Galvanic Process with Silver Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Coatings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing galvanization processes for metals and plastics lack effective and durable antibacterial protection, as solutions like paints and varnishes with nanoparticles have limited durability, and existing nanotechnology applications face challenges in maintaining antibacterial efficiency over time.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating silver nanoparticles with 95%-99.9% purity and a diameter of 30-50 nm into the galvanic process, specifically in the nickel bath, to create a durable antibacterial layer that remains effective through the galvanization process, ensuring prolonged antibacterial action without altering corrosion resistance or surface properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If paints and varnishes are applied to impart antibacterial properties, then antibacterial effect is achieved, but durability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantibacterial effectVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the antibacterial function with the galvanization protective layer by incorporating silver nanoparticles directly into the nickel-phosphate layer during the galvanic process. This integration ensures the antibacterial agent becomes part of the durable galvanized structure rather than being a separate paint or varnish coating, thereby maintaining both antibacterial effectiveness and long-term durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite material structure where silver nanoparticles are embedded within the nickel-phosphate galvanic layer. This composite approach combines the corrosion resistance and wear resistance of the galvanization with the antibacterial properties of silver, achieving both protective functions in a single integrated layer that maintains durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If silver nanoparticles are incorporated into the galvanic process, then prolonged antibacterial action is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantibacterial durationVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single manufacturing step by incorporating silver nanoparticles into the nickel-phosphate galvanic bath. This integration allows the antibacterial nanoparticles to be deposited simultaneously with the protective galvanic layer, eliminating the need for separate application steps and reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the added functional requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The galvanic process itself serves the dual purpose of creating the protective layer and incorporating the antibacterial nanoparticles. The electrochemical deposition mechanism automatically distributes the silver nanoparticles throughout the nickel-phosphate layer during the standard galvanization process, requiring minimal additional manufacturing intervention while achieving prolonged antibacterial action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If existing nanotechnology solutions are used for antibacterial action, then antibacterial properties are imparted, but durability is limited by the resistance of the coating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantibacterial propertiesVSAvoidcoating resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a composite galvanic layer where silver nanoparticles are embedded within the nickel-phosphate matrix. This composite structure ensures the antibacterial nanoparticles are protected by and integrated with the durable galvanic coating, allowing both the coating and the antibacterial agents to maintain their properties and durability simultaneously, rather than the nanoparticles being limited by a separate weaker coating.

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

The process imparts efficient antibacterial action to galvanized objects, maintaining high resistance to corrosion and wear, with the silver nanoparticles remaining effective indefinitely, even as the chrome layer wears down, and can be applied to various substrates including plastics and metals, ensuring high antibacterial efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

a galvanic process comprising at least one substrate (100), onto which it is applied: (i) at least one nickel bath (10b) that results in at least one nickel layer (101); and (ii) at least one chrome bath (14) that results in at least one chrome layer (102)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroplating: Electroplating

Implementation Method 2

the at least one nickel bath (10b) incorporates silver nanoparticles which comprise silver oxide in its pure state with 95%-99.9% purity, and characterised in that the silver nanoparticles have a diameter ranging from 30 to 50 nm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntimicrobial action of silver nanoparticles:

Data Source

PatentEP3212822B1A galvanic process and chromed material with silver nanoparticles
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 DOCOL METAIS SANITARIOS
  • EP3212822B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a galvanic process additivated with nanotechnology, wherein silver nanoparticles are added to the composition of a galvanic bath (10b), capable of forming a nickel layer (101), onto which a chrome layer (102) is deposited to form a material with antibacterial properties, which may be applied in manufacturing the most varied devices or materials.