Abstract: A method of using an amorphous carbon-based coating to extend the operating life of a fuel injector having a needle operating within a valve body, the valve body, the valve and body having steel surfaces subject to repeated impact and sliding friction contact over the operating life of the injector. The method comprises (a) providing the steel surfaces of at least one of the needle and body with an ion implanted stabilized amorphous carbon-based coating in a thickness of 1-10 micrometers, the coating having low internal stresses and low coefficient of friction independent of humidity and being stabilized by the presence of up to 30% by weight of carbide forming material selected from the group of silicon, titanium and tungsten, and (b) repeatedly and rapidly actuating the fuel injector in time periods of 0.5-1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrophilic thin film and a method of manufacturing the same in which the hydrophilic thin film is formed by incorporating or fixing molecules comprising hydrophilic groups to a chemically adsorbed film on a substrate surface.

Abstract: A method for cleaning solder bumps on a substrate that may be employed in a flip-chip design, for example, is described. The method of cleaning includes placing the substrate having the solder bumps into a plasma reactor, introducing a source gas including nitrogen trifluoride gas into the plasma reactor, striking a plasma from the source gas in the plasma reactor, and forming a fluoride compound on the surface of the solder bump.

Abstract: A coating composition of an alkoxy silane reacted with the surface of a glass substrate and a cleaning composition and method for cleaning said glass area is disclosed. The coating provides water repellency, durability and ease of cleaning to a glass or other siliceous surface. The coating is formed by applying an excess of an alkoxy solution containing a sulfuric acid to a glass surface with an excess of solution being applied. Preparatory to such coating application, the glass, especially if its surface is a weathered (non-virgin) surface, is cleaned vigorously with a cleaning solution containing water, phosphoric acid, hydrofluoric acid and sulfuric acid.

Abstract: A method of adaptively varying and locking a wavelength of high power infrared laser diode for use in a blue laser using second harmonic generation. The method including the steps of: forming a pattern for forming a periodic domain inverted area on a substrate of a non-linear medium; performing proton-exchange and quick heat-treatment for the substrate on which the pattern is formed to thereby form the periodic domain inverted area having predetermined period and width; forming a straight optical waveguide and a segmented optical waveguide, in the direction perpendicular to the periodic domain inverted area; and vacuum-evaporating an insulating buffer layer on the substrate where the periodic domain inverted area and the straight and segmented optical waveguides are formed and forming a metal electrode on the insulating buffer layer on the upper portion of the segmented optical waveguide to thereby execute polishing end facet and AR coating.

Abstract: A method of masking surfaces during fabrication of semiconductor devices is disclosed, which includes providing a substrate, and in a preferred embodiment a silicon substrate. The surface is hydrogen terminated (or hydrogenated) and a metal mask is positioned on the surface so as to define a growth area and an unmasked portion on the surface. Ozone is generated at the surface, at least in the unmasked area, by exposing the surface to a light having a wavelength approximately 185 nm (an oxygen absorbing peak), so as to grow an oxide film on the unmasked portion of the surface. The metal mask is removed and the oxide film then serves as a mask for further operations and can be easily removed in situ by heating.

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 members, 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 electrode for a ferroelectric electronic device is formed on an SiO.sub.2 isolation layer by depositing an adhesion layer, such as titanium, between about 25 .ANG. and 500 .ANG. thick, then a layer of a nobel metal, such as platinum, that is at least 10 times thicker than the adhesion layer. The electrode is then annealed at a temperature higher than the minimum oxide eutectic temperature of the adhesion layer. The electrode is moved into the annealing furnace at a ramp rate such that it reaches its anneal temperature in five minutes or less. The relative thinness of the adhesion layer and the quick ramp up of the anneal causes all the titanium to be tied up in the oxide before it can diffuse through the platinum, and prevents the formation of rutile phases of the titanium and defects such as voids and hillocks in the platinum, which can destabilize the electrode.

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 morpholine borane.

Abstract: The invention relates to material silicon nitride powder used for production of silicon nitride ceramics products. Provided herein is a material powder which can offer a compact having a homogeneous packing structure of the powder with good reproducibility and also to provide a method for producing the same. Accordingly to the method, a silicon nitride powder is heat treated in two-stage processing, one stage in an inert gas or reducing atmosphere at 100.degree. C.-1000.degree. C. for 5-600 min., and another stage in an oxidizing atmosphere at 300.degree. C.-1200.degree. C. for 5-600 min. As a result of this treatment, a silicon nitride powder is obtained in which its powder particles are crystalline in their interior and are coated with an amorphous layer having a 1-10 nm surface thickness and composed mainly of Si, N, O, and H, an atomic number ratio of oxygen to nitrogen (O/N) of the surface layer being within a range of 0.1-2.0.

Abstract: Chemical and electrical poling is described, as well as an improved optical converter having a solid state body which employs the same.

Abstract: A shaped object with a roughened surface is immersed in an aqueous solution of a metal salt and/or a solution of an organic metal. After the shaped object is dried, it is heated to form a metal-diffused layer in the shaped object and a ceramic surface layer on the shaped object. The ceramic surface layer has a large hardness, and is prevented from peeling off.

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 method for making a dielectric member with an integral, electrically conductive surface is made by molding a substrate from a zirconia alloy powder using a tape casting process. The resulting green substrate is sintered and after sintering may be cut to the final desired size and shape. Once the insulating ceramic substrate has been formed, the surface of the substrate is modified using infrared laser energy. Through the impingement of infrared laser radiation upon the surface of the ceramic substrate, an electrically conductive region is produced on the surface of the substrate. In such manner, the entire surface can be made electrically conductive or a particular pattern can be traced. As an integral part of the substrate, the surface will not delaminate from the substrate. Further, because the modified surface region and the substrate are both a zirconia, the coefficients of thermal expansion of the substrate and the modified surface region will be closely matched.

Abstract: A process for producing a powder material for an electro-rheological fluid is provided. The powder material is advantageously used for an electro-rheological fluid having a property, such as viscosity, which changes by application of an electric field. A powder material for an electro-rheological fluid having a uniform distribution of particle diameters and a uniform distribution of electric conductivity can be produced by embrittling a carbonaceous powder material, pulverizing and classifying the embrittled carbonaceous powder material to obtain a carbonaceous powder material having a uniform distribution of particle diameters, and carbonizing the powder material under an atmosphere of an inert gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the surface treatment of a metallic material, the coating being designed for creating an artificial patina in a copper-bearing material after the material is installed in its final location of use. According to the invention, in connection with the filtering and washing stage, including at least one step, of the precipitate formed of the ingredient components of the coating material, the solids content of the precipitate is adjusted within the range of 15-50% by weight, as calculated from the weight of the coating material after the filtering stage, and the coating material with an adjusted solids content is stored at a temperature lower than 5.degree. C. prior to applying said coating material onto the target surface.

Abstract: A mass of ferromagnetic particles encapsulated in a polymeric shell having a plurality of denuded organic lubricant particles adhering to the surface of the shell so as to stand in relief from said surface unimpaired by the polymer or any other binder.

Abstract: The invention provides (i) a process for preparing tetracalcium phosphate particles, the process comprising the steps of (1) sintering or fusing a powder mixture at a temperature of not lower than 1,400.degree. C., the mixture comprising a powder of calcium source and a powder of phosphorus source in a Ca/P molar ratio of 2/1, and about 0.005 to about 5 parts of an aluminum compound, calculated as Al.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: The surface of an aluminide is treated to make it less chemically reactive. In particular, this treatment inhibits oxidation of the aluminide at high temperatures. According to the invention, one coats the aluminide with a solution that containing phosphoric or phosphorous acid, and then one heats the aluminide, so as to calcine the coating. The phosphoric or phosphorous acid reacts with the aluminide to form a surface that resists oxidation. One can use this process to coat the blades of a gas turbine, or to coat other aluminide structures intended for use in high-temperature environments.

Abstract: Tool inserts are produced that can be brazed in air at temperatures as low as 700.degree. C. The tool compact, such as a polycrystalline diamond compact or a cubic boron nitride compact, has a multilayer coating comprising a metal bonding layer and a protective layer. Once coated with the bonding layer and the protective layer, the tool insert can be air brazed to a tool support in a manufacturing environment using a standard braze without a vacuum furnace or special atmosphere. A method for manufacturing the tool insert is also disclosed.

Abstract: Siloxene and siloxene derivatives are compatible with silicon and may be generated as epitaxial layer on a silicon monocrystal. This permits the production of novel and advantageous electroluminescent devices, such as displays, image converters, optoelectric integrated circuits. Siloxene and siloxene derivatives may also be advantageously employed in lasers as laser-active material and in fluorescent lamps or tubes as luminescent material.

Abstract: Electric discharge breakdown in an optical waveguide pattern formed on a crystal substrate having pyroelectric effect is substantially extinguished or reduced, so that the yield of optical waveguide devices in the manufacturing process can be increased. A plurality of optical waveguide patterns 5 are formed, in parallel, by means of heat treatment on a substrate 2 of lithium niobate having pyroelectric effect, and the formed waveguide patterns are cut into a predetermined chip-shape. In the manufacturing method of this optical waveguide device, patterns are formed so that both ends of the optical waveguide pattern 5 are respectively communicated at a position where both ends of the optical waveguide pattern 5 are out of an effective chip range. Further, a dummy pattern 26 is formed at a position close to a waveguide pattern 25.

Abstract: What follows is a description of an invention for the preparation of macroscopic metal surfaces by self assembly of colloidal metal particles. Metal surfaces play a critical role in technology, and in many cases, the surface morphology dictates function. The strategy delineated herein, the use of nanometer scale colloidal particles to form two-dimensional arrays, allows control of surface morphology to a degree previously unattainable and perhaps even unimaginable.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a silicon carbide sintered body of high purity which has a content of 1 ppm or less of each atom harmful to the manufacture of semiconductor equipment including the step of shaping a silicon carbide powder, calcining the shaped body in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to form a porous body, and subjecting the porous body to reaction sintering while being impregnated with molten metallic silicon. The starting silicon carbide powder also has a content of 1 ppm or less of each harmful atom and it has a free carbon content of not greater than 20% by weight and an average particle diameter of 0.5-20 .mu.m.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing data and for reducing the magnetic moment of a ferromagnetic material is provided incorporating a magnetic film, a blanket or patterned film of germanium adjacent the magnetic film, and means for heating the interface of the two films to at least 200.degree. C. to permit diffusion of the germanium into the magnetic film and thereby reduce the magnetic moment. The invention overcomes the problem of forming recording tracks on storage media and patterning magnetic films for inductive and magneto resistive heads for retrieving data from moving storage media.

Abstract: The invention provides (i) a process for preparing tetracalcium phosphate particles, the process comprising the steps of (1) sintering or fusing a powder mixture at a temperature of not lower than 1,400.degree. C., the mixture comprising a powder of calcium source and a powder of phosphorus source in a Ca/P molar ratio of 2/1, and about 0.005 to about 5 parts of an aluminum compound, calculated as Al.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: A silicon-enriched aluminide coating for a superalloy article has a composite microstructure including a plurality of bands of silicon rich phases (S.sub.1, S.sub.2, S.sub.3) and a plurality of bands of aluminum rich phases (A.sub.1, A.sub.2, A.sub.3), these bands being spaced apart through the thickness of the coating. The composite microstructure is created by depositing a slurry containing both silicon and aluminum in elemental or pre-alloyed form on the article and heating the coated article above the melting temperature of aluminum to cure the coating, the depositing and curing steps being repeated at least once before diffusion heat treating the resulting layers. Thereupon, all the above process steps are repeated at least once.

Abstract: A method for treating surfaces of carbon based materials produces a layer of hafnium carbide with no significant change of the location of the surface or the dimension of the part being treated. A slurry containing elemental hafnium is applied to this surface. The surface is heat treated in a vacuum furnace, causing the hafnium in the slurry to form an HfC layer within the material, and remove all other slurry materials from the surface. In a variation of the method, the slurry may also contain silicon and chromium to catalyze the reaction. The treated surface exhibits improved properties for components of high temperature gas flow handling systems. The method is useful for valves and ducts having complex internal surface geometries.

Abstract: A diamond article, for example, a sheet-form diamond tool insert brazable in air. The diamond sheet has a dual layer coating, a chromium bonding layer and a protective braze compatible overcoat, such as a Ni overcoat. The interface between the Cr layer and the diamond substrate includes sufficient metal carbide component to provide adhesion. Once coated with the Cr layer and the protective overcoat, the dual-coated diamond insert may be air brazed to a tool substrate in a manufacturing environment using a standard braze without a vacuum furnace or special atmosphere. A method for manufacturing the diamond insert comprises the steps of depositing a chromium metal layer on a diamond substrate, depositing a substantially non-oxidizable protective layer on the metal layer and heating the dual-coated diamond article at a temperature for a sufficient time. The diamond insert is coated and heat treated in an oxygen- and nitrogen-free atmosphere to create metal carbide at the diamond-coating interface.

Abstract: A preparing of a self-supporting or free-standing three-dimensional unitary structural body by a method including generating successively a plurality of cross-sectional layers of the body, one layer top of the other and with the layers joined together to form the body and with the generating of a cross-sectional layer comprising placing a plurality of drops of a liquid composition, containing a first reactant, in a pattern of discrete drops making up the cross-sectional layer and subsequently placing a plurality of discrete drops of other liquid composition, containing another reactant, in contact with the placed drops ion the pattern so that the first reactant and the other reactant react to provide a solid.

Abstract: An irradiated plastic article of reduced gas transmission has a coating of silicon oxide on a surface thereof. A method to reduce gas transmission through a plastic article includes depositing a coating of silicon oxide thereon and irradiating, either prior to or subsequent to depositing the silicon oxide.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for rehabilitating an exposed cut surface of a rock formation after rock cutting has occurred so that the fresh cut surface becomes weathered and natural within several weeks to facilitate restoration back to its original shade as a part of the natural scenery. Weathering occurs by applying a solution containing FeCl.sub.2 or MnSO.sub.4 to the surface of the rocks to be colored. These rocks are limestone, dolostone, phosphorite and concrete. A method for preparing a weathering solution is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for direct bonding similar or dissimilar materials at low temperatures in which a material surface is rendered hydrophilic and reactive by creating nitrogen based radicals on the surface, the surface is direct bonded to a second surface, and the bonded surfaces are annealed at a temperature below approximately 500.degree. C. A nitrogen based constituent is combined with an activator to render the surface hydrophilic and reactive through ammonia plasma activation or activation by use of hydrofluoric acid.

Abstract: A diamond article, for example, a sheet-form diamond tool insert brazable in air. The diamond sheet has a dual layer coating, a WTi bonding layer and a protective braze compatible overcoat, such as a Ag overcoat. The interface between the WTi layer and the diamond substrate includes sufficient metal carbide component to provide adhesion. Once coated with the WTi layer and the protective overcoat, the dual-coated diamond insert may be air brazed to a tool substrate in a manufacturing environment using a standard braze without a vacuum furnace or special atmosphere. A method for manufacturing the diamond insert is also disclosed. The diamond insert is coated and heat treated in an oxygen- and nitrogen-free atmosphere to create metal carbide at the diamond-coating interface.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor arrangement and method for forming a metal carbide coating on a substrate containing graphite in which a bed of particles inclusive of the substrate is fluidized using a fluidizing gas containing a metal halide vapor formed by reacting a metal halide gas with a carbide forming metal selected from Group IVb through VIIb of the periodic table and maintaining the temperature of the fluidized bed above 1500.degree. C.

Abstract: The present method induces an oxidation-proof ferric silicate coating on iron sulfide such as pyrite and marcasite. The method includes the steps of placing the pyrite to be treated in a reaction vessel and leaching the pyrite with a coating composition including water, an oxidizing agent and a silicate coating agent. Examples of oxidizing agents include hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, potassium hypochlorite and mixtures thereof. The silicate coating agent may be sodium metasilicate. In order to ensure the formation of the stable coating, the leaching is performed at a pH of 4-6 and more preferably 5. Additionally, the oxidizing agent is maintained at a concentration of substantially 0.6% by weight of the coating composition while the concentration of the silicate coating agent is maintained at at least substantially 1.8.times.10.sup.-3 M/l.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing self-supporting ceramic and ceramic composite bodies having a protective surface region on at least a portion of the surface of the formed bodies, and bodies produced thereby. The protective surface region is formed upon reaction of at least two components of the ceramic or ceramic composite body.

Abstract: Carbon fibers are reacted with an oxidative solution of the type that produces graphitic oxide on the graphitic basal plane without forming significant quantities of graphitic oxides and the treated carbon fibers are then reacted with an oxidative solution of the type that produces CO.sub.2 at edge-plane sites such that active bonding sites on surfaces of the carbon fibers are maximized.

Abstract: A process for forming an adherent diamond-like carbon coating on a workpiece of suitable material such as an aluminum alloy is disclosed. The workpiece is successively immersed in different plasma atmospheres and subjected to short duration, high voltage, negative electrical potential pulses or constant negative electrical potentials or the like so as to clean the surface of oxygen atoms, implant carbon atoms into the surface of the alloy to form carbide compounds while codepositing a carbonaceous layer on the surface, bombard and remove the carbonaceous layer, and to thereafter deposit a generally amorphous hydrogen-containing carbon layer on the surface of the article.

Abstract: A silicon chip which is used as a microresonator, filter or the like and which may include an integrated circuit, has its resonant frequency adjusted by increasing its thickness in an ozone-rich atmosphere which may be supplemented by ultraviolet light and/or heat. The process lends itself to low cost, mass production techniques.

Abstract: In a molecule of a monomolecular film, a metal complex is introduced to form an antistatic film. This film is desirably transparent, durable, extremely thin and weakly conductive.The method of manufacturing an antistatic film involves (i) exposing a substrate with an active hydrogen atom thereon to a chemical adsorbent containing a straight carbon-chain group with a silyl group at one end and a phosphonate or carboxyl group at the other end to form a chemically adsorbed monomolecular film, and (ii) soaking the monomolecular film in a solution of a metal salt to form a film containing a complex of the metal element. An antistatic multi-monomolecular film can also be formed by laminating the monomolecular films using hydroxyl groups each bonding to the metal element in each monomolecular film.

Abstract: There is provided according to the invention a method for producing a composite material mainly composed of a carbon and boron comprising the steps of impregnating a carbon material with a boron oxide and/or a hydrate compound thereof, and baking such carbon material under pressure by inert gas at a temperature of not lower than 1500.degree. C. A neutron absorbent and an oxidation resistant carbon material both including the composite material are also provided.

Abstract: A method of forming an oxide film of a high quality 400.degree. C. or below. Ions of an inert gas, whose kinetic energy is 90 or below eV, are applied on the surface of a material of a semiconductor, metal or alloy, and oxygen gas molecules are fed. Thereby, a thin oxide film of the material is formed on the surface of the material.

Abstract: A method of forming an oxidation resistant aluminum coating on a carbon-carbon composite comprising applying a slurry over the carbon-carbon composite, composed of an aluminum intermetallic in a liquid suspending vehicle including a high char yield adhesive thermoplastic and a glassy carbon, distributing aluminum, in elemental form, over the coated surface and reacting the composite and coating in a furnace.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a ceramic membrane for micro-filtration having a porous ceramic carrier and a ceramic micro-filtration coating on a bulk surface of said carrier, the steps are performed of(i) silanizing said carrier at least at said bulk surface thereof,(ii) after step (i), applying a coating film containing metal oxide to said bulk surface of said carrier by contacting a stable suspension of non-agglomerated metal oxide particles with said bulk surface and moving said suspension along said bulk surface, so that said coating film remains adhering to said bulk surface, and(iii) drying and heating said carrier and said coating film thereon, so as to sinter at least said coating film and thereby form said micro-filtration coating on said carrier.In order to improve the uniformity and evenness of the coating film of the suspension, the stable suspension contains an organic additive which increases the yield stress of the stable suspension to a value greater than zero.

Abstract: A method for the production of refractory products, non-reactive with molten aluminum, other molten metals and with molten alloys is provided. A formed refractory product is made non-reactive to molten metals/alloys by impregnating the product with a solution containing fluosilicic acid, fluoroboric acid, hydrogen fluoride and mixtures thereof, and subsequent heating of the impregnated product to cause the formation of non-reactive surface.

Abstract: A doped starting substance is applied to a substrate composed of SiO.sub.2 glass. A phosphor layer is formed by reaction of the starting substance with SiO.sub.2 of the substrate to form a silicate of the starting substance. This reaction is carried out in a heat-treatment process in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. Zn or Gd is preferably used as starting substance.

Abstract: A wood preservative composition which contains poly ethylene oxide along with poly vinyl pyrrolidone is applied to wood in a four-step process. In the first step, moisture and excess resin are removed from the wood. In the second step, the preservative composition is applied to the wood by pressure injection. In the third step, the container for the wood is drained and excess solution is transferred to a holding tank. In the fourth step, a catalyst, either heat or a low-pH composition, is applied to the wood to cause chemical bonding of the preservatives within and with the wood. As a part of the fourth step, excess moisture is removed from the wood by subjecting the wood to a vacuum to draw out excess moisture and then subjecting the wood to a flow of desiccated air which absorbs the moisture.

Abstract: Segmented waveguides for wavelength conversion (e.g., waveguides comprising alternating sections of crystalline substrate having the formula K.sub.1-x Rb.sub.x TiOMO.sub.4 where x is from 0 to 1 and M is P or As and sections of substrate material in which cations of said substrate have been partially replaced) and devices and processes employing segmented waveguides for wavelength conversion are disclosed wherein a periodic structure along the waveguide provides a Bragg reflection having a wavelength essentially equal to the wavelength of the input wave used for wavelength conversion. Also disclosed is a process for preparing a channel waveguide for a wavelength conversion system wherein areas along a portion of a crystal substrate surface used for forming the desired channel are alternately masked and unmasked during cation replacement by immersion in a molten salt.

Abstract: Coated particles having properties such as to make them suitable as replacements for titanium dioxide particles can be obtained by reacting a titanium or zirconium halide, ether, or ester with zeolite hydrate particles so as to coat the zeolite particles with titania or zirconia. The reaction is preferably conducted between a titanium compound, such as titanium tetrachloride, and the zeolite in an inert medium, such as anhydrous or substantially anhydrous air or a hydrocarbon.