Thermoplastic Resin Composition for Laser Direct Structuring

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Solution Overview

Problem

White thermoplastic resin compositions used for molding may be transparent to laser beams, preventing appropriate activation and subsequent plating, and existing resin molded articles lack sufficient mechanical strength and whiteness.

Innovation Solution

A thermoplastic resin composition combining a thermoplastic resin with an LDS additive having an L value of 50 or more, titanium oxide, and glass fibers comprising SiO2 and Al2O3 in specific proportions, along with a polyamide resin, to enhance whiteness, mechanical strength, and plating properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a white thermoplastic resin composition is used to form a resin molded article, then the whiteness and appearance are improved, but the resin may become transparent to laser beams preventing appropriate activation and subsequent plating

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewhitenessVSAvoidplating properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the resin composition by adding specific pigments and fillers that modify laser beam absorption. The composition includes a laser beam absorber (0.1-10 parts by weight per 100 parts resin), pigment (1-20 parts by weight), and filler (10-50 parts by weight) to ensure the resin absorbs laser energy effectively while maintaining high whiteness (L value of 80 or more), thus resolving the contradiction between appearance and plating functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If conventional resin compositions are used to improve mechanical strength, then structural integrity is enhanced, but whiteness and plating properties may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidwhiteness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite material system combining thermoplastic resin with specifically selected inorganic fillers (such as titanium oxide, barium sulfate, calcium carbonate) and organic/inorganic pigments. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of high mechanical strength through filler reinforcement, high whiteness through light-scattering fillers and pigments, and proper laser absorption through designated laser beam absorbers, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and whiteness.

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 solution enables the production of resin molded articles with high whiteness, mechanical strength, and retained plating properties, suitable for use in portable electronic devices, such as antennas, by ensuring appropriate laser activation and improved mechanical integrity.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating the surface of a resin molded article containing an LDS additive with a laser beam to activate only the region irradiated with the laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser activation: Laser

Implementation Method 2

activate only the region irradiated with the laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoactivation: Photo-oxidation

Implementation Method 3

0.1 to 20 parts by weight of a titanium oxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 4

the irradiated region cannot be appropriately activated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2899236B1Thermoplastic resin composition, resin molded article, and method for manufacturing resin molded article having a plated layer
Publication Date: 2017.07.05 MITSUBISHI ENG PLASTICS CORP
  • EP2899236B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Provide is a thermoplastic resin composition from which a resin molded article having high whiteness and mechanical strength can be obtained while retaining the plating properties of the resin molded article. A thermoplastic resin composition comprising a thermoplastic resin, and 1 to 30 parts by weight of a laser direct structuring additive, 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of a titanium oxide and 10 to 230 parts by weight of a glass fiber per 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin, wherein the laser direct structuring additive has an L value of 50 or more, and the glass fiber comprises SiO2 and Al2O3 in a proportion of 60 to 70 % by weight of SiO2 and 20 to 30 % by weight of Al2O3.