Cellular metal by electrolysis
AssigneeThe Dow Chemical Company
InventorFrank E. Towsley
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Abstract
A cellular metal structure comprising a continuous interconnected network of electrolytically deposited metal defining a plurality of substantially convex cellular compartments therebetween is disclosed. The metal structure is produced by positioning a cellular array of substantially convex and substantially electrically nonconductive particles having a plurality of interstitial spaces therebetween between the anode and cathode of an electrolytic cell. The array is at least partially immersed in an aqueous solution of an electrolyte suitable for the electrolytic deposition of the metal. A direct current potential is applied between the anode and cathode to electrolytically deposit a continuous interconnected network of metal in the interstitial spaces defined between the cellular array of substantially convex particles.
Claims28
A cellular metal structure comprising a continuous interconnected network of electrolytically deposited metal defining therebetween a plurality of substantially convex and substantially electrically nonconductive cellular compartments arranged in both closed and open cellular arrays such that the deposited metal interfaces the cellular compartments within the cellular metal structure.
A process for electrolytically producing a cellular metal structure comprising:
- a. providing in an electrolytic cell a cellular array of substantially convex and substantially electrically nonconductive particles having a plurality of interstitial spaces therebetween;
- b. positioning the array between the anode and the cathode of the electrolytic cell so that at least a portion of the array is in contact with the cathode;
- c. at least partially immersing the array in an aqueous solution of an electrolyte suitable for the electrolytic deposition of the metal;
- d. applying a direct current potential between the anode and cathode to electrolytically deposit a continuous interconnected network of metal in the interstitial spaces defined between the nonconductive cellular array of particles, the network being deposited progressively starting from the cathode and extending through the array toward the anode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.