Abstract: Processes for preparation of an epitaxial graphene surface to make it suitable for deposition of high-? oxide-based dielectric compounds such as Al2O3, HfO2, TaO5, or TiO2 are provided. A first process combines ex situ wet chemistry conditioning of an epitaxially grown graphene sample with an in situ pulsing sequence in the ALD reactor. A second process combines ex situ dry chemistry conditioning of the epitaxially grown graphene sample with the in situ pulsing sequence.

Abstract: A solder paste printing stencil apparatus for printing a solder paste on a printed circuit board includes a plate-shaped stencil mask made of fine stainless steel grains to suppress a phenomenon in which the solder paste adheres to the stencil mask.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide textured surfaces to be lubricated, the texturing to enhance the effectiveness of the intended nano-lubrication. The texturing may make asperities and depressions in the surface to be lubricated. This texturing may be executed, for example, by chemical etching, laser etching, or other techniques. This texturing may create locations in the lubricated surface to hold or anchor the intended nano-lubricants, to facilitate the creation of a tribo-film on the surface when the lubricated surface is used under pressure, and resulting in delivery of multiple chemistries from the nano-lubricant.

Abstract: Various processes for creating mirrored features are discussed herein as well as devices that include the mirrored features. One embodiment includes a button having a transparent layer and an opaque layer coupled to the transparent layer. A portion of the transparent layer extends through the opaque layer so that the portion of the transparent layer is flush with a back surface of the opaque layer and generally has a shape of a desired feature. The button also includes a reflective object positioned so that it may be seen through the transparent layer.

Abstract: A method of a pre-treatment process for coating notably improves both the surface roughness of a coating layer of a cemented carbide cutting tool and the bonding force of the coating layer to the substrate. According to the method, a sintered surface layer within a range of 0.5-5 ?m, which corresponds to the tungsten carbide particle size of a substrate, is properly removed from the substrate surface of a cemented carbide cutting tool. Thus, a porous sintered surface layer having a non-uniform structure is removed and a substrate surface having high structure density and evenness is provided compared to blasting pre-treatment. In order to obtain a sufficient bonding force between a coating layer and the substrate, the surface ratio of open pores, which exist around tungsten carbide particles appearing by removal of the porous sintered surface, is equal to or more than 5%.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resin-metal bonded article which is improved in adhesion between a copper component and a PPS or PBT resin. Also disclosed is a method for producing such a resin-metal bonded article. The resin-metal bonded article is obtained by bonding the resin component onto the surface of the copper component through a copper component bonding surface where there is copper oxide in the following range: 10%?Cu2O/(Cu2O+CuO)?75%. Preferably, this resin-metal bonded article further contains a triazine thiol derivative in the resin-component-side bonding surface of the copper component.

Abstract: The invention relates to razors and razor blade cartridges and methods of manufacture therefore including at least one razor blade housing made from polymer material and at least one skin contacting surface, the at least one skin contacting surface being made of a superhydrophillic polymer material. The polymer material has surface properties modified by functionalisation. Preferably the polymer material is a TPU or TPE, with a Rockwell hardness D scale between 30 D and 85 D, a tensile strength between 35 and 80 MPA and a flexural modulas between 40 and 2350 MPA The invention also relates to a method of manufacture of a razor blade cartridge including the steps of moulding a cartridge housing including skin contacting surfaces of polymeric material; subsequently activating the skin engaging surfaces of the polymer using either physical or chemical means to make the surface receptive to the covalent grafting of a monomer, and grafting a functional group onto the surface such as an N-vinyl lactam.

Abstract: A manufacturing method includes forming one or more grooves in a component that comprises a substrate with an outer surface. The substrate has at least one interior space, and each groove extends at least partially along the substrate and has a base. The manufacturing method further includes forming one or more access holes through the base of a respective groove, to connect the groove in fluid communication with the respective hollow interior space. The manufacturing method further includes forming at least one connecting groove in the component, such that each connecting groove intersects at least a subset of the one or more grooves. The manufacturing method further includes disposing a coating over at least a portion of the outer surface of the substrate, such that the groove(s) and the coating together define one or more channels for cooling the component.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method of forming a superhydrophobic surface. The method includes: preparing a surface of a substrate of a first material; modifying the surface through an etching process to generate a plurality of nucleation sites in an array; forming, by using glancing angle deposition, a plurality of nano-rods of a second material and each at a respective one of the plurality of nucleation sites in the array; and depositing a conformal coating on the plurality of nano-rods.

Abstract: A method for activating silicone rubber surfaces comprising steps of: i) swelling at least the surface of the silicone rubber matrix with a silicone rubber swelling solvent; ii) treating the silicone rubber matrix during or after the swelling with a solution comprising at least a reactive silane, the reactive silane comprising: a) at least one Si—C bond and; b) at least one hydrolytically labile bond linked to at least one of the Si atoms present in the reactive silane and; c) at least one functional group F1 connected via a Si—C bond to the same or an other Si atom present in the reactive silane, the functional group comprising electrophilic and/or nucleophilic moieties, and/or at least one functional group F2 connected via a Si—C bond to the same or an other Si atom present in the reactive silane comprising moieties which become electrophilic or nucleophilic moieties by a mechanism selected from the group consisting of ring opening of a cyclic structure, hydrolysis, displacement or by a migration reaction;

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for producing a plastic container with a barrier coating comprising a) applying at least one coating layer of a first polyvinyl acetal on at least a part of the plastic container; b) applying at least one coating layer of polyvinyl alcohol on the first polyvinyl acetal layer; c) applying at least one top coating layer of a second polyvinyl acetal on the polyvinyl alcohol layer. The surface of the plastic container may be pre-treated before coating. In addition to the barrier coating, the surface energy of at least a part of the inside surface of the plastic container may be increased by applying at least one inner hydrophilic coating layer.

Abstract: Provided herein are multi-layered coatings, suitable to be disposed on various substrates, as well as processes for producing the coatings. Coatings according to some embodiments of the disclosure are provided on a substrate by coating the substrate with a first layer, optionally coating the first layer with a second layer, and coating the second layer, when selected to be present with a top layer. Coating structures as provided herein can be applied to a substrate such as a garage floor, a truck bed, railcar, seatainer, tractor-trailers and the like within a single day, and can often be ready for human foot traffic within 2-4 hours after application of the top layer and can be ready for heavy traffic such as automobiles within 12-24 hours after application of the top layer.

Abstract: A water-soluble substrate, and more particularly a water-soluble substrate that is resistant to dissolution, and methods of making the same are disclosed. The water-soluble substrate has a first and second surface. Water-insoluble particles are applied to and partially embedded in at least one of said first and second surfaces, thereby forming protruberances on said first and/or second surface. The protruberances have an average height of from 10 nanometer to 100 micrometer, and the average distance between adjacent peaks of said protruberances is from 10 nanometer to 200 micrometer. Articles, such as pouches, made from the water-soluble substrate, are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for coating a surface of a substrate in (co)polymer with a metal material is provided. The method may comprise the successive steps of (a) subjecting the surface to an oxidizing treatment by a chemical reaction of the Fenton type in the presence of at least one precursor of the metal material and (b) transforming the precursor into the metal material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of forming crystalline tantalum pentoxide on a ruthenium-containing material having an oxygen-containing surface wherein the oxygen-containing surface is contacted with a treating composition, such as water, to remove at least some oxygen. Crystalline tantalum pentoxide is formed on at least a portion of the surface having reduced oxygen content.

Abstract: Provided is a process for forming a durable anti-fouling coating on a substrate including: (a) modifying a surface of the substrate using a surface modification means; (b) applying a first coating composition to at least a portion of the modified substrate surface to form a first coating, the composition containing a first perfluoropolyether modified silane; (c) curing the first coating at a temperature and a relative humidity sufficient to promote hydrolysis of the perfluoropolyether modified silane component; (d) optionally, modifying the surface of the cured first coating using the same or different surface modification means as was used in (a); (e) applying a second coating composition to the cured first coating to form a second coating thereover, the composition containing a second perfluoropolyether modified silane; and (f) curing the second coating at a temperature and a relative humidity sufficient to promote hydrolysis of the second perfluoropolyether modified silane.

Abstract: A method for preparing a surface of a substrate is provided. The method includes scanning the surface of the substrate by a meniscus, preparing the surface of the substrate using the meniscus, and performing a next preparation operation on the surface of the substrate that was prepared without performing a rinsing operation.

Abstract: A substrate processing method comprises: an execution step of executing the first processing for the plurality of substrates, and executing the second processing for the substrates having undergone the first processing; a recovery step of recovering the plurality of substrates having undergone the first processing and the second processing to the retraction chamber; a conditioning step of, after completion of the first processing for the last substrate among the plurality of substrates, loading a dummy substrate into the first processing chamber, executing the third processing for the dummy substrate, and unloading the dummy substrate from the first processing chamber; and a second execution step of, after the dummy substrate is unloaded from the first processing chamber in the conditioning step, loading the substrates recovered in the recovery step into the first processing chamber, and executing the third processing for the substrates loaded into the first processing chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating an article surface. The method comprises removing a metal oxide surface from the metal substrate to expose a metal surface; and delivering particles comprising a dopant from at least one fluid jet to the metal surface to impregnate the surface of the article with the dopant. The method also comprises delivering substantially simultaneously a first set of particles comprising a dopant and a second set of particles comprising an abrasive from at least one fluid jet to a surface of an article to impregnate the surface of the article with the dopant.

Abstract: This invention relates in part to processes wherein a polyamide polymer surface is chemically treated prior to applying a coating containing metal, and such metal coated polyamide articles. Treatment of the polyamide surface with an aqueous base wash after surface preparation with acid results in polyamide surfaces which provide superior adhesion to metals than polyamide surfaces which have not undergone a base wash before metal deposition.

Abstract: A method for making a composite structure or a portion of a composite structure of a braking band of a brake disc, unusually capable of obtaining a structure with an especially long life, comprising at least the following steps: making a composite ceramic structure, comprising carbon fibre filaments, silicon and silicon carbides, obtaining a body of a braking band comprising at least one braking surface; processing said braking surface removing a surface layer so as to have carbon not bonded with the silicon on surface; removing at least partly the carbon not bonded with silicon from the surface; depositing an anchoring substrate on said braking surface; and depositing a protective coating on said anchoring substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a microbial substance-releasing layer on a technical surface. The inventive method comprises three steps: a) producing a solution from polyvinylacetate, a preservative agent and a solvent, b) applying the solution to the technical surface, and c) drying the solution applied to the technical surface while forming the layer. The inventive method is characterized by using benzoic acid, sorbic acid, natamycin, bacteriocines, plant extracts or mixtures thereof as the preservative agent and an ethanol/water mixture, ethyl acetate or acetone as the solvent.

Abstract: A component is disclosed. The component includes a substrate made of a ferrous metal, and a coating on a surface of the substrate. The coating includes a compound having an empirical formula FexMnyOz, where x varies from about 0 to about 2, y varies from about 1 to about 4, and z varies from about 2 to about 8.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermal interface material, comprising providing a sheet comprising nano-scale fibers, the sheet having at least one exposed surface; and stabilizing the fibers with a stabilizing material disposed in at least a portion of a void space between the fibers in the sheet. The fibers may be CNT's or metallic nano-wires. Stabilizing may include infiltrating the fibers with a polymerizable material. The polymerizable material may be mixed with nano- or micro-particles. The composite system may include two films, with the fibers in between, to create a sandwich. Each capping film may include two sub films: a palladium film closer to the stabilizing material to improve adhesion; and a nano-particle film for contact with a device to be cooled or a heat sink.

Abstract: Metalized plastic substrates, and methods thereof are provided herein. The method includes providing a plastic substrate having a plurality of accelerators dispersed in the plastic substrate. The accelerators have a formula selected from the group consisting of: CuFe2O4-?, Ca0.25Cu0.75TiO3-?, and TiO2-?, wherein ?, ?, ? denotes oxygen vacancies in corresponding accelerators and 0.05???0.8, 0.05???0.5, and 0.05???1.0. The method further includes removing at least a portion of a surface of the plastic substrate to expose at least a first accelerator. The method further includes plating the exposed surface of the plastic substrate to form at least a first metal layer on the at least first accelerator, and then plating the first metal layer to form at least a second metal layer.

Abstract: A stent of variable surface area as determined by stent struts. The stent can have a variable surface area per unit length which accommodates a therapeutic agent. A patterned distribution of therapeutic agent can be provided throughout the stent. The stent can have an increased level of therapeutic agent near an end of the stent. A decreased level of therapeutic agent can be provided near an end of one embodiment of a stent. Indentations can be provided at the surface of the stent with therapeutic agent disposed therein. The stent can be cut with struts of variable thickness to provide the variable stent surface area.

Abstract: A molecular adsorber coating for collecting and retaining outgassed molecular effluent may include a mass fraction of about 0.20 to about 0.40 of zeolite, a mass fraction of about 0.40 to about 0.80 of a binder, and a mass fraction of about 0.0 to about 0.30 of water. The mass ratio of the binder to the zeolite may be in a range of about 1.6 to about 2.4. The binder may comprise, on a mass basis, about 30 to about 40 percent particles of nonporous silica dispersed in a liquid phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides hydrogel coated, implantable medical devices and methods of coating hydrogels onto implantable medical devices. In one embodiment, a hydrogel coated medical device is formed by physically treating a surface of the medical device, chemically treating the surface, applying a hydrogel precursor and then crosslinking the hydrogel precursor to form a hydrogel coating on the surface of the medical device. The present invention may be particularly applicable for coating articulating surfaces on implantable medical devices such as artificial joints.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite concrete article comprising forming a textile structure, removing material from regions of the textile structure to create voids in the textile structure and incorporating the textile structure into a body of wet uncured concrete such that the concrete flows into the voids created in the textile structure, embedding the textile structure into the concrete, whereby the textile structure defines at least a portion of a surface of the cured concrete article.

Abstract: The present invention provides articles that exhibit exceptional peel strength and have a thermoplastic volume, a metal volume, and an interpenetrated volume that includes both thermoplastic and metal portions. The present invention also provides for methods of producing the articles of the invention.

Abstract: Processes are described herein for preparing medical devices and other articles having a low-fouling surface on a substrate comprising a polymeric surface. The polymeric surface material may possess a range of polymeric backbones and substituents while providing the articles with a highly efficient, biocompatible, and non-fouling surface. The processes involve treating the substrate to reduce the concentration of chemical species on the surface of or in the substrate without altering the bulk physical properties of the device or article, and thereafter forming a grafted polymer layer on the treated substrate surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a surface preparation treatment for the formation of thin films of high k dielectric materials over substrates. One embodiment of a method of forming a high k dielectric layer over a substrate includes pre-cleaning a surface of a substrate to remove native oxides, pre-treating the surface of the substrate with a hydroxylating agent, and forming a high k dielectric layer over the surface of the substrate. One embodiment of a method of forming a hafnium containing layer over a substrate includes introducing an acid solution to a surface of a substrate, introducing a hydrogen containing gas and an oxygen containing gas to the surface of the substrate, and forming a hafnium containing layer over the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a three(3)-dimensional distribution of structural reinforcement elements in a polymer-matrix composite. One embodiment of the invention provides a method that includes adding and curing a shape memory polymer in a plurality of flexible preforms attached with each other after preforming each of the flexible preforms to form a spatially controlled preform and variable stiffness material composite laminate. Here, in this embodiment, at least one of the preforms includes a flexible support formed from a patterned supporting material on a first surface of a stiff-structural sheet and the stiff-structural sheet that has been patterned on the support.

Abstract: A method of making a drug eluting stent comprises forming a porous stent body surface layer by ion implantation, applying a layer of ceramic particles on the porous layer and compressing the layer of ceramic particles. The layer of ceramic particles can be compressed to successively higher densities. Drugs can be loaded into the layer of ceramic materials at a relatively low density before the layer of ceramic materials is compressed to a higher density to achieve a desired low drug release rate.

Abstract: A method for making a membrane electrode assembly includes the steps of providing a membrane electrode assembly including an anode including a hydrogen oxidation catalyst; a cathode; a membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode; and depositing a peroxide decomposition catalyst in at least one position selected from the group consisting of the anode, the cathode, a layer between the anode and the membrane and a layer between the cathode and the membrane wherein the peroxide decomposition catalyst has selectivity when exposed to hydrogen peroxide toward reactions which form benign products from the hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide decomposition catalyst can also be positioned within the membrane. Also disclosed is a power-generating fuel cell system including such a membrane electrode assembly, and a process for operating such a fuel cell system.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite material having a carbon nanotube array, includes the steps of: (a) providing the carbon nanotube array, the carbon nanotube array has a first end surface and a second end surface opposite to the first end surface; (b) providing a first board and a second board, fixing the first end surface of the carbon nanotube array on the first board, fixing the second end surface of the carbon nanotube array on the second board; (c) packaging the first board and the second board to form an apparatus having an entrance; (d) providing a liquid polymer precursor, applying the liquid polymer precursor from the entrance to the apparatus until the liquid polymer precursor submerge carbon nanotube array; and (e) solidifying the liquid polymer precursor.

Abstract: A coating includes a first layer of a ceramic alloy and a second layer disposed on the first layer and including carbon. The coating has a hardness of from 10 to 20 GPa and a coefficient of friction of less than or equal to 0.12. A method of coating a substrate includes cleaning the substrate, forming the first layer on the substrate, and depositing the second layer onto the first layer to thereby coat the substrate.

Abstract: A method for infiltrating a metal salt into a porous structure is described wherein the pores of the porous structure are first flooded with a solvent before contacting the salt mixture to the structure. In one embodiment the metal salt is in molten form when brought into contact with the flooded porous structure. In another embodiment, the metal salt is first brought into contact with the porous structure, and the mixture heated to melt the salt and evaporate the solvent. Thereafter the metal salt can be further reacted to convert it to a desired composition.

Abstract: A method for selectively removing an aluminum-poor overlay coating from a substrate of a component, which as a result of its low aluminum content is highly resistant to a selective stripping solution. The method entails diffusing aluminum into the overlay coating to form an aluminum-infused overlay coating having an increased aluminum level in at least an outer surface thereof. The diffusion step is carried out so that the increased aluminum level is sufficient to render the aluminum-infused overlay coating removable by selective stripping. The outer surface of the aluminum-infused overlay coating is then contacted with an aqueous composition to remove the aluminum-infused overlay coating from the substrate. The aqueous composition includes at least one acid having the formula HxAF6, and/or precursors thereof, wherein A is Si, Ge, Ti, Zr, Al, and/or Ga, and x is from 1 to 6.

Abstract: A substrate is provided on which wires can be formed satisfactorily using a dispersion liquid of metal microparticles without causing disconnection or short circuit. The wiring substrate comprises a substrate, an organic membrane formed on the substrate, and a metal wire formed on the organic membrane. An arithmetic mean deviation Ra of the profile of the surface of the organic membrane where the metal wire is formed is not less than 60 nm and not more than 5×10?2D, where D is the width of the metal wire. The contact angle with respect to water on the surface of the organic membrane where the metal wire is formed is not less than 110°.

Abstract: An integrated circuit system includes providing an integrated circuit wafer; applying a first cleaning solution over the integrated circuit wafer; and applying a second cleaning solution over the integrated circuit wafer to prevent or remove a defect resulting from the first cleaning process.

Abstract: An oven cavity for an oven or range appliance includes a heat-stable base substrate, and a hard ceramic coating disposed on the base substrate. The hard ceramic coating is a poly-condensated silicone, polymeric silazane or poly-ceramic coating composition. A method of forming a surface for an oven or range appliance is also disclosed.

Abstract: A diffuser structure and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The diffuser structure includes a substrate, a plurality of throughholes, and a glue layer. The throughholes are perpendicularly formed in the substrate. Each throughhole includes a gas-in part, a gas-out part, and a connecting part for connecting the gas-in part to the gas-out part. The glue layer is formed on a side wall of each gas-out part, and a thickness of the glue layer is between 1 ?m and 11 ?m. The present invention can solve a problem that particles are periodically generated after a periodic self-cleaning function is implemented in a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition system.

Abstract: A method for cleaning contaminated surfaces of surgical waste management equipment. The method includes rinsing surfaces of the equipment with water to remove water soluble contaminants and waste material. A rinse solution is applied to the surfaces of the equipment to provide a residual film thereon. The rinse solution includes a first nonionic alkoxylated alcohol surfactant having an HLB value ranging from about 12 to about 15, a second nonionic alkoxylated alcohol surfactant having an HLB value ranging from about 16 to 20, an aqueous solvent, and a bio-film permeation agent. A total of the first surfactant and the second surfactant in the composition ranges from about 2 to about 20 percent by weight of a total weight of the composition.

Abstract: Provided are a nanoporous membrane including a support; a first separation layer with a plurality of first nano-sized pores and a first matrix; and a second separation layer having a plurality of second pores respectively corresponding to the plurality of first pores of the first separation layer and a second matrix, and formed on the first separation layer, wherein a density of the plurality of the first pores and the second pores is equal to or greater than 1010/cm2, and a diameter of each of the second pores is less than that of the corresponding first pore, a process of fabricating the same, and a device for a controlled release of biopharmaceuticals including the nanoporous membrane. The device for a controlled release of biopharmaceuticals including the nanoporous membrane can release biopharmaceuticals at a constant rate for a long period of time regardless of the concentration of the biopharmaceuticals including in pharmaceuticals, and high flex and selectivity.

Abstract: Methods for forming titanium dioxide coatings are disclosed. Sol-gel compositions may be coated on a substrate having a roughened surface, and subsequently the coated substrate may be heated at a temperature sufficient to form an anatase titanium dioxide coating. Substrates having roughened surfaces and comprising such coatings are also disclosed.

Abstract: A production method of an electroless plating material of the present invention is a method for the production of an electroless plating material that has a surface to be plated by electroless plating, and includes an ozone treatment step in which a material body that is made of a resin is brought into contact with a solution that contains ozone to form a modified layer in a surface of the material body, and a superficial layer removal step in which, after the ozone treatment step, the surface of the material body is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to remove a superficial layer of the modified layer.

Abstract: A decorative metal finish for a part with a non-conductive surface where the non-conductive surface is lightly roughened to improve its adherence capabilities. A thin metal layer is electrolessly deposited on the lightly roughened surface to provide a bright durable metal finish on the non-conductive surface. An translucent finish is deposited over the thin metal layer to provide protection for the metal finish.

Abstract: A method for forming an aperture includes stamping an aperture into the article using a pellet, and refining aperture shape(s) and/or aperture dimensions. Methods for forming articles having reduced residual compressive stress are also disclosed. Very generally, the methods include establishing a diamond coating on at least a portion of a substrate, and applying a stress-relief process to the diamond coating, the substrate, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An injection-molded product having a multilayer pattern, includes: a main layer formed on the injection-molded product, the main layer either protruding from or being recessed on a surface of the injection-molded layer, thereby forming a base pattern; a dual-level layer formed on the main layer, the dual-layer either protruding from or being recessed on the main layer, thereby providing a cubic effect and a gripping sense for the main layer; a deposition layer deposited on the surface of the injection-molded product so as to implement a color sense for the injection-molded product; and a clear coating applied to the deposition layer so as to protect the surface of the injection-molded product and the deposition layer