Abstract: In a power supply apparatus for discharge surface treatment which uses a green compact electrode as a discharge electrode, allows a pulse-type discharge to take place between said discharge electrode and a workpiece, and forms a film, which is made of an electrode material or a material obtained when the electrode material reacts to a discharge energy, on a surface of the workpiece following three measures are taken. (1) When a discharge voltage detected by the voltage detection means is less than or equal to discharge detection voltage set value which is slightly lower than a power supply voltage, the electric current cut-off means forcibly cuts off an output of the oscillator so that long-time pulse is prevented. (2) A capacitor is connected in parallel with an oscillation circuit of the oscillator, and the long-time pulse is prevented by capacitor discharge. (3) Time that the discharge takes place once is controlled by a timer so that the long-time pulse is prevented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locally raising the temperature of a material in order to facilitate chemical reactions or processes related to growth or removal of the material utilizes an electrode to apply, in the presence of a growth or removal medium, a controlled succession of thermal spikes or shockwaves of varying energy. The scale of the thermal spikes or shockwaves, and the area of the material affected by the resulting energy transfer, is on the order of a few nanometers to several hundred micrometers, and the duration of the thermal spikes or shockwaves ranges from a few picoseconds to several hundred nanoseconds. The growth or removal medium may be a cryogenic liquid, although other growth media, including liquids, solids, gases in critical or non-critical state, and mixtures of liquids and solids, solids and gases, and liquids and gases, may also be employed.

Abstract: A fuel cell and methods of producing same are provided. The fuel cell includes a fuel electrode, an oxygen electrode and a proton conductor material disposed there between. The fuel cell can be produced by producing an arc discharge across a pair of electrodes composed of carbon to form a carbonaceous material which can be deposited onto a proton conductor material to form at least one of the fuel and oxygen electrode thereon.

Abstract: Coatings, particularly thin films, of polymeric material are produced in accordance with the invention by applying a finely divided aerosol (N) of polymer solution to a substrate (30) and substantially simultaneously applying an energy source (38) to the applied solution to apply the solution. In cases where the polymer is cross-linking, the energy source assists in cross-linking of the polymer. The preferred energy source is a flame (38) that may optionally or desirably deposit material along with the polymer spray. One particular aspect of the invention is directed to production of polyimide films. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the co-deposition process is used to provide thin polysiloxane coatings on glass and other substrates.

Abstract: A method is proposed for arc spraying by means of a spray gun (1). The spray gun includes two electrically conductive spray wires (2) and at least one first supply device (3) for supplying a fluid (4), with an electrical voltage being applied to the spray wires (2), the spray wires (2) being fed by means of a wire guide (5), an arc (6) being ignited by the electrical voltage, the spray wires (2) being converted into a melt (8) in a melting region (7) and the melt (8) being applied by the fluid (4) to the surface (9) of a body (10). In this connection, particles (11) from a storage container (12) are supplied to the melt (8) by the fluid (4).

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing an Al clad product, first, cladding material is fused and coated on base material having Al. Then, slurry material is coated on the cladding material coated on the base material, the slurry material including mixture of a flux powder, a resin binder powder and a diluent. Thereafter, the slurry material is hardened to thereby provide a hardened product including the base material, the cladding material and hardened slurry material. In a subsequent step, the hardened product is brazed to thereby provide an Al clad product, wherein the diluent included in the slurry material is gasified in the hardening process of the slurry material and the cladding material is fused by employing an arc discharge technique.

Abstract: In a device for forming magnetic film which deposits magnetic material on a substrate 12, a device is provided which, before the magnetic film is formed in a magnetic film-forming chamber 11, cleans one or both of the film-forming face and reverse face of the substrate 12 in a cleaning processing chamber 13. The cleaning mechanism carries out cleaning by placing a substrate on a horseshoe-shaped insulator substrate-holding part 51 which moves up and down, and emission of gas from the reverse face of the substrate and the like is brought about by generating Ar plasma between the upper periphery of the substrate, the substrate and a lower insulator 61 of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming thin porous layers of calcium phosphate upon a silicon wafer surface using a high voltage spark. The outer layer of calcium phosphate is the inorganic component of bone and is anchored to the underlying substrate of silicon. The silicon is compatible with existing integrated circuit processing methods. The morphology and thickness of the calcium phosphate film can be controlled by the duration of the spark and the distance between the affected surface and the counterelectrode utilized. The resultant porous layer can be impregnated with medicinally useful substances which then can be subsequently released to the surroundings through an electrical actuator.

Abstract: A system for applying a polyurethane coating to a polyolefin floor tile, comprising a conveyor for moving the floor tile past a plurality of treatment devices, including a heater, a plasma generator, an applicator, and an ultraviolet light system. The heater and plasma generator increase the energy of the top surface of the floor tile, and the applicator applies a liquid polyurethane to the top surface while in the energized state. The ultraviolet light system then exposes the polyurethane to ultraviolet light to at least partially cure it.

Abstract: A film laminate for printing comprises a polyolefin film in which at least one side is surface-modified and an anchor layer formed on the surface-modified side of the polyolefin film and containing an oxazoline group-modified resin. The film laminate is prepared by subjecting at least one side of a longitudinally oriented polyolefin film to a corona discharge treatment, forming an ethylene-acrylic acid type copolymer layer on the corona discharge-treated side of the film, laterally orienting the film, and then forming an anchor layer comprising a binder resin, and an oxazoline group-modified resin, on the modified surface of the surface-modified polyolefin film subjected to the corona discharge treatment. The film laminate for printing is excellent in its transparency and it is also excellent in the adhesion to a coated layer.

Abstract: A tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer (ETFE) film, wherein polar groups are present on the surface of the film after a surface treatment, and the surface roughness Ra is at most the surface roughness Ra of the surface of an untreated film; an ETFE film, wherein polar groups are present on the surface of the film after a surface treatment, and the amount of a weak boundary layer is at most one time of the amount of a weak boundary layer on the surface of an untreated film; a laminate employing such a film having an extremely excellent bonding strength; and a process for producing it with a mass production property.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a printing ink decorated packaging material. The packaging material heat sealable outer coatings. One or both sides of the packaging material are subjected to corona discharge surface treatment to increase the surface tension. Printing is applied to the treated surface. The packaging material then passes the nip between heated rollers in order to reduce the surface energy of the outer plastic layers. Subsequently, a surface treatment of hydrogen peroxide is applied to the packaging material to sterilize the surface.

Abstract: A metal-coated aromatic polyimide film having high peel strength between the polyimide film and the metal coat can be advantageously prepared by the steps of treating an aromatic polyimide film composed of a polyimide substrate layer of aromatic polyimide having biphenyltetracarboxylic acid units in its molecular structure coated with a polyimide surface layer of aromatic polyimide having bendable bondings in its molecular structure, with electric discharge under reduced pressure, to produce protrusions connected with each other in the form of network of chain on the surface layer, and placing plural metal films on the surface layer having the protrusions.

Abstract: A Z axis driving device (21) is controlled to be driven by a control device (23), and the processing power is supplied between the electrodes of a discharge surface processing electrode (14) and a punch (1). Thus, electric discharge is occurred between the end surface (4) of the punch (1) and the discharge surface processing electrode (14) to thereby form a hard coating film (24) on the end surface (4) of the punch (1) and also form a carved portion (14a) with a predetermined depth at the discharge surface processing electrode (14). Next, an X axis driving device (19) and a Y axis driving device (20) are controlled to be driven by the control device (23), and the processing power is supplied between the electrodes of the discharge surface processing electrode (14) and the punch (1) while relatively orbiting the punch (1) and the discharge surface processing electrode (14) within the horizontal plane. Thus, a hard coating film (25) is formed on the side surfaces (5) of the punch (1).

Abstract: A method is taught for curtain coating a liquid composition onto a moving web at a coating point where the moving web is supported on a backing roller. The web is partially wrapped around the backing roller, the backing roller including a relief patterned area on the surface thereof, the relief patterned area including relieved features and non-relieved features, the relieved features and the non-relieved features creating an electrostatic force difference exerted on the liquid composition at the coating point when an electrostatic field is applied thereto. A web speed is specified and the electrostatic force difference exerted on the liquid composition at the coating point is varied to determine a maximum electrostatic force difference for the specified web speed that achieves the predetermined acceptable level of coating thickness non-uniformity.

Abstract: A method of smoothing a surface of a diamond coating of a diamond-coated body, by using an arc-type ion plating device in which at least one target is disposed. The method includes: (a) a step of causing arc discharge between an anode, and a cathode which is provided by each of the above-described at least one target, whereby positive ions are emitted from the above-described at least one target; and (b) a step of applying a negative bias voltage to the diamond-coated body which is disposed in the arc-type ion plating device, whereby the surface of the diamond coating is bombarded with the positive Lions, so as to be smoothed by the bombardment of the positive ions against the surface of the diamond coating.

Abstract: A method of bead coating a liquid composition onto the surface of a moving web is taught which provides uniform coatings over a wider range of operating parameters including new coating windows. In addition, the bead coating method typically demonstrates a reduction in coating sensitivity to vacuum pressure noise below the coating bead.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of applying a coating by physical vapour deposition onto an article of organic material, in particular of non- conductive organic material such as plastic and/or epoxy material, especially ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Copolymers) and polymers with high temperature resistance, or onto an article of another composition coated with such organic material, wherein a Cr layer is deposited on the article prior to deposition of said coating to form a diffusion barrier for water coming from said article, said Cr layer itself being deposited by a physical vapour deposition process comprising at least the following steps: a) depositing a first layer of Cr on said article in a physical vapour deposition apparatus using an arc evaporator or cathode sputtering source, or in a combined arc evaporator and cathode sputtering apparatus, using zero bias, and b) subsequently applying a negative bias voltage to said article having said first layer of Cr and depositing a further layer of

Abstract: A coated substrate and methods of making and using coated substrates, wherein the coated substrate comprises a coating consisting essentially of a layered mineral, a thermoplastic polymeric substrate having pendant groups receptive to said layered mineral, and wherein said pendant groups are coordinated metal groups, or are groups which can be bonded to coordinating cations or anions, or pendant groups directly receptive said layered mineral. The coated substrate is less permeable to gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method for producing a nano-porous coating onto a substrate, including the steps of: (a) operating a twin-wire arc nozzle to heat and at least partially vaporize two wires of a metal for providing a stream of nanometer-sized vapor clusters of the metal into a chamber in which the substrate is disposed; (b) injecting a stream of reactive gas into the chamber to impinge upon the stream of metal vapor clusters and exothermically react therewith to produce substantially nanometer-sized metal compound or ceramic clusters; (c) operating heat treatment devices to heat treat the metal compound or ceramic clusters so that a non-zero proportion of the clusters is in a solid state when impinging upon the substrate; and (d) directing the metal compound or ceramic clusters to impinge and deposit onto the substrate for forming the nano-porous coating.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing an Al clad product, first, cladding material is fused and coated on base material having Al. Then, slurry material is coated on the cladding material coated on the base material, the slurry material including mixture of a flux powder, a resin binder powder and a diluent. Thereafter, the slurry material is hardened to thereby provide a hardened product including the base material, the cladding material and hardened slurry material. In a subsequent step, the hardened product is brazed to thereby provide an Al clad product, wherein the diluent included in the slurry material is gasified in the hardening process of the slurry material and the cladding material is fused by employing an arc discharge technique.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wear-resistant, highly stressed and low-friction boundary coating construction for titanium or the alloys thereof which can be advantageously used in order to protect human implants. According to the inventive boundary coating construction the boundary coating is comprised of a 200 to 400 nm thick DLC coating (4), a 5 to 50 nm thick intermediate coating (3) and a 0.3 to 2.0 mm thick gas alloyed coating (2), said gas alloyed coating having a hardness between 600 HV0.1 and 1,400 HV0.1. The inventive boundary coating construction is produced by firstly melting the surface of the member which is to be protected. The surface is then gas alloyed and cleaned in an N2/Ar atmosphere. Subsequently, the intermediate coating is first deposited followed by a depositing of the hard amorphous carbon coating by means of the laser-induced, pulsed vacuum arc (laser-arc) method.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying permanent markings onto products using a Vacuum Arc Vapor Deposition (VAVD) marker by accelerating atoms or molecules from a vaporization source onto a substrate to form human and/or machine-readable part identification marking that can be detected optically or via a sensing device like x-ray, thermal imagining, ultrasound, magneto-optic, micro-power impulse radar, capacitance, or other similar sensing means. The apparatus includes a housing with a nozzle having a marking end. A chamber having an electrode, a vacuum port and a charge is located within the housing. The charge is activated by the electrode in a vacuum environment and deposited onto a substrate at the marking end of the nozzle. The apparatus may be a hand-held device or be disconnected from the handle and mounted to a robot or fixed station.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing coated synthetic bodies during which, before the coating, the surface to be coated is subjected to a pretreatment in an excited gas atmosphere. The surface is then coated. The gas atmosphere is predominantly formed of a noble gas and nitrogen and/or hydrogen, and the ionic energy in the gas atmosphere and in the are of the surface to be coated is not more than 50 eV. The ionic energy is selected to be not more than 20 eV, preferable not more than 10 eV. The gas atmosphere is excited by means of a plasma discharge or by means of UV radiation.

Abstract: A method for metallising solid substrates involves the use of non-equilibrium plasma treatment of a supported metal precursor layer. This technique can be used to make pure metal or alloy coatings. An oxidising plasma pre-treatment step of the supported metal precursor layer, or the incorporation of a plasma polymer coupling layer prior to metallisation, can result in improved adhesion. The method can be applied to the preparation of lithographic printing plate precursors.

Abstract: A rod-like or thread-like material is subjected to a plasma treatment by passing the material coaxially through a plasma nozzle while generating plasma therein.

Abstract: An article is disclosed that has a patterned surface containing alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic surface regions. The hydrophobic regions may be sufficiently narrow such that under dew conditions moisture accumulated on the hydrophobic region migrates to the hydrophilic region, thus preventing the accumulation of water droplets. In frost conditions, the hydrophobic region remains relatively frost-free, thus maintaining at least partial transparency of the surface. Inorganic oxide particles on the surfaces of the hydrophobic regions may provide abrasion resistance. A method for making the patterned surfaces is disclosed in which a treatment removes organic binder to expose inorganic oxide particles at the surface of the hydrophilic regions.

Abstract: A process for the surface treatment of a running substrate by an electrical discharge created between two roller electrodes, comprising a first roller electrode and a second roller electrode, in a gas mixture comprising the steps of passing the substrate in between the two roller electrodes by applying it against the first roller electrode; injecting the gas mixture between the rollers to apply a first surface treatment to the substrate; passing the substrate in between the two roller electrodes by applying it against a second roller electrode; and injecting the gas mixture between the rollers to apply a second surface treatment to the substrate.

Abstract: A cathode-anode apparatus is constructed whereby the wafer under test, connected to a conducting wire, forms the cathode terminal and a copper plate, also connected to a conducting wire, forms the anode terminal. The wafer under test and the copper plate are immersed in a CuSO4—H2O solution. A positive dc voltage is applied to the copper plate; the dc current ionizes the CuSO4 solution and forms Cu2+ ions. These Cu2+ ions will diffuse to the wafer surface. Most of the Cu2+ ions will accumulate in and around defective contacts or vias in the semiconductor surface making these defective contacts or vias readily identifiable.

Abstract: Device for the surface treatment of a substrate (3) by an electrical discharge between two electrodes in a gas mixture liable to generate by-products (powders, for example) which may be deposited on the electrodes, in which device one (9) of the electrodes is a roller against which the substrate may be applied, means being provided for rotating the roller and the substrate and for injecting the gas mixture between the electrodes, the device being noteworthy in that the second electrode is a roller electrode (11) against which the running substrate may also be applied, this roller (11) being placed parallel to the other roller (9) with a suitable gap. By virtue of this arrangement, the substrate (3) protects each electrode (11) and prevents it from being covered with powder during the treatment, as well as preventing the corresponding contamination, thereby allowing the device to operate continuously.

Abstract: Wear-resistant edge layer for titanium and its alloys which can be subjected to high loads and has a low coefficient of friction. The wear-resistant edge layer includes a hard amorphous carbon layer, an intermediate layer, and a laser gas alloyed layer. The wear-resistant edge layer may include a 200 to 400 nm thick hard amorphous carbon layer, a 50 to 200 nm thick intermediate layer, and a 0.3 to 2.0 mm thick laser gas alloyed layer. The laser gas alloyed layer may include precipitated titanium nitride needles and have a hardness between 600 HV0.1 and 1400 HV0.1. Process for producing a wear resistant edge layer on a substrate. The process includes forming a laser gas alloyed layer by melting a surface of a substrate, applying an intermediate layer by Laser-Arc, and depositing a hard amorphous carbon layer on the intermediate layer by Laser-Arc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a polyethylene coated paperboard material with a mirror-pocket finish and a predetermined Dyne level is disclosed herein. The apparatus and method utilizes a double corona treatment on a single polyethylene surface to create the material with the predetermined Dyne level. Such paperboard material is often used for fabrication of cups, and the like. The predetermined Dyne level is required for printing requirements. The method and apparatus allow for the production of the predetermined Dyne level material at standard laminator operating speeds.

Abstract: A surface-treated PFA film, wherein hydroxyl groups and carbonyl groups are present on the surface of the surface-treated PFA film. Further, the surface state of the surface-treated surface is a surface state having no irregularities, and preferably the average surface roughness is at most 10 nm. The surface treatment is carried out by RF or DC bombardment method, preferably in an Ar gas atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for additive manufacture by energetic wire deposition is described. A source wire is fed into a energy beam generated melt-pool on a growth surface as the melt-pool moves over the growth surface. This process enables the rapid prototyping and manufacture of fully dense, near-net shape components, as well as cladding and welding processes. Alloys, graded materials, and other inhomogeneous materials can be grown using this process.

Abstract: In a method of coating a first surface of a web, a second surface of the web reverse to the first surface is charged, wherein a surface specific resistance of the second surface is 10.sup.12 .OMEGA..multidot.cm or less.

Abstract: A polymeric film includes at least one irradiated water soluble layer. A process for making a water soluble film includes the steps of extruding a water soluble film; and irradiating the water soluble film. Using electron beam irradiation, a water soluble film's solubility rate can be increased.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating may be applied by depositing a MCrAIY bond coat onto a superalloy substrate, wherein M stands for Ni, Co, Fe, or a mixture of Ni and Co. Undesired oxides and contaminants are removed from the MCrAIY bond coat with an ionized gas stream cleaning process, such as a reverse transfer arc process. An adherent aluminum oxide scale is formed on the MCrAIY bond coat and a ceramic layer is deposited on the aluminum oxide scale by physical vapor deposition to form a columnar structure.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a tool used in cutting, grinding and machining operations, is provided. The method is used to deposit a mixture comprising an abrasive material and a bonding material on a tool surface. The materials are propelled toward the receiving surface of the tool substrate using a thermal spray process. The thermal spray process melts the bonding material portion of the mixture, but not the abrasive material. Upon impacting the tool surface, the mixture or composition solidifies to form a hard abrasive tool coating.

Abstract: Antimicrobial activity is imparted to the surface(s) of an apparatus or article by a method, comprising:copolymerizing tertbutylaminoethyl methacrylate with at least one other aliphatically unsaturated monomer in the presence of said apparatus or article by which adhesion of the copolymer to said surface(s) is achieved. In an embodiment of the invention, adhesion of the polymer coating on the apparatus or article occurs by graft copolymerization.

Abstract: A vacuum arc evaporation method of disposing a vacuum arc evaporation source and a substrate in a vacuum chamber, and introducing ions generated by arc discharge on the surface of the vacuum arc evaporation source to the substrate by means of magnetic fields, thereby forming a film, wherein the substrate is cleaned before forming the film by generating the arc disc while supplying a gas mixture of a nitrogen gas and an argon gas, a xenon gas, or a gas mixture of nitrogen gas and a xenon gas in the vacuum chamber. A film with improved adhesion and surface roughness can be obtained.

Abstract: A process for coating a tungsten carbide base material substrate with CVD diamond film includes carburization and gas-assisted vaporization of cobalt from the surface with simultaneous recrystallization of surface grains of tungsten carbide to change their stoichiometry for improved adherence.Also disclosed is a WC-Co cutting tool having a relatively fine WC grain size and coated with adherent CVD diamond.

Abstract: Preparation of an electrode comprising a substrate of a valve metal or of an alloy thereof having similar properties thereto and a coating thereon comprising at least an outer layer of an electrocatalytically-active material which comprises an oxide of at least ruthenium and an oxide of at least one non-noble metal by a one-step coating process which comprises the vapor phase deposition of a mixture of at least ruthenium and/or oxide thereof and at least one non-noble metal or oxide thereof onto the substrate. The outer layer is of substantially uniform thickness, the contours thereof are at least substantially the same as the contours of the substrate underlying it and the electrode affords an increased surface area for a given mass of catalyst and a more efficient use of catalyst to obtain a given thickness thereof.

Abstract: A surface treating method uses an electric discharge machining to form a coating layer having strong adhesion and excellent characteristics on a metal surface such as a hard metal. A discharge electrode is formed by powders containing metal hydride. Electric discharge is generated in a working fluid containing carbon between the discharge electrode and a workpiece. Thus, a coating layer of the metal hydride is formed on a surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of improving the electrical conductivity of a resin article and a method of coating the article, with high productivity and. without using an inorganic conductive substance-containing primer. The technology comprises coating the substrate with a coating composition essentially consisting of a film-forming component, a nitrogen-containing compound of general formula (1), and a solvent and subjecting the coated surface to corona discharge treatment. The resultant film with improved electrical conductivity is then electrostatically coated.R.sup.1 --Y (1)wherein R.sup.1 represents an alkyl or alkenyl group of 5-21 carbon atoms; Y represents ##STR1## R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may be the same or different and each represents an alkyl group of 1-4 carbon atoms; m represents 2-3; R.sup.4 represents --H or --CH.sub.3 ; A represents ##STR2## where n represents 1-5.

Abstract: This method produces a field emitter material having a uniform electron emitting surface and a low turn-on voltage. Field emitter materials having uniform electron emitting surfaces as large as 1 square meter and turn-on voltages as low as 16V/.mu.m can be produced from films of electron emitting materials such as polycrystalline diamond, diamond-like carbon, graphite and amorphous carbon by the method of the present invention. The process involves conditioning the surface of a field emitter material by applying an electric field to the surface, preferably by scanning the surface of the field emitter material with an electrode maintained at a fixed distance of at least 3 .mu.m above the surface of the field emitter material and at a voltage of at least 500V. In order to enhance the uniformity of electron emission the step of conditioning can be preceeded by ion implanting carbon, nitrogen, argon, oxygen or hydrogen into the surface layers of the field emitter material.

Abstract: A method of forming a gaseous treatment atmosphere capable of depositing a silicon-containing film on a nonmetallic substrate comprising the steps of:converting an initial treatment gas mixture into a primary treatment gas mixture in an apparatus for forming excited or unstable gas species, the primary treatment gas mixture comprising excited or unstable gaseous species substantially devoid of electrically charged species,combining the primary treatment gas mixture with an adjacent treatment gas mixture which comprises at least one gaseous silicon precursor which has not passed through the apparatus, to form the gaseous treatment atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for treating outer-inner surfaces of a porous non-conductor, comprising steps of:placing said porous non-conductor between a pair of electrodes which are located opposite to each other and carry a dielectric layer on a surface facing the other electrode, respectively, so that said porous non-conductor is brought into contact with both dielectric layers without coming into contact with said electrodes; and then,applying an alternating current voltage having a frequency of about 0.1 KHz to about 100 KHz between said electrodes to thereby induce an electric discharge in voids contained in said porous non-conductor and sandwiched between a pair of said electrodes is disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a magnetic hard disk wherein a magnetic material layer adhered on a surface of a substrate of the magnetic hard disk has a flat surface.A method for manufacturing a magnetic hard disk comprising steps of: structurally transforming a surface of an amorphous Ni--P alloy film layer formed a substrate (10) of the magnetic hard disk; and adhering a magnetic material layer on the surface of a substrate (10), wherein the step of structurally transforming the a-Ni--P alloy film layer is a step of heating only a desired portion of the surface of the substrate (10) by an electric discharge to generate Ni and crystallized compounds of Ni and P only at the desired portion (T) of the surface thereof.

Abstract: A method is described for grading the electrical field at the surface of an electrode by depositing a semiconductive coating thereon. An electrode substrate is powered at a preselected temperature and power. A mixture of gases is then passed through an electrical discharge to ionize at least a portion thereof to form the semiconductive coating on the surface of the electrode. Also described is the plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition of a diamondlike carbon (DLC) film onto a substrate. A substrate is maintained at a preselected DLC forming temperature and is negatively biased at a first preselected voltage. A first gaseous mixture of hydrocarbons and argon is then passed through an electrical discharge to at least partially ionize the hydrocarbons to form DLC film on the substrate. The substrate is then negatively biased at a second preselected voltage lower than the first preselected voltage.

Abstract: At least the surface region of a cutting tool substrate made of tungsten carbide in a cobalt matrix is carburized to chemically passivate the cobalt prior to deposition of diamond film on it. The passivation improves adhesion by preventing reaction of the cobalt with the diamond in the course of the deposition process. To further improve adhesion of the diamond, cobalt is removed from the exposed surfaces of the tungsten carbide grains by heat treatment in inert gas or by hydrogen plasma.