A New and Versatile Coating Method of Particles at Room Temperature

We have discovered a new coating method, which is based on the vibrational motion of microparticles in the electrostatic field between parallel electrodes. The metallic elements of Mn, Mo, W, Os, Ir, Cr and Pb and the nonmetallic elements of B, C, Si and Ge were successfully coated on to Fe, Cu, Al and brass substrates. The coated thicknesses were from 1 mu g/cm(2) to 30 mg/cm(2) and the thickness is easily controllable. Threshold voltages of 3 and 5 kV for metallic and nonmetallic materials, respectively, exist. The particle sizes examined were larger than 0.1 mu m(phi). This method requires a minimum one hour to complete. The uniformity in thickness is fairly good, compared to that obtained using a vacuum-evaporation method. It is a dry method used at room temperature, and is very simple to use. Furthermore, the coated materials show strong adhesion and the used remnants are recyclable.