Method for manufacturing a component having a dark surface

Abstract

To provide a method for manufacturing a component having a dark surface. [Solution] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing a black structure of a material (10) comprising at least two phases, each having at least one crystalline phase (1) and at least one other phase, wherein the method is: - The steps include: forming multiple rods in which at least one of the crystalline phases is aligned with one another, and growing the material in the principal direction (Z) such that the matrix extends between the rods; - The step of removing at least a portion of the matrix between rods of at least one crystalline phase to form a comb-shaped material structure having rods and light-confining cavities between the rods. It is characterized by including.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a component for the purpose of generating a dark / rich black / ebony surface. The present invention also relates to the use of a black structure for an external timing device component, which is generated by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

[0002] For example, a component made of metal, ceramic or polymer has at least two phases, namely at least one crystalline phase on the one hand and another phase called the matrix, and the component has the following steps: - A growth method induced and / or directed in the main directions of at least two phases such that at least one crystalline phase on the one hand forms a plurality of bars standing up or protruding from a support in particular, the bars being substantially aligned with each other and another phase called the matrix phase extending between the bars. - A step of at least partially removing the matrix between the bars so as to form a comb-like structure or standing bars or a number of bars. It is generated by.

Background Art

[0003] To obtain a rich black surface, a common method includes a first step of cleaning an aluminum surface and then a second step of growing carbon nanotubes. In particular, the method involves chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of carbon nanotubes or micro-carbon fibrous tissues in the vertical direction so as to generate "standing" carbon nanotubes. In particular, the nanotubes are grown on the surface of an aluminum sheet etched with chlorine, especially sodium chloride NaCl. This deposit absorbs light.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] For this purpose, according to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a black structure or component of a material comprising at least two phases, wherein the at least two phases comprise at least one crystalline phase and at least one other phase called a matrix, and the method is as follows: - The steps of forming a plurality of rods in which at least one of the crystalline phases is aligned with one another, and growing the material in the principal direction such that the matrix extends between the rods, - A step of forming a comb-shaped material structure having rods and light-containing cavities between the rods, and removing at least a portion of the matrix between the rods of at least one crystalline phase so as to absorb light. Includes.

[0005] In the foregoing and the remainder of this specification, the term “support” refers to the material to be induced and / or grown, and / or a material having, if any, thermal and chemical properties that enable directional solidification. The support material may vary depending on the type of material being induced. The support may have various shapes, such as flat or three-dimensional surfaces. The support may also be called the starting surface.

[0006] Preferably, the above steps in the method are performed in this order.

[0007] Depending on the various embodiments or variations, which may or may not be combined, the manufacturing method may include or have the following features or steps: -The material may be metal, ceramic, polymer, or a combination thereof. - The material may be an alloy, preferably an aluminum-based alloy and / or a nickel-based alloy and / or a zinc-based alloy, such as a eutectic alloy. -The material may contain carbon or graphite. -At least one of the crystalline phases may comprise multiple crystalline phases. - The base material is or may consist of one or more crystalline phases and / or one or more amorphous phases, referred to as the base material phase. - The growth step corresponds to raising the material or projecting the material in the main direction such that the rod is guided in the main direction at plus or minus 20 degrees, preferably plus or minus 10 degrees, preferably plus or minus 5 degrees. - The growth step can be performed from a support that is also known as the starting surface. - The growth step may be performed in a primary direction substantially perpendicular to the starting surface or support, in other words, a primary direction having an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the starting surface. Preferably, the growth direction has an angle that falls between 70 and 110 degrees. - The growth step is preferably carried out by directed solidification by heat or by heating or cooling. In particular, directed solidification can be controlled by the cooling rate. For example, directed solidification can be controlled at the furnace outlet, for example, by controlling the rate at the furnace outlet, and therefore the cooling. - Preferably, the term "rod" refers to at least one crystalline phase, fibrous structure, tube, feather, cylindrical body, dendritic crystal, or any element that can be arranged and constituted such that it is elongated in the main longitudinal direction and not elongated in the transverse direction, for example having transverse projections. - The starting surface is preferably a solid phase arranged and configured to allow directional growth, particularly in orthogonal directions. -For example, the space between the rods may have dimensions larger than the diameter of the rods. The diameter of the rods may be at least 100 nanometers, and the height of the rods may be at least 10 micrometers. - The growth step, according to a particular embodiment, may result in a rod that elongates about 5 to 20% in directions other than the primary direction, where these directions, for example, form an angle greater than 20 degrees with respect to the primary direction, preferably a angle greater than 30 degrees with respect to the primary direction, preferably a angle greater than 40 degrees with respect to the primary direction, preferably a angle greater than 50 degrees with respect to the primary direction. - The step of removing at least a portion of the base material is performed without removing the rod or at least one of the crystalline phases. However, the removal step may remove a percentage of the rod of at least one of the crystalline phases, particularly less than 10%, preferably less than 5%. - The step of removing at least a portion of the base material is a selective removal step that is set and configured to act primarily on the base material. - The removal step may be carried out chemically or electrochemically, thermally or physically, or by some combination of these methods. - The removal step may be set and configured to at least partially restrict, remove, or dissolve protrusions extending transversely to the primary growth direction. - Preferably, the space between the rods corresponding to at least one other phase is a portion of the surface, volume, or medium that is treated to dissolve, remove, or restrict at least a portion of the other phase. - The removal step can be carried out using a solution containing NaOH or HNO3, preferably in a bath of the solution. - Preferably, the manufacturing method may further include a blanking step between the growth step and the removal step, in a direction that is transverse, perpendicular, or right to the extension direction of the rod material at an angle of plus or minus several degrees, particularly in the principal direction. - Preferably, the manufacturing method may further include a polishing step and / or a sandblasting step.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the material includes carbon nanotubes.

[0009] According to another embodiment, the material excludes carbon nanotubes.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention provides an external timekeeping component that can be produced using this method.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention provides for the use of a black structure for external timing device components produced by this method.

[0012] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a black component, particularly an external timing device component, which is characterized by a material having at least two phases, wherein at least one of the two phases is crystalline and at least one of the other phases is called a matrix, and the component is produced using one or more of the features or steps in the method for manufacturing the first aspect.

[0013] For example, this results in a metallurgical structure having a two-phase material.

[0014] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] Three schematic diagrams corresponding to three embodiments of a material standing upright from a starting surface, each diagram showing bars of at least one of the crystalline phases aligned with each other in a major direction and at least one of the other phases disposed between the bars, and each drawing having a schematic top view and a schematic side view. [Figure 2] A side view of a material with bars of at least one of the crystalline phases aligned with each other in a major direction and at least one of the other phases, according to one embodiment, wherein at least one of the other phases is known as a matrix, is disposed between the bars, and at least a portion of the matrix between the bars is removed. [Figure 3] An electron microscope image of the material as viewed from the side, according to one embodiment, with bars of at least one of the crystalline phases aligned with each other in a major direction. [Figure 4] An electron microscope image of the material as viewed from above, according to FIG. 3.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] To make it even clearer, the same or similar elements in various embodiments are labeled with the same reference numbers in all the drawings.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a method for manufacturing a component, particularly an external timing device component, or a black structure made from a material 10 is described, and the material 10 comprises two phases, namely, a crystalline phase 1 and another phase called the base material 2. Such external components may correspond, non - limitingly and non - exhaustively, to bezels, middle plates, back covers, middle frames, support frames, dials, dragon heads or even needles.

[0018] The method is as follows in this order: - Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, forming a plurality of bars in which the crystalline phase 1 is aligned with each other, and growing the material from a starting surface 3 in a main direction Z by a directional solidification method such that the base material 2 extends between the bars; - Referring to FIG. 2, removing at least a part of the base material between the crystalline phase bars to a depth of several hundred nanometers or several tens of micrometers; - Forming a comb - like material structure having bars and light confinement cavities between said bars to absorb light and provide a black appearance and including.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows three views seen from the side and from above, showing examples of the sizes of various phases, fragments of phases and the cylindrical bodies in which the phases are spaced apart.

[0020] The crystalline phase 1 is in the form of a fibrous structure or fine dendrites aligned in the direction or axis Z.

[0021] For example, the crystalline phase corresponds to between 3 wt% and 50 wt% of the material. The other phase called the base material 2 surrounds the fibrous structure and corresponds particularly to the remainder of the alloy between 50 wt% and 97 wt% of the material.

[0022] The starting surface 3 can be any material provided that it allows directional growth.

[0023] A key criterion when selecting the chemical elements of a material is etching, which dissolves or removes at least a portion of the base material, leaving the fibrous structure or fine dendritic crystals of the crystalline phase exposed along a specific depth, for example, from several hundred nanometers to several hundred microns, depending on the size and spacing of the fibrous structure or fine dendritic crystals.

[0024] Preferably, the removal step is carried out chemically. The etching solution must be determined according to the chemical interaction of the alloy and the phases present, in order to dissolve the base material without etching too much of the fibrous structure or fine dendritic crystals. Therefore, the base material must be etched using a product that does not etch (or etches only slightly) the other phase.

[0025] For example, the removal step is carried out chemically using a solution containing NaOH or HNO3, for example, using a bath of the said solution. In other words, the removal step is carried out using a solution containing NaOH. Alternatively, the removal step is carried out using a solution containing HNO3.

[0026] For example, using an Al-Ni eutectic alloy containing 3.1% nickel as the material, approximately 12% Al3Ni crystalline phase is generated within a base material of approximately 88% aluminum solid solution. The aluminum solid solution can be dissolved in a solution containing NaOH that does not etch (or etches very little) the Al3Ni phase. Dissolution may take several minutes or several hours to occur.

[0027] In another example, etching an Al-Zn alloy (59% Zn) in an HNO3 solution can be expected to dissolve the zinc solid solution and expose the aluminum solid solution dendritic crystals. The solution can be diluted to varying degrees, and dissolution can take varying amounts of time, e.g., from a few minutes to several hours. This Al-Zn alloy is non-eutectic.

[0028] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the manufacturing method may further provide a blanking step in a direction transverse to the extension direction of the rod, particularly in a direction perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to axis Z.

[0029] The growth step aims to grow a straight rod from the crystalline phase. In particular, the blanking step cuts the end of the Al3Ni rod in the above example along a plane substantially perpendicular to the main direction, making it possible to obtain an end of the rod substantially perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane (see Figure 4) and thus to the surface of the blackened part. In other words, the growth step is carried out by solidifying a eutectic Al-Ni alloy having 3.1% nickel Ni.

[0030] Preferably, the blanking step is performed after the growth step and before the removal step.

[0031] The orthogonal surfaces thus generated correspond to the black surfaces after etching.

[0032] Optionally, the method may provide a step of polishing and / or sandblasting the surface to improve the uneven appearance of the surface of the part.

[0033] Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention, a method for producing a black structure of a material such as an Al-Ni eutectic alloy having 3.1 atomic% Ni comprises at least two phases, the at least two phases comprising at least one crystalline phase and at least one other phase called the matrix. In this context, the method comprises the step of growing the material by directed solidification in the principal direction Z such that at least one crystalline phase forms a plurality of rods aligned with each other, and the matrix extends between the rods. The method also comprises the step of removing at least a portion of the matrix between the rods of at least one crystalline phase using a solution containing NaOH to form a comb-like material structure having rods and light-confined cavities between the rods. Alternatively, it should be noted that this removal step may be carried out using a solution containing HNO3.

[0034] Accordingly, in another aspect of the present invention, a method for producing a black structure of a material such as an Al-Zn alloy having 59 atomic% Zn comprises at least two phases, the at least two phases comprising at least one crystalline phase and at least one other phase called a matrix. In this context, the method comprises the step of growing the material in a major direction Z by directed solidification so that at least one crystalline phase forms a plurality of rods aligned with each other, and the matrix extends between the rods. The method also comprises the step of removing at least a portion of the matrix between the rods of at least one crystalline phase using a solution containing HNO3 to form a comb-like material structure having rods and light-confined cavities between the rods. It should be noted that this solution helps to dissolve the zinc solid solution and expose the aluminum solid solution dendritic crystals.

[0035] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of a black structure obtained by this method for external timekeeping components. This use involves producing the black structure from a material such as a eutectic Al-Ni alloy having 3.1 atomic% Ni, resulting in at least two phases, the at least two phases comprising at least one one-sided crystalline phase and at least one other phase called the matrix. Alternatively, the material may be an Al-Zn alloy having 59 atomic% Zn. In this context, in this manufacturing method, the material growth step is carried out by directional solidification in the principal direction Z, so that at least one one-sided crystalline phase is aligned with one another, and the matrix extends between the rods. During this manufacturing, a solution containing NaOH is also used in a step to remove at least a portion of the matrix between the rods of at least one one-sided crystalline phase in order to form a comb-like material structure having rods and light-confined cavities between the rods. Alternatively, it should be noted that this removal step may be carried out using a solution containing HNO3. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0036] 1 Crystalline phase 2 Base material 10 materials Z principal direction

Claims

1. A method for producing a black structure of a material (10) comprising at least two phases, the material having at least one crystalline phase (1) and at least one other phase called a matrix (2), wherein the method is: - A step of forming a plurality of rods in which at least one of the crystalline phases is aligned with each other, and growing the material in the main direction (Z) such that the matrix material extends between the rods, - A step of removing at least a portion of the base material between the rods of the at least one crystalline phase to form a comb-shaped material structure having the rods and light-confining cavities between the rods. A method characterized by including

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the material is a metal, a ceramic, or a polymer, or a combination thereof.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the material is an alloy, preferably an aluminum-based alloy, and / or a nickel-based alloy, and / or a zinc-based alloy.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the growth step is performed by directed coagulation.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the removal step is carried out chemically, electrochemically, thermally, or physically.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the removal step is carried out using a solution containing NaOH or HNO3, preferably in a bath of the solution.

7. Preferably, the method according to claim 1, further comprising a blanking step in a direction transverse to the extension direction of the rod material between the growth step and the removal step.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a polishing step and / or a sandblasting step.

9. Use of a black structure for an external time measuring instrument component, produced by the method described in claim 1.

10. An external time measuring instrument component produced using the method described in claim 1.

11. The external time measuring instrument component according to claim 10, which is a black component.

12. The external time measuring instrument component according to claim 10, comprising a material having at least two phases, wherein the at least two phases include at least one crystalline phase and at least one other phase called a matrix.

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