Metals with Novel Oxide-Free Phosphate Film Surface Compositions
Reference Number: 01-16
Inventors: Peter Sherwood, Yu-Qing Wang, Karen Gaskell
Description:
While plastics have generally been an inexpensive and efficient material for manufacturing products, they are derived in large part from petroleum resources which are finite and increasing in cost. Thus, it is important to develop new methods and materials for forming plastics as an alternative to the current methods.
Additionally, the environmental impact of discarded plastic objects is of growing global concern due to the fact that disposal methods for such wastes are quite limited. Incineration of the plastic wastes generates toxic air pollution. At the same time, satisfactory landfill sites are limited, and most durable plastics do not biodegrade. There is, thus, a need for durable and biodegradable plastic materials, particularly for short-term use items such as packaging materials and disposable utensils.
Invention
Further research has resulted in a novel, inexpensive and rapid method of generating these metal surfaces which does not require argon ion etching or treatment under ultra-high vacuum conditions.
Characteristics:
- Films have a thickness of about 20-100 A and can be produced on metals such as aluminum, iron, titanium and copper, as well as on alloys
- The phosphate films of one metal can be attached to another metal, e.g., iron phosphate file can be bonded to titanium
- The thin phosphate film may provide better mechanical properties than exsisting thick, oxide containing films
- Phosphate films have high adhesive properties
- The resulting films are generally stable and insoluble compounds
Applications:
- Corrosion Protection – for critical circuit components, electronic and microelectronic devices, and in mechanical and micromechanical devices
- Engineered products – the adhesive and mechanical properties of phosphate films may allow the films to act as a substrate for other protective films (e.g., polymers as well as other general paint and coating application), or for adhesion between metals leading to engineered protective films and products
- Thermal Protection – metal phosphates often melt as higher temperatures than that of the metal
- The phosphate surface has the potential to grow a biological film on the metal leading to enhanced biocompatibility
Patent Status
- U.S. Patent #6,066,403 issued on May 23, 2003
- While the new method of preparing these surfaces compositions has not yet been patented, no enabling disclosure has been made of the new methods provided. Composition of matter claims are expected to be covered under this existing patent
Kansas State University Research Foundation seeks to have discussions with companies that are interested in licensing and/or research collaborations.
Interested parties should contact:
National Institute for Strategic Technology Acquisition and
Commercialization (NISTAC)
2005 Research Park Circle Manhattan, KS 66502
Tel: 785-532-3900 Fax: 785-532-3909
E-Mail: nistac@ksu.edu