Electroless plated fiber material, and method and system for producing electroless plated fiber material

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and a system for producing an electroless plated fiber material, with which it is possible to more efficiently produce an electroless plated fiber material of high quality.　This method for producing an electroless plated fiber material includes: a catalytic treatment step for obtaining a catalyst-imparted fiber material in which a catalyst is applied to a fiber material; and an electroless plating step for obtaining an electroless plated fiber material in which a plating film is formed on the catalyst-imparted fiber material. A metal ion application process and a reductant application process are executed while conveying the catalyst-imparted fiber material in the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fiber material, so that the metal ion solution and the reductant solution are mixed with each other on the catalyst-imparted fiber material so as to react with each other. In the metal ion application process, the metal ion solution is applied to the catalyst-imparted fiber material in a first electric field region by electrostatically spraying the metal ion solution to the catalyst-imparted fiber material from a plurality of directions that are substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fiber material. In the reductant application process, the reductant solution is applied to the catalyst-imparted fiber material in a second electric field region, which is different from the first electric field region, by electrostatically spraying the reductant solution to the catalyst-imparted fiber material from a plurality of directions that are substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fiber material.

Description

Electroless plated fiber material, method and system for manufacturing electroless plated fiber material

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrolessly plated fiber material, a method for manufacturing an electrolessly plated fiber material, and a manufacturing system.

[0002] In recent years, technological developments have progressed for the application of conductive textile materials to wearable products, signal cables, and the like. A known technique for producing conductive textile materials is electroless plating of textile materials. In electroless plating, a metal is deposited on the textile material by reducing metal ions using a reducing agent to form a plating film. Examples of techniques for electroless plating of textile materials include a method of immersing the textile material in a plating solution and a method of electrospraying a solution containing metal ions and a solution containing a reducing agent onto the textile material using electrospray.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method and system for producing electrolessly plated fiber materials, including an electroless plating process in which a metal ion solution containing metal ions and a reducing agent solution containing a reducing agent for the metal ions are electrostatically sprayed onto a catalyst-imparted fiber material that is grounded or has an opposite potential to that of the metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution and that has been imparted moisture, so that they react in the same electric field, thereby obtaining an electrolessly plated fiber material in which a plating film is formed on the catalyst-imparted fiber material. The production system described in Patent Document 1 is configured to electrostatically spray the metal ion solution using a metal ion nozzle and electrostatically spray the reducing agent solution using a reducing agent nozzle.

[0004] International Publication No. 2022 / 004646

[0005] In the manufacturing method and manufacturing system for electroless plated fiber material described in Patent Document 1, by utilizing the electrospray phenomenon, there is no need to immerse the fiber material in various processing solutions stored in large quantities in tanks, etc., thereby reducing the amount of processing solution used and reducing manufacturing costs, while also improving the quality of the electroless plated fiber material produced.

[0006] However, in the manufacturing method and manufacturing system described in Patent Document 1, the metal ion nozzle and the reducing agent nozzle are arranged facing each other so that the metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution react on the catalyzed fiber material in the same electric field. The metal ion nozzle and the reducing agent nozzle are configured to simultaneously electrostatically spray the metal ion solution and the reducing agent nozzle. Therefore, there is a possibility that the metal ion solution sprayed from the metal ion nozzle may pass through the fiber material and adhere to the reducing agent nozzle, or that the reducing agent solution sprayed from the reducing agent nozzle may pass through the fiber material and adhere to the metal ion nozzle. If the metal ion solution or the reducing agent solution adheres to the nozzle and metal deposits form on the nozzle surface, sparks may occur between the nozzle and the fiber material, leading to reduced quality and manufacturing efficiency of electroless plated fiber materials. Furthermore, because the likelihood of electrospray occurring differs between the metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution, it is difficult to uniformly spray the metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution in the same electric field.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned situation, and its purpose is to further improve the quality of electroless plated fiber material and to provide a manufacturing method and manufacturing system for electroless plated fiber material that can produce high-quality electroless plated fiber material more efficiently.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for producing electrolessly plated fibrous material includes a catalysis step for obtaining a catalyst-applied fibrous material in which a catalyst is applied to a fibrous material, and an electroless plating step for obtaining an electroless plated fibrous material in which a plating film is formed on the catalyst-applied fibrous material. The electroless plating step includes a metal ion application process in which, while a positive or negative potential is applied to a metal ion solution containing metal ions, the metal ion solution is electrostatically sprayed onto the catalyst-applied fibrous material, which is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the metal ion solution and has been given moisture, in order to obtain the electroless plated fibrous material in which a plating film is formed on the catalyst-applied fibrous material; and a reducing agent solution containing a reducing agent for the metal ions is electrostatically sprayed onto the catalyst-applied fibrous material, which is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the reducing agent solution, in a state in which the same potential as that of the metal ion solution is applied to the reducing agent solution. a reducing agent application process in which a potential opposite to that of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material is applied and the catalyst-imparted fibrous material is given moisture, and the reducing agent application process is carried out while the catalyst-imparted fibrous material is transported in the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material, and the metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution are mixed on the catalyst-imparted fibrous material to cause a reaction; the metal ion application process applies the metal ion solution to the catalyst-imparted fibrous material in a first electric field region by electrostatically spraying the metal ion solution onto the catalyst-imparted fibrous material from multiple directions approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material; and the reducing agent application process applies the reducing agent solution to the catalyst-imparted fibrous material in a second electric field region different from the first electric field region by electrostatically spraying the reducing agent solution onto the catalyst-imparted fibrous material from multiple directions approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material.According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for producing an electroless plated fibrous material includes a catalysis step of obtaining a catalyst-applied fibrous material in which a catalyst is applied to a fibrous material, and an electroless plating step of obtaining an electroless plated fibrous material in which a plating film is formed on the catalyst-applied fibrous material, wherein the electroless plating step includes a metal ion application process in which, in order to obtain the electroless plated fibrous material in which a plating film is formed on the catalyst-applied fibrous material, the metal ion solution containing metal ions is electrostatically sprayed onto the catalyst-applied fibrous material, which has been grounded or has been applied a potential opposite to the potential of the metal ion solution and has been given moisture, while a positive or negative potential is applied to the metal ion solution, and a reducing agent solution containing a reducing agent for the metal ions is electrostatically sprayed onto the catalyst-applied fibrous material, which has been grounded or has been applied a potential opposite to the potential of the reducing agent solution, while a potential identical to the potential of the metal ion solution is applied to the reducing agent solution, The electroless plated fiber material is produced by a method for manufacturing electroless plated fiber materials, which includes a reducing agent application process in which the catalyst-imparted fiber material to which moisture has been added is electrostatically sprayed while the catalyst-imparted fiber material is transported in the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fiber material, and the metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution are mixed on the catalyst-imparted fiber material to cause a reaction; the metal ion application process is performed by electrostatically spraying the metal ion solution onto the catalyst-imparted fiber material from multiple directions approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fiber material, thereby applying the metal ion solution to the catalyst-imparted fiber material in a first electric field region; and the reducing agent application process is performed by electrostatically spraying the reducing agent solution onto the catalyst-imparted fiber material from multiple directions approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fiber material, thereby applying the reducing agent solution to the catalyst-imparted fiber material in a second electric field region different from the first electric field region.According to another aspect of the present invention, a manufacturing system for electrolessly plated fibrous material includes a catalyzing device configured to obtain a catalyzed fibrous material in which a catalyst is applied to a fibrous material, an electroless plating device configured to obtain an electrolessly plated fibrous material in which a plating film is formed on the catalyzed fibrous material, and a conveying device that conveys the fibrous material along the longitudinal direction of the fibrous material so that the fibrous material passes through the catalyzing device and the electroless plating device, wherein the electroless plating device has a metal ion spraying device configured to electrostatically spray the metal ion solution containing metal ions onto the catalyzed fibrous material that is grounded or has a potential opposite to the potential of the metal ion solution applied thereto and that has been given moisture, while a positive or negative potential is applied to the metal ion solution, and a reducing agent spraying device configured to electrostatically spray the reducing agent solution containing a reducing agent for the metal ions onto the catalyzed fibrous material that is grounded or has a potential opposite to the potential of the reducing agent solution applied thereto and that has been given moisture, while a potential identical to the metal ion solution is applied to the reducing agent solution, The metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution applied to the catalyst-applied fibrous material transported by a conveying device are mixed and reacted on the catalyst-applied fibrous material, and the metal ion spraying device has a plurality of metal ion nozzles arranged in a plane approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-applied fibrous material and configured to electrostatically spray the metal ion solution onto the catalyst-applied fibrous material from a plurality of directions approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-applied fibrous material, and is configured to apply the metal ion solution to the catalyst-applied fibrous material within a first electric field region using the plurality of metal ion nozzles, and the reducing agent spraying device has a plurality of reducing agent nozzles arranged in a plane approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-applied fibrous material and configured to spray the reducing agent solution onto the catalyst-applied fibrous material from a plurality of directions approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-applied fibrous material, and is configured to apply the reducing agent solution to the catalyst-applied fibrous material within a second electric field region different from the first electric field region using the plurality of reducing agent nozzles.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for producing electrolessly plated fiber material according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system for producing electrolessly plated fiber material according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a metal ion nozzle and a second reducing agent nozzle of an electroless plating device fixed to a nozzle holder. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a metal ion nozzle and a second reducing agent nozzle of an electroless plating device fixed to a nozzle holder. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing electrostatic spraying of a metal ion solution and a second reducing agent solution. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the arrangement of an electroless plating device and a cleaning device in a loop-shaped yarn path. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing multiple turns of catalyst-applied fiber material arranged in a loop-shaped yarn path.

[0010] The present invention relates to a method and system for producing electroless plated fiber material, a fiber material having a plating film formed by electroless plating using electrospray, and a fiber material having a plating film formed by electroless plating using electrospray.

[0011] 1 shows a flow chart illustrating the steps of the method for manufacturing an electroless plated fiber material according to the present embodiment.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the method for producing electroless plated fiber material includes a degreasing step S1, a pre-drying step S2, a pre-treatment step S3, a pre-cleaning step S4, a catalyzing step S5, a cleaning step S6, an electroless plating step S7, a cleaning step S9, and a heat-drying step S10. It may also include a cleaning step S8, which is performed during the electroless plating step S7. The method for producing electroless plated fiber material in this embodiment includes at least the catalyzing step S5 and the electroless plating step S7 of the steps shown in Figure 1, and may optionally further include cleaning steps S6, S8, S9, and a heat-drying step S10.

[0013] The steps from the degreasing step S1 to the heat drying step S10 may be carried out continuously while the fibrous material is being transported, or, for example, after the steps from the degreasing step S1 to the pre-cleaning step S4, the fibrous material may be temporarily wound onto a roll, and then the wound fibrous material may be unwound again, and the steps from the catalysis step S5 to the heat drying step S10 may be carried out continuously while the fibrous material is being transported.

[0014] The fiber material used to form the plating film by electroless plating by depositing metal is a filamentary material containing a polymer compound as a constituent component, or a material obtained by bundling such filaments (e.g., cotton, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, paper, etc.), and the specific material, whether natural or synthetic, and the form of the material are not particularly limited. Examples of fiber materials include plant fibers such as hemp and cotton, animal fibers such as wool and silk, recycled fibers such as rayon, polyamide synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester synthetic fibers, acrylic synthetic fibers, polyvinyl alcohol synthetic fibers, polyolefin synthetic fibers, polyurethane synthetic fibers, cellulose-based semisynthetic fibers, and protein-based semisynthetic fibers. The fiber material may also be a super fiber having a tensile strength of about 2 GPa or more and an elastic modulus of about 50 GPa or more. Examples of super fibers include para- or meta-aramid fibers, polyarylate fibers, polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) fibers, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) fibers, polyimide fibers, PAN-based or pitch-based carbon fibers, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, glass fibers, boron fibers, silicon carbide fibers, etc. The fiber material is more preferably a yarn, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a knitted fabric, paper, or a film.

[0015] When the fiber material is a thread, for example, the thread thickness can be about 30 denier to about 1200 denier, and more preferably, the thread thickness is about 30 denier to about 300 denier.

[0016] Considering that the fiber material will be heated to a high temperature in the heat drying step S10 described below, it is preferable that the fiber material be a heat-resistant fiber. Examples of heat-resistant fibers include meta-aramid yarns (e.g., Nomex (registered trademark)). In the case of Nomex 200 denier filament yarns (number of filaments: 99), the heat-resistant temperature is approximately 400°C.

[0017] Furthermore, the fiber material is preferably hydrophilic, taking into consideration that moisture is added in the catalyzing step S5 and the electroless plating step S7, as will be described later. However, the fiber material may be hydrophobic, and in this case, it is preferable to subject the fiber material to a treatment, such as a surface modification treatment, to make the fiber material hydrophilic.

[0018] In the degreasing step S1, the textile material is degreased by immersing it in a tank (not shown) containing a degreasing liquid. The textile material passes through the tank while being guided by, for example, a degreasing roll (not shown). This removes yarn oil, woven fabric oil, knitted fabric oil, dirt, and the like from the textile material.

[0019] The pre-drying step S2 is a drying process for the fibrous material degreased in the degreasing step S1. For example, the fibrous material can be dried by applying warm or hot air to the fibrous material as it passes through a drying device (not shown). Note that if the degreasing liquid used in the degreasing step S1 is volatile, the pre-drying step S2 can be omitted.

[0020] The pretreatment step S3 is a process performed to improve adhesion between the fiber material and the plating coating. The fiber material dried in the pre-drying step S2 is pretreated to be negatively charged. In the pretreatment step S3, the fiber material is pretreated by immersing it in a treatment solution. The fiber material passes through a tank (not shown) containing the treatment solution while being guided, for example, by multiple pretreatment rolls (not shown), so as to move around within the treatment solution.

[0021] The treatment agent contained in the treatment solution can be a solution containing a substance capable of imparting a negative charge to the fiber material, such as tannic acid, gallic acid, pyrogallol, catechol, or other polyphenolic compounds. By imparting a negative charge to the fiber material, the adhesion of metal ions (catalyst precursors) to the fiber material can be increased in the catalysis step S5, and the adhesion between the plating film and the fiber material can be increased in the electroless plating step S7. When the treatment agent is tannic acid, the treatment solution can also be called a tannic acid solution, and the pretreatment step S3 can also be called a tannic acid treatment step S3. The concentration of the treatment agent in the treatment solution can be about 0.1% by mass to about 5.0% by mass.

[0022] The ambient temperature of the environment in which the pretreatment step S3 is performed can be room temperature. The treatment temperature of the treatment solution can be room temperature (approximately 20°C) to approximately 100°C. The immersion time for immersing the fiber material in the treatment solution is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, approximately 0.5 to 10 seconds. However, the ambient temperature, treatment temperature, and immersion time are not limited to these and can be appropriately adjusted to enhance adhesion between the fiber material and the plating coating. Note that the pretreatment step S3 may be other treatments commonly performed as pretreatments for electroless plating of the fiber depending on the type of fiber material, and is not limited to pretreatments using a treatment solution.

[0023] In the pre-cleaning step S4, the textile material pretreated in the pretreatment step S3 is cleaned. The textile material passes through a tank (not shown) containing a cleaning liquid, while being guided by, for example, a pre-cleaning roll (not shown). This results in a textile material that has been pretreated and cleaned (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a pre-treated textile material). The cleaning liquid can be distilled water, ion-exchanged water, RO (reverse osmosis) water, purified water such as pure water or ultrapure water, tap water, natural water, or the like. However, the cleaning liquid is not limited to water.

[0024] In the catalysis step S5, a catalysis treatment is performed on the pretreated fiber material. In the catalysis step S5, a catalyst application process is performed in which a catalyst solution containing a catalyst precursor is electrostatically sprayed onto the pretreated fiber material, and a first reducing agent application process (catalyst reducing agent application process) is performed in which a first reducing agent solution (catalyst reducing agent solution) containing a reducing agent for the catalyst precursor is electrostatically sprayed onto the pretreated fiber material, while the pretreated fiber material is transported in the longitudinal direction of the pretreated fiber material.

[0025] For example, in a catalyst application process, the pretreated fibrous material is grounded, and while the pretreated fibrous material is being moistened, a catalyst solution containing a catalyst precursor is electrostatically sprayed onto the pretreated fibrous material while a positive potential (indicated by the symbol +) is applied to the pretreated fibrous material. Here, instead of grounding the pretreated fibrous material, a potential opposite to that of the catalyst solution may be applied to the pretreated fibrous material, or a negative potential may be applied to the catalyst solution and electrostatically sprayed onto the grounded pretreated fibrous material.

[0026] A catalytic solution with a voltage applied is supplied from a catalyst nozzle, and when an electric field is formed between the nozzle and the pretreated textile material, the catalytic solution supplied from the nozzle is electrostatically repelled and sprayed as charged droplets (electrospray). The catalyst application process is configured to apply the catalytic solution to the pretreated textile material within the same electric field region by electrostatically spraying the catalytic solution onto the pretreated textile material from multiple directions approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pretreated textile material. The electrospray phenomenon will be described later.

[0027] In the first reducing agent application process, for example, the pretreated textile material is grounded, and while the pretreated textile material is being moistened, a positive potential (indicated by the sign +) is applied to a first reducing agent solution containing a catalyst precursor reducing agent, and the pretreated textile material is electrostatically sprayed onto the pretreated textile material. The potential of the catalyst solution and the potential of the first reducing agent solution are the same. However, instead of grounding the pretreated textile material in the first reducing agent application process, a potential opposite to that of the first reducing agent solution may be applied to the pretreated textile material, or the first reducing agent solution may be electrostatically sprayed onto the grounded pretreated textile material while a negative potential is applied to the first reducing agent solution. The potential of the first reducing agent solution may also be made different from the potential of the catalyst solution.

[0028] The first reducing agent solution is supplied from the first reducing agent nozzle with a voltage applied thereto, and when an electric field is formed between the first reducing agent solution and the pretreated fiber material, the first reducing agent solution supplied from the nozzle is electrostatically repelled and sprayed as charged droplets. The first reducing agent application process is configured to apply the first reducing agent solution to the pretreated fiber material in the same electric field region that is different from the same electric field region in the catalyst application process by electrostatically spraying the first reducing agent solution onto the pretreated fiber material from multiple directions that are approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pretreated fiber material.

[0029] As a result, in the catalysis step S5, a fiber material in a state in which a catalyst has been applied to the pretreated fiber material (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a catalyst-applied fiber material) is obtained. Note that in the catalysis step S5, the catalyst application process may be performed prior to the first reducing agent application process, or the first reducing agent application process may be performed prior to the catalyst application process. It is preferable to alternately repeat the catalyst application process and the first reducing agent application process multiple times. This allows catalyst particles to be formed uniformly.

[0030] The catalyst solution may be, for example, a solution containing a salt or complex compound of platinum, gold, silver, palladium, or the like, or a mixture of two or more of these metals. The salt may be a nitrate, sulfate, chloride, acetate, or the like. Therefore, the catalyst solution contains metal ions of platinum, gold, silver, palladium, or the like, which are catalyst precursors.

[0031] In particular, to reduce the surface tension of droplets sprayed from a catalyst nozzle for electrostatically spraying a catalyst solution, the catalyst solution may contain lower alcohols having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, such as methanol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol; ketones, such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; nitriles, such as acetonitrile and propionitrile; or a mixture of two or more of these. The concentration of the catalyst precursor in the catalyst solution can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the concentration of the catalyst precursor can be in the range of about 0.01 mol / L or more and about 5 mol / L or less.

[0032] The reducing agent contained in the first reducing agent solution can be selected to be optimal for the catalyst precursor species to be reduced. Examples of the reducing agent include hydroxymethanesulfinic acid, thioglycolic acid, sulfurous acid, or salts thereof such as sodium salts, potassium salts, and ammonium salts, ascorbic acid, citric acid, sodium hydrosulfite, thiourea, dithiothreitol, hydrazines, formaldehydes, boron hydrides, and mixtures of two or more of these.

[0033] Examples of hydrazines include hydrazine, hydrazine hydrate, hydrazine salts, hydrazine substituent derivatives or salts thereof, etc. Specific examples include hydrazine hydrate, hydrazine monohydrochloride, hydrazine dihydrochloride, hydrazine sulfate, hydrazine hydrobromide, hydrazine carbonate, methylhydrazine, phenylhydrazine, tert-butylhydrazine hydrochloride, and carbohydrazide.

[0034] Examples of formaldehydes include formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, etc., or a mixture of two or more of these. Boron hydrides refer to reducing compounds having a boron-hydrogen bond, and specific examples include sodium borohydride, potassium borohydride, lithium borohydride, sodium cyanotrihydroborate, lithium triethylborohydride, tetrahydrofuran-borane complex, dimethylamine-borane complex, diphenylamine-borane complex, and pyridine-borane complex. In particular, the reducing agent is preferably an ascorbic acid, a citric acid, or a hydrazine.

[0035] The amount of reducing agent added to the first reducing agent solution can be adjusted appropriately depending on the type of reducing agent, the concentration of the catalyst precursor in the catalyst solution, etc. For example, the amount of reducing agent added is preferably in the range of 1 to 2 times the chemical equivalent of the catalyst precursor. If the amount of reducing agent added is less than the chemical equivalent, the reduction reaction to the catalyst may not proceed sufficiently. On the other hand, there is no problem if the amount of reducing agent added exceeds 2 times the chemical equivalent, but this increases costs.

[0036] The catalyst solution and the first reducing agent solution may be aqueous or water-soluble and compatible with each other. For example, the solvent used for each of the catalyst solution and the first reducing agent solution may be water, ethanol, DMF (N,N-dimethylformamide), acetone, or a mixture of two or more of these. In particular, the solvent used for each of the catalyst solution and the first reducing agent solution may be water or an aqueous solution of water and a water-soluble solvent such as ethanol, DMF, or acetone. Furthermore, it is preferable that the solvents used for the catalyst solution and the first reducing agent solution are the same.

[0037] In the catalyzing step S5, water is sprayed onto the pretreated fibrous material to provide moisture to the pretreated fibrous material. By providing moisture to the pretreated fibrous material, the pretreated fibrous material can be reliably grounded. Water may be supplied to the pretreated fibrous material continuously or intermittently throughout the catalyzing step S5.

[0038] The water used to moisten the pretreated fiber material in the catalysis step S5 may be purified water such as distilled water, ion-exchanged water, RO (reverse osmosis) water, pure water, ultrapure water, etc. However, the water is not limited to these.

[0039] In the cleaning step S6, the catalyst-imparted fiber material that has been subjected to the catalysis treatment in the catalysis step S5 is cleaned with a cleaning solution before the start of the electroless plating step S7. In the cleaning step S6, by cleaning the catalyst-imparted fiber material before the start of the electroless plating step S7, by-products generated in the catalysis step can be removed and moisture can be imparted to the catalyst-imparted fiber material.

[0040] The cleaning liquid used in the cleaning step S6 can be distilled water, ion-exchanged water, RO (reverse osmosis) water, purified water such as pure water or ultrapure water, tap water, natural water, etc. However, since the cleaning step S6 also serves to add moisture to the catalyst-applied fiber material, it is preferable to use, for example, but not limited to, dechlorinated water or ion-exchanged water so as not to react with the metal ion solution used in the electroless plating step S7 to produce chlorides, etc.

[0041] The electroless plating process S7 involves electroless plating the catalyst-imparted fibrous material. The electroless plating process S7 involves a metal ion application process in which a metal ion solution containing metal ions is electrostatically sprayed onto the grounded and moistened catalyst-imparted fibrous material while a positive potential is applied to the metal ion solution, and a second reducing agent application process (reducing agent application process) in which a second reducing agent solution (reducing agent solution) containing a reducing agent for the metal ions is electrostatically sprayed onto the grounded and moistened catalyst-imparted fibrous material while the same potential as the metal ion solution is applied to the second reducing agent solution. These processes are carried out while the catalyst-imparted fibrous material is being transported in the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material, so that the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution are mixed and reacted on the catalyst-imparted fibrous material.

[0042] The potential of the metal ion solution and the potential of the second reducing agent solution are the same. The potential of the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution are also the same as the potential of the catalyst solution and the first reducing agent solution. However, in the electroless plating step S7, instead of grounding the fiber material, a potential opposite to the potential of the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution may be applied to the fiber material. Also, the fiber material may be electrostatically sprayed while a negative potential is applied to the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution. The potential of the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution may be different. The potential of the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution may be different from one or both of the potentials of the catalyst solution and the first reducing agent solution.

[0043] A metal ion solution to which a voltage is applied is supplied from a metal ion nozzle, and when an electric field is formed between the nozzle and the grounded catalyst-imparted fiber material, the metal ion solution supplied from the nozzle is electrostatically repelled and sprayed as charged droplets. The metal ion application process is configured to utilize this electrospray phenomenon to electrostatically spray the metal ion solution onto the catalyst-imparted fiber material from multiple directions approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fiber material, thereby applying the metal ion solution to the catalyst-imparted fiber material within the same electric field region.

[0044] The second reducing agent solution to which a voltage has been applied is supplied from the second reducing agent nozzle, and when an electric field is formed between the second reducing agent solution and the grounded catalyst-imparted fiber material, the second reducing agent solution supplied from the nozzle is electrostatically repelled and sprayed as charged droplets. The second reducing agent application process is configured to utilize this electrospray phenomenon to electrostatically spray the second reducing agent solution onto the catalyst-imparted fiber material from multiple directions approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fiber material, thereby applying the reducing agent solution to the catalyst-imparted fiber material within an identical electric field region that is different from the identical electric field region in the metal ion application process.

[0045] The electroless plating step S7 can repeatedly perform the metal ion application process and the second reducing agent application process while transporting the catalyst-added fiber material in the longitudinal direction along a loop-shaped yarn path described below. Furthermore, the electroless plating step S7 is configured to limit the maximum value of the current generated when a high-voltage power supply is applied to the metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution in order to electrostatically spray the metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution, as described below, in the metal ion solution application process and the second reducing agent solution application process.

[0046] As a result, in the electroless plating step S7, a fiber material in which a plating film is formed on the catalyst-applied fiber material (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as electroless plated fiber material) is obtained. Note that in the electroless plating step S7, the metal ion application process may be performed prior to the second reducing agent application process, or the second reducing agent application process may be performed prior to the metal ion application process.

[0047] The metal ions contained in the metal ion solution may be ions of a desired metal to be plated on the fiber material. For example, the metal ion solution may be a solution of a salt or complex compound of platinum, gold, silver, copper, tin, nickel, iron, palladium, zinc, iron, cobalt, tungsten, ruthenium, indium, molybdenum, or the like, or a mixture of two or more of these metals dissolved in a suitable solvent. The salt may be a nitrate, sulfate, chloride, acetate, or the like.

[0048] In particular, in order to reduce the surface tension of droplets sprayed from a metal ion nozzle for electrostatically spraying a metal ion solution, the metal ion solution may contain lower alcohols having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, such as methanol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol; ketones, such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; nitriles, such as acetonitrile and propionitrile; or a mixture of two or more of these. The concentration of the metal ions in the metal ion solution can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the concentration of the metal ions may be in the range of 0.01 mol / L or more and 5 mol / L or less.

[0049] The reducing agent contained in the second reducing agent solution can be selected to be optimal for the metal ion species to be reduced. Examples of the reducing agent contained in the second reducing agent solution include the same reducing agents as those contained in the first reducing agent solution.

[0050] The amount of reducing agent added to the second reducing agent solution can be adjusted appropriately depending on the type of reducing agent, the concentration of metal ions in the metal ion solution, etc. For example, the amount of reducing agent added is preferably in the range of 1 to 2 times the chemical equivalent of the metal ions. If the amount of reducing agent added is less than the chemical equivalent, the reduction reaction to the metal ions may not proceed sufficiently. On the other hand, although the amount of reducing agent added may exceed 2 times the chemical equivalent, this increases costs.

[0051] The metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution may be mutually compatible solutions. For example, the solvent used for each of the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution may be water, ethanol, DMF, acetone, or a mixture of two or more of these. In particular, the solvent used for each of the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution may be water or a mixture of water and a water-soluble solvent such as ethanol, DMF, or acetone. Furthermore, it is preferable that the solvents used for the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution are the same.

[0052] Furthermore, in the electroless plating step S7, water is ejected onto the catalyst-applied fibrous material to add moisture to the catalyst-applied fibrous material. Here, the cleaning step S8, which is performed during the electroless plating step S7, can function as a step of supplying water to the catalyst-applied fibrous material during the electroless plating step S7.

[0053] In the cleaning step S8, the catalyst-imparted fiber material is cleaned with a cleaning solution while the electroless plating step S7 is being performed. The cleaning step S8 is configured, for example, to bring the cleaning solution into contact with the catalyst-imparted fiber material being transported along a looped yarn path (described later) to remove metal particles that did not form a plating film and unreacted solution, and the catalyst-imparted fiber material is repeatedly cleaned while the electroless plating step S7 is being performed. Specifically, the catalyst-imparted fiber material is cleaned between repeated executions of the metal ion application process and the second reducing agent application process. In this way, by cleaning the catalyst-imparted fiber material in the cleaning step S8, moisture can be imparted to the catalyst-imparted fiber material.

[0054] The cleaning solution used in the cleaning step S8 may be, for example, but is not limited to, dechlorinated water or ion-exchanged water so as not to react with the metal ion solution used in the electroless plating step S7 to produce chlorides, etc. The water used in the cleaning step S8, i.e., the water used in the electroless plating step S7, may be the same type as or different from the water used in the catalyzing step S5.

[0055] In the cleaning step S9, after the completion of the electroless plating step S7, the electroless plated fiber material that has been subjected to the electroless plating treatment in the electroless plating step S7 is cleaned with a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution used in the cleaning step S9 can be distilled water, ion-exchanged water, RO (reverse osmosis) water, purified water such as pure water or ultrapure water, tap water, natural water, etc. The cleaning solution used in the cleaning step S9 may be the same as or different from the cleaning solution used in the cleaning step S8.

[0056] The heating and drying step S10 is a heating and drying process in which the electrolessly plated fiber material cleaned in the cleaning step S9 is heated and dried. In the heating and drying step S10, the electrolessly plated fiber material can be heated and dried, for example, by applying warm or hot air to the electrolessly plated fiber material passing through a heating and drying device described below. Alternatively, the electrolessly plated fiber material can be heated and dried using radiant heat from an electric furnace. However, the heating and drying method and the device used are not particularly limited. The heating and drying step S10 can also include an annealing step in which the electrolessly plated fiber material is annealed. In this embodiment, electrolessly plated fiber material can be produced by the method described above.

[0057] Electroless Plated Fiber Material Manufacturing System Next, a manufacturing system for electroless plated fiber material according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the manufacturing system for electroless plated fiber material according to this embodiment.

[0058] 2, the electrolessly plated fibrous material manufacturing system 1 includes a catalysis device 10 configured to obtain a catalyst-applied fibrous material to which a catalyst has been applied, an electroless plating device 20 configured to obtain an electrolessly plated fibrous material in which a plating coating has been formed on the catalyst-applied fibrous material, and a conveying device 30 that conveys the fibrous material along the longitudinal direction of the fibrous material so that it passes through the catalysis device 10 and the electroless plating device 20. The electrolessly plated fibrous material manufacturing system 1 may optionally further include a cleaning device 40 configured to clean the catalyzed fibrous material with a cleaning solution, and a heating and drying device 50 configured to heat and dry the electrolessly plated fibrous material obtained by the electroless plating device 20.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 2 , the conveying device 30 can convey the fibrous material A along the longitudinal direction of the fibrous material A, passing through the catalyst device 10, the electroless plating device 20, and the heating and drying device 50 in this order, according to a preset yarn path. The fibrous material A conveyed by the conveying device 30 is guided along the preset yarn path by a yarn path guide mechanism (described later). The conveying device 30 has an unwinding roll 31 configured to unwind the fibrous material A and a take-up roll 32 configured to take up the fibrous material A. The conveying device 30 is configured to convey the fibrous material A from the unwinding roll 31 to the take-up roll 32 with an appropriate tension while controlling the tension of the fibrous material A, for example, by a hysteresis loop 81. The tension of the conveyed fibrous material A can be, for example, about 15 cN to about 40 cN.

[0060] The conveying speed of the fiber material A by the conveying device 30 is set to an appropriate value taking into consideration, for example, the reaction speed in the electroless plating step S7 and the manufacturing efficiency required for the electroless plated fiber material manufacturing system 1. The conveying speed can be set to, for example, about 0.5 m / min to about 10 m / min, but since a higher speed is preferable from the viewpoint of manufacturing efficiency, the upper limit of the conveying speed is not limited to this.

[0061] The fibrous material A is wound around the unwinding roll 31 in a state (pretreated fibrous material A1) that has been pretreated in the pretreatment step S1 described above. The pretreated fibrous material A1 is unwound from the unwinding roll 31 by the conveying device 30 and conveyed to the catalyst-forming device 10.

[0062] The catalyst application device 10 performs the above-described catalyst application step S5 on the pretreated fiber material A1 to apply the catalyst application treatment, thereby producing a catalyst-applied fiber material A2. The catalyst-applied fiber material A2 is transported to the electroless plating device 20 by the transport device 30.

[0063] The electroless plating device 20 performs the electroless plating process S7 described above on the catalyst-applied fibrous material A2 to produce an electroless-plated fibrous material A3. While the electroless plating process is being performed on the catalyst-applied fibrous material A2 by the electroless plating device 20, the cleaning device 40 performs the cleaning process S8 described above to repeatedly clean the catalyst-applied fibrous material A2. This cleans the catalyst-applied fibrous material A2 and also adds moisture to it. The electroless-plated fibrous material A3 that has been electroless plated by the electroless plating device 20 is transported by the transport device 30 to the heating and drying device 50.

[0064] The heating and drying device 50 performs the heating and drying process S10 on the electroless plated fiber material A3. The electrical resistance value of the electroless plated fiber material A3 that has been subjected to the heating and drying process can be measured by a resistance meter 82. The electroless plated fiber material A3 is then wound onto a take-up roll 32 by the conveying device 30.

[0065] The path along which the fibrous material A passes from the unwinding roll 31 to the take-up roll 32 may be referred to as the yarn path hereinafter. The fibrous material A extends as a single thread along the yarn path from the unwinding roll 31 to the take-up roll 32. The yarn path of the fibrous material A includes a loop-shaped yarn path D along which the fibrous material A makes multiple turns so that the fibrous material A passes through the electroless plating device 20 multiple times. The loop-shaped yarn path D will be described later.

[0066] The electroless plated fiber material manufacturing system 1 of this embodiment is characterized by the configuration of the electroless plating apparatus 20 in particular among the various devices included in the electroless plated fiber material manufacturing system 1, so we will first explain in detail the configuration of the electroless plating apparatus 20.

[0067] The electroless plating apparatus 20 includes a metal ion sprayer 21 configured to electrostatically spray a metal ion solution containing metal ions onto the catalyst-applied fiber material A2, and a second reducing agent sprayer (reducing agent sprayer) 22 configured to electrostatically spray a second reducing agent solution (reducing agent solution) containing a reducing agent for the metal ions onto the catalyst-applied fiber material A2. In Figures 2, 4, and 5, the metal ion sprayer 21 is simply indicated by a white arrow, and the second reducing agent sprayer 22 is simply indicated by a black arrow. A voltage is applied to the metal ion sprayer 21 and the second reducing agent sprayer 22 from a high-voltage power supply 60.

[0068] To prevent sparks, the electroless plating apparatus 20 can also be configured to limit the maximum value of the current generated when a voltage is applied from the high-voltage power supply 60 to each of the metal ion sprayer 21 and the second reducing agent sprayer 22. The maximum value (limit value) of the current can be set, for example, within a range of approximately 0.15 mA to approximately 0.3 mA. The maximum value (limit value) of the current can be appropriately set depending on the liquid delivery speeds of the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution, the number of metal ion nozzles 21a and the second reducing agent nozzles 22a, etc.

[0069] The metal ion spraying device 21 has a plurality of metal ion nozzles 21a arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 and configured to electrostatically spray the metal ion solution onto the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 from a plurality of directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 (see FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 5). The metal ion spraying device 21 is configured to perform the above-described metal ion application process and apply the metal ion solution to the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 within the same electric field region (first electric field region) using the plurality of metal ion nozzles 21a.

[0070] The second reducing agent spraying device 22 has a plurality of second reducing agent nozzles (reducing agent nozzles) 22a arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 and configured to spray the second reducing agent solution onto the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 from a plurality of directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 (see FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 5). The second reducing agent spraying device 22 is configured to perform the above-described second reducing agent spraying process and to apply the second reducing agent solution to the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 by the plurality of second reducing agent nozzles 22a in the same electric field region (second electric field region) that is different from the first electric field region.

[0071] 3A and 3B show examples of the arrangement of multiple metal ion nozzles 21a and multiple second reducing agent nozzles 22a. Figures 3A and 3B show the metal ion nozzle 21a and the second reducing agent nozzle 22a as viewed from the upstream side in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2, and as viewed from the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y direction). Figures 3A and 3B show an example in which the multiple metal ion nozzles 21a and the multiple second reducing agent nozzles 22a include two metal ion nozzles 21a and two second reducing agent nozzles 22a. For ease of illustration, only two metal ion nozzles 21a are shown in Figure 3A, while one metal ion nozzle 21a and one second reducing agent nozzle 22a are shown in Figure 3B.

[0072] The metal ion nozzle 21a and the second reducing agent nozzle 22a are each supported by a nozzle holder 210. The nozzle holder 210 is a flat support member extending approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2, and has a pair of legs 211, 212 and a connecting portion 213 connecting the pair of legs 211, 212. The nozzle holder 210 is positioned so that the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 passes through the space between the pair of legs 211, 212 and the connecting portion 213.

[0073] Two metal ion nozzles 21a are fixed to a first surface 214 of the legs 211, 212 of the nozzle holder 210 on the upstream side in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2, so as to face each other across the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2. Two second reducing agent nozzles 22a are fixed to a second surface 215 of the legs 211, 212 on the downstream side in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2, so as to face each other across the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2. The heights at which the metal ion nozzles 21a and the second reducing agent nozzles 22a are fixed in the height direction (Z direction) of the legs 211, 212 of the nozzle holder 210 can be adjusted to adjust the spray heights of the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution. A pair of metal ion nozzles 21a and a pair of second reducing agent nozzles 22a arranged in one nozzle holder 210 can also be referred to as a set of electroless plating nozzles.

[0074] 3A and 3B , the metal ion nozzle 21a is arranged upstream in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2, and the second reducing agent nozzle 22a is arranged downstream in one nozzle holder 210. However, the arrangement of the metal ion nozzle 21a and the second reducing agent nozzle 22a is not limited to this, and it is also possible to arrange the second reducing agent nozzle 22a upstream in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2, and the metal ion nozzle 21a downstream in one nozzle holder 210.

[0075] 3B , the two metal ion nozzles 21a and the two second reducing agent nozzles 22a are arranged at a distance L from each other in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2. This arrangement allows the two metal ion nozzles 21a to spray the metal ion solution onto the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 from multiple directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2. Furthermore, the two second reducing agent nozzles 22a can spray the second reducing agent solution onto the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 from multiple directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2.

[0076] 3A and 3B , two metal ion nozzles 21a are used to spray the metal ion solution from multiple directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2, and two second reducing agent nozzles 22a are used to spray the second reducing agent solution from multiple directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2, respectively. However, the number of metal ion nozzles 21a and second reducing agent nozzles 22a is not limited to this. For example, three or more metal ion nozzles 21a may be used to electrostatically spray the metal ion solution onto the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 from three or more directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2, and three or more second reducing agent nozzles 22a may be used to electrostatically spray the second reducing agent solution onto the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 from three or more directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2.

[0077] A metal ion solution is supplied to the metal ion nozzle 21a through a metal ion supply pipe 21b. A voltage is applied to the metal ion solution from a high-voltage power supply 60 to apply a positive potential (or negative potential) to the metal ion solution. The metal ion solution is sprayed in the form of droplets from the spray opening of the metal ion nozzle 21a onto the catalyst-added fiber material A2, which is grounded or to which a potential opposite to that of the metal ion solution is applied. At this time, an electric field is formed between the metal ion nozzle 21a and the catalyst-added fiber material A2, causing the metal ion solution to be electrostatically sprayed.

[0078] To apply a voltage to the metal ion solution, for example, a voltage can be applied from a high-voltage power supply 60 to the metal ion nozzle 21a that sprays the metal ion solution, and the voltage can be applied to the metal ion solution via the metal ion nozzle 21a. Furthermore, if the metal ion nozzle 21a is made of an insulating material, for example, a portion of the liquid delivery system can be made of metal and the voltage can be applied from the high-voltage power supply 60 to the metal portion, or an electrode (not shown) can be inserted into a tank (not shown) in which the metal ion solution is stored and the voltage can be applied from the high-voltage power supply 60 to the metal ion solution via the electrode. This results in the metal ion solution to which the voltage has been applied being sprayed from the metal ion nozzle 21a.

[0079] The second reducing agent nozzle 22a is supplied with a second reducing agent solution through a second reducing agent supply pipe 22b. A voltage is applied to the second reducing agent solution from a high-voltage power supply 60 to apply the same potential as that of the metal ion solution to the second reducing agent solution. The second reducing agent solution is sprayed in the form of droplets from the spray opening of the second reducing agent nozzle 22a onto the catalyst-applied fiber material A2, which is grounded or to which a potential opposite to that of the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution is applied. At this time, an electric field is formed between the second reducing agent nozzle 22a and the catalyst-applied fiber material A2, causing the second reducing agent solution to be electrostatically sprayed.

[0080] To apply a voltage to the second reducing agent solution, for example, a high-voltage power supply 60 can be applied to the second reducing agent nozzle 22a, which sprays the second reducing agent solution, and the voltage can be applied to the second reducing agent solution via the second reducing agent nozzle 22a. Furthermore, if the second reducing agent nozzle 22a is made of an insulating material, for example, a portion of the liquid delivery system can be made of metal and the high-voltage power supply 60 can apply a voltage to the metal portion, or an electrode (not shown) can be inserted into a tank (not shown) in which the second reducing agent solution is stored and the high-voltage power supply 60 can apply a voltage to the second reducing agent solution via the electrode. As a result, the second reducing agent solution to which the voltage has been applied is sprayed from the second reducing agent nozzle 22a. The high-voltage power supply 60 can also be used to apply a potential opposite to the potentials of the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution to the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2.

[0081] Here, the electrospray phenomenon will be explained. For example, in the electric field between the metal ion nozzle 21a and the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2, the metal ion nozzle 21a side is set to a positive potential by using a high-voltage power supply 60, and the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 side is set to a ground or negative potential. By providing a potential gradient between the metal ion nozzle 21a and the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 in this way, the electrospray phenomenon can be generated.

[0082] 4 shows a schematic diagram of electrostatic spraying of a metal ion solution by the metal ion nozzle 21a and electrostatic spraying of a second reducing agent solution by the second reducing agent nozzle 22a. Fig. 4 shows an example in which the metal ion nozzle 21a is arranged upstream in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2, and the second reducing agent nozzle 22a is arranged downstream. The metal ion nozzle 21a and the second reducing agent nozzle 22a are simply indicated by arrows. Fig. 4 shows an example in which the metal ion nozzle 21a is made up of two metal ion nozzles 21a1 and 21a2 arranged facing each other with the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 therebetween, and the second reducing agent nozzle 22a is made up of two second reducing agent nozzles 22a1 and 22a2 arranged facing each other with the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 therebetween. In the following description, the metal ion nozzles 21a1 and 21a2 may be collectively referred to as the metal ion nozzle 21a, and the second reducing agent nozzles 22a1 and 22a2 may be collectively referred to as the second reducing agent nozzle 22a.

[0083] An electric field B11 is formed between the metal ion nozzle 21a1 and the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2, with the portion C1 of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 serving as the counter electrode of the metal ion nozzle 21a1. An electric field B12 is formed between the metal ion nozzle 21a2 and the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2, with the portion C1 of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 serving as the counter electrode of the metal ion nozzle 21a2. The electric fields B11 and B12 form an electric field region (first electric field region) B1 that shares the portion C1 of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 as the counter electrode of the metal ion nozzles 21a1 and 21a2. In other words, the first electric field region B1 can be defined as the region (range) of the electric field formed by the electric fields B11 and B12 formed by the different metal ion nozzles 21a1 and 21a2. Charged droplets of the metal ion solution sprayed from a pair of opposing metal ion nozzles 21a1, 21a2 move along the arrows of electric fields B11, B12, respectively, and the metal ion solution is applied to portion C1 of catalyst-added fiber material A2 within the same electric field region (first electric field region) B1. In other words, the metal ion solution is simultaneously applied to portion C1 of catalyst-added fiber material A2 from different directions by the multiple metal ion nozzles 21a1, 21a2.

[0084] An electric field B21 is formed between the second reducing agent nozzle 22a1 and the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2, with the portion C2 of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 serving as the counter electrode of the second reducing agent nozzle 22a1. An electric field B22 is formed between the second reducing agent nozzle 22a2 and the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2, with the portion C2 of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 serving as the counter electrode of the second reducing agent nozzle 22a2. The electric fields B21 and B22 form an electric field region (second electric field region) B2 in which the second reducing agent nozzles 22a1 and 22a2 share the portion C2 of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 as the counter electrode. In other words, the second electric field region B2 can be defined as a region (range) of the electric field formed by the electric fields B21 and B22 formed by the different second reducing agent nozzles 22a1 and 22a2. The charged droplets of the second reducing agent solution sprayed from the pair of opposing second reducing agent nozzles 22a1, 22a2 move along the arrows of the electric fields B21, B22, respectively, and the second reducing agent solution is applied to portion C2 of the catalyst-added fiber material A2 in the same electric field region (second electric field region) B2 that is different from the first electric field region B1. In other words, the second reducing agent solution is simultaneously applied to portion C2 of the catalyst-added fiber material A2 from different directions by the multiple second reducing agent nozzles 22a1, 22a2.

[0085] As the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 is transported in the longitudinal direction (X direction), the second reducing agent nozzles 22a1 and 22a2 apply the second reducing agent solution to the portion C1 to which the metal ion solution has been applied by the metal ion nozzles 21a1 and 21a2. As a result, the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution mix and react on the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2. Note that when the metal ion nozzle 21a is located downstream and the second reducing agent nozzle 22a is located upstream, as the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 is transported in the longitudinal direction (X direction), the metal ion solution is applied by the metal ion nozzle 21a to the portion to which the second reducing agent solution B2 has been applied by the second reducing agent nozzle 22a.

[0086] The metal ion nozzle 21a and the reducing agent nozzle 22a are arranged at a distance L from each other in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2. This distance L is appropriately set in consideration of the conveying speed (yarn feed speed) of the fibrous material A and the potentials applied to each nozzle 21a, 22b, so that the first electric field region B1 generated by the metal ion nozzle 21a and the second electric field region B2 generated by the reducing agent nozzle 22a do not interfere with each other and the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution applied to the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 conveyed by the conveying device 30 react appropriately on the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2. When the metal ion nozzle 21a and the reducing agent nozzle 22a are arranged at a distance L from each other in the X direction so that spraying is performed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2, the distance between the center point of the portion C1 and the center point of the portion C2 of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 approximately coincides with the distance L. Here, the center point of portion C1 is the intersection of an imaginary line extending from the metal ion nozzle 21a in the direction of the catalyst-added fiber material A2 with the catalyst-added fiber material A2, and the center point of portion C2 is the intersection of an imaginary line extending from the reducing agent nozzle 22a in the direction of the catalyst-added fiber material A2 with the catalyst-added fiber material A2.

[0087] In this embodiment, the distance L can be set to about 10 mm to about 80 mm, preferably about 10 mm to about 30 mm.

[0088] The diameter of the spray nozzle of each of the metal ion nozzle 21a and the second reducing agent nozzle 22a can be approximately 0.03 mm or more, preferably approximately 0.05 mm or more, and more preferably approximately 0.1 mm or more, and can be approximately 1.0 mm or less, preferably approximately 0.5 mm or less, and more preferably approximately 0.3 mm or less. The atmospheric temperature of the environment in which the electroless plating process is performed in the electroless plating apparatus 20, i.e., the ambient temperature of the electroless plating apparatus 20, can be, for example, room temperature. However, the ambient temperature is preferably changed appropriately depending on the properties of the reaction solution, and can be higher than room temperature when a solution with low reactivity is used.

[0089] The distance between the nozzle of the metal ion nozzle 21a and the catalyst-added fiber material A2, and the distance between the nozzle of the second reducing agent nozzle 22a and the catalyst-added fiber material A2 can be approximately 5 mm or more, preferably approximately 7 mm or more, more preferably approximately 10 mm or more, and can be approximately 40 mm or less, preferably approximately 30 mm or less, more preferably approximately 20 mm or less.

[0090] The amount of the metal ion solution sprayed per unit time from the metal ion nozzle 21 a and the amount of the second reducing agent solution sprayed per unit time from the second reducing agent nozzle 22 a can each be approximately 3 μL / min or more, preferably approximately 5 μL / min or more, more preferably approximately 7 μL / min or more, and approximately 100 μL / min or less, preferably approximately 50 μL / min or less. The positive potential on the metal ion nozzle 21 a side and the positive potential on the second reducing agent nozzle 22 a side can each be approximately +4.0 kV or more, preferably approximately +5.0 kV or more, more preferably approximately +7.0 kV or more, and approximately +10.0 kV or less, preferably approximately +8.2 kV or less.

[0091] Referring to Figure 5, the loop-shaped yarn path for transporting the fibrous material A in the electroless plating device 20 will be described. As shown in Figure 5, the yarn path for the fibrous material A includes a loop-shaped yarn path D along which the fibrous material A transported from the catalyzer 10 makes multiple circuits so as to repeatedly pass through the electroless plating device 20. The catalyst-applied fibrous material A2 is transported by the transport device 30 along the loop-shaped yarn path D, which passes through the metal ion solution sprayer 21 and the second reducing agent sprayer 22 multiple times. This allows the metal ion solution sprayer 21 and the second reducing agent sprayer 22 to repeatedly electrostatically spray the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution onto the catalyzed fibrous material A2.

[0092] The loop-shaped yarn path D can be formed as, for example, a substantially rectangular path. The loop-shaped yarn path D may also be, for example, substantially square. In this case, one side of the square can be, for example, approximately 85 cm. The loop-shaped yarn path D is configured to guide the catalyzed fibrous material A2 by eight guide rollers 71 to 78. The eight guide rollers 71 to 78 constitute a yarn path guide mechanism that guides the catalyzed fibrous material A2 along the yarn path. The first, third, fifth, and seventh guide rollers 71, 73, 75, and 77 are arranged to correspond to the vertices of the rectangular loop-shaped yarn path D, respectively. The catalyzed fibrous material A2 is guided along the outsides of the first, third, fifth, and seventh guide rollers 71, 73, 75, and 77. The second, fourth, sixth, and eighth guide rollers 72, 74, 76, and 78 are arranged to correspond to the middle positions of each side of the loop-shaped yarn path D, respectively. The catalyzed fiber material A2 is guided along the inside of the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth guide rollers 72, 74, 76, and 78. The second, fourth, sixth, and eighth guide rollers 72, 74, 76, and 78 in intermediate positions are positioned slightly offset toward the inside of the loop-shaped yarn path D so as to push the catalyzed fiber material A2 passing through the loop-shaped yarn path D inward and apply appropriate tension to it.

[0093] Each of the first to eighth guide rollers 71 to 78 may be formed, for example, in a cylindrical or columnar shape. A groove 70a (see FIG. 6) for guiding the catalyst-added fibrous material A2 may be formed in the outer circumferential surface of each of the first to eighth guide rollers 71 to 78.

[0094] The loop-shaped yarn path D includes a first region D1 between the first guide roller 71 and the second guide roller 72, a second region D2 between the second guide roller 72 and the third guide roller 73, a third region D3 between the third guide roller 73 and the fourth guide roller 74, a fourth region D4 between the fourth guide roller 74 and the fifth guide roller 75, a fifth region D5 between the fifth guide roller 75 and the sixth guide roller 76, a sixth region D6 between the sixth guide roller 76 and the seventh guide roller 77, a seventh region D7 between the seventh guide roller 77 and the eighth guide roller 78, and an eighth region D8 between the eighth guide roller 78 and the first guide roller 71.

[0095] In the example shown in Figure 5, four pairs of metal ion nozzles 21a and four pairs of second reducing agent nozzles 22a are arranged alternately at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-applied fiber material A2 in each of the second region D2 to the eighth region D8. For example, four nozzle holders 210 (see Figures 3A and 3B) each having a set of electroless plating nozzles fixed thereto are arranged. The distance between the nozzle holders 210 in the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-applied fiber material A2, i.e., the distance between one set of electroless plating nozzles and another set of electroless plating nozzles, can be, for example, approximately 6 to 10 cm. However, the distance between the nozzle holders 210 is not limited to this and can be set to an appropriate value taking into account the length of the loop-shaped yarn path D, the catalyst-applied fiber material A2, etc.

[0096] Four pairs of metal ion nozzles 21 a are arranged in the first region D1, but no second reducing agent nozzles 22 a are arranged. This is because applying the second reducing agent solution immediately after the catalyzing step S5 may reduce the growth rate of the plating film in the electroless plating step S7. However, the first region D1 may also be configured to have four pairs of second reducing agent nozzles 22 a.

[0097] The shape of the loop-shaped yarn path D is not limited to the above-described substantially rectangular shape, and may be formed as a ring or a polygonal shape such as a substantially triangular or substantially pentagonal shape. Furthermore, the size of one side of the loop-shaped yarn path D and the number of guide rollers for guiding the catalyst-coated fiber material A2 along the loop-shaped yarn path D are not limited to those described above. Although the yarn path guide mechanism includes eight guide rollers 71 to 78, the yarn path guide mechanism is not limited to guide rollers. The yarn path guide mechanism may be configured to guide the fiber material A using, for example, a pulley or a reed instead of or in addition to the guide rollers.

[0098] FIG. 6 shows multiple turns of the catalyzed fiber material A2 arranged in a loop-shaped yarn path D. FIG. 6 shows a portion of the loop-shaped yarn path D corresponding to one of the first to eighth regions D1 to D8, and the multiple turns of the catalyzed fiber material A2 are guided by a guide roller serving as a yarn path guide mechanism 70. The loop-shaped yarn path D is formed by a single strand of the catalyzed fiber material A2 wound multiple times at a first pitch P1. That is, the multiple turns of the catalyzed fiber material A2 are arranged at the first pitch P1 in a direction (Z direction, height direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the catalyzed fiber material A2. In addition, in one region shown in FIG. 6, it can also be said that multiple strands of the catalyzed fiber material A2 are arranged at the first pitch P1 in a direction (Z direction, height direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the catalyzed fiber material A2.

[0099] The yarn guide mechanism 70 holds multiple turns (strands) of the catalyzed fiber material A2 so that they are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval (first pitch) P1 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyzed fiber material A2. For example, when the yarn guide mechanism 70 is configured as a guide roller as shown in Fig. 6, multiple grooves 70a formed at the first pitch P1 can be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the guide roller 70. By holding the catalyzed fiber material A2 in the grooves 70a, the multiple turns (strands) of the catalyzed fiber material A2 can be guided while maintaining the intervals between them at the first pitch P1.

[0100] 6, among the multiple grooves 70a formed in the guide roller 70, grooves that do not hold the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 are indicated by dashed lines and assigned the reference numeral 70b. By holding the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 in the grooves 70a provided at positions corresponding to each metal ion nozzle 21a and each reducing agent nozzle 22a by the guide roller 70, the relative positions of each metal ion nozzle 21a and each reducing agent nozzle 22a and the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 can be determined in the direction (Z direction) approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2.

[0101] In the example shown in Fig. 6, one catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 is wound 16 times at a first pitch P1 in the looped yarn path D. Depending on the arrangement of the feed inlet for the fibrous material A from the catalyst-imparting device 10 to the electroless plating device 20 and the feed outlet for the fibrous material A from the electroless plating device 20 to the heating and drying device 50, the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 may be wound, for example, an extra 1 / 2 or 3 / 4 turn in the looped yarn path D. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 2, the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 is wound 16 and 3 / 4 turns.

[0102] The 16 turns of the catalyzed fibrous material A2 are divided into a plurality of groups (rows) of four turns each. That is, the loop yarn path D has first to fourth rows E1 to E4, each of which has four turns of the catalyzed fibrous material A2 arranged at a first pitch P1. A second pitch P2, which is larger than the first pitch P1, is provided between each of the first to fourth rows E1 to E4. In Fig. 6, the first to fourth rows E1 to E4, in which the catalyzed fibrous material A2 is arranged at the first pitch P1, are formed by placing the catalyzed fibrous material A2 in adjacent grooves 70a of the guide roller 70, and a gap of the second pitch P2 is provided between the groups (rows) by providing grooves 70b in the guide roller 70 where the catalyzed fibrous material A2 is not placed.

[0103] The first pitch P1 in each of the first to fourth stages E1 to E4 can be, for example, approximately 2.2 to 2.8 mm. The second pitch P2 between the first to fourth stages E1 to E4 can be, for example, approximately 6.6 to 8.4 mm, with a gap of, for example, two turns. The first pitch P1 and the second pitch P2 are not limited to these values ​​and can each be set to an appropriate value so as to prevent contact between the catalyst-applied fiber materials A2 while enabling appropriate electrostatic spraying.

[0104] Each of the multiple metal ion nozzles 21a is configured to electrostatically spray a metal ion solution onto a predetermined number of turns of the catalyst-applied fiber material A2 arranged at a first pitch P1 on the loop yarn path D. Each of the multiple reducing agent nozzles 22a is configured to electrostatically spray a reducing agent solution onto a predetermined number of turns of the catalyst-applied fiber material A2 arranged at a first pitch P1 on the loop yarn path D. In Figure 6, the spray range of the metal ion solution by the metal ion nozzle 21a is indicated by F1 to F4, and the spray range of the second reducing agent solution by the second reducing agent nozzle 22a is indicated by G1 to G4. In the example shown in Figure 6, the predetermined number of turns is four turns.

[0105] A first pair of metal ion nozzles 21a are arranged to face each other across four turns of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 of the first stage E1, corresponding to the spray range F1 of the first stage E1. A first pair of second reducing agent nozzles 22a are arranged to face each other across four turns of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 of the first stage E1, corresponding to the spray range G1 of the first stage E1. Similarly, second to fourth pairs of metal ion nozzles 21a are arranged to face each other across the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 of the second stage E2 to the fourth stage E4, corresponding to the spray ranges F2 to F4 of the second stage E2 to the fourth stage E4, respectively. A second to fourth pairs of second reducing agent nozzles 22a are arranged to face each other across the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 of the second stage E2 to the fourth stage E4, corresponding to the spray ranges G2 to G4 of the second stage E2 to the fourth stage E4, respectively.

[0106] In the electroless plating apparatus 20, a plurality of nozzle holders 210, each having a pair of metal ion nozzles 21a and a pair of second reducing agent nozzles 22a fixed thereto, are arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2. The interval between the nozzle holders 210 in the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 can be, for example, approximately 8 cm. However, the interval between the nozzle holders 210 in the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 is not limited to this.

[0107] In the example shown in Figure 6, the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 is wound 16 times around the loop yarn path D, and four turns of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 are arranged in each row of the loop yarn path D. However, the number of turns of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 around the loop yarn path D and the predetermined number of turns of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 in each row are not limited to these. A predetermined number of turns of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 can be included in each row so that appropriate electrostatic spraying can be performed by the metal ion nozzle 21a and the second reducing agent nozzle 22a, respectively. Because the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution are electrostatically sprayed with a certain degree of spread as shown in Figure 6, the predetermined number of turns is preferably two or more turns.

[0108] The catalyst-added fiber material A2 is repeatedly cleaned by the cleaning device 40 while passing through the electroless plating device 20 multiple times along the loop-shaped yarn path D. The cleaning device 40 has first to eighth cleaning sections 41 to 48 respectively disposed on first to eighth guide rollers 71 to 78 arranged to guide the catalyst-added fiber material A2 along the loop-shaped yarn path D.

[0109] The first to eighth cleaning sections 41 to 48 are configured to eject cleaning liquid from above the first to eighth guide rollers 71 to 78, respectively, along the guide rollers 71 to 78, for example, using a nozzle (not shown). The cleaning liquid flowing along the guide rollers 71 to 78 can clean the catalyzed fiber material A2 guided by the guide rollers 71 to 78. The cleaning device 40 cleans the catalyzed fiber material A2 transported along the looped yarn path D to remove by-products and the like, contributing to improving the uniformity and quality of the plating film, and can also supply moisture to the catalyzed fiber material A2 during the electroless plating process. In other words, the cleaning device 40 can also function as a moisture supplying device.

[0110] Among the cleaning devices 40, the first cleaning section 41, which cleans the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 transported from the catalysis device 10 before the electroless plating process by the electroless plating device 20 begins, is a cleaning device that performs the above-mentioned cleaning step S6. Also, among the cleaning devices 40, the seventh cleaning section 47, which cleans the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 after the electroless plating process by the electroless plating device 20 is completed and before the material is transported to the heating and drying device 50, is a cleaning device that performs the above-mentioned cleaning step S9.

[0111] Next, the configuration of the catalysis device 10 will be described in detail. The catalysis device 10 includes a catalyst sprayer 11 configured to electrostatically spray a catalyst solution containing a catalyst precursor onto the pretreated fibrous material A1, and a first reducing agent sprayer (catalytic reducing agent sprayer) 12 configured to electrostatically spray a first reducing agent solution (catalytic reducing agent solution) containing a reducing agent for the catalyst precursor onto the pretreated fibrous material A1. The catalyst sprayer 11 and the first reducing agent sprayer 12 are configured to receive a voltage from a high-voltage power supply (not shown). Alternatively, the catalyst sprayer 11 and the first reducing agent sprayer 12 may be configured to receive a voltage from the high-voltage power supply 60 described above. As with the electroless plating device 20 described above, the catalysis device 10 may be configured to limit the maximum value of the current generated when a voltage is applied from the high-voltage power supply to the catalyst sprayer 11 and the first reducing agent sprayer 12.

[0112] The catalyst sprayer 11 has multiple catalyst nozzles 11a arranged in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pretreated fibrous material A1 and configured to electrostatically spray the catalyst solution onto the pretreated fibrous material A1 from multiple directions generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pretreated fibrous material A1. The catalyst sprayer 11 performs the catalyst spray process described above and is configured to apply the catalyst solution to the pretreated fibrous material A1 within the same electric field region (third electric field region) using the multiple catalyst nozzles 11a by utilizing the electrospray phenomenon. Here, the third electric field region can be defined as an electric field region consisting of multiple electric fields formed by multiple different catalyst nozzles 11a, similar to the first and second electric field regions described above. In other words, the catalyst solution is simultaneously applied from different directions by the multiple catalyst nozzles 11a to portions of the pretreated fibrous material A1 facing the multiple catalyst nozzles 11a.

[0113] The first reducing agent sprayer 12 has a plurality of first reducing agent nozzles (catalytic reducing agent nozzles) 12a arranged in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pretreated fiber material A1 and configured to spray the first reducing agent solution onto the pretreated fiber material A1 from multiple directions generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pretreated fiber material A1. The first reducing agent sprayer 12 performs the first reducing agent spraying process described above and is configured to apply the first reducing agent solution to the pretreated fiber material A1 using the electrospray phenomenon with the multiple first reducing agent nozzles 12a in a single electric field region (fourth electric field region) that is different from the third electric field region. Here, like the first and second electric field regions described above, the fourth electric field region can also be defined as an electric field region consisting of multiple electric fields formed by multiple different first reducing agent nozzles 12a. In other words, the first reducing agent solution is simultaneously applied from different directions by the multiple first reducing agent nozzles 12a to portions of the pretreated fiber material A1 facing the multiple first reducing agent nozzles 12a.

[0114] The catalyst spray device 11 may be provided with a plurality of catalyst nozzles 11a, for example, two catalyst nozzles 11a arranged to face each other across the pretreated fiber material A1. The first reducing agent spray device 12 may be provided with a plurality of first reducing agent nozzles 12a, for example, two first reducing agent nozzles 12a arranged to face each other across the pretreated fiber material A1.

[0115] A catalyst solution is supplied to the catalyst nozzle 11a through a catalyst supply pipe 11b. A voltage is applied to the catalyst solution from a high-voltage power supply to apply a positive potential (or negative potential) to the catalyst solution. The catalyst solution is sprayed in the form of droplets from the spray opening of the catalyst nozzle 11a onto a pretreated fiber material A1 that is grounded or to which a potential opposite to that of the catalyst solution is applied. At this time, an electric field is formed between the catalyst nozzle 11a and the pretreated fiber material A1, causing the catalyst solution to be electrostatically sprayed.

[0116] To apply a voltage to the catalyst solution, for example, a voltage can be applied from a high-voltage power supply to catalyst nozzle 11a that sprays the catalyst solution, and the voltage can be applied to the catalyst solution via catalyst nozzle 11a. Furthermore, if catalyst nozzle 11a is made of an insulating material, for example, a portion of the liquid delivery system can be made of metal and a voltage can be applied from a high-voltage power supply to the metal portion, or an electrode (not shown) can be inserted into a tank (not shown) in which the catalyst solution is stored and a voltage can be applied from a high-voltage power supply to the catalyst solution via the electrode. As a result, the catalyst solution to which a voltage has been applied is sprayed from catalyst nozzle 11a.

[0117] The first reducing agent nozzle 12a is supplied with a first reducing agent solution through a first reducing agent supply pipe 11b. A voltage is applied to the first reducing agent solution from a high-voltage power supply to apply the same potential as that of the catalyst solution to the first reducing agent solution. The first reducing agent solution is sprayed in the form of droplets from the spray opening of the first reducing agent nozzle 12a onto the pretreated fiber material A1, which is grounded or to which a potential opposite to that of the catalyst solution and the first reducing agent solution is applied. At this time, an electric field is formed between the first reducing agent nozzle 12a and the pretreated fiber material A1, causing the first reducing agent solution to be electrostatically sprayed.

[0118] To apply a voltage to the first reducing agent solution, for example, a high-voltage power supply can be applied to the first reducing agent nozzle 12a, which sprays the first reducing agent solution, and the voltage can be applied to the first reducing agent solution via the first reducing agent nozzle 12a. Furthermore, if the first reducing agent nozzle 12a is made of an insulating material, for example, a portion of the liquid delivery system can be made of metal and a high-voltage power supply can apply a voltage to the metal portion, or an electrode (not shown) can be inserted into a tank (not shown) containing the first reducing agent solution, and a high-voltage power supply can apply a voltage to the first reducing agent solution via the electrode. As a result, the first reducing agent solution to which a voltage has been applied is sprayed from the first reducing agent nozzle 12a. A high-voltage power supply can also be used to apply a potential opposite to that of the catalyst solution and the first reducing agent solution to the pretreated fiber material A1.

[0119] The catalyst nozzle 11a and the first reducing agent nozzle 12a can be fixed to and disposed in a nozzle holder, similar to the metal ion nozzle 21a and the second reducing agent nozzle 22a described above.

[0120] The catalyst device 10 can have multiple pairs of catalyst nozzles 11a and multiple pairs of first reducing agent nozzles 12a arranged alternately at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the pretreated fibrous material A1. The distance between the pair of catalyst nozzles 11a and the pair of first reducing agent nozzles 12a in the longitudinal direction of the pretreated fibrous material A1 can be, for example, approximately 6 to 10 cm. However, the distance between the pair of catalyst nozzles 11a and the pair of first reducing agent nozzles 12a in the longitudinal direction of the pretreated fibrous material A1 is not limited to this and can be set to an appropriate value so that the catalyst solution and the first reducing agent solution can be uniformly applied to the pretreated fibrous material A1 and efficiently mixed on the pretreated fibrous material A1. When the catalyst nozzle 11a and the first reducing agent nozzle 12a are arranged at a distance from each other so that they spray from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pretreated fiber material A1, the distance between the intersection of an imaginary line extending the catalyst nozzle 11a in the direction of the pretreated fiber material A1 and the pretreated fiber material A1 and the intersection of an imaginary line extending the first reducing agent nozzle 12a in the direction of the pretreated fiber material A1 and the pretreated fiber material A1 is approximately the same as the distance between the nozzles 11a and 12a.

[0121] The heating and drying device 50 is configured to heat and dry the electrolessly plated fiber material A3 transported from the electroless plating device 20. The heating and drying device 50 can be, for example, a temperature-adjustable electric furnace, a hot air circulation oven, or the like. In this case, the heating and drying device 50 can also function as an annealing treatment device that anneals the electrolessly plated fiber material A3. The heating and drying temperature in the heating and drying device 50 can be below the heat-resistant temperature of the fiber material. More preferably, the heating and drying temperature can be approximately 20 to 150°C lower than the heat-resistant temperature of the fiber material. The heating time varies depending on the yarn feed speed, but can be, for example, approximately 5 to 60 seconds. When the fiber material A is made of a heat-resistant fiber such as meta-aramid yarn with a heat-resistant temperature of 400°C, the heating and drying device 50 can be configured to heat the electrolessly plated fiber material A3 at, for example, 250 to 380°C for 5 to 20 seconds.

[0122] The present embodiment described above can achieve the following effects: (1) The method for producing electrolessly plated fibrous material according to this embodiment includes a catalysis step S5 for obtaining a catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 in which a catalyst is imparted to fibrous material A, and an electroless plating step S7 for obtaining an electrolessly plated fibrous material A3 in which a plating film is formed on the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2. In the electroless plating process S7, in order to obtain an electroless plated fiber material A3 in which a plating film is formed on a catalyst-applied fiber material A2, a metal ion application process is carried out in which, while a positive or negative potential is applied to a metal ion solution containing metal ions, the metal ion solution is electrostatically sprayed onto a catalyst-applied fiber material A2 that is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the metal ion solution applied thereto and has been given moisture, and a second reducing agent application process is carried out in which, while a second reducing agent solution containing a metal ion reducing agent is applied to the same potential as the metal ion solution, the second reducing agent solution is electrostatically sprayed onto a catalyst-applied fiber material A2 that is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the second reducing agent solution applied thereto and has been given moisture, while the catalyst-applied fiber material A2 is transported in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the catalyst-applied fiber material A2, and the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution are mixed on the catalyst-applied fiber material A2 to cause a reaction. The metal ion application process applies the metal ion solution to the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 in a first electric field region B1 by electrostatically spraying the metal ion solution onto the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 from multiple directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2. The second reducing agent application process applies the second reducing agent solution to the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 in a second electric field region B2 different from the first electric field region B1 by electrostatically spraying the second reducing agent solution onto the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 from multiple directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2.

[0123] The electrolessly plated fiber material manufacturing system 1 of this embodiment comprises a catalystization device 10 configured to obtain a catalyst-applied fiber material A2 in which a catalyst is applied to a fiber material A, an electroless plating device 20 configured to obtain an electrolessly plated fiber material A3 in which a plating coating is formed on the catalyst-applied fiber material A2, and a conveying device 30 that conveys the fiber material A along the longitudinal direction of the fiber material A so that it passes through the catalystization device 10 and the electroless plating device 20. The electroless plating apparatus 20 has a metal ion spraying device 21 configured to electrostatically spray a metal ion solution containing metal ions onto a catalyst-applied fibrous material A2 that is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the metal ion solution applied thereto and that has been given moisture, while a positive or negative potential is applied to the metal ion solution, and a second reducing agent spraying device 22 configured to electrostatically spray a second reducing agent solution containing a metal ion reducing agent onto a catalyst-applied fibrous material A2 that is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the second reducing agent solution applied thereto and that has been given moisture, while a potential identical to that of the metal ion solution is applied to the second reducing agent solution, while the second reducing agent solution is given a potential opposite to that of the second reducing agent solution, while the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution applied to the catalyst-applied fibrous material A2 transported by the transporting device 30 are mixed and reacted on the catalyst-applied fibrous material A2. The metal ion sprayer 21 has a plurality of metal ion nozzles 21 a arranged in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 and configured to electrostatically spray the metal ion solution onto the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 from a plurality of directions generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2, and is configured to apply the metal ion solution to the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 within a first electric field region B1 using the plurality of metal ion nozzles 21 a. The second reducing agent sprayer 22 has a plurality of second reducing agent nozzles 22 a arranged in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 and configured to spray the second reducing agent solution onto the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 from a plurality of directions generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2, and is configured to apply the second reducing agent solution to the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 within a second electric field region B2 different from the first electric field region B1 using the plurality of second reducing agent nozzles 22 a.

[0124] In the electroless plating process S7, a metal ion solution is electrostatically sprayed from multiple metal ion nozzles 21a within a first electric field region B1, and a second reducing agent solution is electrostatically sprayed from multiple second reducing agent nozzles 22a within a second electric field region B2, which is different from the first electric field region B1. The metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution applied within the different electric field regions can mix and react on the catalyst-applied fiber material A2 being transported along the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the metal ions in the metal ion solution are efficiently reduced by the reducing agent in the second reducing agent solution on the catalyst-applied fiber material A2, resulting in the efficient formation of a metal-deposited plating film on the catalyst-applied fiber material A2. In particular, because the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution can be continuously applied to the fiber material by electrostatic spraying at constant concentrations, the electroless plated fiber material A3 having such a plating film can have improved conductivity and plating film adhesion, maintaining stable quality. In contrast, with conventional immersion methods, the concentration of the plating solution changes as the plating process progresses, making it more difficult to maintain stable quality.

[0125] When the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution are electrostatically sprayed in the same electric field region, the metal ion solution sprayed from the metal ion nozzle 21a may pass over the catalyst-applied fiber material A2 and adhere to the second reducing agent nozzle 22a, or the second reducing agent solution sprayed from the second reducing agent nozzle 22a may pass over the catalyst-applied fiber material A2 and adhere to the metal ion nozzle 21a. If the metal ion solution or reducing agent solution adheres to the nozzle and contaminates the nozzle surface, sparks may occur between the nozzle and the catalyst-applied fiber material A2, leading to a decrease in the quality and production efficiency of the electroless plated fiber material A3. Longer processing times tend to result in more metal deposits on the nozzle surface. Therefore, in this embodiment, when performing the electroless plating process S7 in the electroless plating apparatus 20, the metal ion solution is electrostatically sprayed onto the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 from multiple directions approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2, and the second reducing agent solution is electrostatically sprayed onto the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 from multiple directions approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2, so that the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution are applied to the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 within different electric field regions. This prevents the nozzle from becoming contaminated with the metal ion solution or the reducing agent solution, further improving the quality of the electroless-plated fibrous material A3 and enabling the efficient production of high-quality electroless-plated fibrous material A3 over a long period of time. Furthermore, electroless-plated fibrous material A3 can be efficiently produced over a long period of time.

[0126] Furthermore, because the metal ion solution contains large amounts of positive and negative ions, electrostatic repulsion inhibits fragmentation of droplets when electrostatically sprayed through a nozzle, making atomization difficult. Therefore, when electrostatically spraying the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution so that they react within the same electric field, the metal ion solution is less likely to atomize than the second reducing agent solution, making uniform electrostatic spraying difficult. In this embodiment, the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution are applied to the catalyst-added fiber material A2 within different electric field regions, allowing the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution to be sprayed uniformly, further improving the quality of the electroless-plated fiber material A3 and enabling more efficient production of high-quality electroless-plated fiber material A3.

[0127] (2) In the electroless plating process S7, the metal ion application process and the second reducing agent application process are repeatedly performed while the catalyst-applied fibrous material A2 is transported in the longitudinal direction along the loop-shaped yarn path D. For this reason, the transport device 30 is configured to transport the catalyst-applied fibrous material A2 along the loop-shaped yarn path that passes through the metal ion solution sprayer 21 and the second reducing agent sprayer 22 multiple times, so that the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution are repeatedly electrostatically sprayed onto the catalyst-applied fibrous material A2 by the metal ion solution sprayer 21 and the second reducing agent sprayer 22. By forming the loop-shaped yarn path D and repeatedly performing the metal ion application process and the second reducing agent application process, the catalyst-applied fibrous material A2 can be processed at high speed along a compact yarn path, thereby improving the production efficiency of the electrolessly plated fibrous material A3.

[0128] (3) In this embodiment, cleaning steps S6, S8, and S9 can be further included in which the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 is cleaned with a cleaning solution before the start of the electroless plating step S7, during the electroless plating step S7, and after the electroless plating step S7 is completed. Therefore, the electrolessly plated fiber material manufacturing system 1 further includes a cleaning device 40 configured to clean the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 transported along the looped yarn path D with a cleaning solution. The cleaning device 40 has multiple cleaning sections 41-48, respectively, disposed on multiple guide rollers 71-78 arranged to guide the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 along the looped yarn path D. This allows the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 to be cleaned during the electroless plating step S7, removing by-products and forming a high-purity plating. Furthermore, the cleaning device 40 can supply moisture to the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 during the electroless plating step S7, allowing the manufacturing system 1 to be configured compactly.

[0129] (4) The loop-shaped yarn path D is formed in a quadrilateral shape, and multiple guide rollers 71-78 are disposed at each vertex of the quadrilateral and at the midpoints of each side of the quadrilateral. If the tension on the fiber material is low, the yarn vibrates due to charging, and the distance from the nozzle is not maintained constant, resulting in reduced uniformity of the plating film. On the other hand, if the tension on the fiber material is high, the plating film breaks and the conductivity decreases. By disposing multiple guide rollers 72, 74, 76, and 78 at the midpoints of each side of the loop-shaped yarn path D, it is possible to transport the catalyst-applied fiber material A2 with optimal tension, enabling the production of high-quality electroless-plated fiber material A3.

[0130] (5) In this embodiment, the electroless plating process S7 can be followed by a heating and drying process S10 in which the electroless-plated fiber material A3 cleaned in the cleaning process S9 is heated and dried. Therefore, the electroless-plated fiber material manufacturing system 1 further includes a heating and drying device 50 configured to heat and dry the electroless-plated fiber material A3 obtained by the electroless plating device 20. Here, the fiber material A is made of heat-resistant fiber, and the heating and drying process S10 can heat the electroless-plated fiber material A3 to a temperature below its heat-resistant temperature but above 250°C, e.g., 250-300°C, for 5-20 seconds, preferably 10-12 seconds. This improves the adhesion of the plating film to the fiber material A, enabling the production of high-quality electroless-plated fiber material A3.

[0131] (6) When performing the electroless plating step S7, the electroless plating apparatus 20 is configured to limit the maximum current value when the high voltage power supply 60 applies a high voltage to the metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution to electrostatically spray them in the metal ion solution application process and the second reducing agent solution application process. If the high-potential portion of the electroless plating apparatus 20 (e.g., the metal ion nozzle 21 a and the second reducing agent nozzle 22 a) comes into contact with the catalyst-applied fiber material A2, sparks will occur, causing breakage of the catalyst-applied fiber material A2. Limiting the maximum current value makes it possible to prevent sparks from occurring.

[0132] (7) In the catalyzation step S5, to obtain a catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 in which a catalyst is imparted to the fibrous material A, a catalyst application process is performed in which, while a positive or negative potential is applied to a catalyst solution containing a catalyst precursor, the catalyst solution is electrostatically sprayed onto the fibrous material A, which is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the catalyst solution applied thereto and has been imparted moisture, and a first reducing agent application process is performed in which, while a positive or negative potential is applied to a first reducing agent solution containing a reducing agent for the catalyst precursor, the first reducing agent solution is electrostatically sprayed onto the fibrous material A, which is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the first reducing agent solution applied thereto and has been imparted moisture, while the fibrous material A is being transported in the longitudinal direction of the fibrous material A. In the catalyst application process, the catalyst solution is electrostatically sprayed onto the fibrous material A from multiple directions approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the fibrous material A, thereby applying the catalyst solution to the fibrous material A in a third electric field region. The first reducing agent application process electrostatically sprays the first reducing agent solution onto the fiber material A from multiple directions approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the fiber material A, thereby applying the first reducing agent solution to the fiber material A within a fourth electric field region different from the third electric field region.

[0133] The catalysis device 10 includes a catalyst sprayer 11 configured to electrostatically spray a catalyst solution containing a catalyst precursor onto a fibrous material A that is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the catalyst solution applied thereto and that has been given moisture, while a positive or negative potential is applied to the catalyst solution, and a first reducing agent sprayer 12 configured to electrostatically spray the first reducing agent solution onto a fibrous material A that is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the first reducing agent solution applied thereto and that has been given moisture, while a positive or negative potential is applied to a first reducing agent solution containing a reducing agent for the catalyst precursor. The catalyst sprayer 11 has a plurality of catalyst nozzles 11a that are arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fibrous material A and are configured to electrostatically spray the catalyst solution onto the fibrous material A from a plurality of directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fibrous material A, and is configured to apply the catalyst solution to the fibrous material A within a third electric field region by the plurality of catalyst nozzles 11a. The first reducing agent spray device 12 has a plurality of first reducing agent nozzles 12a arranged in a plane approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fiber material A and configured to spray the first reducing agent solution onto the fiber material A from a plurality of directions approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fiber material A, and is configured to apply the first reducing agent solution to the fiber material A in a fourth electric field region different from the third electric field region by the plurality of first reducing agent nozzles 12a.

[0134] When performing the catalysis process S5 in the catalysis device 10, electrostatic spraying is performed using multiple catalyst nozzles 11a and multiple first reducing agent nozzles 12a, allowing the catalyst solution and the first reducing agent solution to be uniformly applied to the fiber material A, and high-quality electroless-plated fiber material A3 can be produced in the electroless plating process S7.

[0135] (8) The plurality of metal ion nozzles 21a include two metal ion nozzles 21a arranged to face each other across the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2. The plurality of second reducing agent nozzles 22a include two second reducing agent nozzles 22a arranged to face each other across the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2. This allows the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution to be efficiently applied to the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2.

[0136] (9) In the loop-shaped yarn path D, the catalyst-applied fiber material A2 is made to circle multiple times at a first pitch P1, and each of the multiple metal ion nozzles 21a is configured to electrostatically spray the metal ion solution onto a predetermined number of times (two or more times) of the catalyst-applied fiber material A2 arranged at the first pitch P1 in the loop-shaped yarn path D. Also, each of the multiple second reducing agent nozzles 22a is configured to electrostatically spray the reducing agent solution onto a predetermined number of times (two or more times) of the catalyst-applied fiber material A2 arranged at the first pitch P1 in the loop-shaped yarn path D. By electrostatically spraying the predetermined number of times of the catalyst-applied fiber material A2 using the metal ion nozzle 21a and the second reducing agent nozzle 22a, respectively, the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution, which are sprayed with a certain degree of spread, are each focused onto the predetermined number of times of the catalyst-applied fiber material A2, thereby enabling the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution to be applied efficiently.

[0137] (10) The loop yarn path D has a first row E1 in which a predetermined number of turns of the catalyzed fibrous material A2 are arranged at a first pitch P1, and a second row E2 in which a predetermined number of turns of the catalyzed fibrous material A2 are arranged at the first pitch P1, and a second pitch P2 larger than the first pitch P1 is provided between the first row E1 and the second row E2. The multiple metal ion nozzles 21a include a first pair of metal ion nozzles 21a arranged to face each other across the catalyzed fibrous material A2 in a plane approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyzed fibrous material A2 so as to electrostatically spray the metal ion solution onto the predetermined number of turns of the catalyzed fibrous material A2 in the first row E1, and a second pair of metal ion nozzles 21a arranged to face each other across the catalyzed fibrous material A2 in a plane approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyzed fibrous material A2 so as to electrostatically spray the metal ion solution onto the predetermined number of turns of the catalyzed fibrous material A2 in the second row E2. The multiple second reducing agent nozzles 22a include a first pair of second reducing agent nozzles 22a arranged to face each other across the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 in a plane approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 so as to electrostatically spray the second reducing agent solution onto the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 for a predetermined number of revolutions of the first stage E1, and a second pair of second reducing agent nozzles 22a arranged to face each other across the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 in a plane approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 so as to electrostatically spray the second reducing agent solution onto the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 for a predetermined number of revolutions of the second stage E2. The first pair of metal ion nozzles 21a and the first pair of second reducing agent nozzles 22a are arranged at a predetermined distance L in the longitudinal direction so that the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution react on the catalyst-applied fiber material, and the second pair of metal ion nozzles 21a and the second pair of second reducing agent nozzles 22a are arranged at a predetermined distance L in the longitudinal direction so that the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution react on the catalyst-applied fiber material A2. This allows the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution to be efficiently mixed and reacted on the catalyst-applied fiber material A2.

[0138] - Variation 1 - In the above-described embodiment, in the electroless plating apparatus 20 that performs the electroless plating step S7, the metal ion application process in which a metal ion solution is electrostatically sprayed onto the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 from multiple directions approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2, and the second reducing agent application process in which a second reducing agent solution is electrostatically sprayed onto the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 from multiple directions approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2, are performed while the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 is transported in the longitudinal direction along the loop-shaped yarn path D. However, instead of electrostatically spraying the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution onto the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2 transported along the loop-shaped yarn path D from multiple directions approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparted fibrous material A2, the configuration may be such that the electrostatic spraying is performed, for example, from one direction.

[0139] In this case, for example, the electroless plating apparatus 20 includes a metal ion spraying device 21 having a plurality of metal ion nozzles 21a configured to electrostatically spray the metal ion solution containing metal ions onto a catalyst-added fiber material A2 that is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the metal ion solution applied thereto and that has been given moisture, while a positive or negative potential is applied to the metal ion solution, and a second reducing agent spraying device 22 having a plurality of second reducing agent nozzles 22a configured to electrostatically spray the second reducing agent solution containing a metal ion reducing agent onto a catalyst-added fiber material A2 that is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the second reducing agent solution applied thereto and that has been given moisture, while a potential identical to that of the metal ion solution is applied to the second reducing agent solution. The conveying device 30 is configured to convey the catalyst-added fiber material A2 along a looped yarn path D that passes through the metal ion solution spraying device 21 and the second reducing agent spraying device 22 multiple times, so that the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution can be repeatedly electrostatically sprayed onto the catalyst-added fiber material A2 by the metal ion solution spraying device 21 and the second reducing agent spraying device 22.

[0140] For example, the electroless plating device 20 can have a plurality of metal ion nozzles 21a and a plurality of second reducing agent nozzles 22a arranged alternately along the loop-shaped yarn path D. By alternately electrostatically spraying a metal ion solution from the plurality of metal ion nozzles 21a and a second reducing agent solution from the plurality of second reducing agent nozzles 22a onto the catalyst-applied fiber material A2 transported along the loop-shaped yarn path D, it becomes possible to process the catalyst-applied fiber material A2 at high speed along the compact loop-shaped yarn path D, thereby improving the production efficiency of the electrolessly plated fiber material A3. Furthermore, for example, in a loop-shaped yarn path D, by arranging one metal ion nozzle 21a and one second reducing agent nozzle 22a for a predetermined number of revolutions of catalyst-added fiber material A2, which is two or more revolutions, the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution, which are sprayed with a certain degree of spread, are each focused on the predetermined number of revolutions of catalyst-added fiber material A2, so that the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution can be applied more efficiently than when electrostatic spraying is performed on one revolution of catalyst-added fiber material A2.

[0141] -Modification 2- In the above-described embodiment, in order to repeatedly electrostatically spray the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution onto the catalyzed fiber material A2 using the metal ion solution sprayer 21 and the second reducing agent sprayer 22, a loop-shaped yarn path D is formed that passes through the metal ion solution sprayer 21 and the second reducing agent sprayer 22 multiple times, and the yarn path guide mechanism 70 is configured to guide the catalyzed fiber material A2 along the loop-shaped yarn path D. However, this is not limited to this, and instead of transporting the catalyzed fiber material A2 along the loop-shaped yarn path D, multiple strands of the catalyzed fiber material A2 may be transported simultaneously. As in the above-described embodiment, the metal ion solution sprayer 21 and the second reducing agent sprayer 22 can repeatedly electrostatically spray the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution onto multiple strands of the catalyzed fiber material A2 that simultaneously pass through the electroless plating device 20.

[0142] In this case, for example, in the electrolessly plated fiber material manufacturing system 1 shown in Figure 2, a plurality of unwinding rolls 31 and take-up rolls 32 are prepared. The fiber material A unwound from the plurality of unwinding rolls 31 can be passed through the catalyst device 10, the electroless plating device 20, and the heating and drying device 50 in this order along a preset yarn path, and then wound up by the plurality of take-up rolls 32. In this case, a plurality of fiber materials A simultaneously pass through the catalyst device 10, the electroless plating device 20, and the heating and drying device 50 in this order.

[0143] The arrangement of the multiple catalyzed fibrous materials A2 passing through the electroless plating device 20 is the same as the arrangement of the multiple rounds of catalyzed fibrous materials A2 shown in FIG. 6 . That is, the multiple catalyzed fibrous materials A2 are arranged at a first pitch P1 in a direction (Z direction, height direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the catalyzed fibrous materials A2. The catalyzed fibrous materials A2 are, for example, placed and held in the grooves 70a of the guide roller 70. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , 16 catalyzed fibrous materials A2 are simultaneously transported. The 16 catalyzed fibrous materials A2 are divided into first to fourth rows E1 to E4, each of which has four catalyzed fibrous materials A2 arranged at the first pitch P1. A second pitch P2, which is larger than the first pitch P1, is provided between each of the first to fourth rows E1 to E4.

[0144] The plurality of catalyzed fiber materials A2 passing through the electroless plating device 20 are guided along a predetermined yarn path by a guide roller (yarn path guide mechanism) 70, and a plurality of pairs of electroless plating nozzles are arranged along the yarn path. That is, a plurality of metal ion nozzles 21a and a plurality of second reducing agent nozzles 22a are arranged alternately along the predetermined yarn path. As in the above-described embodiment, only the plurality of pairs of metal ion nozzles 21a may be arranged in the initial region of the yarn path passing through the electroless plating device 20 (the region corresponding to the first region D1), and no second reducing agent nozzle 22a may be arranged.

[0145] The yarn path passing through the electroless plating device 20 can be formed, for example, in a straight, curved, or zigzag shape. For example, by using a zigzag or curved yarn path, the length of the yarn path can be increased compared to a straight yarn path, allowing the entire manufacturing system 1 to be formed more compactly. By arranging multiple guide rollers 70 at appropriate positions in the yarn path, it is possible to apply appropriate tension to the fiber material A. Furthermore, as described above, the cleaning sections of the cleaning device 40 can be arranged on each of the multiple guide rollers 70. This allows the multiple catalyst-applied fiber materials A2 passing through the electroless plating device 20 to be cleaned to remove by-products while supplying moisture to the catalyst-applied fiber materials A2.

[0146] In the example shown in Figure 6, the guide roller 70 holds 16 strands of catalyzed fibrous material A2, with each of the first row E1 to fourth row E4 containing four strands of catalyzed fibrous material A2. However, the total number of strands of catalyzed fibrous material A2 and the number of strands of catalyzed fibrous material A2 included in each row are not limited to these. That is, the multiple strands of catalyzed fibrous material A2 can be held in a first row E1 in which two or more strands of catalyzed fibrous material A2 are arranged at a first pitch P1, and in a second row E2 in which two or more strands of catalyzed fibrous material A2 are arranged at a first pitch P2, and the multiple strands of catalyzed fibrous material A2 can be arranged so that a second pitch P2 larger than the first pitch P1 is provided between the first row E1 and the second row E2.

[0147] The spacing between adjacent catalyst-added fiber materials A2, the number of catalyst-added fiber materials A2 included in each row, the spacing between each row, etc. can be set to appropriate values ​​taking into account the distance between the metal ion nozzle 21a and the second reducing agent nozzle 22a and the catalyst-added fiber material A2, the voltage applied to the metal ion nozzle 21a and the second reducing agent nozzle 22a, and the manufacturing efficiency required of the electroless plated fiber material manufacturing system 1.

[0148] In this way, instead of forming a loop-shaped yarn path D, by configuring multiple catalyst-added fiber materials A2 to pass through the electroless plating device 20 simultaneously and undergo electroless plating simultaneously, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, it is possible to process the catalyst-added fiber materials A2 at high speed, further improving the quality of the electroless-plated fiber materials A3 and more efficiently producing high-quality electroless-plated fiber materials A3. Note that in this modification 2, multiple fiber materials A are simultaneously transported and subjected to the catalyst treatment by the catalyst treatment device 10, the electroless plating treatment by the electroless plating device 20, and the heat drying treatment by the heat drying device 50, so that a large amount of fiber material A can be processed simultaneously, further improving the production efficiency of electroless-plated fiber materials A3.

[0149] Similar to the multiple catalyzed fibrous materials A2 passing through the electroless plating device 20, the multiple pretreated fibrous materials A1 passing through the catalyst-imparting device 10 can be arranged at a predetermined interval, as shown in FIG. 6 . In this case, for example, the multiple pretreated fibrous materials A1 included in each of the first to fourth tiers E1 to E4 can be electrostatically sprayed with a catalyst solution using two opposing catalyst nozzles 11a, and with a first reducing agent solution using two opposing first reducing agent nozzles 12a. The spacing between adjacent pretreated fibrous materials A1, the number of pretreated fibrous materials A1 included in each tier, and the spacing between each tier can be set to appropriate values ​​taking into account the distance between the catalyst nozzles 11a and the first reducing agent nozzles 12a and the pretreated fibrous material A1, the voltage applied to the catalyst nozzles 11a and the first reducing agent nozzles 12a, and the production efficiency required for the electrolessly plated fibrous material production system 1.

[0150] Example 1 First, Example 1 will be described. In Example 1, electroless plated fiber material A3 was produced from pretreated fiber material A1, which was prepared by pretreating fiber material A made of Nomex (registered trademark, manufactured by DuPont), a meta-aramid yarn, using the manufacturing system 1 described in Figures 2 and 5 according to the above embodiment. The fiber material A1 in Example 1 had a thickness of 200 denier, 99 filaments, and a heat resistance temperature of 400°C. The yarn feed speed (conveyance speed, processing speed) of fiber material A1 by conveying device 30 was 5 m / min, and the tension was 25 cN.

[0151] In the catalytic device 10, the pretreated fiber material A1 was grounded and water was added to the pretreated fiber material A1. A positive potential was applied to the catalyst solution, and the pretreated fiber material A1 was electrostatically sprayed with two pairs of opposing catalyst nozzles 11a. The catalyst solution was prepared by dissolving palladium acetate in acetonitrile as a solvent. The concentration of palladium acetate in the catalyst solution was 0.01 mol / L.

[0152] The four catalyst nozzles 11a were made of zirconia, and the amount of catalyst solution sprayed per unit time was 0.112 mL / min. Part of the catalyst solution delivery system was made of metal, and a high voltage was applied, with the potential on the catalyst nozzle 11a side being +8.4 kV. The distance between the spray nozzle of the catalyst nozzle 11a and the pretreated fiber material A1 was 1.1 cm. Ion-exchanged water was supplied to the pretreated fiber material A1 to moisten it.

[0153] Furthermore, while the pretreated fiber material A1 was grounded and moisture was being added to the pretreated fiber material A1, a positive potential was applied to the first reducing agent solution, and the pretreated fiber material A1 was electrostatically sprayed from two pairs of opposing first reducing agent nozzles 12a. In the electrostatic spraying of the first reducing agent solution, hydrazine was used as the reducing agent contained in the first reducing agent solution. The concentration of hydrazine in the first reducing agent solution was 1.0 mol / L. A solution consisting of 50% ethanol and 50% water was used as the solvent for the first reducing agent solution.

[0154] The distance between the catalyst nozzle 11a and the first reducing agent nozzle 12a in the longitudinal direction of the pretreated fiber material A1 was 8 cm.

[0155] The four first reducing agent nozzles 12a were made of zirconia, and the spray rate of the first reducing agent solution per unit time was 0.112 mL / min. A high voltage was applied to a part of the first reducing agent solution delivery system made of metal, and the potential on the first reducing agent nozzle 12a side was +8.0 kV. The distance between the spray nozzle of the first reducing agent nozzle 12a and the pretreated fiber material A1 was 1.1 cm. Ion-exchanged water was supplied to the pretreated fiber material A1 to moisten it.

[0156] The catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 that had been subjected to the catalyst treatment by the catalyst treatment device 10 was transported by the transport device 30 to the electroless plating device 20, and washed with a cleaning liquid by the first cleaning section 41 of the cleaning device 40. Ion-exchanged water was used as the cleaning liquid.

[0157] In the electroless plating apparatus 20, the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 was grounded, and while the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 was being moistened by the first to eighth cleaning units 41 to 48, a metal ion solution was electrostatically sprayed onto the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 using 32 pairs of zirconia metal ion nozzles 21a. The metal ion solution was prepared by dissolving silver nitrate in a mixed solvent consisting of ethanol and water. The silver nitrate concentration in the metal ion solution was 0.32 mol / L.

[0158] The amount of metal ion solution sprayed per unit time from the 64 metal ion nozzles 21a was 2.720 mL / min, and a high voltage was applied to a part of the metal ion solution delivery system made of metal, with the potential on the metal ion nozzle 21a side being +8.15 kV. The distance between the spray nozzle of the metal ion nozzle 21a and the catalyst-applied fiber material A2 was 1.1 cm.

[0159] Furthermore, while the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 was grounded and moisture was added to the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 by the first to eighth cleaning units 41 to 48, a second reducing agent solution was electrostatically sprayed onto the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 by 28 pairs of zirconia second reducing agent nozzles 22a. Ascorbic acid was used as the reducing agent contained in the second reducing agent solution. The concentration of ascorbic acid in the second reducing agent solution was 0.25 mol / L. A mixed solution consisting of ethanol and water was used as the solvent for the second reducing agent solution.

[0160] The amount of the second reducing agent solution sprayed per unit time from the 56 second reducing agent nozzles 22a was 1.470 mL / min, and a high voltage was applied to a part of the second reducing agent solution delivery system made of metal, with the potential on the second reducing agent nozzle 22a side being +8.15 kV. The distance between the spray nozzle of the second reducing agent nozzle 22a and the catalyst-imparted fiber material A2 was 1.1 cm.

[0161] The maximum value of the current limited by the high voltage power supply 60 was 0.10 to 0.15 mA.

[0162] The distance between the pair of catalyst nozzles 11a and the pair of first reducing agent nozzles 12a in the longitudinal direction of the pretreated fibrous material A1 was 8 cm. The distance between the pair of metal ion nozzles 21a and the pair of second reducing agent nozzles 22a in the longitudinal direction of the catalyzed fibrous material A2 was 1.3 cm, and the distance between one set of electroless plating nozzles including the pair of metal ion nozzles 21a and the pair of second reducing agent nozzles 22a and another set of electroless plating nozzles in the longitudinal direction of the catalyzed fibrous material A2 was 8 cm. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5 , no second reducing agent nozzles were provided adjacent to the four pairs of metal ion nozzles 21a located in the first region D1 immediately after the catalyzation treatment process.

[0163] The electroless plating device 20 electrostatically sprayed the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution onto the catalyst-applied fiber material A2 while transporting it along the loop-shaped yarn path D. The loop-shaped yarn path D was a square with sides of 85 cm, and the catalyst-applied fiber material A2 made 16.5 revolutions around the loop-shaped yarn path D. The electroless-plated fiber material A3 that had been electrolessly plated by the electroless plating device 20 was cleaned by the seventh cleaning section 47 of the cleaning device 40 and transported to the heated drying device 50.

[0164] In the heating and drying device 50, the electroless plated fiber material A3 was heated and dried by radiant heat from an electric furnace. The heating and drying device 50 heated the electroless plated fiber material A3 to 300°C. The length of the heating and drying device 50 in the longitudinal direction of the electroless plated fiber material A3 was 90 cm, and the electroless plated fiber material A3 passed through the heating and drying device 50 at a yarn feed speed of 5 m / min over 10.8 seconds. The electrical resistance of the electroless plated fiber material A3 was then measured using a resistance meter 82.

[0165] The electrical resistance of the electroless plated fiber material A3 obtained in Example 1 was 0.4±0.1 Ω / cm during winding, and stable processing was performed for over 1,000 m. It was 0.23 Ω / cm when left stationary. When a tape test (JIS H 8504) was performed on this electroless plated fiber material A3 to test the adhesion of the plating film, the electrical resistance remained almost constant at 0.24 Ω / cm over three tests, confirming high adhesion of the plating film. Furthermore, even when the manufacturing system 1 was operated for approximately 5 or 6 hours, no plating contamination of the nozzle or sparks between the fiber material and the nozzle were observed.

[0166] Comparative Example: A comparative example was conducted in the same manner as in Example 1, except that instead of setting the distance between the pair of metal ion nozzles 21a and the pair of second reducing agent nozzles 22a to 1.3 cm, the metal ion nozzles and the second reducing agent nozzles were positioned facing each other relative to the catalyst-applied fiber material. In other words, in the comparative example, the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution applied to the catalyst-applied fiber material were mixed within the same electric field region. As a result, the metal ion solution and the second reducing agent solution exhibited different electrospray characteristics, resulting in a failure to obtain a fine spray. The plated fiber material did not exhibit an electrical resistance of 1.0 Ω / cm or less. Furthermore, after prolonged operation of the manufacturing system, the nozzle surface was plated, and sparks occurred between the fiber material and the nozzle.

[0167] Example 2: Electrolessly plated fiber material A3 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the heating temperature in the heating and drying device 50 after electroless plating was 165°C, 200°C, 225°C, or 275°C. The drying time was the same as in Example 1. As a result, the resistance value during winding was approximately 0.5 Ω / cm at 165°C, but as the temperature increased, the resistance value during winding approached approximately 0.4 Ω / cm. This result confirmed that for highly heat-resistant fibers, a lower resistance value can be obtained by performing a short heating and drying process at a high temperature. Furthermore, after two hours of continuous processing at a yarn feed rate of 5 m / min, the electrical resistance value remained constant at approximately 0.5 Ω / cm. This result confirmed that high-quality, highly uniform electrolessly plated fiber material A3 could be produced over a length of 600 m.

[0168] 1 Electroless plated fiber material manufacturing system 10 Catalyzation device, 11 Catalyst spray device, 11a Catalyst nozzle, 12 First reducing agent spray device (catalyst reducing agent spray device), 12a First reducing agent nozzle (catalyst reducing agent nozzle) 20 Electroless plating device, 21 Metal ion spray device, 21a Metal ion nozzle, 22 Second reducing agent spray device (reducing agent spray device), 22a Second reducing agent nozzle (reducing agent nozzle) 30 Conveying device 40 Cleaning device, 41 to 48 First to eighth cleaning sections 50 Heat drying device 60 High voltage power supply A Fiber material, A1 Pretreated fiber material, A2 Catalyst-applied fiber material, A3 Electroless plated fiber material B1 First electric field region, B2 Second electric field region

Claims

1. A catalytic process to obtain a catalyst-modified fiber material in which a catalyst is applied to a fiber material, An electroless plating process to obtain an electroless plated fiber material having a plated film formed on the catalyst-granting fiber material, A method for producing electroless plated fiber material, The electroless plating process involves, in order to obtain the electroless plated fiber material on which a plating film is formed, a metal ion coating process in which a metal ion solution containing metal ions is applied to the catalyst-imparting fiber material, which is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the metal ion solution applied to it and is moistened, while the metal ion solution is applied to the catalyst-imparting fiber material, while the metal ion solution is applied to the catalyst-imparting fiber material, while the metal ion solution containing a reducing agent for metal ions is applied to the catalyst-imparting fiber material, while the reducing agent solution is applied to the catalyst-imparting fiber material, while the reducing agent solution is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the reducing agent solution applied to it and is moistened, while the catalyst-imparting fiber material is transported in the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparting fiber material, thereby reacting the metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution on the catalyst-imparting fiber material. The metal ion coating treatment involves electrostatically spraying the metal ion solution onto the catalyst-imparting fiber material from multiple directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparting fiber material, thereby coating the catalyst-imparting fiber material with the metal ion solution within a first electric field region. The method for manufacturing electroless plated fiber material involves electrostatically spraying the reducing agent solution onto the catalyst-imparting fiber material from a plurality of directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparting fiber material, thereby applying the reducing agent solution to the catalyst-imparting fiber material in a second electric field region different from the first electric field region.

2. The method for producing an electroless plated fiber material according to claim 1, wherein the electroless plating process involves repeatedly performing the metal ion coating treatment and the reducing agent coating treatment while conveying the catalyst-applied fiber material along a loop-shaped thread path in the longitudinal direction.

3. Multiple catalyst-granting fiber materials are arranged in a predetermined pitch in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-granting fiber materials. The method for producing an electroless plated fiber material according to claim 1, wherein the electroless plating step involves repeatedly performing the metal ion coating treatment and the reducing agent coating treatment on the plurality of catalyst-granting fiber materials that are conveyed in the longitudinal direction.

4. A method for producing an electroless plated fiber material according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a cleaning step of cleaning the catalyst-granting fiber material with a cleaning solution before the start of the electroless plating step, during the electroless plating step, and after the completion of the electroless plating step.

5. The process further includes a heating and drying step in which the electroless plated fiber material, which has been cleaned in the cleaning step, is heated and dried after the electroless plating step. The aforementioned fiber material consists of heat-resistant fibers. The method for producing an electroless plated fiber material according to claim 4, wherein the heating and drying step involves heating the electroless plated fiber material at a temperature below its heat resistance temperature and at 250°C or higher.

6. The method for manufacturing an electroless plated fiber material according to claim 1, wherein the electroless plating step is configured to limit the maximum value of the current generated when a voltage is applied to the metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution by a high-voltage power supply in order to electrostatically spray the metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution during the metal ion solution coating process and the reducing agent solution coating process.

7. The catalyst application step is performed in order to obtain a catalyst-applied fiber material in which the catalyst has been applied to the fiber material. A catalyst coating process is performed by applying a positive or negative potential to a catalyst solution containing a catalyst precursor, and electrostatically spraying the catalyst solution onto a fibrous material that is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the catalyst solution applied to it and is moistened; and a catalyst reducing agent coating process is performed by applying a positive or negative potential to a catalyst reducing agent solution containing the reducing agent of the catalyst precursor, and electrostatically spraying the catalyst reducing agent solution onto the fibrous material that is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the catalyst reducing agent solution applied to it and is moistened, while the fibrous material is being transported in the longitudinal direction of the fibrous material. The catalyst coating process involves electrostatically spraying the catalyst solution onto the fiber material from multiple directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fiber material, thereby coating the fiber material with the catalyst solution within the third electric field region. The method for producing an electroless plated fiber material according to claim 1, wherein the catalytic reducing agent coating treatment is performed by electrostatically spraying the catalytic reducing agent solution onto the fiber material from a plurality of directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fiber material, thereby coating the fiber material in a fourth electric field region different from the third electric field region.

8. A catalytic device configured to obtain a catalyst-modified fiber material in which a catalyst is applied to a fiber material, An electroless plating apparatus configured to obtain an electroless plated fiber material on which a plated film is formed on the catalyst-granting fiber material, A conveying device that conveys the fiber material along the longitudinal direction of the fiber material so that it passes through the catalytic device and the electroless plating device. Equipped with, The electroless plating apparatus is A metal ion spraying apparatus configured to electrostatically spray a metal ion solution containing metal ions onto a catalyst-containing fiber material that is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the metal ion solution applied to it and is moistened, while a positive or negative potential is applied to the metal ion solution. The reducing agent spraying device is configured to electrostatically spray the reducing agent solution containing the metal ion reducing agent onto a catalyst-applying fiber material that is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the reducing agent solution applied to it and is moistened, while applying the same potential as the metal ion solution to the reducing agent solution. The device is configured to mix and react the metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution applied to the catalyst-imparting fiber material, which is being transported by the transport device, on the catalyst-imparting fiber material. The metal ion spraying apparatus has a plurality of metal ion nozzles arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparting fiber material and configured to electrostatically spray the metal ion solution onto the catalyst-imparting fiber material from a plurality of directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparting fiber material, and is configured to apply the metal ion solution to the catalyst-imparting fiber material within a first electric field region using the plurality of metal ion nozzles. A manufacturing system for electroless plated fiber materials, wherein the reducing agent spraying device has a plurality of reducing agent nozzles arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparting fiber material and configured to spray the reducing agent solution onto the catalyst-imparting fiber material from a plurality of directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparting fiber material, and the plurality of reducing agent nozzles are configured to coat the catalyst-imparting fiber material with the reducing agent solution in a second electric field region different from the first electric field region.

9. The plurality of metal ion nozzles include two metal ion nozzles arranged opposite each other on either side of the catalyst-imparting fiber material in the plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparting fiber material, The plurality of reducing agent nozzles include two reducing agent nozzles arranged opposite each other on either side of the catalyst-imparting fiber material in the plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparting fiber material, A manufacturing system for electroless plated fiber material according to claim 8.

10. The system further includes a thread guide mechanism that guides the catalyst-imparting fiber material so that it passes through the electroless plating apparatus along a pre-set thread path. The electroless plating fiber material manufacturing system according to claim 8, wherein the thread guide mechanism is configured to position the relative positions of each metal ion nozzle and each reducing agent nozzle and the catalyst-imparting fiber material in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparting fiber material.

11. The electroless plating fiber material manufacturing system according to claim 10, wherein the thread guide mechanism holds a plurality of catalyst-imparting fiber materials so as to be arranged in a predetermined pitch in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparting fiber material.

12. The thread guide mechanism holds the plurality of catalyst-imparting fiber materials in a first stage in which two or more catalyst-imparting fiber materials are arranged at a first pitch, and a second stage in which two or more catalyst-imparting fiber materials are arranged at the first pitch, with a second pitch larger than the first pitch provided between the first stage and the second stage. The plurality of metal ion nozzles include a first pair of metal ion nozzles arranged facing each other on either side of the catalyst-imparting fiber material in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparting fiber material, so as to electrostatically spray the metal ion solution onto the first stage catalyst-imparting fiber material, and a second pair of metal ion nozzles arranged facing each other on either side of the catalyst-imparting fiber material in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparting fiber material, so as to electrostatically spray the metal ion solution onto the second stage catalyst-imparting fiber material. The plurality of reducing agent nozzles include a first pair of reducing agent nozzles arranged to face each other across the catalyst-imparting fiber material in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparting fiber material, so as to electrostatically spray the reducing agent solution onto the first stage catalyst-imparting fiber material, and a second pair of reducing agent nozzles arranged to face each other across the catalyst-imparting fiber material in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catalyst-imparting fiber material, so as to electrostatically spray the reducing agent solution onto the second stage catalyst-imparting fiber material. The first pair of metal ion nozzles and the first pair of reducing agent nozzles are arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the longitudinal direction so that the metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution react on the catalyst-imparting fiber material. The electroless plating fiber material manufacturing system according to claim 11, wherein the second pair of metal ion nozzles and the second pair of reducing agent nozzles are arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the longitudinal direction so that the metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution react on the catalyst-imparting fiber material.

13. The electroless plating fiber material manufacturing system according to claim 10, further comprising a cleaning device configured to clean the catalyst-containing fiber material conveyed along the thread path with a cleaning solution.

14. The thread guide mechanism has a plurality of guide rollers arranged to guide the catalyst-applying fiber material along the thread path, The electroless plated fiber material manufacturing system according to claim 13, wherein the cleaning device has a plurality of cleaning units arranged on the plurality of guide rollers.

15. The thread path forms a loop-shaped thread path that passes through the metal ion solution spraying device and the reducing agent spraying device multiple times in order to repeatedly electrostatically spray the metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution onto the catalyst-imparting fiber material by the metal ion solution spraying device and the reducing agent spraying device, and the thread path guide mechanism is configured to guide the catalyst-imparting fiber material along the loop-shaped thread path. A manufacturing system for electroless plated fiber material according to claim 10.

16. The aforementioned loop-shaped thread path is formed in a roughly square shape. The electroless plated fiber material manufacturing system according to claim 15, wherein the thread guide mechanism has a plurality of guide rollers positioned at each vertex of the substantially quadrilateral and at intermediate positions of each side of the substantially quadrilateral.

17. The device further comprises a heating and drying apparatus configured to heat and dry the electroless plated fiber material obtained by the electroless plating apparatus, The aforementioned fiber material consists of heat-resistant fibers. The electroless plated fiber material manufacturing system according to claim 8, wherein the heating and drying apparatus is configured to heat the electroless plated fiber material at a temperature below its heat resistance temperature and of 250°C or higher.

18. The electroless plating apparatus is configured to limit the maximum current value generated when a voltage is applied to the metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution by a high-voltage power supply in order to electrostatically spray the metal ion solution and the reducing agent solution from the plurality of metal ion nozzles and the plurality of reducing agent nozzles, respectively, as described in claim 8, for the production system of electroless plated fiber material.

19. The catalyst device comprises a catalyst spraying device configured to electrostatically spray the catalyst solution containing a catalyst precursor onto a fibrous material that is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the catalyst solution applied to it and is moistened, while a positive or negative potential is applied to the catalyst solution containing the catalyst precursor; and a catalyst reducing agent spraying device configured to electrostatically spray the catalyst reducing agent solution containing a catalyst reducing agent containing a catalyst precursor onto a fibrous material that is grounded or has a potential opposite to that of the catalyst reducing agent solution applied to it and is moistened, while a positive or negative potential is applied to the catalyst reducing agent solution. The catalyst spraying apparatus has a plurality of catalyst nozzles arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fiber material and configured to electrostatically spray the catalyst solution onto the fiber material from a plurality of directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fiber material, and is configured to apply the catalyst solution to the fiber material within a third electric field region using the plurality of catalyst nozzles. The electroless plating fiber material manufacturing system according to claim 8, wherein the catalyst reducing agent spraying device has a plurality of catalyst reducing agent nozzles arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fiber material and configured to spray the catalyst reducing agent solution onto the fiber material from a plurality of directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fiber material, and the plurality of catalyst reducing agent nozzles are configured to coat the fiber material with the catalyst reducing agent solution in a fourth electric field region different from the third electric field region.