adhesion layer on the outer face of the even oxide layer can be created. The surface modifying step includes changing a property of the surface of the metal implant with the macromolecular anti-adhesion layer by high temperature and high pressure, providing the metal implant with high hydrophilicity.

Abstract: An improved catalyst coating comprising electrocatalytically active components based on ruthenium oxide and titanium oxide, especially for use in chloralkali electrolysis, is described. A production process for the catalyst coating and a novel electrode is also described.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a colored aluminum product or a colored aluminum alloy product includes the following steps of (i) subjecting a substrate made of aluminum or aluminum alloy to an anodic oxidation in a treatment solution containing phosphoric acid to form an anodic oxidation film having a plurality of pores on a surface of the substrate, (ii) treating the substrate with warm water having a temperature between 40 and 100° C., and (iii) immersing the substrate in a pigment composition for coloration includes pigment particles, a dispersing agent and water to fill the pigment particles into a plurality of the pores in the anodic oxidation film on the surface of the substrate, thereby performing coloration.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for cleaning and coating metal substrates, and the coated substrate formed therein, that include contacting the substrate with an acid and then contacting the cleaned substrate with an electrodepositable coating composition comprising a film forming polymer and a corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: A method of treating a metallic surface of an article including the steps of providing an article having a metallic surface; texturizing the surface using a laser to create a controlled pattern across the surface; and anodizing the surface. The controlled pattern may include a series of pits etched in a predetermined repeating pattern across the surface, such as an array of dots or a grid. The controlled pattern may also include a series of pits etched in a predetermined pseudo-random pattern across the surface.

Abstract: A method of forming anodic titanium oxide layers having dual-color appearance includes the following steps: providing a cleaned substrate; depositing a titanium film on the substrate; forming a mask of a desired pattern covering a portion of the substrate; carrying out a first anodization by immersing the substrate in an electrolytic solution as anode; applying a first direct-current voltage to produce a first titanium oxide layer; removing the mask; carrying out a second anodization by immersing the substrate in the electrolytic solution as anode; applying a second direct-current voltage having a value smaller than that of the first voltage to produce a second titanium oxide layer; and cleaning the coated substrate. The instant disclosure also includes an article made by the above method.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for electroforming a dome for use in a dome switch. A mandrel having several dome shapes incorporated in a planar surface is provided. The mandrel can serve as a cathode in an electroforming process to construct a sheet of domes, for example by enabling the deposition of a sheet of nickel on the mandrel. The domes can be singulated from the sheet for use as part of dome switches. The electroforming process may ensure that the domes have a uniform thickness and no internal stresses that may affect the performance of the domes.

Abstract: Coated articles comprising a decorative metal substrate and a transparent cured coating thereon containing inorganic particles in which the concentration of particles in the exposed surface region of the cured coating is greater than the bulk region of the coating. Preferably, the transparent coating is applied by electrodeposition.

Abstract: The present invention provides for safe and reliable electronic circuitry that can be employed in ingestible compositions. The ingestible circuitry of the invention includes a solid support; a conductive element; and an electronic component. Each of the support, conductive element and electronic component are fabricated from an ingestible material. The ingestible circuitry finds use in a variety of different applications, including as components of ingestible identifiers, such as may be found in ingestible event markers, e.g., pharma-informatics enabled pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A micro-nano composite structure and production method thereof, whereby a micro structure is fabricated by a first layer material, and then a second layer material (such as: aluminum) covers the micro structure which conducts current through the second layer material forming an anodized aluminum to produce a nanostructure, and this nanostructure is layered on the micro structure. This structure, when completed, can be used as a mold, moreover by using nano-imprinting technology this structure can be transferred onto a transparent polymer material in a one-time production process to produce one micro-nano composite structure, and achieving a reduction of the reflection coefficients and an increased transmittance, as well as raising the usage rate of the integrated light.