Abstract: A titanium-based component having a high heat capacity surface. The high heat capacity surface prevents or inhibits titanium fires. The component is titanium-based, forming the substrate, and includes a high heat capacity surface overlying the titanium substrate. A diffusion barrier is intermediate the titanium-based substrate and the high heat capacity surface. The diffusion barrier is non-reactive with both the titanium-based substrate and the high heat capacity surface. The system eliminates the formation of detrimental phases due to diffusion between the applied high heat capacity surface and the titanium substrate. The high heat capacity material has a coefficient of thermal expansion compatible with the coefficient of thermal expansion of the titanium-based substrate.

Abstract: A heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) device is configured to write regions of neutral polarity on a magnetic media during a same pass of the recording head in which other regions are written of positive polarity and negative polarity. The various disclosed write techniques may facilitate creation of “zero state” (substantially net zero polarity) transition zones between each pair of data bits of opposite polarity and/or may facilitate the encoding of three different logical states (e.g., 1, 0, and ?1) on the media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a component of a composite material comprising a metal matrix and incorporated intermetallic phases, which method comprises providing powders of at least one member of the group which comprises pure chemical elements, alloys, chemical compounds and material composites, the powder corresponding overall to the chemical composition which the composite material to be produced is intended to have, each individual powder being different to the chemical composition of the composite material to be produced, compacting the powders, bonding the powders to one another to form a unit and thermoplastically shaping the unit.

Abstract: Multilayer material comprising a zirconium-based substrate covered with a multilayer coating, the multilayer coating comprising metallic layers composed of identical or different substances chosen from chromium, a chromium alloy or a ternary alloy of the Nb—Cr—Ti system. Such a material has improved resistance to oxidation in accident conditions of a nuclear reactor. The invention also relates to a multilayer coating, a part composed wholly or partly of the multilayer material or of the multilayer coating, as well as the method for manufacturing the multilayer material such as for example a magnetron cathodic sputtering process.

Abstract: A compound superconducting wire 10 includes a reinforcement portion 12 and a compound superconductor 11. In the reinforcement portion 12, an assembly of plural reinforcement elements 4 are disposed. The reinforcement elements 4 each include plural reinforcement filaments 1 disposed in a stabilizer 2, and a stabilizing layer 3 at the outer periphery thereof. The reinforcement filaments 1 each mainly contain one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Nb, Ta, V, W, Mo, Fe, and Hf, an alloy consisting of two or more metals selected from the aforementioned group, or an alloy consisting of copper and one or more metals selected from the aforementioned group.

Abstract: A cold spray barrier coated component of a semiconductor plasma processing chamber comprises a substrate having at least one metal surface wherein a portion of the metal surface is configured to form an electrical contact. A cold spray barrier coating is formed from a thermally and electrically conductive material on at least the metal surface configured to form the electrical contact of the substrate. Further, the cold spray barrier coating may also be located on a plasma exposed and/or process gas exposed surface of the component.

Abstract: A composite protective layer for a photoelectrode, the composite protective layer including a chemical protective layer; and a physical protective layer, wherein the chemical protective layer has corrosion rate of 0.1 Coulombs per square centimeter per 10 hours or less when evaluated at a water decomposition potential, and the physical protective layer has a moisture transmittance rate of 0.001 grams per square meter per day or less and has an electrical conductivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a coated jewelry article or a coated component of a jewelry article, comprising a jewelry article or a component of a jewelry article, a first metallic coating, and a second metallic coating.

Abstract: A heat-resistant molybdenum alloy of this invention comprises a first phase containing Mo as a main component and a second phase comprising a Mo—Si—B-based intermetallic compound particle phase, wherein the balance is an inevitable impurity and wherein the Si content is 0.05 mass % or more and 0.80 mass % or less and the B content is 0.04 mass % or more and 0.60 mass % or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to jewelry articles comprising a substrate and a metallic, external coating.

Abstract: A conductive composite wire includes at least one external jacket made of copper, a first tube including a first metallic material (M1) contacting and located inside the copper jacket; a second tube including a second metallic material (M2) contacting and located inside the first tube; and a fiber including a third metallic material (M3) contacting and located inside the second tube. The copper and the first metallic material are immiscible with each other, the first and second metallic materials are immiscible with each other, and the second and third metallic materials are immiscible with each other. A copper-based coaxial microstructure includes a copper sheath containing an array of nanotubes and nanofibers according to a process for manufacturing the microstructure.

Abstract: Provided is a copper foil for a printed wiring board, the copper foil being suitable for achieving finer pitch, favorable in terms of manufacturing cost, and excellent both in etching ability and adhesion to an insulating substrate. The copper foil for a printed wiring board comprises a copper foil base material and a covering layer for covering at least a portion of a surface of the copper foil base material, wherein the covering layer is formed by an nickel-vanadium alloy layer containing nickel and vanadium, and a chromium layer, laminated in this order from the surface of the copper foil base material; the chromium layer contains chromium in an amount of 15-210 ?g/dm2; the nickel-vanadium alloy layer contains nickel and vanadium in a combined covering amount of 20-600 ?g/dm2; and the nickel-vanadium alloy layer contains vanadium in an amount of 3-70 wt %.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method, using pure niobium as a transient liquid reactive braze material, for fabrication of cellular or honeycomb structures, wire space-frames or other sparse builtup structures or discrete articles using Nitinol (near-equiatomic titanium-nickel alloy) and related shape-memory and superelastic alloys. Nitinol shape memory alloys (SMAs), acquired in a form such as corrugated sheet, discrete tubes or wires, may be joined together using the newly discovered joining technique. Pure niobium when brought into contact with nitinol at elevated temperature, liquefies at temperatures below the melting point and flows readily into capillary spaces between the elements to be joined, thus forming a strong joint.

Abstract: A plated article has an alloy thin film formed on a substrate and having a catalytically active metal (A) for electroless plating and a metal (B) capable of undergoing displacement plating with a metal ion contained in an electroless plating solution, and a metal thin film formed on the alloy thin film by electroless displacement and reduction plating. The alloy thin film of the catalytically active metal (A) and the metal (B) capable of displacement plating has a composition comprising 5 at % to 40 at % of the metal (A). The metal thin film formed by electroless displacement and reduction plating is a metal thin film having a thickness no greater than 10 nm and a resistivity no greater than 10 ??·cm. Preferably, the metal (B) has a barrier function with respect to a metal of the metal thin film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device or implant made at least in part of a high-strength, low-modulus metal alloy comprising niobium, tantalum, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of zirconium, tungsten, and molybdenum. The medical devices according to the present invention provide superior characteristics with regard to biocompatibility, radio-opacity and MRI compatibility.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite coated zinc-containing plated steel material different from the plated steel materials treated by conventional chromate replacement technologies and superior in all of corrosion resistance, blackening resistance, coating adhesion, and alkali resistance. The composite coated zinc-containing plated steel material of the present invention is characterized by having a composite coating formed by coating and drying on the surface of a plated steel material a treatment solution containing a basic zirconium compound, vanadyl (VO2+)-containing compound, phosphoric acid compound, cobalt compound, organic acid, and water and having a pH 7 to 14, the composite coating containing, with respect to the Zr element as 100 parts by mass, V in an amount of 10 to 45 parts by mass, P in 5 to 100 parts by mass, Co in 0.1 to 20 parts by mass, and an organic acid in 10 to 90 parts by mass.

Abstract: A method of preparing a superconducting thin film of niobium silicide using atomic layer deposition (ALD) where the superconducting critical temperature of the film is controllable by modulating the thickness of the thin film. The film is formed by exposing a substrate within an ALD reactor to alternating exposures of a niobium halide (NbQx) and a reducing precursor, for example, disilane (Si2H6) or silane (SiH4). A number of ALD cycles are performed to obtain the film thickness and establish the desired superconducting critical temperature between 0.4 K and 3.1 K.

Abstract: Coatings suitable for use as protective oxide-forming coatings on Nb-based substrates exposed to high temperatures and oxidative environments. The coatings contain chromium and/or molybdenum, preferably contains silicon, and optionally contains niobium, titanium, hafnium, iron, rhenium, tantalum, and/or tungsten, which in combination form multiple intermetallic phases, which in combination form one or more intermetallic phases that promote the formation of a slow-growing oxide scale. Depending on the particular coating composition, the intermetallic phases may be: a silicon-modified Cr2Nb Laves phase and optionally a chromium solid solution phase, a CrNbSi intermetallic phase, and/or an M3Si intermetallic phase where M is niobium, titanium, and/or chromium; or M5Si3, MSi2 and/or M3Si2 where M is molybdenum, niobium, titanium, chromium, hafnium, iron, rhenium, tantalum, and/or tungsten.

Abstract: Metal, ceramic and cermet articles produced from low viscosity suspensions. The articles include micro diameter hollow fibers, meshes and open cell foams. The articles are useful for filters, catalyst media, fuel cell electrodes, body implantation devices, structural materials, vibration and noise control, heat exchangers, heat sinks, heat pipes, heat shields and other applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a niobium suboxide powder for the manufacture of capacitors with higher break down voltages, higher temperatures of operation and elongated lifetimes. The powder is doped with nitrogen which is at least partly present in the form homogeneously distributed, x-ray detectable Nb2N-crystal domains. The niobium suboxide powder contains niobium suboxide particles having a bulk nitrogen content of between 500 to 20,000 ppm.

Abstract: A composite dielectric material including an early transition metal or metal oxide base material and a dopant, co-deposited, alloying or layering secondary material, selected from among Nb, Ge, Ta, La, Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd, Dy, Sr, Ba, Ca, and Mg, and oxides of such metals, and alumina as a dopant or alloying secondary material. Such composite dielectric material can be formed by vapor deposition processes, e.g., ALD, using suitable precursors, to form microelectronic devices such as ferroelectric high k capacitors, gate structures, DRAMs, and the like.

Abstract: Nb—Si based alloy articles comprising a Nb—Si based alloy upon which is disposed an environmentally-resistant coating are described. They include a coating comprising at least one phase selected from the group consisting of M(Al,Si)3, M5(Al,Si)3, and M3Si5Al2, wherein M is one or more of Nb, Ti, Hf, Cr. Such coating can improve the environmental (e.g., in oxidation-promoting environments) resistance of a Nb—Si based alloy and alloy articles. Methods for preparing these articles are described as well.

Abstract: Porous anode bodies suitable for use in solid state capacitors, the porous anode bodies prepared by processes which include providing a niobium suboxide powder comprising niobium suboxide particles having a bulk nitrogen content of 500 to 20,000 ppm, and agglomerating and coalescing the powder; and capacitors incorporating such anode bodies.

Abstract: A joining method between Fe-based steel and Ti/Ti-based alloys having a joint strength higher than those of base metals by using interlayers. The production of intermetallic compounds at a joint portion between Fe-based steel and Ti/Ti-based alloys can be prevented using interlayers, and strong interface diffusion bonding can be formed at interfaces between interlayers, thereby producing a high-strength joint. Accordingly, the present disclosure can be used to develop high-strength, high-functional advanced composite materials.

Abstract: A precursor for fabricating a Nb3Sn superconducting wire by an internal Sn process includes one or a plurality of stabilizing copper portions collectively disposed in the center, each stabilizing copper portion being provided with a diffusion barrier layer in the periphery thereof, and a superconducting matrix portion disposed so as to surround the one or the plurality of stabilizing copper portions, the superconducting matrix portion including a Nb or Nb-based alloy core and a Sn or Sn-based alloy core embedded in a Cu or Cu-based alloy matrix.

Abstract: A coating suitable for use as protective oxide-forming coatings on Nb-based substrates, and particularly monolithic niobium-based alloys, exposed to high temperatures and oxidative environments. The coating contains aluminum, may further contain silicon, and optionally contains niobium, titanium, hafnium, and/or chromium, which in combination form one or more intermetallic phases that promote the formation of a slow-growing oxide scale. The intermetallic phases may be M(Al,Si)3, M5(Al,Si)3, and/or M3Si5Al2 where M is niobium, titanium, hafnium, and/or chromium.

Abstract: Coatings suitable for use as protective oxide-forming coatings on Nb-based substrates exposed to high temperatures and oxidative environments. The coatings contain chromium and/or molybdenum, preferably contains silicon, and optionally contains niobium, titanium, hafnium, iron, rhenium, tantalum, and/or tungsten, which in combination form multiple intermetallic phases, which in combination form one or more intermetallic phases that promote the formation of a slow-growing oxide scale. Depending on the particular coating composition, the intermetallic phases may be: a silicon-modified Cr2Nb Laves phase and optionally a chromium solid solution phase, a CrNbSi intermetallic phase, and/or an M3Si intermetallic phase where M is niobium, titanium, and/or chromium; or M5Si3, MSi2 and/or M3Si2 where M is molybdenum, niobium, titanium, chromium, hafnium, iron, rhenium, tantalum, and/or tungsten.

Abstract: A superconducting circuit including a superconducting joint that joints a niobium titanium superconducting wire having a structure where a filament made of niobium titanium alloy is arranged in a matrix made of copper or copper alloy and other superconducting wire, in which a volume ratio or a surface density of an ?-Ti precipitation in the niobium titanium alloy of the filament in the superconducting joint is smaller than the volume ratio or the surface density of the ?-Ti precipitation in the niobium titanium alloy of the filament in the niobium titanium superconducting wire in a portion other than the superconducting joint.

Abstract: A hard bias (HB) structure for producing longitudinal bias to stabilize a free layer in an adjacent spin valve is disclosed and includes a composite seed layer made of at least Ta and a metal layer having a fcc(111) or hcp(001) texture to enhance perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in an overlying (Co/Ni)X laminated layer. The (Co/Ni)X HB layer deposition involves low power and high Ar pressure to avoid damaging Co/Ni interfaces and thereby preserves PMA. A capping layer is formed on the HB layer to protect against etchants in subsequent process steps. After initialization, magnetization direction in the HB layer is perpendicular to the sidewalls of the spin valve and generates an Mrt value that is greater than from an equivalent thickness of CoPt. A non-magnetic metal separation layer may be formed on the capping layer and spin valve to provide an electrical connection between top and bottom shields.

Abstract: An electrical lap guide having a first layer, the first layer including a material having a first resistivity, the first layer having first and second contact regions for electrically connecting the electrical lap guide to electrical leads; a second layer, the second layer including a material having a second resistivity, wherein the electrical lapping guide has a lapping axis and a layered axis, the layered axis being perpendicular to the lapping axis, the electrical lapping guide has an air bearing plane, the air bearing plane being perpendicular to the lapping axis, the second layer is disposed adjacent to a portion of the first layer in the direction of the layered axis, and the first layer extends farther in the lapping axis than does the second layer.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a surface-treated steel sheet which contains no Cr, which is excellent in wet resin adhesion, and which can be used as an alternative to a conventional tin-free steel sheet and to provide a resin-coated steel sheet produced by coating the surface-treated steel sheet with resin. A surface-treated steel sheet including an adhesive layer which is disposed on at least one surface of the steel sheet and which contains Ti and at least one selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe, Ni, V, Cu, Mn, and Zn, the ratio of the total amount of Co, Fe, Ni, V, Cu, Mn, and Zn to the amount of Ti contained therein being 0.01 to ten on a mass basis, and a method for producing the surface-treated steel sheet.

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: A precursor for manufacturing a Nb3Sn superconducting wire according to the present invention includes a mono-element wire including a Sn or Sn-based alloy core disposed at the, a Cu or Cu-based alloy matrix and a plurality of Nb or Nb-based alloy filaments surrounding the Sn or Sn-based alloy core, and a diffusion barrier layer and a stabilizing copper layer surrounding the Cu or Cu-based alloy matrix. In a final shape after a reduction process, the average diameter of the Nb or Nb-based alloy filaments is set to 5 ?m to 30 ?m, and the average distance between the Sn or Sn-based alloy core and the Nb or Nb-based alloy filaments nearest the Sn or Sn-based alloy core is set to 100 ?m or less.

Abstract: Fabrication techniques for and examples of metallic composite materials with high toughness, high strength, and lightweight for various structural, armor, and structural-armor applications. For example, various advanced materials based on metallic-intermetallic laminate (MIL) composite materials are described, including materials with passive damping features and built-in sensors.

Abstract: A coating suitable for use as protective oxide-forming coatings on Nb-based substrates, and particularly monolithic niobium-based alloys, exposed to high temperatures and oxidative environments. The coating contains aluminum, may further contain silicon, and optionally contains niobium, titanium, hafnium, and/or chromium, which in combination form one or more intermetallic phases that promote the formation of a slow-growing oxide scale. The intermetallic phases may be M(Al,Si)3, M5(Al,Si)3, and/or M3Si5Al2 where M is niobium, titanium, hafnium, and/or chromium.

Abstract: An object comprising a conductive body part, a layer comprising a refractory metal (e.g. tantalum), and a layer comprising a precious metal (e.g. platinum or gold). A metallurgical bond has been formed between the layers. Thereby oxidation of the refractory metal layer, and thereby passivation of the object, can be avoided even with small amounts of precious metal. This lowers the material costs while ensuring desired corrosion resistant properties. The object is suitable for an electrode to be used in a corrosive environment, in particular when a large conductivity is needed. Also a method of manufacturing the object. The metallurgical bond is provided by heating the object.

Abstract: An alloy for use in vapor deposition or atomic layer deposition is described herein that includes ruthenium and at least one element from group IV, V or VI of the Periodic Chart of the Elements or a combination thereof. In addition, a layered material is described herein that comprises at least one layer that includes a ruthenium-based material or ruthenium-based alloy and at least one layer that includes at least one element from group IV, V or VI of the Periodic Chart of the Elements or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of making tantalum structures, including, creating a tantalum layer disposed on a first layer region of a first layer and on a second layer region of a second layer. The tantalum layer has a substantially bcc-phase tantalum region on the first layer region, and a non-bcc-phase tantalum region on the second layer region.

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: A method of electroplating metal onto a low conductivity layer combines a potential or current reversal waveform with variation in the amplitude and duration of the applied potential or current pulse. The method includes, over time, varying the duration of the pulse and continuously decreasing the amplitude of both the cathodic and anodic portions of the waveform across the surface of the low conductivity layer as the deposition zone moves from the center of the surface of the low conductivity layer to the outside edge. By virtue of the ability to vary the amplitude and duration of the pulse, the method facilitates the filling of structures in the center of the low conductivity layer without overdepositing on the outside edge, thus ensuring a controlled deposition of material across the surface of the low conductivity layer.

Abstract: A corrosive resistant metal material covered with a conductive substance suitable for use in a component material requiring conductivity and corrosion resistance like electrical conductive material, electrical contact, electromagnetic wave shield, electrochemical electrode or antistatic material, specifically for component material requiring conductivity in sever condition of corrosive environment is provided. A corrosive resistant metal material covered with a conductive substance is formed by cladding a corrosive resistant metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, tantalum, niobium and alloy thereof on a conductive metal selected from the group consisting of iron, aluminum, copper, titanium, magnesium, zirconium, tantalum, niobium, tungsten, nickel, chrome and alloy thereof, and covering a conductive surface finishing layer over surface of a corrosive resistant metal layer with a mixture of conductive substance and resinous binder.

Abstract: A rhenium lined niobium alloy tube for use as a clad tube for nuclear fuel in a nuclear reactor. The tube is produced by an electro deposit process. A graphite mandrel is placed in the electro deposit chamber as the cathode material. Refined rhenium stock is used as the anode material. The chamber is filled with the chloride electrolyte. The chamber is closed and the electrolyte bath is heated. Current and voltage applied across the anode and cathode cause the rhenium to be deposited on the mandrel. Refined niobium alloy is then used as the anode material and applied over the rhenium on the mandrel to a desired thickness. The part is removed from the chamber and ground to the desired outside diameter. The graphite mandrel is removed from the tube.

Abstract: A rhenium lined niobium alloy tube for use as a clad tube for nuclear fuel in a nuclear reactor. The tube is produced by an electro deposit process. A graphite mandrel is placed in the electro deposit chamber as the cathode material. Refined rhenium stock is used as the anode material. The chamber is filled with the chloride electrolyte. The chamber is closed and the electrolyte bath is heated. Current and voltage applied across the anode and cathode cause the rhenium to be deposited on the mandrel. Refined niobium alloy is then used as the anode material and applied over the rhenium on the mandrel to a desired thickness. The part is removed from the chamber and ground to the desired outside diameter. The graphite mandrel is removed from the tube.

Abstract: An improved catalyst system that includes a metal support structure and an anti-corrosive layer on the metal support structure, and has improved resistance to corrosion and other degradation under corrosive environments. Typically, a catalyst supporting layer is applied over the anti-corrosive layer.

Abstract: A hydrogen-permeable membrane includes a permeable layer which has a function of making hydrogen permeate therethrough, and a catalyst layer which acts as a catalyst for promoting permeation of the hydrogen in the permeable layer. An area of the catalyst layer which contacts gas is larger than an area of the permeable layer.

Abstract: A multilayered hydrogen absorbing body is provided which is formed by laminating at least two types of hydrogen absorbing materials. The degrees of strains cause due to absorption/desorption of hydrogen are different between the hydrogen absorbing materials adjacent to each other.

Abstract: Reactive foils and their uses are provided as localized heat sources useful, for example, in ignition, joining and propulsion. An improved reactive foil is preferably a freestanding multilayered foil structure made up of alternating layers selected from materials that will react with one another in an exothermic and self-propagating reaction. Upon reacting, this foil supplies highly localized heat energy that may be applied, for example, to joining layers, or directly to bulk materials that are to be joined. This foil heat-source allows rapid bonding to occur at room temperature in virtually any environment (e.g., air, vacuum, water, etc.). If a joining material is used, the foil reaction will supply enough heat to melt or soften the joining material, which upon cooling will form a strong bond, joining two or more bulk materials.

Abstract: A precision machine part is made of a plurality of pieces with a transient liquid phase diffusion bonding alloy provided between the pieces to bond them together. The precision machine part has one or more conveyance passages formed in it, has a longitudinal axis and is configured to permit passage of liquid or gas through the conveyance passage from a pipe line or cylinder. The pieces of the precision machine part are adhered to each other by transient liquid phase bonding with a ribbon of an amorphous bonding alloy. The bonding alloy can contain 1 to 10 atomic % V or can contain 1 to 15 atomic % of B or P or a mixture of B and P and 1 to 10 atomic % V, the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities, and can exhibit an amount of contraction in a bonding stress loading direction caused by plastic deformation in the bonding process of not more than 5%. The bonding alloy may be an amorphous Ni-based alloy.

Abstract: A performance of a perpendicular magnetic recording medium, such as an increase in output or a decrease in noise, is improved by providing a good orientation of a magnetic recording layer in the perpendicular magnetic recording medium and by reducing an amount of an initial growth layer in the magnetic recording layer. The perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes an under layer, a magnetic recording layer, a protective film, and a liquid lubrication layer, which are sequentially provided on a non-magnetic substrate. The under layer contains non-magnetic NiFeCr or a permalloy-based soft magnetic material.

Abstract: To provide a plating method, which enables wide industrial use of the redox system electroless plating method having excellent characteristics, and a plating bath precursor which is preferable for the plating method. The plating method comprises a process oxidizing first metal ions of a redox system of a plating bath from a lower oxidation state to a high oxidation state, and second metal ions of said redox system are reduced and deposited onto the surface of an object to be plated, wherein a process is provided in which by supplying the electrical current to the plating bath, the first metal ions are reduced from said lower oxidation state to thereby activate the plating bath. The plating bath precursor is formed stabilizing the plating bath so that reduction and deposition of the second metal ions substantially do not occur in order to improve its storing performance.