Material System and Method for Producing the Same

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a material system consisting of a metal matrix (such as nickel or copper) embedded with specially designed nanoparticles (less than 50 nanometers in size). These nanoparticles are made from polymers and contain functional agents such as metals (e.g., gold, silver, tin, palladium), ceramics, or diamond. The patent also details a method to produce such materials by electrochemically co-depositing these loaded nanoparticles with metal ions onto a substrate, resulting in coatings with enhanced properties. Such a system enables resource savings and functional optimization (e.g., wear resistance, electrical conductivity) for industrial and electronic components.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Manufacture of high-performance electrical connectors, especially for vehicles, with enhanced wear and temperature resistance.
• Coatings for electronic and electrical parts (switches, contacts, circuit boards) requiring improved durability and conductivity.
• Industrial surface finishes where hard, wear-resistant, or lubricating properties are needed, such as in automotive or aerospace components.
• Production of composite coatings with reduced content of precious metals like gold, resulting in cost and resource savings.
• Functionalized coatings for sensors, medical devices, or energy applications demanding specific chemical or physical properties.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enhanced durability and wear resistance for coated components, extending service life and reliability.
• Ability to tailor the material's properties (e.g., hardness, conductivity, chemical resistance) by choosing suitable nanoparticle functional agents and matrix metals.
• Significant material cost reduction, especially in reducing the need for precious metals like gold.
• Energy and resource savings due to thinner, more efficient coatings and reduced material waste.
• Uniform functional performance throughout the coating, even as top layers wear off (due to homogeneous nanoparticle distribution).
• Enables design of lighter components (e.g., automotive connectors), helping reduce overall product weight and improve energy efficiency.

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Patent Abstract

A material system having a matrix and nanoparticles embedded therein, wherein the matrix comprises at least one matrix metal, the nanoparticles have an average size of less than 50 nm and the nanoparticles have in each case at least one functional carrier. A method for producing the material system is also disclosed.