Conductive Pattern Composition via Electromagnetic Wave Irradiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for forming fine conductive patterns on polymer resin substrates are complex and limited in their ability to achieve a variety of colors and patterns, failing to satisfy the demands of modern microelectronic applications.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a polymer resin and a non-conductive metal compound with specific crystal structures, such as Cu x Sn 2 (PO 4 ) 3 (0.5≤x<1), which is irradiated with electromagnetic waves to form a metal core and subsequently plated, allowing for the creation of conductive patterns with enhanced adhesion and color versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional methods (metal layer formation with photolithography or conductive paste printing) are used to form conductive patterns on polymer resin substrates, then conductive patterns can be formed, but the process becomes too complicated and equipment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the complex photolithography and metal layer formation processes from the conventional approach. By using a polymer resin containing specific inorganic additives (metal oxides, metal salts, or metallic particles) that directly form conductive patterns when irradiated with electromagnetic waves, the patent removes the need for separate metal deposition and pattern transfer equipment, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical and chemical processes of photolithography (photoresist coating, exposure, development, etching) with a direct electromagnetic wave irradiation method. The inorganic additives in the polymer resin undergo phase change or chemical transformation upon electromagnetic wave exposure, directly forming conductive patterns without mechanical intervention, thus substituting complex mechanical systems with a simpler energy-based process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods are used to form conductive patterns, then conductive patterns can be formed, but it is difficult to form excellent fine conductive patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductive pattern finenessVSAvoidpattern formation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by using inorganic additives distributed throughout the polymer resin that can be selectively activated. When electromagnetic waves irradiate specific regions, only those localized areas undergo transformation to form conductive patterns. This allows precise control over pattern location, size, and shape at fine scales, enabling excellent fine conductive pattern formation while maintaining ease of manufacture through the simple irradiation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes parameter changes in the inorganic additives upon electromagnetic wave irradiation. The additives undergo phase transitions (e.g., from insulating to conducting state) or chemical changes (reduction of metal ions to metallic particles) that directly create conductive patterns. By controlling irradiation parameters (wavelength, intensity, duration), the patent achieves precise control over pattern fineness and conductivity without complex manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If previously suggested inorganic additives are used in the polymer resin, then conductive patterns can be formed by electromagnetic wave irradiation, but the kinds of inorganic additives are extremely limitative and cannot satisfy requirements such as realization of a variety of colors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor varietyVSAvoidinorganic additive selection range
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention achieves universality by using inorganic additives (metal oxides, metal salts, metallic particles) that serve multiple functions within the polymer resin. These additives not only provide the conductive pattern formation capability upon electromagnetic wave irradiation but also contribute to color variety, mechanical property enhancement, and surface property modification. This multi-functionality allows satisfaction of diverse requirements including color variety without expanding the fundamental category of inorganic additives needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs composite materials by combining polymer resin with specific inorganic additives to create a multifunctional composition. The composite structure allows the inorganic additives to provide both the electromagnetic wave response for conductive pattern formation and the optical properties for color variety. By selecting different metal oxides, metal salts, or metallic particles with varying optical and electrical properties, the patent achieves adaptability for various colors and applications while maintaining a unified material system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 enables the simplified formation of fine conductive patterns on polymer resin products, effectively meeting the requirements for various colors and applications, such as RFID tags and MEMS structures, while maintaining the mechanical properties of the resin substrate.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating an electromagnetic wave to a region on which a conductive pattern is to be formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic irradiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

progressing plating on the region to which the electromagnetic wave is irradiated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Implementation Method 3

a non-conductive metal compound which has P1 space group of a triclinic structure or Cc or C2/c space group of a monoclinic structure and is Cu x Sn 2 (PO 4 ) 3 (0.5≤x<1), in which a metal core is formable from the non-conductive metal compound by electromagnetic irradiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP3154066B1Composition for forming conductive pattern and resin structure having conductive pattern
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3154066B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3154066B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3154066B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a composition for forming a conductive pattern and a resin structure having a conductive pattern, wherein the composition makes it possible to form a fine conducive pattern on various polymer resin products or resin layers through a simple process, and can more effectively meet needs of the art, such as displaying various colors.