U.S. patent application number 14/374028 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-05 for flat structure, particularly textile, containing precious metal wire.
This patent application is currently assigned to Heraeus Materials Technology GmbH & Co. KG. The applicant listed for this patent is Heraeus Materials Technology GmbH & Co. KG. Invention is credited to Ulrich Koops, Stefan Lang, Annette Lukas, Hans-Jurgen Wachter.
Application Number | 20150038034 14/374028 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48794574 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150038034 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lukas; Annette ; et
al. |
February 5, 2015 |
FLAT STRUCTURE, PARTICULARLY TEXTILE, CONTAINING PRECIOUS METAL
WIRE
Abstract
Known textile flat structures contain precious metal wire or
they are composed completely thereof. In order to achieve high
flexural and tensile strength, at the same time with high
flexibility of the flat structure, the precious metal wire is
configured as a precious metal cord having a plurality of cords or
a plurality of individual precious metal wires or a combination of
cords and individual precious metal wires, which are in each case
laid around one another and/or twisted around one another.
Inventors: |
Lukas; Annette; (Rodenbach,
DE) ; Lang; Stefan; (Wachtersbach, DE) ;
Wachter; Hans-Jurgen; (Ober-Roden, DE) ; Koops;
Ulrich; (Ober-Ramstadt, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Heraeus Materials Technology GmbH & Co. KG |
Hanau |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Heraeus Materials Technology GmbH
& Co. KG
Hanau
DE
|
Family ID: |
48794574 |
Appl. No.: |
14/374028 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
January 23, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2013/051177 |
371 Date: |
July 23, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
442/60 ; 428/221;
442/153; 442/164; 442/167; 442/168; 442/169; 442/170; 442/172;
442/179; 442/180; 442/308; 442/316; 442/320; 442/334; 442/377 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D03D 25/00 20130101;
Y10T 442/50 20150401; Y10T 442/425 20150401; D03D 15/0066 20130101;
D03D 15/0027 20130101; Y10T 442/277 20150401; Y10T 442/2885
20150401; D02G 3/12 20130101; Y10T 442/475 20150401; Y10T 442/291
20150401; Y10T 442/2926 20150401; Y10T 442/2008 20150401; Y10T
442/608 20150401; Y10T 428/249921 20150401; Y10T 442/2992 20150401;
Y10T 442/2861 20150401; Y10T 442/2902 20150401; Y10T 442/2984
20150401; Y10T 442/655 20150401; Y10T 442/2893 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
442/60 ; 428/221;
442/172; 442/316; 442/308; 442/320; 442/334; 442/377; 442/153;
442/164; 442/179; 442/167; 442/168; 442/169; 442/170; 442/180 |
International
Class: |
D03D 15/00 20060101
D03D015/00; D02G 3/12 20060101 D02G003/12; D03D 25/00 20060101
D03D025/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 24, 2012 |
DE |
10 2012 001 178.4 |
Aug 28, 2012 |
DE |
10 2012 107 911.0 |
Claims
1.-17. (canceled)
18. A sheet fabric containing precious metal wire, wherein the
precious metal wire is configured as a precious metal strand
comprising one of (a) a plurality of cords, (b) a plurality of
individual precious-metal wires, and (c) a combination of the cords
and the individual precious-metal wires, which in each case (a),
(b) and (c) are laid around one another and/or twisted around one
another, wherein fibers selected from carbon and glass together
with the precious metal strand form a flat textile composite, and
wherein the flat textile composite is at least one of (d)
impregnated with a polymerizable, flowable matrix material and (e)
covered with a film of a polymerizable matrix material.
19. The sheet fabric according to claim 18, wherein the cords
comprise a plurality of individual precious-metal wires, which are
laid around one another and/or twisted around one another.
20. The sheet fabric according to claim 18, wherein the cords
comprise at least four individual precious-metal wires, which are
laid around one another and/or twisted around one another.
21. The sheet fabric according to claim 18, wherein the cords
comprise at least seven individual precious-metal wires, which are
laid around one another and/or twisted around one another.
22. The sheet fabric according to claim 18, wherein the precious
metal strand comprises at least two cords, which are laid around
one another and/or twisted around one another.
23. The sheet fabric according to claim 18, wherein the precious
metal strand comprises at least four cords, which are laid around
one another and/or twisted around one another.
24. The sheet fabric according to claim 18, wherein the precious
metal strand comprises at least seven cords, which are laid around
one another and/or twisted around one another.
25. The sheet fabric according to claim 24, wherein the precious
metal strand comprises seven cords, which are laid around one
another and/or twisted around one another, and which in turn each
comprise seven individual precious-metal wires which are laid
around one another and/or twisted around one another.
26. The sheet fabric according to claim 18, wherein the individual
precious-metal wires have a diameter ranging from 25 .mu.m to 50
.mu.m.
27. The sheet fabric according to claim 18, wherein the diameter
ranges from 30 .mu.m to 40 .mu.m.
28. The sheet fabric according to claim 18, wherein the precious
metal strand has an envelope surrounding its radial cross-section,
the envelope having a diameter in a range of 250 .mu.m to 500
.mu.m.
29. The sheet fabric according to claim 18, wherein the precious
metal strand has an envelope surrounding its radial cross-section,
the envelope having a diameter in a range of 300 .mu.m to 400
.mu.m.
30. The sheet fabric according to claim 18, wherein the fabric is
one of a woven fabric made from at least one of constructional,
functional and decorative threads, a knitted fabric, a knit-type
fabric, embroidery, cording, crocheting, a felt material, a fulled
material, and a nonwoven.
31. The sheet fabric according to claim 30, wherein at least a part
of the threads comprises the precious-metal strand.
32. The sheet fabric according to claim 30, wherein at least a part
of the threads is selected from glass, ceramics, carbon, natural
fibers, synthetic fibers, and combinations thereof.
33. The sheet fabric according to claim 18, wherein the textile
composite is a fabric, and the fibers are carbon fibers.
34. The sheet fabric according to claim 18, wherein the textile
composite is present as a web material on a roll.
35. The sheet fabric according to claim 32, wherein the natural
fibers and synthetic fibers are selected from linen, hemp, jute,
sisal, coconut, cotton, wool, animal hair, silk, viscose, modal,
cupro, acetate, polyester, polyamide, polyimide, aramid,
polyacrylnitrile, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene,
polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, and polyurethane.
36. The sheet fabric according to claim 32, wherein the textile
composite is a garment.
37. The sheet fabric according to claim 18, wherein the fabric is
made of a material selected from paper, leather, fur, plastic, and
fiber-reinforced carbon, and in which the precious metal strand is
contained as one of a functional and a decorative element.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Section 371 of International
Application No. PCT/EP2013/051177, filed Jan. 23, 2013, which was
published in the German language on Aug. 1, 2013, under
International Publication No. WO 2013/110626 A1 and the disclosure
of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a sheet fabric which contains
precious metal wire and is, in particular, a textile.
[0004] 2. Prior art
[0005] The use of precious metal wire for producing knitted fabric,
particularly netting of wires containing precious metal, has been
known for catalyst applications for a long time. For instance,
catalyst gauzes of platinum-rhodium wires having thicknesses
between 60 .mu.m and 120 .mu.m are used for the catalysis of the
ammonia combustion for nitric acid production. The catalytic action
depends on the size of the freely accessible precious-metal
surface, but at the same time a gas stream flowing through the
catalyst gauze is to encounter a flow resistance that is as low as
possible. The occupation density of the gauze having precious metal
wire and the wire thickness are here relevant parameters.
[0006] The known catalyst gauzes are made from precious metal
wires, for example by machine weaving, knitting or other knitting
work. In these manufacturing methods the flexural and tensile
strengths and the ductility of the precious metal wires play a
limited role. For instance, for knitting wires of specific
platinum-rhodium, platinum-palladium-rhodium, palladium-nickel,
palladium-copper, and palladium-nickel-copper alloys, only precious
metal wires having diameters between 50-120 .mu.m and tensile
strengths between 900-1050 N/mm.sup.2 are suited. Thick
precious-metal wire reduces the flexibility of the gauze.
[0007] Metal wires or metal threads are also used for many other
applications. For instance, gas diffusion layers of textile fabric
are used in fuel cells; this fabric is to show a high electrical
conductivity and catalytic properties. Wires of platinum or
ruthenium can be used for producing the fabric.
[0008] To produce flexible shields against electromagnetic fields,
for example in packaging material or in articles of clothing, it is
known that copper wires are knitted, woven, machine-knitted, or
needled into electrically conductive textile sheet fabrics as
electrically conductive contacts. The metal threads used therein
must be very thin to ensure flexibility for the textile. They are
therefore almost invisible.
[0009] In decoration production, precious metal wire is used for
forming decorative elements in textiles and ribbons. To this end a
certain thickness of the decorative element is needed to achieve a
visual perceptibility and optically decorative effect. Thick
threads or wires may however impair the mechanical properties of
the sheet fabric, particularly the flexibility thereof. It is also
known that metal threads are incorporated as authenticity or
security features in banknotes or certificates.
[0010] In the manufacture of the respective sheet fabric and also
during its specific application, great forces may act on the metal
wire. Therefore, special attention is normally paid to the flexural
and tensile strength of the wire, but also to flexibility. These,
however, are contradictory demands; it is difficult to satisfy the
high demands made on strength and flexibility at the same time.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide a sheet fabric
which contains or is made of precious metal wire and which
satisfies the high demands made on strength and flexibility.
[0012] As for the aforementioned sheet fabric, this object is
achieved according to the invention in that the precious metal wire
is configured as a precious metal strand, which comprises a
plurality of cords or a plurality of individual precious-metal
wires or a combination of cords and individual precious-metal
wires, which are in each case laid around one another and/or
twisted around one another.
[0013] A cord is here a normally loose, but friction- or form-fit
combine of at least two, preferably at least four, and particularly
preferably at least seven individual precious-metal wires. These
individual precious-metal wires are either helically laid around
one another and/or twisted around one another, as is generally
known from wire and rope production.
[0014] The precious metal strand comprises a plurality of,
preferably at least four, particularly preferably at least seven,
cords of such types, which are combined in a bundle in which the
cords are connected in friction- or form-fit manner, or it
comprises individual precious-metal wires or a combination of cords
and individual precious-metal wires which are each laid around one
another and/or twisted around one another. Particularly preferably,
the precious metal strand comprises a bundle consisting of at least
two cords that are each formed from a plurality of individual
precious-metal wires, which are laid around one another and/or
twisted around one another.
[0015] Such a precious metal wire in bundle form--here called
precious metal strand--exhibits a high tensile strength, as
compared with an individual wire of precious metal having the same
radial cross-sectional area, together with an increased
flexibility, i.e. less flexural rigidity. These properties are
equally observed in the sheet fabrics made from this precious metal
strand or containing the precious metal strand. This means that the
sheet fabric is more flexible and, as a rule, also firmer at the
same precious-metal content--in comparison with a single wire.
Moreover, at the same precious-metal content the strand is thicker
and has a nobler appearance than an individual wire.
[0016] The precious metal strand consists of precious metal, or it
contains a significant proportion (>50% by wt.) of precious
metal. "Precious metal" stands here for the elements of the
platinum group: Os, Ir, Pt, Ru, Rh, Pd and Ag, Au. The
flexibility-maintaining or -increasing effect can also be expected
in the case of metal strands consisting of different metals, such
as Cu, Fe, Ni, Ti, Co, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ta, W, Al, and alloys based
on these metals, wherein particularly nonferrous metals and special
steel should be mentioned. A certain proportion of such metal
strands is therefore harmless to the sheet fabric according to the
invention.
[0017] The sheet fabric according to the invention is planar or it
extends in three dimensional directions and can be made from fibers
or wires or may consist of a workpiece shaped as a flat part, into
which one or plural precious-metal strands are embedded. Due to its
small internal stress these strands do not impair the geometrical
shape of the sheet fabric or impair it to an insignificant extent,
so that the structure maintains the desired bendability and
flexibility, even in the case of a large cross-section of the
precious metal strand.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the precious metal strand, the
cords, just like the individual wires, are either helically laid
around one another and/or twisted around one another, as is known
from wire rope or rope production.
[0019] In the bundle, one or plural individual precious-metal wires
may be incorporated into the precious metal strand apart from the
cords.
[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that
the precious metal strand consists of exactly seven cords which are
laid around one another and/or twisted around one another, each
being formed from exactly seven individual precious-metal wires,
which are laid around one another and/or twisted around one
another.
[0021] Special-steel wires of such a buildup are known under the
names "7.times.7" strand" or "7.times.7 strand".
[0022] As for a flexibility of the sheet fabric that is as high as
possible and a surface of the precious metal that is preferably
large in catalyst applications, the individual precious-metal wires
used for producing the precious metal strands are as thin as
possible and advantageously have a diameter ranging from 25 .mu.m
to 50 .mu.m, preferably from 30 .mu.m to 40 .mu.m.
[0023] In this context a precious metal strand has turned out to be
useful when it comprises an envelope surrounding its radial
cross-section and having a diameter in the range of 250 .mu.m to
500 .mu.m, preferably in the range of 300 .mu.m to 400 .mu.m.
[0024] The sheet fabric is, for example, composed of
constructional, functional and/or decorative threads which form a
woven, knitted or knit-like fabric, embroidery, cording,
crocheting, a felt or fulled material or a nonwoven.
[0025] The constructional threads are, for example, the
machine-formed threads of knitted or knit-like fabrics, the weft or
warp threads in the case of woven fabrics, or possible connection
or completion seams.
[0026] Functional threads or decorative threads have a special
optical, chemical or physical effect that may differ from that of
the remaining threads, for instance in their electrical
conductivity, the catalytic effect or their esthetic impression.
Decorative threads may, for example, also serve the manufacture of
visible seams that fulfill a mere design function.
[0027] All or at least a part of the constructional, functional or
decorative threads are formed from the precious-metal strand.
[0028] An optical insertion of precious metal develops its esthetic
effect in the sheet fabric only at an adequate thickness. With the
thickness, however, internal stress and bending stiffness are also
increasing and these may lead to an undesired deformation of the
sheet fabric. The use of the precious metal strand according to the
invention avoids this drawback, because this strand produces an
insignificant internal stress because of its high flexibility, even
in the case of thicknesses ensuring an adequate visual
recognizability and decorative effect. Furthermore, at the same
precious-metal weight one achieves a higher value due to the larger
diameter, which in comparison with a wire of a corresponding
thickness saves material costs.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the sheet fabric is configured as
a textile product in which at least a part of the constructional or
functional threads consists of glass, ceramics, basalt, carbon,
natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof
[0030] The inorganic fibers, such as the fibers explicitly
mentioned above that consist of glass, ceramics, basalt or carbon,
are often brittle and may be provided with a coating of plastic so
as to simplify processing into the textile sheet fabric.
Irrespective of the above, it is normally advantageous--when the
precious metal strand is used together with such fibers--to embed
the textile fiber composite in a completing manner in a plastic
matrix or to provide it subsequently with a plastic coat. Sprayable
plastics such as epoxy resins, polyetheretherketone (PEEK),
polyoxymethylene (POM), or styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) are
especially suited therefor.
[0031] Carbon fibers are commercially available in different
diameters. They consist of individual fibers having diameters
around 5-8 .mu.m, of which 1000 are each time combined into
strands, so-called "rovings." Roving types of 1K to 12K are
particularly suited for use with precious metal strands according
to the invention, where K stands for 1000 individual fibers.
[0032] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the sheet
fabric according to the invention, fibers of carbon and/or glass
with precious metal strand form a flat textile composite.
[0033] This textile composite stands out for a particularly high
strength and flexibility. It can be provided as a dry semi-finished
product of fiber composite, for example in roll form.
[0034] For applications where an enhanced bending stiffness or form
accuracy of the sheet fabric is of importance, for example in
technical shaped parts, the textile composite may also be
impregnated with a polymerizable, flowable matrix material, such as
a resin. After shaping and curing of the matrix material the
desired shaped part is obtained.
[0035] Alternatively, or in addition, the textile composite may
also be covered with a film made from a polymerizable matrix
material. After shaping and curing the film forms a dense smooth
surface layer on the fiber composite.
[0036] With a view to ease of processability, the diameters of the
fibers of carbon and/or glass and of the precious metal strand are
ideally identical. Deviations of the diameters by not more than
20%, based on the respectively larger one of the two diameters, are
however acceptable.
[0037] Textile composites according to the invention of precious
metal strand and carbon fibers have turned out to be particularly
useful.
[0038] Natural fibers or synthetic fibers, which may also be (spun)
threads, preferably consist of linen, hemp, jute, sisal, coconut,
cotton, wool, animal hair, silk, viscose, modal, cupro, acetate,
polyester, polyamide, polyimide, aramid, polyacrylnitrile,
polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene,
polyvinylchloride, or polyurethane.
[0039] In such a textile product, which is made from different
fiber or wire materials, the problem of distortion frequently
arises already during production or also in the course of the
intended use, if the fibers or wires are too different in their
flexibility and bending stiffness. Moreover, when rigid wires are
incorporated, this is detrimental to the flexibility of the whole
sheet fabric. These difficulties are avoided by the invention,
because the flexibility and bending stiffness of the precious metal
strand can be easily adapted to the given requirements by way of
the bundle form and size. Moreover, the precious metal strand also
exhibits high flexibility in the case of a comparatively large
cross-section and thereby produces a small internal stress within
the textile product. As a result, it can also be processed in
combination with fiber or wire materials of an entirely different
kind in a reproducible manner into distortion-free flexible textile
products.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the textile product is configured
as a garment. In this case, the precious metal strand only forms a
part of the textile and serves, for example, as a functional or
decorative element in the form of a thread or a connection,
decoration or completion seam.
[0041] As an alternative, the sheet fabric may also be made of
paper, leather, fur, plastic, or fiber-reinforced carbon in which
the precious metal strand is embedded as a functional or decorative
element.
[0042] The sheet fabric is here present as a planar or
three-dimensionally shaped workpiece from a flexible base material
in which one or plural precious-metal strands are incorporated. In
this type of sheet fabric, the above-discussed problem of
distortion or loss of flexibility will also arise when wires are
incorporated that have a very different bending stiffness in
comparison with the base material. The flexibility and bending
stiffness of the precious metal strand produces a small internal
stress within the sheet fabric and can be adapted through the
bundle shape and size in a simple manner to the given
requirements.
[0043] In addition, the precious metal strand has, for instance,
functions for ensuring the security and genuineness of documents,
such as certificates or banknotes, or for meeting optical and
esthetic requirements, such as markings or optically appealing
embedding in flat constructional parts or as completion or
decoration seams in leather or fur articles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of the invention, will be better understood when read
in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of
illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings
embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood,
however, that the invention is not limited to the precise
arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In a schematic
representation:
[0045] FIG. 1 is a radial cross-sectional view of a 7.times.7
precious metal strand according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0046] FIGS. 2 to 4 are cross-sectional views of particularly
suited precious metal strands according to further embodiments of
the invention;
[0047] FIGS. 5 to 12 are plan views of examples of textile fabric
having precious metal strands incorporated thereinto and having
different shape and function;
[0048] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a case cover for a mobile phone
into which decorative threads of precious metal strand are
incorporated according to an embodiment of the invention; and
[0049] FIG. 14 is a plan view of an embodiment of the sheet fabric
according to the invention in the form of a leather case having a
connection seam and an emblem of precious metal strand.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0050] The precious metal strand 1 shown in FIG. 1 consists of
7.times.7, i.e. 49, individual wires of 18K 5N pink gold, each
having a diameter of 35 .mu.m. Seven of these individual wires 2
are respectively combined in a hexagonal arrangement (having
internally centered precious metal wire 2a) to form a cord 3, and
seven of the cords 3 are bundled in turn also in a hexagonal
arrangement (having internally centered cord 3a) to form the
precious metal strand 1.
[0051] The precious metal strand 1 is produced with the help of a
standard cording machine in that seven individual precious-metal
wires 2 are drawn off by a draw-off mechanism from coils and
twisted around one another with an adjustable lay length with the
help of a rotor into a cord 3. Seven sub-pieces of the cord 3
produced in this manner are bundled in the same way into the
precious metal strand 1.
[0052] The envelope 4 of the precious metal strand 1 produced
thereby, which envelope surrounds the cross-section, has a diameter
of 330 .mu.m. Based on the cross section, the precious metal strand
1 shows an excellent flexibility together with a high tensile
strength.
[0053] FIG. 2 shows a 1.times.7 precious metal strand according to
the invention in a radial cross-section; FIG. 3 shows a 1.times.19
precious metal strand; and FIG. 4 shows a 3.times.7 precious metal
strand.
[0054] The cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 schematically shows a
precious metal strand having 1.times.7 design. It consists of seven
individual wires helically stranded with one another. This is a
particularly simple design of a precious metal strand.
[0055] FIG. 3 schematically shows a 3.times.7 design of a precious
metal strand, consisting of 21 individual precious-metal wires.
Seven of these individual wires 2 are respectively combined in a
hexagonal arrangement (having internally centered precious-metal
wire 2a) into a cord 3, and three of the cords 3 are in turn
bundled into the precious metal strand.
[0056] FIG. 4 schematically shows a precious metal strand having
1.times.19 design. This strand consists of 19 individual
precious-metal wires 2 which are combined in a hexagonal
arrangement (having internally centered precious-metal wire 2a)
into a cord 3.
[0057] FIGS. 5 to 12 schematically show fabric types for which a
precious metal strand within the meaning of the invention can be
advantageously used with other textile threads. The precious metal
strand 51 is shown in all figures in a dark gray hatching; the
other textile thread 52 in white color. The precious metal strand
52 is used as a weft thread or as a warp thread or, as shown in the
figures at the right side (FIGS. 6, 8, 10, and 12), as weft and
warp thread. The weft thread direction S and the warp thread
direction K are illustrated in all examples in the same manner and
with reference to the directional arrows K and S (shown above and
to the left in FIG. 5).
[0058] FIG. 5 schematically shows a first embodiment of a simple
canvas fabric having precious metal strand 51 as weft thread and
warp from other threads 52.
[0059] FIG. 6 schematically shows a second embodiment of a simple
canvas fabric having precious metal strand 51 partly as weft thread
and as warp thread, mixed with respectively other threads 52.
[0060] FIG. 7 schematically shows a fabric 4.times.4 in a twill
weave having precious metal strand 51 as weft thread and warp from
other textile threads 52.
[0061] FIG. 8 also shows a fabric 4.times.4 in a twill weave having
precious metal strand 51 as weft thread and as warp thread, mixed
with respectively other threads 52.
[0062] FIG. 9 also shows a fabric 2.times.2 in a twill weave having
precious metal strand 51 as weft thread and warp from other threads
52.
[0063] FIG. 10 also shows a fabric 2.times.2 in a twill weave
having precious metal strand 51 as weft thread and as warp thread,
mixed with respectively other threads 52.
[0064] FIG. 11 schematically shows a modification of the fabric
shown in FIG. 9 in 2.times.2 twill weave. The precious metal strand
51 serves here as weft thread, but lies on a side of the fiber
bundle in the warp. The warp threads consist of carbon fibers
52.
[0065] FIG. 12 corresponds to a modification of the fabric shown in
FIG. 10 in 2.times.2 twill weave. The precious metal strand 51
serves here as weft and warp thread, but is positioned on a side of
the fiber bundle in the warp. The warp threads consist of carbon
fibers 52.
[0066] A few examples of the use of precious metal strands are
indicated hereinafter within the scope of the manufacture of a
sheet fabric according to embodiments of the invention.
EXAMPLE 1
[0067] The precious metal strand 1 is inserted as warp thread into
a net-like fabric having weft threads consisting of carbon fibers.
The precious metal strand 1 gives the net a high strength with low
flexural rigidity.
EXAMPLE 2
[0068] The low flexural rigidity can also advantageously be noticed
in another use of the precious metal strand 1 according to the
invention, namely when used as a decorative or functional element
in a textile garment, such as a jacket of synthetic fiber material
into which the precious metal strand 1 is incorporated.
EXAMPLE 3
[0069] FIG. 13 schematically shows a case cover 110 for a mobile
telephone. The cover is designed as a flat, slightly curved
component having a bulge 114. The case cover 110 consists of a
mixed fabric of interwoven carbon fibers 111 and precious metal
strands 112 of gold wires having an individual wire diameter of 35
.mu.m, which are stranded with one another into a 7.times.7
strand.
[0070] For the manufacture of the case cover the mixed fabric is
embedded into a polymerizable epoxy synthetic resin 113 which fully
fills the fiber interspaces and which is transparent after
curing.
[0071] After curing, a dimensionally stable component is obtained
that still shows a certain elastic flexibility. In the mixed fabric
produced according to the fabric type "canvas," the black carbon
fibers 111 and the gold-colored precious metal strand 112 form an
optically appealing striped pattern.
EXAMPLE 4
[0072] A watch dial has a border and markings for the hour display.
It consists of a fiber-reinforced plastic component of carbon fiber
fabric into which pink-gold strands are woven. These consist of
gold wires, each having a diameter of 50 .mu.m, which are bundled
into the form of a 3.times.7 strand. The pink-gold strands form the
border, and the hour markings the dial. The mixed fabric of carbon
fibers and pink-gold strands is impregnated with transparent epoxy
synthetic resin and cured.
EXAMPLE 5
[0073] An eyeglass frame consists of a fiber-reinforced plastic of
interwoven precious metal strand from a silver alloy and aramid
fibers (Kevlar.RTM.). The silver strands have a diameter of 40
.mu.m each and are stranded into a 7.times.7 strand. The fabric of
silver strand and aramid fiber is embedded into a transparent epoxy
synthetic resin, as described with reference to Example 4. The
silver strand forms an easily recognizable decorative emblem in the
temples of the eyeglass frame.
EXAMPLE 6
[0074] A decorative strip for use in a car compartment forms a flat
curved component. It consists of a fiber-reinforced plastic which
is composed of a 7.times.7 precious metal strand of gold fibers
having a fiber diameter of 35 .mu.m and carbon fibers and synthetic
resin. The mixed fabric of gold-fiber strand and carbon fiber is
embedded into a synthetic resin, as described with reference to
Example 4. In the mixed fabric produced according to the fabric
type "twill," the gold-fiber strands form an optically appealing
herringbone pattern.
EXAMPLE 7
[0075] In the same way as described with reference to Example 4 for
a watch dial, an instrument panel for an automotive vehicle is made
from a reinforced-fiber plastic component which consists of a
carbon fiber fabric into which platinum strands are woven. These
consist of platinum wires having a diameter of 25 .mu.m each, which
are bundled as 7.times.7 strand. The platinum strands form the
borders and markings of instrument displays. The mixed fabric of
carbon fibers and platinum strands is impregnated with transparent
synthetic resin and cured.
EXAMPLE 8
[0076] FIG. 14 schematically shows a leather case 120 consisting of
an upper part 121 and a lower part 122 sewn thereto, each
consisting of black leather. The connection seam 123 is made from a
precious metal strand of 18K pink gold 5N. The strand consists of
individual wires having a diameter of 35 .mu.m; these are stranded
with one another into a 7.times.7 strand.
[0077] The visible seam 123 of precious metal strand decoratively
stands out from the black leather. Moreover, an emblem 124 is
crocheted into the upper part 121 of the case with the same
strand.
EXAMPLE 9
[0078] A lighter holder is made from a tubular semi-finished
product. The semi-finished product consists of a fiber composite of
palladium strand and copper strand. Both the palladium strand and
the copper strand are each made from individual wires having a
diameter of 50 .mu.m; these are bundled into a 3.times.7 strand.
Precious metal strand and copper strand form a mixed fabric of
metal strips of different colors that form a decorative
pattern.
[0079] The tubular semi-finished product obtained thereby is
supplied on a roll and is bent in a green state--before curing of
the synthetic resin--into a tubular sleeve via a mandrel. The
sleeve obtained after curing of the synthetic resin matrix has a
dense smooth surface and forms a lighter holder in which stripes of
silver-colored palladium and reddish-golden copper are alternating
in an optically appealing way.
[0080] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *