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.
Claims20
An oxide layer on a titanium surface comprising a layered double hydroxide.
A titanium-polymer interface, comprising:
- an oxide layer on a titanium surface and a polymer;
- wherein the oxide layer and the polymer form a titanium-polymer bond comprising a bond strength of about 28 MPa or greater.
A porous oxide layer formed on a titanium surface, comprising a plate about 10 to about 100 nm in length extending from the surface oxide layer to a terminal end of the plate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.