| Abstract: | Binding of a noble metal salt, e.g., PdCl to a functional ligand on a polymer surface, e.g., amine, quaternary ammonium, sulphonic acid, followed by reduction to zerovalent state and subsequent reductive deposition of transition metal ions, such as copper, nickel, and cobalt, provides a sequence of events leading to controlled zerovalent metal polymer composites. Metallization of submicron and larger beads are described. Large amounts of metal can be incorporated. The metallized beads retain the shape of the starting beads, even at high bonding of metal. They adapt the properties of the metal, e.g., magnetic properties. The submicron particles are sensitive to hydrolysis. Multicomponent systems, such as multimetallic beads, are provided by additive codeposition of metal ions, or by codeposition of metal and dye. Direct deposition of metal to preimmobilized dye ligands is also possible, leading to magenta, cyan, or yellow metallic beads, with no adverse influence on the magnetic properties. Further deposition of noble metals by subtractive deposition on active metal surfaces is also described. Submicron latices can be immobilized by coating on polyester-based films, e.g., KODAK ESTAR base, and then activated with palladium and metallized to form highly conductive film surfaces. |
