Antibacterial anti-staining titanium metal tableware and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

The present application discloses an anti-bacterial and anti-sticking titanium metal tableware, which is made of a titanium metal substrate and has a contact part for contacting food, food material, drinking water, beverage or user's body part; and an oxide layer structure formed on the surface of the titanium metal substrate corresponding to the contact part. The titanium metal substrate is in alpha phase, and the oxide layer structure is a rutile crystal titanium dioxide layer. The thickness of the oxide layer structure is greater than 3 microns (μm), and has a roughened surface and an oxygen diffusion layer formed at the interface between the oxide layer structure and the titanium metal substrate. The present application also discloses a manufacturing method of the anti-bacterial and anti-sticking titanium metal tableware.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware and its manufacturing method, particularly to an antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware for use in drinking water, eating, or cooking food and its manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] Modern people pursue health, so they also require tableware to be non-toxic and pollution-free. Titanium, due to its lightweight, high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and low thermal conductivity, is increasingly being used to manufacture tableware.

[0003] When titanium comes into contact with air, an oxide layer forms on its surface. This oxide layer protects titanium tableware and enhances its wear resistance and corrosion resistance. However, the thickness of this naturally formed oxide layer is only a few angstroms (Å), making it extremely susceptible to wear. Furthermore, the primary oxide layer of titanium is typically polycrystalline, resulting in a matte finish on untreated titanium surfaces, which makes it susceptible to adhesion and limits its catalytic activity, thus limiting its antibacterial properties.

[0004] For the reasons mentioned above, the existing titanium tableware has limited antibacterial and non-stick properties and needs further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an antibacterial and anti-stick titanium metal tableware and its manufacturing method, addressing the insufficient antibacterial and anti-stick properties of existing drinking water or food containers.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted by this invention is to provide an antibacterial and anti-stick titanium metal tableware. The antibacterial and anti-stick titanium metal tableware is made of a titanium metal substrate and has a contact portion for contacting food, ingredients, drinking water, beverages, or the user's body parts; and an oxide layer structure formed on the surface of the titanium metal substrate corresponding to the contact portion. The oxide layer structure is a titanium dioxide film formed by the combination of the titanium metal substrate and oxygen atoms. The titanium metal substrate is α-phase titanium metal, and the oxide layer structure is a rutile crystal titanium dioxide film formed after the oxidation of α-phase titanium metal. The thickness of the oxide layer structure is greater than 3 micrometers (μm), and the oxide layer structure has a roughened surface. An oxygen diffusion layer is formed at the interface between the oxide layer structure and the titanium metal substrate, and the thickness of the oxygen diffusion layer is greater than 1 micrometer.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the average grain size of the oxide layer structure is greater than 0.3 micrometers.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the roughened surface of the oxide layer structure is greater than 0.2 micrometers, and the maximum height roughness (Rmax) is greater than 0.8 micrometers.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware further has an outer portion located outside the contact portion and not in contact with food, ingredients, drinking water, or beverages. The surface of the titanium metal substrate corresponding to the outer portion has an outer protective film. The outer protective film is formed on the surface of the titanium metal substrate corresponding to the outer portion by a process method different from that of the oxide layer. The outer protective film can be a titanium-based compound film selected from titanium oxide, titanium nitride, or titanium oxynitride.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware is one of the following: cup, bowl, plate, basin, food storage box, bottle, pot, chopsticks, knife, and straw.

[0011] This invention also provides a method for manufacturing antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware, wherein the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware is made of a titanium metal substrate, and the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware has a contact part for contacting food, ingredients, drinking water, beverages, or user's body parts; the manufacturing method includes: a preparatory step: using a titanium metal substrate to make a tableware blank; an annealing step: heating the tableware blank to a temperature of 600-800°C in a vacuum environment and maintaining it for 1 to 3 hours, so that the tableware blank anneal and form α-titanium crystalline structure; a surface treatment step: cleaning the surface of the tableware blank and removing the original oxide layer on the surface of the tableware blank; an oxidation step: placing the tableware blank in a vacuum calcining furnace, heating it to a temperature between 700-850°C, and introducing oxygen to oxidize it. The surface of the catering utensil preform corresponding to the contact component is exposed to oxygen for 3 to 12 hours, causing oxygen atoms to combine with titanium metal atoms on the surface of the catering utensil preform corresponding to the contact component, forming an oxide layer structure on the surface of the catering utensil preform corresponding to the contact component, and an oxygen diffusion layer located at the interface between the oxide layer structure and the catering utensil preform, thereby forming the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal catering utensil finished product; wherein, the oxide layer structure is a rutile crystal titanium dioxide film, the thickness of the oxide layer structure is greater than 3 micrometers, the thickness of the oxygen diffusion layer is greater than 1 micrometer, and the oxide layer structure has a roughened surface, the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the roughened surface is greater than 0.2 micrometers, and the maximum height roughness (Rmax) is greater than 0.8 micrometers.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the manufacturing method of the present invention, the surface treatment step includes a cleaning sub-step and a primary oxide layer removal sub-step; wherein, the cleaning sub-step is to remove contaminants and grease from the surface of the catering utensil blank using liquid cleaning means; and the primary oxide layer removal sub-step is to remove the primary oxide layer from the surface of the catering utensil blank using acid washing, sandblasting, or plasma treatment means.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the manufacturing method of the present invention, the surface treatment step further includes a roughening sub-step, which forms a rough surface on the surface of the catering utensil blank corresponding to the contact portion.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the manufacturing method of the present invention, the roughening sub-step involves treating the surface of the catering utensil blank corresponding to the contact portion by acid etching and sandblasting, so as to increase the surface roughness of the catering utensil blank corresponding to the contact portion.

[0015] A preferred embodiment of the manufacturing method of the present invention further includes a first protective layer setting step arranged before the oxidation step, and a first protective layer removal step, a second protective layer setting step, and an outer protective film forming step following the oxidation step; wherein, the first protective layer setting step involves setting a first protective layer on the surface of the catering utensil blank corresponding to an outer portion of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal catering utensil located outside the contact area and not in contact with food, ingredients, drinking water, or beverages; the first protective layer removal step involves removing the first protective layer from the surface of the catering utensil blank corresponding to the outer portion after the oxidation step is completed. The process involves exposing the surface of the outer portion of the catering utensil preform; the second protective layer setting step involves setting a second protective layer on the surface of the oxide layer structure on the surface of the catering utensil preform corresponding to the contact portion; the outer protective film forming step involves protecting the oxide layer structure with the second protective layer, and forming an outer protective film on the surface of the catering utensil preform corresponding to the outer portion by means of thermal oxidation, plasma treatment, or electrochemical treatment processes, and removing the second protective layer after forming the outer protective film; the outer protective film can be a titanium-based compound film selected from titanium oxide, titanium nitride, or titanium oxynitride.

[0016] One of the beneficial effects of this invention is that it can improve the antibacterial and anti-sticking capabilities of tableware through the oxide layer structure of the rutile crystal form.

[0017] To further understand the features and technical content of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention. However, the drawings provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the antibacterial and anti-stick titanium metal tableware of the present invention.

[0020] Figures 3 to 6 These are cross-sectional schematic diagrams showing variations of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware of the present invention, specifically the pot, water bottle, straw, and chopsticks.

[0021] Figure 7 This is an enlarged cross-sectional schematic diagram of the oxide layer structure, oxygen diffusion layer, and multilayer structure of titanium metal substrate in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a stereoscopic electron microscope image of the oxide layer structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart of the first embodiment of the manufacturing method of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation method of the preparatory step in the manufacturing method of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart of the surface treatment step in the manufacturing method of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the operation method for forming an oxide layer structure by high-temperature thermal oxidation in the first embodiment of the manufacturing method of antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the operation method for forming an oxide layer structure by plasma treatment in the first embodiment of the manufacturing method of antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a schematic flowchart of the second embodiment of the manufacturing method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the "antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware and its manufacturing method" disclosed in this invention. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this invention from the content disclosed in this specification. This invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of this invention. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings of this invention are for simple illustrative purposes only and are not depictions of actual dimensions, as stated in advance. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this invention in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. In addition, the term "or" used herein may, depending on the actual situation, include any combination of any one or more of the associated listed items.

[0031] [First Embodiment]

[0032] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, this invention discloses an antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1, and a method for manufacturing the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1. To facilitate understanding of the manufacturing method of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1, the structure of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 will be described first, followed by the manufacturing method of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides an antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1. The antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 is used by users to hold or come into contact with food, ingredients, beverages, and drinking water for consumption, drinking, or food handling. The antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 has a contact portion 11 for contacting food, ingredients, beverages, and drinking water, or for contacting the user's mouth or tongue. The antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 has a titanium metal substrate 10, which forms the main body of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1. An oxide layer structure 12 is formed on the surface of the titanium metal substrate 10 corresponding to the contact portion 11. The titanium metal substrate 10 is α-phase titanium metal, and the oxide layer structure 12 is a thin film composed of titanium oxide formed on the surface of the titanium metal substrate 10 after oxidation of the α-phase titanium metal.

[0034] In this embodiment, the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 is a cup for holding drinking water or beverages. The antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 has a recessed accommodating space 13 inside for holding drinking water, beverages, or food. The surface of the accommodating space 13 inside the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 forms the contact portion 11, and the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 has at least an oxide layer structure 12 formed on the surface of the titanium metal substrate 10 corresponding to the contact portion 11.

[0035] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, although the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 is a cup, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, such as Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 is a pot or a basin, plate, bowl or food storage container made of the titanium metal substrate 10. The antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 is formed into a basin shape with a wide opening, and a lid 14 can be provided at the opening of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1.

[0036] like Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 is a water bottle made of the titanium metal substrate 10. The antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 has a cylindrical bottle body, an opening at the top, and a cap 14 is provided at the opening. The antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 has a vacuum interlayer 15 inside, which enables the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 to have heat preservation and cold preservation functions. The contact portion 11 is formed on the surface of the internal accommodating space of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1, and the oxide layer structure 12 is formed on the surface of the titanium metal substrate 10 corresponding to the contact portion 11.

[0037] like Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal catering utensil 1 is made of a hollow tube body formed by a titanium metal substrate 10, and the contact portion 11 is formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the hollow tube body, and the oxide layer structure 12 is formed on the surface of the titanium metal substrate 10 corresponding to the contact portion 11.

[0038] For example Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 is a chopstick made of the titanium metal substrate 10. The antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 is rod-shaped, and the contact portion 11 is formed at the end of the titanium metal tableware 1 used to hold food. Furthermore, the oxide layer structure 12 is formed on the surface of the titanium metal substrate 10 corresponding to the contact portion 11.

[0039] It should be noted that, in addition to the examples listed above, the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 described in this invention can also be other types of tableware. For example, the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 can also be a knife, or a spoon, spatula, tea strainer, or other types of tableware.

[0040] The following describes the oxide layer structure 12 on the surface of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 according to the present invention. For example... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the oxide layer structure 12 on the surface of the antibacterial and anti-stick titanium metal tableware 1 of the present invention is mainly composed of rutile crystal titanium dioxide (TiO2) formed by oxidizing the surface material of the α-phase titanium metal substrate 10. When the oxide layer structure 12 is irradiated by light, the electrons (e-) of the titanium dioxide material will jump from the valence band to the conduction band, leaving a positively charged hole (h+), thus forming an electron-hole pair. The generated electrons will combine with oxygen molecules to form highly reducing superoxide ions (O2-), while the hole will react with water vapor on the surface of titanium dioxide to generate highly oxidizing hydroxyl radicals. The active superoxide ions and hydroxyl radicals can carry out redox reactions on pollutants or organic matter surfaces, decomposing the organic matter, thereby achieving the effects of sterilization, bacteriostasis, or decontamination.

[0041] Because rutile titanium dioxide is a highly stable crystalline form with a high specific surface area (BET), the oxide layer structure 12 exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity, which is stable and does not easily decay. Furthermore, since the oxide layer structure 12 is a crystalline ceramic film, it possesses high hardness, is not easily worn, and is non-stick. Therefore, the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 of this invention is less prone to scratches, and food and beverages are less likely to adhere to the surface of the contact portion 11, thus achieving the effects of non-sticking and reduced contamination.

[0042] More specifically, the oxide layer structure 12 of the present invention is formed on the surface of the titanium metal substrate 10 corresponding to the contact portion 11 with a thickness greater than that of the original titanium metal oxide layer, and the surface of the oxide layer structure 12 of the present invention has a roughened surface 121. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the oxide layer structure 12 is greater than 3 micrometers (μm), the average grain size of the oxide layer structure 12 is greater than 0.3 micrometers, and the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the roughened surface 121 is greater than 0.2 micrometers, and the maximum height roughness (Rmax) is greater than 0.8 micrometers.

[0043] Because the thickness of the oxide layer structure 12 is much greater than the thickness of the naturally formed primary oxide layer on the titanium metal surface, the oxide layer structure 12 has a large grain size, which easily leads to gaps in the crystal lattice. Furthermore, because the oxide layer structure 12 has the roughened surface 121, it forms a pitted rough surface, which increases the contact area of ​​the oxide layer structure 12 and thus provides better catalytic activity.

[0044] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, an oxygen diffusion layer 122 can also be formed at the interface between the oxide layer structure 12 and the titanium metal substrate 10. This oxygen diffusion layer 122 is formed when oxygen atoms pass through the gaps in the oxide layer structure 12 or dissociate from the inner layer of the oxide layer structure 12 during its formation, causing oxygen atoms to dissolve into the titanium metal substrate 10. The oxygen diffusion layer 122 has a thickness greater than 1 micrometer, and its main component is an α-phase titanium oxide (TiO) solid solution formed by the combination of oxygen atoms and titanium atoms.

[0045] The oxygen diffusion layer 122 is tightly bonded between the titanium metal substrate 10 and the oxide layer structure 12. The density of the oxygen diffusion layer 122 is greater than that of the oxide layer structure 12, and its hardness is also greater than that of the oxide layer structure 12. Therefore, it can effectively prevent corrosion of the titanium metal substrate 10 and make the bond between the oxide layer structure 12 and the titanium metal substrate 10 more stable.

[0046] The following describes a method for manufacturing the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware of the present invention. For example... Figures 9 to 13 As shown, the manufacturing method S100 of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware of the present invention includes: a preparatory step S110, an annealing step S120, a surface treatment step S130, and an oxidation step S140.

[0047] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the preparatory step S110 involves fabricating a tableware blank 40 using the titanium metal substrate 10. More specifically, in the preparatory step S110, the titanium metal substrate 10 can be a pure titanium sheet or a titanium alloy sheet, and the preparatory step S110 can utilize metal processing methods including stamping, rolling, forging, and welding to fabricate the titanium metal substrate 10 into the tableware blank 40. Depending on the type of antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1, the tableware blank 40 can be formed into various tableware shapes such as cups, bowls, basins, plates, pots, water bottles, kettles, spoons, knives, chopsticks, spatulas, and straws.

[0048] The annealing step S120 involves heating and slow cooling to eliminate residual stress in the tableware blank 40 after processing, and to make the microstructure of the tableware blank 40 crystalline with α-titanium. More specifically, the annealing step S120 involves placing the tableware blank 40 in a vacuum forging furnace, placing the blank in a vacuum environment, heating it to a temperature of 600-800°C, and maintaining it for 1 to 3 hours, thereby annealing the tableware blank 40 and forming a crystalline microstructure of α-titanium.

[0049] like Figure 11 As shown, the surface treatment step S130 is used to clean the surface of the tableware blank 40 and remove the original oxide layer on the surface of the tableware blank 40. More specifically, the surface treatment step S130 may include a cleaning sub-step S131 and an original oxide layer removal sub-step S132, wherein the cleaning sub-step S131 removes contaminants and grease from the surface of the tableware blank 40 by liquid washing. The original oxide layer removal sub-step S132 may use methods such as pickling, sandblasting, and plasma treatment to remove the original oxide layer on the surface of the tableware blank 40.

[0050] In this embodiment of the invention, the surface treatment step S130 may further include a roughening sub-step S133, which increases the surface roughness of the portion of the catering utensil blank 40 corresponding to the contact portion 11 where the oxide layer structure 12 is to be formed, thereby forming a rough surface. For example, the roughening sub-step S133 may use acid etching and sandblasting to treat the surface of the catering utensil blank 40 where the oxide layer structure 12 is to be formed, thereby forming a rough surface on the surface of the catering utensil blank 40.

[0051] In particular, although the surface treatment step S130 is arranged after the annealing step S120 in this embodiment, in other embodiments of the present invention, the surface treatment step S130 can also be arranged before the annealing step S120.

[0052] The oxidation step S140 is to combine oxygen atoms with titanium metal atoms on the surface of the contact portion 11 of the catering utensil preform 40 to form the oxide layer structure 12 and the oxygen diffusion layer 122, thereby making the catering utensil preform 40 into the finished product of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal catering utensil 1.

[0053] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 The figures shown represent two different embodiments of the oxidation step S140 of the present invention. Figure 12In the illustrated embodiment, the oxidation step S140 involves forming the oxide layer structure 12 on the tableware blank 40 using thermal oxidation technology. In this embodiment, the oxidation step S140 involves heating the tableware blank 40 of the antibacterial and anti-stick titanium metal tableware 1 in a vacuum forging furnace 20, and introducing oxygen into the vacuum forging furnace 20, so that the tableware blank 40 comes into contact with oxygen, causing the surface of the tableware blank 40 to oxidize and form the oxide layer structure 12, thereby forming the finished antibacterial and anti-stick titanium metal tableware 1 from the oxidized tableware blank 40.

[0054] like Figure 12 As shown, the vacuum forging furnace 20 has a support frame 21 for supporting the catering utensil blank 40, a heating device 22, a vacuum pumping device 24 for creating a vacuum in the vacuum forging furnace 20, and an air inlet pipe 23 for introducing gas into the vacuum forging furnace 20. Specifically, in this embodiment, both the annealing step S120 and the oxidation step S140 can be performed within the vacuum forging furnace 20. Therefore, in this embodiment, the oxidation step S140 can be arranged after the annealing step S120. After the annealing step S120 is completed, the catering utensil blank 40 can be retained in the vacuum forging furnace 20 and cooled according to a predetermined cooling curve. Then, the temperature of the vacuum forging furnace 20 is raised to the thermal oxidation temperature by the heating device 22, oxygen is introduced into the vacuum forging furnace 20, and then the oxidation step S140 is performed.

[0055] In the oxidation step S140, the titanium metal surface of the tableware blank 40 first adsorbs oxygen atoms from the decomposition of oxygen. These oxygen atoms then diffuse within the titanium metal lattice. When the oxygen atoms in the lattice reach saturation, titanium oxide is formed on the surface of the tableware blank 40. As oxidation continues, the oxide layer gradually thickens, forming the oxide layer structure 12. The oxidation step S140 continues, allowing oxygen atoms to penetrate the oxide layer structure 12. The titanium dioxide located inside the oxide layer structure 12, due to continuous heating and lack of oxygen, forms oxygen-deficient titanium dioxide. Furthermore, some oxygen atoms dissociate and diffuse into the titanium atoms of the titanium metal substrate 10, forming the oxygen diffusion layer 122.

[0056] After the oxidation step S140 is completed, the oxidized tableware blank 40 can be transformed into the finished product of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1. The antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 forms an oxide layer structure 12 of rutile crystal titanium dioxide on the surface of the titanium metal substrate 10, and an oxygen diffusion layer 122 located inside the oxide layer structure 12.

[0057] More specifically, the oxidation step S140 of the present invention can achieve the following by controlling the oxidation temperature and oxidation time: the thickness of the oxide layer structure 12 is greater than 3 micrometers (μm), the average grain size of the oxide layer structure 12 is greater than 0.3 micrometers, the oxide layer structure 12 has a roughened surface 121, and the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the roughened surface 121 is greater than 0.2 micrometers, and the maximum height roughness (Rmax) is greater than 0.8 micrometers.

[0058] In this embodiment, the oxidation temperature in oxidation step S140 is between 700 and 850°C, and the oxidation time is between 3 and 12 hours. Specifically, in oxidation step S140 of this embodiment, the oxidation temperature and oxidation time can be used to control the thickness of the oxide layer structure 12. Higher oxidation temperatures and oxidation times can also increase the surface roughness and porosity of the oxide layer structure 12. However, it should be noted that the oxidation temperature must be lower than the metamorphic temperature at which the titanium metal substrate 10 transforms from the α phase to the β phase, and the oxidation time must be lower than the critical time that causes the oxide layer structure 12 to peel off.

[0059] The oxidation step S140 of the present invention, through the above arrangement, enables the oxide layer structure 12 formed on the surface of the titanium metal substrate 10 to be composed of stable rutile crystal titanium dioxide, and enables the thickness and surface roughness of the oxide layer structure 12 to meet expectations. Furthermore, after the oxide layer structure 12 is formed, an oxygen diffusion layer 122 can be further formed at the interface between the inner side of the oxide layer structure 12 and the titanium metal substrate 10.

[0060] like Figure 13 As shown, the oxidation step S140 of the present invention can form the oxide layer structure 12 and the oxygen diffusion layer 122 on the surface of the titanium metal substrate 10 of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 by plasma oxidation. The surface treatment step S130 and the oxidation step S140 can be performed in a plasma treatment device 30. The plasma treatment device 30 includes a vacuum chamber 36, and the vacuum chamber 36 has a support frame 31, an air inlet pipe 33, a vacuum pumping device 34, and an ion generating device 35 inside.

[0061] In the surface treatment step S130, after the catering utensil blank 40 is placed inside the vacuum cavity 36, the catering utensil blank 40 is made to be positively charged. Oxygen is introduced through the air inlet pipe 33 and then through the ion generating device 35, so that the oxygen is transformed into a plasma state in which atoms and electrons are separated. The oxygen atoms in the plasma oxygen are positively charged ions. Therefore, when the plasma gas comes into contact with the catering utensil blank 40, the electrons in the oxygen ions attach to the positively charged titanium metal, resulting in an electron attachment situation. Thus, the titanium atoms and negative oxygen ions on the surface of the catering utensil blank 40 are tightly combined to form the oxide layer structure 12.

[0062] In this embodiment, the oxidation step S140 is to oxidize the surface of the catering utensil blank 40 in the vacuum chamber 36 under a vacuum environment of 5.0×10-3 tors, with an oxygen flow rate of 30 sccm and a power of 200W to 300W, and the oxidation time is between 1 hour and 3 hours.

[0063] [Second Embodiment]

[0064] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 The image shows a second embodiment of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware utensil 1 of the present invention. It should be noted that this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment described above, so the similarities between the two embodiments will not be repeated.

[0065] In this embodiment, the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 has an outer portion 16 located outside the contact portion 11 and not in contact with food, ingredients, drinking water, or beverages. An outer protective film 17 is formed on the surface of the titanium metal substrate 10 corresponding to the outer portion 16. The outer protective film 17 is formed on the surface of the outer portion 16 of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1 using a different process than the oxide layer structure 12, to protect the titanium metal substrate 10 of the outer portion 16 from corrosion and wear. Furthermore, the outer protective film 17 can also be a decorative film with decorative functions.

[0066] More specifically, the outer protective film 17 can be formed on the surface of the outer portion 16 after the oxide layer structure 12 is formed, using techniques such as thermal oxidation, ion oxidation, micro-arc oxidation, and electrochemical treatment. The outer protective film 17 can be a titanium-based compound film of titanium oxide, titanium nitride, or titanium oxynitride. The outer protective film 17 has high density and different light reflectance properties, thus producing different color visual effects and enhancing the appearance of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware 1.

[0067] The manufacturing method of the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to that of the first embodiment, so the similarities between the two manufacturing methods will not be described again.

[0068] like Figure 15 As shown, the manufacturing method S200 of the second embodiment of the present invention, like the first embodiment, includes a preparatory step S210, an annealing step S220, a surface treatment step S230, and an oxidation step S250. In this embodiment, the preparatory step S210, the annealing step S220, the surface treatment step S230, and the oxidation step S250 are similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0069] The manufacturing method S200 of this embodiment further includes a first protective layer setting step S240 arranged before the oxidation step S250, and a first protective layer removal step S260, a second protective layer setting step S270, and an outer protective film forming step S280 following the oxidation step S250.

[0070] In step S240, the first protective layer is applied to the surface of the catering utensil blank 40 corresponding to the outer portion 16 (not shown in the diagram). This first protective layer covers the surface of the catering utensil blank 40 corresponding to the outer portion 16, preventing it from reacting with oxygen during oxidation step S250. Consequently, the oxide layer structure 12 is formed only on the surface of the catering utensil blank 40 corresponding to the contact portion 11.

[0071] The first protective layer removal step S260 is to remove the first protective layer from the surface of the catering utensil blank 40 after the oxidation step S250 is completed, so that the surface of the catering utensil blank 40 corresponding to the outer portion 16 is exposed.

[0072] The second protective layer setting step S270 is to set a second protective layer (not shown) on the surface of the catering utensil blank 40 corresponding to the contact portion 11 and the oxide layer structure 12 after the oxidation step S250 is completed. The second protective layer can cover the surface of the oxide layer structure 12. The second protective layer is used to protect the oxide layer structure 12 in the subsequent outer protective film forming step S280, and to prevent the oxide layer structure 12 from being damaged or contaminated in the outer protective film forming step S280.

[0073] The outer protective film formation step S280 involves using the second protective layer to protect the oxide layer structure 12, and forming the outer protective film 17 on the surface of the catering utensil preform 40 corresponding to the outer portion 16 by means of thermal oxidation, plasma oxidation, micro-arc oxidation, or electrochemical treatment, and removing the second protective layer after the outer protective film 17 is formed.

[0074] The second embodiment of the manufacturing method of the present invention is characterized in that the outer protective film 17 is formed using a different process than the oxide layer structure 12, thus allowing for the use of different types of titanium-based compound (e.g., titanium oxide, titanium nitride, titanium oxynitride) film forming processes as needed. Furthermore, during the formation of the outer protective layer 17, the oxide layer structure 12 of the contact portion 11 is protected by the second protective layer and will not come into contact with the working gas or liquid used in the outer protective film formation step S280, thereby preventing the oxide layer structure 12 from reacting with and being damaged by the working gas or liquid, and also preventing it from being contaminated by the working gas or liquid.

[0075] [Beneficial Effects of the Examples]

[0076] One of the beneficial effects of the present invention is that the antibacterial and anti-stick titanium metal tableware provided by the present invention forms the oxide layer structure on the surface of the titanium metal substrate. The oxide layer structure is rutile crystal titanium dioxide and has a roughened surface, thus giving the oxide layer structure good catalytic activity, and its catalytic activity is long-lasting and stable. Therefore, the antibacterial and anti-stick titanium metal tableware of the present invention can effectively inhibit the growth of microorganisms and form a crystalline ceramic surface, thereby achieving the purpose of anti-sticking.

[0077] The content disclosed above is only a preferred and feasible embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the patent application of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings are included in the scope of the patent application of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware, wherein the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware has a contact part for contacting food, ingredients, drinking water, beverages, or parts of the user's body; characterized in that, The manufacturing method includes: Preparatory steps: Use a titanium metal substrate to make a preform for tableware; Annealing step: Under vacuum, the tableware blank is heated to 600-800°C and maintained for 1 to 3 hours, so that the tableware blank is annealed and forms a crystalline structure of α-titanium; Surface treatment steps: Clean the surface of the catering utensil blank and remove the original oxide layer on the surface of the catering utensil blank; Oxidation step: The tableware blank is placed in a vacuum forging furnace and heated to a temperature between 700 and 850°C. Oxygen is introduced so that the surface of the tableware blank corresponding to the contact portion is in contact with oxygen for 3 to 12 hours. This allows oxygen atoms to combine with titanium metal atoms on the surface of the tableware blank corresponding to the contact portion, forming an oxide layer structure on the surface of the tableware blank corresponding to the contact portion, and an oxygen diffusion layer located at the interface between the oxide layer structure and the tableware blank. This process transforms the tableware blank into the finished antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware product. The oxide layer structure is a rutile crystal titanium dioxide film, the thickness of the oxide layer structure is greater than 3 micrometers, the thickness of the oxygen diffusion layer is greater than 1 micrometer, and the oxide layer structure has a roughened surface with an arithmetic mean roughness greater than 0.2 micrometers and a maximum height roughness greater than 0.8 micrometers. The method further includes a first protective layer setting step arranged before the oxidation step, and a first protective layer removal step, a second protective layer setting step, and an outer protective film formation step following the oxidation step; wherein, the first protective layer setting step involves setting a first protective layer on the surface of the catering utensil blank corresponding to an outer portion of the antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal catering utensil that is outside the contact area and does not come into contact with food, ingredients, drinking water, or beverages; the first protective layer removal step involves removing the first protective layer from the surface of the catering utensil blank corresponding to the outer portion after the oxidation step is completed, thereby making the... The surface of the outer portion of the catering utensil preform is exposed; the second protective layer setting step involves setting a second protective layer on the surface of the oxide layer structure on the surface of the catering utensil preform corresponding to the contact portion; the outer protective film forming step involves protecting the oxide layer structure with the second protective layer, and forming an outer protective film on the surface of the catering utensil preform corresponding to the outer portion by means of thermal oxidation, plasma treatment, or electrochemical treatment processes, and removing the second protective layer after forming the outer protective film; the outer protective film can be a titanium-based compound film selected from titanium oxide, titanium nitride, or titanium oxynitride.

2. The manufacturing method of antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The surface treatment step includes a cleaning sub-step and a native oxide layer removal sub-step; wherein, the cleaning sub-step uses liquid cleaning methods to remove contaminants and grease from the surface of the catering utensil blank; the native oxide layer removal sub-step uses acid washing, sandblasting, or plasma treatment methods to remove the native oxide layer from the surface of the catering utensil blank.

3. The manufacturing method of antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The surface treatment step further includes a roughening sub-step, which forms a rough surface on the surface of the catering utensil blank corresponding to the contact portion.

4. The manufacturing method of antibacterial and non-stick titanium metal tableware as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The roughening sub-step involves treating the surface of the catering utensil blank corresponding to the contact portion using acid etching and sandblasting methods, thereby increasing the surface roughness of the catering utensil blank corresponding to the contact portion.

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