Abstract: Methods of manufacturing an electrochemical device, are taught. The methods may be of particular use in the manufacture of thin-film, lightweight, flexible or conformable, electrochemical devices such as batteries, and arrays of such devices. The methods may provide many advantages including stunting fractures in a first electrochemical layer from propagating in a second electrochemical layer.

Abstract: A process for making functional or decorative flakes or platelets economically and at high production rates comprises applying a multi-layer sandwich of vapor deposited metal and release coats in alternating layers to a rotating chilled drum or suitable carrier medium contained in a vapor deposition chamber. The alternating metallized layers are applied by vapor deposition and the intervening release layers are preferably solvent soluble thermoplastic polymeric materials applied by vapor deposition sources contained in the vapor deposition chamber. The multi-layer sandwich built up in the vacuum chamber is removed from the drum or carrier and treated with a suitable organic solvent to dissolve the release coating from the metal in a stripping process that leaves the metal flakes essentially release coat free.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for manufacturing resistors integral with the printed circuit board by plating the resistors onto the insulative substrate. The invention uses a mask during the activation step so as to selectively activate only selected portions of the surface thus enabling smaller areas to be plated on the printed circuit board because no plating mask is used. The process of the instant invention produced printed circuit boards having greater uniformity and reliability as compared to the prior art.

Abstract: An device for depositing a transfer material onto a receiving substrate includes a source of pulsed laser energy, a receiving substrate, and a target substrate. The target substrate comprises a laser transparent support having a back surface and a front surface. The front surface has a coating that comprises a mixture of the transfer material to be deposited and a matrix material. The matrix material is a material that has the property that, when it is exposed to pulsed laser energy, it is more volatile than the transfer material. The source of pulsed laser energy is be positioned in relation to the target substrate so that pulsed laser energy is directed through the back surface of the target substrate and through the laser-transparent support to strike the coating at a defined location with sufficient energy to volatilize the matrix material at the location, causing the coating to desorb from the location and be lifted from the surface of the support.

Abstract: A composite flywheel rotor includes an annular rim mounted on a hub for high speed rotation in an evacuated flywheel enclosure. A smooth epoxy layer is applied to the rim and is cleaned or maintained clean in preparation for a metal coating on the rim. The rim may be baked in a vacuum furnace to drive off the volitiles and water vapor, and a thin metal coating is applied over the entire rim to retard outgassing from the resin in the flywheel composite rim. The metal coating on flywheel rim is preferably aluminum because aluminum adheres well to epoxy and is economical. The metal coating is deposited on the flywheel rim by physical vapor deposition and may be built up after an initial PVD coating by electroplating. A tough protective polymer is applied over the metal coating to protect metal coating from mechanical damage during handling.

Abstract: An ion selective monoelectrode complex which is favorably employable to manufacture an ion activity measuring apparatus, has on a common non-electroconductive support sheet, plural ion selective monoelectrodes each of which is composed of an electrode composite consisting of, in order, a silver metal layer, a silver halide layer, an electrolytic material layer, and an ion selective membrane, and an electroconductive terminal which is electrically connected to the silver metal layer and which has an exposed surface, under the condition that the ion selective monoelectrodes are aligned, without electric contact with each other, along an imaginary line bridging the electrode composite and the electroconductive terminal.

Abstract: A bright surface structure formed on a member made from metal or resin. A first structure includes: (a) a resin film coated on the member, and (b) a thin metal film formed on the resin film. The thin metal film is made from any one of stainless steel, titanium alloy and nickel alloy. A second structure further includes (c) a clear protective film coated on the thin metal film. A third structure includes: (b′) a thin metal film formed on the resin film of (a), and (c′) a clear colored protective film coated on the thin metal film of (b′). The thin metal film of (b′) is made from any one of stainless steel, titanium alloy, nickel alloy, aluminum, titanium and chromium.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium is formed of a soft magnetic layer, an anti-ferromagnetic layer, a magnetic recording layer, a protective layer, and a liquid lubricant layer deposited in that order on a non-magnetic substrate. The anti-ferromagnetic layer is a Mn alloy containing at least Co at 10 atomic % or greater and 50 atomic % or less or a Mn alloy containing at least Ir at 10 atomic % or greater and 30 atomic % or less. A radial magnetic field is applied during formation of the anti-ferromagnetic layer and the soft magnetic layer. Exchange coupling with the anti-ferromagnetic layer controls magnetic domain walls of the soft magnetic layer. The need for heat treatment after film formation is eliminated.

Abstract: A method for preparing a noble metal surface on an industrial substrate for interaction with an organic material. The method includes covering the substrate with a sequence of metal layers which may include one or more adhesion layers, one or more diffusion barriers, and ends with a noble metal layer. In an optional second step, the noble metal layer may be annealed in order to stabilize its crystal structure. Finally, the noble metal layer is subjected to one or more ion bombardment steps, which are effective to clean and precisely smooth the top surface of the noble metal layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for the preparation of metal/porous substrate composite membranes by flowing a solution of metal to be plated over a first surface of a porous substrate and concurrently applying a pressure of gas on a second surface of the porous substrate, such that the porous substrate separates the solution of metal from the gas, and the use of the resulting membrane for the production of highly purified hydrogen gas.

Abstract: Method for coating a non-oxidised stainless steel support plate and a MCFC fuel cell stack provided with a separator plate coated in this way. First a diffusion barrier layer and then a nickel layer are applied to the anode side of the support plate. The diffusion barrier layer consists of titanium oxide and the adhesion between titanium oxide and the support plate can be improved by providing an adhesion layer.

Abstract: It is important for a CPP GMR read head that it have both high resistance as well as high cross-sectional area. This has been achieved by inserting a NOL (nano-oxide layer) though the middle of one or both of the two non-magnetic conductive layers. A key feature is that the NOL is formed by first depositing the conductive layer to about half its normal thickness. Then a metallic film is deposited thereon to a thickness that is low enough for it to still consist of individual islands. The latter are then fully oxidized without significantly oxidizing the conductive layer on which they lie. The remainder of the conductive layer is then deposited to a thickness sufficient to fully enclose the islands of oxide.

Abstract: A structure and method of fabricating a magnetic read head, comprises forming a fill layer for a magnetic read head gap using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The fill layer comprises an insulator, preferably aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, mixtures thereof and layered structures thereof. Materials having higher thermal conductivity than aluminum oxide, such as berylium oxide and boron nitride, can also be employed in layers within an aluminum oxide structure. The thickness of the ALD-formed head gap fill layer is between approximately 5 nm and 100 nm, preferably between approximately 10 nm and 40 nm.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing inorganic and/or organic coating compositions onto rotor cores to eliminate soldering during aluminum injection. These coatings can also be applied upon electric motor rotors and/or stators laminates as well as other electronic components such as transformers. The disclosed method provides a coating upon a zinc core (e.g., having threads or holes) that is embedded within a cast metal and in turn removed from the casting in order to define a cavity within the casting. The disclosed method also provides at least one film or layer of a coating composition within channels or bar slots defined by the rotor of the electric motor core/rotor (depending upon the design of the motor the slots can be defined within the rotor or open ended along the longitudinal axis of the rotor). The coating composition is also typically applied upon all exposed surfaces of the rotor, e.g., within the channels and exterior surfaces of the rotor. The coated rotor is then contacted with a molten metal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of repairing a Ni-based alloy part having an undercoat layer and a topcoat layer stacked on a Ni-based alloy base when the topcoat layer is damaged, comprising the steps of removing a peeled-off portion of the damaged topcoat layer and a denatured portion of the undercoat layer corresponding to the peeled-off portion, forming another undercoat layer by applying spraying to an opening portion of the undercoat layer in the atmosphere at a spray particle speed of 300 m/s or more and a base-material temperature of 300° C.

Abstract: A GMR spin valve is provided for reading a magnetic signal from a magnetic recording medium. The spin valve includes a non-magnetic layer such as for example copper, separated by first and second magnetic layers. The spin valve includes a pinned magnetic layer and a free magnetic layer, the resistance of the spin valve changing with the relative angle between the direction of magnetization of free and pinned layers. Extremely smooth surfaces are provided at the interfaces between the non-magnetic layer and the adjacent magnetic layers. This smooth interface greatly enhances the performance and reliability of the spin valve by allowing extremely tight control of the thickness of the non-magnetic layer and by preventing atomic diffusion between the non-magnetic and magnetic layers. This smooth interface is achieved by including a surfactant in the deposition of the non-magnetic layer.

Abstract: A metal seed layer on a substrate is pre-cleaned prior to formation of an electrochemically deposited metal fill layer. A liquid-based pre-clean may include, for example, an agitated rinse, an etchant solution, a surfactant solution and/or a solvent-solution to remove organic and/or other contaminants from the metal seed layer. A dry pre-clean may utilize, for example, a hydrogen and/or an oxygen plasma to remove contaminants and/or reduce a metal oxide of the seed layer. In at least one embodiment, the reduction of the metal oxide may occur at a pressure in excess of 0.1 atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of printing high-quality high-density circuit pattern in a production of a ceramic thick-film printed circuit board. The method comprises forming a resin layer for prevention of sagging on a substrate before printing the circuit pattern. The present invention provides conditions optimizing materials, thickness, surface roughness, printing conditions and firing conditions of the resin layer. According to the manufacturing method of the present invention, a ceramic thick-film printed circuit board densely printed with a satisfactory printed pattern and free of problems such as film exfoliation, deformation of the pattern, pinholes and the like can readily be obtained.

Abstract: Transparent articles comprising transparent, nonmetallic substrate and a transparent film stack is sputter deposited on the substrate. The film stack is characterized by including at least one infrared reflective metal film, a dielectric film over the metal film, and a protective silicon nitride film of 10 Å to 150 Å in thickness over the said dielectric film. The dielectric film desirably has substantially the same index of refraction as does silicon nitride and is contiguous with the silicon nitride film.

Abstract: An aluminiding process that enables the cooling holes of an air-cooled component, such as a hot gas path component of a gas turbine engine, to be machined and then aluminized after all external surface coatings have been deposited. The aluminide coating is deposited using a slurry process capable of forming the aluminide coating on the component without damaging an existing ceramic coating on the component. The process involves applying an activator-free slurry containing aluminum particles that, when the component is sufficiently heated, melt and diffuse into the component surface to form the diffusion aluminide coating.

Abstract: A method for coating zinc, zinc plated, or steel articles with a hydroxy benzoic acid protective coating by coating a cleaned zinc, zinc plated, or steel with a hydoxy benzoic acid composition having a pH of about 2.0 to 5.0; and coating cleaned tin surfaced articles with a composition having a PH of 2.0 to 12.0, and the composition having as its essential ingredients proteins, amino acids, amino acid—protein compounds and amine alcohols; and the articles produced thereby along with the coated articles having an appropriate paint thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and a method for applying both a kinetic spray applied coating layer and a thermal spray applied layer onto a substrate using a single application nozzle. The system includes a higher heat capacity gas heater to permit oscillation between a kinetic spray mode wherein the particles being applied are not thermally softened and a thermal spray mode wherein the particles being applied are thermally softened prior to application. The system increases the versatility of the spray nozzle and addresses several problems inherent in kinetic spray applied coatings.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an anti-corrosive multi-layered structure material having an anti-corrosive non-metallic surface layer formed on a metallic substrate layer, wherein non-electrolytic plating of an anti-corrosive metal different in ionization property from the surface metal of the metallic substrate layer is carried out on the surface of the non-metallic surface layer so that the anti-corrosive metal is substituted for the surface metal of the metallic substrate layer through fine pores of the non-metallic surface layer and precipitated only in the fine pores of the non-metallic surface layer without causing useless precipitation of the anti-corrosive metal on the surface of the non-metallic surface layer.

Abstract: Reactive foils and their uses are provided as localized heat sources useful, for example, in ignition, joining and propulsion. An improved reactive foil is preferably a freestanding multilayered foil structure made up of alternating layers selected from materials that will react with one another in an exothermic and self-propagating reaction. Upon reacting, this foil supplies highly localized heat energy that may be applied, for example, to joining layers, or directly to bulk materials that are to be joined. This foil heat-source allows rapid bonding to occur at room temperature in virtually any environment (e.g., air, vacuum, water, etc.). If a joining material is used, the foil reaction will supply enough heat to melt the joining materials, which upon cooling will form a strong bond, joining two or more bulk materials.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a plated product including a basecoat layer, a metal plating layer, and a topcoat layer that are formed on a surface of a base is provided. The method includes the step of forming the basecoat layer and the metal plating layer successively on the surface of the base. The step is followed by removing impurities from the surface of the metal plating layer. The topcoat layer is then formed on the surface of the metal plating layer.

Abstract: A coated substrate giving a metallic surface impression is described which is obtained from a process in which

Abstract: A weldable coating composition is disclosed. The composition comprises a binder in which is dispersed a conductive pigment and a source of silicon. Enhanced corrosion protection is offered, without sacrificing weldability of the coating layer. The composition is applied to and cured on a metal substrate.

Abstract: A process for depositing metal on microparticulate comprising immersing microparticulate in an autocatalytic plating bath comprising the metal; inducing ultrasonic vibration in the plating bath at a frequency corresponding to resonance frequency of the microparticulate; and inducing a turbulent vibration signal in the plating bath in a direction non-parallel to the ultrasonic vibration. This process results in the autocatalytic plating bath depositing the metal on the microparticulate with uniform thickness. The microparticulate can be spheres, flakes or microfibers, and can be made from a number of materials, such as synthetic polymers (nylon, Kevlar™, Zylon™, and aramid fibers) and biodegradable compounds. A method is disclosed for coating a surface with metallized microparticulate fibers with an orientation perpendicular to the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security device having at least one plastic layer and one specularly reflecting metal layer. An inorganic auxiliary layer is disposed between the plastic layer and the metal layer.

Abstract: A production method of the present invention is a method of producing a spin valve type giant magnetoresistive thin film. In this production method, a buffer layer, an antiferromagnetic layer, a fixed magnetization layer, a nonmagnetic conductive layer, a free magnetization layer, and a protective layer are consecutively stacked on a substrate. Furter, plasma treatment is performed on predetermined stacked interfaces in the spin valve type giant magnetoresistive thin film to reduce the interlayer coupling magnetic field acting between the fixed magnetization layer and the free magnetization layer and to obtain a high MR ratio. The above production method can achieve both of the high MR ratio and low interlayer coupling magnetic field (Hin) in the thin film produced.

Abstract: Electrically conducting printable webs of plastic having upper and lower sides, at least one of said sides being provided with a primer layer for printing pretreatment, comprising a substance selected from the group consisting of polyurethanes, acrylates, polyester resins with isocyanates or combinations thereof, on which another layer containing an electrically conducting organic polymer is coated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus and method of depositing a titanium silicon nitride layer by cyclical deposition. In one aspect, a titanium silicon nitride layer having a variable content or a controlled composition of titanium, silicon, and nitrogen through the depth of the layer may be formed. One embodiment of this variable content titanium silicon nitride layer or tuned titanium silicon nitride layer includes a bottom sub-layer of TiSiX1NY1, a middle sub-layer of TiSiX2NY2, and a top sub-layer of TiSiX3NY3 in which X1 is less than X2 and X3 is less than X2. Another embodiment of a variable content titanium silicon nitride layer includes a bottom sub-layer of TiSiX1NY1 and a top sub-layer of TiSiX2NY2 in which X2 is greater than X1. Still another embodiment of a variable content titanium silicon nitride layer includes a bottom sub-layer of TiSiX1NY1, a middle sub-layer of TiSiX2NY2, and a top sub-layer of TiSiX3NY3 in which X1 is greater than X2 and X3 is greater than X2.

Abstract: A beta-phase nickel aluminide (NiAl) overlay coating (24) and method for modifying the grain structure of the coating (24) to improve its oxidation resistance. The coating (24) is deposited by a method that produces a grain structure characterized by grain boundaries (44) exposed at the outer coating surface (36). The grain boundaries (44) may also contain precipitates (40) as a result of the alloyed chemistry of the coating (24). During or after deposition, the overlay coating (24) is caused to form new grain boundaries (34) that, though open to the outer surface (36) of the coating (24), are free of precipitates or contain fewer precipitates (40) than the as-deposited grain boundaries (44). New grain boundaries (34) are preferably produced by causing the overlay coating (24) to recrystallize during coating deposition or after deposition as a result of a surface treatment followed by heat treatment.

Abstract: A process for the production of a coated substrate, preferably glass, comprising depositing a reflective metal, especially a silver, layer by a low pressure deposition process performed in a coating atmosphere that contains a gasous oxygen scavenger. The presence of the gasous oxygen scavenger alleviates oxidation of the silver layer by any oxygen gas present in the coating atmosphere. The gaseous oxygen scavenger may be a hydrocarbon and is preferably methane. The coating process is preferably sputtering.

Abstract: A ferrite layer formation process that may be performed at a lower temperature than conventional ferrite formation processes. The formation process may produce highly anisotropic structures. A ferrite layer is deposited on a substrate while the substrate is exposed to a magnetic field. An intermediate layer may be positioned between the substrate and the ferrite to promote bonding of the ferrite to the substrate. The process may be performed at temperatures less than 300° C. Ferrite film anisotropy may be achieved by embodiments of the invention in the range of about 1000 dyn-cm/cm3 to about 2×106 dyn-cm/cm3.

Abstract: A film with excellent oxygen barrier properties is disclosed. A barrier coating used thereon is also disclosed, including polyvinyl alcohol and a copolymer of maleic acid and acrylic acid, and wherein the copolymer of maleic acid and acrylic acid has a weight average molecular weight of about 3500 to about 5000. The barrier coating is typically less than about 1 micrometer in thickness and provides an oxygen barrier of less than about 0.3 cc.mil/100 in2/day/atm when tested at 23 degrees Celsius and 0 percent relative humidity according to ASTM D3985. A method of stripping low molecular eight fractions from the copolymer is also disclosed. Metallized coated film according to the present invention shows surprising barrier properties.

Abstract: A tin layer and a zinc layer are stacked sequentially on a given substrate to form a multilayered film composed of the tin layer and the zinc layer. Then, a laser beam is irradiated onto the multilayered film to produce a tin-zinc alloy film through the inter-diffusion between the tin elements of the tin layer and the zinc elements of the zinc layer.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording media and method of manufacturing therefore includes a nonmagnetic substrate, an underlayer deposited on the nonmagnetic substrate, and a magnetic recording layer formed on the underlayer, quickly heated, and quenched. A protective layer is deposited on the magnetic recording layer, and a liquid lubricant layer is deposited on the protective layer, to improve an uniaxial anisotropy Ku and a coercive force Hc of the magnetic recording layer.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a coating for protecting a surface from corrosion are provided. The method involves providing a system of layers on a light metal or light metal alloy substrate. The system of layers includes a nonconductive layer adjacent the substrate, followed by a conductive layer, an intermediate layer, and an decorative external layer.

Abstract: A coating for a mold surface of a casting mold includes a metallic bond coat bonded to the mold surface and having a continuous, uniform thickness of between about 0.002 to 0.005 inch on the mold surface. A topcoat of yttria stabilized zirconia is located on top of the metallic bond coat and has a continuous, uniform thickness of between about 0.005 to 0.030 inch. The topcoat has a porosity between 5-15%. The topcoat has a surface layer having a thickness of between about 0.001 to 0.002 inch and a porosity of less than 1%.

Abstract: The specification discloses a mechanical deposition process for depositing a metal powder on a metal substrate to form a sacrificial coating therefor, wherein the metal powder is produced from a molecular alloy of zinc and aluminum, for instance by the atomization of a molten alloy of zinc and aluminum. The mechanical deposition process described herein is carried out in the presence of a ductile metal more noble than zinc, an activating anion containing a fluoride moiety, and either a fluoride-engendering acidic compound or a weak organic acid.

Abstract: A turbomachine component includes a silicon nitride substrate and a protective coating on the substrate. The protective coating includes a porous silicon nitride matrix and a noble metal infiltrated in the porous silicon nitride matrix.

Abstract: An optical disk, which comprises: a common integral substrate having grooves and/or pits formed on its both sides: and a film structure on at least one side of the integral substrate. They are manufactured by preparing two stampers; simultaneously forming grooves and pits on both sides of an integral substrate by use of said two stampers mounted on a respective fixed mold and moving mold; and forming the film structure on at least one side of said integral substrate by depositing material from targets suspended to both sides of said integral substrate. The disks are superior in mechanical properties and reliability. As for reliability, the present optical disk is prepared without using a bonding process, which overcomes the problem of adhesive out-flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an ordered array of nanoparticles on a substrate surface and to a nanomaterial having such an ordered array of nanoparticles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to the provision of an ordered array of magnetic nanocrystals on a substrate surface. Although the present invention is not limited to the production of a magnetic array, one important object of the present invention is the production of a material suitable for use as an ultra high density magnetic data storage medium. According to the present invention there is provided a method of producing a structure comprising a plurality of nanoparticles distributed across a surface of a substrate in a predetermined array, the method comprising the steps of: i) providing a substrate which has a passivated surface; ii) depositing nanoparticles on to said surface; and iii) displacing said particles over said surface to configure them in said predetermined array.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes the steps of: forming an insulating layer having an opening region on a semiconductor substrate; forming a first ruthenium layer on the insulating layer and the opening region by sputtering at a first pressure; forming a second ruthenium layer on the first ruthenium layer by first chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at a first flow rate of oxygen gas and at a second pressure, wherein the second pressure is greater than the first pressure; and forming a third ruthenium layer on the second ruthenium layer by second CVD at a second flow rate of oxygen gas and at a third pressure, wherein the third pressure is greater than the first pressure.

Abstract: A frequency selective plate which is produced by coating an Ag layer dispersed with Ag particles on a transparent substrate. The Ag layer is formed by depositing an Ag continuous layer on the substrate and heating the Ag continuous layer to varying into Ag particles or by depositing an Ag continuous layer on the heated substrate. The frequency selective plate performs high transparency of radio waves and visible rays while sufficiently reflecting near-infrared rays of solar radiation.

Abstract: A tool for depositing multilayer coatings onto a substrate. The tool includes a housing defining a vacuum chamber connected to a vacuum source, deposition stations each configured to deposit a layer of multilayer coating on the substrate, a curing station, and a contamination reduction device. At least one of the deposition stations is configured to deposit an inorganic layer, while at least one other deposition station is configured to deposit an organic layer. In one tool configuration, the substrate may travel back and forth through the tool as many times as needed to achieve the desired number of layers of multilayer coating. In another, the tool may include numerous housings adjacently spaced such that the substrate may make a single unidirectional pass. The contamination reduction device may be configured as one or more migration control chambers about at least one of the deposition stations, and further includes cooling devices, such as chillers, to reduce the presence of vaporous layer precursors.

Abstract: A method for coating an article includes preparing a coating precursor paint including aluminum-containing pigment particles, a temporary organic binder comprising an acrylic, and a solvent for the temporary organic binder. The coating precursor paint is applied to a surface of the article and thereafter heated to a temperature of from about 1200° F. to about 2100° F. in a non-oxidizing environment.

Abstract: This invention relates to radioactively coated devices, preferably radioctively coated medical devices. These coated devices are characterized as having a low rate of leaching of the radioisotope from the surface of the coated device and a uniform radioactive coating, and are therefore suitable for use within biological systems. Methods for coating a device with a radioisotope comprising are also disclosed. One method comprises immersing the device within a solution containing a &ggr;, &bgr;+, &agr;, &bgr;− or &egr; (electron capture) emitting radioisotope, then exposing the immersed substrate to tuned vibrational cavitation to produce a coated substrate. A second method involves coating a substrate using electroless plating, and yet a third method involves the use of electroplating a radioisotope onto a substate of interest. With these methods, the coating procedures are followed by baking the coated substrate at a temperature below the recrystallization temperature of the substrate.

Abstract: The parts are produced by two-component injection molding. Those regions that are to be metallized consist of a first plastic and those regions that are not to be metallized consist of a second plastic. After the entire surface of the parts has been seeded, the seeding is selectively removed with the aid of a solvent in the regions which are not to be metallized. The first plastic is insoluble and the second plastic soluble in the solvent. The selective metallization then takes place by electroless metal deposition and, if appropriate, electrodeposition of metal.