Abstract: The invention provides a pretreatment process for electroplating aluminum parts or strip, in which the zincating solution is modified to improve the adhesion of the subsequent electroplate to the substrate. The aluminum part or strip, such as an aluminum coin blank or strip for coin blanks, is pretreated with an improved zincate solution which provides hydroxide ions in an amount in the range of 75-175 gpl, zinc ions in an amount in the range of 15-40 gpl, nickel ions in an amount in the range of 2-10 gpl and copper ions in an amount in the range of 1.5-5 gpl. The pretreatment process preferably includes a copper strike applied from a copper cyanide strike bath at a pH in the range of 8.5-11.0, using a current density in the range of 0.1-10 A/dm2. The pretreatment and electroplating steps are preferably conducted by barrel plating, in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

Abstract: A non-carbon, metal-based, high temperature resistant, electrically conductive and electrochemically active anode of a cell for the production of aluminum has a metal-based substrate to which an adherent coating is applied prior to its immersion into the electrolyte and start up of the electrolysis by connection to the positive current supply. The coating is obtainable from one or more layers applied from: a liquid solution, a dispersion in a liquid or a paste, a suspension in a liquid or a paste, and a pasty or non-pasty slurry, and combinations thereof with or without one or more further applied layers, with or without heat treatment between two consecutively applied layers when at least two layers are applied.

Abstract: A method of treating a substrate. The method comprises forming a metal-containing layer on at least a selected portion of the substrate during a substrate cleaning process.

Abstract: A patterning method includes providing a first material (e.g., copper) and transforming at a least a surface region of the first material to a second material (e.g., copper oxide). One or more portions of the second material (e.g., copper oxide) are converted to one or more converted portions of first material. (e.g., copper) while one or more portions of the second material (e.g., copper oxide) remain. One or more portions of the remaining second material (e.g., copper oxide) are removed selectively relative to converted portions of first material (e.g., copper). Further, a thickness of the converted portions may be increased. Yet further, a diffusion barrier layer may be used for certain applications.

Abstract: A method of coating of mass-produced bulk goods (5) including loading the bulk goods (5) into a rotatable drum (1) through an opening (4) formed in a side surface of the drum (1), heating a coating material in coating apparatus (8), having a spray gun (6) and provided outside of the rotatable drum (1); and thereafter, applying the heated coating material to the bulk goods (5) with the spray gun (6) through the drum opening (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for selectively enhancing corrosion protection of fabricated metal parts. One method of the present invention includes providing a non-galvanized metal sheet to be processed to form the fabricated metal part; selecting a localized region on the non-galvanized metal sheet; roughening the localized region for acceptance of a protective coating; applying a protective coating to localized region; and fabricating the non-galvanized metal sheet into a fabricated metal part. Another method includes providing a galvanized metal sheet; selecting a localized region on the galvanized metal sheet; applying a protective coating to the localized region; and fabricating the galvanized metal sheet into a fabricated metal part. Yet another method includes selecting a localized region on a fabricated metal part; roughening the localized region for acceptance of a protective coating; and applying the protective coating to the localized region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to structures within an x-ray device including an x-ray can, an x-ray can window frame insert, a rotor sleeve, and a bearing support assembly for a rotor structure. The various structures are fabricated from a chromium alloy of copper that is essentially oxygen free copper having a minor amount of chromium, the combination of which imparts desirable qualities to the x-ray device structures, including efficient heat sink and emissivity qualities that are beneficial in an x-ray device environment. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, oxygen free high conductivity (OFHC) copper is melted in an RF furnace in the presence of a minor amount of chromium and is either ingot cast or powder metallurgically cast into a desired article and further fabricated into a finished article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of repairing a MCrAlY-coating of an article, which has being exposed to the hot gases of, for example, a gas turbine. The MCrAlY-coating is examined and repaired only locally where it is needed and then, subsequently, on top of the MCrAlY-coating the article is aluminized and/or chromized, avoiding the stripping of the whole coating and re-coating over the entire surface of the article. This is for replenishing the coating of Al and/or Cr that become depleted during engine operation, in an easy, cost and time saving manner.

Abstract: An electrode for a PTC thermistor of the present invention includes a base layer having electrical conductivity and a sintered layer formed on the base layer. The sintered layer is formed by sintering a conductive powder and has electrical conductivity, and has roughness on a surface thereof. Thus, the present invention can provide an electrode for a PTC thermistor that has a large adhesion to the conductive polymer and can be produced easily.

Abstract: A method of forming an electronic structure, including adhesively coupling a plated metallic layer (e.g. a copper layer) of a plated through hole (PTH) to holefill material (e.g., epoxy resin) distributed within the PTH. The adhesive coupling utilizes an adhesion promoter film on the plated metallic layer such that the adhesion promoter film is bonded to the resin. The adhesion promoter film may include a metallic oxide layer such as a layer containing cupric oxide and cuprous oxide, which could be formed from bathing a PTH plated with copper in a solution of sodium chlorite. The adhesion promoter film may alternatively include an organometallic layer such as a layer that includes a chemical complex of metal and an organic corrosion inhibitor. The organometallic layer could be formed from bathing the PTH in a bath of hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid, and the organic corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: A surface treatment method that increases the wear resistance of contact portions of levers of a diaphragm spring in a clutch cover assembly and of a plate member that slides there-against is provided. The surface treatment method is applied to the contact portions of the diaphragm spring of the clutch cover assembly and to the plate member that slides there-against. In this method, the contact portion of the diaphragm spring and the sliding portion of the plate member are designated as treatment surfaces. The treatment surfaces are subjected to an electric discharge coating using a coating material such that the treatment surface is covered with a coating layer of approximately 50 &mgr;m or less and a diffusion layer is formed inside the treatment surface.

Abstract: An article having a substrate is protected by a thermal barrier coating system. An interfacial layer contacts the upper surface of the substrate. The interfacial layer may comprise a bond coat only, or a bond coat and an overlay coat. The interfacial layer has on its upper surface a preselected, controllable pattern of three-dimensional features, such as grooves in a parallel array or in two angularly offset arrays. The features are formed by an ablation process using an ultraviolet laser such as an excimer laser. A ceramic thermal barrier coating is deposited over the pattern of features on the upper surface of the interfacial layer.

Abstract: A coating composition and process have been developed to provide an activated coating on nickel screen for use as cathodes in electrolytic cells for the generation of hydrogen and oxygen. Compared to the earlier Classical Pack Cementation process, the disclosed process is less expensive, reduces processing time from 20 hours to a few minutes, eliminates dusts and toxic gases, and provides improved performance in cells for hydrogen and oxygen generation. The coating is characterized by the presence of two activated layers with a high surface area, a multitude of fissures and a nickel to aluminum weight ratio greater than 20/1 in the top layer and greater than 4/1 in the bottom layer adjacent to the nickel substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming a metal-containing layer on a substrate is disclosed. A slurry of the metal is first deposited on the substrate; followed by heating to remove volatile material from the slurry, and to form a layer of the metal. In another embodiment, a slurry of aluminum is deposited over the slurry of the metal, before or after the metal has been heat-treated to some degree. A diffusion heat treatment results in a coating which includes the noble-metal aluminide compound. Related articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A nonchromate metallic surface treating agent comprising (a) a silane coupling agent and/or a hydrolytic condensation product thereof, (b) water-dispersible silica, and (c) a zirconium compound and/or a titanium compound is disclosed. The present invention also discloses a method for treating a surface of a PCM steel panel, a method of producing a PCM steel panel, and a PCM steel panel as produced by the method.

Abstract: A non-chromate metallic surface treating agent comprising (a) a silane coupling agent and/or a hydrolytic condensation product thereof, (b) water-dispersible silica, and (c) a zirconium compound and/or a titanium compound, and further comprising (d) a thiocarbonyl-containing compound and/or (e) a water-soluble acrylic resin is disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for refurbishing a service operated metallic coating on a substrate alloy, the coating including at least within a coating outer surface at least one oxide chemically grown from at least one coating element, for example Al, and chemically bonded with the coating outer surface as a result of thermal exposure during service operation. Growth of the oxide has depleted at least a portion of the coating element from the coating. The method comprises removing the oxide from the coating outer surface while substantially retaining the metallic coating, thereby exposing in the coating outer surface at least one surface void that had been occupied by the oxide. The retained metallic coating is mechanically worked, substantially without removal of the retained coating, to close the void, providing a treated metallic coating surface over which a refurbishing coating is applied.

Abstract: A process for treating the surface of a component prior to coating. The component is made from a Ni based superalloy designed for high temperature service. Both the component and the coating include the elements Al and/or Cr. The process includes depleting the outer surface of the component of any one or a combination of Al, Ti or Cr and thereafter applying the coating directly on the depleted surface. The process minimizes the formation of a brittle gamma prime phase within the interdiffusion zone during service of the component. The process can also be used to renew old damaged coatings.

Abstract: A conversion coating solution and process forms a stable and corrosion-resistant layer on metal substrates or layers or, more preferably, on a boehmite layer or other base conversion coating. The conversion coating process involves contacting the substrate, layer or coating with an aqueous alkali metal isomolybdate solution in order to convert the surface of the substrate, layer or coating to a stable conversion coating. The aqueous alkali metal molybdates are selected from sodium molybdate (Na2MoO4), lithium molybdate (Li2MoO4), potassium molybdate (K2MoO4), or combinations thereof, with the most preferred alkali metal molybdate being sodium molybdate. The concentration of alkali metal molybdates in the solution is preferably less than 5% by weight.

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate is provided. A metallic layer comprising at least about 8% nickel is deposited by thermal spraying on a substrate. The metallic layer has an average density greater than about 80%. A slurry layer comprising from about 10% to about 90% aluminum or alloy thereof is deposited on the metallic layer. Heating to a temperature in excess of 500° C. (932° F.) results in the formation of an intermetallic layer of NiAl. The resulting coating is particularly suited for protecting the surfaces of incinerators or other combustion chambers.

Abstract: A threaded steel coupling with an exterior coating and interior case and threads, wherein the coupling body consists primarily of bainite and the interior case and threads consist primarily of a mixture of martensite and bainite. Also provided is a method of fabrication, including selective carburization of the interior threaded portion of the steel coupling forming the case and austempering.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing copper-film-plated steel cord suitable for use in vehicle tires comprising plating zinc or tin on the surface of steel cord, drawing the zinc or tin-plated cord, and then plating copper film onto the zinc or tin plated steel cord by contact with a solution of cupric sulfate solution, cupric nitrate, cupric chloride or cupric acetate. Compared with the presently used brass-plated steel cord, manufacturing tires with copper-plated cord according to the present invention reduces manufacturing time due to faster formation of adhesion interphase, increases the storage period by enhancing moisture stability, and retards adhesion degradation thereby extending the service life of the tires.

Abstract: Chemical microreactors for chemical systhesis and their methods of manufacture are known, but have disadvantages such as extremely high manufacturing costs or poor flexibility for adaptation to various cases of application. These disadvantages are avoided by means of the microreactors and manufacturing methods according to the invention. The microreactors are characterized in that the reactors contain fluid ducts in at least one plane as well as feed and return lines for fluids, wherein the fluid ducts are defined by side walls of metal opposing each other and further side walls of metal or plastic extending between said side walls, and in which the planes are connected together and/or with a closure segment closing open fluid ducts by means of appropriate solder or adhesive layers. The manufacturing method is characterized by process sequences in which the individual reactor planes produced by means of electrolytic methods, are connected together by soldering or gluing.

Abstract: In the method described in the specification, the large eye of a connecting rod is microporously plasma-coated with an aluminum bronze. After plasma coating the connecting-rod eye is opened by breaking or cutting to remove the bearing cap, which breaks the plasma layer. The cap is then remounted the bearing surface is produced by fine spindle trimming. To improve the oil retention volume the bearing layer has an annular groove. The aluminum bronze bearing layer is especially firmly bonded to the connecting rod material by multiple sandblasting treatment of the surface to be coated, using sand particles of successively increasing particle size.

Abstract: Provided is a ceramic coated product and a coating for it, making it possible to improve corrosion resistance, wear resistance and the like of a material to be treated, and heighten aesthetically commercial value by a thin film forming or producing method using low-priced equipment. An ejection powder and a reactive ejecting gas are ejected onto a surface of a material to be treated comprising a metal product, a ceramic, or a mixture thereof. The ejection powder is heated on the surface of the material to be treated and then is reacted with the reactive ejecting gas. The resultant product is activation-adsorbed onto the surface of the material to be treated and caused to diffuse and penetrate thereinto. Thus, a layer made of a nitride or other compounds is formed.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of coated metallic bands obtained by physical phase vapor deposition includes the following steps carried out on a band, eventually coated with zinc or its alloys, in motion and maintained in a vacuum environment: heating the band to be coated; activating the band surface; heat stabilizing the band; depositing a zinc layer on the metallic band; secondary heat stabilizing the band; and depositing one or more elements or compounds on the zinc layer, these elements being able to synergistically interact with the zinc layer to obtain high corrosion resistance, weldability, ductility, and adhesion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of repairing a MCrAlY-coating of an article, which has being exposed to the hot gases of, for example, a gas turbine. The MCrAlY-coating is examined and repaired only locally where it is needed and then, subsequently, on top of the MCrAlY-coating the article is aluminized and/or chromized, avoiding the stripping of the whole coating and re-coating over the entire surface of the article. This is for replenishing the coating of Al and/or Cr that become depleted during engine operation, in an easy, cost and time saving manner.

Abstract: The present invention has for its object to provide a metallic surface treating agent for PCM use, which is capable of imparting high processability and corrosion resistance to PCM steel panels with the additional advantage of improved storage stability, a method for surface treatment of a PCM steel panel, a method of producing a PCM steel panel, and a PCM steel panel as produced by said method.

Abstract: A process for reclaiming aluminum alloy donor from a vapor phase deposition process used to form a diffusion aluminide coating on a component, such as the high-temperature superalloy components of gas turbine engines. The process generally entails recycling a particulate aluminum alloy donor material that, as a result of having been used as the donor material for depositing a diffusion aluminide coating on an article by vapor phase deposition, particles of the donor material comprise an aluminum alloy core encased in an aluminum-depleted shell. The process generally entails tumbling the donor material in a manner that removes the aluminum-depleted shell, followed by sieving the donor material to remove shell fragments and undersized particles.

Abstract: A method in accordance with our invention for providing texture bumps on a substrate comprises the step of forming elliptical ridge-shaped bumps on the substrate. In one embodiment, substrate is used in the manufacture of a magnetic disk used in a disk drive. The elliptical bumps cause less vibration of the read-write head than circular bumps. The elliptical bumps also provide reduced friction between the disk and a read-write head during use.

Abstract: To provide an aluminum alloy member having a high machinability while keeping a sufficient mechanical strength and a sufficient wear resistance, and a method of producing the aluminum alloy member. In an aluminum alloy member formed from an aluminum-silicon alloy by casting, eutectic silicon grains are exposed from at least part of an exposed plane of the aluminum alloy member. A coating layer having a thickness nearly equal to or thinner than a diameter of each of the eutectic silicon grains is formed on the exposed plane from which the eutectic silicon grains are exposed.

Abstract: A thick film resistive element heater is shown with an aluminum substrate having a ceramic oxide dielectric insulator there between.

Abstract: A method for producing an inner tin film on the surface of plumbing components, such as those made of red brass or yellow brass, for drinking water supply. The lead content on the inner surface of the hollow component parts is first reduced by treatment with an acid-based aqueous reducing solution. For this purpose, chloride-free and sulfate-free, non-oxidizing hydracids may be used. The hollow component parts are subsequently chemically internally tinned.

Abstract: An industrial material such as metal, ceramics or plastics whose surface has a film passivated by fluoridation and a process of manufacturing the above industrial material. The industrial material comprises a substrate, a nickel alloy film formed on the substrate and containing nickel, semimetal and/or other metal whose fluoride becomes a volatile compound, and a fluorine passivated film formed at least on a surface of the nickel alloy film in such a manner that the fluorine passivated film contains nickel and does not contain said other metal or the semimetal, and satisfies stoichiometric ratio. The process of manufacturing an industrial material comprises the steps of performing grounding treatment of a surface of a substrate, forming a nickel alloy film, on the surface of the substrate, containing nickel, semimetal and/or other metal, and forming a fluorine passivated film on the nickel alloy film.

Abstract: An improved process for applying aluminide coatings to superalloy components used in gas turbine applications resulting in a more uniform coating with less hazardous waste by-products. The process involves the steps of placing the superalloy components into a retort with an aluminum-containing source, evacuating air from the retort and introducing an inert gas, heating the retort to a preselected temperature, while maintaining the preselected temperature purging the inert gas from the retort by introducing hydrogen gas, while maintaining the preselected temperature, pulsing, by reducing the retort pressure to a preselected pressure below atmospheric pressure, followed by introducing a halide-containing gas to react with the aluminum-containing source to create an aluminum-rich vapor that deposits aluminum on the components, then reintroducing hydrogen gas into the retort to purge the gases within the retort; and cooling the retort.

Abstract: A corroded superalloy or heat resistant steel part, in particular a gas turbine component like a gas turbine blade, having a surface with products or corrosion is refurbished. The invention the surface is cleaned, in particular mechanically or chemically, and an aluminide coating is applied to the cleaned surface. Subsequently, the aluminide coating is removed, whereby all products of corrosion which have still remained in the part to be refurbished are removed as well.

Abstract: A method for restoring or enhancing an environmental resistant coating of a coating total thickness within a coating design thickness range on a metal substrate of an article includes the application of a restoring or enhancing metal to at least one discrete local surface area. Then at least the discrete local surface area is coated with an environmental resistant coating. For use of the method to restore a coating on an article which has experienced service operation and the discrete surface area includes an undesirable amount of oxidation/corrosion products, the oxidation/corrosion products first are removed from an outer portion of the coating while retaining a coating present at the discrete surface areas and retaining the entire coating on surface areas adjacent the discrete surface areas. Then the restoration metal is applied.

Abstract: An improved fluxing method for the galvanization of steel, particularly batch galvanization, is disclosed. In this process, a metallic element is deposited (for example, by electroless plating) on the surface of the steel sheet or other article prior to its being dipped in the galvanization bath. Preferred metals for use in this fluxing process are tin, copper, nickel, with tin being more preferred, and mixtures of copper and tin being most preferred. This metallic film layer has a thickness between about 5 and about 50 nm. The process of the present invention provides a number of benefits when compared to conventional fluxing processes: for example, it is compatible with the inclusion of aluminum in the galvanization bath; it permits a greater time delay between the fluxing and galvanization operations; and it eliminates the formation of hydrogen chloride or other toxic fumes when the fluxed article is dipped in the molten zinc galvanization bath.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spray coating powder material which, when applied to gas turbines using a crude low-quality fuel oil as fuel, has sufficiently higher corrosion resistance to sulfur, vanadium, sodium and other substances that accelerate corrosion in a high-temperature service environment, than conventional materials such as Ni-50 Cr and MCrAlY materials, as well as high-temperature components coated therewith. Specifically, this invention relates to a spray coating powder material comprising, on a weight percentage basis, greater than 45% and up to 60% of chromium, 5 to 15% of aluminum, 0.5 to 10% of zirconium, and the balance comprising cobalt or iron, or both, and incidental impurities, as well as high-temperature components coated therewith. This material can yield a sprayed coating having high corrosion resistance to sulfur, vanadium, sodium and other substances that accelerate corrosion in a high-temperature service environment.

Abstract: A thermosetting composition comprising a co-reactable solid, particulate mixture of (a) polycarboxylic acid functional polymer, and (b) epoxy functional polymer, is described. The polycarboxylic acid functional polymer and epoxy functional polymer are each prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization and have well defined polymer chain architecture and polydispersity index of less than 2.5. The thermosetting compositions of the present invention have utility as powder coatings compositions.

Abstract: A plated product and apparatus for forming recesses or grooves on material to be plated to produce such a product. The product includes material having a surface having many recesses, each having an opening of size d, where d is in the range 5-100 microns, a depth in the range from 0.2 d to d, or many grooves. In preferred embodiments, each groove or recess has an anchor portion. In some embodiments, each groove has a ridge portion at each of both edges of its opening. The angle of each groove to the surface of the material and each groove's depth and opening width are preferably in specified ranges. When the material is plated, part of the thin metal film enters the anchor portions of its grooves or recesses, so that the plated metal has superior capacity to resist peeling off of the plated metal.

Abstract: By applying a reaction solution containing an aqueous solution of copper salts and salts of inorganic acids, to a pre-oxidized or partially already patinated copper surface, it is possible to produce a patina layer on copper objects, either directly at the construction site or also at the factory. The reaction solution is particularly well-suited for pre-oxidized or partially already patinated copper surfaces. Copper surfaces, which have not been completely green-patinated, or have been damaged, also obtain a uniform patina layer when the reaction solution is used. The reaction solution can be changed in its consistency and adapted to the conditions of use in each case by adding wetting agents or thickeners. The reaction solution can be applied using a brush, roller or spraying device, and can be stored and processed at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method for preventing formation of a "bridge" is provided for electrolessly plated nickel or gold between copper patterns. A circuit board having a copper pattern is immersed in a pretreatment solution containing thiosulfate for electroless nickel plating, or the pretreatment solution is sprayed over the board. The pretreatment solution may be incorporated with an additive, such as a pH adjustor, complexing agent, surfactant or corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: A process of applying an inorganic coating to an electrically conducting body, in particular a metallic workpiece, is characterized with respect to a precisely controllable temperature variation with short temperature changes in an economical and energy-saving operation in that the body first undergoes a preparation. Thereafter, if need be, the body is degreased and/or chemically pretreated and/or blasted. Subsequently, a coating medium is applied to at least the surface region of the body being coated. Then, at least the surface region of the body being coated is heated by induction to a reaction temperature before and/or while and/or after applying the coating medium. Finally, the coating medium is fully reacted to a coating, whereupon the body undergoes a cooling.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for the repair and/or touch-up of small surface flaws in large press plates or endless bands of sheet metal, especially steel sheet, having a structured metal coating and a hard-chrome plating for surface-embossing plastic-coated wooden or laminated panels. Each flaw is repaired by surrounding it with a mask, pickling, and galvanically metallizing it. For a simplified and cost-favorable repair or touch-up, a galvanic solution is applied to the masked and pickled flaw for microgalvanizing damaged areas smaller than 14 mm.sup.2 by dipping the tip of an electrode into the solution. The pickled flaw can first be provided with a thin, microgalvanically applied nickel layer, and it is then copper-plated. The copper build-up is restructured by hand, if necessary, and covered with a hardened cobalt layer.

Abstract: The inner surface of a high temperature nickel chromium alloy product such as ethylene furnace tubes is cleaned with high temperature hydrogen to prepare the surface for the deposition, diffusion and modification of metals. A first layer of chromium or chromium and silicon is deposited and diffusion heat treated or covered by the second layer of aluminum, magnesium, silicon and manganese and third layer of rare earth metals such as yttrium and zirconium. Each layer or the combination of layers is diffusion heat treated at sufficient time and temperature to cause a diffusion depth ranging from 50 microns to 150 microns with a maximum of 250 microns. The surface is then heated to convert the immediate surface to a spinel and further pretreated with argon and nitrogen to stabilize the surface oxides. The surface of the final coating can be polished to minimize sites for carbon buildup. When ethylene is produced using furnace tubes which are coated in this manner less coking occurs.

Abstract: A process for forming a zinc oxide film including immersing an electroconductive substrate having a surface including a plurality of linear projections in an aqueous solution containing at least nitrate ions and zinc ions to form a zinc oxide film on the electroconductive substrate by a liquid-phase deposition. The plurality of linear projections may preferably provide an uneven surface which has a center-line average surface roughness Ra(X) of 15-300 nm when scanned in a direction parallel to the linear projections, a center line average surface roughness Ra(Y) of 20-600 nm when scanned in a direction perpendicular to the linear projections, and an Ra(X)/Ra(Y) ratio of at most 0.8. The thus formed zinc oxide film is provided with an uneven surface suitable for an optical-confinement layer of a photo-electricity generating device excellent in photoelectric performances.

Abstract: Gold is deposited on a copper base defining electrical circuit features disposed on a substrate containing a palladium seeder, by initially treating the substrate with an alkaline cleaner, followed by treating the substrate with sodium persulfate, and subsequently treating the substrate with a diluted sulfuric acid solution. The substrate is rinsed between each one of the treatments, and after the final rinse following treatment with diluted sulfuric acid, the substrate is immersed in a gold deposition solution whereby gold is deposited on the exposed surfaces of the copper circuit features on a substrate. The process embodying the present invention provides a method for depositing gold on high density copper conductor lines or pads, even in areas of the surface in which the conductors are spaced apart 2.0 mil or less, without cleaning or removing the palladium seed from the surface.

Abstract: A permanent magnet useful in an ultra-high vacuum atmosphere, such as an undulator requiring the ultra-high vacuum atmosphere of less than 1.times.10.sup.-9 Pa and which, has excellent magnetic characteristics, includes an R-Fe-B system permanent magnet having a Ti undercoat layer on a surface thereof, an external layer selected from TiN, AlN and Ti.sub.1-x Al.sub.x N (x is 0.03 to 0.70), and an Al intermediate layer therebetween.

Abstract: A method is provided for zincating aluminum substrates for metal plating thereon wherein the plated aluminum product has smoothness, dimensional integrity and increased production yield of the plated products. The substrates also have enhanced paramagnetic thermal stability of ENP coatings used on memory disk products. A zincate bath contains as additives Fe.sup.+3 and NaNO.sub.3, and a chelator to chelate the iron, with a preferred iron chelator being Rochelle Salt and with the amount of Fe.sup.+3 being controlled at a preferred concentration of 0.2 to 0.3 g/l. A preferred zincating method employs an etchant composition comprising HNO.sub.3, H.sub.2 S0.sub.4 and H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 to etch the aluminum substrate prior to zincating. Use of this etchant composition, either alone or with the zincate bath of the invention, is particularly effective for aluminum substrates which have been ground to a smoothness of less than 100 .ANG..