Porous oxide for improved titanium-polymer bonding
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsJames A. Curran, James A. Yurko, Todd S. Mintz
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Abstract
A chemical treatment process has been identified as a simple and effective means of improving the bonding of injection-molded polymer to titanium surfaces. This process forms an oxide layer on a titanium surface that includes a layered double hydroxide. The layered double hydroxide both raises the bond strength and minimizes air or water leakage. The process enables the use of titanium alloys with injection molded polymer structural bonds in strong, lightweight, and water-resistant enclosures for consumer electronics.
Claims7
An oxide layer on a titanium surface comprising a layered double hydroxide, wherein the titanium surface comprises a non-uniform microstructure including a plate having an angle from about 30° to about 70° relative to the titanium surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.