Abstract: The invention relates to a method of releasing an ensemble of nanofibres from a dielectric substrate as well as to applications of the method. The organic nanofibres are grown on the substrate and can be released by first providing a polar liquid to a surface of the substrate and subsequently supplying energy to the combined system of nanofibres and liquid. The release may preferably be followed by transferring the released nanofibres to another substrate for application of the nanofibres, including alignment and/or structuring of the nanofibres. The applications includes light emitting, guiding and sensing applications.

Abstract: A gas barrier film comprising a resin substrate provided thereon at least one layer of a ceramic film, wherein the density ratio Y (=?f/?b) satisfies 1?Y?0.95 and the ceramic film has a residual stress being a compression stress of 0.01 MPa or more and 100 Mpa or less, wherein ?f is the density of the ceramic film and ?b is the density of a comparative ceramic film being formed by thermal oxidation or thermal nitridation of a metal as a mother material of the ceramic film so as to being the same composition ratio of the ceramic film.

Abstract: A process for producing gold-based, heterogeneous catalyst systems comprises depositing fine-nanoscale gold onto a nanoparticulate support medium by physical vapor deposition in an oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for depositing a metallic substrate on a wall of a narrow depression of a metallic component is provided. A wire electrode is introduced into the depression and thereby bent in the direction of the wall by means of a guide. A suitable voltage is applied to the component and to the wire electrode in order to create an arc, which melts the wire electrode in certain regions. The molten material of the wire electrode is thereby deposited on the wall of the component. The wire electrode is progressively fed in during the depositing operation.

Abstract: A method for forming a coating on a substrate, the method comprising forming an active element coating over the substrate with a cathodic arc deposition process, and performing a diffusion coating process on at least the active element coating with an aluminum-based compound and a halide activator.

Abstract: A protective coating system includes a nickel-aluminum-zirconium alloy coating having at least one phase selected from gamma phase nickel, gamma prime phase nickel-aluminum, or beta phase nickel-aluminum in combination with the gamma phase nickel or the gamma prime phase nickel-aluminum. For example, the nickel-aluminum-zirconium alloy coating includes about 0.001 wt % to 0.2 wt % zirconium.

Abstract: A microdeposition system and method includes a head with a plurality of nozzles. A controller generates nozzle firing commands that selectively fire the nozzles to create a desired feature pattern. Configuration memory stores voltage waveform parameters that define a voltage waveform for each of the nozzles. A digital to analog converter (DAC) sequencer communicates with the configuration memory and the controller and outputs a first voltage waveform for a first nozzle when a nozzle firing command for the first nozzle is received from the controller. A resistive ladder DAC receives the voltage waveforms from the DAC sequencer. An operational amplifier (opamp) communicates with the resistive ladder DAC and amplifies the voltage waveforms. The nozzles fire droplets when the voltage waveforms received from the opamp exceed a firing threshold of the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cutting insert for dry milling of hard cast steel with a hardness of from about 50 to about 65 HRC comprising a substrate and a coating. The substrate has a hardness of from about 1900 to about 2100 HV3, with a negative chamfer and an edge rounding of 0 (sharp) to about 40 ?m. The coating comprises a homogeneous AlxTi1-xN-layer with x equals from about 0.6 to about 0.67 and a thickness of from about 1 to about 3.8 ?m. The invention also relates to a method of making as well as the use of the inserts.

Abstract: New and used parts of gas and steam turbine engines are protected by imparting a controlled residual compressive stress to given portions of the part and then coated by a CVD or PVD process at low temperatures with layers of TiN or alloys thereof at alternate selective hard and less hardened levels. The protective treatment is particularly efficacious for airfoils of compressor blades/vanes of gas turbine engines and airfoils of airfoils and certain components of steam turbine engines. This method is targeted to reduce erosion, corrosion and stress-corrosion cracking in these parts.

Abstract: Method for producing a cladding element (10), e.g., a flooring panel, a wall cladding element, a furniture face element or the like, comprising a base board (12) that is provided on the visible face with a decorative paper ply (14, S2a), the decorative paper ply (14) comprising at least one resin-impregnated paper layer (14a, S1), and is characterized in that a visible surface of the decorative paper ply (14) is first subjected to a surface treatment (20, S3) and subsequently a varnish layer (14e, S4) is applied onto this at least one surface.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensing element includes a pair of electrodes; a dielectric polymer layer separating the electrodes; and a network of magnetic nanoparticles in the insulating layer forming a current flow path between the electrodes; where the network of magnetic nanoparticles includes at least one magnetic tunnel junction involving two neighbouring nanoparticles of different coercivity.

Abstract: Exemplary materials exhibiting high emissivity and methods for making them are provided. These materials can include a porous coating of small particles provided on a substrate, where the particles can resist sintering and further densification at high temperatures. These materials may be formed by generating an arc using a one-sided electrode apparatus, where particles produced by the arc and electrode can impinge on the substrate and adhere to it. The coating can include predominantly undensified small particles which can have a size less than about 1 ?m. These materials can have an emissivity greater than 0.8 or 0.9. Such materials can be used to form infrared emitters which may provide greater energy efficiency and increased operating lifetime as compared to uncoated emitters. Surfaces coated with small particles may be used in further applications such as catalytic or reactive surfaces, engine components, or acoustical dampening surfaces.

Abstract: A particle film deposition method provides ultrafine particles generated by arc heating. An electrode is employed with at least two sub-electrodes each radially aligned toward the same part of a material. The material is evaporated by an arc discharge via the electrode, particles are generated from the evaporated material and the particles collide against a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to PVD coated cemented carbide cutting tool inserts semifinishing and finishing metal cutting operations. The cemented carbide cutting tool insert comprises a substrate and a wear resistant coating. The substrate comprises in addition to WC, from about 5.5 to about 8.5 wt-% Co and Cr such that the Cr/Co weight ratio is from about 0.08 to about 0.12 and also small amounts of Ti and Ta. The wear resistant coating is a homogeneous AlxTi1?xN-layer with x equals from about 0.6 to about 0.67. The thickness of this layer is from about 1 to about 3.8 ?m.

Abstract: An economical method of manufacturing a plastic glazing assembly having a decorative marking and/or opaque border printed from a thermally curable ink is presented. This method includes the steps of forming a substantially transparent plastic panel; printing an opaque pattern from an ink, the printed pattern being in contact with the plastic panel; pre-drying the ink of the printed pattern to a tack-free condition; applying a weather resistant layer on the printed pattern and on the plastic panel; curing the ink of the printed pattern and the weather resistant layer; and depositing an abrasion resistant layer on the weather resistant layer. In this process the drying of the ink substantially removes the solvent from the ink without substantially curing the ink.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an arc source, whereby an electric spark discharge is ignited and run on the surface of a target and the spark discharge is simultaneously fed a direct current with an associated constant voltage DV as well as a pulsed current generated by a periodically applied voltage signal. The voltage at the arc source is boosted over several microseconds and the shape of the voltage signal is in essence arbitrarily selectable.

Abstract: An ultra-fine particle manufacturing apparatus and method is capable of producing nanometer-sized ultra-fine particles from reaction gases with high energy light beams, corona discharge and an electric field. High energy light beams are irradiated into a chamber of a housing through the use of a high energy light source. Reaction gases are supplied from a reaction gas supply device to a reaction gas inlet tube. The reaction gases are then introduced through the reaction gas inlet tube into the chamber of the housing to produce a large quantity of ultra-fine particles through the reaction of the reaction gases with the high energy light beams. A voltage is applied to the reaction gas inlet tube by means of a power supply device. The ultra-fine particles flowing within the chamber of the housing are collected by means of a collecting plate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for applying nanowires and electrical devices to surfaces are described. In a first aspect, at least one nanowire is provided proximate to an electrode pair. An electric field is generated by electrodes of the electrode pair to associate the at least one nanowire with the electrodes. The electrode pair is aligned with a region of the destination surface. The at least one nanowire is deposited from the electrode pair to the region. In another aspect, a plurality of electrical devices is provided proximate to an electrode pair. An electric field is generated by electrodes of the electrode pair to associate an electrical device of the plurality of electrical devices with the electrodes. The electrode pair is aligned with a region of the destination surface. The electrical device is deposited from the electrode pair to the region.

Abstract: A method of forming a deposited film according to the present invention includes: introducing a starting gas into a discharge space in a reaction vessel; and applying electric power to generate discharge to decompose the starting gas, wherein, when a self-bias voltage value which is generated at an electrode applied with first electric power reaches a preset threshold, second electric power higher than the first electric power is applied to the electrode to change the self-bias voltage value to another self-bias voltage value larger in absolute value than the threshold, and the deposited film is formed.

Abstract: A method for producing an article having a decorative coating includes depositing at least a first coating layer onto at least a portion of a substrate using a physical or chemical vapor deposition method in a vacuum chamber at sub-atmospheric pressure, the first coating layer comprising a first material having a first color. The method also includes patterning the first coating layer using a non-uniform patterning process to form a patterned coating layer having penetrations through which a portion of an underlying surface is visible, the underlying surface comprising a second material and having a second color that is visually contrasting to the first color. The patterned first coating layer comprises a decorative pattern comprising features distinguishable by an unaided human eye.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for forming on a metal substrate a surface treating film excelling in corrosion resistance and stability of film-forming agent, by applying a film-forming agent thereto by a multistage electrification system comprising at least two stages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the aerosol synthesis of carbon nanostructures under atmospheric pressure comprising a spark generation step of generating a spark between a graphite electrode made of carbon and a metal electrode made of a catalytic metal inducing the graphitization of carbon and vaporizing the carbon component of the graphite electrode and the metal component of the metal electrode utilizing the heat produced by the spark, thereby generating carbon vapor and metal vapor; and a carbon nanostructure generation step of cooling and condensing the carbon vapor and the metal vapor to form a graphitic carbon layer and catalytic metal particles and generating carbon nanostructures in which the graphitic carbon layer grows on the surface of the catalytic metal particles and covers the catalytic metal particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrophoretic display medium including a first substrate and a second substrate disposed in opposition to each other, a dispersion medium provided between the first substrate and the second substrate with charged particles dispersed therein, and partitioning parts partitioning a space between the first substrate and the second substrate. The manufacturing method includes an electrode-forming step, a die-pressing step and a die-removing step, through which partitioning parts and the substrate are integrally formed by thermal imprint.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method of preparing a coated C/C composite structure comprises the steps of: providing a C/C composite structure; applying a silicon based composition over the C/C composite structure by physical vapor deposition; forming a first layer comprising silicon carbide over the C/C composite by annealing the silicon based composition and the C/C composite at an annealing temperature; and applying a second layer comprising boron over the first layer by physical vapor deposition.

Abstract: Chemical modification of a glass and fused silica nanopore surfaces results in surface properties that are ideal for localized bilayer formation over a nanopore and subsequent ion channel recording. With no surface modification, one may form a bilayer supported on the glass capillary extending across the nanopore orifice. Changing the surface properties from that of bare glass to a moderately hydrophobic surface produces a lipid monolayer above the glass and spontaneously yields a bilayer across the nanopore orifice, effectively corralling a single protein ion channel in the lipid bilayer region spanning nanopore orifice. The bilayer structure over the modified nanopore is such that current can only flow through the protein ion channel. The protein ion channel is able to diffuse in the bilayer above the pore opening, but cannot leave this area to enter the lipid monolayer.

Abstract: A pressing mold for use in press working of a material includes a mold body, a coating film formed on the portion of the pressing mold that comes into contact with the material in the press working, the coating film being formed by PVD method. The coating film includes a TiN layer formed on a surface of the mold body, a Ti(CxNy) layer (wherein, x+y=1, x<1, and x gradually increases to 1 as it becomes more distant from the surface of the TiN layer) formed on the TiN layer, and a TiC layer formed on the Ti(CxNy) layer.

Abstract: A method for imparting wear- and corrosion-resistance to a metal component comprising overlaying the component with a ductile Co-based alloy comprising between about 0.12 wt % and about 0.7 wt % C, between about 20 wt % and about 30 wt % Cr, between about 10 wt % and about 15 wt % Mo, between about 1 wt % and about 4 wt % Ni, and balance of Co, without forming cracks during the alloy's solidification.

Abstract: Provided is a catalytic surface activation method for electroless deposition comprising a metallic aerosol nanoparticle generation step of generating metallic aerosol nanoparticles, which act as plating initiation catalyst; a metallic aerosol nanoparticle fixation step of fixing the resultant metallic aerosol nanoparticles on a plating surface; and an electroless deposition step of impregnating the material to be plated in an electroless deposition solution to form a plating layer on the plating surface on which the metallic aerosol nanoparticles have been fixed. The catalytic surface activation method for electroless deposition of the present invention is applicable to large-scale plating with simple process and superior applicability, improves the plating characteristics with little impurity generation, requires no post-treatment process for removing impurities and is environment-friendly with no wastewater generation by directly fixing metallic aerosol nanoparticles on the material to be plated.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluorocarbon coating having a reduced surface energy that has low susceptibility to molecular and particulate contamination. The fluorocarbon coating is stable and functional in vacuum. The fluorocarbon coating is stable to chemical solvents, cryogenic temperatures, and temperatures as high as 400° C. The fluorocarbon coating may be deposited as a thin film or produced as a modification to a surface of optical instruments without significant alteration of the optical characteristics. The fluorocarbon coating may reside on a textured substrate or include texturing within the process to further enhance the contamination resistant qualities of the treated surface. The fluorocarbon coating may be graded in composition throughout the coating layer. The invention can be used on surfaces that operate in aerospace environments and in dusty environments where contamination is an important consideration.

Abstract: In a discharge surface-treatment apparatus a discharge pulse current of a high current value and a short pulse width at least having rising speed equal to or higher than 40 A/?s is applied between an electrode and a workpiece.

Abstract: A coated turbine engine component includes a turbine engine component and an erosion resistant coating disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the turbine engine component using electron beam physical vapor deposition or ion plasma cathodic arc deposition.

Abstract: A composite wire for producing a wear resistant and corrosion resistant coating on a substrate by thermal spraying, spray and fuse, or welding techniques are disclosed. The physical properties of the coating are particularly suited for high-temperature erosion-corrosion environments. The resultant coating exhibits good hardness, toughness, and bonding characteristics. The composite wire comprises a metallic outer sheath and an inner core containing boron carbide and chrome carbide.

Abstract: An apparatus has a green compact electrode including a material of a coating formed on a workpiece by a discharge, a power source for supplying a first voltage, a voltage detector for detecting a voltage between the workpiece and the electrode, and a pulse current generator for generating and outputting a pulse current from the first voltage, and for cutting off the output when a predetermined period of time has passed after the voltage is detected to be less than a detection voltage. The pulse current is supplied between the workpiece and the electrode, and the detection voltage is less than the first voltage by 5% to 20% of the first voltage.

Abstract: According to the present invention, since the concavo-convex pattern of the embossing form is formed by electrical discharge machining, the peaks on the surface of the resultant embossing form are all of the same level or height, which enables the enhancement of the service life of the embossing form. Further, since the concavo-convex pattern of the embossing form is formed by electrical discharge machining, even a complicated and minute concavo-convex pattern can be formed. Accordingly, when applying the method of the present invention to, for example, the production of a substrate for a lithographic plate, an aluminum substrate for a lithographic plate which excels in plate wear, sensitivity and resistance to stains can be produced. And when applying the same to the production of an aluminum decorative laminate, an aluminum decorative laminate which excel in glossiness and paint adhesion can be produced.

Abstract: A coated article includes formed of an alloy having a composition including nickel and aluminum, and a protective coating overlying and contacting the substrate. The protective coating is a mixture of a quasicrystalline metallic phase, and a non-quasicrystalline metallic phase comprising nickel and aluminum. The aluminum is present in an amount of from about 3 to about 35 percent by weight of the non-quasicrystalline metallic phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a uniform coating on a large area, planar surface using an array of multiple plasma sources and a common reactant gas injector. The apparatus includes at least one array of a plurality of plasma sources, wherein each of the plurality of plasma sources includes a cathode, an anode, and an inlet for a non-reactive plasma source gas disposed in a plasma chamber, and a common reactant gas injector disposed in a deposition chamber that contains the substrate. The common reactant gas injector provides a uniform flow of at least one reactant gas to each of the multiple plasmas generated the multiple plasma sources through a single delivery system. The at least one reactant gas reacts with the plurality of plasmas to form a uniform coating on a substrate.

Abstract: In an electrode for electric discharge surface treatment used in electric discharge surface treatment for forming a hard coating on the surface of a treated material through the energy by generating electric discharge between the electrode and the treated material, a TiC powder (11) which is metal carbide and a TiH2 powder (12) which is metal hydride are mixed and heating treatment is performed after compression molding and hydrogen in the TiH2 powder (12) is desorbed to make a Ti powder (13) and a practical electrode (10) for electric discharge surface treatment having moderate strength and crumbliness as well as safety is formed.

Abstract: Powder of a simple substance or a combination of a plurality of carbides of metals belonging to the IVa, Va and Via families in the Periodic Table is mixed with a ferrous-family metal powder or non-ferrous metal powder having the same composition as the treatment target (2) as a simple substance or a combination of a plurality of metals, and this is compressed and molded, and incompletely sintered to form an electrode (12) serving as a discharge processing electrode; and said device is provided with a switching unit which alters electrical conditions at the time when the base member of the treatment target (2) is directly subjected to a discharging surface treatment and the electrical conditions at the time when a coating film (13) that has been formed is subjected to a discharging surface treatment according to the characteristics of the treatment target material.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement for the plasma-aided coating of a substrate (3) with a layer of material comprising at least one first and a second material component and for the production of a plasma discharge, more especially an arc discharge (35), having an anode arrangement (5), which provides the first material component at an anode material surface (13) for evaporation, and a cathode arrangement (7), which provides the second material component at a cathode material surface (25). The electrode arrangement is characterized in that the cathode material surface (25) is constituted by an evaporation-active part (27) supporting the plasma discharge (35) and an evaporation-inactive part (41) not supporting the plasma discharge. Preferably, a motion-producing means (49) is provided for moving the evaporation-inactive part (41) over the cathode material surface (25) in order to reduce deposit of material due to he first material component on the cathode material surface (25).

Abstract: Chemical vapor deposition is performed using a plurality of expanding thermal plasma generating means to produce a coating on a substrate, such as a thermoplastic and especially a polycarbonate substrate. The substrate is preferably moved past the generating means. Included are methods which coat both sides of the substrate or which employ multiple sets of generating means, either in a single deposition chamber or in a plurality of chambers for deposition of successive coatings. The substrate surfaces spaced from the axes of the generating means are preferably heated to promote coating uniformity.

Abstract: A diamond foam article comprises diamond deposited material on a substrate having an open contiguous structure at least partially filled with a filler material. Methods for forming a diamond foam article comprise providing a foam substrate; preparing the foam substrate for diamond deposition; depositing diamond material on the foam substrate by one of several diamond deposition methods; and at least partially filling the diamond foam article with a filler material. Diamond foam articles are bonded to other components.

Abstract: A method for making a magnetic disk comprises forming first and second protective carbon layers on a magnetic layer. The first protective carbon layer is predominantly SP3 carbon. The second protective carbon layer comprises about 50% or less SP3 carbon. The second protective carbon layer is very thin, e.g. between 0.1 and 1.0 nm thick. A lubricant layer (e.g. a perfluoropolyether lubricant) is applied to the second protective carbon layer. The second protective carbon layer facilitates improved cooperation between lubricant and the disk.

Abstract: A deposited film forming apparatus has a power applying electrode disposed above a flat plate type base member grounded, in a vacuum chamber, and a power source for supplying a power to the power applying electrode, the deposited film forming apparatus being constructed to supply the power from the power source to the power applying electrode so as to generate a plasma in a discharge space between the power applying electrode and a substrate disposed in opposition to the power applying electrode in the vacuum chamber and serving as an electrode in a pair with the power applying electrode, thereby decomposing a source gas introduced into the vacuum chamber to form a deposited film on the substrate, wherein the power applying electrode is fixed to the base member with the power applying electrode being isolated from the base member.

Abstract: A hard film for cutting tools which is composed of

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprising a magnetic layer and a protective carbon-containing overcoat comprising a first carbon density, preferably of a low-density carbon, and a second carbon density different from the first carbon density, preferably of a high-density carbon, and a method of making and using the magnetic recording medium are disclosed.

Abstract: A discharge electrode comprising a material having solid lubricant effect, such as molybdenum, is used to generate discharge in a pulse form between the discharge electrode and a workpiece, the surface of which is to be treated, in working liquid containing carbon components, such as water. Material consumed or melted from the discharge electrode, generated because of the electric discharge energy based on the pulse form discharge, gets adhered to and deposited onto a surface of the workpiece thereby forming a coat having lubricant effect on the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: WC powder (11) and W powder (12) are mixed and entered in a press mold and compressed and molded, thereby forming a discharge surface treatment electrode (10). Discharge is caused to occur between the discharge surface treatment electrode (10) and a workpiece (16) by a discharge surface treatment power unit (17), whereby a component of the discharge surface treatment electrode (10) melted by discharge heat is deposited on the workpiece (16). W, a component of the discharge surface treatment electrode (10), reacts with C, a component of work liquid (4), to produce WC and together with the WC which is a component of the discharge surface treatment electrode (10) a hard film (20) made of WC is formed on the workpiece (16). The hardness and strength of the hard film formed on the workpiece (16) by the discharge surface treatment can be enhanced.

Abstract: Disclosed is an element using a piezoelectric characteristic, and in particular, an SAW filter and a method for manufacturing the same. The SAW filter according to the invention is resistant to input wave of high power by employing ta-C or CNT as an acoustic wave transmission medium. The method for manufacturing the SAW filter according to the invention simplified the manufacturing process and reduced a transmission loss as well noise.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for the synthesis of multi-component substances, comprising entities of at least two elements, molecules, grains, crystals, structural units, or phases of matter, in which the scale of the distribution of the elements, molecules, or phases of matter may range from on the order of nanometers or less, to about one millimeter, depending upon the specific materials and process conditions that are chosen. The method and apparatus of the present invention further provides processes for preparing these compositions of matter as thin films or particles.

Abstract: A green-compact electrode (1) for discharge surface treatment for use in a discharge surface treatment operation for forming a hard coating film (9) on the surface of an object (2) which must be machined by performing a discharging operation in working fluid (4) is structured such that powder (11) made of metal, such as W or Ti, and fluid (12) which is the same as working fluid are mixed with each other, and the mixed substance is compression-molded so that the green-compact electrode (1) for the discharge surface treatment is obtained.