Abstract: A surface treatment method that increases the wear resistance of contact portions of levers of a diaphragm spring in a clutch cover assembly and of a plate member that slides there-against is provided. The surface treatment method is applied to the contact portions of the diaphragm spring of the clutch cover assembly and to the plate member that slides there-against. In this method, the contact portion of the diaphragm spring and the sliding portion of the plate member are designated as treatment surfaces. The treatment surfaces are subjected to an electric discharge coating using a coating material such that the treatment surface is covered with a coating layer of approximately 50 &mgr;m or less and a diffusion layer is formed inside the treatment surface.

Abstract: A process for coating a reactor, which comprises depositing a metal layer or a metal/polymer dispersion layer on the internal surface of the reactor in an electroless manner by bringing the surfaces into contact with a metal electrolyte solution which, besides the metal electrolyte, comprises a reducing agent and optionally a halogenated polymer to be deposited in dispersed form.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for applying a heat shielding coating system on a metallic substrate. The coating system comprises at least three individual layers selected from the group of barrier layer, hot gas corrosion protection layer, protection layer, heat barrier layer, and smoothing layer. The coating system is applied to the metallic substrate by low pressure plasma spraying in a single operation cycle. This process enables the layers to be applied in an arbitrary sequence. The process is preferably used in applying a coating system to a turbine blade, particularly a stator or a rotor blade of a stationary gas turbine or of an aircraft engine, or to another component in a stationary or aircraft turbine that is subjected to hot gas.

Abstract: An article having a substrate is protected by a thermal barrier coating system. An interfacial layer contacts the upper surface of the substrate. The interfacial layer may comprise a bond coat only, or a bond coat and an overlay coat. The interfacial layer has on its upper surface a preselected, controllable pattern of three-dimensional features, such as grooves in a parallel array or in two angularly offset arrays. The features are formed by an ablation process using an ultraviolet laser such as an excimer laser. A ceramic thermal barrier coating is deposited over the pattern of features on the upper surface of the interfacial layer.

Abstract: A method of producing a patterned magnetic nanostructure is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate having a non-magnetic single layer or multi layer film that can be converted into a magnetic state by annealing and/or mixing. The method further includes positioning a mask having a desired pattern and resolution associated with the patterned magnetic nanostructure on or over the film. The method additionally includes subjecting the mask-covered substrate to a beam of radiation (focussed or unfocussed) having sufficient energy to locally anneal and/or mix the non-magnetic or weak-magnetic single-layer or multi layer film. Because of the mask effect, only the desired portions of the non-magnetic film are exposed to the beam of radiation. As such, the desired portions of the non-magnetic film are changed from a non-magnetic to a magnetic state to produce an array of magnetic elements in a non-magnetic matrix. The size of each magnetic element is dependent on the resolution of mask.

Abstract: An article is protected with a wear-resistant coating. The wear-coated article is thereafter treated to produce a chemical conversion coating on any portions of the surface of the article accessible through micropores in the wear-resistant coating. For steel articles, the wear-resistant coating is preferably a titanium nitride-based intermetallic compound such as TiN, Ti2N, (TiAl)N, Ti(CN), (TiAl)(CN), ZrN, and CrN, and the chemical conversion coating is preferably a phosphate-based compound.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite wall with an open cell metal foam core layer bonded to an inner cladding layer and an outer cladding layer. The method involves: creating a core substrate of open cell gas permeable foam in a chosen shape; impregnating the open cell foam substrate with metal vapour and depositing a porous layer of metal on exposed internal and external surfaces of the substrate thereby forming the open cell metal foam core through metal vapour deposition; and forming the inner and outer cladding layers upon the metal foam core through spray application of metal or ceramic.

Abstract: A method of producing high quality optical surfaces is disclosed. The invention allows for the production of optical surfaces with complex geometry while retaining the high quality of the optical surface. A top layer is provided on a substrate. In order to adhere the top layer to the substrate, an adhesion layer is applied first. In the preferred embodiment, the substrate is an aluminum substrate, the adhesion layer includes a layer of zinc and a layer of nickel and the top layer is gold. The substrate is generally stress free in order to provide a flat surface with no undulations. This allows a relatively thin layer of gold to be applied which then can be diamond turned in order to achieve a reflective layer.

Abstract: A method of electrolessly gold plating copper on a printed circuit board (PCB). Starting with a copper patterned PCB, steps include: clean with ultrasonic agitation with the PCB initially oriented vertically and gradually moved to a 45° angle; rinse; sulfuric acid bath with ultrasonic and mechanical agitation; rinse; another sulfuric acid bath with ultrasonic and mechanical agitation; plate the copper with palladium with ultrasonic agitation with the PCB initially oriented at a 45° angle and flipped half way through to opposing 45° angle; rinse; post dip in sulfuric acid; rinse; electrolessly nickel plate with mechanical agitation; rinse; nitrogen blow dry; visual inspection for nickel coverage of the copper; hydrochloric acid bath with manual agitation; rinse; if full nickel coverage was not achieved, repeat preceding steps starting with second sulfuric acid bath; gold flash plate to establish a first layer of gold; rinse; autocatalytic gold plate; rinse; and nitrogen blow dry.

Abstract: A method for forming a metal-containing layer on a substrate is disclosed. A slurry of the metal is first deposited on the substrate; followed by heating to remove volatile material from the slurry, and to form a layer of the metal. In another embodiment, a slurry of aluminum is deposited over the slurry of the metal, before or after the metal has been heat-treated to some degree. A diffusion heat treatment results in a coating which includes the noble-metal aluminide compound. Related articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Conductive and weldable anti-corrosive compositions based on (blocked) polyurethane resins, epoxy resins, together with curing agents containing nitrogen and conductive extenders are suitable for coating metal surfaces, in particular sheet steel in the coil coating process. These compositions are distinguished by a low stoving temperature, a distinct reduction in white rust on galvanized sheet steel in the salt spray test and by an improvement in the adhesion of the organic coating on the metallic substrate. These coatings furthermore also achieve adequate corrosion protection with a thin chromium coating, preferably also in Cr-free pretreatment processes. Sheet metal coated in this manner may be spot welded using any conventional processes.

Abstract: A high-pressure vessel is allowed to be in an initial state, and a first chamber is disposed downward. Copper or copper alloy is placed in the first chamber, and SiC is set in a second chamber. The high-pressure vessel is tightly sealed, and then the inside of the high-pressure vessel is subjected to vacuum suction through a suction pipe. An electric power is applied to a heater to heat and melt the copper or copper alloy in the first chamber. At a stage at which the molten copper in the first chamber arrives at a predetermined temperature, the high-pressure vessel is inverted by 180 degrees to give a state in which SiC is immersed in the molten copper. An impregnating gas is introduced into the high-pressure vessel through a gas inlet pipe to apply a pressure to the inside of the high-pressure vessel. Thus, SiC is impregnated with the molten copper.

Abstract: A substrate metal such as aluminum, usually in the form of a web, is anodized to form a porous oxide coating. A catalytic metal is then electrolytically deposited into the base of the pores preferably using an AC current. A portion of the oxide coating is then stripped away to expose the deposited catalytic metal at the surface of the remaining oxide layer. Alternately, a generally non-catalytic base metal may first be deposited followed by the deposition of the catalyst metal within the pores over the base metal. Further alternatives include stripping the oxide down to the base metal and then depositing the catalyst metal on the surface, further anodizing to form additional oxide between the deposited metal and the substrate, and enlarging the cross section of the base of the pores prior to the deposition of the metal.

Abstract: Radioactive coating solutions and sol-gels, and corresponding methods for making a substrate radioactive by the application of the radioactive coating solutions and sol-gels thereto. The radioactive coating solution comprises at least one carrier metal and a radioisotope, which may be soluble or insoluble, and may further comprise a reducing agent. The radioactive sol-gel comprises at least one metal alkoxide and a radioisotope, which may be soluble or insoluble. Methods of making a substrate radioactive by coating with radioactive coating solutions or sol-gels are also disclosed, including electrodeposition, electroless deposition, spin coating and dip coating. In a particular embodiment, the radioactive coating formed by the method is a composite coating. Radioactive substrates are also disclosed, comprising a substrate and one or more radioactive coatings, which coatings may be the same or different.

Abstract: An over the highway heavy duty vehicle in the form of a selected one of a truck and a tractor is disclosed. The vehicle has a frame rail having a through aperture. A conductive solder ring is bonded to the rail and surrounds the aperture. A fastener extends through the aperture to secure an electrical connector in electrically conductive engagement with the ring. A ground cable is connected to the connector. A process for forming the ring is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for protecting high temperature stainless steel from coking and corrosion at elevated temperatures in corrosive environments, such as during ethylene production by pyrolysis of hydrocarbons or the reduction of oxide ores, by coating the stainless steel with a coating of MCrAlX in which M is nickel, cobalt, iron or a mixture thereof and X is yttrium, hafnium, zirconium, lanthanum or combination thereof deposited onto and metallurgically bonded to the stainless steel by plasma transferred arc deposition of atomized powder of MCrAlX. The coating has a thick, dense, continuous and smooth transition region providing an effective metallurgically bond of the coating with the stainless steel. The coating retains a relatively high aluminum content which permits generation of an adherent alumina layer on the surface, providing good resistance to high temperature oxidation together with good anti-coking and hot erosion resistance properties.

Abstract: Corrosion resistant metal, either platinum or MCrAlY is bonded to a corrosion sensitive metal such as nickel based superalloys by coating the surface with the corrosion resistant metal particles held in a binder and covering this with a metalide generating tape. This is then heated to cause the formation of the metalide coating on the metal surface, which in turn, bonds the corrosion resistant metal to the surface.

Abstract: A multilayer circuit board having air bridge crossover structures and an additive method for producing the same, wherein the circuit includes specially designed metallic fortifying layers to mechanically and/or electrically fortify the circuit.

Abstract: Buffer layer architectures are epitaxially deposited on biaxially-textured rolled-Ni and/or Cu substrates for high current conductors, and more particularly buffer layer architectures such as MgO/Ag/Pt/Ni, MgO/Ag/Pd/Ni, MgO/Ag/Ni, MgO/Ag/Pd/Cu, MgO/Ag/Pt/Cu, and MgO/Ag/Cu. Techniques used to deposit these buffer layers include electron beam evaporation, thermal evaporation, rf magnetron sputtering, pulsed laser deposition, metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), combustion CVD, and spray pyrolysis.

Abstract: A conductive powder having an organic silicon polymer layer on the surface of each particle and a metal layer enclosing the silicon polymer layer possesses a stronger bond between the particle base and the metal even at elevated temperature and exhibits a high and stable conductivity and heat resistance.

Abstract: A process of depositing a thin film on a nanometer structure in which a coating, which may be an aerogel material or metallic seed layer, is prepared. The coating is combined with a supercritical composition to form a supercritical coating composition. The supercritical coating composition is deposited upon a nanometer structure under supercritical conditions. Supercritical conditions are removed whereby the supercritical composition is removed and the coating solidifies into a thin solid film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetically conductive textile fabric comprising conductive fibers arranged to provide a conductivity gradient through its thickness. The fibers may be intrinsically conductive or coated with a conducting material and the gradient can be related to variances in fiber density, fiber diameter (fineness) and fiber conductivity. The fabric can be used to eliminate or reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) in various applications.

Abstract: Described is a metallized article, and a method for making the same, comprising a substrate having a polyurethane basecoat disposed thereon and with a layer of electrically discrete metallic islands of a corrosion prone metal disposed on the basecoat. A cross-linked polyurethane top coat, which is bound to an organosilane, preferably an epoxy silane, is disposed on and encapsulates the discrete metallic islands. The organsilane is also bound to the metallic islands.

Abstract: A multilayer brazeable metallization structure for diamond components and method for producing it are described. The brazeable metallization finds particular application for the attachment of diamond components such as heat spreaders in electronic packages that incorporate high power semiconductor devices. In the present invention, a diamond component is provided with a multilayer coating of metals including a first layer of chromium for adhesion, a second barrier layer of a refractory metal for a barrier that may be alloyed with chromium, and a top layer of copper, silver or gold for wetting. This top layer is thick (greater than 5 microns), without sacrificing resistance to delamination, particularly at brazing conditions. The refractory metals for the second layer include tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum and niobium, or tungsten-chromium alloy.

Abstract: Direct-metal deposition (DMD), preferably under closed-loop control, is used to fabricate alloy-variant material structures which provide a combination of desirable physical and mechanical properties. Use of the invention facilitates the production of high-strength, high-wear, and impact-resistant structures which decrease the likelihood of erosion, heat checking and brittle failure in injection molds, die casting, thixomolding and other, more exotic tooling. The invention uses DMD to deposit a first material or alloy in an area exposed to high wear, such as the tooling gate area, with a second material or alloy being used elsewhere in the tool for greater impact resistance. Advantageously, the areas may be of a user-defined thickness to further improve longevity. The resulting composite material structure has mechanical properties (i.e.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of forming a plurality of layers on an article comprises steps of generating a plasma by forming an arc between a cathode and an anode; injecting a first material comprising an organic compound into the plasma to deposit a first layer on the article; injecting a second material comprising an organometallic material into the plasma to form a second layer on the first layer; and injecting a third material comprising a silicon containing organic compound into the plasma to deposit a third layer on the second layer. The invention also relates to an article of manufacture comprising a substrate; an interlayer disposed on the substrate; a second layer disposed on the interlayer, the second layer comprising an inorganic ultraviolet absorbing material; and a third layer disposed on the second layer, the third layer comprising an abrasion resistant material.

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate is provided. A metallic layer comprising at least about 8% nickel is deposited by thermal spraying on a substrate. The metallic layer has an average density greater than about 80%. A slurry layer comprising from about 10% to about 90% aluminum or alloy thereof is deposited on the metallic layer. Heating to a temperature in excess of 500° C. (932° F.) results in the formation of an intermetallic layer of NiAl. The resulting coating is particularly suited for protecting the surfaces of incinerators or other combustion chambers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soldering method and a soldered joint securing a strength of joint equivalent to soldering using a conventional Pb—Sn solder alloy without having a detrimental effect on the environment and without causing a rise in cost. A soldering method comprising a step of covering Cu electrodes of electronic equipment by a rust-proofing coating consisting of an organic compound including N and a step of forming soldered joints on the covered Cu electrodes, by using a solder material consisting of at least 2.0 wt % and less than 3 wt % of Ag, 0.5 to 0.8 wt % of Cu, and a balance of Sn and unavoidable impurities. The solder material used in the present invention further contains not more than 3 wt % in total of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sb, In, Au, Zn, Bi, and Al.

Abstract: A method is provided of forming multilayer coating films having a high quality appearance while controlling interfacial bleeding or inversion between coating film layers otherwise found when a water-borne intermediate coating film and a water-borne metallic coating film are formed in that order. The method comprising forming coating films one after another on a substrate, namely forming an intermediate coating film using a water-borne intermediate coating, a metallic base coating film using a water-borne metallic base coat and a clear coating film using a clear coat, wherein said water-borne intermediate coating and/or said water-borne metallic base coat contains a polycarbodiimide compound and a carboxyl-containing aqueous resin.

Abstract: Continuous bath or curtain processes for the thermal deposition of a coating from a coating solution onto a moving metal web are used to apply a coating onto the web. The compositions that result from the processes are substantially free of defects relative to batch processes. The continuous process is particularly applicable for priming zinc and zinc-alloy coated steel webs.

Abstract: A high temperature corrosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant coated member or part which is suitable for use under a severe high temperature corrosive and severe abrasive environment and in flying particles, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. A manufacturing method of a high temperature corrosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant coated member wherein an Al diffusion and infiltration treatment is performed after a chromium carbide coating has been applied onto the surface of a base material, or wherein a chromium carbide coating layer whose outside surface is an Al diffusion layer is formed on the surface of the base material, and a gas turbine blade comprising the above member are provided.

Abstract: A metallized article and method for making the article, including a substrate having a polyurethane basecoat disposed thereon, with a layer of electrically discrete metallic islands of a corrosion prone metal disposed on the basecoat. A cross-linked polyurethane topcoat, containing an aminosilane, is further disposed on an encapsulates the discrete metallic islands.

Abstract: Electrolessly plated Ni—P amorphous coatings having an increased magnetic transformation temperature and ultra smooth surface are achieved employing a plating bath containing Al and/or Cu ions. Embodiments include electrolessly depositing an amorphous Ni—P coating exhibiting a magnetic transformation temperature of at least 330° C. proximate a laser textured protrusion.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing copper-film-plated steel cord suitable for use in vehicle tires comprising plating zinc or tin on the surface of steel cord, drawing the zinc or tin-plated cord, and then plating copper film onto the zinc or tin plated steel cord by contact with a solution of cupric sulfate solution, cupric nitrate, cupric chloride or cupric acetate. Compared with the presently used brass-plated steel cord, manufacturing tires with copper-plated cord according to the present invention reduces manufacturing time due to faster formation of adhesion interphase, increases the storage period by enhancing moisture stability, and retards adhesion degradation thereby extending the service life of the tires.

Abstract: A process used during manufacture of printed circuit boards comprises protecting metal pads and/or through-holes to provide a tarnish-resistant and solderable coating. In the method, the pads and/or through-holes are bright-etched, metal plated, preferably by an immersion process, and treated with a tarnish inhibitor. The tarnish inhibitor may be incorporated into the immersion plating bath. The metal plating is usually with silver or bismuth and the pads and/or through-holes comprise copper.

Abstract: A coated metal component made of an alloy containing an intentional addition of nitrogen, comprising an oxidation-resistant coating layer and an intermediate layer disposed between the oxidation-resistant coating layer and the component. The intermediate layer is substantially devoid of nitrogen which if present would form a nitride with the oxidation-resistant layer.

Abstract: A method for producing a multiplicity of miniature cavities extending from a mold surface for molding a plastic product having features integrally molded with and extending from a product base, and a mold so produced. The mold cavities are formed by depositing multiple layers of plating material on a workpiece in a predetermined pattern selected to produce a desired mold cavity shape. The mold may be in the form of a roll or belt for continuous processing, or in any form for discrete injection molding. The invention is particularly applicable to the production of touch fastener products, such as those with arrays of miniature hooks.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating system for a superalloy substrate is disclosed. The superalloy is preferably of the type that is capable of forming an adherent alumina layer. A bond coat is applied to a local area of the substrate, so that a portion of the substrate remains exposed. The localized area is defined to be the area(s) at which a TBC typically fails first, e.g., the leading and trailing edges of an airfoil, or other area. An alumina layer is formed on the remaining portion of the substrate, and also on the bond coat. A ceramic layer is then applied on the alumina layer. Even if the ceramic material is removed, the localized bond coat remains, and reduces the rate at which the underlying substrate oxidizes. A coated article is also disclosed, as is a system that utilizes a conventional superalloy and aluminide coating with the localized bond coat.

Abstract: A method of forming a laminate used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards, comprising the steps of applying a layer of chromium having a thickness from about 30 grams per square meter to about 160 grams per square meter to each side of a steel substrate having a thickness from about 0.10 mm to about 0.20 mm. Applying a layer of copper having a thickness from about 2 &mgr;m to about 70 &mgr;m to each of the chromium layers. Positioning the steel substrate between two dielectric layers with adhesive disposed between the copper layers and the dielectric layers. Applying heat and pressure to the layers to bond the copper layers to the dielectric layers. Separating the steel substrate from the copper layers, and discarding the steel substrate.

Abstract: A thermal transfer sheet for printing a printed matter having a metallic luster comprises of a substrate, a deposition anchor layer, a metal deposition layer and an adhesive layer. The deposition anchor layer, the metal deposition layer and the adhesive layer are formed in this order on one surface of the substrate. The deposition anchor layer contains a linear polymer having a glass transition temperature of not less than 130° C. by an amount of not less than 40 weight % of a total weight of the deposition anchor layer to thereby preventing the metal deposition layer from clouding due to high heat of a thermal head.

Abstract: A method for providing a protective coating on a metal-based substrate is disclosed. The method involves the application of an aluminum-rich mixture to the substrate to form a discontinuous layer of aluminum-rich particles, followed by the application of a second coating over the discontinuous layer of aluminum-rich particles. Aluminum diffuses from the aluminum-rich layer into the substrate, and into any bond coat layer which is subsequently applied. Related articles are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to galvanized steel having a high aluminum content in the coating, as well as a batch hot-dip galvanization process for making such steel. The galvanized steel herein has a coating comprising an inner layer of intermetallic iron aluminum compounds, such as Fe2Al5 (which may have some zinc present), and an outer layer of intermetallic zinc aluminum compounds containing from about 17% to about 40% (preferably about 22%, the Zn—Al eutectoid) aluminum (which may have some iron present). The batch hot-dip galvanization process for making such steel comprises: (a) fluxing the steel by electroless plating on the surface of the steel of a metal such as tin, copper or nickel; and (b) dipping the fluxed steel into a molten galvanization bath comprising zinc and from about 17% to about 40% aluminum.

Abstract: A coated article is provided with a coating stabilizing portion in a coating combination on a substrate of the article. The coating combination includes a coating diffusion portion on the substrate and an outer coating portion outwardly from the coating diffusion portion. The coating stabilizing portion is provided between the coating diffusion portion and the outer coating portion to inhibit diffusion of undesirable elements to an interface with the outer coating portion and to enhance mechanical properties.

Abstract: A process of preserving solderability and inhibiting tin whisker growth of exposed copper or copper alloy surfaces on a substrate comprises the steps of preparing an immersion tin plating solution substantially free of other immersion-platable metals; applying the immersion tin plating solution to the substrate to form a tin coating on the surfaces; preparing an immersion alloy plating solution containing at least two immersion-platable metals; applying the immersion alloy plating solution to the substrate by immersing the substrate in the immersion alloy plating solution to form an alloy cap layer on the tin coating. The immersion platable metals in the immersion alloy plating solution may be at least two metals selected from tin, silver, bismuth, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, indium, palladium, platinum, gold, cadmium, ruthenium and cobalt.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer having copper bondpads (17) that are free of voids (13) and a method for coating the copper bondpads (17) with solderable or wirebondable metals such that the copper bondpads (17) are free of the voids (13). The void free metal coatings are achieved using a dual activation process. In a first activation step (27), the copper bondpads (17) are activated by placing them in a palladium bath. In a second activation step (28), the bondpads are placed in a nickel-boron bath. After the dual activation, the copper bondpads (17) are coated with a layer of nickel-phosphorous or palladium. The nickel-phosphorous or palladium layer may be coated with a layer of gold for subsequent formation of solder balls or wirebonds thereon.

Abstract: A process of producing an aluminum beverage can body having a decorative surface exhibiting a dichroic effect when observed in white light. In the process, a can body is formed from a sheet of metal selected from aluminum and aluminum alloy by drawing and ironing, surfaces of the can body are cleaned to produce a cleaned can body, a decorative structure exhibiting a dichroic effect is applied to a surface of the cleaned can body, and the can body is subjected to finishing operations. The decorative structure is applied by the steps of: applying a layer of dielectric material directly onto the metal of the cleaned can body without pre-treatment of the metal with a metal brightener, and forming a semi-transparent metal layer on or within the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A metallic base material is covered with a coating layer of intermetallic compound, or a plurality of metallic base materials are welded to each other with an intermetallic compound, with reduced energy consumption within a short period of time. First metallic substance 31 in powdery form is piled up on metallic base material 2. Second metallic substance 3 in molten form is delivered onto piling layer 80 of the first substance. Thus, under the control of reaction initiation temperature, coating layer (or building up coating layer) 84 of intermetallic compound having a thickness of hundreds of microns (&mgr;m) to millimeters (mm) is formed on the base material 2 by the self-exothermic reaction between the first substance and the second substance. This method is also useful in the welding of a plurality of metallic base materials to each other with an intermetallic compound. The first substance can be constituted of, for example, Ni, Co or Fe. The second substance can be constituted of, for example, Al or Ti.

Abstract: A method of coating an inner face of a weapon barrel with a coating material includes the following steps: introducing the coating material as a component in sheet or foil form into the weapon barrel; positioning the component in the weapon barrel such that a first face of the component is oriented toward the inner face of the barrel and a second face of the component is oriented away from the inner face of the barrel; maintaining an annular clearance between the inner face of the barrel and the component; providing the second face of the component with an explosive; and detonating the explosive for hurling the coating material of the component against the inner face of the barrel for effecting a cold welding between the coating material and the inner face of the barrel.

Abstract: A sol-gel catalyst composition for electroless plating includes a metal alkoxide in a polar organic solvent, an acid, a chloride salt or acid chloride, and a catalytic metallic salt. The sol-gel catalyst adheres to smooth surfaces without the preconditioning normally associated with other sol-gel smooth surface catalyst, as well as a method for coating a substrate with the sol-gel catalyst composition, and then a metallic platting solution.

Abstract: A method for improving the thermal fatigue life of a thermal barrier coating (TBC) deposited on an aluminide bond coat through a process by which the surface morphology of the aluminide bond coat is modified to eliminate or at least reduce oxidation and oxidation-induced convolutions at the alumina-bond coat interface, as explained more fully below. The bond coat is deposited to have generally columnar grains and grain boundary ridges at its surface, and is then peened at an intensity sufficient to flatten at least some of the grain boundary ridges, but insufficient to cause recrystallization of the bond coat when later heated, such as during deposition of the thermal barrier coating. In so doing, the original surface texture of the bond coat is altered to be smoother where the grain boundaries meet the bond coat surface, thereby yielding a smoother bond coat surface where the critical alumina-bond coat interface will exist following oxidation of the bond coat.