Abstract: [Problems] To provide processes that can increase the work function of electrodes by simple procedures, and organic EL devices that have an anode of high work function and a quality emitting surface showing excellent luminous properties (luminous efficiency, life) without uneven brightness or defects, and are free of leakage current. [Means for solving problems] A process for treating an electrode surface of the invention includes a contact step of bringing an electrode formed of a metal oxide or a metal into contact with an alkaline solution of a compound having an Si—O bond. An organic EL device according to the invention includes a metal oxide or metal anode that has been surface-treated by the process, and an emitting layer and a cathode laminated on the anode in this order.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a method and composition to produce an anti-corrosive layer. According to one embodiment herein, a titanium based sol is synthesized and deposited on a substrate, dried for 120° C. for 1 hour, calcinated upto 400° C. for 1 hour, doped with a corrosion inhibitor, dried and deposited a layer of hybrid silica sol and cured to obtain the anticorrosive layer. According to another embodiment, a surface pre-treatment coating has a composition comprising a titanium dioxide layer, a corrosion inhibitor doped on the titanium dioxide layer, a hybrid silicate layer deposited on the doped titanium layer to form a coating to provide an improved corrosion resistance and self-healing effect.

Abstract: A method to improve corrosion, abrasion, resistance to environmental degradationand fire resistant properties of structural components for use in oil, gas, exploration, refining and petrochemical applications is provided. The structural component is suitable for use as refinery and/or petrochemical process equipment and piping, having a substrate coated with a surface-treated amorphous metal layer. The surface of the structural component is surface treated with an energy source to cause a diffusion of at least a portion of the amorphous metal layer and at least a portion of the substrate, forming a diffusion layer disposed on a substrate. The diffusion layer has a negative hardness profile with the hardness increasing from the diffusion surface in contact with the substrate to the surface away from the substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coated medical device, includes applying a first low-friction coating to a surface of the medical device. The first low-friction coating includes a first colored pigment, such as a relatively light colored pigment. After applying the first low-friction coating, a suitable laser and laser energy is selectively applied to different areas of the coated medical device. The laser ablates or removes the first low-friction coating (at the different areas of the medical device) to leave the bare metal substrate of the medical device exposed. After selectively removing one or more portions of the first low-friction coating, a second low-friction coating is applied to the exposed bare metal substrate of the medical device and suitably cured. The second low-friction coating includes a second colored pigment, such as a relatively dark colored pigment, wherein the second colored pigment contrasts the first colored pigment of the first low-friction coating.

Abstract: A method for making device housing comprises: providing a transparent film; forming a coating on one surface of the film by printing ink containing metal powder on the film and ultrasonically treating the coating; and molding a substrate onto the coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anticorrosive agent comprising zinc dust, and a second component, an organic binder and a VOC-free or VOC-compatible solvent. In order to allow the metal workpieces to be coated in a reliable and energy-saving manner at constant quality, the binder comprises silicon dioxide and alkali silicate in a molar ratio of at least 4:1. The invention also relates to a device for mixing and metering solid and liquid components of an anticorrosive agent. Said device comprises means for metering the quantities of the respective components of the anticorrosive agent, a solution tank and a mixing device. An application system for applying the anticorrosive agent to a workpiece comprises a solution tank, feeding means, at least one pressure reducer connected to the solution tank and at least one spraying device connected to the solution tank.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibiting coating for active corrosion protection of a metal substrate includes, deposited on the metal substrate, a sandwich-like complex including a first inner layer of organic species, a corrosion inhibitor layer and a second outer layer of organic species, which coating is sensitive to at least one specific stimulus and releases the corrosion inhibitor in response to the stimulus.

Abstract: A method for in-situ treatment of a metallic surface utilizing a nanoparticle dispersion to increase at least one of (i) the critical heat flux. (ii) the boiling heat transfer rate, or (iii) the corrosion resistance of the metallic surface when in operation without a nanofluid heat transfer liquid, comprising: (1) cleaning the metallic surface: (2) conditioning the metallic surface to enhance nanoparticle binding to the metallic surface by applying a polymeric binding agent; (3) forming at least one thin film layer of nanoparticles on the metallic surface by contacting the nanoparticle dispersion with the metallic surface at a temperature and pressure sufficient to boil the nanoparticle dispersion; and, optionally (4) curing the nanoparticle layer by heating the metallic surface to a temperature higher than the temperature sufficient to boil the nanoparticle dispersion.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method of fabricating nano-pore structured dense Pt electrodes using particle masking and LB deposition methods. The pore size and TPB density are easily tunable by changing initial size of the masking silica particles and the spacing between them. Compared to the solid oxide fuel cell MEAs with porous Pt electrode deposited by conventional DC sputtering method, fuel cell MEAs with the nano structured electrodes fabricated according to the current invention showed thermal and microstructural stability and superior I-V performance at 400˜450° C. Also, EIS spectra showed significant improvement in the oxygen reduction kinetics by increasing the density of charge transfer sites at the TPB. A nearly linear scaling relationship between TPB density and fuel cell performance was also demonstrated.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a flexible film is provided. The method includes opening an imide ring on a polyimide film; applying a catalyst to the polyimide film; removing tin from the catalyst; forming a first metal film on the polyimide film; drying the polyimide film having the first metal film at a temperature of 110-200° C.; and forming a second metal film on the first metal film. According to the method, it is possible to fabricate a flexible film without a requirement of an adhesive layer and thus provide a flexible film with excellent physical properties such as excellent plating properties, high adhesive strength, high heat resistance, high drug resistance, excellent migration properties and high folding endurance.

Abstract: A process for coating a mining component comprising processing the mining component within an ultrasonic frequency within the range of from about 25 KHz to about 40 KHz.

Abstract: A slow light optical dye doped polymer device for slowing the group velocity of an optical signal. In an embodiment, the slow light dye doped polymer device is a slow group velocity optical/near infrared (NIR) device formed of a substrate supporting a dye doped polymer waveguide layer sandwiched between two optically constraining polymer cladding layers. The waveguide layer includes at least one waveguide which supports Moiré grating slow light structures for slowing the group velocity of an optical signal traveling therein. In another embodiment, the slow light optical polymer device includes the slow group velocity optical portion and a slow phase velocity electrical portion. The slow phase velocity electrical portion is formed of a series cascade of combined inductive and capacitive elements generating an electrical field in a field region for transmitting encoded information between the optical portion and the electrical portion.

Abstract: A method of accelerating the setting reaction of calcium sulphate hemihydrate and water comprises the steps of mixing water and calcium sulphate hemihydrate to produce a slurry, adding an accelerator to said mixture, and applying ultrasonic energy to said mixture. Application of ultrasound to the plaster slurry accelerates crystallization and thus reduces the setting time. A further benefit is reduced density of the wall boards.

Abstract: A processing method of an optical film comprising the step of: subjecting a long length roll-film continuously conveyed to a treatment so as to be brought in contact with a processing solution containing at least one type of gas selected from reducing gas and oxidizing gas.

Abstract: A method to apply nano-crystalline diamond onto a selected substrate, including preparing Nanodiamond slurry of nanodiamond particles dispersed in a medium. The medium may include a liquid or a sol-gel. The selected substrate is immersed in the Nanodiamond slurry for a predetermined period of time. Then the substrate is removed from the slurry. The substrate is then dried with a flow of inert gas. The substrate is left coated with a coating of the nanodiamond particles that are highly adherently held by van der Waals forces.

Abstract: Provided is a method for forming a high-hardness inorganic coating layer, which is capable of providing a coating layer having abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, contamination resistance, high hardness and non-flammability on a surface of a metal or non-ferrous metal substrate at room temperature. The method comprises cleaning a substrate surface to remove impurities; subjecting a substrate surface to ultrasonic cleaning; preparing a high-hardness inorganic coating composition; coating the substrate surface with the high-hardness inorganic coating composition to form a high-hardness coating layer; drying the high-hardness coating layer; and heating the substrate at a temperature of 250 to 27O0C to cure the high-hardness coating layer.

Abstract: A method for making a microporous membrane comprises the steps of: providing a plurality of carbon nanotubes having a hollow interior diameter of 20 Angstroms or less; sonicating the plurality of carbon nanotubes utilizing a solution comprising deionized, distilled water and a surfactant that coats at least one of the plurality of carbon nanotubes; collecting the coated carbon nanotubes; forming a matrix that supports the plurality of carbon nanotubes; embedding the coated carbon nanotubes into the matrix; rinsing the coated nanotubes to remove at least a portion of the surfactant; curing the nanotube-matrix assembly; and cutting the nanotube-matrix assembly to a particular thickness so as to open the ends of the embedded nanotubes. The hollow interiors of the plurality of embedded carbon nanotubes comprise the pores of the microporous membrane.

Abstract: An electrically conductive separator element and assembly for a fuel cell which comprises an electrically conductive substrate having a monoatomic layer coating overlying the substrate. The monatomic layer coating may comprise an electrically conductive material, for example, a noble metal, desirably Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Os and preferably Au. Methods of making such separator elements and assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A method of machining a profile pattern in a ceramic coating of a turbine shroud is provided and includes applying the ceramic coating substantially uniformly onto the turbine shroud, positioning a machining tool proximate the ceramic coating, and removing material from the ceramic coating by activating the machining tool to machine the ceramic coating and by moving the machining tool across the ceramic coating in a movement pattern that generally corresponds to the profile pattern.

Abstract: A method for making a catalyst includes providing a sol that sol includes a catalyst and a catalyst substrate; drying the sol via freeze-drying, spray drying, freeze granulation, or supercritical fluid drying to form a powder; mixing the powder with a solvent to form a slurry; and washcoating the slurry onto a catalyst support. Another method for making a catalyst includes providing a sol, wherein the sol includes a catalyst substrate; drying the sol via freeze-drying, spray drying, freeze granulation, or supercritical fluid drying to form a powder; mixing the powder with a solvent to form a slurry; washcoating the slurry onto a catalyst support; and depositing a catalyst onto the catalyst substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a production method for a thin birefringent film with a satisfactory alignment property, in which a refractive index is controlled three-dimensionally and optical properties are unlikely to decrease in the case where the birefringent film is placed under high temperature and high humidity. The production method for a birefringent film of the present invention includes: the step (1) of preparing a solution that exhibits a nematic liquid crystal phase, containing at least one kind of polycyclic compound containing a —SO3M group and/or a —COOM group (M represents a counter ion) and a solvent; the step (2) of preparing a base material at least one surface of which is subjected to a hydrophilization treatment; and the step (3) of applying the solution prepared in the step (1) to the surface of the base material prepared in the step (2), the surface being subjected to the hydrophilization treatment, followed by drying, in which a contact angle of water at 23° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to precoated sheets, including precoated metal sheets, each having an appearance of orange peel, and good workability and scratch resistance. The precoated sheet of the invention has a filtered center line waviness curve (Wca) of the outermost surface of coated film of 0.35 ?m?Wca?1.25 ?m, and a mean spacing of local peaks of filtered center line waviness curve (Wc?sm) of 2800 ?m?Wc?sm?12500 ?m, and has a wavy structure at the interface between the outermost coated film layer and the lower coated film layer. Preferably, the precoated sheet is designed to satisfy the conditions that a wavy curve W revealed when observing the interface between the outermost coated film layer and the lower coated film layer in the section of the film thickness direction (1) comprises a big wave defined as a wave having a region in which A?0.

Abstract: The invention provides CBD ZnS/Zn(O,OH)S and spray deposited ZnS/Zn(O,OH)S buffer layers prepared from a solution of zinc salt, thiourea and ammonium hydroxide dissolved in a non-aqueous/aqueous solvent mixture or in 100% non-aqueous solvent. Non-aqueous solvents useful in the invention include methanol, isopropanol and triethyl-amine. One-step deposition procedures are described for CIS, CIGS and other solar cell devices.

Abstract: A method is described for coating a surface of a metallic component of a valve device for controlling and regulating a fluid volume flow, in particular of an injector housing, using a corrosion protection layer, which is cleaned prior to the coating process and dried after the coating process. The corrosion protection layer is produced by wetting the surface using an aqueous solution containing monomeric silane derivatives, the monomers forming polymers during drying of the component subsequent to wetting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an anisotropic conductive film and manufacturing methods thereof, in which an electrically insulative porous film made of synthetic resin is used as a base film and in which conductive parts capable of being provided with conductiveness in the film thickness direction are formed independently at plural positions of the base film by adhering conductive metal to resinous parts of porous structure in such a manner as piercing through from a first surface to a second surface.

Abstract: A process, method and/or system for preparing polymer-coated nanoparticles and/or other ultrafine particles utilizing a supercritical fluid, e.g., supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2), as an antisolvent that may be added to a solution of a polymer and an organic solvent in which insoluble nanoparticles or the like are suspended. The coating process occurs when the supercritical fluid (e.g., SC CO2) and the nanoparticle-containing suspension are combined to cause the suspended nanoparticles to precipitate as coated nanoparticles. Processing parameters for optimizing and/or enhancing the efficacy and/or efficiency of the coating process, method and/or system and for controlling the coating and/or agglomeration of coated particles are also described. The process, method and/or system has wide ranging applicability, e.g., for coating and/or encapsulation of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food products, chemicals, agrochemicals, pesticides, polymers, coatings, catalysts and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of bonding a sensor to a surface comprising the steps of applying a thermoplastic film to a first surface of the sensor. The first surface of the sensor is contacted with a surface of an object to be monitored, wherein the composition effectively bonds the sensor to the object surface at a temperature up to approximately 250° C. The invention also provides a method of bonding a sensor to a surface comprising the steps of applying a thermoplastic film to a surface area of an object to be monitored. The first surface of a sensor is contacted with the object surface area, wherein the film effectively bonds the sensor to the object surface at a temperature up to approximately 250° C.

Abstract: An optical element or component having excellent anti-fog effects as well as excellent scratch resistance and/or reflection reducing effects and optionally also hydrophobic and/or oleophobic properties, and a method for producing such an optical element or component. The element or component includes, in the following order, a glass substrate, a water-absorbing first layer, and a second layer selected from (i) an anti-reflecting coating; a mirror coating and a hard layer; (ii) a compound and/or combination of a hard layers and anti-reflecting coatings; and (iii) a compound and/or combination of hard layers and mirror coating. Blind holes or bores are introduced into the second layer and the water-absorbing first layer with the holes opening out from the second layer and extending completely through the second layer, and at least partially through the water-absorbing first layer.

Abstract: A method for the attachment of solder powder includes the steps of treating an exposed metallic surface of an electronic circuit board with a tackifier compound, thereby imparting tackiness to the metallic surface to form a tacky part, and supplying the tacky part with a solder powder slurry suspended in a liquid, thereby inducing attachment of the solder powder. A method for the production of a soldered electronic circuit board, includes the steps of treating an exposed metallic surface of an electronic circuit board with a tackifier compound, thereby imparting tackiness to the metallic surface to form a tacky part; supplying the tacky part with a solder powder slurry suspended in a liquid, thereby inducing attachment of the solder powder, and thermally fusing the attached solder powder, thereby forming a circuit.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for cleaning surfaces of optical elements made from metal fluoride single crystals of formula MF2, where M is calcium, barium, magnesium, or strontium, or mixtures of the foregoing, prior to coating the elements with films of protective materials; and to a DUV optic made using the foregoing method. The method has at least the steps of: (a) immersing the optical element in at least one selected liquid and utilizing sonication at megasonic frequencies to remove particulates, polishing slurry residue and the damaged top layer of the optical element; (b) cleaning in a gas phase cleaning process whereby hydrocarbons are removed from the surface of the optical element using UV/ozone cleaning; and (c) exposing, in a gas phase process, of the optical element's surface to a low-energy plasma containing argon and oxygen, xenon and oxygen, or fluorine in a vacuum environment.

Abstract: Delivery systems for incorporating functional compounds into substrates for use in various consumer products are disclosed. Specifically, the delivery system includes a carrier component comprising an ultrasonically energized and electrically charged adsorbent and one or more functional compounds. The ultrasonically energized and electrically charged adsorbent can adsorb the desired functional compounds and bind the functional compounds to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides porous organosilicate layers, and vapor deposition systems and methods for preparing such layers on substrates. The porous organosilicate layers are useful, for example, as masks.

Abstract: A method of making a lens structure is provided comprising a first step of providing an eyewear lens substrate blank having a polarized layer or a helmet shield substrate blank. A step of spin coating a surface of the lens substrate blank with a photochromic material is then provided. Steps of curing the lens substrate blank by heating and coating the surface of the lens substrate blank having the photochromic material with a hard coating is then provided.

Abstract: A noble metal fine particle support and method of manufacturing the same are provided, in which noble metal fine particles are supported without unevenness on the surface of a substrate and that has almost no limitation on the type of the substrate. The present invention provides a noble metal fine particle support in which a substrate surface is coated with an amino compound, and noble metal fine particles are supported on the coating. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a noble metal fine particle support, including coating the surface of a substrate with an amino compound to provide a positive charge for the surface, and contacting the substrate and a solution in which noble metal fine particles having a negative charge is dispersed, to cause the substrate to support the noble metal fine particles.

Abstract: Surfaces are provided comprising an array of partially embedded nano-fibers. Two such surfaces may contact each other such that the respective nano-fibers contact at orthogonal angles, resulting in ultra-low friction and ultra-low adhesion contact. Such configurations are useful in several NEMS or MEMS applications, as well as macro-sized applications. Alternatively, the surfaces may contact each other such that the respective nano-fibers are parallel. These configurations are useful in micro-stage or high-order three- dimensional self assembly applications.

Abstract: A process for plasma treatment of an object's surface to be treated comprising the creation of a plasma, the application of the plasma to the surface to be treated, and the excitation of the surface to be treated, such that it vibrates and undulates. The energy for excitation of the surface may come from the process creating the plasma, from an external source, or from a combination of these two sources. The vibration preferably takes place while the plasma is being applied to the surface to be treated, but depending on the treatment to carry out, it may also take place just prior to and/or just after the application phase.

Abstract: An improved method for curing coatings on optical fibers, without creating additional heat and compromising the manufacturing speed of optical fibers. The method of curing a coating on an optical fiber includes the steps of passing an optical fiber through a coating die, applying a coating to the optical fiber, curing the coating on the optical fiber and exposing the optical fiber to ultrasound to facilitate curing of the coating.

Abstract: A method of forming a thin-film including a capability to remove contaminants from the formed thin-film and/or a substrate on which the thin-film is formed using alcohol. The method includes allowing a substrate holder to support a substract. A first mixture is produced by mixing a condensation polymer containing an element of metal oxide compound and alcohol. Then second mixture is produced by mixing supercritical fluid or liquid carbon dioxide and the first mixture. A thin film is formed by applying the second mixture on a surface of the substrate. After forming the thin-film, the substrate is cleaned by applying alcohol to upper and lower surfaces, preferably the whole upper and lower surfaces, of the substract. The thin-film is crystallized by heating, and the crystallizing may include applying oxygen in a crystallizing chamber. Soft X-rays may be applied to the substrate, during the forming of the thin-film on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Carriers hold remote-acting bodies which can be manipulated by a remote force, and also hold a micro-substance which is a target substance of an assay. The remote-acting bodies are manipulated in order to control the positions of the micro-substances, so as to execute assays for various target substances efficiently, at low cost, easily, and reliably. Various aspects of interest include the carriers which hold the micro-substances, a system suspending the carriers, an apparatus for manipulating the carriers, and a method of controlling the position of the carriers.

Abstract: The electrode configuration includes at least one structured layer. A mask is produced on the layer to be structured and the layer is dry etched. The mask is at least slightly etchable by dry etching. The mask contains a metal silicide, a metal nitride or a metal oxide.

Abstract: The method is for applying a coating on a paper substance. A paper moves over a set of rollers. A coating is applied with a coating applicator that has ultrasonic transducers to vibrate the coating to reduce the viscosity of the coating. A downstream blade has an ultrasonic transducer in operative engagement with the blade. The vibrating blade is applied to the paper for scraping off excessive coating from the paper.

Abstract: A method of applying a marker element (6; 6?; 6?; 25; 25?; 26; 28) to an implant (1; 1?; 1?; 1??; 20; 20?), in particular a stent, intended for implantation in the human or animal body, comprising a main body and an opening (3; 3?; 3?; 3??; 21; 21?) provided in said main body (2; 2?; 2?; 2??; 22; 22?) for receiving the marker element (6; 6?; 6?; 25; 25?; 26; 28), wherein to form at least a part of the marker element (6; 6?; 6?; 25; 25?; 26; 28) a hardenable material or material mix is introduced into the opening and hardened therein.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electro-optical device deposited with an insulating film or alignment layer on the surface of a substrate, the method is characterized by including the step of irradiating ultraviolet radiation onto the surface of the substrate (an ultraviolet radiation irradiating step) and the step of depositing the insulating film or alignment layer on the surface of the substrate irradiated with the ultraviolet radiation (an insulating material coating step or alignment layer coating step).

Abstract: A ultra fine particle film forming apparatus is provided which is capable of forming a ultra fine particle film which has ultra fine particles sufficiently bonded together, sufficient density, flat surface and uniform density. A planarized ultra fine particle film forming method for forming a planarized ultra fine particle film from a deposited film of ultra fine particles formed by supplying the ultra fine particles to a substrate, the method comprising one or more of a planarizing step of planarizing a surface of the deposited film of the ultra fine particles supplied to the substrate.

Abstract: A coated cemented carbide excellent in peel strength includes a cemented carbide substrate comprising a hard phase containing tungsten carbide and a binder phase, and a hard film being provided on a surface of the substrate with a single layer or two or more laminated layers, wherein (1) at least part of the surface of the substrate is subjected to machining, and (2)(i) substantially no crack is present in particles of the hard phase existing at an interface of the surface of the substrate subjected to machining and the hard film and/or (2)(ii) peak intensities of crystal surfaces satisfy hs(001)wc/hs(101)wc≧1.1×hi(001)wc/hi(101)wc wherein hs(001)wc and hs(101)wc each represent a peak intensity of (001) crystal face and that of (101) crystal face at the surface of the substrate subjected to machining processing, respectively, and hi(001)wc and hi(101)wc each represent a peak intensity of (001) crystal face and that of (101) crystal face in the substrate, respectively.

Abstract: A method for making an enameled steel sheet includes the steps of spraying a slurry to form a slurry layer onto a surface of a substrate and firing the slurry layer. In this method, the slurry has a static surface tension of 50 dyne/cm or less and an apparent viscosity of 500 mPa·s that is measured with a model E viscometer at a rotation of 100 rpm. Alternatively, the method includes a step of spraying a slurry for forming an enamel layer onto a surface of a substrate, wherein the substrate is vibrated when the slurry is applied or when the slurry applied is still fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for wet cleaning a semiconductor wafer utilizes a nozzle assembly to combine two or more input fluids to form a cleaning fluid at the point-of-use. The input fluids are received at the nozzle assembly and combined in a chamber of the nozzle assembly to form the cleaning fluid. The nozzle assembly may include an acoustic transducer to generate an acoustic energy, one or more valves, e.g., three-way valves, to control the receipt of input fluids and/or a flow control mechanism, e.g., a pressure spring valve, to control dispensing of the cleaning fluid onto a surface of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: To provide an apparatus and method for forming a thin-film using raw material fluid containing a film ingredient and supercritical fluid or liquid.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a plated product with a basecoat layer, a metal plating layer, and a topcoat layer that are formed on a surface of a base is provided. The method includes the step of forming the basecoat layer and the metal plating layer on the surface of the base. The step is followed by subjecting the metal plating layer to a cold heat treatment or an ultrasonic wave treatment, thus forming a microcrack in the metal plating layer. Afterwards, the topcoat layer is formed on the surface of the metal plating layer.

Abstract: Coatings especially for superconductive strip conductors, as well as methods of applying the coatings, are addressed. Exemplary coatings include aluminum oxide in an aqueous suspension, with aluminum oxide particles contained in the suspension having size typically between 0.5-10 &mgr;m.