Patent ID: 6551485
Filing Date: 2003-04-22
Classification: C25D

Abstract:
A method for forming a 3-dimensional microstructure on a surface comprisingproviding an electrically conducting substrate having a surface carrying a base for said structure, said base projecting above said surface to form a microasperity; providing a counterelectrode; interposing an electrolyte between and in contact with said substrate and said counterelectrode; and passing an electric current between said substrate and said counterelectrode and maintaining said substrate predominantly cathodic with respect to said counterelectrode; whereinin a first step, a diffusion layer is maintained at a thickness to produce a microprofile regime until said microasperity has been built up to a height to constitute a macroasperity; and in a second step, said diffusion layer is maintained at a thickness to produce a macroprofile regime to further increase the height of said macroasperity.