Metallization of support members

Abstract

Method and apparatus for the metallization of support members, such as paper sheeting and other cellulosic products. A metallic film is transferred to the paper support from a plastic sheet carrier and adhered to the paper by a thermoplastic material. The carrier, typically of stabilized plastic with an adhered film of metal and an overlay of thermoplastic adhesive with the paper support. Pressure and/or heat is applied to the composite which is subsequently cooled and the carrier stripped away to leave the desired metallic layer on the receiving surface of the paper support. This transfer procedure overcomes the objections associated with metal foil laminates and is particularly suitable for metallizing support members, like paper, which are difficult to metallize directly because they release significant amounts of vapor during conventional vacuum metallization. The results are also superior to those realized using an adhesive with dispersed metal particles, and the need for curing of the adhesive is eliminated.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.