Compositions and processes for deposition of metal ions onto surfaces of conductive substrates

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions and processes for preparing metallic ions for deposition on and / or into conductive substrates, such as metals, to substantially eliminate friction from metal to metal contact. It is used in the aqueous embodiment to form new metal surfaces on all metal substrates. The processes form stable aqueous solutions of metal and metalloid ions that can be adsorbed or absorbed on and / or into conductive substrates. The aqueous solutions consist of ammonium alkali metal phosphate salts, and / or ammonium alkali metal sulfate salts mixed with a water soluble metal or metalloid salt from Group I through Group VIII of the periodic table of elements. The aqueous solutions allow for a nano deposition of the metal ions on and / or into the surfaces of conductive substrates. The surfaces created by the deposited metal ions will provide metal passivation and substantially eliminate friction in metal-to-metal contact without the use of hydrocarbon based lubricants.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 933,242, filed Jun. 5, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to compositions and processes for coating metals and, more particularly, to aqueous compositions of metals for coating metal surfaces, and processes for making these aqueous compositions.[0004]2. Technical Background[0005]Many methods have been developed to form new conversion surfaces on commodity metals such as ferrous metals, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, zinc and titanium. These methods include electroplating, phosphating (conversion surfaces), chemical vapor deposition, ion sputtering, and other techniques. An early electroplating method for silver was developed in England in 1870. Later, methods of plating noble metals, i.e. copper and gold were developed. These me...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023]An advantage of the present invention is that the solution can be applied to any structure, regardless of configuration with none of the disadvantages and limitations of the current electroless, chemical vapor or electroplating technology in commercial use today.

[0024]Another advantage is a ground stable solution that can be shipped to any location.

[0025]Another advantage is a simplified process using an aqueous solution for forming a conversion coating on a metallic material.

[0026]Another advantage is the creation of an oxide free conversion surface to all metallic substrates.

Problems solved by technology

Cyanide, an extremely toxic material, is an environmental hazard and a danger to public health.

Numerous safety procedures have to be in place to use cyanide, and even then users may be subjected to fumes that are dangerously toxic.

As a result the deposits are not tenacious enough to maintain their integrity when the substrate is “cold worked” to yield point.

This has always been a significant problem in the electroplating industry.

This limits the ability to plate all the metals in the periodic table onto other metal substrates in the periodic table.

Conversion coating phosphating methods require large plating baths and are energy intensive and time consuming.

The deposition is generally by line of sight and the process is limited to the shape, size and configuration of the substrate metals.

This process is expensive, requiring special equipment and high energy usage.

The oxide layer that forms on carbon steel is deleterious to the metal and is called rust.

Further, the Hardin methods are limited to an acidic aqueous solution.

If the atoms in the opposing surface resonates with the frequency of the other surface, then friction arises.

This was counterintuitive to all current thought on friction.

This caused vibrations in the lattices and generated sound waves which converted to heat, causing friction.

High decibel levels are an ongoing workplace hazard and are detrimental to human health causing early hearing loss.

This requires complex logistics and skilled operators to make the final preparation at the plant bath site.

Images