Abstract: An Al alloy member having excellent corrosion resistance comprises an Al or Al alloy substrate having an anodic oxide film including a porous layer and a pore-free barrier layer. At least a part of a structure of the barrier layer is altered into boehmite and/or pseudo-boehmite, a dissolution rate of the film is at 100 mg/dm2/15 minutes or below when determined by an immersion test in phosphoric acid/chromic acid (JIS H 8683-2), and a corroded area percent is at 10% or below after allowing the film to stand in an atmosphere of 5% Cl2—Ar gas at 400° C. for 4 hours.

Abstract: A cooling plate provided with a cooling medium passage therein is formed by integrally joining a plurality of metal plates each having a cooling medium passage forming groove on a joining surface thereof. An anodic oxide film is formed on at least the cooling medium passage forming groove on the joining surface, and the plurality of metal plates are integrally joined each other by a friction agitation joining method. This enhances corrosion resistance of the cooling medium passage, resulting in an improved durability and extended life, which enables uniform cooling performance.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a process for forming a specific reactive element barrier on a titanium and aluminum containing substrate is provided. The process includes creating a dry air atmosphere with a concentration of water vapor below about 750 ppm at a temperature above about 550° C. contiguous to a surface of the substrate on which the barrier layer is to be formed. The temperature is maintained above 550° C. and the water vapor concentration is maintained below about 100 ppm while the water vapor in the dry air atmosphere is reacted with specific reactive elements at the substrate surface. The reaction forms a specific reactive element oxide barrier layer which is strongly bonded to the substrate surface. The barrier layer includes an aluminum oxide layer at the substrate/barrier layer interface and a second oxide layer at a barrier layer/atmosphere interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frequency selective plate having a radio wave transparent property. This frequency selective plate includes (a) a transparent substrate; (b) a mixture layer formed on the transparent substrate, the mixture layer containing a mixture of a metal nitride and Ag; and (c) Ag particles formed on the mixture layer, the Ag particles being two-dimensionally distributed on the mixture layer and being separated from each other.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nonostructure, which enables cylindrical pores arrayed according to any periodic pattern to be easily made on a substrate over a large area at a low cost in a short period of time. The method of manufacturing a structure having such pores includes the steps of preparing a substrate having recesses in its surface, providing a film on the surface of the substrate and anodizing the film.

Abstract: We have discovered that the formation of particulate inclusions at the surface and the interior of an aluminum alloy article interferes with the performance of the article when a surface of the article is protected by an anodized coating. We have also discovered that the formation of such particulate inclusions can be controlled to a large extent by controlling the concentration of particular impurities present in the alloy used to fabricate the aluminum alloy article.

Abstract: A metal article, in particular a component for a thermal cracking furnace, and a method of protecting the metal from exposure to carbon, the article having a protective coating that has a glass-ceramic surface and an interior having a CTE between that of the glass-ceramic and the metal.

Abstract: A plated component comprises a component main unit made of a first metal; an oxide coating formed over only a part of a surface of the component main unit; and a metal coating formed of a second metal, wherein the metal coating is formed over at least a part of a remainder of the surface of the component main unit. The plated component may be made by forming an oxide coating over only a part of a surface of a component main unit made of a first metal, and forming a metal coating with a second metal over at least a part of a remainder of the surface of the component main unit.

Abstract: An article having a protective coating is fabricated by providing an article substrate having a substrate surface; and thereafter producing a flattened protective coating on the substrate surface. The step of producing the flattened protective coating includes the steps of depositing a protective coating on the substrate surface, the protective coating having a protective-coating surface, and processing the protective coating to achieve the flattened protective-coating surface. The protective coating is thereafter optionally controllably oxidized. The article substrate and protective coating have an average sulfur content of less than about 10 parts per million by weight at depths measured from the protective-coating surface to a depth of about 50 micrometers below the protective-coating surface.

Abstract: A method for improving the electrical conductivity of a substrate of metal, metal alloy or metal oxide comprising depositing a small or minor amount of metal or metals from Group VIIIA metals (Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt) or from Group IA metals (Cu, Ag, Au) on a substrate of metal, metal alloys and/or metal oxide from Group IVA metals (Ti, Zr, Hf), Group VA metals (V, Nb, Ta), Group VIA metals (Cr, Mo, W) and Al, Mn, Ni and Cu and then directing a high energy beam onto the substrate to cause an intermixing of the deposited material with the native oxide of the substrate metal or metal alloy. The native oxide layer is changed from electrically insulating to electrically conductive. The step of depositing can be carried out, for example, by ion beam assisted deposition, electron beam deposition, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, plasma assisted, low pressure plasma and plasma spray deposition and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ferrous metal article having a protective, adherent, wear resistant coating of metallic oxides and a method of forming a protective, adherent, wear resistant coating of metallic oxides on an iron-chrome article. The coating desirably has a thickness of from about 12.7 to about 102 microns (½ mil to about 4 mils) and is formed by exposure of the article to an oxidizing atmosphere, preferably air, preferably during heat treatment of the article.

Abstract: A lighting sheet including an aluminum sheet with a substantially uniform, non-directional roll textured surface having an extended surface area (Ra roughness of about 15 to about 35 microinches) and a clear polymer layer not containing added particulate matter coated on the textured surface. The non-directional roll textured surface provides a uniform matte finish to the lighting sheet.

Abstract: An article is fabricated with a ceramic surface having a controllable surface finish. In one form, the ceramic is applied as a coating to a substrate article. Preferably, an aqueous coating mixture of phosphoric acid, alumina powder, and cordierite powder is prepared. The mixture is contacted to the surface of the article, and a mechanical overpressure is applied to the external surface of the mixture using a pressing tool. The surface character of the pressing tool, such as a smooth surface or an intentionally patterned surface, is reproduced on the surface of the final ceramic coating. The coating is heated to a moderate temperature to set the ceramic of the coating, and thereafter the coating is heated to a higher, but still intermediate temperature, to cure the coating.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin-coated aluminum plate is provided which is less liable to develop ply separation or cracks in a resin coating film during drawing or ironing and on which the resin coating film is less likely to peel off the aluminum plate. A semi-non-porous anodized film is formed on at least one side of the aluminum plate, a coating layer is formed on the semi-non-porous anodized film, and a thermoplastic resin coating film is formed on the coating layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for protecting internal aluminum components of a plasma reactor from plasma-induced erosion. The components are coated, first with a dielectric layer, then with a thin layer of one or more metals selected from the group consisting of gold, chromium, platinum, silver and rhenium. The dielectric layer may either be grown or deposited. The metal layer is deposited, preferably using evaporative deposition.

Abstract: A heating conductor, in particular for a sensor for determining at least one gas component in the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines. The heating conductor formed from a cermet which contains platinum, at least one metal oxide, and at least two further precious metals. A method for manufacturing the heating conductor by applying a paste containing a platinum powder, a metal oxide powder, and at least two further precious metals, to a ceramic foil and sintering the paste and ceramic foil combination.

Abstract: A method for forming an oxidation-passive layer having high corrosion resistance to highly oxidizing materials such as ozone; a stainless steel and a titanium base alloy having corrosion resistance to an ozone containing fluid; and a fluid containing part, a process apparatus, and a fluid feed/discharge system made by using the same. The method comprises the steps of heat-treating the surface of a stainless steel or titanium-base alloy having an Al content of 0.5 percent by weight to 7 percent by weight either at 300° C. to 700° C. in a mixed gas atmosphere composed of an inert gas and 500 ppb to 1 percent H2O gas or 1 ppm to 500 ppm oxygen gas, or alternatively at 20° C. to 300° C. in a mixed gas atmosphere composed of an oxygen gas and at least 100 ppm ozone gas to form an oxidation-passive layer containing an aluminum oxide or a titanium oxide.

Abstract: Product having a layer which protects against corrosion, and process for producing a layer which protects against corrosion. The invention relates to a product (1), in particular a gas-turbine blade (1), having a metallic basic body (2) to which a protective layer (3, 4) for protecting against corrosion is bonded. The protective layer (3, 4) has an inner layer (3) of a first MCrAlY alloy and an outer layer (4) having a second MCrAlY alloy, which is bonded to the inner layer (3). The second MCrAlY alloy is predominantly in the &ggr;-phase. The invention also relates to a process for producing a protective layer (3, 4) in which the outer layer (4) is produced by re-melting a region of the inner layer (3) or by deposition of an MCrAlY alloy from a liquid phase.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing coated steel sheet has the steps of: immersing a steel sheet in a hot-dip coating bath to form an Al—Zn base coating layer containing 20 to 95 mass % Al on the steel sheet, forming a passivated layer on the coating layer; and applying thermal history to the coating layer. The thermal history is applied immediately after the steel sheet left the hot-dip coating bath or in a temperature range of from T(° C.) between 130° C. and 300° C. to 100° C.

Abstract: A bearing material for the manufacture of wear-resistant slide bearings made of a Cu-Al-alloy, consisting of 0.01 to 20% Al, optionally further elements, the remainder copper and the common impurities. The slide bearing has for this purpose an outer, wear-reducing cover layer with a range of thickness D=10 nm to 10 &mgr;m and consists exclusively of aluminum oxide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a support for a lithographic printing plate obtained by subjecting an aluminum plate to a graining treatment and an anodizing treatment, the support comprising at least any one of Mn in a range from 0.1 to 1.5 wt % and Mg in a range from 0.1 to 1.5 wt %; Fe of 0 to 1 wt %; Si of 0 to 0.5 wt %; Cu of 0 to 0.2 wt %; at least one kind of element out of the elements listed in items (a) to (d) below in a range of content affixed thereto, (a) 1 to 100 ppm each of one or more kinds of elements selected from a group consisting of Li, Be, Sc, Mo, Ag, Ge, Ce, Nd, Dy and Au, (b) 0.

Abstract: This invention is a method for forming a chemical conversion coating on ferrous metal substrates, the chemical solutions used in the coating and the articles coated thereby. By modifying and combining the features of two existing, but heretofore unrelated, coating technologies, a hybrid conversion coating is formed. Specifically, a molecular iron/oxygen-enriched intermediate coating, such as a dicarboxylate or phosphate, is applied to a ferrous substrate by a first oxidation. The intermediate coating pre-conditions the substrate to form a surface rich in molecular iron and oxygen in a form easily accessible for further reaction. This oxidation procedure is followed by a coloring procedure using a heated (about 120-220° F.) oxidizing solution containing alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal nitrate, alkali metal nitrite or mixtures thereof, which reacts with the iron and oxygen enriched intermediate coating to form magnetite (Fe3O4).

Abstract: An article protected by a protective coating system is fabricated by providing an article substrate having a substrate surface; and thereafter producing a protective coating having a flattened, pre-oxidized protective-coating surface on the substrate surface by depositing a protective coating on the substrate surface, the protective coating having a protective-coating surface, processing the protective coating to achieve a flattened protective-coating surface, and controllably oxidizing the protective-coating surface. A thermal barrier coating may be deposited overlying the flattened, pre-oxidized protective coating.

Abstract: We have discovered that the formation of particulate inclusions at the surface and the interior of an aluminum alloy article interferes with the performance of the article when a surface of the article is protected by an anodized coating. We have also discovered that the formation of such particulate inclusions can be controlled to a large extent by controlling the concentration of particular impurities present in the alloy used to fabricate the aluminum alloy article.

Abstract: A treatment method for hydrophilicity for a heat exchanger which can maintain the deodorizing property and hydrohilicity even after a long-time use, and a heat exchanger thus treated for hydrophilicity by said method are provided.

Abstract: Ferrous coatings of the cylinder working surfaces of combustion engine blocks have a content of bound oxygen in the amount of between 1 to 4% by weight. They are characterized by extraordinary properties as far as tribology and the possibility of processing, e.g. machining, are concerned. Particularly, the coefficient of friction and the tendency to scuffing are substantially reduced. Such coatings can be realized, for example, by adding an amount of 200 to 1000 normalized liters air per minute during the plasma spraying operation.

Abstract: A process for producing a multi-layer film, especially for food packaging, wherein at least one of the films is a plastic film and the laminating agent is chemically and/or physically derived from the plastic of that film, wherein a solution or dispersion of the plastic is applied as a laminating agent onto the first film, particularly an aluminum foil, the liquid of the solution or dispersion is completely vaporized and the first film is then joined in a laminating station to the second film at an increased temperature and under applied pressure.

Abstract: An irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 29 wt % to 37 wt % cobalt aluminium spinel and glass, 35 wt % to 45 wt % acrylic resin and 20 wt % to 30 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The solvent comprises a mixture of 80% 1-methoxy-2-propanol and 20% dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether. A particular irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 34.9 wt % cobalt aluminium spinel and glass, 42.5 wt % acrylic resin and 22.6 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The irreversible temperature indicating paint has four or more colour changes in the temperature range 500° C. to 900° C. The irreversible temperature indicating paint is used to determine the temperatures to which various parts of turbine blades, turbine vanes or other components are subjected in operation of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: An article protected by a thermal barrier coating system is fabricated by providing an article substrate having a substrate surface, thereafter depositing a bond coat on the substrate surface, the bond coat having a bond coat surface, and thereafter processing the bond coat to flatten the bond coat surface. A thermal barrier coating is deposited overlying the bond coat surface. The thermal barrier coating is yttria-stabilized zirconia having a yttria content of from about 3 percent by weight to about 5 percent by weight of the yttria-stabilized zirconia.

Abstract: An Al alloy member having excellent corrosion resistance comprises an Al or Al alloy substrate having an anodic oxide film including a porous layer and a pore-free barrier layer. At least a part of a structure of the barrier layer is altered into boehmite and/or pseudo-boehmite, a dissolution rate of the film is at 100 mg/dm2/15 minutes or below when determined by an immersion test in phosphoric acid/chromic acid (JIS H 8683-2), and a corroded area percent is at 10% or below after allowing the film to stand in an atmosphere of 5% Cl2—Ar gas at 400° C. for 4 hours.

Abstract: Metal surfaces are protected against corrosion by a coating of molecular sieve, notably a zeolite or a phosphate-containing molecular sieve, rendered substantially non-porous by the retention (or addition) of a pore-filling member inside the voids of the molecular sieve crystal structure. Pore-filling agents convenient for use include species typically used as structure-directing agents in the synthesis of zeolites and other molecular sieves. A further aspect of the invention is a method of protecting a metal surface from corrosion by crystallizing a molecular sieve in situ on the metal surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dummy plate for offset printing which essentially consists of a plate, foil or band-shaped, mechanically cally and/or electrochemically roughened, anodically oxidized and hydrophilized aluminium support and a non-light-sensitive, water-soluble layer applied thereto, where the layer comprises at least one copolymer which has monomer units having pendant groups of the formulae —CO—NH— and/or —CO—N< and whose solubility in water at a temperature of 25° C. is at least 50 g/l, and at least one acidic compound and/or a salt thereof. Due to the coating, the surface remains permanently hydrophilic. The dummy plate can be used in the printing machine without pretreatment. During printing, the layer is completely removed by the fountain solution after a short time without the paper web and the rubber blanket cylinder sticking to one another during proof printing.

Abstract: A cooling plate provided with a cooling medium passage therein is formed by integrally joining a plurality of metal plates each having a cooling medium passage forming groove on a joining surface thereof. An anodic oxide film is formed on at least the cooling medium passage forming groove on the joining surface, and the plurality of metal plates are integrally joined each other by a friction agitation joining method. This enhances corrosion resistance of the cooling medium passage, resulting in an improved durability and extended life, which enables uniform cooling performance.

Abstract: To make stress corrosion cracking caused by precipitation of a &bgr; layer (Mg2Al3) in a welding part (5) or in the periphery of the welding part (5) hard to occur. An apparatus body (1) and a header (3) formed of an aluminum alloy with precipitation of magnesium suppressed by standardized heat treatment are assembled and welded, and natural gas containing mercury is subjected to heat exchanging. There are provided with backing metal (4) disposed on the back of the inner wall surface of one header (3) prior to standardized heat treatment and placed in contact with the other apparatus body (1) at the time of assembling and welding, a welding part (5) formed by being assembled and welded using first welding metal containing magnesium at percent content not less than 2.

Abstract: Method for reducing in situ the electrochemical corrosion potential and susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking of a nickel-base alloy and boiling water nuclear reactor components formed therefrom when in contact with high temperature water. The method comprises the steps of: adding a metal hydride to the high temperature water; dissociating the metal hydride in the high temperature water to form a metal and at least one hydrogen ion; and reducing the concentration of the oxidizing species by reacting the hydrogen ions with an oxidizing species, thereby reducing in situ the electrochemical corrosion potential of the nickel-base alloy. The method may further include the steps of reacting the metal with oxygen present in the high temperature water to form an insoluble oxide and incorporating the metal into the surface of the nickel-base alloy, thereby reducing the electrical conductivity of the surface of the nickel-base alloy.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating (TBC) system and method for forming the TBC system on a component designed for use in a hostile thermal environment, such as superalloy turbine, combustor and augmentor components of a gas turbine engine. The TBC system exhibits improved spallation resistance as a result of having a bond coat formed to contain a dispersion of oxide particles in its outer surface region. A method for preferentially entrapping oxide particles in a bond coat entails depositing the oxide particles on the surface of the component prior to forming the bond coat, which may be a diffusion aluminide or an aluminized overlay coating. Deposition of the bond coat causes the oxide particles to become dispersed in the outer surface region of the bond coat. A particular feature of this invention is the ability to preferentially entrap oxides of elements that are not present in the bond coat or a substrate region of the component on which the bond coat is formed.

Abstract: Paint-coated fishing component formed with recesses in which build-up of paint in the recesses is unlikely. A reel body (1) made of a magnesium alloy painted by electrodeposition includes a first side cover (6a) and a second side cover mounted to the sides of a frame. The first side cover (6a) is fastened by attaching screws (30) from the inner side of a first side plate (7a) to a plurality of protrusion portions (20) formed protruding on a rear surface. The protrusion portions (20) are provided with conduits (25) communicating recess portions formed with female threads to the immediate exterior. The conduits (25) are slits that are formed in the protrusion direction of the protrusions (20) or perpendicular to the protrusion direction, and are cut with a T-slot cutter, for example.

Abstract: A coating is described for use on a superalloy substrate comprising a diffusion barrier as an intermediate layer overlying the substrate and underlying a protective coating having a high aluminum content. The diffusion barrier layer is characterized by having low interdiffusivity for elements from the substrate and the coating, a minimal impact on the mechanical properties of the article which is coated, and can be achieved readily using existing coating application techniques or post heat treat processes. The diffusion barrier layer is preferably an oxide ceramic.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant coating for aluminum alloys preferably includes lithium molybdate and cerium. A conversion coating has been developed for aluminum surfaces that can substitute for the conventional chromate containing conversion coating. This new coating contains compounds such as lithium molybdate and cerium. The initial process consisted of two steps. Coated surface was tested to ASTM B117 requirement for 168 hours, showing little corrosion. Paint adhesion tests were also conducted with good results. Subsequent tests indicated that one step is adequate, but additional tests are needed.

Abstract: Aluminum alloy comprising an anodic oxidation coating and a ceramic coating formed on a surface of the anodic oxidation coating, wherein the anodic oxidation coating contains one or more elements selected from the group consisting of C, N, P, F, B and S at a content of each element in an amount of 0.1 mass % or more, and wherein the ceramic coating comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of oxide, nitride, carbonitride, boride and silicide, wherein when the anodic oxidation coating contains S only, the surface of the aluminum alloy or of the anodic oxidation coating has an average roughness Ra of 0.3 &mgr;m or more.

Abstract: A thin film or coating containing an oxide of silicon or aluminum or both is deposited over lead or lead alloy battery components that will be in contact with the acid electrolyte greatly reducing the corrosion of the lead components during battery use. In one embodiment, the coating of film may be applied using a colloid of silica or alumina in a binder such as room temperature vulcanized rubber. In another embodiment, the coating of film is deposited by a direct silane polymerization of an oxidized lead surface by silicic acid forming the film. The substantial reduction of component corrosion eliminates leaking around the terminals and thereby increases the service life of the lead acid battery.

Abstract: An improved performance welding bar placed in a welding machine for the welding of thermoplastic material of low and high density, suitable for both the lower welding bar (11) and the upper welding bar (12) among which bars (11, 12) the material is moved along by at least one pair of lower (14) and upper (15) supply rollers, placed on top of each other, the two welding bars (11, 12) moved backwards and forwards between themselves by a control group (20), wherein each welding bar (11, 12) is made from a magnesium-zinc aluminum alloy, within which the percentage of zinc to be found is between 5.0-6.5% and the percentage of magnesium to be found is between 2.0-3.0%. According to the invention the use of a magnesium zinc aluminum alloy is provided for, for a welding bar in a welding machine of thermoplastic material, wherein the bar is continually activated by a forward and/or backward movement with regards to a second similar welding bar.

Abstract: Components for use in plasma processing chambers having plasma exposed surfaces with surface roughness characteristics that promote polymer adhesion. The roughened surfaces are formed by plasma spraying a coating material such as a ceramic or high temperature polymer onto the surface of the component. The plasma sprayed components of the present invention can be used for plasma reactor components having surfaces exposed to the plasma during processing. Suitable components include chamber walls, chamber liners, baffle rings, gas distribution plates, plasma confinement rings, and liner supports. By improving polymer adhesion, the plasma sprayed component surfaces can reduce the levels of particle contamination in the process chamber thereby improving yields and reducing down-time required for cleaning and/or replacing chamber components.

Abstract: Methods of forming a conductive aluminum substrate comprise anodizing a surface of an aluminum substrate to form a porous alumina surface layer, contacting the alumina surface layer with a liquid dispersion or solution of a polymer or at least one polymer-forming component, under conditions sufficient for the polymer to seal pores of the alumina surface layer, and removing excess polymer from the alumina surface layer. The resulting sealed conductive aluminum substrate is useful in photoconductors, for example of the dual layer type.

Abstract: A barrier layer for a silicon containing substrate which inhibits the formation of gaseous species of silicon when exposed to a high temperature aqueous environment comprises a barium-strontium alumino silicate.

Abstract: The invention relates to TiAl-base alloys with excellent oxidation resistance, and a method for producing the same. The TiAl-base alloy of the invention comprises a substrate and a surface part formed on the substrate, the surface part comprising at least one element of Cr, Nb, Ta and W and having a surface condition capable of forming a dense film of an oxide of the element or Al2O3 in high-temperature oxidizing atmospheres. The method of the invention comprises heating a TiAl-base alloy material having an Al content of from 15 at. % to 55 at. % in the presence of an oxide having a smaller negative value of standard free energy of formation than that of alumina. The method of the invention provides TiAl-base alloys with excellent oxidation resistance.

Abstract: A composite material having an aluminum substrate, an intermediate layer located on one side of the substrate, and an optically active multilayer system applied to the intermediate layer. The multilayer system includes three layers. The two upper layers are dielectric and/or oxide layers and the bottom layer is a metallic layer applied to the intermediate layer. In order to controllably and selectively set the absorptivity and reflectivity in various wavelength regions, the intention also being to ensure good processability, in particular deformability, a high thermal conductivity and high long-term thermal and chemical stability of the material, the top layer is a dielectric layer, preferably an oxide, fluoride or nitride layer of chemical composition MeOz, MeFr, MeNs, with a refractive index n<1.8. The middle layer is a chromium oxide layer of chemical composition CrOx. The bottom layer of gold, silver, copper, chromium, aluminum and/or molybdenum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cover part for a light source, in particular for a headlight lamp in a motor vehicle headlight. The cover part has a wall with a first side facing the light source and having light-absorbing action. The wall also has a second side away from the light source, that has a reflective action. In order to achieve high light absorption, improved use characteristics under operating conditions which involved high thermal loads, and longer service life, combined with a production method involving a minimum possible capital outlay, the wall of a composite material having a metallic substrate, to which an optically active multilayer system is applied. The multilayer system is composed of a top layer, being a dielectric layer and preferably an oxide, fluoride or nitride layer of chemical composition MeOz, MeFf, MeNs with a refractive index n<1.

Abstract: Nickel composite particles having a layer of a nickel-containing spinel on at least a part of the surface of nickel particles, or nickel composite particles having an oxide layer of a metal other than nickel on at least a part of the surface of nickel particles and a layer of a nickel-containing spinel at an interface between the nickel particles and the metal oxide layer. The nickel composite particles are produced by forming fine liquid droplets from a solution containing (a) at least one thermally decomposable nickel compound and (b) at least one thermally decomposable metal compound capable of forming a spinel together with nickel; and heating the liquid droplets at a temperature higher than the decomposition temperatures of compounds (a) and (b) to form nickel particles and simultaneously deposit a nickel-containing spinel layer, or further, a metal oxide layer on the spinel layer.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the equilibrium solubility of boron and indium in silicon. The method involves first-principles quantum mechanical calculations to determine the temperature dependence of the equilibrium solubility of two important p-type dopants in silicon, namely boron and indium, under various strain conditions. The equilibrium thermodynamic solubility of size-mismatched impurities, such as boron and indium in silicon, can be raised significantly if the silicon substrate is strained appropriately. For example, for boron, a 1% compressive strain raises the equilibrium solubility by 100% at 1100° C.; and for indium, a 1% tensile strain at 1100° C., corresponds to an enhancement of the solubility by 200%.