Metalized plastic sample after demolding (left), plating up (middle) and polishing (right). Boxed area indicates that some of the initial transfer may be invisible.
Invention Summary:
Durable metallization of plastics has been a challenge in the manufacturing of lightweight conductive surface composites. Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a scalable technique to metallize plastics via Sacrificial Nanotrasfer (SNT). The SNT process includes depositing a strike layer on a substrate, forming a nanomaterial layer with a nanotextured surface on the strike layer, embedding a polymeric material within the nanotextured surface and separating the strike layer from the substrate to obtain the layered component with a metallic coating.
The metallic coating on the plastics exhibits improved durability, adhesion, and uniformity. Further, the metallic coating may be any suitable metallic material for desired conductivity, inertness, reflectivity, magnetism, or aesthetic appeal.
Advantages:
- Improved durability, adhesion and uniformity of the metallic coating
- Feasible for a wide range of materials for desired conductivity, inertness, reflectivity, magnetism, or aesthetic appeal
Market Applications:
- Carbon fiber automotive
- Medical implements
- Printable electronics
- Aerospace
Intellectual Property & Development Status:
Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration.
