The invention relates to a microarray structure that may include a substrate material layer, a continuous three-dimensional (3D) surface layer on the substrate material layer that is capable of functionalisation for use as an array, and an inert material. The structure may include accurately defined and functionalisable isolated areas which are millimeter to nanometer in size. The functionalisable areas may be part of the continuous 3D surface layer and may be isolated by the inert material but interconnected within the structure by the continuous 3D surface layer.

A method is provided for subtractively processing a layer of etchable material formed over an electrically conductive surface region of a workpiece. The workpiece is immersed in a liquid solution, generally but not exclusively a conductive solution, that comprises an etchant for the etchable material, so that etching of the etchable material is initiated. An electric circuit is connected to include a control electrode, a reference electrode, and the electrically conductive surface region of the workpiece. The electric circuit is used to monitor the development process dynamically at each of a plurality of intervals during the etching. The etching is terminated when the electrochemical signal satisfies a criterion indicating that the etching is complete.

A nickel-cobalt material and component includes a thermally stabilized nickel-cobalt alloy. The nickel-cobalt alloy disclosed herein includes nanocrystalline grain structures, pinning, such as Zener pinning, and intragranular twinning. The nickel-cobalt alloy disclosed herein exhibits multiple properties including an improved fracture toughness, an increased thermal stability, and an improved ultimate tensile strength.

The present invention relates to a method for forming a multidimensional structure, comprising: providing an electrode and a substrate in a fluid, wherein the fluid comprises an electrolyte and a precursor agent dispersed therein; applying an electric potential difference between the substrate and the electrode to reduce or oxidise the precursor agent, thereby depositing a solid material; measuring current between the substrate and the electrode; and moving the electrode within the fluid to form a multidimensional structure of the solid material. Also provided is a device for forming a multidimensional structure.

The present invention relates to a method for forming a multidimensional structure, comprising: providing an electrode and a substrate in a fluid, wherein the fluid comprises an electrolyte and a precursor agent dispersed therein; applying an electric potential difference between the substrate and the electrode to reduce or oxidise the precursor agent, thereby depositing a solid material; measuring current between the substrate and the electrode; and moving the electrode within the fluid to form a multidimensional structure of the solid material. Also provided is a device for forming a multidimensional structure.

Articles prepared by additive manufacturing of preforms that are coated by electrodeposition of nanolaminate materials, and methods of their production are described.

Articles prepared by additive manufacturing of preforms that are coated by electrodeposition of nanolaminate materials, and methods of their production are described.

Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a container containing a metal and/or ferromagnetic solid and abrasive particles in a static magnetic field; where the container is surrounded by an induction coil; activating the induction coil with an electrical current, to heat up the metallic or ferromagnetic solid to form a fluid; generating sonic energy to produce acoustic cavitation and abrasion between the abrasive particles and the container; and producing nanoparticles that comprise elements from the container, the metal and/or the ferromagnetic solid and the abrasive particles. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising first metal or a first ceramic; and particles comprising carbides and/or nitrides dispersed therein. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising chromium carbide, iron carbide, nickel carbide, γ-Fe and magnesium nitride.

Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a container containing a metal and/or ferromagnetic solid and abrasive particles in a static magnetic field; where the container is surrounded by an induction coil; activating the induction coil with an electrical current, to heat up the metallic or ferromagnetic solid to form a fluid; generating sonic energy to produce acoustic cavitation and abrasion between the abrasive particles and the container; and producing nanoparticles that comprise elements from the container, the metal and/or the ferromagnetic solid and the abrasive particles. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising first metal or a first ceramic; and particles comprising carbides and/or nitrides dispersed therein. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising chromium carbide, iron carbide, nickel carbide, γ-Fe and magnesium nitride.

Provided is a method of performing pre-paint treatment of an automobile body including a high-tensile steel sheet, in which desirable corrosion resistance can be obtained after painting. A method of performing pre-paint treatment of an automobile body, the method including performing an alkaline degreasing step, a first water-washing step, a chemical conversion treatment step, a second water-washing step, and a cationic electrodeposition painting step, in this order, wherein the chemical conversion treatment step is performed using an chemical conversion treatment agent including zirconium (A), free fluorine ions (B), an allylamine-diallylamine copolymer (C), aluminum ions (D), nitrate ions (E) each at a predetermined concentration; the allylamine-diallylamine copolymer (C) forms an acid addition salt having an anionic counter ion, and the pKa of an acid thereof falls within the range of −3.7 to 4.8; and the content percentage of diallylamine is 80 mol % or more and 98 mol % or less.