Abstract: Use of dry electrolytes to polish metal surfaces through ion transport. A conductive liquid of the dry electrolyte includes at least a sulfonic acid. According to one embodiment, the porous particles of the dry electrolyte include sulfonate polymer, such as, polystyrene divinylbenzene. According to one embodiment, the conductive liquid of the dry electrolyte includes methane-sulfonic acid. Preferably, the concentration of the sulfonic acid in relation to the solvent is ranging from 1 to 70%. Optionally, the conductive liquid of the dry electrolyte includes a complexing agent and/or a chelating agent.

Abstract: Use of dry electrolytes to polish metal surfaces through ion transport. A conductive liquid of the dry electrolyte includes at least a sulfonic acid. According to one embodiment, the porous particles of the dry electrolyte include sulfonate polymer, such as, polystyrene divinylbenzene. According to one embodiment, the conductive liquid of the dry electrolyte includes methane-sulfonic acid. Preferably, the concentration of the sulfonic acid in relation to the solvent is ranging from 1 to 70%. Optionally, the conductive liquid of the dry electrolyte includes a complexing agent and/or a chelating agent.

Abstract: The surface of a carbon fiber is electrochemically treated by a method to form nitrogen containing groups on the surface of the carbon fiber. The method comprises contacting a carbon fiber surface with an aqueous solution comprised of a non-cyclic aliphatic amine and water soluble inorganic hydroxide with said aqueous solution having a pH of at least 9. A positive electrical bias is then applied to the carbon fibers in the aqueous solution relative to another electrode in contact with the aqueous solution, wherein the positive electrical bias is at a voltage above the oxidation potential of water. The treated carbon fibers are useful for making epoxy reinforced carbon fiber composites.

Abstract: A method of treating a cutter element comprises contacting at least a portion of a volume of polycrystalline diamond with an electrolyte solution, applying an electrical current between the volume of the polycrystalline diamond and a counter electrode to maintain a predetermined electrochemical potential between a reference electrode and the volume of polycrystalline diamond, and corroding at least a portion of the catalyst material from the interstitial spaces between the diamond grains in the volume of polycrystalline diamond. The volume of the polycrystalline diamond comprises interbonded diamond grains and a catalyst material disposed in the interstitial spaces between adjacent diamond grains in the volume of polycrystalline diamond. The counter electrode is in contact with the electrolyte solution, and the electrical current is supplied at a substantially constant electrochemical potential between a reference electrode and the volume of polycrystalline diamond.

Abstract: Anode foil, preferably aluminum anode foil, is etched using a process of treating the foil in an electrolyte bath composition comprising a sulfate, a halide, an oxidizing agent, and a surface active agent. The anode foil is etched in the electrolyte bath composition by passing a charge through the bath. The etched anode foil is suitable for use in an electrolytic capacitor.

Abstract: A permeability evaluation method for evaluating permeability of heavy metal ions through a specimen, comprising a step of, in a state in which a first liquid containing heavy metal ions and a second liquid containing water and an organic solvent are separated by a specimen, applying a voltage between a positive electrode provided on the side of the first liquid and a negative electrode provided on the side of the second liquid and measuring the value of the current flowing between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, wherein the specimen contains an insulating material used in semiconductor production, and the heavy metal ion concentration of the first liquid is 0.5 mg/kg or more.

Abstract: Method for continuous electrolytic etching of a grain oriented electrical steel strip includes: forming an etch mask on a surface of a grain oriented electrical steel strip cold-rolled to final thickness with a linear exposed portion exposed from the etch mask; centering the grain oriented electrical steel strip with a position sensor and centering apparatus, which are placed immediately upstream of an electrolytic etching apparatus; and performing an electrolytic etching process in which electrolytic etching is performed in the electrolytic etching apparatus to form a linear groove on the surface of the grain oriented electrical steel strip by passing electric current between a conductor roll and electrode placed in an electrolytic bath while the grain oriented electrical steel strip is brought into contact with the conductor roll, the grain oriented electrical steel strip is immersed in the electrolytic bath and the grain oriented electrical steel strip is facing the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring metal ion permeability of a polymer film, comprising the steps of: applying a voltage to the polymer film at a temperature of 5° C. to 250° C., while one side of the polymer film is brought into contact with an electrolyte comprising metal ions, an organic solvent and an aqueous solvent; and measuring the change rate of resistance or change rate of current of the polymer film according to time, after the voltage is applied, and a device for measuring metal ion permeability of a polymer film used therefor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring metal ion permeability of a polymer film, comprising the steps of applying a voltage to the polymer film, while at least one side of the polymer film is brought into contact with an electrolyte comprising metal ions, an organic solvent and an aqueous solvent; and measuring the change rate of resistance or change rate of current of the polymer film according to time, after the voltage is applied, and a device for measuring metal ion permeability of a polymer film used therefor.

Abstract: An electroplating etching apparatus includes a power to output current, and a container configured to contain an electrolyte. A cathode is coupled to the container and configured to fluidly communicate with the electrolyte. An anode is electrically connected to the output, and includes a graphene layer. A metal substrate layer is formed on the graphene layer, and is etched from the graphene layer in response to the current flowing through the anode.

Abstract: An ink set includes a metallic ink composition containing a metal pigment and at least one curable ink composition selected from the group consisting of a chromatic ink composition, a black ink composition, and a white ink composition.

Abstract: A package substrate may include an insulating substrate, a first land array, a second land array, a first plating line and a second plating line. The first land array may be arranged on a first surface of the insulating substrate. The second land array may be arranged on a second surface of the insulating substrate opposite to the first surface. The second land array may be electrically connected to the first land array. The second land array may include outer lands and inner lands. The first plating line may be connected to the outer lands. The second plating line may be connected between the outer lands and the inner lands. The second plating line may have a width narrower than that of the first plating line. The second plating line may be removed by applying a removing current to the first plating line prior to the first plating line.

Abstract: A method and system for electrochemically machining a hollow body of a metal or a metal alloy. An electrode is positioned within a hollow body including a metal or metal alloy, where the hollow body has a variable internal diameter. The hollow body is oriented vertically, with the electrode oriented vertically therein. The hollow body is at least partially filled with an aqueous, acidic electrolyte solution, the electrolyte solution being devoid of hydrofluoric acid and having a viscosity less than 15 cP. An electric current is passed between the hollow body and the electrode, where the electric current includes a plurality of anodic pulses and a plurality of cathodic pulses, and where the cathodic pulses are interposed between at least some of the anodic pulses.

Abstract: Processes and systems for electrolytically processing a microfeature workpiece with a first processing fluid and an anode are described. Microfeature workpieces are electrolytically processed using a first processing fluid, an anode, a second processing fluid, and a cation permeable barrier layer. The cation permeable barrier layer separates the first processing fluid from the second processing fluid while allowing certain cationic species to transfer between the two fluids. The described processes produce deposits over repeated plating cycles that exhibit deposit properties (e.g., resistivity) within desired ranges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weld cleaning fluid, and method of cleaning weld or discolouration especially on stainless steel. Stainless steel welds, such as those done by TIG welding, require cleaning to remove the resulting surface discolouration and also to passivate the steel. This is often done using an electro-cleaning apparatus with the assistance of electrolyte cleaning fluids. A new cleaning fluid has been developed that has a generally neutral pH, instead of the highly acidic nature of previously used fluids, which avoids environmental and safety issues. The cleaning fluid composition preferably has potassium or sodium orthophosphate salts as the main active ingredient, or similar such salts, and has a pH of around 7. It may also include a sequestering or chelating agent such as a sodium and/or potassium salt of EDTA, and colouring and fragrance.

Abstract: A process for creating porous anode foil for use in an electrolytic capacitor of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator is provided. The process includes electrochemical drilling a plurality of etched metal foils in sequence one after the other in a bath containing electrochemical drilling (ECD) solution initially having a pH of less than 5. Alternatively, an etched foil sheet may be passed through the bath in a substantially continuous manner such that a portion of said etched foil sheet is in contact with the ECD solution is electrochemically drilled to generate pores.

Abstract: Anode foil, preferably aluminum anode foil, is etched using a process of treating the foil in an electrolyte bath composition comprising a sulfate and a halide, such as sodium chloride. The anode foil is etched in the electrolyte bath composition by passing a charge through the bath. The etched anode foil is suitable for use in an electrolytic capacitor.

Abstract: Methods of delaminating a graphene film (60) from a metal substrate (50) are disclosed that substantially preserve the metal substrate. The methods include forming a support layer (80) on the graphene film and then performing an electrochemical process in an electrochemical apparatus (10). The electrochemical process creates gas bubbles (36) at the metal-film interface (64), thereby causing the delamination. The graphene film and support layer form a structure (86) that is collected by a take-up roller (120). The support layer and graphene structure are then separated to obtain the graphene film.

Abstract: An electroplating etching apparatus includes a power supply to output current, and a container configured to contain an electrolyte. A cathode is coupled to the container and configured to fluidly communicate with the electrolyte. An anode is electrically connected to the output, and includes a graphene layer. A metal substrate layer is formed on the graphene layer, and is etched from the graphene layer in response to the current flowing through the anode.

Abstract: Semiconductors are electrochemically etched in solutions containing sources of bifluoride and nickel ions. The electrochemical etching may form pores in the surface of the semiconductor in the nanometer range. The etched semiconductor is then nickel plated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for removing materials from microfeature workpieces are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes providing a microfeature workpiece having a substrate material and a conductive material that includes a refractory metal (e.g., tantalum, tantalum nitride, titanium, and/or titanium nitride). First and second electrodes are positioned in electrical communication with the conductive material via a generally organic and/or non-aqueous electrolytic medium. At least one of the electrodes is spaced apart from the workpiece. At least a portion of the conductive material is removed by passing an electrical current along an electrical path that includes the first electrode, the electrolytic medium, and the second electrode. Electrolytically removing the conductive material can reduce the downforce applied to the workpiece.

Abstract: Method for the electrochemical etching of macropores in n-type silicon wafers, using illumination of the wafer reverse sides and using an aqueous electrolyte, characterized in that the electrolyte is an aqueous acetic acid solution with the composition of H2O:CH3COOH in the range between 2:1 and 7:3, with an addition of at least 9 percent by weight hydrofluoric acid.

Abstract: An aqueous electrolyte solution including a concentration of citric acid in the range of about 1.6 g/L to about 982 g/L and an effective concentration of ammonium bifluoride (ABF), and being substantially free of a strong acid. Methods of treating the surface of a non-ferrous metal workpiece include exposing the surface to a bath of an aqueous electrolyte solution including a concentration of citric acid less than or equal to about 300 g/L and a concentration of ammonium bifluoride greater than or equal to about 10 g/L, and having no more than about 3.35 g/L of a strong acid, controlling the temperature of the bath to be greater than or equal to about 54° C., connecting the workpiece to the anode of a DC power supply and immersing a cathode of the DC power supply in the bath, and applying a current across the bath.

Abstract: A process for creating porous anode foil for use in an electrolytic capacitor of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator is provided. The process includes electrochemical drilling a plurality of etched metal foils in sequence one after the other in a bath containing electrochemical drilling (ECD) solution initially having a pH of less than 5. Alternatively, an etched foil sheet may be passed through the bath in a substantially continuous manner such that a portion of said etched foil sheet is in contact with the ECD solution is electrochemically drilled to generate pores. Electrochemical drilling is achieved when a current is passed to the foil or portion of the foil sheet in solution.

Abstract: A copper foil for a printed wiring board, the copper foil being characterized by having, on at least one surface thereof, a roughed layer of the copper foil in which an average diameter at a particle root (D1) corresponding to a distance of 10% of a particle length from the root, is 0.2 ?m to 1.0 ?m, and a ratio of the particle length (L1) to the average diameter at the particle root (D1) is 15 or less when L1/D1. A copper foil for a printed wiring board, wherein a sum of area covered by holes on an uneven and roughened surface of a resin is 20% or more at a surface of the resin formed by laminating the resin and a copper foil for a printed wiring having a roughened layer and then removing the copper layer by etching. An object of the present invention is to develop a copper foil for a semiconductor package board in which the aforementioned phenomenon of circuit erosion is avoided without deteriorating other properties of the copper foil.

Abstract: A method of preparing a solution capable of etching a platable plastic. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an electrolyte comprising a solution of manganese(II) in a solution of 9 to 15 molar sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid to an electrolytic cell; (b) applying a current to the electrolytic cell, wherein the electrolytic cell comprises an anode and a cathode; and (c) oxidizing the electrolyte to form manganese(III) ions, wherein the manganese(III) ions form a metastable sulfate complex. Thereafter, a platable plastic may be immersed in the metastable sulfate complex for a period of time to etch the platable substrate prior to subsequent plating steps.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of stents with likely reduced rates of tissue perforation are provided. Some embodiments include reducing the profile of a portion of the stent using a wire profile reduction electropolishing bath and/or other wire profile reduction means.

Abstract: In a process for the operation of copper electrolysis cells including a plurality of anode and cathode plates arranged vertically and parallel to each other, a longitudinal electrolyte inflow and an electrolyte outflow, the electrolyte is injected via the electrolyte inflow horizontally and parallel to the electrodes in each electrode gap always at the height of the lower third of the electrodes at a speed of from 0.3 to 1.0 m/s, with the cathode plates being arranged stationarily relative to the inflow direction. As a result, an optimized flow guidance of the electrolyte with regard to the electrodes is achieved, resulting in an increase in the limiting current density.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the polishing of metallic dental prostheses, such as frames. In order to reproducibly obtain a defined surface roughness with no need for additional finishing, it is proposed for the dental prosthesis to be polished by means of plasma polishing.

Abstract: A resist film is formed on a cold-rolled steel sheet so as to fabricate a groove by etching. At this point, a steel sheet exposed portion where a portion of the steel sheet is exposed is formed in the resist film, and the steel sheet exposed portion has a first region oriented in a sheet width direction, and a plurality of second regions starting from the first region, widths of the first region and the second regions being 20 ?m to 100 ?m, and a distance from an end portion of one of the second regions to an end portion of another of the second regions adjacent thereto being 60 ?m to 570 ?m.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a printed wiring board, a via reaches from a surface copper layer to an inner-layer copper layer of a multilayer board, and copper layers and insulating layers are alternately layered. The wiring board is machined by a laser, and a process of machining the via includes forming a laser absorbing layer on a surface of a copper layer disposed on the surface of the multilayer board. The laser is irradiated, and an electrolytic etching and removal of the laser absorbing layer is carried out in this order.

Abstract: An aqueous electrolyte solution including a concentration of citric acid in the range of about 1.6 g/L to about 982 g/L and an effective concentration of ammonium bifluoride (ABF), and being substantially free of a strong acid. Methods of micropolishing a surface of a non-ferrous metal workpiece including exposing the surface to a bath of an aqueous electrolyte solution including a concentration of citric acid in the range of about 1.6 g/L to about 780 g/L and a concentration of ammonium bifluoride in the range of about 2 g/L to about 120 g/L and having no more than about 3.35 g/L of a strong acid, controlling the temperature of the bath to be between the freezing point and the boiling point of the solution, connecting the workpiece to an anodic electrode of a DC power supply and immersing a cathodic electrode of the DC power supply in the bath, and applying a current across the bath.

Abstract: The method of polishing a work is capable of reducing a polishing cost, polishing a surface of the work with high polishing accuracy and easily disposing used polishing liquid and used washing liquid. The method comprises the steps of: pressing the work onto a polishing member; feeding polishing liquid; and relatively moving the work with respect to the polishing member. Electrolytic reduced water produced by electrolyzing an electrolyte solution is used as the polishing liquid.

Abstract: Bare aluminum baffles are adapted for resist stripping chambers and include an outer aluminum oxide layer, which can be a native aluminum oxide layer or a layer formed by chemically treating a new or used bare aluminum baffle to form a thin outer aluminum oxide layer.

Abstract: Processes and systems for electrolytically processing a microfeature workpiece with a first processing fluid and an anode are described. Microfeature workpieces are electrolytically processed using a first processing fluid, an anode, a second processing fluid, and a cation permeable barrier layer. The cation permeable barrier layer separates the first processing fluid from the second processing fluid while allowing certain cationic species to transfer between the two fluids. The described processes produce deposits over repeated plating cycles that exhibit deposit properties (e.g., resistivity) within desired ranges.

Abstract: Provided is a method for processing glass, which can process glass with fewer steps and thus at less cost than of the conventional methods. In the present processing method, a part of a glass substrate (6) is locally dissolved, which part is located in the vicinity of a processing electrode (1), by causing the processing electrode (1), that acts as an anode, to be in contact with or in proximity to the glass substrate (6) in a processing liquid (8), the processing liquid containing fluoride ions, water, and an acid-generating assistant agent which is more easily oxidized than water and generates hydrogen ions upon being oxidized.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aluminium alloy lithographic sheet product having an enhanced electrolytic graining response in which Zn between 0.5 and 2.5 wt % is added to an aluminium base alloy, in particular an alloy of the 1XXX, 3XXX or 5XXX series alloys. The invention also relates to a method of producing a lithographic sheet product.

Abstract: A patterned magnetic recording media and method thereof is provided. A recording layer comprises a continuous surface of more-noble elements and less-noble elements, such as CoXYZ, wherein X can be Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Ir, Os, or Au, wherein Y can be null or Cr, and wherein Z can be null, Cu, Ta, Ti, O, B, Ag, or TiO2. The recording layer is masked, shielding areas for recording domains and exposing areas between the recording domains. A voltage bias establishes the substrate as an anode in the presence of Pt cathode, in an electrolyte bath. Ions of the less-noble element are anodically removed predominantly from the exposed areas of the recording layer for a controlled time. The controlled time minimizes oxidation of the nobler element and reduces undercutting of the recording domains. The article produced can have separating areas with surfaces substantially formed of the more-noble element.

Abstract: An aluminum article includes a substrate comprising a surface having a plurality of nano-pores defined therein; and a transparent vacuum deposition layer deposited on the surface and filling the nano-pores.

Abstract: A method of forming a silicon anode material for rechargeable cells includes providing a metal matrix that includes no more than 30 wt % of silicon, including silicon structures dispersed therein. The metal matrix is at least partially etched to at least partially isolate the silicon structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to A process for producing a transport- and storage-stable sheet-like oxygen-consuming electrode comprising providing an electrically conductive support, a gas diffusion layer, and a layer comprising a silver-based catalyst; coating the support with a silver oxide-containing intermediate; and at least partly electrochemically reducing the silver oxide-containing intermediate in an aqueous electrolyte at a pH of less than 8.

Abstract: An implant and method for producing an implant, in particular an intraluminal endoprosthesis, with a body, wherein the body contains iron or an iron alloy, comprising the following steps: a) providing the implant body (1), b) applying a metallic coating comprising as main constituent at least one element of the group containing tantalum, niobium, zirconium, aluminum, magnesium, vanadium, molybdenum, hafnium, and wolfram onto at least a portion of the body surface, and c) plasmachemical treatment of the portion of the body surface provided with the coating in an aqueous solution for producing a plasmachemically generated layer (3, 5, 7) by means of applying a plasma-generating pulsating voltage to the body of the implant, wherein the pulsating voltage has sufficient energy that the metallic coating (3, 5, 7) is temporarily and sectionally ionized up to the underlying implant body (1) in such a manner that the generated layer has pores (5) which extend at least partially up to the implant body.

Abstract: Processes and systems for electrolytically processing a microfeature workpiece with a first processing fluid and an anode are described. Microfeature workpieces are electrolytically processed using a first processing fluid, an anode, a second processing fluid, and an anion permeable barrier layer. The anion permeable barrier layer separates the first processing fluid from the second processing fluid while allowing certain anionic species to transfer between the two fluids. The described processes produce deposits over repeated plating cycles that exhibit resistivity values within desired ranges.

Abstract: Anode foil, preferably aluminum anode foil, is etched using a process of treating the foil in an electrolyte bath composition comprising a sulfate and a halide, such as sodium chloride. The anode foil is etched in the electrolyte bath composition by passing a charge through the bath. The etched anode foil is suitable for use in an electrolytic capacitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of electrochemical polishing of surfaces of cobalt or cobalt alloys. It employs an electrolyte comprising glycolic acid and at least one alkane-sulfonic acid with an alkyl residue that has 1 to 3 carbon atoms. This electrolyte is also one aspect of the present invention. In one embodiment, at least one alkane-sulfonic acid comprises methane-sulfonic acid. The electrolyte and the method using this electrolyte are suitable in particular for surfaces of cobalt or cobalt alloys, including cobalt-chromium alloys such as stellite.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and device for oxidative erosion or for decontamination of a metallic surface, comprising a step consisting of intermittently polarising the metallic surface to be eroded or decontaminated, placed in contact with a solution containing manganese VII, at a more anodic electric potential than the corrosion potential of said surface.

Abstract: Anode foil, preferably aluminum anode foil, is etched using a process of treating the foil in an electrolyte bath composition comprising a sulfate and a halide, such as sodium chloride. The anode foil is etched in the electrolyte bath composition by passing a charge through the bath. The etched anode foil is suitable for use in an electrolytic capacitor.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of polishing a substrate comprising at least one metal layer by applying an electrochemical potential between the substrate and at least one electrode in contact with a polishing composition comprising a reducing agent or an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for electrokinetic decontamination of a porous solid medium, which comprises: a) extracting the contaminating species present in the solid medium in an electrolyte appearing as an essentially inorganic gel, this extraction being obtained by applying an electric current between two electrodes positioned at the surface and/or in the interior of the solid medium, the contact of at least one of these electrodes with said solid medium being ensured by a layer of said gel, b) drying the gel containing the thereby extracted contaminating species until a dry residue is obtained which fractures, and c) removing the thereby obtained dry residue from said solid residue.