Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium has a nonmagnetic substrate, a nonmagnetic underlayer, a magnetic layer, a protective film, and a liquid lubrication layer sequentially laminated on the substrate. The nonmagnetic layer is composed of a metal or alloy having a hcp crystal structure. The magnetic recording layer consists of ferromagnetic crystal grains and a nonmagnetic grain boundary phase mainly composed of an oxide surrounding the grains. A seed layer of a metal or alloy having a fcc crystal structure can be provided under the nonmagnetic underlayer, and a nonmagnetic alignment control layer can be provided under the seed layer. The recording medium can provide high output and low noise by improving the alignment of the magnetic recording layer, reducing the initial growth layer in the magnetic recording layer, and minimizing the grain size of the magnetic recording layer.

Abstract: A bonded member includes a ceramic base material and a metal member solid-phase bonded via a soldering material. An active metal is placed on a surface of the ceramic base material and the soldering material, which includes Au, is placed on the active metal, and the active metal and the soldering material are heated so as to form a precoat layer. The metal member is placed on the surface of the precoat layer via a barrier layer, which is capable of inhibiting diffusion of a metal constituting the metal member, and the precoat layer and the metal member are pressurized heated so as to be solid-phase bonded. The production method of the bonded member is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method including providing a component, the component having a bond pad; forming a passivation layer over the component; forming a via in the passivation layer to uncover the bond pad; and forming an under bump metallurgy (UBM) over the passivation layer, in the via, and over the bond pad, in which the UBM includes an alloy of Aluminum and Magnesium. The present invention also describes an under bump metallurgy (UBM) that includes a lower layer, the lower layer including an alloy of Aluminum and Magnesium; and an upper layer located over the lower layer.

Abstract: The invention discloses magnetic OVP, said pigment consisting of thin-layer flakes having a basic metal-dielectric-metal structure to result in a viewing-angle dependent color appearance, and having, in addition to said viewing-angle dependent color appearance, incorporated magnetic properties, to make them distinguishable from OVP of similar appearance but not having said magnetic properties. The invention discloses as well methods for obtaining such pigments and the use of such pigments as security elements in inks, coatings and articles.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field sensor having a nonmagnetic intermediate layer with two major surfaces on opposite sides thereof upon one of which a magnetization reference layer is provided and upon the other there being provided a sensing layer. A spacer layer is provided on the sensing film to separate this sensing film from an augmenting film with the spacer layer being sufficiently thick so as to significantly reduce or eliminate topological coupling between the sensing and augmenting films, and to significantly randomize spin states of emerging electrons traversing therethrough.

Abstract: A thin film based nanoporous alumina template has been developed which allows the in situ removal of an electrically insulating alumina barrier layer at the pore bases. This barrier free nanoporous system has great utility for electrodeposition of a wide variety of nanowire materials. An exemplary multilayer thin film precursor is provided comprising Al (anodization layer), Ti (diffusion barrier) and Pt (active electrode) on a Si substrate. Aluminum anodization in sulfuric acid with a subsequent applied voltage ramping program produces a Pt electrode at the base of the nanopores without the additional steps of alumina removal, barrier layer dissolution, and metal deposition onto the pore bottoms.

Abstract: A metal fiber-reinforced composite material can be produced by providing metal layers and reinforcing layers disposed alternately into a sandwich structure, the reinforcing layers containing fibers of a high-strength metallic material, which are disposed in the form of a loose structure between the metal layers, in order to create a material excess of fibers in the reinforcing layers, the sandwich structure being bonded by a thermomechanical process in such a manner, that the fibers are lengthened because of the excess of material, the sandwich structure being bonded.

Abstract: A method of forge welding laminates of titanium and titanium alloys includes interleaving first and second pluralities of metal pieces in an enclosure, filling the enclosure with an inert gas, heating the enclosure and the first and second pluralities of metal pieces, and mechanically pressing the enclosure on a first axis with a force sufficient to cause the first and second pluralities of metal pieces to forge-weld together. The first and second pluralities of metal pieces may be metallurgically dissimilar from each other, and may each comprise a percentage of titanium.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a layer system for the decorative coating of galvanizable work pieces. In order to have a layer system which meets strict requirements with regard to corrosion resistance and which, at the same time, has a high abrasion resistance and, in addition, provides a high degree of freedom with regard to decorative coloration, the invention proposes a layer system which is formed by galvanic deposition and comprises a base coat consisting of at least one bright layer and one discontinuous chrome layer as well as a cover coat of mechanically resistant materials deposited by the PVD process.

Abstract: A titanium article having improved corrosion resistance resulting from a direct or indirect attachment of a platinum group metal or alloy thereof or incorporation of this metal or alloy thereof into a minor surface portion of the article.

Abstract: (1) A titanium material composed of a substrate of pure titanium or titanium alloy and an aluminum-containing layer formed thereon having a thickness no smaller than 1 &mgr;m and containing no less than 90 mass % aluminum or aluminum plus silicon. (2) A titanium material composed of a substrate of pure titanium or titanium alloy and an aluminum-containing layer formed thereon having a thickness no smaller than 1 &mgr;m and containing no less than 90 mass % aluminum or aluminum plus silicon, with a layer of Al—Ti intermetallic compound interposed between them. (3) A titanium material as defined in (1) wherein the substrate contains 0.5-10 mass % aluminum. (4) A titanium material as defined in (1) wherein that surface of the substrate with which the aluminum-containing layer is in contact contains 20-50 atomic % nitrogen. (5) A titanium material as defined in (1) wherein a layer of aluminum nitride is formed in the interface between the substrate and the aluminum-containing layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a structure of multi-layered clad plates and sheets for corrosion resistance and a fabricating method thereof. Provided are clad plates and sheets for corrosion resistance in which Ni, Co, Ti, Nb, V, and Zr having an excellent corrosion resistance, or an alloy thereof are bonded to cheap Fe, Cu, or an alloy thereof. Chemical compositions of the clad metals and structures of the clad plates and sheets are easily modified with service conditions of the clad plates and sheets. Also, this invention provides a more cost-effective method based on a resistance seam welding process for fabricating the corrosion-resistant clad plates and sheets.

Abstract: Getter multilayer structures are disclosed, embodiments of which include at least a layer of a non-evaporable getter alloy having a low activation temperature over a layer of a different non-evaporable getter material having high specific surface area, both preferably obtained by cathodic deposition. The multilayer NEG structures exhibit better gas sorbing characteristics and lower activation temperature lower than those of deposits made up of a single material. A process for manufacturing such structures includes depositing a first, high surface area NEG film on a support, and then depositing a thin over layer of low activation NEG film.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alloy coating which can be advantageously applied to members for high temperature apparatuses so as to prolong the service life of the members. The alloy coating comprises an alloy. This alloy comprises: at least one member, as a base, selected from the group consisting of Re, Ir, Nb, Ta, Mo, and W; and at least one alloying element for imparting corrosion resistance. A method for forming the alloy coating, and a member for high temperature apparatuses, to which the alloy coating has been applied, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The bearing rings 1 and 2 of a rolling bearing is formed of one kind of titanium alloys of &bgr; type titanium alloys, near &bgr; type titanium alloys and &agr;+&bgr; type titanium alloys. The titanium alloy has a surface hardness of Hv 400 or more and less than Hv 600 for increasing the corrosion resistance and wear resistance of the bearing ring. Spherical rolling elements 3 rolling on the raceway surfaces 1a and 2a of the bearing rings 1 and 2 are formed of ceramics such as silicon nitride. When &bgr; type titanium alloys or &agr;+&bgr; type titanium alloys after a solution treatment and applied with an oxidation treatment at a low temperature of 400 to 600° C. are used as the material for the bearing ring, a bearing ring made of titanium alloy suitable to use under a circumstance requiring corrosion resistance is obtained.

Abstract: Titanium and aluminum cathode targets are disclosed for sputtering absorbing coatings of titanium and aluminum-containing materials in atmospheres comprising inert gas, reactive gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, and mixtures thereof, which can further comprise inert gas, such as argon, to form nitrides, oxides, and oxynitrides, as well as metallic films. The titanium and aluminum-containing coatings can be utilized as an outer coat or as one or more coating layers of a coating stack.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a bonded body of a beryllium member and a copper or copper alloy member, in which the bonding strength and thermal cycle resistance property are further increased. When the beryllium member and the copper or copper alloy member are bonded to each other, a thin layer of titanium, chromium, molybdenum, or silicon is formed as a diffusion inhibition layer on the surface of the beryllium; a copper layer is formed as a bonding layer on the surface of the diffusion inhibition layer; a thin layer of aluminum or zinc is formed as a bonding promotion layer on the surface of the bonding layer; and the beryllium member and the copper or copper alloy member are diffusion bonded to each other with the intermediate layer formation side being the bonding surface.

Abstract: Materials such as titanium are vapor-deposited to form a film on a substrate while the substrate is thermally coupled to a temperature-controlling thermal source. Varying the temperature conditions of the substrate when the film is deposited varies the intrinsic stress of the film, which varies the change in substrate shape caused by the presence of the film. A film having a desired intrinsic stress may be obtained by control of the substrate temperature when the film is deposited. A stress-controlled titanium film may be used, for example, as an adhesion layer between a silicon movable structure in an optical MEMS device and a gold layer serving as a reflecting surface.

Abstract: A thin film hydrogen getter and EMI shielding are provided for protecting GaAs circuitry sealed in an hermetic package. The thin film getter comprises a multilayer metal film that is deposited by vacuum evaporation techniques onto a conductive metal, such as aluminum or copper, that serves as the EMI shielding. The conductive layer is first formed on an interior surface. The multilayer hydrogen getter film comprises (1) a titanium film and (2) a palladium film that is deposited on the titanium film. Both the titanium and the palladium are deposited during the same coating process run, thereby preventing the titanium from being oxidized. The palladium continues to prevent the titanium from being oxidized once the getter is exposed to the atmosphere. However, hydrogen is easily able to diffuse through the palladium into the titanium where it is chemically bound up, since palladium is highly permeable to hydrogen.

Abstract: A high-temperature strength member comprises a substrate of Ni-based single crystal alloy or a Ni-based unidirectional solidified alloy and a coating of a B-containing alloy having a specified B content formed on the surface thereof by a spraying process or a vapor deposition process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hardfacing alloy capable of withstanding service abrasion of the order of silicious earth particles and weldable on industrial products, such as tool joints and stabilizers used in oil and gas well drilling, and other industrial products. The hardfacing alloy has a low coefficient of friction resulting from excellent metal to metal resistance and significant reduction in industrial wear on industrial products, such as casing wear. Other embodiments of the invention include tool joints having the hardbanding alloy welded to the outer cylindrical surface to its box and pin members and to stabilizer ribs on the stabilizer used in earth boring, such as boring for oil and gas, other industrial products, and methods of applying the hardfacing alloy to their surfaces.

Abstract: A beta-phase NiAl overlay coating containing a dispersion of ceramic particles and a process for depositing the overlay coating. If the coating is used to adhere a thermal barrier coating (TBC), the TBC exhibits improved spallation resistance as a result of the dispersion of ceramic particles having a dispersion-strengthening effect on the overlay coating. The overlay coating contains at least one reactive element and is deposited so that the some of the reactive element deposits as the ceramic particles dispersed in the overlay coating.

Abstract: A shaped part or article of manufacture is formed of a selected gamma titanium aluminide alloy with outstanding mechanical properties which can be produced particularly economically. First, a semi-finished article is formed in a hot forming process with a degree of deformation of greater than 65%. Then the semi-finished article is shaped with the alloy being in a solid-liquid phase by applying mechanical forming forces during at least part of the shaping process.

Abstract: Steel sheet for porcelain enameling capable of realizing excellent enamel adhesion with the steel sheet by direct-on enameling once is provided by using a Ti-added steel sheet; there are also a method for producing the same, as well as a porcelain enamel product and the method for producing the same. A steel sheet for porcelain enameling is produced by providing a Ni—Mo alloy plating film on a Ti-added steel sheet containing 0.01% by weight (wherein, % represents “% by weight” hereinafter) or less of C, 0.5% or less of Mn, 0.04% or less of P, 0.04% or less of S, 0.01 to 0.50% of Ti, and balance Fe accompanied by unavoidable impurities, and by then performing heat treatment thereto to control the content of Ni, Mo, and Fe present in the surface of the steel sheet in a predetermined range, porcelain enamel is applied once and fired.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer coating having a bronze color. The coating comprises a polymeric basecoat layer, and a color and protective stack layer comprised of layers of carbon-rich refractory metal or refractory metal alloy carbonitride alternating with layers of nitrogen-rich refractory metal or refractory metal alloy carbonitride.

Abstract: A comparatively high vacuum pressure method of manufacturing two-way shape memory effect devices produces devices having a compositional gradient through the thickness of a film of shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy film exhibits two-way shape memory effect, which is useful for fabricating cyclical actuating devices without need of a biasing mechanism. Examples of shape memory alloys include Ni:Ti-, Au:Cd-, Fe:Mn:Si- and Cu:Ni:Al-based binary, ternary and higher order alloys. Three-dimensional devices may be mass produced using the shape memory alloy and process.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-layered composite material having a layer of a first metal and a layer of a second incompatible metal, separate from the first metal, the method involving hot rolling a multi-layered assembly of the first metal; the second metal; and a composite interlayer between the first metal and the second metal; wherein the composite interlayer having a first outer layer of a first composite metal compatible with the first metal; a second outer layer of a second composite metal compatible with the second metal; and an interlayer metal bonded between the first composite metal and the second composite metal; and wherein the first metal is adjacent the first composite metal and the second metal is adjacent the second composite metal; to effect production of the multi-layered composite material. The invention is valuable for producing a bonded composite of a hardened steel, such as an armour steel, with GA14V titanium.

Abstract: A coated article having a high resistance to particle-impact damage has a substrate, and a layered coating overlying the substrate. The layered coating includes a substantially continuous quasicrystalline layer, and a substantially continuous ductile metallic layer in facing contact with the quasicrystalline layer. The coated article is preferably used in applications where it is subjected to particle-impact conditions.

Abstract: A highly reliable member for a semiconductor device, in which a high melting point metallizing layer, which consists mainly of a high melting point metal such as W and/or Mo, and an intervening metal layer, which has a melting point of not greater than 1,000° C. and consists mainly of at least one selected from among Ni, Cu and Fe, are provided on an AlN substrate material in this order on the AlN substrate material, and a conductor layer consisting mainly of copper is directly bonded to the intervening metal layer without intervention of a solder material layer. A semiconductor element or the like is mounted on the member for a semiconductor device, thereby fabricating a semiconductor device. The high melting point metallizing layer is formed on an aluminum nitride substrate by post-fire or co-fire metallization.

Abstract: Organic molecules are partially oxidized in that the gas phase on supported and immobilized photocatalysts deposited having a nanostructure. the photocatalysts are semiconductors such as titanium dioxide and are preferentially coated onto a substrate by flame aerosol coating.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium and a magnetic storage apparatus, which show an excellent S/N ratio and are suitable for ultra high density magnetic recording, are provided. In the perpendicular magnetic recording medium having a recording layer composed of at least two layers of a main recording layer formed above a substrate and a thermally-stabilizing layer formed on the main recording layer, the thermally-stabilizing layer being formed closer to a surface of the medium than the main recording layer, alloy containing Co and Cr as a main component, which shows a low noise property, is used as the main recording layer, amorphous alloy containing rare earth metals and 3d transition metals as a main component, which is excellent in thermal stability, is used as the thermally-stabilizing layer, and a cap layer formed of alloy containing Co and Cr as a main component is formed on a surface of the thermally-stabilizing layer.

Abstract: A wear-resistant layer is applied to a surface, which is to be protected, of a component which is subjected to mechanical and/or fluidic loads and substantially consists of amorphous or amorphous-nanocrystalline metals. The layer for protecting against abrasive or erosive wear substantially consists of an Ni—W-base alloy or substantially consists of an alloy based on Cu—Al—Ti(or —Ta or —Zr) or Pd—Cu—Si or Pt—Al—Si or Ta—Si—N, or substantially consists of an alloy of Al, at least one rare earth and a transition metal, such as Cu or Ni or Co.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer coating having the appearance of nickel. The coating comprises a polymeric layer on the surface of said article and vapor deposited on the polymeric layer a refractory metal nitride or refractory metal alloy nitride where the nitrogen content of said nitride is from about 6 to about 45 atomic percent.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer decorative and protective coating having the appearance of stainless steel. The coating comprises a polymer basecoat layer on the surface of said article and vapor deposited at relatively low pressure on the polymer layer a protective and decorative color layer comprised of the reaction products of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy, nitrogen and oxygen wherein the nitrogen and oxygen content of the reaction products are each from about 4 to about 32 atomic percent with the nitrogen content being at least about 3 atomic percent.

Abstract: A turbine component comprises a substrate; and a crystalline coating disposed on a surface of the substrate, wherein the crystalline coating comprises tin and yttrium in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.05 atomic percent based upon the total coating. A method of making a turbine component comprises disposing a coating composition on a substrate, wherein the coating composition comprises tin and yttrium in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 atomic percent based upon the total coating composition. A crystalline coating comprises tin and yttrium in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.05 atomic percent based upon the total coating.

Abstract: An article is coated with a decorative and protective multi-layer coating. The coating comprises a polymeric basecoat layer on the surface of said article, a chromium strengthening layer on said basecoat layer, a strike layer on said strengthening layer, an intermediate oxide layer on said strike layer, a stack layer comprised of layers of chromium, refractory metal or refractory metal alloy alternating with layers of chromium compound, refractory metal compound or refractory metal alloy compound, a color and protective layer comprised of chromium compound, refractory metal compound or refractory metal alloy compound on said stack layer, and a top oxide layer on said color and protective layer. The intermediate oxide layer acts as a non-conductive barrier layer and improves corrosion and pitting resistance.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer decorative and protective coating having the appearance of stainless steel. The coating comprises a polymeric basecoat layer on the surface of said article and vapor deposited on the polymeric basecoat layer a stack layer containing layers of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy alternating with layers containing the reaction products of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy, nitrogen and oxygen. Over the stack layer is vapor deposited at relatively low pressures a protective color layer comprised of the reaction products of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy, oxygen and nitrogen wherein the total nitrogen and oxygen content of these reaction products is from about 4 to about 32 atomic percent, with the nitrogen content being at least about 3 atomic percent.

Abstract: A method for producing titanium alloy brazing strips and the resulting brazing strips and/or foils. The method uses a cold-rolling process without heat treating to generate a titanium based multi-layer alloy strip or foil made up of discrete layers of titanium and an additional layer or layers of one or more metals, such as zirconium, nickel and/or copper, for example, or alloys thereof, with the layer of titanium roll bonded without heat treating to the layers of the additional metal(s). The resulting strip or foil can include, for example, Cu/Ti/Cu, Ni/Ti/Ni, Ni/Ti/Cu, Cu/Ni/Ti/Ni/Cu, Ni/Cu/Ti/Cu/Ni, Ni/Cu/Ni/Ti/Ni/Cu/Ni, Ni/Zr/Cu/Ti/Cu/Zr/Ni and Ni/Ti/Cu/Zr/Cu/Ti/Ni among other combinations. The resulting strip or foil can be used for brazing, creating an alloy of the weight percentage of the original materials.

Abstract: A disk for a hard disk drive. The disk includes a first layer of magnetic material located over a substrate, an intermediate layer located over the first magnetic layer and a second layer of magnetic material located over the intermediate layer. The second layer may include cobalt and chromium. The intermediate layer may include titanium. The first magnetic layer include iron, hafnium and nitrogen (FeHfN). This composition of the first magnetic layer shows higher saturation magnetization and lower roughness, and increases the nucleation field of the disk.

Abstract: A method of forming a platinum aluminide diffusion barrier on a metallic substrate, eg a titanium alloy aerospace component, comprises applying to the metallic substrate a coating comprising particulate platinum and particulate aluminium in an organic carrier and performing a reaction treatment on the thus applied platinum and aluminium which causes the platinum and the aluminium to form an intermetallic diffusion barrier on the metallic substrate.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating for an underlying metal substrate of articles that operate at, or are exposed to, high temperatures, as well as being exposed to environmental contaminant compositions. This coating comprises an optional inner layer nearest to the underlying metal substrate comprising a non-alumina ceramic thermal barrier coating material in an amount up to 100%, and an outer layer having an exposed surface and comprising at least about 50% of a non-alumina ceramic thermal barrier coating material and alumina in an amount up to about 50% and sufficient to protect the thermal barrier coating at least partially against environmental contaminants that become deposited on the exposed surface. This coating can be used to provide a thermally protected article having a metal substrate and optionally a bond coat layer adjacent to and overlaying the metal substrate.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating for an underlying metal substrate of articles that operate at, or are exposed to, high temperatures, as well as being exposed to environmental contaminant compositions. This coating comprises an inner layer nearest to the underlying metal substrate comprising a ceramic thermal barrier coating material, as well as an outer layer having an exposed surface and comprising a CMAS-reactive material in an amount up to 100% and sufficient to protect the thermal barrier coating at least partially against CMAS that becomes deposited on the exposed surface, the CMAS-reactive material comprising an alkaline earth aluminate or alkaline earth aluminosilicate where the alkaline earth is selected from barium, strontium and mixtures thereof, and optionally a ceramic thermal barrier coating material. This coating can be used to provide a thermally protected article having a metal substrate and optionally a bond coat layer adjacent to and overlaying the metal substrate.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating for an underlying metal substrate of articles that operate at, or are exposed to, high temperatures, as well as being exposed to environmental contaminant compositions. This coating includes a porous outer layer having an exposed surface and comprising a non-alumina ceramic thermal barrier coating material, as well as alumina infiltrated within the porous outer layer in an amount sufficient to protect the coating at least partially against environmental contaminants that become deposited on the exposed surface. This coating can be used to provide a thermally protected article having a metal substrate and optionally a bond coat layer adjacent to and overlaying the metal substrate. The thermal barrier coating can be infiltrated with the alumina by treating the porous outer layer with a liquid composition comprising an alumina precursor and then converting the infiltrated alumina precursor to alumina.

Abstract: A coated article having a high resistance to wear damage has a substrate, and a layered coating overlying the substrate. The layered coating includes a ductile metallic layer overlying and in facing contact with the substrate, and a protective layer overlying and in facing contact with the ductile metallic layer and including a mixture of a quasicrystalline metallic phase and a non-quasicrystalline ductile phase. The coated article is preferably used in applications where it is subjected to wear conditions.

Abstract: A thin film hydrogen getter and EMI shielding are provided for protecting GaAs circuitry sealed in an hermetic package. The thin film getter comprises a multilayer metal film that is deposited by vacuum evaporation techniques onto a conductive metal, such as aluminum or copper, that serves as the EMI shielding. The conductive layer is first formed on an interior surface. The multilayer hydrogen getter film comprises (1) a titanium film and (2) a palladium film that is deposited on the titanium film. Both the titanium and the palladium are deposited during the same coating process run, thereby preventing the titanium from being oxidized. The palladium continues to prevent the titanium from being oxidized once the getter is exposed to the atmosphere. However, hydrogen is easily able to diffuse through the palladium into the titanium where it is chemically bound up, since palladium is highly permeable to hydrogen.

Abstract: A composite article and a method for making it are described. A clad structure composed of Zr and Ti is produced by cladding zirconium to a titanium surface. The surface can be either commercially pure titanium or a titanium alloy, such as Ti-6Al-4V, and may be manufactured by powder metallurgy techniques into barstock material or a shaped perform, which may be subsequently forged, extruded, or rolled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ball limiting metallurgy stack for an electrical device that contains a tin diffusion barrier and thermo-mechanical buffer layer disposed upon a refractory metal first layer. The multi-diffusion barrier layer stack resists tin migration toward the upper metallization of the device.

Abstract: A method 10 and a laminated tool 31 which is created by the method 10 and which is formed by the selective coupling or attachment of sectional members, such as members 14, 16. The formed tool 31 includes a finished surface 36 which is formed by the selective deposition of material 30 onto surface 22.

Abstract: Titanium architectural panels (20) are provided which have recrystallized surface portions on at least the outer surface (22) thereof to give a decorative appearance to the panels (20). Surface recrystallization is obtained by subjecting the panels (20) to multiple oven heating steps (H1, H2) with intermediate cooling steps (C1, C2), wherein during each heating step (H1, H2) maximum temperature ranges (TH1, TH2) are established and maintained for predetermined periods. The intermediate cooling steps (C1, C2) involve injection of an inert cooling gas (e.g., argon) into the oven to rapidly lower the temperature to minimum temperature ranges (TL1, TL2). Preferably, the individual panels (20) are framed using molybdenum frame assembly (42), and are then suspended on a graphite and molybdenum hanger assembly (72).

Abstract: A group of alloys suitable for use in a high-temperature, oxidative environment, a protective coating system comprising a diffusion barrier that comprises an alloy selected from the group, an article comprising the diffusion barrier layer, and a method for protecting an article from a high-temperature oxidative environment comprising disposing the diffusion barrier layer onto a substrate are presented.