Patent ID: 7070833
Filing Date: 2006-07-04
Classification: B32B,C09D,C23C

Abstract:
1. A method of passivating a surface of a substrate to protect the surface against corrosion or the undesirable effects on a vacuum atmosphere, comprising the steps of: a) placing the substrate in an environment for treatment; b) dehydrating a surface of the substrate; c) evacuating the environment; d) introducing a silicon hydride gas into the treatment environment to contact the substrate; e) heating the silicon hydride gas prior to, during or after the introduction of silicon hydride gas into the treatment environment; f) pressurizing the silicon hydride gas in the treatment environment; g) depositing a layer of silicon on a surface of the substrate; h) controlling one or more of the duration of the silicon depositing step, the pressure of the silicon hydride gas, and the presence of contaminants on the substrate surface to prevent the formation of silicon dust; i) cooling the substrate to a lower temperature and maintaining the substrate at a lower temperature for a period of time; j) purging the treatment environment with an inert gas to remove the silicon hydride gas; k) cycling the substrate through steps c) through j) for at least one cycle; l) evacuating the treatment environment; and, m) cooling the substrate to room temperature.