Sol gel formation of polysilicate, titania, and alumina interlayers for enhanced adhesion of metal films on substrates

Abstract

A metal-coated substrate, e.g., of glass, ceramic, or a hydroxy-functionalized material, wherein the improvement comprises a polysilicate, titania, or alumina interlayer between the substrate and the metal coating. The interlayer may have a porous microstructure, e.g., a polysilicate interlayer with an average pore size on the order of 50-150 Angstroms. Such articles, e.g., in the form of metal-coated fibers, may suitably be employed as reinforcing media in material composites having utility in structural applications, such as EMI shielding elements. Also disclosed is a corresponding method for forming a metal coating on a substrate by the provision of an interlayer of the above type. The interlayer may suitably be formed by applying to the substrate a sol gel dispersion of the polysilicate, titania, or alumina material, followed by drying of the applied dispersion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.