초록 ▼

Metallic silver is deposited upon the surface of a nonconducting substrate using a multi-step wet deposition process. The surface is cleaned, and then activated in an aqueous solution containing stannous tin. The silver is deposited as a colloidal material from an aqueous solution of a silver-contai

Metallic silver is deposited upon the surface of a nonconducting substrate using a multi-step wet deposition process. The surface is cleaned, and then activated in an aqueous solution containing stannous tin. The silver is deposited as a colloidal material from an aqueous solution of a silver-containing salt, a reduction agent that reduces the salt to form the metallic silver, and a deposition control agent that prevents the silver from nucleating throughout the solution. After the substrate is coated, the coating is stabilized in an aqueous solution of a salt of a metal from the platinum group or gold, dissolved in dilute hydrochloric acid. The process is particularly effective for depositing uniform films of 2 to 2000 Angstroms thickness, which strongly adhere to the substrate.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method to prepare an article that resists bacterial growth, which article comprises a nonconductive substrate having coated on at least a portion of the surface area thereof an adhesive, thin, antimicrobial coating comprising a layer of silver which method comprises:a)

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method to prepare an article that resists bacterial growth, which article comprises a nonconductive substrate having coated on at least a portion of the surface area thereof an adhesive, thin, antimicrobial coating comprising a layer of silver which method comprises:a) activating said portion of the surface area by treating said portion with stannous ion; followed byb) chemically depositing said silver layer by treating said activated surface with an aqueous solution of at least one salt of silver in the presence of a deposition control agent and in the absence of an electric current, said depositing being conducted for only sufficient time to result in a coating of 2-2,000 .ANG. in thickness; followed byc) rinsing said coating in demineralized water and drying said coating.