Abstract: The invention includes a method of coating a substrate, comprising exposing a substrate to an initiator capable of initiating a graft polymerization reaction on the substrate, to generate reactive radical sites on the surface of the substrate; contacting the substrate with a composition comprising one or more monomers in a medium which has different hydrophilicity compared to the substrate, and grafting monomer molecules onto the substrate by forming covalent bonds between monomer molecules and the substrate at reactive radical sites on the substrate surface. With the invention, novel coated articles can be obtained which are particularly usefull as medical products such as catheters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing zeolite which is useful as catalyst carrier for exhaust gas clean up by decomposition, reduction or oxidation catalyst carrier for synthesis and/or decomposition of organic or inorganic chemicals, and membrane for selective separation of organic substances, gases and inorganic cations. This new method is one in which a crystalline silica or amorphous glass contained in a fired ceramic substrate is used as a silica source for forming a natural or synthetic zeolite film on the ceramic substrate, while at the same time making the ceramic substrate porous.

Abstract: Antimicrobial activity is imparted to the surface(s) of an apparatus or article by polymerizing tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate in the presence of the apparatus or article by which adhesion of the polymer to the surface(s) is achieved. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the antimicrobial monomer is graft polymerized on the surface(s).

Abstract: Metal surfaces, metal-oxide surfaces, metal-salt surfaces, silicon-comprising surfaces and/or high-molecular-weight aquoxide-comprising organic surfaces are coated. The coating is carried out with a reagent having a reactive group chosen from Si—H, Sn—H, and Ge—H. The reagent is applied in liquid, pasty, or solid form to the surface that is to be coated. Furthermore, the coating reaction requires the presence of an activator. A platinum metal in form of a compound or in metallic form is used as activator.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods for the protection and consolidation of calcareous materials. An exemplary method includes providing an aqueous solution of a hydroxycarboxylic acid, adjusting the pH of the aqueous solution by adding an alkaline agent, and applying the pH-adjusted aqueous solution to a calcareous mineral to form a conversion layer on the mineral. The calcareous mineral may, for example, be carbonate rock, particularly limestone and marble, or may be part of masonry material, aggregates, or fillers. Adherent conversion layers are readily formed at ambient temperatures and, therefore, methods provided are suitable for field application. Conversion layers so formed are provided as further embodiments.

Abstract: A process is disclosed whereby a 5-50-nanometer-thick conformal tungsten coating can be formed over exposed semiconductor surfaces (e.g. silicon, germanium or silicon carbide) within a microelectromechanical (MEM) device for improved wear resistance and reliability. The tungsten coating is formed after cleaning the semiconductor surfaces to remove any organic material and oxide film from the surface. A final in situ cleaning step is performed by heating a substrate containing the MEM device to a temperature in the range of 200-600 ° C. in the presence of gaseous nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). The tungsten coating can then be formed by a chemical reaction between the semiconductor surfaces and tungsten hexafluoride (WF6) at an elevated temperature, preferably about 450° C. The tungsten deposition process is self-limiting and covers all exposed semiconductor surfaces including surfaces in close contact.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite material, wherein compound A having a group selected from an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, aromatic hydrocarbon group and heterocycle-containing group which comprises a functional group which can bond to a compound B allowed to bond to a substrate, then compound B having a functional group which can bond to said functional group in compound A is allowed to bond to compound A is disclosed. Embodiments in which compound A is represented by formula (1); R1M1Y13, formula (2); R1R2M1Y12, formula (3); R1R2R3M1Y1 and formula (4); R1—SH: embodiments in which compound A is a silane compound: the functional group of compound A is a halogen group or an epoxy group: and embodiments in which compound B is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds, aromatic hydrocarbon compounds and heterocycle-containing compounds having an amino group, carboxyl group or hydroxyl group, are preferred.

Abstract: An adhesive coating with optical and/or mechanical functions is applied to a PMMA substrate surface, a organic compound which is polymerized by radicals being used as the adhesive-providing layer. The coating with the optical and/or mechanical function(s) is obtained after radical-induced polymerization of the adhesive-providing layer.

Abstract: A conductive, non-stick coating is provided using a ceramic material which is conductive, flexible and provides a surface which exhibits the property of lubricity. A room or near room temperature manufacturing process produces a coating of titanium nitride on a substrate, where the coating is amorphous if the substrate is a solid material including plastics, composites, metals, magnets, and ceramics, enabling the substrate to bend without damaging the coating. The coating can also be applied as a conformal coating on a variety of substrate shapes, depending upon the application. The coating is bio-compatible and can be applied to a variety of medical devices.

Abstract: A low resistance magnetic tunnel junction with low resistance barrier layer and method of fabrication is disclosed. A first magnetic layer of material with a surface is provided and a continuous layer of material, e.g. aluminum, is formed on the surface of the first magnetic layer. The continuous layer of material is treated to produce a low resistance barrier layer of oxynitride material and a second magnetic layer is formed on the barrier layer of oxynitride material to complete the low resistance magnetic tunnel junction.

Abstract: Low surface energy functionalized surfaces on solid supports are provided by treating a solid support having hydrophilic moieties on its surface with a derivatizing composition containing a mixture of silanes. A first silane provides the desired reduction in surface energy, while the second silane enables functionalization with molecular moieties of interest, such as small molecules, initial monomers to be used in the solid phase synthesis of oligomers, or intact oligomers. Molecular moieties of interest may be attached through cleavable sites. Derivatizing compositions for carrying out the surface functionalization process are provided as well.

Abstract: The methods of forming a chemically adsorbed film by contacting a substrate with a solution mixture containing an alkoxysilane surface active agent, a non-aqueous solvent and a silanol-condensing catalyst to form a film covalently bonded to the substrate via siloxane bonds. These methods do not generate hydrochloric acid gas in forming the films and allow practical reaction rates.

Abstract: There is provided a method for adhering precious metal to vitreous substances or bodies. Precious metal (including but not limited to, gold, palladium or platinum) is deposited or applied to the surface of the vitreous body. After such initial application, which may include a preheating step, the outer skin or membrane of the glass is made plastic and sticky by superheating. This change in viscosity allows the glass to bond to the deposited precious metal. The superheating process is completed quickly before distortion of the contour of the vitreous object and unwanted vaporization of the deposited metal take place. After the superheating process is completed, the object is annealed conventionally to room temperature.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube is contacted with a reactive substance which is a metal or a semiconductor. The reactive substance is heated to diffuse atoms of the reactive substance into the carbon nanotube so that the carbon nanotube is partially transformed or converted into carbide as a reaction product. Thus, a heterojunction of the reaction product and the carbon nanotube is formed. For example, the carbon nanotube (2) is contacted with a silicon substrate (1). The silicon substrate (1) is heated to cause solid-solid diffusion of Si. As a result, SiC (3) is formed as the heterojunction. At least a part of a filament material of a carbon nanotube is irradiated with electromagnetic wave to deform the filament material.

Abstract: A new method for making patterned magnetic storage media with magnetic and substantially non-magnetic zones utilizes a selective oxidation processes. Selective oxidation is achieved by subjecting a magnetic layer to an oxygen plasma through voids in a patterned mask. A high resolution patterned mask is made by embossing and reactive ion etch processes. The method is used to fabricate patterned magnetic disks media with alternating magnetic and non-magnetic zones ranging from 10 to 1000 Nanometers in width. Magnetic storage disks produced by this method have high-bit densities, minimal topography and reduced signal noise.

Abstract: A process is provided for depositing a silver coating on a metallic component of a feedthrough assembly to displace surface oxide and to deposit a conductive finish suitable for making an electrical connection. The feedthrough assembly includes a ferrule, an insulator mounted within the ferrule, and at least one tantalum terminal pin extending through the insulator. An inert gas dispensing hood is positioned over the terminal pin to create an argon gas environment around the terminal pin to prevent oxidation. A ground electrode of an electric circuit is connected to the feedthrough assembly. The electric circuit includes a direct current power source electrically connected to a resistor and a high energy storage capacitor. An active electrode of the electrical circuit is attached to a silver anode.

Abstract: In processing an object by irradiating it with laser light, a laser irradiation chamber is evacuated to a pressure value suitable for the intended laser light processing and the laser light processing is performed with the pressure in the chamber kept constant at the above value. Further, electrodes are provided in the laser irradiation chamber, and the inside of the chamber is cleaned by introducing an etching gas into the chamber during or immediately before the laser light irradiation and rendering the etching gas active.

Abstract: Intercalated graphite flake which has enhanced exfoliation volume characteristics at relatively low exfoliation temperatures e.g. 600.degree. C. is made by heating a blend of intercalated particles and an organic reducing agent in the temperature range of 25.degree. to 110.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for fabricating synthetic materials by atomic alloying of a host material. Energetic high vapor pressure modifier elements or species are introduced into the host matrix of a fluidic precursor high metling point material so as to obtain an engineered material characterized by a range of controllable optical electrical, thermal, chemical or mechanical properties not exhibited by either the modifier or the precursor material. The method for forming a synthetically engineered material by forming a fluid host matrix material on a moving substrate surface, such as a wheel; directing a plurality of discrete fluid modifier materials, activated or unactivated, in a stream, as from a nozzle, toward the substrate surface in a direction such that it converges with the host matrix material to produce a ribbon of modified material.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant copper material has a surface layer of a copper alloy containing 10-50 at % (i.e. % by atom) of silicon and of 10-1,000 .ANG. thick. It is produced simply by annealing a copper material containing 0.01-5 at % of silicon at 100-600.degree. C. in a hydrogen-containing gas. Because of its excellent resistance to surface corrosion due to heat and aging, the resulting copper material lends itself well to automotive and electrical applications requiring heat resistance, and is also suitable for use in electrical wire and in leadframes for semiconductor devices.

Abstract: In a method of coating easily oxidisable materials by plasma powder build-up welding of additive materials in powder form using alternating current or direct current with superimposed alternating current to produce a plasma transferred arc for powder build-up welding in accordance with patent application No 196 26 941.5 a CuNi-alloy is used as an additive welding material with additions (in % by weight) of:______________________________________ Fe below about 10; Cr below about 5; B below about 4; Si below about 4; C with about 1.5; ______________________________________with a degree of mixing of more than 40% by volume.

Abstract: An improved process, preferably continuous, for the manufacture of gradient refractive index optical objects, wherein a core polymer, which itself may be prepared by a continuous and incorporated process, is passed through a hollow porous surrounding, generally cylindrical so as to obtain and maintain a rounded fiber, through which is fed a second monomer whose polymer has a lower refractive index than the core polymer, so as to swell the core polymer. The swollen polymer with a gradient of swelling by the second monomer from surface to core, is then led to a polymerization unit to complete the polymerization before equilibration of the second monomer throughout the core polymer occurs. The resulting polymers are useful in the preparation of optical fibers and light pipes.

Abstract: A conductive adhesion layer (e.g. titanium 150 .ANG. thick) is formed on a substrate. A first conductive barrier layer (e.g. high-density gold-colored titanium-nitride 300 .ANG. thick) having properties of microcracking in a first direction to relieve inherent stress is deposited on the conductive adhesion layer. A second conductive barrier layer (e.g. low-density brown-colored titanium-nitride 400 .ANG. thick) having properties of low inherent stress is deposited on the first barrier layer. The second barrier layer may be exposed to air, thereby further inhibiting the leakage to the substrate of material from a conductive layer (e.g. aluminum silicon copper or aluminum copper) when a third barrier layer (e.g. high-density gold-colored titanium nitride 300 .ANG. thick) and such conductive layer are thereafter sequentially deposited on the second barrier layer. Such method may be used to provide a substantially uniform deposition on the walls of a groove for receiving a via. An insulating coating (e.g.

Abstract: A composition for reducing a copper oxide layer to metallic copper so as to facilitate bonding a resin to the metallic copper is disclosed. The composition is an aqueous reducing solution containing a cyclic borane compound. Examples of such cyclic borane compounds include those having nitrogen or sulfur as a ring-forming member, such as morpholine borane, piperidine borane, pyridine borane, piperazine borane, 2,6-Iutidine borane, 4-methylmorpholine borane, and 1,4-oxathiane borane, and also N,N-diethylaniline borane.

Abstract: An article has at its surface a nonmetallic ceramic form of a cation reactive with phosphate ion to form a ceramic phosphate, such as an oxide of a cation selected from the group consisting of beryllium, aluminum, iron, magnesium, calcium, thorium, barium, zirconium, zinc, silicon, and mixtures thereof. A source of reactive phosphate ions, such as concentrated phosphoric acid or monoaluminum phosphate, is applied to the surface of the article. The surface of the article is thereafter heated to cause the nonmetallic ceramic form of the cation and the source of the reactive phosphate ions to react together, producing a phosphate-bonded hard layer at the surface of the article.

Abstract: A method of protecting a metal against embrittlement when the metal is exposed to carbon or sulfur at an elevated temperature, the method comprising forming a thin, adherent, continuous coating of a glass on the surface of the metal prior to exposure to carbon or sulfur at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for flowable materials which comprises a generally cylindrical housing having a chamber, a discharge opening, a wick projecting through said discharge opening, and a projecting structure for shielding the user from flowable materials and for preventing placement of the applicator in inappropriate receptacles. Further, the present invention relates to a storage and shipping rack for said applicators and to a method of dispensing flowable materials onto a surface. Preferably, the applicator is filled with metal coating and treating compositions such as aqueous acidic chromate compositions. Most preferably, the acidic compositions contain a very low concentration of a fluorinated surfactant.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprising a cobalt-samarium magnetic alloy layer is formed having a high aerial recording density and exhibiting high coercivity, utilizing an underlayer with a thin nucleation layer thereon. Embodiments include sputter depositing a Cr or Cr alloy underlayer on a non-magnetic substrate, including alternative substrates, and sputter depositing a thin nucleation layer comprising Cr or a Cr alloy on the underlayer. A CoSm alloy layer is sputter deposited on the nucleation layer under substantially the same inert gas pressure as the nucleation layer, whereby Cr diffuses from the nucleation layer into and alloys with the CoSm magnetic alloy layer, thereby increasing media coercivity and corrosion resistance, and reducing media noise. A Cr overcoat on a CoSm alloy layer greatly reduces the oxidation of CoSm, thereby improving its corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A method for preventing radioactive contamination of porous surfaces comprising providing an apparatus for handling radioactive material comprising a porous surface; exposing the porous surface to a vacuum; depositing a flowable precursor material onto the porous surface, wherein the porous surface comprises pores and the vacuum is effective to substantially fill the pores with the flowable precursor material; subjecting the flowable precursor material to energy sufficient to convert the flowable precursor material to an effective sealant film comprising amorphous carbon. In a preferred embodiment, the porous surface is an anodized aluminum surface.

Abstract: A process for forming a uniform, boron nitride coating on a boron-doped, refractory carbide body, and in particular on a sintered, boron-doped, silicon carbide fiber, where the body is exposed to a nitrogen-containing atmosphere at a temperature equal to or greater than the densification or sintering temperature. The coated fibers exhibit no loss in strength properties and show improved creep resistance.

Abstract: A method for strengthening and aging-prevention of a TZP ceramics includes the steps of: introducing TZP ceramic and Si-based ceramic powders into a furnace in which a water vapor pressure is controlled; and exposing the TZP ceramic next to Si-based ceramic in a flowing H.sub.2 atmosphere containing H.sub.2 O of no more than 0.1%, to form a silica/zircon layer on the surface of the TZP ceramic.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a particle packed, highly inorganically filled, cellular matrix are disclosed. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together a starch-based binder, a solvent, inorganic aggregates, and optimal admixtures, e.g., fibers, mold-releasing agents, rheology-modifying agents, plasticizers, coating materials, and dispersants, in the correct proportions to form an article which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures have a predetermined viscosity and are heated between molds at an elevated temperature and pressure to produce form-stable articles having a desired shape and a selectively controlled cellular, structure matrix. The molded articles may be placed in a high humidity chamber to obtain the necessary flexibility for their intended use.

Abstract: A treatment method for surface energy reduction is disclosed, which comprises subjecting a substrate to an interfacial contact reaction between the phase thereof and a phase containing a compound having at least one low-energy functional group to fix the low-energy functional groups to the substrate surface to thereby reduce the surface energy thereof. The method necessitates neither an expensive special solvent nor a curing step causing mechanical damage to the substrate, and can be carried out under simple conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a process for modifying the properties of a hydroxylated surface of a three-dimensional substrate containing exposed zones and recessed zones, according to which a compound, such as a silane containing (a) reactive group(s), is selectively dry-transferred onto the exposed zones of said surface using a a flat stamping pad impregnated with said compound. The substrate may be made of glass and the compound may be a thiol or an alkyl- or aryl-tri(chloro or alkoxy) silane, inter alia. Use, in particular, for the production of microwell plates for biological cultures and printing plates.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy substrate is pretreated with an aqueous solution containing an organophosphorus compound, preferably a vinyiphosphonic acid-acrylic acid copolymer, before coating the substrate with a polymer. Passing the substrate through the solution contaminates it with aluminum and other elements. The pretreatment solution is rejuvenated by removing aluminum with a cation exchange resin that preferably contains a styrene-divinyl benzene copolymer functionalized with sulfonate groups. Rinsing the substrate contaminates the rinse water with the copolymer. The rinse water is concentrated by reverse osmosis or membrane ultrafiltration and returned to the pretreatment solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to amorphous fibers containing Si, B and N, to a process for the production thereof and to the use thereof, and to composites containing these amorphous fibers and the production thereof.

Abstract: In processing an object by irradiating it with laser light, a laser irradiation chamber is evacuated to a pressure value suitable for the intended laser light processing and the laser light processing is performed with the pressure in the chamber kept constant at the above value. Further, electrodes are provided in the laser irradiation chamber, and the inside of the chamber is cleaned by introducing an etching gas into the chamber during or immediately before the laser light irradiation and rendering the etching gas active.

Abstract: A method of treating a potable water supply component, for example a pipe, pipe coupling or tap body, made of a leaded copper-based alloy such as a brass or gun metal, in order to inhibit the leach out of lead from the alloy by potable water during service, comprises treating at least internal surfaces of the component with an aqueous solution of an acid that forms a substantially water insoluble compound with lead. The acid is preferably ortho-phosphoric acid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating ordered anisotropic organic monolayers are described. An apparatus includes a substrate including a surface; and an ordered organic monolayer chemically bonded to the surface, the ordered organic monolayer including a plurality of cyclic organic molecules, each of the plurality of cyclic organic molecules being obtained from an unsaturated cyclic organic reactant that is chemically bonded to the surface through an addition reaction. The systems and methods provide advantages in that translational and rotational order from the substrate is extended into the monolayer.

Abstract: Apparatus which is disclosed comprises a metal mold, a metal plunger and an annular manifold, and includes means for moving the plunger and the manifold between an open position in which the manifold surrounds the plunger and a gob of softened glass can be introduced into the mold and a closed position in which the manifold surrounds the plunger and the latter forms, with the mold and the manifold, a cavity in which a glass part can be formed. The manifold and the plunger have facing walls which are above the mold cavity, have portions which are in close fitting sliding engagement, and, thereabove, portions which diverge away from one another and form an annular space.

Abstract: An ion implant process is disclosed for forming an amorphous structure in a semiconductor metallization barrier layer, which barrier may be a pure metal barrier, such as titanium, tantalum, tungsten, or metal compound barrier, such as titanium nitride, or titanium-tungsten. The implant is preferably an ion of the barrier metal being used, which is implanted such that an amorphous (texture-less non-crystalline) layer is produced. Other implant species, such as nitrogen or noble gases, such as neon or argon may also be used. Subsequent deposition of the interconnect metallization (typically Al or Cu) results in an interconnect metal structure having a high degree of texture which is characterized by a very narrow distribution of crystallographic orientations in the Al or Cu film. The highly textured Al or Cu metallization results in optimizing the interconnect metal for maximum electromigration performance.

Abstract: A binary, boron-based alloy as a source for field-emission-type, ion-beam generating devices, wherein boron predominates in the alloy, preferably with a presence of about 60 atomic percent. The other constituent in the alloy is selected from the group of elements consisting of nickel, palladium and platinum. Predominance of boron in these alloys, during operation, promotes combining of boron with trace impurities of carbon in the alloys to form B.sub.4 C and thus to promote wetting of an associated carbon support substrate.

Abstract: A ceramic welding process for forming a coherent refractory mass on a surface of a refractory which is hot and which is comprised of at least one silicon compound includes providing a mixture composed of combustible particles including silicon particles, refractory particles which are silicon carbide particles and which constitute a major portion by weight of the mixture, and particles of one of (a) another substance selected from the group consisting of CaO, MgO, FeO, and mixtures thereof or (b) particles of a nonmetallic precursor of the another substance, which another substance causes incorporation of silica, formed by combustion of the silicon particles, into a crystalline lattice of a compound formed between the silica and the another substance within the coherent refractory mass being formed; and projecting the mixture against the surface of the refractory, simultaneously with substantially pure oxygen, so that the combustible particles react in an exothermic manner by combusting with the projected oxy

Abstract: A process of growing a dielectric layer includes a step of heating a gas mixture of at least one gas having a first chemical element of oxygen and a second chemical element other than oxygen to a first predetermined temperature to produce reactive precursors of the gas mixture. The reactive precursors are then introduced into a reaction chamber that houses at least one wafer to grow the dielectric layer on the wafer within the reaction chamber at a second predetermined temperature below the first predetermined temperature. A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus of growing the dielectric layer is also described.

Abstract: A surface treating method uses an electric discharge machining to form a coating layer having strong adhesion and excellent characteristics on a metal surface such as a hard metal. A discharge electrode is formed by powders containing metal hydride. Electric discharge is generated in a working fluid containing carbon between the discharge electrode and a workpiece. Thus, a coating layer of the metal hydride is formed on a surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for protecting surfaces of diamond, diamondlike carbon and of other forms of carbon, from the effects of oxidation which can occur at high temperatures in an oxidizing environment. The method involves exposing the surface of the diamond or other carbon material to energetic ions of, or containing, an element or elements which can be caused to react with the carbon to form a thin layer containing a carbide compound that is itself more oxidation resistant than the diamond or other carbon material and which is able to serve as a barrier to prevent or delay penetration of oxygen to the thereby protected diamond or other carbon material.

Abstract: A zirconia material resistant to low temperature degradation and process for manufacturing thereof includes heat treating zirconia material or zirconia composite material at 1200.degree.-1700.degree. C. in the presence of nitrogen source.

Abstract: A medical device having a surface graft matrix comprising carboxyl-functional groups located on the device, the surface graft matrix comprising an outer portion; and one or more biomolecules covalently coupled to the surface graft matrix, wherein a majority of the biomolecules are located in the outer portion of the surface graft matrix. The surface graft matrix can also be loaded with a pharmaceutical agent.

Abstract: A novel gelation-resistant alumina and process for producing such a product and aqueous slurries composed thereof are disclosed, including grinding aluminum oxide of .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 in the presence of about 0.5 to 3.0 wt. % water. The grinding preferably is performed in a sealed ball mill. Dual phase alumina particles have an aluminum oxide inner core of .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and an aluminum oxide hydroxide outer phase of .gamma.-AlOOH on the .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, including to a nominal depth, e.g., by way of example, of about 5 to 100 nanometers on the inner core of .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and having up to 40% higher surface area than the initial aluminum oxide of .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. The novel gelation-resistant alumina can be dispersed in an aqueous slurry having a solids content of 65 wt. % and higher, and the resulting slurry has significantly extended shelf life.

Abstract: A method for forming a chemically-ordered ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic metal alloy film allows the temperature and/or time required for annealing to be reduced. The ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic metal alloy film is dosed with hydrogen either during or subsequent to deposition of the film on a substrate. The metal alloy film is then heated to desorb the hydrogen atoms from the metal alloy. In one embodiment for dosing the metal alloy film with hydrogen a transition metal of the type that catalyzes the dissociative chemisorption of H.sub.2, such as palladium (Pd), is deposited as a film in contact with the metal alloy film. The Pd film is then heated and while at an elevated temperature, it is exposed to H.sub.2 gas. The H.sub.2 becomes dissociated into hydrogen atoms and the hydrogen atoms become chemically absorbed by the Pd film. During subsequent cooling of the Pd film hydrogen atoms in the Pd film become absorbed into the metal alloy film.