Conductive Pattern Composition via Electromagnetic Wave Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for forming conductive micropatterns on polymer resin substrates are complex and often result in poor resin properties or difficulty in achieving various colors, necessitating a simplified process that does not deform the resin.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising polymer resin and a non-conductive metal compound represented by Cu3-xMxP2O8, where M is Zn and x is between 0 and 3, is irradiated with electromagnetic waves to form metal nuclei, enabling the formation of a conductive pattern through electroless plating without degrading the resin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods (metal layer deposition + photolithography or conductive paste printing) are used to form conductive patterns, then conductive patterns can be formed on polymer resin substrates, but the process becomes excessively complicated and it becomes difficult to form satisfactory fine conductive patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductive pattern finenessVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the complex conventional process into a simplified two-step process: (1) incorporating non-conductive metal compound particles into the polymer resin substrate, and (2) irradiating with electromagnetic waves to selectively form metal nuclei and subsequent conductive patterns. This segmentation eliminates the need for metal layer deposition and photolithography, reducing process complexity while maintaining pattern fineness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies preliminary action by pre-incorporating non-conductive metal compound particles (such as copper phosphate, zinc phosphate) into the polymer resin substrate before pattern formation. These particles are strategically positioned throughout the substrate, ready to be converted into conductive patterns only when electromagnetic wave irradiation is applied to specific regions, enabling simplified on-demand pattern formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If specific inorganic additives are included in resin for electromagnetic wave irradiation to form conductive patterns, then the process is simplified, but the inorganic additives influence the properties of the resin and the obtained polymer resin product has poor properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidresin properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by using non-conductive metal compound particles that remain inert and do not affect resin properties under normal conditions. Only when electromagnetic wave irradiation is applied to specific local regions do these particles convert into conductive metal nuclei, creating conductive patterns only where needed. This localized activation preserves overall resin quality while enabling simplified conductive pattern formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes parameter changes by altering the physical and chemical state of the non-conductive metal compound particles through electromagnetic wave irradiation. The particles transition from a non-conductive state (when incorporated into the resin) to a conductive metallic state (after irradiation), enabling controlled pattern formation without permanently degrading resin properties. The irradiation parameter (electromagnetic wave energy) triggers this selective transformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If specific inorganic additives are included in resin for electromagnetic wave irradiation, then conductive patterns can be formed by simplified process, but it becomes difficult to realize various colors in the resin products

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidcolor variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the color-determining function from the inorganic additives themselves. Instead of relying on the intrinsic color of additives like copper phosphate or zinc phosphate, the invention uses these materials solely for their electromagnetic wave response properties. Color is then independently controlled through separate coloring agents or pigments added to the polymer resin, enabling both simplified conductive pattern formation and color variety without interference between functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method allows for the simplified formation of high-quality conductive patterns on polymer resin substrates, enabling various colors and maintaining resin integrity, suitable for applications like RFID tags and sensors.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating electromagnetic wave such as laser to a part where a conductive pattern is to be formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave irradiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

irradiating electromagnetic wave such as laser to a part where a conductive pattern is to be formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 3

metal nuclei are formed form the non-conductive metal compound by the electromagnetic wave irradiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal decomposition: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP3139387B1Composition for forming conductive pattern and resin structure having conductive pattern
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3139387B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3139387B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3139387B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a composition for forming a conductive pattern that enables forming conductive micropatterns on various polymer resin products or resin layers by a simplified process without deformation of the polymer resin products or resin layers, and enables effectively satisfying requirements of the art, and a resin structure having a conductive pattern.