Abstract: Systems and methods of staining a surface. An organic salt is used in combination with a metal salt to provide a decorative stain that can be used to stain any of a variety of pH basic surfaces, including concrete. In at least some implementations, urea hydrochloride or an equivalent thereof is used as an organic salt in combination with a metal salt to create an alkali reactive decorative stain that can be used to stain any of a variety of pH basic surfaces, including concrete. The urea hydrochloride is safe and environmentally fit to use. Different metal salts are used and/or mixed to obtain a desired color and/or appearance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced autogenous healing of cracks that are formed or are present in concrete-containing materials and surfaces are disclosed. Treatment modalities that include addition of the disclosed materials, compositions and systems to pre- and post-construction concrete-containing materials and surfaces are provided. Autogenous healing is effected at a greater rate and to a larger degree as compared to control systems. The disclosed compositions and systems also yield reductions in the rate and/or impact of corrosion are achieved for concrete-containing structures and surfaces and, despite the water soluble properties of the compositions and systems, the treatments are effective in delivering an advantageous level of moisture resistance to the treated concrete-containing structure and/or surface. The composition is synthesized from a feedstock that includes C9 to C16 branched hydrocarbons of varying structures.

Abstract: A combination includes a composition providing corrosion resistance for application to a post-construction material, and a post-construction material, wherein the composition is applied to at least one surface of the post-construction material after the post-construction material has hardened. The composition may include an effective amount of a thinning agent, e.g., isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, xylene or similar composition. The composition may be an aqueous solution of a metal salt of a dioic acid. The post-construction material may be reinforced or unreinforced concrete. The post-construction material may be a concrete-containing structure, and the composition may be applied to an exterior surface thereof.

Abstract: A removable, colored X-alginate coating composition for a surface includes an aqueous solution of sodium alginate including a colorant and an aqueous solution containing divalent cations. In various aspects, the aqueous solution containing divalent cations includes, but is not limited to, calcium chloride, calcium chlorate, calcium carbonate, magnesium chloride, magnesium chlorate, or magnesium carbonate. The applied coating composition is advantageously in the form of a thin film coating. The thin film may have a thickness about equal to or greater than 10 nanometers and may include more than a single layer; for example, two mono-layers, but not limited as such. Any one of the plurality of monolayers may have a thickness about equal to or greater than five nanometers. Advantageously, the X-alginate coating composition according to the embodiments of the invention is substantially removable from the application surface on-demand upon the application of a suitable chelator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating an ophthalmic lens comprising two main sides, wherein at least one side comprises an organic or mineral external layer coated with a MgF2 temporary protective layer, comprising one of the following treating steps: a liquid phase chemical treatment of the temporary protective layer, leading to the formation of MgO and/or Mg(OH)2 in and/or on the temporary protective layer; or a deposit of at least one non-fluorinated metallic oxide and/or of at least one non fluorinated metallic hydroxide on the temporary protective layer through transfer thereof from an electrostatic film or through vacuum evaporation thereof directly on the temporary protective layer.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for the formation of redox-active polymers attached to surfaces. In certain embodiments, the methods involve providing redox-active molecules bearing at least a first reactive site or group and a second reactive site or group; and contacting the surface with the redox-active molecules where the contacting is under conditions that result in attachment of said redox-active molecules to said surface via the first reactive site or group and attachment of redox-active molecules via the second reactive site or group, to the redox-active molecules attached to the surface thereby forming a polymer attached to said surface where the polymers comprise at least two of said redox-active molecules.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for the formation of redox-active polymers attached to surfaces. In certain embodiments, the methods involve providing redox-active molecules bearing at least a first reactive site or group and a second reactive site or group; and contacting the surface with the redox-active molecules where the contacting is under conditions that result in attachment of said redox-active molecules to said surface via the first reactive site or group and attachment of redox-active molecules via the second reactive site or group, to the redox-active molecules attached to the surface thereby forming a polymer attached to said surface where the polymers comprise at least two of said redox-active molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a thin film having alternating monolayers of a metal-metal bonded complex monolayer and an organic monolayer by layer-by-layer growth. The process comprises the steps of: (1) applying onto a surface of a substrate a first linker compound to produce a primer layer; (2) applying onto said primer layer a layer of a metal-metal bonded complex to produce a metal-metal bonded complex monolayer on said primer layer;(3) applying onto said metal-metal bonded complex monolayer a second linker compound; and optionally(4) sequentially repeating steps (2) and (3) at least once to produce said layer-by-layer grown thin film having alternating monolayers of a metal-metal bonded complex monolayer and an organic monolayer.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method of treating silica in an aqueous environment. The method can comprise steps of dispersing silica particulates in an aqueous environment to form an aqueous dispersion; reversing the net charge of a surface of the silica particulates from negative to positive using a surface activating agent, thereby forming surface-activated silica particulates dispersed in the water; and contacting the surface-activated silica particulates with organosilane reagents to form reagent-modified and surface-activated silica particulates.

Abstract: Compositions and methods and for contaminants from water are provided. The compositions comprise ferric hydroxide and ferric oxyhydride coated substrates for use in removing the contaminant from the water Contacting water bearing the contaminant with the substrates can substantially reduce contaminant levels therein. Methods of oxidizing the contaminants in water to facilitate their removal by the ferric hydroxide and ferric oxyhydride coated substrates are also provided. The contaminants include, but are not limited to, arsenic, selenium, uranium, lead, cadmium, nickel, copper, zinc, chromium and vanadium, their oxides and soluble salts thereof.

Abstract: Water soluble materials, compositions and systems for use in treating concrete-containing materials and surfaces are disclosed. Treatment modalities that include addition of the disclosed materials, compositions and systems to pre- and post-construction concrete-containing materials and surfaces are provided. Reductions in the rate and/or impact of corrosion are achieved for concrete-containing structures and surfaces. In addition, despite the water soluble properties of the material, composition or system, the treatments are effective in delivering an advantageous level of moisture resistance to the treated concrete-containing structure and/or surface. The composition is synthesized from a feedstock that includes C9 to C16 branched hydrocarbons of varying structures.

Abstract: A composition and method for inhibiting stain formation in a floor covering. The composition includes a copper glycine complex in combination with magnesium hydroxide and a carrier. The composition can be advantageously applied to a wood-based substrate upon which a floor covering is overlaid. Flooring assemblies that include the composition are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a member comprising a substrate, an undercoat film formed on a surface of the substrate, and a liquid-repellent film of metal alkoxide formed on a surface of the undercoat film. Also disclosed are nozzle head, liquid-jet head and liquid-jet device employing the above-described member.

Abstract: A composition of a solution of a metal salt of a dioic acid that provides corrosion resistance and moisture resistance is disclosed for application to post-construction materials. The composition may further include an effective amount of a thinning agent, e.g., isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, xylene or similar composition for application directly to the surface of the post-construction material. The composition is effective for reducing corrosion of post-construction materials, including unreinforced concrete or reinforced concrete, and reduces the permeation of moisture and/or the extension of cracks/fissures within the post-construction material. The composition may be applied to the post-construction material through brush applications, spray applications, mist applications or the like.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a piezoelectric thin film component wherein a thin titanium film is deposited on a bottom metal layer such that parts of the thin titanium film remain on crystal grain boundaries of the bottom metal layer and form seed crystals. A polycrystalline piezoelectric thin film is formed on the bottom metal layer so that a pervoskite crystalline lattice is grown from the seed crystals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a thin film having alternating monolayers of a metal-metal bonded complex monolayer and an organic monolayer by layer-by-layer growth. The process comprises the steps of: (1) applying onto a surface of a substrate a first linker compound to produce a primer layer; (2) applying onto said primer layer a layer of a metal-metal bonded complex to produce a metal-metal bonded complex monolayer on said primer layer; (3) applying onto said metal-metal bonded complex monolayer a second linker compound; and optionally (4) sequentially repeating steps (2) and (3) at least once to produce said layer-by-layer grown thin film having alternating monolayers of a metal-metal bonded complex monolayer and an organic monolayer.

Abstract: A tri-layer anti-reflective coating for use in photolithographic applications, and specifically, for use in ultraviolet photolithographic processes. The tri-layered anti-reflective coating is used to minimize pattern distortion due to reflections from neighboring features in the construction of microcircuits. The tri-layer anti-reflection coating features a first layer, a first dielectric layer, an absorption layer disposed on the first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer, which is then disposed between the absorption layer and a photoresist layer. At least the absorption layer and dielectric layers can be formed using vacuum deposition. A unique character of the tri-layer anti-reflective coatings is that it dampens reflections structures having severe topologies and also allows a thinner anti-reflection layer that has a wider process latitude.

Abstract: A method is taught for fabricating patterned silicon dioxide layers on process areas disposed perpendicularly or at an inclination to a substrate surface. Firstly, a starter layer having leaving groups is produced by non-conformal deposition of a reactive component. Tris(tert-butoxy)silanol is subsequently added. The addition of the tris(tert-butoxy)silanol leads to the formation of a silicon dioxide layer selectively only on the starter layer.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting corrosion are disclosed. The methods generally involve contacting a coated metal substrate with a composition comprising one or more of yttrium, titanium and the rare-earth elements. The contacting step can be performed either before or after the coating is cured. Substrates treated according to the present methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organic compound for CVD raw material prepared by mixing a first organometallic compound and at least one second organometallic compound, said first organometallic compound having a central metal atom and at least one ligand coordinated thereto and said second organic compound having the same central metal as that of the first organometallic compound and at least one different ligand coordinated thereto from the ligand of the first organometallic compound, wherein the first and second organometallic compounds differ in decomposition behavior. In particular, a CVD raw material having both easy handling and good adhesiveness to thin film, which have not been so far sufficiently compatible with each other, can be obtained by mixing a cyclopentadienyl complex or a derivative thereof as the first organometallic compound, and a &bgr;-diketonato compound as the second organometallic compound.

Abstract: A beta-phase NiAl overlay coating containing a dispersion of ceramic particles and a process for depositing the overlay coating. If the coating is used to adhere a thermal barrier coating (TBC), the TBC exhibits improved spallation resistance as a result of the dispersion of ceramic particles having a dispersion-strengthening effect on the overlay coating. The overlay coating contains at least one reactive element and is deposited so that the some of the reactive element deposits as the ceramic particles dispersed in the overlay coating.

Abstract: This invention provides a primer composition comprising the following (A), (B), (C) and (D) components: (A) a saturated hydrocarbon polymer having at least one alkenyl group per molecule, (B) a silane coupling agent, (C) a polyvalent alkoxysilane and/or a condensation product thereof, and (D) an organoaluminum compound and/or an organotitanium compound.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric thin film component utilizing seed crystals, such as crystals of titanium, as a crystal source on a bottom electrode. Crystals of piezoelectric material are grown using the seed crystals as a nucleus, wherein a crystal grain size and orientation of the piezoelectric material formed on the crystal source may be of a different orientation and crystal grain size from that of the bottom electrode. The piezoelectric thin film formed by this operation is of a polycrystalline structure. The formation of the piezoelectric thin film by this method includes a sol-gel film formation process utilizing a sol composition having an high molecular organic compound which creates a porous gel thin film. Further, the formation of the piezoelectric thin film by this method may include a metal organic decomposition process utilizing a hydrolysis inhibitor in the sol solution.

Abstract: A mercury-containing material, a method for producing the same and a fluorescent lamp using the same that can enclose a minimal amount of mercury in a glass bulb precisely, prevent flaws in a fluorescent coating while suppressing a noise during a lamp transportation, and prevent deterioration in appearance are provided. A surface of liquid mercury is coated with a continuous film made of metal oxide or metal complex oxide by dipping the mercury in a metal alkoxide solution and then heating the mercury on which the metal alkoxide solution adheres. Accordingly, the minimal amount of the mercury can be enclosed in the fluorescent lamp precisely, thus achieving friendliness to the environment. It also is possible to prevent flaws in the fluorescent coating while suppressing a noise during the lamp transportation and further to prevent deterioration in appearance.

Abstract: A method including forming a first layer comprising a chemical conversion coating on a metal surface; and forming a second layer on the first layer through a sol gel process. An apparatus including a metal component having at least one surface; a first layer comprising a chemical conversion coating on the at least one surface; and a second layer derived from a sol gel composition on the first layer.

Abstract: Described are conductor track structures on a nonconductive support material, especially fine conductor track structures, which are comprised of a base containing a heavy metal and a metallized coating applied to this, and a method for their production. The invention is characterized in that the heavy metal base in the area of the conductor track structures contains heavy metal nuclei, which have been created by the breakup of an organic nonconductive heavy metal complex, and that the support material contains microporous or microrough support particles to which the heavy metal nuclei are bound. An outstanding strength of adhesion of the deposited metal conductor tracks is achieved. The method is especially suitable also for the production of three-dimensional circuit supports.

Abstract: An adhesion-promoting composition for bonds between plastic and other materials, such as metal, ceramic, glass ceramic and glass is described, which contains an alcoholate of titanium, of zirconium or of hafnium and allows production of strongly adhesive, moisture-stable and hydrolysis-resistant bonds.

Abstract: A titanium dioxide photocatalyst carrier is prepared by coating a surface of a substrate with a titanium dioxide precursor solution prepared from a hydrolyzable titanium compound and an aromatic compound solvent, and then heat-treating the coated substrate thereby preparing a carrier coated with a thin layer of titanium oxide.

Abstract: An autodepositing liquid composition comprises dispersed non-film-forming polymer particles in addition to the dispersed film forming polymer characteristic of all autodepositing liquid compositions. Preferably, the non-film-forming polymer particles are gas-tight microballoons filled with a gas such as air and have an average particle size less than 1 &mgr;m. Such particles act in the autodepositing liquid compositions and in the dried coatings formed from them as opaque white pigments, unless the coatings are heated above about 130° C., if so heated, the coatings, unless they contain other heat stable pigment, become irreversibly transparent.

Abstract: A process is proposed for the fireproofing treatment of textile materials by impregnating them initially with a melamine-formaldehyde resin or organosilicon substances, and then with a solution of a complex compound of the ammonia salt of amidoalkylphosphonic acid with ammonium chloride. Materials treated in accordance with the invention have reduced combustibility and low toxicity of the gases given off during combustion.

Abstract: A coating that inhibits stain formation in floor covering. The coating includes a copper amine complex, preferably a copper morpholine complex, and is advantageously applied to an underlayment upon which a floor covering is adhered. Coated panels and floor assemblies that include the coating are also described.

Abstract: A substrate having at least two treated surface layers, wherein the first layer constituting the outermost layer among the treated surface layers is a layer formed by covering with a composition (I) containing a predetermined organic silicon compound, and the second layer constituting an underlayer in contact with the first layer is a layer formed by covering with a composition (II) containing a fluorine-containing reactive silane compound (II) which forms a surface having a contact angle of at least 100° to water.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of a hydrophobic/oleophobic agent incorporating a primer of formula: X3SiRSiX3  (I) in which: R represents a carbon chain, and X represents a hydrolysable functional group.

Abstract: In the case where multiple slide hopper is used for simultaneous multilayer bead coating of photosensitive material, streak defect is occasionally cause, particularly in the case of coating photothermographic material, especially when the outermost layer includes materials capable of increasing optical density such as toner it more frequently happens. It is found that streak defect is restrained when meniscus curvature of upper side bead becomes less than 7.2 mm−1. This condition can be kept by selecting a proper value of clearance between the web surface and the lip of the slide hopper, that is from 0.10 mm to 0.40 mm, and a proper value of pressure in a lower side of the bead, that is from −100 Pa to −700 Pa.

Abstract: A process produces a substantially stable aqueous dispersion of metal or metal oxide particles suitable for use in forming a transparent conductive coating. The process comprises the steps of (a) adding a nanocrystalline material to water, the nanocrystalline material comprising primary particles of metal or metal oxide having a substantially spherical shape and (b) mixing the nanocrystalline material and water to form an aqueous dispersion. The process identified above, prepares a substantially stable aqueous dispersion of nanocrystalline particles, which may be used in forming a transparent conductive coating.

Abstract: A process for treating zeolite membranes to improve their performance and to improve their coherence consists of forming a film of zeolite material on a porous support to form a zeolite membrane, contacting the membrane with tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), and reacting said TEOS with said zeolite membrane to form a supported membrane with open pores without defective pin holes. The process may further comprise pre-treatment of the porous support with a zeolite initiating agent, or post-treatment of the treated membrane with a silicic or polysilicic acid.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite composed of a mixture containing a metal oxide derived from a metal fluoro complex compound. The method includes adding a fluoride ion capturing agent to an aqueous solution containing a metal fluoro complex compound to precipitate the composite. The composite can be a mixture of two or more kinds of metal oxides derived from metal fluoro complex compounds, a mixture of a metal oxide derived from the metal fluoro complex compound and microparticles, or a metal oxide derived from the metal fluoro complex compound doped with metal ions. The composite may be in the form of a thin film precipitated on a substrate immersed in the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing polymer, having a number-average molecular weight of 500 to 100,000 and represented by the following general formula Rf—(OC3F6)a—(OC2F4)b—(OCF2)c—X—Y—Z—MPnRm−n or PnRm−nM—Z—Y—X—(OC3F6)a—(OC2F4)b—(OCF2)c—X—Y—Z—MPnRm−n (wherein Rf is a perfluoroalkyl group; a, b and c independently represent 0 or a number equal to or greater than 1, with the proviso that the sum of a, b and c is at least 1; X is a group represented by the formula: —(O)d—(CF2)e—(CH2)f—; Y is a divalent polar group; Z is a group represented by the formula: —(CH2)g—; M is a metal atom; R is a hydrocarbon group; P is a hydrolyzable polar group; m is an integer equal to “(valency of M)−1”; and n is an integer of 1 to m), exhibits excellent stainproof property against oily dirt and can form on a substrate a stainproof layer having an excellent stainproof pro

Abstract: The present invention provides: refractory composite materials protected against oxidation at high temperature; said materials are of the type made by a solid process and include, in characteristic manner, over their entire outside surface, a complex layer containing at least one silicate corresponding to a densification additive used to make them, silica, and a vitreous boron-containing silicate phase; precursors or intermediates for preparing said materials; said precursors including, in characteristic manner, over their entire outside surface, at least one layer of a precursor for borosilicate glass or a layer of borosilicate glass; and a method of preparing said materials (by preparing said precursors) and a method of preparing said precursors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of derivatizing semiconductor surfaces, particularly porous silicon surfaces with silicon-carbon units. The derivatization occurs through the direct addition of an organometallic reagent in the absence of an external energy source such as heat and photo- or electrochemical energies. The method of the invention allows the formation of unique intermediates including silicon hydride units bonded to metal ions. Because of these unique intermediates, it is possible to form previously inaccessible silicon-carbon units, for example where the carbon atom is an unsaturated carbon atom. Such inaccessible silicon-carbon units also include silicon-polymer covalent bond formation, in particular where the polymer is a conducting polymer. Thus, the present invention also provides a novel semiconductor surface/polymer junction having improved interfacial interactions.

Abstract: A composite that protects thermal barrier coatings from the deleterious effects of environmental contaminants at operational temperatures is discovered. The thermal barrier coated parts have least two outer protective coatings that decrease infiltration of molten contaminant eutectic mixtures into openings in the thermal barrier coating.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composite body consisting of a hard metal, cermet or ceramic substrate body and at least one layer of a mechanically resistant material, a ceramic substance, a diamond-like layer, amorphous carbon and/or hexagonal boron nitride. The invention also concerns a method of producing this composite body, wherein, when the green compact has been dewaxed, with its pores still open and whilst it continues to be heated as from a temperature of between 600° C. and 1100° C., it is acted upon by sublimable solids and/or reaction gases which are necessary for coating purposes. The temperature of the green compact is then further increased and the latter is fully compressed by sintering, before one or more layers of the above-mentioned type is/are applied.

Abstract: An electrolyzing electrode which is for electrolyzing a metal electrolytic solution, shows a long lifetime in use as an ordinary anode and has sufficient durability even when in a poor potential region, and a process for the production thereof. The electrolyzing electrode of the present invention has an undercoating layer which is formed of platinum metal and tantalum oxide and contains, as metals, 1 to 20 at % of platinum and 80 to 99 at % of tantalum, on an electrically conductive electrode substrate, has an intermediate layer which is formed of iridium oxide and tantalum oxide and contains, as metals, 70 to 99.9 at % of iridium and 0.1 to 30 at % of tantalum, on the undercoating layer, and further has an overcoating layer which is formed of platinum metal and iridium oxide and contains, as metals, 60 to 99.9 at % of platinum and 0.1 to 40 at % of iridium, on the intermediate layer.

Abstract: In a method of hot-galvanizing ferrous materials, in order to improve results, there is provision, during the course of the galvanizing, for a step for the introduction of various suitable metals, preferably selected from aluminum, potassium, nickel, magnesium and manganese, which are introduced in the form of their salts.

Abstract: A method for protecting a metal substrate from corrosion comprises the steps of providing a metal substrate and applying a treatment solution to the surface of the metal substrate, wherein the treatment solution comprises a partially hydrolyzed aminosilane and a fluorine-containing inorganic compound. Preferably the metal substrate is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, aluminum alloys and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for improving the adhesion of a repair coating to a coated substrate. It requires that at least one coating composition be applied to a substrate, the coating composition having (a) a film forming component with (i) a crosslinking component comprising one or more aminoplast resins, and (ii) one or more polymers having one or more functional groups which are reactive with the crosslinking component, (b) an adhesion improving additive comprising one or more compounds containing Sn(IV), (c) a catalyst for promoting a reaction between crosslinking agent (i) and one or more polymers (ii). The at least one coating composition is cured to provide a coated substrate and one or more repair coatings are applied to the coated substrate. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the one or more repair coatings applied are the same as the at least one coating composition.

Abstract: A composite plated metal material having a composite coating layer with excellent adhesion and mechanical properties is produced by (1) displace deposition-plating a metal I base material with a metal II having a nobler oxidation-eduction potential than that of metal I and (2) dope-modifying the resultant metal II coating layer with a metal III-containing deposit in which metal III is different from metal II and exhibits a nobler oxidation-reduction potential than that of metal I, by using a displace deposition-plating aqueous solution containing metal III-containing compound ions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a ceramic or ceramic-like coating on a substrate in the absence of oxygen. The method comprises coating the substrate with a solution comprising a solven and one or more preceramic materials selected from the group consisting of hydrogen silsesquioxane and hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed RxSi(OR)4-x wherein R is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl and unsaturated hydrocarbons and x is 0-2. The solvent is evaporated and a preceramic coating thereby deposited on the substrate. The preceramic coating is then ceramified by heating the coated substrate to a temperature of between about 500 up to about 1000° C. under an inert gas atmosphere to thereby produce a ceramic or ceramic-like coating on the substrate. The process of the invention is useful for forming protective coatings on any substrate prone to oxidation at the temperature necessary for ceramification.