Conducting polymer for pretreatment of metallic and non-metallic surfaces

Abstract

This invention is directed to the synthesis of double-stranded conducting polymers, formulation for surface treatment reagents, and the use of water-borne double-stranded conducting polymers. The double-stranded conducting polymer provides a unique flexibility in designing molecules for surface treatment. The compositions can be used to treat metal surfaces to provide a stable interface for adhesive binding or the coating of paint or plastics on top of the chemically modified surface. The composition is useful as a replacement of chromate-based surface treatment process.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 325,419, filed Sep. 27, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention is directed to the synthesis of double-stranded conducting polymers, formulation for surface treatment reagents, and the use of water-borne double-stranded conducting polymers. [0003] In the treatment of metal surfaces to prepare the surface for the application of a primer or other coating, chromate based metal finishing compositions have been the industry standard. The chromate-based metal finishes serves two functions, corrosion inhibition and adhesion enhancement. The chromates are toxic and environmentally unfriendly. Thus, the EPA and OSHA are tightening the usage of chromate-based metal finishing technology. The existing chromate-based metal finishing technology will be banned from use because of the toxicity of the hexavalent chromate. Therefore, the metal...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The invention involves the integration of the appropriate ligands in the second strand. A carboxylic function group helps binding the polarized metal atoms on the surface. A phosphate functional group helps binding with the metal oxides and the formation of crystalline nano-composite with the microcrystals nucleated on the metal surface. Adhesion or miscibility with an organic surface, is provided by attaching hydrophobic organic functional groups on the second strand provide. The organic polymer, metal phosphate, metal oxide and metal, forms a composite material at the interface. This interface is mechanically sturdy, chemically stable and it serves as a regeneratable self-healing interface.

[0009] There are many advantages of the conducting polymers of the present invention including the new metal finishing (surface treatment) technology include no toxic chromates, enhances the performance of phosphate treatment and water-base, and there is no emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC). In the area of heavy metal removal from solutions, they are effective and convenient. An additional advantage of the new process is to be able to reclaim the precious metals efficiently and cheaply.

Problems solved by technology

The chromates are toxic and environmentally unfriendly.

The existing chromate-based metal finishing technology will be banned from use because of the toxicity of the hexavalent chromate.

One problem with phosphate-based metal finishes is that they lack corrosion resistance.

Currently, there are no coatings that can be used for reporting the early stage of corrosion