Patent
US 11,332,830FUNCTIONALIZED GRAPHENE-MEDIATED METALLIZATION OF POLYMER ARTICLE
Yi-jun Lin
US
Copyright © 2026 Matter42. All rights reserved.
Patent
Atlas literature
Patent
US 11,332,830Patent drawings and their descriptions. Click a drawing to enlarge it.
FIG. 1 A flow chart showing the most commonly used process for producing oxidized graphene sheets that entails chemical oxidation/intercalation, rinsing, and …
FIG. 2 Schematic of a graphene-mediated metallized polymer component.
Claims define the patent's legal scope. Independent claims stand alone; dependent claims (nested) narrow them. Click a claim to expand its dependents.
A surface-metalized polymer article comprising a polymer component having a surface, a first layer of multiple functionalized graphene sheets having a first chemical functional group, multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes having a second chemical group functional group, or a combination of both that are coated on said polymer component surface, and further comprising a second layer of a plated metal deposited on said first layer, wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets contain single-layer or few-layer graphene sheets and said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes contain single-walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said polymer component surface with or without an adhesive resin and said first layer has a thickness from 0.34 nm to 30 pm; Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group is selected from alkyl or aryl silane, alkyl or aralkyl group, hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, amine group, sulfonate group (--S O 3 H), aldehydic group, quinoidal, fluorocarbon, and combinations thereof Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group contains an azide compound selected from the group consisting of 2-azidoethanol, 3-azidopropan- 1 -amine, 4-(2- azidoethoxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid, 2-azidoethyl-2-bromo-2-methylpropanoate, chlorocarbonate, azidocarbonate, dichlorocarbene, carbene, aryne, nitrene, (R-)-oxycarbonyl nitrenes, where R = any one of the following groups, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group contains an oxygenated group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, peroxide, ether, keto, and aldehyde. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group is selected from the group consisting of S O 3 H, CO O H, NH 2, OH, R'CHOH, CHO, CN, CO CI, halide, COSH, SH, COOR', SR', SiR' 3, Si(--OR'--) y R'3-y, Si(--O--SiR' 2 --)OR', R", Li, A l R' 2, Hg--X, T l Z 2 and Mg--X; wherein y is an integer equal to or less than 3, R' is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, or aralkyl, cycloaryl, or poly(alkylether), R" is fluoroalkyl, fluoroaryl, fluorocycloalkyl, fluoroaralkyl or cycloaryl, X is halide, and Z is carboxylate or trifluoroacetate, and combinations thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group is selected from the group consisting of amidoamines, polyamides, aliphatic amines, modified aliphatic amines, cycloaliphatic amines, aromatic amines, anhydrides, ketimines, diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylene-tetramine (TETA), tetraethylene-pentamine (TEPA), polyethylene polyamine, polyamine epoxy adduct, phenolic hardener, nonbrominated curing agent, non-amine curatives, and combinations thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group is selected from O Y, NHY, O = C-- O Y, P = C--NR'Y, O = C--SY, O = C--Y, --CR' 1 --OY, N' Y or C'Y, and Y is a functional group of a protein, a peptide, an amino acid, an enzyme, an antibody, a nucleotide, an oligonucleotide, an antigen, or an enzyme substrate, enzyme inhibitor or the transition state analog of an enzyme substrate or is selected from R'--OH, R'--NR' 2, R'SH, R'CHO, R'CN, R'X, R'N+(R')3X-, R'SiR'3, R'Si(--OR'--)yR'3y, R'Si(--O--SiR'2--)OR', R'--R", R'--N--CO, (C 2 H 4 0 --) W H, (--C 3 H 6 O --) W H, (--C 2 H 4 0)W -- R', (C 3 H 6 O)W --R', R', and 1 < w < 200. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said second layer has a thickness from 0.5 nm to 1.0 mm. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said surface- metalized polymer component is selected from a faucet, a shower head, a tubing, a pipe, a connector, an adaptor, a kitchen sink or bathroom sink, a bathtub cover, a spout, a sink cover, a bathroom accessory, or a kitchen accessory. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first layer contains an adhesive resin that chemically bonds said functionalized graphene sheets or said functionalized carbon nanotubes to said polymer component surface. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said polymer component contains a plastic, a rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polymer matrix composite, a rubber matrix composite, or a combination thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said polymer component contains a thermoplastic, a thermoset resin, an interpenetrating network, a rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, a natural polymer, or a combination thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said polymer component contains a plastic selected from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), polycarbonate, polyamide or nylon, polystyrene, high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyacrylate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacetal, polyester, polyether, polyether sulfone, poly ether ether ketone, poly sulfone, polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyimide, polyamide imide, polyurethane, polyurea, or a combination thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said plated metal is selected from copper, nickel, aluminum, chromium, tin, zinc, titanium, silver, gold, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said functionalized graphene sheets or said functionalized carbon nanotubes are further decorated with nanoscaled particles or coating, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, of a catalytic metal selected from cobalt, nickel, copper, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, gold, palladium, platinum, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof, and wherein said catalytic metal is different than said plated metal in chemical composition. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein the polymer component surface, prior to being deposited with said first layer, contains only small open in gs or pores h aving a dia m eter or a de pth of 0.1 pm. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said polymer component surface with an adhesive resin having an adhesive-to-graphene or -nanotube weight ratio from 1/5000 to 1/10. Withdrawn
A method of producing a surface-metalized polymer article comprising a polymer component having a surface, a first layer of multiple functionalized graphene sheets having a first chemical functional group, multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes having a second chemical group functional group, or a combination of both that are coated on said polymer component surface, and further comprising a second layer of a plated metal deposited on said first layer, wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets contain single-layer or few-layer graphene sheets and said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes contain single-walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said polymer component surface with or without an adhesive resin and said first layer has a thickness from 0.34 nm to 30 p m, said method comprising: a) chemically, physically, or mechanically treating a surface of a polymer component to prepare a surface-treated polymer component; b) providing a graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion comprising multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes dispersed in a liquid medium, bringing said surface-treated polymer component into contact with said graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion, and facilitating deposition of said multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes onto a surface of said surface- treated polymer component wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes are bonded to said surface to form a layer of bonded multiple functionalized graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes; c) chemically, physically, electrochemically or electrolytically depositing a layer of a metal onto said layer of bonded multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes to form said surface-metalized polymer article; and d) wherein said multiple functionalize graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are further decorated with nanoscaled particles or coating of a catalytic metal, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, selected from cobalt, nickel, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, palladium, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. Currently amended
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (a) includes a step of subjecting the polymer component s ur face to a grinding treatment, an e tc hing t reatme nt, or a combination thereof. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (a) includes a step of subjec t ing the polymer component surface to an etching tre atme nt using an e tc hant selected from an acid. an o x idiz e r, a metal sa lt, or a combination thereof. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (a) includes a step of subjecting the polymer component surface to an etching treatment without using chromic acid or ci romos ul phuric acid. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (c) includes a step of dipping said polymer component containing said layer of bonded multiple functionalized graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes into and retreating from a chemical plating bath containing a metal salt dissolved in a liquid medium to effect metallization of said polymer component. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (a) includes a step of s ulbjecti ng the polyrme r compon en t surface to an etching treatment using an e tc hant se le cted fro m an acid. an oxidizer. a metal sa lt, or a combination t hereof unde r a mild etching condi t ion wherein etch ing i s conduc t ed a t a sufficien tly low t erm perature for a suf f icie n tly short period of ti me so as not to create micro-c ave rns having an average size greater than 0.1 pm. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said multiple functionalize graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are further decorated with nanoscaled particles or coating of a catalytic metal, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, selected from cobalt, nickel, copper, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, gold, palladium, platinum, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (c) contains immersing said polymer component in a metallizing bath. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said graphene dispersion further contains an adhesive resin having an adhesive-to-graphene weight ratio from 1/5000 to 1/10. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (b) includes immersing or dipping said surface-treated polymer component in said graphene dispersion or carbon nanotube dispersion and removing said surface-treated polymer component from said graphene dispersion or carbon nanotube dispersion to effect deposition of said graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes onto a surface of said surface-treated polymer component wherein said graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes are bonded to said surface to form a layer of bonded graphene sheets or bonded carbon nanotubes. Original
A graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion for use in metallization of a polymer surface through the method of claim 18, said graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion comprising multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes dispersed in a liquid medium wherein said multiple graphene sheets contain single-layer or few-layer graphene sheets or said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes contain single- walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and wherein said graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion further contains one or multiple species selected from (i) an adhesive resin dissolved or dispersed in said liquid medium, wherein an adhesive-to-graphene or adhesive- to-carbon nanotube weight ratio is from 1/5000 to 1/10; (ii) an et chant selected fro m an acid, an oxidizer, a metal salt, or a co nmb ina ti on th e reof; (iii) nanoscaled particles or coating of a catalytic metal, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, selected from cobalt, nickel, copper, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, gold, palladium, platinum, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof; or (iv) a combination thereof. Withdrawn
A method of producing a surface-metalized polymer article comprising a polymer component having a surface, a first layer of multiple functionalized graphene sheets having a first chemical functional group, multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes having a second chemical group functional group, or a combination of both that are coated on said polymer component surface, and further comprising a second layer of a plated metal deposited on said first layer, wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets contain single-layer or few-layer graphene sheets and said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes contain single-walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said polymer component surface with or without an adhesive resin and said first layer has a thickness from 0.34 nm to 30 p m, said method comprising: a) providing a graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion comprising multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes dispersed in a liquid medium, bringing a surface of a polymer component into contact with said graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion and facilitating deposition of said multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes onto said surface of said polymer component wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said surface to form a layer of bonded graphene sheets and/or nanotubes; b) chemically, physically, electrochemically or electrolytically depositing a layer of a metal onto said layer of bonded graphene sheets and/or carbon nanotubes to form said surface- metalized polymer article; and c) wherein said multiple functionalize graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are further decorated with nanoscaled particles or coating of a catalytic metal, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, selected from cobalt, nickel, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, palladium, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. Currently amended
The method of claim 19, wherein said step (b) includes a step of dipping said polymer component containing said layer of bonded multiple functionalized graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes into and retreating from a chemical plating bath containing a metal salt dissolved in a liquid medium to effect metallization of said polymer component Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said liquid medium contains permanganic acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, or a combination thereof that is dissolved in said liquid medium. Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said liquid medium contains an acid, an oxidizer, a me tal salt, or a combina t ion thereof that is dissolved in said li qu id m edi um. Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said step (b) contains immersing said polymer component in a metallizing bath. Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said graphene dispersion further contains an adhesive resin having an adhesive-to-graphene weight ratio from 1/5000 to 1/10. Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said step (a) includes immersing or dipping said polymer component in said graphene dispersion or carbon nanotube dispersion and removing said polymer component from said graphene dispersion or carbon nanotube dispersion to effect deposition of said graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes onto a surface of said polymer component wherein said graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes are bonded to said surface to form a layer of bonded graphene sheets or bonded carbon nanotubes. Original
.. Canceled
Layer stacks claimed or described, ordered top of device to substrate.
surface-metalized polymer article
Materials described outside the worked examples.
functionalized graphene sheets
functionalized carbon nanotubes
Additional fabrication and treatment steps described in the patent.
Measurements and analyses referenced in the patent, with their drawing references.
durability, and scratch resistance of the deposited metal layer. Alternatively, one may choose to use physical vapor deposition, sputtering, plasma deposition, etc. to accomplish the final metallization procedure. Thus, the disclosed method produces a surface-m
Performance values and ranges asserted in the specification or claims.
| Property | Value | Material |
|---|---|---|
Thickness | 1–100 nm | — |
Thickness |
Patent
Atlas literature
Patent
US 11,332,830Patent drawings and their descriptions. Click a drawing to enlarge it.
FIG. 1 A flow chart showing the most commonly used process for producing oxidized graphene sheets that entails chemical oxidation/intercalation, rinsing, and …
FIG. 2 Schematic of a graphene-mediated metallized polymer component.
Claims define the patent's legal scope. Independent claims stand alone; dependent claims (nested) narrow them. Click a claim to expand its dependents.
A surface-metalized polymer article comprising a polymer component having a surface, a first layer of multiple functionalized graphene sheets having a first chemical functional group, multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes having a second chemical group functional group, or a combination of both that are coated on said polymer component surface, and further comprising a second layer of a plated metal deposited on said first layer, wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets contain single-layer or few-layer graphene sheets and said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes contain single-walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said polymer component surface with or without an adhesive resin and said first layer has a thickness from 0.34 nm to 30 pm; Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group is selected from alkyl or aryl silane, alkyl or aralkyl group, hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, amine group, sulfonate group (--S O 3 H), aldehydic group, quinoidal, fluorocarbon, and combinations thereof Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group contains an azide compound selected from the group consisting of 2-azidoethanol, 3-azidopropan- 1 -amine, 4-(2- azidoethoxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid, 2-azidoethyl-2-bromo-2-methylpropanoate, chlorocarbonate, azidocarbonate, dichlorocarbene, carbene, aryne, nitrene, (R-)-oxycarbonyl nitrenes, where R = any one of the following groups, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group contains an oxygenated group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, peroxide, ether, keto, and aldehyde. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group is selected from the group consisting of S O 3 H, CO O H, NH 2, OH, R'CHOH, CHO, CN, CO CI, halide, COSH, SH, COOR', SR', SiR' 3, Si(--OR'--) y R'3-y, Si(--O--SiR' 2 --)OR', R", Li, A l R' 2, Hg--X, T l Z 2 and Mg--X; wherein y is an integer equal to or less than 3, R' is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, or aralkyl, cycloaryl, or poly(alkylether), R" is fluoroalkyl, fluoroaryl, fluorocycloalkyl, fluoroaralkyl or cycloaryl, X is halide, and Z is carboxylate or trifluoroacetate, and combinations thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group is selected from the group consisting of amidoamines, polyamides, aliphatic amines, modified aliphatic amines, cycloaliphatic amines, aromatic amines, anhydrides, ketimines, diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylene-tetramine (TETA), tetraethylene-pentamine (TEPA), polyethylene polyamine, polyamine epoxy adduct, phenolic hardener, nonbrominated curing agent, non-amine curatives, and combinations thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group is selected from O Y, NHY, O = C-- O Y, P = C--NR'Y, O = C--SY, O = C--Y, --CR' 1 --OY, N' Y or C'Y, and Y is a functional group of a protein, a peptide, an amino acid, an enzyme, an antibody, a nucleotide, an oligonucleotide, an antigen, or an enzyme substrate, enzyme inhibitor or the transition state analog of an enzyme substrate or is selected from R'--OH, R'--NR' 2, R'SH, R'CHO, R'CN, R'X, R'N+(R')3X-, R'SiR'3, R'Si(--OR'--)yR'3y, R'Si(--O--SiR'2--)OR', R'--R", R'--N--CO, (C 2 H 4 0 --) W H, (--C 3 H 6 O --) W H, (--C 2 H 4 0)W -- R', (C 3 H 6 O)W --R', R', and 1 < w < 200. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said second layer has a thickness from 0.5 nm to 1.0 mm. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said surface- metalized polymer component is selected from a faucet, a shower head, a tubing, a pipe, a connector, an adaptor, a kitchen sink or bathroom sink, a bathtub cover, a spout, a sink cover, a bathroom accessory, or a kitchen accessory. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first layer contains an adhesive resin that chemically bonds said functionalized graphene sheets or said functionalized carbon nanotubes to said polymer component surface. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said polymer component contains a plastic, a rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polymer matrix composite, a rubber matrix composite, or a combination thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said polymer component contains a thermoplastic, a thermoset resin, an interpenetrating network, a rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, a natural polymer, or a combination thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said polymer component contains a plastic selected from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), polycarbonate, polyamide or nylon, polystyrene, high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyacrylate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacetal, polyester, polyether, polyether sulfone, poly ether ether ketone, poly sulfone, polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyimide, polyamide imide, polyurethane, polyurea, or a combination thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said plated metal is selected from copper, nickel, aluminum, chromium, tin, zinc, titanium, silver, gold, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said functionalized graphene sheets or said functionalized carbon nanotubes are further decorated with nanoscaled particles or coating, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, of a catalytic metal selected from cobalt, nickel, copper, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, gold, palladium, platinum, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof, and wherein said catalytic metal is different than said plated metal in chemical composition. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein the polymer component surface, prior to being deposited with said first layer, contains only small open in gs or pores h aving a dia m eter or a de pth of 0.1 pm. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said polymer component surface with an adhesive resin having an adhesive-to-graphene or -nanotube weight ratio from 1/5000 to 1/10. Withdrawn
A method of producing a surface-metalized polymer article comprising a polymer component having a surface, a first layer of multiple functionalized graphene sheets having a first chemical functional group, multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes having a second chemical group functional group, or a combination of both that are coated on said polymer component surface, and further comprising a second layer of a plated metal deposited on said first layer, wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets contain single-layer or few-layer graphene sheets and said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes contain single-walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said polymer component surface with or without an adhesive resin and said first layer has a thickness from 0.34 nm to 30 p m, said method comprising: a) chemically, physically, or mechanically treating a surface of a polymer component to prepare a surface-treated polymer component; b) providing a graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion comprising multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes dispersed in a liquid medium, bringing said surface-treated polymer component into contact with said graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion, and facilitating deposition of said multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes onto a surface of said surface- treated polymer component wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes are bonded to said surface to form a layer of bonded multiple functionalized graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes; c) chemically, physically, electrochemically or electrolytically depositing a layer of a metal onto said layer of bonded multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes to form said surface-metalized polymer article; and d) wherein said multiple functionalize graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are further decorated with nanoscaled particles or coating of a catalytic metal, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, selected from cobalt, nickel, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, palladium, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. Currently amended
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (a) includes a step of subjecting the polymer component s ur face to a grinding treatment, an e tc hing t reatme nt, or a combination thereof. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (a) includes a step of subjec t ing the polymer component surface to an etching tre atme nt using an e tc hant selected from an acid. an o x idiz e r, a metal sa lt, or a combination thereof. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (a) includes a step of subjecting the polymer component surface to an etching treatment without using chromic acid or ci romos ul phuric acid. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (c) includes a step of dipping said polymer component containing said layer of bonded multiple functionalized graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes into and retreating from a chemical plating bath containing a metal salt dissolved in a liquid medium to effect metallization of said polymer component. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (a) includes a step of s ulbjecti ng the polyrme r compon en t surface to an etching treatment using an e tc hant se le cted fro m an acid. an oxidizer. a metal sa lt, or a combination t hereof unde r a mild etching condi t ion wherein etch ing i s conduc t ed a t a sufficien tly low t erm perature for a suf f icie n tly short period of ti me so as not to create micro-c ave rns having an average size greater than 0.1 pm. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said multiple functionalize graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are further decorated with nanoscaled particles or coating of a catalytic metal, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, selected from cobalt, nickel, copper, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, gold, palladium, platinum, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (c) contains immersing said polymer component in a metallizing bath. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said graphene dispersion further contains an adhesive resin having an adhesive-to-graphene weight ratio from 1/5000 to 1/10. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (b) includes immersing or dipping said surface-treated polymer component in said graphene dispersion or carbon nanotube dispersion and removing said surface-treated polymer component from said graphene dispersion or carbon nanotube dispersion to effect deposition of said graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes onto a surface of said surface-treated polymer component wherein said graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes are bonded to said surface to form a layer of bonded graphene sheets or bonded carbon nanotubes. Original
A graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion for use in metallization of a polymer surface through the method of claim 18, said graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion comprising multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes dispersed in a liquid medium wherein said multiple graphene sheets contain single-layer or few-layer graphene sheets or said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes contain single- walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and wherein said graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion further contains one or multiple species selected from (i) an adhesive resin dissolved or dispersed in said liquid medium, wherein an adhesive-to-graphene or adhesive- to-carbon nanotube weight ratio is from 1/5000 to 1/10; (ii) an et chant selected fro m an acid, an oxidizer, a metal salt, or a co nmb ina ti on th e reof; (iii) nanoscaled particles or coating of a catalytic metal, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, selected from cobalt, nickel, copper, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, gold, palladium, platinum, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof; or (iv) a combination thereof. Withdrawn
A method of producing a surface-metalized polymer article comprising a polymer component having a surface, a first layer of multiple functionalized graphene sheets having a first chemical functional group, multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes having a second chemical group functional group, or a combination of both that are coated on said polymer component surface, and further comprising a second layer of a plated metal deposited on said first layer, wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets contain single-layer or few-layer graphene sheets and said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes contain single-walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said polymer component surface with or without an adhesive resin and said first layer has a thickness from 0.34 nm to 30 p m, said method comprising: a) providing a graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion comprising multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes dispersed in a liquid medium, bringing a surface of a polymer component into contact with said graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion and facilitating deposition of said multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes onto said surface of said polymer component wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said surface to form a layer of bonded graphene sheets and/or nanotubes; b) chemically, physically, electrochemically or electrolytically depositing a layer of a metal onto said layer of bonded graphene sheets and/or carbon nanotubes to form said surface- metalized polymer article; and c) wherein said multiple functionalize graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are further decorated with nanoscaled particles or coating of a catalytic metal, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, selected from cobalt, nickel, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, palladium, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. Currently amended
The method of claim 19, wherein said step (b) includes a step of dipping said polymer component containing said layer of bonded multiple functionalized graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes into and retreating from a chemical plating bath containing a metal salt dissolved in a liquid medium to effect metallization of said polymer component Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said liquid medium contains permanganic acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, or a combination thereof that is dissolved in said liquid medium. Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said liquid medium contains an acid, an oxidizer, a me tal salt, or a combina t ion thereof that is dissolved in said li qu id m edi um. Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said step (b) contains immersing said polymer component in a metallizing bath. Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said graphene dispersion further contains an adhesive resin having an adhesive-to-graphene weight ratio from 1/5000 to 1/10. Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said step (a) includes immersing or dipping said polymer component in said graphene dispersion or carbon nanotube dispersion and removing said polymer component from said graphene dispersion or carbon nanotube dispersion to effect deposition of said graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes onto a surface of said polymer component wherein said graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes are bonded to said surface to form a layer of bonded graphene sheets or bonded carbon nanotubes. Original
.. Canceled
Layer stacks claimed or described, ordered top of device to substrate.
surface-metalized polymer article
Materials described outside the worked examples.
functionalized graphene sheets
functionalized carbon nanotubes
Additional fabrication and treatment steps described in the patent.
Measurements and analyses referenced in the patent, with their drawing references.
durability, and scratch resistance of the deposited metal layer. Alternatively, one may choose to use physical vapor deposition, sputtering, plasma deposition, etc. to accomplish the final metallization procedure. Thus, the disclosed method produces a surface-m
Performance values and ranges asserted in the specification or claims.
| Property | Value | Material |
|---|---|---|
Thickness | 1–100 nm | — |
Thickness |
Patent
Atlas literature
Patent
US 11,332,830Patent drawings and their descriptions. Click a drawing to enlarge it.
FIG. 1 A flow chart showing the most commonly used process for producing oxidized graphene sheets that entails chemical oxidation/intercalation, rinsing, and …
FIG. 2 Schematic of a graphene-mediated metallized polymer component.
Claims define the patent's legal scope. Independent claims stand alone; dependent claims (nested) narrow them. Click a claim to expand its dependents.
A surface-metalized polymer article comprising a polymer component having a surface, a first layer of multiple functionalized graphene sheets having a first chemical functional group, multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes having a second chemical group functional group, or a combination of both that are coated on said polymer component surface, and further comprising a second layer of a plated metal deposited on said first layer, wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets contain single-layer or few-layer graphene sheets and said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes contain single-walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said polymer component surface with or without an adhesive resin and said first layer has a thickness from 0.34 nm to 30 pm; Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group is selected from alkyl or aryl silane, alkyl or aralkyl group, hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, amine group, sulfonate group (--S O 3 H), aldehydic group, quinoidal, fluorocarbon, and combinations thereof Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group contains an azide compound selected from the group consisting of 2-azidoethanol, 3-azidopropan- 1 -amine, 4-(2- azidoethoxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid, 2-azidoethyl-2-bromo-2-methylpropanoate, chlorocarbonate, azidocarbonate, dichlorocarbene, carbene, aryne, nitrene, (R-)-oxycarbonyl nitrenes, where R = any one of the following groups, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group contains an oxygenated group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, peroxide, ether, keto, and aldehyde. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group is selected from the group consisting of S O 3 H, CO O H, NH 2, OH, R'CHOH, CHO, CN, CO CI, halide, COSH, SH, COOR', SR', SiR' 3, Si(--OR'--) y R'3-y, Si(--O--SiR' 2 --)OR', R", Li, A l R' 2, Hg--X, T l Z 2 and Mg--X; wherein y is an integer equal to or less than 3, R' is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, or aralkyl, cycloaryl, or poly(alkylether), R" is fluoroalkyl, fluoroaryl, fluorocycloalkyl, fluoroaralkyl or cycloaryl, X is halide, and Z is carboxylate or trifluoroacetate, and combinations thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group is selected from the group consisting of amidoamines, polyamides, aliphatic amines, modified aliphatic amines, cycloaliphatic amines, aromatic amines, anhydrides, ketimines, diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylene-tetramine (TETA), tetraethylene-pentamine (TEPA), polyethylene polyamine, polyamine epoxy adduct, phenolic hardener, nonbrominated curing agent, non-amine curatives, and combinations thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group is selected from O Y, NHY, O = C-- O Y, P = C--NR'Y, O = C--SY, O = C--Y, --CR' 1 --OY, N' Y or C'Y, and Y is a functional group of a protein, a peptide, an amino acid, an enzyme, an antibody, a nucleotide, an oligonucleotide, an antigen, or an enzyme substrate, enzyme inhibitor or the transition state analog of an enzyme substrate or is selected from R'--OH, R'--NR' 2, R'SH, R'CHO, R'CN, R'X, R'N+(R')3X-, R'SiR'3, R'Si(--OR'--)yR'3y, R'Si(--O--SiR'2--)OR', R'--R", R'--N--CO, (C 2 H 4 0 --) W H, (--C 3 H 6 O --) W H, (--C 2 H 4 0)W -- R', (C 3 H 6 O)W --R', R', and 1 < w < 200. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said second layer has a thickness from 0.5 nm to 1.0 mm. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said surface- metalized polymer component is selected from a faucet, a shower head, a tubing, a pipe, a connector, an adaptor, a kitchen sink or bathroom sink, a bathtub cover, a spout, a sink cover, a bathroom accessory, or a kitchen accessory. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first layer contains an adhesive resin that chemically bonds said functionalized graphene sheets or said functionalized carbon nanotubes to said polymer component surface. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said polymer component contains a plastic, a rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polymer matrix composite, a rubber matrix composite, or a combination thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said polymer component contains a thermoplastic, a thermoset resin, an interpenetrating network, a rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, a natural polymer, or a combination thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said polymer component contains a plastic selected from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), polycarbonate, polyamide or nylon, polystyrene, high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyacrylate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacetal, polyester, polyether, polyether sulfone, poly ether ether ketone, poly sulfone, polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyimide, polyamide imide, polyurethane, polyurea, or a combination thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said plated metal is selected from copper, nickel, aluminum, chromium, tin, zinc, titanium, silver, gold, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said functionalized graphene sheets or said functionalized carbon nanotubes are further decorated with nanoscaled particles or coating, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, of a catalytic metal selected from cobalt, nickel, copper, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, gold, palladium, platinum, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof, and wherein said catalytic metal is different than said plated metal in chemical composition. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein the polymer component surface, prior to being deposited with said first layer, contains only small open in gs or pores h aving a dia m eter or a de pth of 0.1 pm. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said polymer component surface with an adhesive resin having an adhesive-to-graphene or -nanotube weight ratio from 1/5000 to 1/10. Withdrawn
A method of producing a surface-metalized polymer article comprising a polymer component having a surface, a first layer of multiple functionalized graphene sheets having a first chemical functional group, multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes having a second chemical group functional group, or a combination of both that are coated on said polymer component surface, and further comprising a second layer of a plated metal deposited on said first layer, wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets contain single-layer or few-layer graphene sheets and said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes contain single-walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said polymer component surface with or without an adhesive resin and said first layer has a thickness from 0.34 nm to 30 p m, said method comprising: a) chemically, physically, or mechanically treating a surface of a polymer component to prepare a surface-treated polymer component; b) providing a graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion comprising multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes dispersed in a liquid medium, bringing said surface-treated polymer component into contact with said graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion, and facilitating deposition of said multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes onto a surface of said surface- treated polymer component wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes are bonded to said surface to form a layer of bonded multiple functionalized graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes; c) chemically, physically, electrochemically or electrolytically depositing a layer of a metal onto said layer of bonded multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes to form said surface-metalized polymer article; and d) wherein said multiple functionalize graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are further decorated with nanoscaled particles or coating of a catalytic metal, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, selected from cobalt, nickel, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, palladium, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. Currently amended
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (a) includes a step of subjecting the polymer component s ur face to a grinding treatment, an e tc hing t reatme nt, or a combination thereof. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (a) includes a step of subjec t ing the polymer component surface to an etching tre atme nt using an e tc hant selected from an acid. an o x idiz e r, a metal sa lt, or a combination thereof. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (a) includes a step of subjecting the polymer component surface to an etching treatment without using chromic acid or ci romos ul phuric acid. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (c) includes a step of dipping said polymer component containing said layer of bonded multiple functionalized graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes into and retreating from a chemical plating bath containing a metal salt dissolved in a liquid medium to effect metallization of said polymer component. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (a) includes a step of s ulbjecti ng the polyrme r compon en t surface to an etching treatment using an e tc hant se le cted fro m an acid. an oxidizer. a metal sa lt, or a combination t hereof unde r a mild etching condi t ion wherein etch ing i s conduc t ed a t a sufficien tly low t erm perature for a suf f icie n tly short period of ti me so as not to create micro-c ave rns having an average size greater than 0.1 pm. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said multiple functionalize graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are further decorated with nanoscaled particles or coating of a catalytic metal, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, selected from cobalt, nickel, copper, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, gold, palladium, platinum, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (c) contains immersing said polymer component in a metallizing bath. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said graphene dispersion further contains an adhesive resin having an adhesive-to-graphene weight ratio from 1/5000 to 1/10. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (b) includes immersing or dipping said surface-treated polymer component in said graphene dispersion or carbon nanotube dispersion and removing said surface-treated polymer component from said graphene dispersion or carbon nanotube dispersion to effect deposition of said graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes onto a surface of said surface-treated polymer component wherein said graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes are bonded to said surface to form a layer of bonded graphene sheets or bonded carbon nanotubes. Original
A graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion for use in metallization of a polymer surface through the method of claim 18, said graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion comprising multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes dispersed in a liquid medium wherein said multiple graphene sheets contain single-layer or few-layer graphene sheets or said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes contain single- walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and wherein said graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion further contains one or multiple species selected from (i) an adhesive resin dissolved or dispersed in said liquid medium, wherein an adhesive-to-graphene or adhesive- to-carbon nanotube weight ratio is from 1/5000 to 1/10; (ii) an et chant selected fro m an acid, an oxidizer, a metal salt, or a co nmb ina ti on th e reof; (iii) nanoscaled particles or coating of a catalytic metal, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, selected from cobalt, nickel, copper, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, gold, palladium, platinum, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof; or (iv) a combination thereof. Withdrawn
A method of producing a surface-metalized polymer article comprising a polymer component having a surface, a first layer of multiple functionalized graphene sheets having a first chemical functional group, multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes having a second chemical group functional group, or a combination of both that are coated on said polymer component surface, and further comprising a second layer of a plated metal deposited on said first layer, wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets contain single-layer or few-layer graphene sheets and said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes contain single-walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said polymer component surface with or without an adhesive resin and said first layer has a thickness from 0.34 nm to 30 p m, said method comprising: a) providing a graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion comprising multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes dispersed in a liquid medium, bringing a surface of a polymer component into contact with said graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion and facilitating deposition of said multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes onto said surface of said polymer component wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said surface to form a layer of bonded graphene sheets and/or nanotubes; b) chemically, physically, electrochemically or electrolytically depositing a layer of a metal onto said layer of bonded graphene sheets and/or carbon nanotubes to form said surface- metalized polymer article; and c) wherein said multiple functionalize graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are further decorated with nanoscaled particles or coating of a catalytic metal, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, selected from cobalt, nickel, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, palladium, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. Currently amended
The method of claim 19, wherein said step (b) includes a step of dipping said polymer component containing said layer of bonded multiple functionalized graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes into and retreating from a chemical plating bath containing a metal salt dissolved in a liquid medium to effect metallization of said polymer component Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said liquid medium contains permanganic acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, or a combination thereof that is dissolved in said liquid medium. Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said liquid medium contains an acid, an oxidizer, a me tal salt, or a combina t ion thereof that is dissolved in said li qu id m edi um. Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said step (b) contains immersing said polymer component in a metallizing bath. Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said graphene dispersion further contains an adhesive resin having an adhesive-to-graphene weight ratio from 1/5000 to 1/10. Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said step (a) includes immersing or dipping said polymer component in said graphene dispersion or carbon nanotube dispersion and removing said polymer component from said graphene dispersion or carbon nanotube dispersion to effect deposition of said graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes onto a surface of said polymer component wherein said graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes are bonded to said surface to form a layer of bonded graphene sheets or bonded carbon nanotubes. Original
.. Canceled
Layer stacks claimed or described, ordered top of device to substrate.
surface-metalized polymer article
Materials described outside the worked examples.
functionalized graphene sheets
functionalized carbon nanotubes
Additional fabrication and treatment steps described in the patent.
Measurements and analyses referenced in the patent, with their drawing references.
durability, and scratch resistance of the deposited metal layer. Alternatively, one may choose to use physical vapor deposition, sputtering, plasma deposition, etc. to accomplish the final metallization procedure. Thus, the disclosed method produces a surface-m
Performance values and ranges asserted in the specification or claims.
| Property | Value | Material |
|---|---|---|
Thickness | 1–100 nm | — |
Thickness |
Patent
Atlas literature
Patent
US 11,332,830Patent drawings and their descriptions. Click a drawing to enlarge it.
FIG. 1 A flow chart showing the most commonly used process for producing oxidized graphene sheets that entails chemical oxidation/intercalation, rinsing, and …
FIG. 2 Schematic of a graphene-mediated metallized polymer component.
Claims define the patent's legal scope. Independent claims stand alone; dependent claims (nested) narrow them. Click a claim to expand its dependents.
A surface-metalized polymer article comprising a polymer component having a surface, a first layer of multiple functionalized graphene sheets having a first chemical functional group, multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes having a second chemical group functional group, or a combination of both that are coated on said polymer component surface, and further comprising a second layer of a plated metal deposited on said first layer, wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets contain single-layer or few-layer graphene sheets and said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes contain single-walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said polymer component surface with or without an adhesive resin and said first layer has a thickness from 0.34 nm to 30 pm; Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group is selected from alkyl or aryl silane, alkyl or aralkyl group, hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, amine group, sulfonate group (--S O 3 H), aldehydic group, quinoidal, fluorocarbon, and combinations thereof Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group contains an azide compound selected from the group consisting of 2-azidoethanol, 3-azidopropan- 1 -amine, 4-(2- azidoethoxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid, 2-azidoethyl-2-bromo-2-methylpropanoate, chlorocarbonate, azidocarbonate, dichlorocarbene, carbene, aryne, nitrene, (R-)-oxycarbonyl nitrenes, where R = any one of the following groups, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group contains an oxygenated group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, peroxide, ether, keto, and aldehyde. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group is selected from the group consisting of S O 3 H, CO O H, NH 2, OH, R'CHOH, CHO, CN, CO CI, halide, COSH, SH, COOR', SR', SiR' 3, Si(--OR'--) y R'3-y, Si(--O--SiR' 2 --)OR', R", Li, A l R' 2, Hg--X, T l Z 2 and Mg--X; wherein y is an integer equal to or less than 3, R' is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, or aralkyl, cycloaryl, or poly(alkylether), R" is fluoroalkyl, fluoroaryl, fluorocycloalkyl, fluoroaralkyl or cycloaryl, X is halide, and Z is carboxylate or trifluoroacetate, and combinations thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group is selected from the group consisting of amidoamines, polyamides, aliphatic amines, modified aliphatic amines, cycloaliphatic amines, aromatic amines, anhydrides, ketimines, diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylene-tetramine (TETA), tetraethylene-pentamine (TEPA), polyethylene polyamine, polyamine epoxy adduct, phenolic hardener, nonbrominated curing agent, non-amine curatives, and combinations thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first chemical functional group or said second chemical functional group is selected from O Y, NHY, O = C-- O Y, P = C--NR'Y, O = C--SY, O = C--Y, --CR' 1 --OY, N' Y or C'Y, and Y is a functional group of a protein, a peptide, an amino acid, an enzyme, an antibody, a nucleotide, an oligonucleotide, an antigen, or an enzyme substrate, enzyme inhibitor or the transition state analog of an enzyme substrate or is selected from R'--OH, R'--NR' 2, R'SH, R'CHO, R'CN, R'X, R'N+(R')3X-, R'SiR'3, R'Si(--OR'--)yR'3y, R'Si(--O--SiR'2--)OR', R'--R", R'--N--CO, (C 2 H 4 0 --) W H, (--C 3 H 6 O --) W H, (--C 2 H 4 0)W -- R', (C 3 H 6 O)W --R', R', and 1 < w < 200. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said second layer has a thickness from 0.5 nm to 1.0 mm. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said surface- metalized polymer component is selected from a faucet, a shower head, a tubing, a pipe, a connector, an adaptor, a kitchen sink or bathroom sink, a bathtub cover, a spout, a sink cover, a bathroom accessory, or a kitchen accessory. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said first layer contains an adhesive resin that chemically bonds said functionalized graphene sheets or said functionalized carbon nanotubes to said polymer component surface. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said polymer component contains a plastic, a rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polymer matrix composite, a rubber matrix composite, or a combination thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said polymer component contains a thermoplastic, a thermoset resin, an interpenetrating network, a rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, a natural polymer, or a combination thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said polymer component contains a plastic selected from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), polycarbonate, polyamide or nylon, polystyrene, high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyacrylate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacetal, polyester, polyether, polyether sulfone, poly ether ether ketone, poly sulfone, polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyimide, polyamide imide, polyurethane, polyurea, or a combination thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said plated metal is selected from copper, nickel, aluminum, chromium, tin, zinc, titanium, silver, gold, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said functionalized graphene sheets or said functionalized carbon nanotubes are further decorated with nanoscaled particles or coating, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, of a catalytic metal selected from cobalt, nickel, copper, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, gold, palladium, platinum, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof, and wherein said catalytic metal is different than said plated metal in chemical composition. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein the polymer component surface, prior to being deposited with said first layer, contains only small open in gs or pores h aving a dia m eter or a de pth of 0.1 pm. Withdrawn
The surface-metalized polymer article of claim 1, wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said polymer component surface with an adhesive resin having an adhesive-to-graphene or -nanotube weight ratio from 1/5000 to 1/10. Withdrawn
A method of producing a surface-metalized polymer article comprising a polymer component having a surface, a first layer of multiple functionalized graphene sheets having a first chemical functional group, multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes having a second chemical group functional group, or a combination of both that are coated on said polymer component surface, and further comprising a second layer of a plated metal deposited on said first layer, wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets contain single-layer or few-layer graphene sheets and said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes contain single-walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said polymer component surface with or without an adhesive resin and said first layer has a thickness from 0.34 nm to 30 p m, said method comprising: a) chemically, physically, or mechanically treating a surface of a polymer component to prepare a surface-treated polymer component; b) providing a graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion comprising multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes dispersed in a liquid medium, bringing said surface-treated polymer component into contact with said graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion, and facilitating deposition of said multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes onto a surface of said surface- treated polymer component wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes are bonded to said surface to form a layer of bonded multiple functionalized graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes; c) chemically, physically, electrochemically or electrolytically depositing a layer of a metal onto said layer of bonded multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes to form said surface-metalized polymer article; and d) wherein said multiple functionalize graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are further decorated with nanoscaled particles or coating of a catalytic metal, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, selected from cobalt, nickel, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, palladium, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. Currently amended
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (a) includes a step of subjecting the polymer component s ur face to a grinding treatment, an e tc hing t reatme nt, or a combination thereof. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (a) includes a step of subjec t ing the polymer component surface to an etching tre atme nt using an e tc hant selected from an acid. an o x idiz e r, a metal sa lt, or a combination thereof. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (a) includes a step of subjecting the polymer component surface to an etching treatment without using chromic acid or ci romos ul phuric acid. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (c) includes a step of dipping said polymer component containing said layer of bonded multiple functionalized graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes into and retreating from a chemical plating bath containing a metal salt dissolved in a liquid medium to effect metallization of said polymer component. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (a) includes a step of s ulbjecti ng the polyrme r compon en t surface to an etching treatment using an e tc hant se le cted fro m an acid. an oxidizer. a metal sa lt, or a combination t hereof unde r a mild etching condi t ion wherein etch ing i s conduc t ed a t a sufficien tly low t erm perature for a suf f icie n tly short period of ti me so as not to create micro-c ave rns having an average size greater than 0.1 pm. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said multiple functionalize graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are further decorated with nanoscaled particles or coating of a catalytic metal, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, selected from cobalt, nickel, copper, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, gold, palladium, platinum, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (c) contains immersing said polymer component in a metallizing bath. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said graphene dispersion further contains an adhesive resin having an adhesive-to-graphene weight ratio from 1/5000 to 1/10. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein said step (b) includes immersing or dipping said surface-treated polymer component in said graphene dispersion or carbon nanotube dispersion and removing said surface-treated polymer component from said graphene dispersion or carbon nanotube dispersion to effect deposition of said graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes onto a surface of said surface-treated polymer component wherein said graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes are bonded to said surface to form a layer of bonded graphene sheets or bonded carbon nanotubes. Original
A graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion for use in metallization of a polymer surface through the method of claim 18, said graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion comprising multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes dispersed in a liquid medium wherein said multiple graphene sheets contain single-layer or few-layer graphene sheets or said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes contain single- walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and wherein said graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion further contains one or multiple species selected from (i) an adhesive resin dissolved or dispersed in said liquid medium, wherein an adhesive-to-graphene or adhesive- to-carbon nanotube weight ratio is from 1/5000 to 1/10; (ii) an et chant selected fro m an acid, an oxidizer, a metal salt, or a co nmb ina ti on th e reof; (iii) nanoscaled particles or coating of a catalytic metal, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, selected from cobalt, nickel, copper, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, gold, palladium, platinum, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof; or (iv) a combination thereof. Withdrawn
A method of producing a surface-metalized polymer article comprising a polymer component having a surface, a first layer of multiple functionalized graphene sheets having a first chemical functional group, multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes having a second chemical group functional group, or a combination of both that are coated on said polymer component surface, and further comprising a second layer of a plated metal deposited on said first layer, wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets contain single-layer or few-layer graphene sheets and said multiple functionalized carbon nanotubes contain single-walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said polymer component surface with or without an adhesive resin and said first layer has a thickness from 0.34 nm to 30 p m, said method comprising: a) providing a graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion comprising multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes dispersed in a liquid medium, bringing a surface of a polymer component into contact with said graphene or carbon nanotube dispersion and facilitating deposition of said multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes onto said surface of said polymer component wherein said multiple functionalized graphene sheets and/or functionalized carbon nanotubes are bonded to said surface to form a layer of bonded graphene sheets and/or nanotubes; b) chemically, physically, electrochemically or electrolytically depositing a layer of a metal onto said layer of bonded graphene sheets and/or carbon nanotubes to form said surface- metalized polymer article; and c) wherein said multiple functionalize graphene sheets or functionalized carbon nanotubes are further decorated with nanoscaled particles or coating of a catalytic metal, having a diameter or thickness from 0.5 nm to 100 nm, selected from cobalt, nickel, iron, manganese, tin, zinc, lead, bismuth, silver, palladium, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof. Currently amended
The method of claim 19, wherein said step (b) includes a step of dipping said polymer component containing said layer of bonded multiple functionalized graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes into and retreating from a chemical plating bath containing a metal salt dissolved in a liquid medium to effect metallization of said polymer component Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said liquid medium contains permanganic acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, or a combination thereof that is dissolved in said liquid medium. Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said liquid medium contains an acid, an oxidizer, a me tal salt, or a combina t ion thereof that is dissolved in said li qu id m edi um. Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said step (b) contains immersing said polymer component in a metallizing bath. Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said graphene dispersion further contains an adhesive resin having an adhesive-to-graphene weight ratio from 1/5000 to 1/10. Original
The method of claim 19, wherein said step (a) includes immersing or dipping said polymer component in said graphene dispersion or carbon nanotube dispersion and removing said polymer component from said graphene dispersion or carbon nanotube dispersion to effect deposition of said graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes onto a surface of said polymer component wherein said graphene sheets or carbon nanotubes are bonded to said surface to form a layer of bonded graphene sheets or bonded carbon nanotubes. Original
.. Canceled
Layer stacks claimed or described, ordered top of device to substrate.
surface-metalized polymer article
Materials described outside the worked examples.
functionalized graphene sheets
functionalized carbon nanotubes
Additional fabrication and treatment steps described in the patent.
Measurements and analyses referenced in the patent, with their drawing references.
durability, and scratch resistance of the deposited metal layer. Alternatively, one may choose to use physical vapor deposition, sputtering, plasma deposition, etc. to accomplish the final metallization procedure. Thus, the disclosed method produces a surface-m
Performance values and ranges asserted in the specification or claims.
| Property | Value | Material |
|---|---|---|
Thickness | 1–100 nm | — |
Thickness |
plated metal
adhesive resin
polymer component
catalytic metal nanoparticles
| — |
Temperature | 40–95 °C | — |
Duration | 15–300 s | — |
Duration | 30–900 s | — |
Temperature | 90–150 °C | — |
Duration | 2–30 minutes | — |
Duration | 3–1800 s | — |
Duration | 5–900 s | — |
Thickness | 0.5–100 nm | — |
Duration | 900–7200 s | — |
Temperature | 0.1–10 k | — |
Duration | 3–15 minutes | — |
Duration | 5–15 minutes | — |
Duration | 5–10 minutes | — |
Duration | 0.5–3 minutes | — |
Duration | 1–3 minutes | — |
Duration | 3–12 minutes | — |
Pressure | 1–30 pa | — |
Duration | 15–60 seconds | — |
Temperature | 30–40 °C | — |
Duration | 10–15 minutes | — |
Temperature | 800–1050 °C | — |
Temperature | 0–70 °C | — |
Duration | 30–90 seconds | — |
Thickness | ≤ 0.34 nm | — |
Temperature | ≤ 30 °C | — |
Temperature | ≥ 70 °C | — |
Duration | ≥ 1 minute | — |
Thickness | ≥ 0.6 nm | — |
Temperature | ≥ 31 °C | — |
Pressure | ≥ 7.4 MPa | — |
Temperature | ≥ 374 °C | — |
Pressure | ≥ 22.1 MPa | — |
plated metal
adhesive resin
polymer component
catalytic metal nanoparticles
| — |
Temperature | 40–95 °C | — |
Duration | 15–300 s | — |
Duration | 30–900 s | — |
Temperature | 90–150 °C | — |
Duration | 2–30 minutes | — |
Duration | 3–1800 s | — |
Duration | 5–900 s | — |
Thickness | 0.5–100 nm | — |
Duration | 900–7200 s | — |
Temperature | 0.1–10 k | — |
Duration | 3–15 minutes | — |
Duration | 5–15 minutes | — |
Duration | 5–10 minutes | — |
Duration | 0.5–3 minutes | — |
Duration | 1–3 minutes | — |
Duration | 3–12 minutes | — |
Pressure | 1–30 pa | — |
Duration | 15–60 seconds | — |
Temperature | 30–40 °C | — |
Duration | 10–15 minutes | — |
Temperature | 800–1050 °C | — |
Temperature | 0–70 °C | — |
Duration | 30–90 seconds | — |
Thickness | ≤ 0.34 nm | — |
Temperature | ≤ 30 °C | — |
Temperature | ≥ 70 °C | — |
Duration | ≥ 1 minute | — |
Thickness | ≥ 0.6 nm | — |
Temperature | ≥ 31 °C | — |
Pressure | ≥ 7.4 MPa | — |
Temperature | ≥ 374 °C | — |
Pressure | ≥ 22.1 MPa | — |
plated metal
adhesive resin
polymer component
catalytic metal nanoparticles
| — |
Temperature | 40–95 °C | — |
Duration | 15–300 s | — |
Duration | 30–900 s | — |
Temperature | 90–150 °C | — |
Duration | 2–30 minutes | — |
Duration | 3–1800 s | — |
Duration | 5–900 s | — |
Thickness | 0.5–100 nm | — |
Duration | 900–7200 s | — |
Temperature | 0.1–10 k | — |
Duration | 3–15 minutes | — |
Duration | 5–15 minutes | — |
Duration | 5–10 minutes | — |
Duration | 0.5–3 minutes | — |
Duration | 1–3 minutes | — |
Duration | 3–12 minutes | — |
Pressure | 1–30 pa | — |
Duration | 15–60 seconds | — |
Temperature | 30–40 °C | — |
Duration | 10–15 minutes | — |
Temperature | 800–1050 °C | — |
Temperature | 0–70 °C | — |
Duration | 30–90 seconds | — |
Thickness | ≤ 0.34 nm | — |
Temperature | ≤ 30 °C | — |
Temperature | ≥ 70 °C | — |
Duration | ≥ 1 minute | — |
Thickness | ≥ 0.6 nm | — |
Temperature | ≥ 31 °C | — |
Pressure | ≥ 7.4 MPa | — |
Temperature | ≥ 374 °C | — |
Pressure | ≥ 22.1 MPa | — |
plated metal
adhesive resin
polymer component
catalytic metal nanoparticles
| — |
Temperature | 40–95 °C | — |
Duration | 15–300 s | — |
Duration | 30–900 s | — |
Temperature | 90–150 °C | — |
Duration | 2–30 minutes | — |
Duration | 3–1800 s | — |
Duration | 5–900 s | — |
Thickness | 0.5–100 nm | — |
Duration | 900–7200 s | — |
Temperature | 0.1–10 k | — |
Duration | 3–15 minutes | — |
Duration | 5–15 minutes | — |
Duration | 5–10 minutes | — |
Duration | 0.5–3 minutes | — |
Duration | 1–3 minutes | — |
Duration | 3–12 minutes | — |
Pressure | 1–30 pa | — |
Duration | 15–60 seconds | — |
Temperature | 30–40 °C | — |
Duration | 10–15 minutes | — |
Temperature | 800–1050 °C | — |
Temperature | 0–70 °C | — |
Duration | 30–90 seconds | — |
Thickness | ≤ 0.34 nm | — |
Temperature | ≤ 30 °C | — |
Temperature | ≥ 70 °C | — |
Duration | ≥ 1 minute | — |
Thickness | ≥ 0.6 nm | — |
Temperature | ≥ 31 °C | — |
Pressure | ≥ 7.4 MPa | — |
Temperature | ≥ 374 °C | — |
Pressure | ≥ 22.1 MPa | — |