Abstract: A phosphate bonded ceramic is used to provide a diffusion barrier on a titanium alloy substrate, conferring degradation (eg oxidation) resistance to the alloy. The substrate may, for example, be an aerospace component such as a part of a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A metal oxide is synthesized in the pores of a porous catalyst base material by impregnating a raw material solution for synthesis of that metal oxide into those pores. At that time, mesh-like cracks are formed in the metal oxide support layer coated onto the inner surfaces of the pores by adjusting the solid portion concentration in the raw material solution for synthesizing the metal oxide to a suitable value. In addition, fine pores are formed in the metal oxide support layer obtained after firing by containing a polymer and so forth in the raw material solution for synthesizing the metal oxide. The presence of these mesh-like cracks and/or fine pores in the metal oxide support layer allow the obtaining of effects such as greater ease of diffusion of exhaust gas into this support layer.

Abstract: A spray glaze or opaque composition for coating dental restorations and other surfaces and objects such as hobby ceramics that comprises about 4 to about 50 weight % glaze material, about 5 to about 60 weight % restoration wetting agent, and about 10 to about 90% non CFC propellant. An opaque composition further comprises about 5 to about 30% opaque material.

Abstract: A ceramic-coated fiberglass member and method for manufacturing the same that withstands flames or high temperatures for a substantial period of time. A fiberglass pipe is washed and dried. The pipe is sanded axially along the lengthwise direction of the pipe to expose pores on the pipes. A first ceramic base coating is applied evenly on the pipe. Then, the first ceramic base coating is burnished into the pores. Next, the first ceramic base coating is dried so that substantially no moisture is left in the first ceramic base coating. The first ceramic base coating is axially burnished along the lengthwise direction of the pipe. Then, a second ceramic base coating is applied on the first ceramic base coating. The pipe is dried with first and second ceramic base coatings thereon. The pipe is burnished axially with first and second ceramic base coatings. Subsequently, a first ceramic top coating is applied evenly on the second ceramic base coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a composite silica membrane with thermal stability by a soaking-rolling method, and more particularly to a method for preparing a composite silica membrane with improved thermal stability by rolling the surface of a porous support with silica xerogel, soaking-rolling the surface with &ggr;-alumina, coating, drying, and sintering the porous support surface, thereby forming a fine coating membrane on the porous support surface.

Abstract: A series of bulk-size magnetic/insulating nanostructured composite soft magnetic materials with significantly reduced core loss and its manufacturing technology. This insulator coated magnetic nanostructured composite is comprises a magnetic constituent, which contains one or more magnetic components, and an insulating constituent. The magnetic constituent is nanometer scale particles (1-100 nm) coated by a thin-layered insulating phase (continuous phase). While the intergrain interaction between the immediate neighboring magnetic nanoparticles separated by the insulating phase (or coupled nanoparticles) provide the desired soft magnetic properties, the insulating material provides the much demanded high resistivity which significantly reduces the eddy current loss. The resulting material is a high performance magnetic nanostructured composite with reduced core loss.

Abstract: A heat-rejection coating is applied to a metallic component of a gas turbine engine, preferably made of a nickel-base superalloy. A component surface is preferably pre-treated, as by polishing the component surface, thereafter pre-oxidizing the component surface, and thereafter applying a ceramic barrier coating onto the component surface. A reflective-coating mixture is air sprayed onto the pre-treated component surface. The reflective-coating mixture includes a metallic pigment, such as platinum, gold, palladium, and alloys thereof, and a reflective-coating-mixture carrier. The component with the reflective-coating mixture sprayed thereon is fired.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for depositing an optical quality silica film on a wafer by PECVD. The flows rates for a raw material gas, an oxidation gas, a carrier gas, and a dopant gas are first set at predetermined levels. The total deposition pressure is set at a predetermined level. The deposited film is then subjected to a post deposition heat treatment at a temperature selected to optimize the mechanical properties without affecting the optical properties. Finally, the observed FTIR characteristics of the deposited film are monitored to produce a film having the desired optical and mechanical properties. This technique permits the production of high quality optical films with reduced stress.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element includes: a ceramic substrate, an electrode and a piezoelectric portion made of a piezoelectric ceramic composition containing a Pb(Mg, Ni)1/3Nb2/3O3—PbZrO3—PbTiO3 ternary system solid solution composition being represented by the following general formula (1) as a main component: Pbx{(Mg1−yNiy)1/3×aNb2/3}bTicZrdO3 (1), wherein 0.95≦x≦1.05; 0.05≦y≦0.20; 0.90≦a≦1.10; b,c, and d are decimals falling in a range surrounded by (b, c, d)=(0.550, 0.425, 0.025), (0.550, 0.325, 0.125), (0.375, 0.325, 0.300), (0.100, 0.425, 0.475), (0.100, 0.475, 0.425) and (0.375, 0.425, 0.200) in the coordinates with coordinate axes of said b, c and d, and b+c+d=1.000. The electrode is electrically connected to the piezoelectric portion, and the piezoelectric portion is solidly attached to the ceramic substrate directly or via the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is a composite material and process to produce same. That material comprises a fibrous structure which is initially predominantly coated with elemental carbon; that fibrous structure is then subsequently predominantly coated with at least one ceramic material, e.g., boron carbide, which is non-reactive with silicon. The composite material also comprises a silicon matrix which is continuous and predominantly surrounds the fibrous structure, which has been initially predominantly coated with elemental carbon and subsequently predominantly coated with at least one ceramic material. The matrix which has a fine grain crystalline structure of predominantly 20 microns or less in size. The at least one ceramic material is discontinuous within that matrix. The fibrous material pulls out of the elemental carbon, which initially predominantly coats that fibrous structure, when the composite is subjected to fracture.

Abstract: By applying a polymerization catalyst or polymerization initiator directly to a liquid-absorbent or liquid-adsorbent (hereinafter collectively referred to as “liquid-sorbent”) substrate, preferably a porous geotextile in sheet material form, to form a polymerization-initiating substrate or sheet material, a slurry of a monomer and a water-absorbent clay that is subsequently embedded in the porous substrate will have its monomer content sufficiently contacted by the polymerization catalyst or polymerization initiator for complete polymerization of the embedded monomer to form embedded polymer solids and clay, without the monomer partially polymerizing before contacting the substrate. It has been found that polymerization of the monomer while in contact with the substrate achieves best results in retention of embedded and interlocked polymer and clay solids.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a polysilicon layer includes (a) providing a substrate; (b) forming a barrier layer on the substrate; (c) forming a porous layer on the barrier layer; (d) forming an amorphous silicon layer on the porous layer; and (e) performing laser annealing process. Additionally, a stress buffer layer can form between the barrier layer and the porous layer. Due to the low thermal conductivity of the porous layer, the polysilicon layer having larger grain size is formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the coloring of ceramics by means of ionic or complex-containing solutions. Solutions preferred for this contain defined concentrations of at least one of the salts or complexes of the rare earth elements or the elements of the subgroups. The invention also relates to a kit, which comprises at least one stock bottle with such a coloring solution, a receptacle for the coloring as well as optionally a screen.

Abstract: A method for coating a moving web is described, wherein a coating solution containing one or more nanocrystalline, nanoporous inorganic compounds and one or more binders in an amount of 0.5% to 30% relative to the total weight of the nanocrystalline, nanoporous inorganic compounds is applied together with an auxiliary coating solution to the support, wherein this auxiliary coating solution contains at least one gelation-promoting ingredient that accelerates the gelation of the coating solution containing the nanocrystalline, nanoporous inorganic compounds.

Abstract: A solid electrolytic body is dipped into a slurry stored in a dipping tank, while the slurry is forcibly circulated between the dipping tank and a viscosity adjusting tank by a circulating pump. A slurry film is formed on a predetermined portion of the solid electrolytic body through this dipping treatment. Then, the slurry film is changed into a porous layer through a sintering treatment.

Abstract: A wallboard includes a set cementitious core, and (ii) at least a composite facing material on at least one of the faces of the core, the facing material including: (a) a synthetic scrim, and adhered thereto, (b) a synthetic non-woven; the scrim being completely embedded in the core while the synthetic non-woven is at most partially embedded in the core. A process for making such a wall board, in which the viscosity of the cementitious slurry is controlled on the facing material such that the scrim is completely embedded in the core while the synthetic non-woven is at most partially embedded in the core.

Abstract: A sanitary ware comprises a sanitary ware body and a surface glaze layer provided on the sanitary ware body. The surface glaze layer has a center line average roughness Ra of less than 0.07 &mgr;m as measured with a stylus type surface roughness tester according to JIS B 0651-1996.

Abstract: An erosion-resistant article for use as a component in plasma process chamber. The erosion-resistant article comprises a support and an oxide coating comprising yttrium, which is disposed over the support. The support and the oxide coating preferably have material compositions that differ from one another in coefficient of thermal expansion by no more than 5×10−6/K. Preferred oxide coating compositions include yttria and yttrium aluminum garnet. Preferred supports include alumina supports and aluminum-silicon carbide supports.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a method for forming a metal oxide film comprising, when a metal oxide film is formed by conducting a thermal treatment on a coating film containing an organic metal compound formed on an inner wall of a tube, performing an ultraviolet irradiation treatment or an ozone treatment on the coating film prior to or simultaneously with the thermal treatment.

Abstract: A method for sintering a porous coating on an open-structure substrate, i.e., a substrate with pre-made pores or openings. The open-structure substrate is spread with a coating paste that is prepared with such a viscosity so that the paste will not drip through the pores/openings on the open-structure substrate. The coating paste is then sintered to form a porous layer on the surface of the open-structure substrate. Optionally, the porous coating may be further coated with a catalyst for fuel cell applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermally tempered safety glass comprising an non-abrasive and porous SiO2 layer which is stable during sintering and has a refractive index of between 1.25 and 1.40. The inventive safety glass can be obtained by coating standard soda-lime glass with an aqueous coating solution having a pH value of between 3 and 8 and containing between 0.5 and 5.0 wt. % of [SiOx(OH)y]n particles (0<y< and 0<x<2) having a particle size of between 10 and 60 nm, and a surfactant mixture. The coated glass is then dried, thermally hardened at temperatures of at least 600° C. for several minutes, and thermally tempered by a flow of air.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber comprises zirconia toughened ceramic material as an outermost surface of the component. The component can be made entirely of the ceramic material or the ceramic material can be provided as a coating on a substrate such as aluminum or aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or refractory metal. The zirconia toughened ceramic can be tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (TZP) material, partially-stabilized zirconia (PSZ), or a zirconia dispersion toughened ceramic (ZTC) such as zirconia-toughened alumina (tetragonal zirconia particles dispersed in Al2O3). In the case of a ceramic zirconia toughened coating, one or more intermediate layers may be provided between the component and the ceramic coating. To promote adhesion of the ceramic coating, the component surface or the intermediate layer surface may be subjected to a surface roughening treatment prior to depositing the ceramic coating.

Abstract: An article includes a substrate, a functional coating deposited over at least a portion of the substrate, and a protective (barrier) coating deposited over at least a portion of the functional coating. The barrier coating is stable to oxygen-containing gases and limits the transmission of oxygen-containing gases to materials over which it is deposited when subjected to conditioning steps such as heating, bending, and/or tempering.

Abstract: The present invention provides an abradable coating which is applied to the surfaces of stationary parts in rotary machinery such as gas turbines and does not cause damage or other trouble to the blades, as well as a method for forming the same. This method for forming an abradable coating comprises the steps of coating a shroud material with a partially stabilized zirconia ceramic material to form a zirconia ceramic layer having a cubic or tetragonal crystal structure on the surface of the shroud material; and subjecting the shroud material having the zirconia ceramic layer formed thereon to high-temperature water treatment at a temperature of 100 to 450° C. for 1 to 300 hours and thereby transforming the crystal structure of the zirconia ceramic layer into a monoclinic crystal structure. Alternatively, shot peening may be employed in place of the high-temperature water treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic device having a lead-free and cadmium-free glass composition applied thereto and fired to form an acid resistant overglaze, and a method of overglazing an electronic device using the lead-free and cadmium-free glass composition. The lead-free and cadmium-free glass composition fuses at low firing temperatures and is particularly suitable for use in thick film pastes. The glass composition forms predominantly bismuth titanate and/or zinc titanate crystals upon firing. Preferably, glass compositions include by weight from about 11% to about 52% SiO2, from 3.4% to about 40% TiO2, up to about 75% Bi2O3, up to about 40% by weight ZnO, where the sum of Bi2O3 and ZnO comprises from about 15% to about 85% of the glass composition by weight.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is surface-modified nickel fine powder in which a precursor of barium titanate having a perovskite structure and consisting of a reaction product of a soluble titanium-containing compound and a soluble barium-containing compound is adhered to the surface of individual nickel fine particles, wherein the fine powder shows X-ray diffraction peaks of nickel and is free of any peak of barium titanate having a perovskite structure in the X-ray diffraction pattern determined by the X-ray diffraction method, but the fine powder shows X-ray diffraction peaks of both nickel and barium titanate having a perovskite structure in the X-ray diffraction pattern after the fine powder is subjected to a heat-treatment at a temperature of not less than 400° C. The nickel fine powder has a small heat shrinkage factor upon firing and improved resistance to oxidation.

Abstract: A process for making a functional film by adding a magnesium alkoxide and a diethanolamine, which can dissolve or disperse the magnesium alkoxide, in an organic solvent followed by allowing hydrolysis of the magnesium alkoxide to proceed in a rate-controlling manner wherein the magnesium alkoxide is dissolved or dispersed in the organic solvent. Water is added in no more than a stoichiometric amount to the solution or dispersion partially to hydrolyze the magnesium alkoxide. The partial hydrolyzate solution is matured to grow magnesium oxide and/or magnesium hydroxide particles, resulting in a stable sol solution.

Abstract: A fluid impermeable thin film is fabricated on a porous substrate by depositing a material having a certain spatial oxidation expansion. After deposition, the material is oxidized whereby the deposited material expands and forms a void free film on top of the porous substrate. The snuggly contacting grain boundaries of the void free film may recombine to a continuous thin film that has a thickness of only a fraction of 1 &mgr;m and is substantially fluid impermeable. The small film height contributes to a high ionic conductivity that makes the thin film a preferred choice for a fuel cell electrolyte membrane enabling efficient fuel cell operation at temperatures well below 500° C.

Abstract: Hydrophilic and/or rutile and anatase titanium oxide are obtained by sputter depositing titanium metal oxide on a film of zirconium oxide in the cubic phase. Another technique is to deposit a titanium metal on a film of zinc oxide in the cubic phase and heating the coating in an oxidizing atmosphere to provide an anatase and/or rutile phase(s) of titanium oxide.

Abstract: A coated diamond which is dense and excellent in adherence and enables diamond to exhibit its superior characteristics, a manufacturing method and a composite material of the coated diamond are achieved. The coated diamond includes a diamond (1) and an SiC film (2) coating the diamond (1). The SiC mentioned above is substantially formed of &bgr;-SiC and a value of ratio I (220)/I (111) is at least 0.38 and at most 0.55, I (220) representing peak intensity of Miller index (220) of SiC and I (111) representing peak intensity of Miller index (111) thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing mesoporous TiO2 thin films with high antibacterial and photocatalytic activities. The method involves coating onto a substrate a TiO2 sol-gel prepared from hydrolysis and condensation of titanium alkoxide in the presence of a stabilizer and thermally treating the substrate at a temperature ranging from 400° C. to 900° C. The TiO2 thin films fabricated according to the method of the present invention show two times higher antibacterial and photocatalytic activities than the conventional TiO2 thin films.

Abstract: A method of making a photoactive coating includes depositing a first coating material containing zirconium oxide over at least a portion of a substrate and depositing a second coating material containing titanium oxide over at least a portion of the first coating material to provide a coated substrate. At least one of the first and second coating materials is deposited by pyrolytic deposition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an article with a patterned appearance provided by a visually observable contrast between one or more genereally transparent thin film coatings deposited over a substrate. At least one of the deposited coatings exhibits a reflected color and/or contrast and visible differing transmitted color and/or contrast or a plurality of coatings together exhibit different reflected colors and/or contrasts. The coatings are selected from the group of: metals depositable by magnetron sputtering vacuum deposition, chemical vapor deposition, pyrolytic coating, or sol-gel techniques, metal oxide coatings, metal nitride coatings, semi-conductor containing coatings, metal oxynitrides and mixtures thereof. The present invention is also directed to a method of making the articles having a visually observable patterned appearance involving masking and applying the coating or applying the coating and removing a portion of the coating to form the pattern.

Abstract: Silica-based refractories are impregnated with protective material that is more resistant towards attack by corrosive species. The protective material coats the surface of the refractory matrix and fills some of the cavity volume of its pores, crevices, surfaces imperfections and irregularities. The protective material is positioned by impregnating the refractory with a precursor which, under the input of energy, is converted into the corrosion resistant protective material.

Abstract: The prevent invention provides a partial discharge-resistant wire enamel composition wherein at least one fine particle sol selected from the group of metal oxide fine particle sol and silicon oxide fine particle sol is dispersed, and 3 to 100 parts by weight of at least one fine particle selected from the group of a metal oxide fine particle and a silicon oxide fine particle is contained per 100 parts by weight of wire enamel resin. Accordingly, the partial discharge-resistant wire enamel composition having excellent dispersibility of inorganic fine particle can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention includes a bilayer antireflection coating, multilayer antireflection coatings, and a method for making a multilayer antireflective coated substrate. The bilayer and multilayer coatings include layers having metallic oxides, at least one layer in each of such coatings having as a material with an index of refraction at least about 1.90, a layer comprising oxides of zirconium such that when subjected to heat treatments, such as tempering, the coatings substantially retain their optical properties. The coatings further include layers having materials of low index of refraction which include oxides of aluminum which provide coating stability and increased precursor storage life. In the method, the layers are applied by successive dip coating techniques using solvent-based solutions and the resulting coatings can be used to coat large sized substrates which can be later cut, trimmed and/or otherwise shaped and later heat treated with substantial retention of optical properties.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a polysilicon layer on a pre-annealed glass substrate. In one aspect, the method includes loading a pre-annealed glass substrate in a deposition chamber, depositing an amorphous silicon layer on the pre-annealed glass substrate, and annealing the pre-annealed glass substrate to form a polysilicon layer thereon. The amorphous silicon layer may be deposited concurrently with the annealing step to produce the polysilicon layer on the pre-annealed glass substrate. A nitride layer and/or an oxide layer may be deposited prior to depositing the amorphous silicon layer and annealing the pre-annealed glass substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming a perovskite thin film includes preparing a perovskite precursor solution; preparing a silicon substrate for deposition of a perovskite thin film, including forming a bottom electrode on the substrate; securing the substrate in a spin-coating apparatus and spinning the substrate at a predetermined spin rate; injecting a perovskite precursor solution into the spin-coating apparatus thereby coating the substrate with the perovskite precursor solution to form a coated substrate; baking the coated substrate at temperatures which increase incrementally from about 90° C. to 300° C.; and annealing the coated substrate at a temperature of between about 500° C. to 800° C. for between about five minutes to fifteen minutes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for efficiently forming a homogeneous glass layer having uniform thickness and a homogeneous metal layer having uniform thickness are provided. A workpiece is accommodated in a screened container which is rotatable in a predetermined direction. The workpiece in the container is sprayed with an atomized glass slurry or an atomized metal slurry while the container is rotated in order to form a green glass layer or a green metal layer on the workpiece. Simultaneously, hot air is supplied to the workpiece so as to dry the green glass layer or the green metal layer. Thus, the workpiece, typically a ferrite core, can be provided with a homogeneous layer having a uniform thickness. A method for manufacturing an electronic component using the above-described methods and apparatuses is also provided.

Abstract: A single substrate processing film forming method including depositing an amorphous metal oxide film on a target substrate by chemical vapor deposition and reforming the metal oxide film in a reforming gas to remove an organic impurity contained in the film. The reforming gas is mixture of an excited oxygen gas with a non-excited oxygen gas. The reformation heats the film to a temperature higher than a crystallization temperature of the amorphous metal oxide film to perform crystallization at the same time.

Abstract: A titania-coated honeycomb catalyst matrix is provided for the ultraviolet-photocatalytic oxidation of organic pollutants in a flowing fluid. A honeycomb-shaped skeletal structure (12) has a thin, lightweight substrate (18) of metal or ceramic, typically an aluminum alloy, and a surface coating (20) of photocatalyst, such as titania. The photocatalyst (20) is bonded to the substrate (18) via a thin oxide layer (18′) on the substrate. The oxide layer (18′) may be grown on the substrate. The photocatalyst coating (20) is made by mixing (30) titania powder in a TiO2 sol-gel to form a titania slurry. The substrate with oxide layer is coated (30) with the titania slurry and then heat treated (31). The photocatalyst coating (20) is typically applied to substrate sheets (40, 60, 62) preformed for assembly into a honeycomb-shaped skeletal structure (12) having an array of parallel cells (46, 46′).

Abstract: A ceramic foam consisting of two layers in and out, in which a highly pure ceramic shell covers up the surface layer of the fly ash, is provided along with a process for producing such a ceramic foam. The process for producing a ceramic foam 10 includes the steps of: coating the surface of raw fly ash material containing impurities 12 with alumina slurry; granulating the coated fly ash; and sintering the granulated fly ash in a manner that the granulated fly ash is heated in a furnace with raising temperature, then kept at a predetermined temperature for several hours and then, slowly cooled down to room temperature. The impurities are sealed inside the fly ash 11 not to transfer to the outside so that the surface of the fly ash is covered up with a ceramic shell 13 to form the ceramic foam 10 having two layers in and out.

Abstract: A process for glazing a chinaware article by forming a chinaware article having a bottom including a glazed foot and a dry foot. The glazed foot extends downwardly from the bottom to a point below the dry foot. A glaze is applied to the formed article so that the glaze is applied to the glazed foot and the dry foot is substantially free of the glaze. The article is supported on a supporting device so that the dry foot engages the device and the glazed foot is exposed. The article is heated to mature the article including the glaze. A glazed chinaware article is produced in the process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing ferroelectric semiconductive coatings which is capable of coating the ferroelectric semiconductor onto a metal and forming electron-hole pairs on the surface of the ferroelectric semiconductor by using 440 V and 30K˜100K Hz alternating current electric energy of a high voltage and a high frequency as an energy source, based upon an energy level difference between the semiconductor and the metal, whereby it can exhibit an effective surface reaction in the range of the oxidation and reduction reaction even in the closed space where no ultraviolet irradiation occurs.

Abstract: Paste for a transparent insulating film of a plasma display panel, the paste including powder glass contains lead oxide, silicon oxide, boron oxide, barium oxide, and aluminum oxide, solvent, and resin.

Abstract: A particulate silicone based material and method for forming a heat resistant composite is provided. The particulate silicone based material is heated to a temperature between about 200° F. and about 400° F. The particulate silicone based material is cooled until a solid composite is formed. The solid composite is resistant to melting and thermal decomposition when heated to temperatures of at least 3000° F. The particulate silicone based material may be formed by mixing liquid silicone resin with a catalyst and powdered silicone molding compound.

Abstract: Electrocatalyst powders and energy devices fabricated using electrocatalyst powders and methods for making energy devices. The energy devices, such as fuel cells, have improved performance over a range of operating conditions.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to the field of ceramics and concerns an open-cell expanded ceramic which may be used in the form of a deep-bed filter, and a process for the production thereof. The primary object is to produce an open-cell expanded ceramic by a simple and economical process. This object is attained by an open-cell expanded ceramic in which the inner cavities, cracks and the porosity of the ceramic members are filled partially or completely by one or a plurality of metal and/or ceramic phases and/or glass phases. The open-cell expanded ceramic is also produced in that during or after sintering the cavities, cracks and the porosity of the ceramic members are partially or completely filled with a melt or a suspension which melt below the melting temperature of the expanded ceramic, have a coefficient of expansion similar to the coefficient of expansion of the expanded ceramic, and a very good wetting capacity, and only react partially or not at all with constituents of the expanded ceramic.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a thin film layer of a substrate. The method includes the steps of forming a thin surface layer containing a dopant material on the substrate, and short-time thermal processing of the doped surface layer with processing parameters selected to produce a reaction between the surface layer and the dopant material to form a dielectric film, a metal film or a silicide film. In one embodiment, short-time thermal processing is implemented by flash rapid thermal processing of the doped surface layer. In another embodiment, short-time thermal processing is implemented by sub-melt laser processing of the doped surface layer. The process may be used for forming dielectric layers having a thickness of 50 angstroms or less.

Abstract: A method for making an enameled steel sheet includes the steps of spraying a slurry to form a slurry layer onto a surface of a substrate and firing the slurry layer. In this method, the slurry has a static surface tension of 50 dyne/cm or less and an apparent viscosity of 500 mPa·s that is measured with a model E viscometer at a rotation of 100 rpm. Alternatively, the method includes a step of spraying a slurry for forming an enamel layer onto a surface of a substrate, wherein the substrate is vibrated when the slurry is applied or when the slurry applied is still fluid.