Abstract: A method for forming a block copolymer pattern on a substrate, wherein the areal density of nanostructures in the pattern is increased by increasing the thickness of the block copolymer film that is applied to the substrate.

Abstract: The Application relates to a method of curing various polymerisable compositions, comprising a suitable photoinitiator, the curing being effected by means of a plasma in plasma discharge chamber.

Abstract: A primer coating is provided for use on a variety of substrates which provides enhanced liquid toner or ink adhesion when applied to substrates which are printed using high speed electrophotographic printing devices. The primer coating includes a natural rosin dispersion including a hydrogenated hydrocarbon rosin or rosin ester and a colloid forming material which is blended with a dispersion of a copolymer of ethylene and acrylic or methacrylic acid.

Abstract: Various processes and related systems are provided for making structures on substrate surfaces. Disclosed are methods of making a structure supported by a substrate by providing a substrate having a receiving surface and exposing at least a portion of the receiving surface to output from a remote plasma of an inert gas. The remote plasma has an energy low enough to substantially avoid etching or sputtering of the receiving surface but sufficient to generate a treated receiving surface. The treated surface is contacted with a deposition gas, thereby making the structure supported by the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide methods for depositing and compositions of tantalum carbide nitride materials. The methods include deposition processes that form predetermined compositions of the tantalum carbide nitride material by controlling the deposition temperature and the flow rate of a nitrogen-containing gas during a vapor deposition process, including thermal decomposition, CVD, pulsed-CVD, or ALD. In one embodiment, a method for forming a tantalum-containing material on a substrate is provided which includes heating the substrate to a temperature within a process chamber, and exposing the substrate to a nitrogen-containing gas and a process gas containing a tantalum precursor gas while depositing a tantalum carbide nitride material on the substrate.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, a method for forming submicron size nanostructures on a substrate surface includes contacting a substrate with a tip coated with an ink comprising a block copolymer matrix and a nanostructure precursor to form a printed feature comprising the block copolymer matrix and the nanostructure precursor on the substrate, and reducing the nanostructure precursor of the printed feature to form a nanostructure having a diameter (or line width) of less than 1 ?m.

Abstract: The metal part is one where a carboxyl group or an amino group, or a hydroxyl group is imparted onto the surface. On the other hand, the resin part is one into which an adhesiveness modifier containing an epoxy group is blended. A process for producing a composite of metal and resin, wherein the metal part and the resin part are bonded by interaction of the carboxyl group or the amino group, or the hydroxyl group with the epoxy group.

Abstract: An interconnect structure is provided that has improved electromigration resistance as well as methods of forming such an interconnect structure. The interconnect structure includes an interconnect dielectric material having a dielectric constant of about 4.0 or less. The interconnect dielectric material has at least one opening therein that is filled with a Cu-containing material. The Cu-containing material within the at least one opening has an exposed upper surface that is co-planar with an upper surface of the interconnect dielectric material. The interconnect structure further includes a composite M-MOx cap located at least on the upper surface of the Cu-containing material within the at least one opening. The composite M-MOx cap includes an upper region that is composed of the metal having a higher affinity for oxygen than copper and copper oxide and a lower region that is composed of a non-stoichiometric oxide of said metal.

Abstract: A method of forming a silicon nitride layer is described. According to the present invention, a silicon nitride layer is deposited by thermally decomposing a silicon/nitrogen containing source gas or a silicon containing source gas and a nitrogen containing source gas at low deposition temperatures (e.g., less than 550° C.) to form a silicon nitride layer. The thermally deposited silicon nitride layer is then treated with hydrogen radicals to form a treated silicon nitride layer.

Abstract: A method of metallizing the surface of a substrate electrolessly, by spraying one or more oxidation-reduction solutions thereonto. The steps of this method include: a) physical or chemical treatment to reduce the surface tension of the substrate before metallization; b) electroless metallization of the surface of the substrate treated in step a), by spraying one or more oxidation-reduction solutions in the form of one or more aerosols thereonto; and c) formation of a top coat on the metallized surface. Compact devices for implementing this method and the products obtained are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating surfaces with micro- and nanoparticles, the micro- and nanoparticles being chemically bonded to the surface, comprising the steps of pre-treatment of the surface with a plasma method, simultaneous or subsequent application of the micro- and nanoparticles to the surface, and subsequent fixation of the micro and nanoparticles on the surface using a plasma method, characterized in that the fixation of the micro- and nanoparticles takes place with the aid of anisothermal plasmas, the median electrical energy of which lies in the range of the bond dissociation energy of the micro- and nanoparticles, thus allowing the strength of the chemical bond between the surface and the micro- and nanoparticles to be variably set.

Abstract: A hydrophobic coating and method of preparing a hydrophobic coating with an adhesion promoting layer formed from an adhesion promoting composition and a hydrophobic layer, is disclosed. The adhesion promoting composition may comprise an adhesion promoting compound having an amine group and at least one of a silane functional group and/or a germanium functional group. The hydrophobic layer forming composition may comprise a hydrophobic layer forming compound having a hydrophobic aliphatic group and at least one of a silane functional group and/or a germanium functional group.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a nonwoven fabric having a plurality of coated fibers, the coating including silane and dialdehyde, and, in certain embodiments, further including particles.

Abstract: A fabrication method for a metal-base/polymer-resin bonded structured body according to the present invention includes the steps of: (1) applying, to a surface of the metal base, a solution containing an organometallic compound decomposable at 350° C. or lower; (2) baking the applied solution in an oxidizing atmosphere to form, on the surface of the metal base, a coating containing an oxide of the metal of the organometallic compound; (3) providing the polymer resin on the coating; and (4) hardening the polymer resin to provide the metal-base/polymer-resin bonded structured body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the treatment of particles using a plasma torch and to the particles obtainable by the process. The particles so obtainable may be incorporated into coatings, plastics, paints, printing inks, ceramics, glasses or personal care products.

Abstract: A method of fabricating optical energy collection and conversion devices using carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and a method of anchoring CNT's into thin polymeric layers is disclosed. The basic method comprises an initial act of surrounding a plurality of substantially aligned nanostructures within at least one fluid layer of substantially uniform thickness such that a first end of the plurality of nanostructures protrudes from the fluid layer. Next, the fluid layer is altered to form an anchoring layer, thereby fastening the nanostructures within the primary anchoring layer with the first ends of the nanostructures protruding from a first surface of the primary anchoring layer. Finally, a portion of the anchoring layer is selectively removed such that a second end of the nanostructures is exposed and protrudes from the anchoring layer. The resulting product is an optically absorbent composite material having aligned nanostructures protruding from both sides of an anchoring layer.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a family of liquid group 4 precursors represented by the formula: (pyr*)M(OR1)(OR2)(OR3) wherein pyr* is an alkyl substituted pyrrolyl, wherein M is group 4 metals include Ti, Zr, and Hf; wherein R1-3 can be same or different and selected from group consisting of linear or branched C1-6 alkyls; preferably C1-3 alkyls; R4 is selected from the group consisting of C1-6 alkyls, preferably branched C3-5 alkyls substituted at 2, 5 positions to prevent the pyrrolyl coordinated to the metal center in ?1 fashion; n=2, 3, 4. Most preferably the invention is directed to (2,5-di-tert-butylpyrrolyl)(tris(ethoxy)titanium, (2,5-di-tert-amylpyrrolyl)(tris(ethoxy)titanium, and (2,5-di-tert-amylpyrrolyl)(tris(iso-propoxy)titanium. The invention is also directed to (cyclopentadienyl)(2,5-di-methylpyrrolyl)(bis(ethoxy))titanium. Deposition methods using these compounds are also contemplated.

Abstract: A back sheet of solar module with high adhesivity comprises a substrate (3), a layer of fluorine-based film (2), and a layer of fluoro-silicone film (1) or titanium-silicon film (4) formed between the layer of fluorine-based film (2) and the substrate (3), as well as on outer surface of the layer of fluorine-based film (2). A method for manufacturing the back sheet of solar module comprises the treatment on the layer of fluorine-based film (2) and/or substrate (3) with compound of fluoro-silicone or titanium-silicon, so as to coat a layer of fluoro-silicone film (1) or titanium-silicon film (4).

Abstract: Aluminum, magnesium, and steel can be warm formed through use of a solid, warm forming lubricant which is a metal or metal alloy, or high melting temperature polar polymer. The parts can be painted directly after warm forming.

Abstract: An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: i) preparing a support and a flexible layer, ii) forming a first metal layers on one side of a support and a second metal layer on one side of a flexible layer, iii) performing a cleaning process to the first metal layer and the second metal layer, iv) forming a first radical layer on the first metal layer and a second radical layer on the second metal layer and v) joining the first and second radial layers to each other. At least one embodiment of the invention enhances process convenience and manufacturing yield, and reduces manufacturing costs and time for a flat panel display device having a flexible substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting tool insert, solid end mill, or drill, comprising a substrate and a coating. The coating is composed of one or more layers of refractory compounds of which at least one layer comprises a cubic (Me,Si)X phase, where Me is one or more of the elements Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and Al, and X is one or more of the elements N, C, O or B. The ratio R=(at-% X)/(at-% Me) of the c-MeSiX phase is between 0.5 and 1.0 and X contains less than 30 at-% of O+B. This invention is particularly useful in metal machining applications where the chip thickness is small and the work material is hard e.g. copy milling using solid end mills, insert milling cutters or drilling of hardened steels.

Abstract: A composite for a transducer facilitates an increased actuation force as compared to similar prior art composites for transducers. The composite facilitates increased compliance of the transducer in one direction, an improved reaction time as compared to similar prior art composites for transducers, and provides an increased lifetime of the transducer in which it is applied.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a process chamber for treating a substrate; a susceptor in the process chamber; a supporting frame over the susceptor; and at least one wire connected to the supporting frame.

Abstract: A method for treating a bond area of a workpiece, and a method for adhesively bonding workpieces are disclosed. The method for treating a bond area of a workpiece includes cleaning the bond area, activating the bond area, coating at least a portion of the bond area with an adhesion promoter, and chemically transforming the adhesion promoter with an aftertreatment. The method for adhesively bonding workpieces includes cleaning a bond area of a first workpiece, activating the bond area, coating at least a portion of the bond area with an adhesion promoter, chemically transforming the adhesion promoter with an aftertreatment, applying an adhesive to the bond area, bringing the other workpiece into contact with the first workpiece, and curing the adhesive.

Abstract: Disclosed is nanocoupling of a polymer onto a surface of a metal substrate for improving coating adhesion of the polymer on the metal substrate, and in vivo stability and durability of the polymer. In accordance with the present invention, the polymers can be grafted via a chemical bonding on the surface of the metal substrate by the nanocoupling, by which adhesion, biocompatibility and durability of a polymer-coated layer which is to be formed later on the metal substrate were remarkably improved; therefore, the nanocoupling according to the present invention can be applied to surface modification of a metal implant, such as stents, mechanical valves, and an articular, a spinal, a dental and an orthopedic implants.

Abstract: A process for the permanent multicolor painting of a product, e.g. a body part, includes defining a first region, a first location within the first region and a second location within the first region but different from the first location, on the surface of the product. The surface is provided with a first release layer, at least in the first region and the first release layer is exposed to electromagnetic radiation, e.g. IR radiation, at the first location but not at the second location. The surface is provided with a first layer of paint at least at the first location. The first layer of paint is fixed, at least at the first location. Alternatively, the first release layer is applied at least at the second location but not at the first location, so that an exposure to electromagnetic energy at the first location can be omitted.

Abstract: A method of integrating a fluorine-based dielectric with a metallization scheme is described. The method includes forming a fluorine-based dielectric layer on a substrate, forming a metal-containing layer on the substrate, and adding a buffer layer or modifying a composition of the fluorine-based dielectric layer proximate an interface between the fluorine-based dielectric layer and the metal-containing layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer membrane for a battery including a porous support including a fiber including a core including a high melting-point polymer; and a sheath including a low melting-point polymer surrounding the core, and a method of preparing the same. The polymer membrane for a battery may further include a proton conductive polymer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a liquid crystal display device, includes applying an alignment film to a substrate surface, provisionally drying the alignment film, baking the alignment film; rubbing; and rubbing washing, which are performed in this sequence, wherein, in applying the alignment film, the alignment film is formed so as to cover at least a display region, and a portion of the alignment film which extends in a region outside the display region is imparted with an adsorptive property by modification during a process from the provisional drying to the rubbing washing.

Abstract: A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a carbon layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The carbon layer is overcoated with a titanium oxide layer to form a titanium oxide/carbon bilayer. The titanium oxide/carbon bilayer may be activated to increase hydrophilicity. The flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided.

Abstract: A film-forming method of forming a film on a substrate includes performing a surface-improving treatment on the substrate, determining whether a predetermined amount of time has passed since the surface-improving treatment has been performed on the substrate, applying a film-forming solution to the substrate when it is determined that the predetermined amount of time has not passed, and repeating the surface-improving treatment on the substrate when it is determined that the predetermined amount of time has passed.

Abstract: An antibiotic film comprised of a base adhesive layer of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), a second layer of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), and a final layer of an antibiotic, preferably a zeolite contained in a water-based acrylic coating. The antibiotic laminating film is formed by passing a base film layer with water based zeolite and acrylic dispersion coated thereon through an oven to remove all water from the dispersion. The film is then wound into a roll until it is ready for extrusion coating with a thermal adhesive. After extrusion coating, the plain side of the film is corona treated and primed to promote adhesion. The thermal adhesive is then extruded onto the primer side of the film layer and cooled. The adhesive side of the film is then cooled.

Abstract: Device for thermohydraulic applications wherein at least one portion of one surface destined for contact with water is coated with a film comprising at least one layer of a material applied by means of plasma phase polymerization of one or more monomers containing silicone. The relative method for obtaining the device comprises the following phases: to precondition a device for thermohydraulic applications within a vacuum chamber; to bring the vacuum chamber to pressure conditions between 0.01 and 100 Pa; to introduce a first gaseous mixture comprising at least a monomer containing silicone into said chamber; to bring said monomer containing silicone to the plasma state by means of an electromagnetic wave; to maintain the ionization conditions for a period of time sufficient to permit the deposit of a layer of a polymer containing said monomer on at least a portion of a surface of said device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the coating of a surface of a ceramic basic body with a titanium compound, comprising the steps of (i) providing a preformed ceramic material; (ii) at least one step of surface activation of said ceramic material using a plasma for plasma-chemical surface preparation wherein the plasma comprises high-energy ions; (iii) at least one step of applying a titanium compound bonding layer to said ceramic material by plasma-supported coating wherein the plasma-supported coating is performed in pulsed and/or non-pulsed fashion; (iv) at least one step of applying a functional titanium compound layer by pulsed plasma-supported coating. The invention also relates to novel compositions as well as uses of the novel compositions.

Abstract: A method for grafting a polysaccharide to a surface of a cell culture article includes (a) contacting the surface of the article with the polysaccharide in a dry form; and (b) exposing the surface of the article and contacted dry polysaccharide to ionizing radiation to graft the polysaccharide to the surface of the article. In addition to grafting the polysaccharide to the surface, the ionizing radiation may serve to sterilize the article.

Abstract: Nano-molecular sieve-polymer mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for CO2 removal from natural gas have been prepared by incorporating dispersible template-free nano-molecular sieves into polymer matrices such as Matrimid 5218 polyimide matrix or Ultem 1000 polyetherimide matrix. The nano-molecular sieves used in this invention include template-free nano-AlPO-18, nano-AlPO-5, nano-Silicalite, nano-SAPO-34, and PEG-functionalized nano-Silicalite. These template-free nano-molecular sieves were synthesized by an organic ligand grafting method.

Abstract: A method is for manufacturing a magnetoresistance effect element having a magnetization fixed layer, a non-magnetic intermediate layer, and a magnetization free layer being sequentially stacked. The method includes: forming at least a part of a magnetic layer that is to become either one of the magnetization fixed layer and the magnetization free layer; forming a function layer including at least one of an oxide, a nitride, and a fluoride on the part of the magnetic layer; and removing a part of the function layer by exposing the function layer to either one of an ion beam and plasma irradiation.

Abstract: Processes are provided for inhibiting the formation of copper oxides on substantially oxide-free copper surfaces by contacting a substantially oxide-free copper surface with a pyrazoline ligand in an aqueous solution of pH 2-5. A thin layer of the ligand formed by coordination of 2-pyrazoline or 1-methyl-2-pyrazoline to the copper surface can be easily removed by exposure to a reducing plasma to regenerate a substantially oxide-free copper surface.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention there are systems and methods of preparing surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate and methods of enhanced detection of an analyte.

Abstract: Methods for forming anisotropic nanotube fabrics are disclosed. In one aspect, a nanotube application solution is rendered into a nematic state prior to its application over a substrate. In another aspect, a pump and narrow nozzle assembly are employed to realize a flow induced alignment of a plurality of individual nanotube elements as they are deposited onto a substrate element. In another aspect, nanotube adhesion promoter materials are used to form a patterned nanotube application layer, providing narrow channels over which nanotube elements will self align during an application process. Specific dip coating processes which are well suited for aiding in the creation of anisotropic nanotube fabrics are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and material produced thereby in an amorphous or crystalline form having multiple elements with a uniform molecular distribution of elements at the molecular level.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lyophilic/lyophobic pattern-forming method comprising a first lyophilization step for lyophilizing the surface of a first member and a second member provided on the first member and having through-holes formed down to the surface of the first member, a lyophobic layer-forming step for forming a lyophobic layer on the surfaces of the first and second members, and a second lyophilization step that lyophilizes said lyophobic layer to form a lyophilic/lyophobic pattern, wherein said first and second members are made of different materials, and the lyophobic layer comprises material, wherein locations formed on the first member are lyophilized more than locations formed on the surface of the second member during the second lyophilization step.

Abstract: A method is provided which includes forming a metal layer and converting at least a portion of the metal layer to a hydrated metal oxide layer. Another method is provided which includes selectively depositing a dielectric layer upon another dielectric layer and selectively depositing a metal layer adjacent to the dielectric layer. Consequently, a microelectronic topography is formed which includes a metal feature and an adjacent dielectric portion comprising lower and upper layers of hydrophilic and hydrophobic material, respectively. A topography including a metal feature having a single layer with at least four elements lining a lower surface and sidewalls of the metal feature is also provided herein. The fluid/s used to form such a single layer may be analyzed by test equipment configured to measure the concentration of all four elements. In some cases, the composition of the fluid/s may be adjusted based upon the analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transparent electroconductive oxide layer having a high transmittance and a high electroconductivity and further a thin-film photoelectric converter having a high photoelectric conversion efficiency by applying the transparent electroconductive oxide layer to a transparent electrode layer of a photoelectric converter. The transparent electroconductive oxide layer in the present invention is deposited on a transparent substrate with a first and a second impurities contained in the transparent electroconductive oxide layer, especially in the vicinity of a surface of the layer in a higher concentration, and carbon atoms contained in the vicinity of the surface of the layer, thereby achieving a high transmittance and a high electroconductivity simultaneously and thus solving the problem.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inventive biosensor that includes multiple regions in which the electrical pattern is formed from different electrically conductive materials. The present invention also provides an inventive method for mass producing biosensors as just described. In one embodiment of this method, first and second different electrically conductive materials are deposited side by side on a portion of an electrically insulating base material, and a plurality of electrical patterns is formed on the portion of the base material. Each electrical pattern includes a first region formed from the first electrically conductive material electrically connected to a second region formed from the second electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive device having a high giant magnetoresistance (GMR) value and a moderate low resistance area product (RA) includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a current confined path (CCP) spacer layer positioned between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The spacer layer includes copper current confined paths extending between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer in a matrix of magnesium oxide. The spacer layer is formed by a mixture copper and magnesium oxide, which is heattreated to form the copper current confined paths within the magnesium oxide matrix.

Abstract: A method for generating spontaneously aligned surface wrinkles utilizes control of local moduli-mismatch and osmotic pressure. The method includes modifying the surface of an elastomeric layer to form a superlayer that is stiffer and/or less absorbent than the elastomeric layer. The elastomeric layer is then swollen with a polymerizable monomer, which causes buckling of the superlayer. The monomer is then polymerized, dimensionally stabilizing the surface buckling. The budded surfaces generated by the method are useful in a wide variety of end-use applications, including microlenses, microlens arrays, compound microlenses, diffraction gratings, photonic crystals, smart adhesives, mechanical strain sensors, microfluidic devices, and cell culture surfaces.

Abstract: A laminin-modified polymeric hollow conduit is provided for promoting nerve regeneration across the gap between severed ends of a nerve. The conduit is manufactured by a method involving gas plasma treatment. Utilizing the laminin-modified conduit, functional recovery has been achieved in mammals with a severed spinal cord.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an organic electroluminescence element includes a first electrode on a substrate, a second electrode which faces the first electrode, a luminescent medium layer which is between the first electrode and the second electrode and includes an organic luminescent layer and a carrier injection layer between the first electrode and the organic luminescent layer, a first carrier injection layer formed on the first electrode, a partition wall formed so as to section the first electrode and cover a part of the first carrier injection layer, and a second carrier injection layer formed on the partition wall and the first carrier injection layer which is not covered by the partition wall.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure generally provide a method and apparatus for processing a substrate in a vacuum process chamber. In one embodiment a vacuum process chamber is provided that includes a chamber body and lid disposed on the chamber body. A blocker plate is coupled to the lid and bounds a staging plenum therewith. A gas distribution plate is coupled to the lid. The gas distribution plate separates a main plenum defined between the gas distribution plate and the blocker plate from a process volume defined within the chamber body. The gas distribution plate and the blocker plate define a spacing gradient therebetween which influences mixing of gases within the main plenum.