Anodic Spark Deposition as a Means of Producing Diamond and Diamondlike Carbon Films on Conductive Substrata
G. P. Wirtz,* Z. Chen
Motorola Inc.; University of Illinois Manufacturing Research Center

While not altogether new, anodic spark deposition (ASD) is a most promising and versatile process for the application of a wide range of novel ceramic coatings that has yet to be exploited. It is a comparatively rapid, subconventional temperature process that occurs at the positive electrode of an electrolytic cell via a complex set of reactions that involves sparking. The aim of this research is to determine the feasibility of the application of diamond and/or diamondlike carbon films by ASD. Such films have also been put down in connection with this program by chemical vapor deposition techniques.

Corrosion Control Impact
W. M. Kriven,* P. Sarin
American Water Works Association Research Foundation

This project involves characterization of corrosion growths in water pipes. Sample sections of pipes are removed from working drinking water systems in various cities. Water treatments are run through the systems for a period of time ranging from six months to two years, and then another sample section is removed from the system. These sections are shipped to the University of Illinois, where qualitative characterization of before-treatment and after-treatment pipes is done to determine the effectiveness of the water treatments used. Characterization techniques used include light microscopy, SEM, EDS, and XRD.

Fabrication and Galvanic Protection of Carbon-Zirconia Composites
G. P. Wirtz,* H. D. DeFord, Y. Huang
U.S. Office of Naval Research, N00014-88-K-0519

Gas tight layers of stabilized zirconia are being deposited on carbon from vapors of the chlorides by means of the local electrochemical cell set up by the electrolytic properties of the growing ceramic coating. The electrolytical properties of the coating are being evaluated as a means of protecting the carbon from oxidation at elevated temperatures in an oxidizing atmosphere. Polarization processes at the carbon electrode are being evaluated by potentiometric measurements, and the volume of oxidation reaction products is being monitored by means of a Bunsen tower.