Methods for the implementation of nanocrystalline and amorphous metals and alloys as coatings

Abstract

Methods for the use of nanocrystalline or amorphous metals or alloys as coatings with industrial processes are provided. Three, specific, such methods have been detailed. One of the preferred embodiments provides a method for the high volume electrodeposition of many components with a nanocrystalline or amorphous metal or alloy, and the components produced thereby. Another preferred embodiment provides a method for application of a nanocrystalline or amorphous coatings in a continuous electrodeposition process and the product produced thereby. Another of the preferred embodiments of the present invention provides a method for reworking and/or rebuilding components and the components produced thereby.

1 . An article of manufacture comprising:
 a component having at least one surface; and   a nanocrystalline or amorphous material applied to the at least one surface whereby the nanocrystalline or amorphous material is applied through an electrodeposition process where an electric potential exists on the component through an electrical contact with at least one other component.   
   
   
       2 . The article of manufacture of  claim 1  where the electrodeposition process is tailored to produce a nanocrystalline material having a specific grain size. 
   
   
       3 . The article of manufacture of  claim 1  where the electrodeposition process is tailored to apply a nanocrystalline or amorphous material with varying compositions or grain sizes. 
   
   
       4 . The article of manufacture of  claim 1  where the electrodeposition process uses a vessel to hold the component and the at least one other component. 
   
   
       5 . The article of manufacture of  claim 1  where the electrodeposition process involves an electrical potential having periods of both positive polarity and negative polarity. 
   
   
       6 . The article of manufacture of  claim 1  where the electrodeposition process involves an electrical potential that is pulsed more than once. 
   
   
       7 . The article of manufacture of  claim 1  where the electrical contact with the at least one other component is changing as a result of agitation of the component and the at least one other component. 
   
   
       8 . An article of manufacture comprising a nanocrystalline or amorphous material applied to a component whereby the nanocrystalline or amorphous material is applied through an electrodeposition process with a beginning portion of the component entering an electrodeposition bath before an adjoining portion of the component entering the electrodeposition bath and the beginning portion of the component also exiting the electrodeposition bath before the adjoining portion of the component exiting the electrodeposition bath. 
   
   
       9 . The article of manufacture of  claim 8  where the electrodeposition process is tailored to produce a nanocrystalline material having a specific grain size. 
   
   
       10 . The article of manufacture of  claim 8  where the electrodeposition process is tailored to apply a nanocrystalline or amorphous material with varying compositions or grain sizes. 
   
   
       11 . The article of manufacture of  claim 8  where the electrodeposition process involves an electrical potential having periods of both positive polarity and negative polarity. 
   
   
       12 . The article of manufacture of  claim 8  where the electrodeposition process involves an electrical potential that is pulsed more than once. 
   
   
       13 . The article of manufacture of  claim 8  where an electric potential exists on the component. 
   
   
       14 . An article of manufacture comprising:
 a component having at least one surface; and   a nanocrystalline or amorphous material applied to the at least one surface for a purpose of repairing damage to the at least one surface or bringing a geometry of the at least one surface to within a desired dimensional size.   
   
   
       15 . The article of manufacture of  claim 14  where an electrodeposition process is used to apply the nanocrystalline or amorphous material to the at least one surface. 
   
   
       16 . The article of manufacture of  claim 15  where the electrodeposition process is tailored to produce a nanocrystalline material having a specific grain size. 
   
   
       17 . The article of manufacture of  claim 15  where the electrodeposition process is tailored to apply the nanocrystalline or amorphous material with varying compositions or grain sizes. 
   
   
       18 . The article of manufacture of  claim 15  where the electrodeposition process has an electrical potential having periods of both positive polarity and negative polarity. 
   
   
       19 . The article of manufacture of  claim 15  where an electrical potential is pulsed more than once. 
   
   
       20 . The article of manufacture of  claim 14  where the component surface receives subsequent processing to bring the geometry of the component to within the desired dimensional size.