Abstract: Provided is a composite containing bio-active material stably combined with a rare-earth hydroxide compound having a layered structure. The bio-active materials in the composite are preserved in terms of long-term stability at high temperature of 50° C. or above and the composite maintained in the neutral pH condition to minimize side effects like latent toxicity, irritations, etc. Further, the present invention is useful for a skin-whitening, anti-wrinkle, or anti-aging cosmetic composition containing the composite.

Abstract: Provided is a bonded substrate mainly for mounting a power semiconductor in which the reliability to a thermal cycle has been enhanced as compared with a conventional one. In a bonded substrate in which a copper plate is bonded to one or both main surface(s) of a nitride ceramic substrate, a bonding layer consisting of TiN intervenes between the nitride ceramic substrate and the copper plate and is adjacent at least to the copper plate, and an Ag distribution region in which Ag atoms are distributed is set to be present in the copper plate. Preferably, an Ag-rich phase is set to be present discretely at an interface between the bonding layer and the copper plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dynamically altering the shape of a forming tool for a composite part during forming. An exemplary forming tool includes a main body that holds a first portion of a multi-layer laminate, and a platform that holds a second portion of the laminate aligned with the first portion. The forming tool also includes a biasing device that repositions the second portion with respect to the first portion during forming of the laminate, causing shear stresses between the layers of the laminate.

Abstract: Porous aluminum-containing ceramic bodies are treated to form acicular mullite crystals onto the surfaces of their pores. The crystalsare formed by contacting the body with a fluorine-containing gas or a source of both fluorine and silicon atoms to form fluorotopaz at the surface of the pores, and then decomposing the fluorotopaz to form acicular mullite crystals. This process allows the surface area of the ceramic body to be increased significantly while retaining the geometry (size, shape, general pore structure) of the starting body. The higher surface area makes the body more efficient as a particulate filter and also allows for easier introduction of catalytic materials.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can also measure the conditions of the environment surrounding the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a production method for thermochromatic glass in which use is made of a low-temperature metal vapor deposition process, and to thermochromatic glass obtained thereby. More specifically, the invention relates to: a production method for thermochromatic glass in which a low-temperature metal-vapor-deposition process is used in order to effect the vapor deposition of a metal for forming a thermochromatic metal oxide and then subsequently a heat treatment is carried out, such that the processing efficiency is high and the reliability of the thermochromatic characteristics of the glass produced by the method is outstanding; and to thermochromatic glass obtained by means of the method.

Abstract: A low-expansion glass ceramic plate, in which a black coating is applied directly or indirectly to at least some areas of at least one side of the plate and the coating contains precious metal. In order to produce a glass ceramic plate of this type that is opaque, while simultaneously retaining a sufficient degree of its thermal stability, according to this invention, the precious metal content in the coating is ?50 wt. %, the bismuth oxide content in the coating is at most 20 wt. %, and the layer thickness of the coating is at least 200 nm.

Abstract: A metal organic precursor, including a metal-chelate complex including a chelate including a Groups 3 to 12 metal ion, a chelating ligand, and an anion bound to the chelate, wherein the chelating ligand forms a reducing compound and a volatile material at a temperature of about 160° C. or lower, the anion forms a reducing compound and a volatile material at a temperature of about 180° C. or lower, and the metal-chelate complex is represented by Formula I: [L1-Me]pn+[A]qm???(I) wherein Me is the Groups 3 to 12 metal ion, L1 is the chelating ligand, A is the anion, n, m, p, and q are independently integers of 1 or more, n is the sum of a charge quantity of L1 and a charge quantity of Me, m is a charge quantity of A, and (n×p)=(m×q).

Abstract: It is possible to obtain a laminate having high adhesion strength between ceramic and a metal coating by providing the following: an insulating ceramic substrate; an intermediate layer formed on the surface of the ceramic substrate and having a metal-containing principal component metal layer and an active ingredient layer including metal, a metal oxide, or a metal hydride; and a metal coating formed on the surface of the intermediate layer by accelerating a metal-containing powder with gas, and depositing the same on the surface thereof by spraying while in a solid state.

Abstract: A nanoscale calcinated silicate film fabricated on a gold substrate for highly effective, matrix-free laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) analysis of biomolecules. The calcinated film is prepared by a layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition/calcination process wherein the thickness of the silicate layer and its surface properties are precisely controlled. The film exhibits outstanding efficiency in LDI-MS with extremely low background noise in the low-mass region, allowing for effective analysis of low mass weight samples and detection of large biomolecules including amino acids, peptides and proteins. Additional advantages for the calcinated film include ease of preparation and modification, high reproducibility, low cost and excellent reusability.

Abstract: A reflective article, such as a solar mirror, includes a highly transparent substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface. At least one reflective coating is formed over at least a portion of one of the surfaces, e.g., the second major surface (or, alternatively, the first major surface). The reflective coating includes at least one metallic layer. An encapsulation structure can be formed over at least a portion of the second reflective coating.

Abstract: The noble metal coating of the present invention is formed on a ceramic substrate. The noble metal coating has a thickness of less than 2 ?m and comprises a matrix metal and a ceramic fine particle. The matrix metal includes at least one metal selected from a group consisting of Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Os, Ir and Au as a main component. The content of the ceramic fine particle is preferably 3 to 30 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the matrix metal. The ratio between the average particle size of the ceramic fine particle and the thickness of the noble metal coating is preferably 1/1.5 to 1/400.

Abstract: A solution process is provided for forming a textured transparent conductive oxide (TCO) film. The process provides a substrate, and forms a first layer on the substrate of metal oxide nanoparticles such as ZnO, In2O3, or SnO2. The metal oxide nanoparticles have a faceted structure with an average size greater than 100 nanometers (nm). Voids between the metal oxide nanoparticles have a size about equal to the size of the metal oxide nanoparticles. Then, a second layer is formed overlaying the first layer, filling the voids between the nanoparticles of the first layer, and completely covering the substrate. The result is a continuous TCO film having an average surface roughness that is created by the combination of first and second layers.

Abstract: An inorganic membrane having an improved pore structure. The membrane has a mean pore size of up to about 100 nm and a mean particle size in a range from about 10 nm to about 100 nm. In one embodiment, the membrane comprises ?-alumina and is formed by providing a coating slip comprising ?-alumina; applying the coating slip to a support surface to form a coating layer; drying the coating layer; and firing the dried coating layer at a temperature of at least about 1000° C. to convert at least a portion of the ?-alumina to ?-alumina and form the inorganic membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a electrically conductive steel-ceramic connection comprising a steel interconnector and an electrically conductive ceramic joining layer arranged thereon. The interconnector comprises a ferritic steel containing Cr in a quantity ranging from 18 to 24% by weight. The ceramic layer contains perovskite of a formula Ln1-xSrxMn1-yCoyO3-? or Ln1-xSrxFe1-yCoyO3-?, wherein 0.1?x?0.4, 0.1?y?0.6, 0???x/2 and Ln=La—Lu. The inventive steel-ceramic connection is usable for a high-temperature fuel cell and regularly exhibits good adhesive properties and a low transition resistance (initial transition resistance R approximately equal to 0.01 ?cm2). Said steel-ceramic connection makes it possible to advantageously introduce a ferritic steel into high-temperature fuel cells. The inventive method for producing said steel-ceramic connection consists in pre-treating an inserted ceramic powder exhibiting good sinterability during an assembly process and during the fuel cell operation.

Abstract: A production method for a metallized substrate to produce a metallized substrate which comprises: a sintered nitride ceramic substrate; a titanium nitride layer formed on the sintered substrate; and a metal layer containing copper, silver and titanium formed on the titanium nitride layer. The method comprises: a step of layering a first paste layer containing copper powder and titanium hydride powder on the sintered nitride ceramic substrate, to produce a first layered body; a step of layering a second paste layer containing silver-copper alloy powder on the first paste layer of the first layered body, to produce a second layered body; and a step of firing the second layered body, to thereby form the titanium nitride layer and the metal layer on the sintered nitride ceramic substrate.

Abstract: Methods for coating wires to apply a silver cladding are disclosed herein. Silver nanoparticles are dispersed in a low surface tension solvent to form a coating solution. A wire is drawn through the coating solution to form a coating layer of silver nanoparticles on the wire. The coating layer is then annealed to form the wire with a silver cladding thereon.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a coated article including at least one infrared (IR) reflecting layer of a material such as silver or the like in a low-E coating, and methods of making the same. In certain cases, at least one layer of the coating is of or includes nickel and/or titanium (e.g., NixTiyOz). The provision of a layer including nickel titanium and/or an oxide thereof may permit a layer to be used that has good adhesion to the IR reflecting layer, and reduced absorption of visible light (resulting in a coated article with a higher visible transmission). When a layer including nickel titanium oxide is provided directly over and/or under the IR reflecting layer (e.g., as a barrier layer), this may result in improved chemical and mechanical durability. Thus, visible transmission may be improved if desired, without compromising durability; or, durability may simply be increased.

Abstract: A method of forming a wallboard material can include forming a mixture including microparticles, sodium silicate and vinyl acetate. The mixture can be disposed between a metallic facing membrane and a second facing membrane. The mixture can then be heat cured in a single step sufficient to form a wallboard material having the metallic facing membrane and the second facing membrane attached to a core matrix. The heat curing time is complete in less than about 1.5 hours without causing damage to the wallboard material.

Abstract: A lead-free glass for covering electrodes including, as represented by mass % based on the following oxides, from 30 to 50% of B2O3, from 21 to 25% of SiO2, from 10 to 35% of ZnO, from 7 to 14% in total of K2O and either one or both of Li2O and Na2O, from 0 to 10% of Al2O3, and from 0 to 10% of ZrO2, wherein when it contains at least one component selected from the group consisting of MgO, CaO, SrO and BaO, the total of their contents is at most 5%, and when the molar fractions of Li2O, Na2O and K2O are represented by l, n and k, respectively, l is at most 0.025, and l+n+k is from 0.07 to 0.17.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a window having anti-fungal/anti-bacterial properties and/or self-cleaning properties, and a method of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a silver based layer is be provided and the layer(s) located thereover (e.g., the zirconium oxide inclusive layer) are designed to permit silver particles to migrate/diffuse to the surface over time to kill bacteria/germs at the surface of the coated article thereby creating an anti-bacterial/anti-fungal effect. In certain example embodiments, silver may also or instead be mixed in with other material as the top layer of the anti-bacterial coating.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to the development of temperable UV blocking coatings having enhanced UV blocking efficiency and aesthetic appearance on stock sheets of glass substrates using large-scale wet coating manufacturing methods. A glass substrate is provided. A base coat is curtain coated on the glass substrate from a oxide precursor material including zinc, cerium, titanium, and silicon precursor materials. The base coat is cured. A top coat is roll coated, directly or indirectly, on the base coat, with the top coat being a sacrificial cross-linked organic polymer-based layer. The substrate is heat treated with the base coat and the top coat thereon. The base coat and the top coat are substantially uniform in thickness, and the heat treating removes substantially all of the top coat while causing substantially no cracking in the base coat.

Abstract: A method of making a coated article (e.g., window unit), and corresponding coated article are provided. A layer of or including diamond-like carbon (DLC) is formed on a glass substrate. Then, a protective layer is formed on the substrate over the DLC inclusive layer. During heat treatment (HT), the protective layer prevents the DLC inclusive layer from significantly burning off. Thereafter, the resulting coated glass substrate may be used as desired, it having been HT and including the protective DLC inclusive layer.

Abstract: Organometallic coatings or films, substrates coated with such films and methods for applying the films to the substrates are disclosed. The organometallic film or coating is derived from a transition metal compound containing both halide ligands and alkoxide ligands. Coated articles comprising polymer substrates and adhered to the substrate surface an organometallic film in which the metal comprises halide and alkoxide ligands are also disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a plating method on a glass base plate. The method allows forming a plating film on a base plate composed of a glass material with excellent adhesivity and homogeneity by means of an electroless plating method even to a thickness of 1 ?m or more. Before forming a plating film by a step of electroless plating S6, a surface treatment process is conducted on a surface of the base plate composed of a glass material. The surface treatment process comprises at least a step of glass activation treatment S2 to increase quantity of silanol groups on the surface of the base plate at least by a factor of two using an aqueous solution of diluted acid, a step of silane coupling agent treatment S3, a step of palladium catalyst treatment S4, and a step of palladium bonding treatment S5.

Abstract: A gas separation membrane and a method of manufacturing such gas separation membrane that comprises a porous substrate treated with a layer of metal-coated inorganic oxide particles and with the layer of such metal-coated inorganic oxide particles being coated with an overlayer of a gas-selective material.

Abstract: A catalyst support is made by coating a metal substrate with a solution containing a precursor for a ceramic and an amphiphilic compound, and treating the coating such that it forms a micelle structure. The coating is then treated to form a mesoporous ceramic coating on the metal substrate. The micelle structure acts as a template, so that the pores are of regular size. The active catalytic material can then be deposited in the pores. The metal substrate may for example be a corrugated foil, which can enable reaction heat to be dissipated from hot spots.

Abstract: A metal organic precursor, including a metal-chelate complex including a chelate including a Groups 3 to 12 metal ion, a chelating ligand, and an anion bound to the chelate, wherein the chelating ligand forms a reducing compound and a volatile material at a temperature of about 160° C. or lower, the anion forms a reducing compound and a volatile material at a temperature of about 180° C. or lower, and the metal-chelate complex is represented by Formula I: [L1-Me]pn+[A]qm???(I) wherein Me is the Groups 3 to 12 metal ion, L1 is the chelating ligand, A is the anion, n, m, p, and q are independently integers of 1 or more, n is the sum of a charge quantity of L1 and a charge quantity of Me, m is a charge quantity of A, and (n×p)=(m×q).

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a coated article includes respective layers including diamond-like carbon (DLC) and zirconium nitride before heat treatment (HT). During HT, the hydrogenated DLC acts as a fuel which upon combustion with oxygen produces carbon dioxide and/or water. The high temperature developed during this combustion heats the zirconium nitride to a temperature(s) well above the heat treating temperature, thereby causing the zirconium nitride to be transformed into a new post-HT layer including zirconium oxide that is scratch resistant and durable.

Abstract: A method with enhanced safety characteristics of depositing a kesterite film, which includes a compound of the formula: Cu2?xZn1+ySn(S1?zSez)4+q, wherein 0?x?1; 0?y?1; 0?z?1; ?1?q?1. The method includes contacting an aqueous solvent, ammonia, a source of hydrazine, a source of Cu, a source of Sn, a source of Zn, a source of at least one of S and Se, under conditions sufficient to form an aqueous dispersion which includes solid particles; applying the dispersion onto a substrate to form a thin layer of the dispersion on the substrate; and annealing at a temperature, pressure, and length of time sufficient to form the kesterite film. An annealing composition and a photovoltaic device including the kesterite film formed by the above method are also provided.

Abstract: A crystalline glass with a characteristic of precipitating crystals from the surface of the crystalline glass to the interior thereof when it is being heated at a temperature higher than the softening point is used in the invention. A plurality of small crystalline glass masses 12 are accumulated and leveled in a fireproof mold coated with a mold release agent, and two crystalline glass plates 14A and 14B cut in an S shape are placed on the accumulated surface of the small crystalline glass masses 12 with the cut faces tightly bonded. A heat treatment is then performed to obtain a crystallized glass article having patterns. The crystalline glass plate can be cut into any shape to tightly bond the cut faces, and therefore the obtained crystallized glass articles have different patterns like natural-marble-like patterns, human figure patterns, animal patterns, etc. The invention also discloses a method of producing crystallized articles having patterns.

Abstract: A metallized substrate having, disposed in the order mentioned: a ceramics substrate; a high-melting point metal layer; a base nickel plating layer; a layered nickel-phosphorous plating layer; a diffusion-inhibiting plating layer; and a gold plating layer. The base nickel plating layer being any one of a nickel plating layer, a nickel-boron plating layer, or a nickel-cobalt plating layer. The diffusion-inhibiting plating layer being any one of a columnar nickel-phosphorous plating layer, a palladium-phosphorous plating layer, or a palladium plating layer. According to the above composition, even after heating the semiconductor chips in a mounted state, the metallized substrate can make the connection strength of wire bonding favorable.

Abstract: A gas separation membrane and a method of manufacturing such gas separation membrane that comprises a porous substrate treated with a layer of metal-coated inorganic oxide particles and with the layer of such metal-coated inorganic oxide particles being coated with an overlayer of a gas-selective material.

Abstract: Methods for forming doped titanium dioxide coatings are disclosed. Sol-gel compositions are prepared having at least one dopant, are formed on a substrate, and heated at a temperature sufficient to form a doped anatase titanium dioxide coating. Doped titanium dioxide coatings having at least one of improved antimicrobial properties, self-cleaning properties, hydrophilicity, and/or activation time are also disclosed. Substrates comprising such coatings are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing synthetic ceramic tile, including at least providing a ceramic tile, coating a coating on the ceramic tile, the coating containing at least an aluminum pigment and/or at least a titanium-mica pearlescent pigment, and drying a liquid coating deposited on the ceramic tile, or melt-quenching or melt-curing a powder coating deposited on the ceramic tile. The synthetic ceramic tile has a metallic or pearl color, which improves its decorative effect.

Abstract: A reflective article, such as a solar mirror, includes a highly transparent substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface. At least one reflective coating is formed over at least a portion of one of the surfaces, e.g., the second major surface (or, alternatively, the first major surface). The reflective coating includes at least one metallic layer. An encapsulation structure can be formed over at least a portion of the second reflective coating.

Abstract: Rare earth compositions comprising nanoparticles are described along with various nanotechnology applications of such nanoparticles. The compositions of the nanomaterials discussed may include scandium (Sc), yttrium (Y), lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), erbium Er), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), and lutetium (Lu).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pigment compositions, thick film black pigment compositions, conductive single layer thick film compositions, black electrodes made from such black conductive compositions and methods of forming such electrodes, and to the uses of such compositions, electrodes, and methods in flat panel display applications, including alternating-current plasma display panel devices (AC PDP).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of glass-coated electric components, wherein the components are, inter alia, passivated by the application of the glass. The lead-free glass used is not affected through purification and processing steps and the electric component is protected from mechanical damaging and other detrimental influences, such as impurities. Further, the method remarkably helps to stabilize the electrical properties of the components. Inter alia, a sufficient acid resistance is achieved and it results in an improvement of the expansion adjustment of the glass.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a piezoelectric element includes the steps of forming a first electrode above a substrate, forming, above the first electrode, a piezoelectric layer composed of a piezoelectric material having a perovskite structure, and forming a second electrode above the piezoelectric layer, wherein the step of forming the first electrode includes forming a layer containing nickel, and forming, above the layer containing nickel, a lanthanum nickelate layer that is oriented to a cubic (100).

Abstract: Methods of making low-index coatings having antireflective and hydrophilic properties, and articles containing the low-index coatings are provided. In certain example instances, a substrate supports a layer made from a silica- and titania-containing precursor. After drying or curing, the resulting coating may be antireflective and hydrophilic thereby allowing water or the like to easily shed therefrom and minimizing the amount of solar reflectance therefrom.

Abstract: A method for treating a microcracked, ceramic substrate is provided that obviates the need for filling the microcracks of the substrate via a passivation step prior to sintering a layer of washcoat to the surfaces of the substrate that may either contain a catalyst, or provide a support layer for a catalyst subsequently applied. In the first step of the method, a slurry of particles of a washcoating composition is applied over the surface of the substrate such that particles of the composition are lodged into microcracks of the substrate. Next, the substrate is heat treated to between about 700° C. and 1300° C. The applicants have discovered that such heat treating not only sets the washcoating particles into the substrate, but also causes the microcracks in the substrate to permanently enlarge as a result of the resistance of the lodged particles of washcoating composition against the walls of the microcracks as they attempt to close as a result of thermal expansion of the substrate.

Abstract: A mounting table structure capable of preventing cracks in a mounting table made of a ceramic material or at a joint portion between the mounting table and a column for supporting the mounting table. The mounting table structure includes a ceramic mounting table made of a ceramic material for mounting thereon a target object in order to perform a specific heat treatment on the target object in a processing chamber, and a supporting unit for supporting the mounting table. A quartz glass coating layer is formed on a surface of the mounting table while maintaining a compressive stress in a plane direction. As a result, cracks are prevented from occurring in a mounting table made of a ceramic material or at a joint portion between the mounting table and a column for supporting the mounting table.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a coated article includes a zirconium nitride inclusive layer before heat treatment (HT). The coated article is heat treated sufficiently to cause the zirconium nitride based layer to transform into a zirconium oxide based layer that is scratch resistant and/or durable. In certain example embodiments, the zirconium nitride and/or zirconium oxide may be doped with F and/or C.

Abstract: A method of forming a hydrogen transport membrane to separate hydrogen from a hydrogen containing feed in which a porous ceramic support is formed to support a dense layer of palladium or an alloy of palladium serving as a hydrogen transport material. Isolated deposits of palladium, a palladium alloy or a component of such alloy are produced on a surface of the porous ceramic support that bridge pores within the porous ceramic support without penetrating the pores and without bridging regions of the surface defined between the pores. The isolated deposits of the metal are produced by an electroless plating process.

Abstract: A silver conductive coating possessing infrared absorbing properties is disclosed. The coating is made from a blend of one or more micron size silver powders and/or flakes together with carbon black, inorganic pigment, glass frit, and powdered selenium or bismuth metal. The foregoing dry ingredients are pasted with an organic vehicle, applied to a substrate, and fired at a temperature of up to 1400° F. The coating absorbs infrared radiation beyond the decomposition of carbon black, thus allowing higher firing temperatures and hence shorter firing times.

Abstract: This invention is for a catalyst for conversion of hydrocarbons. The catalyst contains a zeolite with one element from Group 13, Group 14, or the first series transition metals and, optionally, germanium and/or aluminum in the zeolite framework. At least one Group 10 metal, such as platinum, is deposited on the zeolite. Examples of the elements in the framework are tin, boron, iron or titanium. The catalyst is prepared by synthesizing a zeolite with one element from Group 13, Group 14, or the first series transition metals and, optionally, germanium and/or aluminum in the zeolite framework; depositing the metal; and calcining after preparation of the zeolite and before or after depositing the metal. The catalyst may be used in a process for the conversion of hydrocarbons, such as propane to aromatics, by contacting the catalyst with alkanes having 2 to 12 carbon atoms per molecule and recovering the product.

Abstract: There is provided a method of making a heat treated (HT) coated article to be used in shower door applications, window applications, or any other suitable applications where transparent coated articles are desired. For example, certain embodiments of this invention relate to a method of making a coated article including a step of heat treating a glass substrate coated with at least a layer of or including diamond-like carbon (DLC) and an overlying protective film thereon. In certain example embodiments, the protective film may be of or include an oxide of zinc. Following and/or during heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering, or the like) the protective film may be removed. Other embodiments of this invention relate to the pre-HT coated article, or the post-HT coated article.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for manufacturing an article having a wetting-resistant surface. The method includes providing a substrate. The method further includes disposing a coating mixture on a surface of the substrate, wherein the coating mixture comprises a braze material and a texture-providing material. The method further includes heating the braze material to bond the texture-providing material to the surface of the substrate to form the article having the wetting-resistant surface.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of forming a metallic coating on a substrate which contains silicon. A metallic glass layer is formed over a silicon surface of the substrate. The invention includes methods of protecting a silicon substrate. The substrate is provided within a deposition chamber along with a deposition target. Material from the deposition target is deposited over at least a portion of the silicon substrate to form a protective layer or structure which contains metallic glass. The metallic glass comprises iron and one or more of B, Si, P and C. The invention includes structures which have a substrate containing silicon and a metallic layer over the substrate. The metallic layer contains less than or equal to about 2 weight % carbon and has a hardness of at least 9.2 GPa. The metallic layer can have an amorphous microstructure or can be devitrified to have a nanocrystalline microstructure.